Show notes
For years, Jordana Brewster quietly lived with a life-altering diagnosis that few people knew about. After suffering a seizure at 28, she learned she had a cavernous malformation (CVM), a rare vascular condition in her brain that made carrying a pregnancy dangerously high-risk. While continuing a successful acting career, she privately managed her condition, navigated fertility treatments, and ultimately chose gestational surrogacy to grow her family.In this candid conversation, Jordana joins Mary Alice Haney to share the emotional realities behind IVF, infertility, surrogacy, and the difficult decisions that come with protecting both your health and your dream of becoming a parent. She also opens up about undergoing awake brain surgery, overcoming the stigma of living with a neurological condition, healing from disordered eating, and how divorce, blended family life, and finding love again gave her the courage to embrace a completely new chapter.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsProlon: Visit ProlonLife.com/SHEMD to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/sheMD to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.Alaya Naturals: Visit www.alayanaturals.com/SheMD and enter code SheMD at checkout for 20% off your order.Tuckernuck: Visit tnuck.com and use code SHEMD for 15% off your first purchase.Square: You can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/shemdWhat You’ll LearnWhat a cavernous malformation (CVM) is and how it can affect pregnancy and neurological healthHow Jordana's first seizure led to a diagnosis that changed the course of her lifeWhy doctors advised her against carrying a pregnancyThe emotional and physical realities of IVF that aren't often discussedWhat the gestational surrogacy process actually looks like, from choosing a surrogate to legal agreements and deliveryWhy infertility evaluations should always include both partnersCommon misconceptions and stigma surrounding surrogacyWhat it's like to undergo awake brain surgery while doctors monitor language and brain functionHow Jordana managed a seizure disorder while building a demanding acting careerThe long-term impact of disordered eating and learning to build a healthier relationship with food and exerciseHow becoming a mother reshaped her perspective on control, trust, and vulnerabilityNavigating divorce, blended families, co-parenting, and finding love again after major life changesWhy speaking openly about women's health experiences helps break stigma for future generationsKey TimestampsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
