Tanya Hennessy Embraces Motherhood at 40 After Fertility Battle

Australian comedian Tanya Hennessy, now 40, shares her profound joy as a first-time mother to daughter Scottie, born after a seven-year fertility struggle.

Disbelief During Pregnancy

Hennessy reveals she spent her entire pregnancy in disbelief, struggling to accept the reality. “I just didn’t believe I was pregnant. I really struggled to say ‘I’m pregnant’ out loud. Never said it,” she states. She hid her body in public with baggy clothes, fearing the pregnancy might not succeed. During the C-section, her shock turned to overwhelming emotion as she held her newborn. “When they put her on me, my whole world just shifted so dramatically,” Hennessy says.

Emotional Transformation at Eight Weeks Postpartum

Eight weeks into motherhood, Hennessy describes feeling like a different person—transformed yet vulnerable. “I feel like a different person, it’s really hard to adjust. I’m still a bit scared to go outside,” she admits. After years representing the infertility community, she now feels whole. “I’m glad the grief is gone, I feel really whole,” she adds, emphasizing this reflects her personal journey.

The Question She’s Tired Of Hearing

Turning 40 near the end of her fertility journey brought public scrutiny. Hennessy expresses frustration with constant questions about parenting at her age. “People ask whether it’s OK being a parent at 40. I don’t know any other way,” she says. She focuses on her miracle baby: “I want to be able to say ‘I went through hell… this baby is a miracle.'”

Rejecting ‘What’s Next’ Pressure

Hennessy urges enjoying the present amid societal pressure. “This what’s-nextism is making people really anxious—can we just sit in the now?” she vents. “How fierce is it that I’ve had this baby against all the odds?”

Welcoming Scotland Poole

In December, Hennessy and husband Thomas Poole welcomed daughter Scotland Poole, nicknamed Scottie. She shared the news on Instagram Christmas evening: “Our beautiful baby girl is finally here… I’m in heaven, my heart is exploding.” The couple announced their engagement earlier, showcasing her ring.

Hennessy previously opened up about her challenges in 2022: “Getting pregnant is a f***ing full-time job and I am at my wits end… It hurts that my body won’t do what I want it to.”