Turning 30 is often a time for reflection and self-evaluation, and for Georgia Rickard, it marked the beginning of a deeply confronting fertility journey. Having had a glossy career in magazines, she grappled with shifting perceptions of worth brought on by the pressures of societal expectations of beauty and motherhood.
At the age of 35, she decided to take proactive steps toward understanding her fertility with an AMH test. The results showed lower levels than she expected. This prompted some serious self-discovery, pushing her to confront "the Disney fairy tale" she was sold her entire life and to find her own happy ending instead of waiting for the perfect timing or partner.
Georgia shares her journey of overcoming insecurities, taking proactive steps for her future self, and finding relief in the decisions she made to secure the life she wanted.
When did you start thinking about your fertility?
“It happened almost to the day of my 30th birthday. At that age, I began to notice something strange… I looked aged – compared to what I saw on billboards, anyway. I’d had a career in magazines, and I knew exactly what was required to produce a gorgeous, ‘ageless’ shoot. But I was shocked! As the fine lines began to appear (and then set in), my insecurities got louder. Was I still lovable?
That wasn’t all. After a lifetime of societal conditioning, telling me my worth as a woman was tied up in all the typicals – not only including my appearance but making sure I was a ‘good girl’ who followed the path from youthful beauty to mother. Yet I remained… single.
I just couldn’t find anyone I liked – and who liked me – enough to commit. The questions kept circling. If I’m not ‘young’ and ‘beautiful’ anymore, but I’m not yet a wife and mother… what is my value in society? Where do I belong? And even if it looks different from the Disney fairy tale I’ve been sold all my life, how do I have my own happy ending?”
What were your expectations before beginning your fertility journey?
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I embarked on the process, to be honest. I just knew I wanted ‘an insurance policy against regret,’ as my doctor called it.”
What did your fertility journey look like?
“At 35, I went and had my AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) levels tested. I discovered that my AMH was around 8 and that was considered on the lower side, I freaked out and did nothing for six months. Six months later, I went out with a girlfriend who had a baby on her own at 40, got drunk and had her harass me – what was I doing? Time to get a move on! Freeze those eggs already!
When I was 36, I met with my doctor, Dr Devora Liebermann, who was amazing. Six weeks later, I had 20 eggs in the bank. Thank goodness”
What was the most surprising thing that happened to you during this time?
“Admitting to myself that I’m getting older – even if I still dress (and often behave) like a 15-year-old. And then, the huge wave of relief I felt, and still feel, about having my eggs on ice. It has indeed been an insurance policy against regret.”
What was the best or most rewarding thing that happened to you during this time?
“Paying for the whole lot all on my own. That feels amazing.”
What do you feel is the biggest misconception surrounding fertility?
“For me, it wasn’t about my fertility per se; it was the assumption that I would just meet someone (while building a business) and the timing would be naturally perfect for starting a family. If you want to raise a family with a partner, you really do have to prioritise meeting that partner!”
What was the most helpful thing you did for yourself during this time?
“During the retrieval process, it was talking to other women about their experience. We were in the middle of lockdown, so I mostly was sharing snippets of my journey on Instagram as it was happening rather than seeing girlfriends in real-time. The feedback and kindness I got from my community was incredibly healing.”
Medical note: Feeling supported by loved ones can often help ease the burden of going through treatment alone. For those who prefer to keep it private, most clinics offer onsite counselling for extra support.
What advice would you give anyone who hasn’t yet gone down their fertility path?
“Get honest with yourself. What do you want? Is it a family? If so, stop putting it off. Arm yourself with knowledge, take the test, and get your eggs on ice. Go!”
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice. You should speak with a medical professional if you wish to assess your fertility and before making any decisions about healthcare, including contraception.
