Ep 61: Single Mom By Choice—Balancing a Surgical Career and Solo Motherhood with Dr. Ritha Belizaire

Dr. Ritha Belizaire is a dual board certified general and colorectal surgeon in Houston, Texas. She opened her solo surgical practice, Houston Community Surgical, in July 2023, and is passionate about accessible, inclusive surgical care. Dr. Belizaire is a "single mother by choice." As a chief resident at age 35, she decided to undergo the egg freezing process to preserve her fertility.  After becoming an attending, she embarked on the journey to single motherhood and 6 years later is the mother of two young children. She has counseled many unpartnered female professionals, including physicians, who were seeking a similar path toward motherhood but who did not know how to navigate the emotions, fears, logistics and professional anxieties around seeking and achieving single motherhood. Dr. Belizaire is passionate about empowering single women who desire motherhood to consider their options for preserving fertility and expanding their families when that time is right.  Some of the topics we discussed were:What made her decide to undergo the egg freezing process and what that process was likeWho Dr. Belizaire might recommend the egg freezing process forWhat is a "single mom by choice" is how did she decided to move forward with that processWhat her biggest fears were about becoming a single mom by choiceWhy she thinks someone would be hesitant about becoming a single mom by choiceWhat important considerations are for donor conception and donor conceived children/offspringSome resources available for women who are interested in single motherhoodWhat helps to be able to get everything done as a busy surgeon and single mom of 2 small kidsHer new practiceAnd more!Learn more about me or schedule a FREE coaching call:https://www.joyfulsuccessliving.com/Join the Voices of Women Physicians Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/190596326343825/Connect with Dr. Belizaire:Her practice link:www.houstoncommunitysurgical.com