Martha Stewart Supported Her Daughter amid Fertility Treatment – Her Blonde Granddaughter Is All Grown Up
- Martha Stewart's daughter, Alexis, struggled with infertility for years before welcoming her daughter, Jude, via surrogate.
- As Alexis underwent her fertility treatments, Martha supported her in every way she could.
- Jude has grown into a beautiful blonde girl taller than her grandmother.
Alexis Stewart and Martha Stewart during the New York premiere of "Avalon" | Source: Getty Images
Like countless women globally, Martha Stewart's only daughter, Alexis Stewart, strongly desired to become a mother. But unlike most women, she had to spend a fortune every month to make her wish come true. The desire for motherhood had lingered with Alexis since her mid-30s.
Life's twists and turns delayed her plans, but in her 40s, the longing resurfaced. By the time she decided to pursue parenthood, time seemed to have slipped away, and she couldn't conceive. That was when she resorted to seeing fertility doctors and trying ultramodern procedures to get pregnant.
Alexis Stewart leaves the "Today Show" taping on October 24, 2011, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Despite advancements in medical science, the procedures did not succeed, prompting Alexis to embark on a rigorous and regular medical routine. This medical routine began every month on the day after she got her period. She underwent various tests, including ultrasounds, blood tests, and a carefully timed medication regimen, to ensure the success of the fertility treatments.
These treatments were taxing and emotionally draining for Alexis, and during a talk with Oprah Winfrey, she shed light on the emotional toll, sharing her coping mechanism. She viewed the process as a job, consciously detaching emotions to maintain her well-being.
Alexis Stewart during the PETA Fashion Week Bash on February 03, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
"If I get too emotional about it, I'll be unhappy all the time or freaked out all the time. So, I look at it as sort of a chore. Not about having a baby, but what I have to go through to get there," she revealed. Alexis also had to self-administer nightly injections of fertility drugs and underwent the ICSI method, whereby the eggs were fertilized by injecting sperm directly into them.
The costly medical procedures were made possible with the support and financial assistance from her mother, Martha. Grateful for her mother's help, Alexis expressed her luck, underscoring the importance of familial support in the face of daunting challenges.
Alexis Stewart and Martha Stewart on September 11, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
During her conversation with Winfrey, she shared that she had traversed the treatment journey for over a year without success. Despite undergoing three egg implantations, none had resulted in a successful pregnancy. On her return for further treatment, the disappointing news was that she no longer had viable eggs.
Nevertheless, she retained a hopeful outlook, expressing to Winfrey, "I'm sort of back to square one at the moment." Undeterred by the setbacks, she adamantly stated that she lacked an alternative plan and remained steadfast in her determination to become a mother. She affirmed her commitment to persist with the treatments until her doctor advised otherwise.
Martha Stewart and Alexis Stewart at the World Famous Apollo Theater in New York City on December 13, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Her mother, a symbol of success in the culinary world, once shared her unique take on motherhood. Amidst a demanding career, Martha's relationship with Alexis navigated challenges. Though characterized as complex, their bond was unbreakable — rooted in mutual love and sacrifice.
She shared, "Our relationship has always been a difficult mother-daughter relationship. Difficult, but she would do anything for me, and I would do anything for her." Despite their complicated relationship, Martha was there for Alexis every step of the way.
Martha Stewart and daughter Alexis during a press conference at Omnimedia Headquarters in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Also desperately longing to have grandchildren, she provided emotional support and reassurance, constantly reminding Alexis that her dreams of motherhood would come true. Martha's unwavering support gave Alexis the strength to persevere, causing her not to lose hope.
After a five-year struggle and four heartbreaking miscarriages with surrogates, Alexis finally got what she had been longing for. In March 2011, Stewart became a grandmother for the first time when Alexis gave birth to a baby girl named Jude via surrogacy. Martha expressed joy and excitement, stating, "I am just thrilled that Alexis' greatest wish has been fulfilled."
Martha Stewart and daughter Alexis Stewart seen taking a stroll on August 8, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Alexis had chosen the name Jude four years prior and shared her happiness on her Sirius radio show. The name held sentimental value, a connection to Sirius Radio host Jude Anthony Angelini. Revealed on Alexis's radio show, the announcement painted a picture of joy, with co-host Jennifer Hutt adding that baby Jude was "peaches and cream."
In March 2012, a son, Truman, was born via surrogate just a day before Jude's first birthday, bringing immense joy to the Stewart family. This joyous event occurred after a long struggle, including four heartbreaking miscarriages with previous surrogates.
Jude Stewart, now 12 years old, has grown up to become a striking young girl with bright blonde locks reminiscent of her grandmother. Martha continues to share a special bond with her granddaughter. The two recently attended iHeartRadio's 2023 Jingle Ball in New York City, where they showcased their striking resemblance and bright blonde hair.
The grandmother-granddaughter duo captivated the audience not only with their genetic resemblance but also with their impeccable style. Martha, at 82, exuded elegance in an all-gold ensemble, while Jude opted for a funky black dress adorned with sequins and feathers. Standing beside her grandmother as they posed for pictures, Jude stood taller than Martha.
Martha Stewart and Jude Stewart attend iHeartRadio z100's Jingle Ball 2023 on December 08, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Martha, the lifestyle maven, was on the list of the presenters in the star-studded concert. The renowned TV personality took the stage alongside radio host Elvis Duran to introduce the acclaimed singing group Pentatonix. Backstage before their stellar performance, members of Pentatonix had a starstruck encounter with Martha.
In an interview with Duran, they expressed their amazement at running into the TV icon. Their reaction was nothing short of excitement and awe, highlighting Martha's universal appeal.
Martha Stewart and Jude Stewart attend iHeartRadio z100's Jingle Ball 2023 on December 08, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
When Duran informed Pentatonix that he and Martha would be the ones introducing the group on stage, the singing ensemble responded with a flurry of positive reactions, at one point chanting, "Slayyyy." The group was obviously elated at sharing the stage with the legendary Martha.
Martha Stewart and Elvis Duran grace the stage during iHeartRadio z100's Jingle Ball 2023 on December 08, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Martha is clearly a happy and loving grandmother who likes to share her life and passions with her grandchildren. She has also been supportive of her daughter's quest to become a mother and has celebrated every milestone with her. Martha and Alexis have a strong mother-daughter bond, and they have passed on their genes and values to the next generation.