Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade are pictured together in New York City on Sept. 13, 2015. via TODAY, Photo Credit: Dipasupil / Getty Images
“I’m so glad I got over myself and my fear of what people would think of me if I did not carry my own child.” – Gabrielle Union
When Actress Gabrielle Union took to Instagram in December to introduce her baby girl, Kaavia James, her post was met with mixed emotions from fans. Some were supportive while others were critical of the way she chose to have a child – via surrogate. She says “It’s OK to bring your child into the world in a way that is not through your body,” in a recent interview with TODAY Parents.
Union and husband, NBA player Dwyane Wade, had an adorable baby via surrogate after struggling with infertility issues for years – so many Union lost count!
“On those days where I felt like I was circling the drain emotionally, physically, spiritually, I allowed myself to have a freaking moment,” said Union expressed in her memoir, We’re Going to Need More Wine. “If I needed to put on ‘Beaches’ and cry along with Bette Midler, I did that. I allowed myself to be a freaking human.”
Union tells fans that there is hope for women who suffer silently and they are not alone.
“Fertility issues strike so many people,” Union said. “You do not have to be lurking in the shadows, going to your doctor’s appointment in full disguise. You are not defective. You are part of a very, very, very large community that understands every step you have been through.”
One of her biggest challenges was getting over the fear of what others thought about her, spreading a message of self-love. Her message was clear: women aren’t defined by their fertility!
“It’s OK to bring your child into the world in a way that is not through your body. The world will not consider you a failure. Every route to parenthood is perfect, worthwhile and amazing.”
Union is thankful for never giving up. Kaavia, who will turn 3 months old in February, is living proof that dreams come true!
“She brings us all the joy we could have ever imagined but there’s this extra layer,” she said about her baby girl. “She is dreams fulfilled,” the proud mom said. “She is the living embodiment of not giving up. I never thought this little girl could represent so much.”
The proud mom loves her child and has high hopes for her.
“I hope she cannonballs into her dreams and causes a big splash,” Union said. “I hope she’s not afraid of taking any leap and that she knows she is supported, loved, protected and encouraged. We’re her cheerleaders, here to pass out Gatorade and give her a high five.”
Union plans to educate her daughter as soon as she is able.
“As soon as her reading comprehension is on point and she needs to figure out her clitoris from her vagina, I’ll let her read it,” Union said about her book. “I have nothing to hide!”
Congrats to the Wades!
