Tyra Banks is sharing her experience with IVF and the unexpected moments that shaped her journey to becoming a mother.
While co-hosting TODAY with Jenna & Friends on April 14, Banks opened up about the process that eventually led to the birth of her son, York Banks Asla, who was born via surrogate in January 2016.
The former supermodel and TV host explained that starting a family didn’t happen on the timeline she originally imagined.
“I remember being 24 years old and I was saying, ‘In three years, I’m going to have a child … and I kept putting my career first …. and then, it was almost too late,” Banks said.
Eventually, she turned to IVF. Though the process offered a path forward, it also came with experiences that left an impression on her.
One moment that stuck with her happened right after an egg retrieval procedure, when she found herself sharing a room with another woman.
“So the doctor would say to me, ‘You got six eggs’ and then he would go to the next curtain, ‘You got 35 eggs,’” recalled Banks. “I’m like, ‘Really, can you just whisper this or write it on a sheet of paper?’ Because here I am, feeling so inadequate.”
Despite the ups and downs, Banks said she was grateful the process gave her the chance to become a parent.
“IVF saved me and it was the last of my eggs … and so, I just made it and it is the most amazing thing.”
Banks also shared a personal detail from the time she spent preparing for York’s arrival.
“In my apartment here in New York, I made a tile in my son’s bedroom before he was even born,” Banks told Jenna. “It said, ‘Mommy already loves you.’ And so, when he comes to New York, he’s like, ‘Mommy, Mommy, you love me and I wasn’t even here. Tell me how much you wanted me.’”