What a Pigeon Costume Taught Me About Fertility (And Why You Should Embrace Your Inner Bird!)
What does a woman dressed as a pigeon in New York have to do with fertility? More than you’d think.
Last week, as I absent-mindedly scrolled through the endless news cycle, one headline made me literally snort out my coffee: "WATCH: Woman wins award impersonating a pigeon". British artist Miriam Abrahams spent four whole weeks perfecting her birdlike ensemble and finally strutted away with the top prize at Pigeon Fest.
At first, I laughed—right? But then, something clicked: Why did this story make me feel... inspired?
The Unexpected Connection: Trying (and Failing) Out Loud
Let’s be real. Infertility can feel like you’re standing in Times Square in a pigeon costume while the world gawks. It’s vulnerable, strange, a little bit embarrassing, and, honestly, kind of heroic. Like Miriam, so many of us spend weeks, months, even years prepping, hoping, and showing up for something that might look odd to outsiders but means the world to us.
Did she know she’d win? Nope. Did she go for it, feathers and all? Absolutely. And that’s a lesson every fertility warrior needs to hear.
Embracing Your Inner Pigeon (Yes, Seriously)
So why do I think we all need to channel our inner bird? Because owning your journey—no matter how unconventional—is the real win. Whether you’re doing medicated cycles, IVF, or exploring at-home insemination, it’s easy to feel like you’re flapping around while everyone else is flying straight.
Here’s the deal: The bravest thing you can do is show up.
- Be creative: Miriam’s costume took imagination—your fertility journey may require creative solutions, too.
- Stand out: It’s okay if your path looks different. There’s more than one way to “win.”
- Laugh at yourself: Sometimes, the absurdity is what gets us through.
My Own "Pigeon Moment" (And Why It Changed Everything)
A few years ago, I hit a wall. My “perfect plan” for getting pregnant had crashed and burned. I’d tried temping, charting, ovulation tests, the whole shebang. One day, I realized I was so tunnel-visioned on “doing it right” that I’d stopped living my life.
That’s when I stumbled onto at-home insemination. (Yep, I said it.) It felt weird at first—like I was inventing my own rules. But connecting with others online, reading stories, and discovering resources like the reusable kits from MakeAMom’s information hub made me realize: It doesn’t matter what it looks like. It matters that it works for you.
Lessons from a Feathered Winner: Fertility Edition
So, what does Miriam’s pigeon performance have to do with making a baby at home? Here’s what I took away:
Preparation matters: Four weeks in costume-building is a lot, but so is learning about your body, your options, and what makes you comfortable. Dive into research, seek new tools, and don’t be afraid to try something different.
Ignore the critics: There will always be “pigeon haters.” Whether you’re using donor sperm, trying with a partner, or going solo, your choices are yours.
Celebrate the small wins: Not every cycle ends in pregnancy, just like not every costume wins a prize. But each step—each new thing you try—is progress. Celebrate it!
Find your flock: Miriam had a festival of fellow bird-lovers. You have a thriving online community, support groups, and resources that get what you’re going through. (Honestly, check them out. The right info can be as empowering as a great costume.)
Why Tools (and Mindset) Matter Now More Than Ever
With more people than ever taking fertility into their own hands in 2025, it’s empowering to know you have choices. Tools like MakeAMom’s reusable kits (think: CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility, and BabyMaker for those with sensitivities) show how far we’ve come. They’re cost-effective, private, and—let’s be honest—way less intimidating than the clinical stuff.
But the real power? It’s in owning your journey, quirks and all.
So... Are You Ready to Spread Your Wings?
If a British artist can spend a month perfecting her pigeon impression and walk away a champion, so can you—no matter what your journey looks like. Maybe your “costume” is a stack of ovulation kits, or maybe it’s an at-home insemination device that makes you feel in control for the first time in ages.
Whatever your path, embrace it. Get creative. Connect with others. And don’t forget to celebrate every victory, no matter how small (or feathery).
What’s the weirdest, funniest, or most creative thing you’ve tried on your journey? Drop your story below—I promise, there’s zero judgment here. Just a flock of folks cheering you on.