Dried up. Lacking. Inadequate. Deficient. Damaged goods.
In a recent interview, former model Sophie Anderton reflected on her experience of being infertile in a fertile world, using words that I could have easily said myself. Describing how being unable to have children made her feel like “damaged goods”, behind her smile she hid intense feelings of shame and anger – something anyone who has ever struggled with infertility or pregnancy loss, recognises only too well.
Outwardly I’m seen as confident, bubbly and accomplished – in my career as a strategy consultant I’ve travelled the world and delivered presentations to senior executives at some of the best-known global brands. But years of failed IVF and miscarriages left me turning in on myself, viewing my body as substandard, inferior, and fundamentally not up to the job.
