When it comes to heartwarming stories and genuine inspiration, “The Mama’s Den” podcast always delivers. A recent episode featuring actress Ashley Blaine Featherson, available to listen to now on all podcast platforms, was no exception. Joined by hosts Melanie Fiona, Felicia La Tour, Ashley Chea, and Codie Elaine Oliver, Blaine Featherson shared her incredible journey to motherhood, bringing insights, laughter, and a lot of mom-to-be vibes.
During her appearance on “The Mama’s Den,” Blaine Featherson opened up about the challenges and triumphs she and Darroll faced on their path to parenthood. The story began with the couple’s decision to start trying for a baby shortly after their wedding.
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“Darrell and I got married in September of 2021 and we started trying — basically we were open to it right after we got married,” the actress tells the Mamas. “It was about 13-14 months we had been trying. Doing all the apps, ovulation strips, and all the things. Not putting pressure on ourselves, but just I really wanted to be intentional and informed as to how this is all going to work. Also knowing that I’m someone who’s had fibroids. I also kind of just was about to find out that I had PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome].”
Despite their best efforts, the couple faced numerous disappointments and unexplained infertility. Blaine Featherson shares on the podcast how her OB-GYN suggested the couple see a reproductive endocrinologist. The meeting was “very quick,” according to the actress, with the endocrinologist recommending in vitro fertilization (IVF) in November 2022.
“I went through a disappointment period,” Blaine Featherson says about that time. “I had this whole vision of Darrell and I would have a passionate night of sex. And then, I would be waiting five to seven days [and get pregnant naturally]. There were so many times, even throughout that 13-14 months, where I would wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning before he got up. I would go to the bathroom on the other side of the house and take a pregnancy test. Every time they were negative. That was the disappointment. That it’s not going to be a surprise for me anymore. But I was grateful that I had a doctor who told us to pivot.”
Amidst the challenges, Blaine Featherson found purpose in her journey. The actress, who is now pregnant with her daughter, feels that God wanted her to share her story and inspire other women — especially Black women who are not often addressed in conversations about IVF and infertility.
“There’s people that need to be inspired by this,” Blaine Featherson shares. “God’s clearly using me as a vessel to inspire other women on this journey. And not only just inspire, but allow them to be seen because I didn’t feel seen on this journey. I know that Black women are doing IVF; we’re 1,000 percent doing it. But I felt like ‘where are we,’ the entire time. I just feel really blessed to be a vessel in this regard.”
She continues, “My child is not earthside yet, but I know what it feels like to be in the pursuit of parenthood. It has not been easy, but it’s been so worth it. So to sit here now and have a pregnancy where I feel amazing — when, for years, all doctors have told me is that there’s something wrong with my uterus. So to sit in this, it just feels like such a reward. It feels like such a gift, and something that I honestly did not expect.”
One of the most heartfelt revelations during Blaine Featherson’s podcast appearance was about Darroll’s health. During the IVF process, he had to undergo a kidney transplant, adding another layer of complexity to their journey. Blaine Featherson also shared a surprising helper in her IVF process—TikTok. “TikTok saved my life,” she laughed, explaining how she learned to do the injections from both her doctor and TikTok videos.
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Another touching moment of the podcast was when Ashley recounted the phone call that changed everything. When the nurse called to confirm her pregnancy, Ashley was shook. She immediately grabbed a home pregnancy test to see for herself. That call was, without a doubt, the greatest call of her life. Ashley’s joy and disbelief were palpable, and her story resonated deeply with the Mamas.
Ashley Blaine Featherson’s appearance on “The Mama’s Den” is a beautiful reminder of the power of resilience and faith. Her journey to motherhood is a testament to the strength of women everywhere, and her openness will undoubtedly inspire other Black women on a similar journey. With her daughter on the way, Blaine Featherson is embracing every moment of her pregnancy, ready to step into her new role with the same grace and determination she’s shown throughout her career and personal life.
Check out Blaine Featherson’s episode on Black Love’s YouTube channel and all podcast streaming platforms.
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