“`html
Carli Lloyd: A Journey Through Motherhood and IVF
Carli Lloyd, the celebrated former professional soccer player who played a pivotal role in the success of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), winning two World Cups (2015 and 2019) and two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012), has transitioned into a new chapter of her life. As a soccer analyst for Fox Sports and a dedicated wife to Brian, she is currently navigating the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood through the lens of infertility and IVF treatments.
In a heartfelt disclosure, Carli recently revealed her journey toward becoming a mother. Although it wasn’t always at the forefront of her mind during her illustrious soccer career, the desire for motherhood lingered. After 34 years of dedicated involvement in soccer, she felt a shift in priorities after her retirement in 2021, recognizing that she could finally focus on starting a family.
Carli and Brian’s journey began earnestly in the summer of 2022 when they started trying to conceive. However, the reality of infertility soon set in, provoking feelings of disappointment and frustration. The passing months became a race against her biological clock, intensifying the emotional weight of the situation.
Through open conversations with a former teammate who faced similar struggles, Carli learned the importance of community support. With Brian by her side, they sought medical advice, leading them towards their first in-vitro fertilization (IVF) consultation. Carli vividly recalls the emotional burden of entering that clinic—the stigma and feelings of shame were palpable. Yet, she soon realized she was not alone; countless women share this daunting path.
In April 2023, their IVF journey officially commenced. Carli underwent egg retrieval—20 eggs were collected, though the subsequent fertilization and genetic testing process proved to be a nerve-wracking waiting game. Of the initial eggs, only three embryos made it through, leading to difficult discussions about their family’s future. Despite the emotional toll of the process — including injecting medication and dealing with mounting uncertainty — Carli faced each challenge with resilience.
Their journey included multiple IVF cycles, each fraught with anguish and hope. After two unsuccessful transfers, Carli began to lean heavily on her faith and the support of her close-knit community. She found solace in prayer, journaling, and focusing on the present, realizing that while she could control many aspects of her life in soccer, this journey required surrender.
Finally, after three rounds of IVF, in January 2024, Carli learned that she was pregnant with a healthy embryo following a successful transfer. Yet, the joy was tempered by anxiety, as each ultrasound brought fears of potential complications. Despite the challenges, each subsequent appointment revealed progress for the baby, leading to a long-awaited moment of celebration when Carli graduated from her fertility clinic, ready to embrace the next steps of motherhood.
As she reflected on her journey, Carli expressed her hopes to inspire others facing similar battles. She advocates for more awareness and openness about infertility and IVF, hoping her story can provide comfort and solidarity to those in distress. Carli recognized the support of her family, friends, and the medical team who guided her through, emphasizing that vulnerability and community are crucial during life’s hardest moments.
With a heart full of hope, Carli Lloyd eagerly anticipates her new role as a mother. She acknowledges that the trials and tribulations leading to this point have been immense but worthwhile. Her journey demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, resilience can lead to joy, and that sometimes, it is through our struggles that we find our greatest growth and fulfillment.
“`
