44: Molar pregnancy with Michelle Marie McGrath

Welcome to a special episode! Today the tables are turned and I’m
being interviewed by my close friend Mariana Rudan.


I met Mariana when I first arrived in Sydney years ago and we
worked together, and she’s been a close friend ever since. She’s
a journalist, presenter, newsreader, singer songwriter, travel
lover, mother of two adorable children, and an amazing cook! She
also speaks a few languages, so is a very talented lady.


Sharing a little of my personal story seemed like a great way to
mark the first year of the podcast and to celebrate International
ChildFree Day, which is August 1.


Ready?


What you’ll hear in this episode:


Michelle’s pregnancy a few years ago, about which she had
always felt ambivalent and resistant to the assumption of 'having
to have children'.

At 10 weeks, she knew something was wrong.

Diagnosis: “molar pregnancy”—abnormal cell growth in the
uterus, when the embryo doesn’t develop, but the placenta keeps
growing.

How a molar pregnancy is linked to a pregnancy-related
cancer.

How the pregnancy was a catalyst for ending Michelle’s
marriage.

The reason for the title of the podcast

When women don’t follow the “normal” script of life

How judgment of women has played out in the media recently.

The feedback Michelle has received from the show over the
past year.


“We all have a different story—and that’s OK.”

The incorrect assumption that every woman feels the “clock
ticking” when Michelle hears all the time from women, who never
have that experience.

The statistics: Almost 25% of women over 40 don’t have
children, and the numbers are steadily increasing worldwide.
Around a third of couples in Australia don't have children.

The many factors that play into the decision not to have
children.


“Every woman’s path is unique to her.”

How society can change the perceptions and stop the judgment
by supporting the choices of ALL women.

Michelle’s current relationship and playing the role of
stepmother.

No right or wrong---it all comes down to individual beliefs
and value systems

“No children” doesn’t mean “no responsibilities” and often
childless or childfree women can feel taken for granted in other
areas of their lives.

Opportunities to channel creative energy in a different
direction.

What do you love? What makes you angry? Where do you feel
there is injustice? What are you curious about? What brings out
the best in you?


What if YOU are the one person in your circle that’s
meant to create a different path that inspires others and opens
their hearts and minds to a different possibility?



Thank you so much for listening to this episode. If you enjoyed
then please share with another woman who would find it
beneficial. I would be eternally grateful if you could rate the
show and leave a review on Itunes.


For more episodes of Unclassified Woman check out
michellemariemcgrath.com