Amy Schumer, who welcomed her first child in May 2019, has always been candid about her tough pregnancy and the realities of being a new mom. Often through lighthearted, hilariously-relatable social media posts, she has opened up about everything from hyperemesis to breastfeeding to the anxiety of going back to work after maternity leave. But the comedian's latest post has a more serious tone, as she reveals she is undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
“I’m a week into IVF and feeling really run down and emotional,” Schumer wrote in a caption next to an unfiltered photo of her bruised belly form doing hormone injections. Her C-section scar from her first pregnancy is also visible. She goes onto explain that she is freezing her eggs and “figuring out what to do to give Gene [her firstborn] a sibling” with husband Chris Fischer.
The couple's decision to undergo IVF comes after her difficult pregnancy with Gene.
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Schumer continues by asking her followers for advice: “If anyone went through it and if you have any advice or wouldn’t mind sharing your experience with me please do. My number is my bio.” And there is, in fact, a phone number in the bio for anyone who wants to reach out.
As any woman who has undergone IVF knows, the side effects are serious, ranging from energy loss to vomiting to severe stomach pains and bruising. Many women also report feeling isolated and depressed throughout the process. So Schumer's decision to go public with her struggles is met with a ton of support from her followers. Many women shared their stories and struggles with IVF in the comment section, taking the opportunity to also remind her that it's all worth it in the end.
“Went through it twice. It’s a roller coaster of emotions. No matter how supportive your network of friends and family you still feel alone. But I kept strong and tried to keep my eye on the end game.” one wrote. “All the shots and appointments, this hormone and that acupuncture … just have to look past the overwhelming that comes with it. Being open to talk to other people helped me dramatically and since I did, many people have come to me. It’s great you’re telling the world. Shouldn’t be something you have to hide or be ashamed of.”
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Others took the opportunity to simply share their support. “Oh Amy!! I have no experience to share. Just sending the biggest hug,” wrote writer and producer Sarah Jones. “You got this mama,” added Katie Couric.
“I appreciate you as a mother, a woman, a public figure, your vulnerability is so powerful,” model Tess Holliday wrote, which seems to have perfectly captured the overall response to Schumer's post.
The emotional and physical toll of IVF is no joke, and it's often compounded by the feeling of being alone. It's refreshing to see people with such influence, like Schumer, sharing their stories and showing others that seeking support throughout the process is nothing to be ashamed of.
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