This week you will hear Andrea’s story. Andrea lives in the America and is a paediatrician who specialises in child abuse, a profession that speaks to her lifelong commitment to protecting children. Yet, when it came to her own journey into motherhood, Andrea faced challenges that few could have imagined. Years of infertility issues, countless rounds of IVF, heartbreaking miscarriages, and failed implants eventually led her to gestational surrogacy, first for her twins, and later for her third son. Much of this journey was carried in silence, as Andrea shielded herself from the pain of having to share difficult news over and over again. When her long-awaited children finally came home, Andrea’s dreams were realised, but so too came the weight of everything she had endured. The impact on her emotional wellbeing was profound. With time, therapy, and reflection, she chose to break her silence, not only for herself but also for her children. Although she has always been open with her sons about how they came into the world, it was the assumptions and comments from others that compelled Andrea to raise her voice publicly. Her book, “Every Family is a Tree”, is a beautiful celebration of the many different ways families are formed, and a tender resource for parents who want to begin those important conversations with their children. This is one of the first times Andrea has spoken openly about her journey. It is unique, yet far more common than many people realise. I am deeply grateful to her for joining me on this episode and for trusting this space to share her truth. This is a conversation you will not want to miss. So please join us