Mo' Sibyl

기다림과 기적| Another Suurugate Journey: Of Pain, Joy, and Everything In Between | Episode 18 (2025)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 기다림과 기적| Another Suurugate Journey: Of Pain, Joy, and Everything In Between | Episode 18 (2025)

As we wrap up this month’s Sùúrùgate series, I thought it expedient to share a story that embodies resilience, vulnerability, and the power of community. It takes immense courage to share a journey that many are ashamed to even identify with. And when someone steps forward with that kind of bravery, it deserves to be honored. Our guest today, though she remains anonymous, chose to walk the courageous path of telling her truth to help others find theirs. In truth, she was one of the few people who held my hand through the immigration and surrogacy process. Her guidance, honesty, and unwavering generosity carried me in moments of fear and uncertainty, and I am forever indebted to her.

In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with her to explore the often-unspoken realities of infertility and surrogacy, particularly within African communities. She shares her 16-year journey, one marked by the emotional weight of endometriosis, multiple failed IVF cycles, and heartbreaking miscarriages. Together, we discuss the physical and emotional costs of these experiences and the difficult decisions that come with choosing alternative paths to parenthood.

She also opens up about navigating surrogacy as an immigrant, highlighting the legal and emotional complexities of commissioning a surrogate in Nigeria and the challenges of bringing her U.S. citizen child home via the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) process. Her story sheds light on what it means to hope against hope and to take a leap of faith despite societal stigma and cultural silence.

Perhaps most moving is her call to action—not just for women walking this path, but also for their partners. She urges husbands, especially in African communities, to offer patience, empathy, and unwavering support, reminding us that infertility is never just a woman’s burden to carry. Her message is a testament to love in action and to the transformative power of solidarity in the face of uncertainty.

If you or someone you love is facing infertility or wants to understand the surrogacy experience more deeply, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: no one walks this path alone. Listen in for a compassionate dialogue that challenges stigma, honors each family’s unique story, and invites us all to widen our definition of what it means to become a parent.

Tune in now and join us as we break the silence, share the truth, and offer hope

벨트 아래| Below the Belt with Temitope Abiona - A Journey Through Endometriosis and Infertility: Episode 32 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 벨트 아래| Below the Belt with Temitope Abiona - A Journey Through Endometriosis and Infertility: Episode 32 (2023)

I hope this message finds you all in good health. I am grateful for your continued support during our recent deep and introspective episodes. Today, I must share that we are embarking on another sensitive journey. In recent shows, including "Dark Nights with Doc Ayomide," we've explored various emotionally charged topics. In our most recent episode, my virtual assistant and I delved into my 12-year struggle with infertility, marking the launch of our ongoing Fertility Project. This project provides mental, emotional, and financial support to women and couples facing infertility challenges.

This week, we are honored to have a special guest, Mrs. Temitope Abiona, a remarkable individual who wears many hats. By day, she's a business consultant for various companies, a certified functional salesforce professional, a certified project manager, and an entrepreneur. She's not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but also to caring for others. Mrs. Abiona has a deep passion for mental well-being and spreading joy. She is happily married and resides in Minnesota, serving as a board member of our Fertility Project. Like me, she has faced her own challenges on her journey to conceive, and she is here to share her story.

Mrs. Abiona takes us on a poignant journey through her childhood and education during our episode. She recalls her initial encounter with excruciating pain during her menstrual periods at her mother's workplace, where she discovered significant blood clots. Over time, the pain during her monthly cycles became a constant companion, leading her to rely on potent painkillers, including opioids, for relief. Although these painkillers provided temporary respite, the pain resurfaced a year before her marriage. Between 2015 and 2019, her frequent visits to the emergency room became a distressing routine, and she underwent several surgeries during that period. Mrs. Abiona candidly shares the profound impact her painful menstrual periods have had on her life, drawing from personal experiences.

We also talk about our experiences with surgeries and the unique challenges of dealing with medical practitioners who may not fully understand or appreciate our cultural backgrounds. A pivotal moment came during a visit to the emergency room when Mrs. Abiona was diagnosed with endometriosis. She shows how this diagnosis has made it exceptionally challenging for her to conceive, resulting in failed IVF attempts and various other obstacles.

In conclusion, Mrs. Abiona addresses our questions about her decision to become a board member of the show. She offers spiritual guidance and encouragement to women and couples facing fertility challenges, emphasizing the importance of not offering unsolicited advice to those dealing with these issues.

I want to remind everyone that no contribution is too small for our cause. If you or someone you know needs support, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at talktomo@mosibyl.com.

Until our next episode, thank you for your unwavering support.