Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, known for her role on “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation,” has opened up about her journey to motherhood, including her experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF). The 37-year-old reality TV star expressed that sharing the “very scary process” of IVF with viewers has been emotionally taxing, as she was nervous about being vulnerable and potentially facing criticism for her decision to pursue IVF. In the Season 7B premiere of the show, Giancola revealed her plan to have a child with fiancé Justin May using the help of IVF, as she had frozen her eggs at 35.
Despite her nervousness about the public reaction to her IVF journey, Giancola decided to allow cameras to film her self-administering hormone injections and discussing her plans with her “Jersey Shore” co-stars. She found support from her castmates including Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Deena Cortese, and Angelina Pivarnick, who were there for her during this vulnerable time. While she didn’t initially confide in her co-stars, she leaned on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with others going through similar experiences before deciding to share her story publicly.
Giancola acknowledges the skepticism surrounding IVF and the potential backlash from viewers. She was worried about sharing such a personal journey with the world but ultimately felt it was important to open up about her struggles in hopes of connecting with and providing comfort to others going through similar challenges. She believes that by sharing her story, she can help others feel less alone and possibly inspire them to share their own journeys as well.
Despite the difficulties involved in her IVF journey, Giancola credits her fiancé Justin May for being her rock and providing unwavering support throughout the process. May, to whom she got engaged in March after two years of dating, has been by her side every step of the way, and they are navigating the challenges of IVF together. Despite the ups and downs, Giancola remains hopeful and grateful for the support she has received from her loved ones and fans as she continues on her path to potential motherhood.
Giancola expressed her nerves about watching the footage of her IVF journey play out on television but emphasized the importance of sharing her story for the benefit of others who may be going through similar struggles. She hopes that by being open and vulnerable, she can provide comfort and support to those who are facing their own fertility challenges. Giancola’s decision to document her IVF journey on “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” sheds light on the emotional toll of the process and the importance of having a support system in place during such a vulnerable time.
As Giancola continues on her journey to potential motherhood, she remains grateful for the support she has received from her fiancé, friends, and fans. By sharing her story, she hopes to break the stigma surrounding IVF and fertility struggles, and to encourage others to speak out about their own experiences. Through her openness and vulnerability, she aims to create a sense of community among those facing similar challenges and provide a source of comfort and understanding for those navigating the complexities of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies.
