Sara Bareilles has recently opened up about her deeply personal experiences with fertility struggles, including a miscarriage she suffered earlier this year. The celebrated singer-songwriter, who is currently promoting her new album, *Good Grief*, shared her journey during an interview with The New York Times, shedding light on the emotional complexities surrounding her pursuit of parenthood.
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At 46 years old, Bareilles reflects candidly on her fertility challenges, which have included unsuccessful attempts at in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In her conversation, she did not shy away from expressing the pain associated with her miscarriage. “It sucks,” she stated plainly. “Of course I wish I didn’t have a miscarriage.” The loss has not only been an emotional setback but has also forced her to confront broader issues of mortality and grief, particularly following the passing of her close friend, Gavin Creel, in 2024.
The singer revealed that throughout this challenging period, there was a sense of relief in not being pregnant. She remarked that this phase of her life would have felt excessively burdensome had she been expecting a child. As Bareilles navigates these emotional waters, she is also exploring different avenues of parenthood, including the possibility of using an egg donor, as she looks to expand her family with husband Joe Tippett.
Bareilles recently discussed her journey on *The Zach Sang Show*, where she expressed her surprise at the lack of available information and support regarding fertility struggles. “I really wrestled because I found so little material out in the world of people talking about their fertility struggles,” she explained. While there are narratives that emerge once individuals have successfully conceived, Bareilles noted that the experiences of those grappling with the uncertainties of fertility remain underrepresented.
Her experiences in fertility clinics have led her to encounter numerous women going through similar challenges. “You just see the number of women on any given day, almost like little soldiers, coming in to do what they need to do,” she described. Bareilles compared her journey to an arduous swim, where she must “surrender” to the process. This sentiment resonates with many who struggle with infertility, acknowledging that despite financial investment and hopes, a successful outcome is not guaranteed.
The pursuit of parenthood has been ongoing for Bareilles and Tippett for two years, during which the singer has grappled with the signs of emotional loss and grief. In her recent documentary, *Good Grief*, which debuted at the Tribeca Festival, Bareilles became visibly emotional while discussing her IVF experiences, describing how they did not yield the results she had hoped for.
The once-promising journey has led her to the contemplation of adoption or using an egg donor. “I really had to grieve that… that it won’t be mine,” she admitted, revealing the profound emotional impact of this decision. Yet, in her reflections, she began to contemplate the nature of love, suggesting that it can take myriad forms. “The size of love is big enough to hold a lot of shapes and sizes and ways things come.”
Bareilles’ openness about her struggles contributes to a broader conversation regarding the challenges many face while trying to conceive. By sharing her story, she not only sheds light on her personal battle but also provides a voice to countless women who may feel alone in their journeys.
As she moves forward, Bareilles continues to process her experience through her music and artistry. *Good Grief* is an exploration of these themes, allowing her to channel her emotions, both light and dark, into a creative outlet. For not only is she navigating personal grief, but she is also redefining her understanding of motherhood and what it means to love.
The singer’s willingness to discuss her emotional struggle not only resonates with her fans but also serves as a reminder that behind the glitz of celebrity, there are deeply human experiences waiting to be shared. As Bareilles forges her path ahead, she ultimately seeks to embrace love in all its forms and complexities.