**Elizabeth Banks Reflects on Her Unique Journey to Motherhood**
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Actress Elizabeth Banks has recently opened up about her unconventional route to motherhood during an episode of the Modern Love podcast. The star, known for her role in the series *The Miniature Wife*, welcomed her two sons, Magnus and Felix, through surrogacy, sharing insights into her personal journey and the challenges she faced along the way.
In her candid discussion, Banks revealed that she and her husband, Max Handelman, turned to gestational surrogacy after experiencing difficulties conceiving. The 52-year-old actress recalled a significant moment during her initial consultation with a fertility specialist. “I had never been pregnant,” she explained, describing how the doctor’s first question left her questioning her own situation. “He asked me when I started having sex, and I realised that in 20 years, I had never had a scare. It was a stark wake-up call that something might not be quite right.”
Banks went on to describe the numerous medical procedures she underwent during her cycle of trying to conceive. She shared that nine in vitro fertilisation (IVF) attempts were part of her surrogacy journey. “At my first meeting, the doctor advised that surrogacy would likely be the best option for us,” she recounted. “And so we proceeded with the treatments, ultimately leading to the births of our two boys.”
Despite Banks’ success in motherhood, she maintains a relatively private life for her children, avoiding sharing their faces on social media. In interviews, the actress has provided glimpses into her home life, often sharing anecdotes about her role as a parent. Speaking at the premiere of her latest series, *The Better Sister*, she was asked whether her sons would want to follow in her footsteps as actors. Banks stated, “If they decide to pursue acting, I would absolutely love the chance to work with them, but at the moment, they show no interest.”
While her sons may be uninterested in the world of acting, Banks has found other ways to connect with them. During a discussion with *Entertainment Weekly* about her film *Skincare*, she revealed that she had acquired new skills in facials while working on the project. These skills have transformed into a special bedtime ritual with her son Magnus, who requests facials as part of their nightly routine. “Once a month, he comes to me and asks for a facial before bed,” she said, expressing her joy in this shared experience. “It’s definitely the best takeaway from making the film.”
Banks’ openness about her path to motherhood also highlights a growing trend in how many modern families are formed. Surrogacy offers hope to countless individuals facing fertility challenges, and Banks candidly illustrated that this journey can be filled with both struggles and triumphs.
Reflecting on her experiences, Banks characterised her motherhood journey as one that has deepened her understanding of family and connection. With Magnus and Felix now 13 and 15 years old, respectively, she balances her career with her responsibilities as a mother.
In her discussions, it’s clear that while Banks has enjoyed success in her professional life, her role as a parent is where she finds the most fulfilment. She enthusiastically spoke of her children, showing that her family life and her career as an actress intertwine in uniquely meaningful ways.
With a combination of humour and heartfelt sincerity, Elizabeth Banks continues to inspire many with her story, proving that motherhood comes in a myriad of forms and each journey is as special as the next.