Best known as Shortland Street’s Dr Harper Whitley, Ria Vandervis’ journey to motherhood wasn’t an easy one. When she miscarried at 12 weeks, Ria had to continue her character's pregnancy and act out giving birth on screen. That was just the first of many struggles in a six-year fertility journey. She explains the setbacks, struggles and traumas she endured on the road to having her son, Teddy.

Originally published in 2023.