勇敢果決，迎接愛與希望
故事的開端，要從十多年前說起。姿伶，這位堅毅的主角，高中畢業後獨自赴美留學，並順利學成歸國。28 歲時卻遭遇人生重大轉折——母親的離世。這場深刻的生命經歷猶如一記重拳，讓她重新審視家庭與生命的價值。母親對姿伶的影響深遠，指引著她人生的方向，也點燃了她想成為母親的渴望。她明白，即便一生中無法為世界留下什麼，卻能透過子女延續自己的精神與信念。從那刻起，「成為母親」不僅是她的夢想，更成了人生重要目標。
然而，時間不斷推進，生育能力卻日漸後退。既無法逆轉卵子的老化，也尚未找到合適的伴侶共組家庭生兒育女，姿伶深知，自己必須在這場與時間的競賽中搶占先機。當時的台灣，凍卵仍是少數人嘗試的選擇，相關資訊也相對匱乏。然而，為了不讓未來的自己在 40 多歲時感到遺憾，她憑藉行動力與決心，於 2011 年毫不猶豫地踏入送子鳥診所。當時 31 歲的她，選擇以凍卵為自己的人生預留更多選擇與可能性。
2023 年，姿伶成功將保存多年的卵子運送至美國，並在 2024 年迎來女兒立亞。如今，她再次踏入送子鳥診所，分享一路走來的心路歷程。這次，她身旁不僅有可愛的女兒，還有那位她等待多年的生命伴侶 Rauhmel Fox。
The story begins over a decade ago. Linn Kuo, a resilient woman, ventured abroad alone for her studies in the U.S. after high school. She successfully completed her education and returned to Taiwan. A life-altering event in her life came at the age of 27 with the loss of her mother. This profound experience was a heavy blow, prompting her to re-evaluate the value of family and life. Her mother had a lasting and significant influence on Linn Kuo, shaping her life’s direction and igniting a deep desire to become a mother herself. Linn Kuo realized that while she might not leave a lasting mark on the world, she could pass on her spirit and beliefs through her children. From that moment, "becoming a mother" was not only her dream but also a pivotal life goal.
However, as time marched on, her biological clock was ticking. Facing the irreversible aging of her eggs and lacking a suitable partner to start a family with, Linn Kuo recognized the urgency of taking control in this race against time.
At the time, egg freezing was still a choice for a minority , with limited information available in Taiwan. Yet, determined to avoid regrets in her 40s, she boldly stepped into Stork Fertility Center in 2011. At the age of 31, she chose to freeze her eggs to preserve more options and possibilities for her life.
Fast forward to 2023, Linn Kuo successfully transported her long-preserved eggs to the U.S. and finally brought to life in 2024 with the birth of her daughter, Li-Ya. Now, she has returned to Stork Fertility Center to share her journey. This time, she is accompanied not only by her adorable daughter but also by her long-awaited life partner, Rauhmel Fox.
勇敢果決，迎接愛與希望
在感情上，姿伶始終是個敢愛敢恨的人。結束一段婚姻後，她享受著單身生活的自由，但也清楚明白，獨身並非她人生的最終選擇。母親的影響讓她對擁有孩子的渴望始終未曾減退，而凍卵的保障，則讓她擺脫了生育時鐘的壓力，得以按照自己的節奏規劃人生。40 歲那年，姿伶做出一個重大決定——搬回美國重新開始事業。這份自由，像是一份對 30 多歲的自己最深的感謝。也正是這次的選擇，讓她遇見了生命中的伴侶，最終實現了成為母親的夢想。
疫情期間，居家生活漫長乏味，社交活動也幾乎停擺，姿伶打趣地說：「我不想就這樣死掉呀！」於是她下載了交友軟體，原本只是想找人學西班牙文，卻意外遇見了現任伴侶。她笑著說：「孩子都出生了，但我的西班牙文還是完全沒進步。」在疫情的壓力和健康安全的考量下，兩人迅速確認彼此的關係。交往八個月左右，便迎來第一次自然懷孕。然而，這份來之不易的喜悅轉瞬即逝——胚胎在第七週停止發育。姿伶在服用藥物排除胚胎的過程中經歷大量出血，伴侶目睹她的痛苦，倍感心疼。這次失去不僅加深了兩人對成為父母的渴望，也促使姿伶更積極尋求試管的協助。
談到將卵子運送到美國的經驗，姿伶對送子鳥的服務倍感安心。高效的行政流程，不僅能在兩到三天內回覆需求，還會主動更新進度，讓她省去不少精力。送子鳥也提供氮氣瓶租借等資源，大大便利了卵子的運輸。在美國進行胚胎植入的過程中，姿伶體驗到了當地醫療的「佛系」風格，醫生們相信身體能夠自我調節，因此不需要額外的藥物調整，這讓她在孕期出血時感到相當緊張。然而，整體懷孕過程異常順利，既沒有孕吐，也沒有特殊的飲食需求，甚至連生產都進行得相當順利。唯一的挑戰是所謂的「孕笨」，經常在工作中犯一些小錯。不過，幸運的是，團隊的包容和支持讓她順利度過這段特別的時期。
Embracing Love and Hope with Courage and Determination
Linn Kuo has always been someone who is not afraid to love wholeheartedly or walk away when necessary.
After ending a marriage, she enjoyed the freedom of single life but was keenly aware that solitude was not her ultimate choice.
Her mother’s influence kept her yearning for her own baby, and the assurance of egg freezing freed her from the pressures of the biological clock, allowing her to plan her life at her own pace. At the age of 40, Linn Kuo made a major decision: to move back to the U.S. and restart her career. This newfound freedom was like a heartfelt thank-you to her younger self in her 30s. It was also this choice that led her to meet her life partner and ultimately fulfill her dream of becoming a mother.
During the pandemic, with prolonged isolation and the complete halt of social events, Linn Kuo quipped, “I don't want to just die like this!” So, she downloaded a dating app. Initially, her goal was simply to find someone to learn Spanish, but fate had other plans—she unexpectedly met her soulmate. She laughed, "The baby’s here now, but my Spanish? Still nonexistent!" Under the pressure of the pandemic and concerns about health and safety, they quickly confirmed their relationship. After about eight months of dating, they experienced their first natural pregnancy. However, their joy was heartbreakingly short-lived—the embryo stopped developing at seven weeks. During the painful miscarriage, which involved heavy bleeding when taking medication to expel the embryo, Rauhmel Fox witnessed her suffering and felt deeply for her. This loss not only intensified their desire to become parents but also motivated Linn Kuo to actively pursue assistance through IVF.
Speaking of her experience transporting her eggs to the U.S., Linn Kuo was incredibly impressed with Stork's reliable services. The efficient administrative process, including two- to three-day response times and proactive updates, saved her considerable effort. The availability of resources like liquid nitrogen tank rentals greatly facilitated the transportation of her eggs. Experienced what she described as a 'laid-back' approach to healthcare. Doctors believed in the body's ability to self-regulate and avoid unnecessary medications. This made her quite anxious when she experienced some bleeding during her pregnancy. However, overall, her pregnancy was surprisingly smooth with no morning sickness, special dietary needs and even the delivery was straightforward. The only challenge was so-called “pregnancy brain,” causing her to make small errors at work. Fortunately, with the understanding and support of her team, she successfully navigated this extraordinary period.
角色轉變，重塑價值觀
立亞的誕生不僅為姿伶的生活注入新色彩，也徹底改寫了她的價值觀。從前的她性格果斷，凡事追求效率，如今卻笑稱自己成了超級謹慎派，是個妥妥的「俗辣」。每個決定所考量的核心都是：「這對孩子好嗎？」選房子不再只是看交通便利，還得考慮學區和環境安全；飲食習慣也大變樣，麻辣火鍋和酒類飲品都在哺乳期間被無情封印；至於最愛的娛樂活動，像是演唱會和脫口秀，則通通改成配合孩子作息的家庭節奏。
她對「全職媽媽」的看法，也有了 180 度的大轉變。曾經覺得全職媽媽可能是「大材小用」，如今卻深刻體會到，這是份全天候、無假期的高強度工作，值得滿滿的敬佩。她更打趣的說：「全職媽媽讓所有人瞬間回到同一起跑線。」無論背景多豐富、成就多耀眼，面對哺乳、換尿布等日常挑戰，每個媽媽都在同一片汪洋中掙扎與學習。
「當我發現，有一個小生命比我自己更重要時，我突然覺得，自己的需求變得不再那麼重要了。」育兒到現在兩個多月，姿伶形容這是一段充滿意義的旅程。但她也幽默補充：「等立亞青春期時，搞不好我會想把她塞回肚子裡！」因為孩子而大幅改變的生活習慣，朋友也安慰她：「等孩子會跑、會講話，妳就會懷念現在這段時間了。」姿伶則吐槽：「如果每個階段都讓你懷念上一個，那不就代表後面只會更恐怖？」育兒挑戰層出不窮，這種無條件的付出雖偶爾感到負擔，但更多的是無可取代的幸福與特權。
A Shift in Roles: Redefining Values
The arrival of Li-Ya not only added a vibrant new hue to Linn Kuo's life but also fundamentally reshaped her values. Once decisive and efficiency-driven, she now jokingly describes herself as a "super-cautious chicken." Every decision now goes through a single filter: "'Is this best for my child?'" Choosing a house is no longer just about convenience and accessibility; it's about school districts and creating a safe environment. Her diet has undergone a complete overhaul, with spicy hot pot and alcoholic beverages banished while breastfeeding. And her once-beloved hobbies like concerts and stand-up comedy have been replaced by a family-friendly schedule.
Her perspective on being a stay-at-home mom has also taken a complete 180-degree turn. What she once dismissed as a 'waste of talent' is now something she understands to be one of the most demanding jobs. It’s a 24/7, 365-day-a-year role with no days off that commands the utmost respect. She humorously added, “Being a full-time mom puts everyone back at the same starting line.” Regardless of how successful or accomplished someone might be, when it comes to breastfeeding, diaper changes, and other daily tasks, every mother is navigating the uncharted waters of parenthood.
“When I realized that there is a little life more important than myself, my own needs suddenly didn’t seem so significant anymore,” Linn Kuo shared. Two months into parenting, she describes it as a deeply meaningful journey. However, she adds with a touch of humor, "When Li-Ya hits her teenage years, I might want to put her back in my belly! "Friends often comfort her, saying, "You'll miss these days once she's running around and talking." Linn Kuo quips back, "If every stage makes you miss the last one, doesn't that mean it's only going to get scarier?" While parenting comes with countless challenges and tough moments, the irreplaceable joy and privilege it brings far outweighs the hardships.
凍卵選擇，人生更有底氣
回想起十多年前，凍卵的費用大概是 10 萬元，現在費用雖略有上漲，但依然穩定在 8～13 萬元之間。與動輒 24～48 萬的借卵費用相比，凍卵的漲幅相對溫和，而且絕對是一筆值得的投資。「不管講幾百次，都是一樣的答案，我真的很慶幸當時有凍卵。」姿伶笑著說。這個決定不僅改變了她的人生，更讓她的感情與事業多了一份篤定。在感情上，她不再被年齡牽絆，能果斷結束不適合的關係，甚至在單身時，也擁有成為母親的選項。在事業上，她能更專注於自我成長，並在 40 歲那年重新回到美國開始事業。她坦言：「如果當初沒有凍卵，我可能會因為年齡和生育的顧慮，錯失很多機會。」凍卵的選擇給了她探索世界、追求夢想的自由，「孩子的問題可以等到我準備好再面對。」
但美國的生活並非毫無挑戰，尤其是育兒費用帶來的壓力。托嬰中心每月要價 2900 美元 （約台幣9～10萬），保姆費每小時 35 美元 （約台幣1200），都讓她說實在沒有勇氣再懷第二胎。幸運的是，她所在的矽谷公司提供家庭規劃補助，額度高達 5 萬美元，涵括領養、人工生殖和凍卵等費用，也減輕了不少經濟負擔。
姿伶也鼓勵女性提早考慮凍卵，把它當成對未來的一份投資，而非壓力。她認為，凍卵能讓女性在感情中更自信，事業中更從容。「迎接孩子的時機應該由自己決定，而不是被時間或社會框架限制。」姿伶強調，成為母親是一段改變人生的旅程，但不代表必須犧牲自我。凍卵賦予女性的不只是生育的選擇權，也讓我們能活得更有底氣，並在母職與自我追求之間找到平衡，活出更加自主的人生。
Choosing Egg Freezing: Empowering in Life
Reflecting on a decision made over a decade ago, Linn Kuo recalls that the cost of egg freezing back then was around NT$100,000. While the price has slightly increased today, it remains stable between NT$80,000 and NT$130,000. Compared to the hefty NT$240,000 to NT$480,000 required for egg donation, the rise in egg freezing costs has been relatively moderate—and it is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment. “No matter how many times I say it, the answer is always the same: I’m so grateful I chose to freeze my eggs back then,” Linn Kuo said with a smile. This decision not only transformed her life but also gave her greater assurance in both her personal and professional pursuits.
In her personal life, Linn Kuo no longer feels constrained by age. She can end unsuitable relationships decisively, and even has the option of becoming a mother–even if she's single. In her career, she has been able to focus on personal growth and even took the bold step of restarting her career in the U.S. at the age of 40. She candidly admitted, “If I hadn't frozen my eggs, I might have missed out on many opportunities due to age and fertility concerns.” Egg freezing gave her the freedom to explore the world and pursue her dreams, knowing that “I could address the question of having children when I was ready.”
Life in the U.S. comes with its own set of challenges, especially the financial strain of raising a child. Daycare costs around $2,900 per month (roughly NT$90,000-100,000), and hiring a nanny runs about $35 an hour (roughly NT$1,200)—expenses that have made the idea of a second child feel daunting. Thankfully, her company in Silicon Valley offers a generous family planning benefit of up to $50,000, covering expenses like adoption, fertility treatments, and egg freezing, which has significantly eased the financial burden.
Linn Kuo encourages women to consider egg freezing early, viewing it as an investment in their future rather than a source of pressure. She believes that egg freezing empowers women to approach relationships with greater confidence and navigate their careers with more composure. “The timing for welcoming a child should be our decision, not dictated by time or societal expectations,” she emphasized. Becoming a mother is a life-changing journey, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing oneself. Egg freezing provides women not only with reproductive autonomy but also with the confidence to live life on their own terms, finding a balance between motherhood and personal fulfillment, while embracing a more self-determined future.
愛的延續，從母親到女兒
回顧這段旅程，凍卵的選擇對姿伶而言有著無比深遠的意義，而女兒立亞的誕生，正是這趟旅程最美好的禮物。儘管曾經歷自然流產的痛苦，她依然以積極的心態迎接挑戰，最終迎來了自己的孩子。然而，當她帶著立亞回臺灣外出時，卻聽到長輩說：「妳們家沒有長輩嗎？怎麼這麼早就把小孩帶出門啊？」這些話雖然無心，卻不免刺痛了她的心。
自從成為媽媽後，對這個角色有了更深的感悟，也常常渴望能和媽媽分享自己的心情，但遺憾的是，再也沒辦法實現。 雖然親戚們給予不少關心，卻永遠無法取代媽媽的角色，姿伶也難以傾訴內心最深的情感，每當思念悄悄爬上心頭，那股情緒總是難以壓抑。幸運的是，伴侶始終是她最堅實的後盾。他不僅是一位好爸爸，更是她的得力助手，無論是換尿布、洗澡還是餵奶，他都主動分擔，讓姿伶能更加從容地適應初為人母的挑戰。
「每次看到立亞在睡夢中笑著，我總忍不住聯想到媽媽，彷彿是她在逗立亞笑。」姿伶感慨萬千。如果媽媽還在，她有太多話想對媽媽說，尤其是在感到無助的時候。比如擠奶的過程有多艱辛，她多麼希望能問問媽媽當年是如何堅持，甚至餵奶餵到她們三、四歲。懷孕期間的一切都那麼順利，這都讓她忍不住想，如果媽媽在身邊，她會對自己說些什麼呢？
看著立亞，那張小臉彷彿訴說著愛的傳承，這個小生命不僅是母親精神的延續，更將姿伶與媽媽的連結深深刻在記憶裡，隨著生命的流動更加強烈與深厚。
The Continuation of Love: From Mother to Daughter
Looking back on this journey, the decision to freeze her eggs holds immense significance for Linn Kuo. The birth of her daughter, Li-Ya, is the most precious gift from this path she chose. Despite enduring the heartbreak of a miscarriage, she faced challenges with unwavering positivity and was ultimately blessed with her child. However, bringing Li-Ya out during her visit to Taiwan brought its own sting. She recalled how some elders commented, “Don’t you have grandparents in your family? Why are you taking the baby out so early?”Though these comments were unintentional, they sometimes stung deeply.
Since becoming a mother, Linn Kuo has developed a deeper understanding of this role, often wishing she could share her thoughts and feelings with her own mother. Sadly, that is no longer possible. Although her relatives show much care and concern, they can never replace her mother’s unique role in her life. Linn Kuo finds it difficult to voice her deepest emotions, and when waves of longing for her mother wash over her, they are overwhelming. Fortunately, her partner has been her steadfast pillar of support. Not only is he an exceptional father, but he also takes an active role in parenting duties like changing diapers, bathing, and feeding, allowing Linn Kuo to adjust more gracefully to the challenges of motherhood.
“Every time I see Li-Ya smile in her sleep, I can’t help but think of my mom—it’s as if she’s the one making Li-Ya laugh,” Linn Kuo said, Linn Kuo shared, deeply moved.
If her mother were still here, there would be so much she’d want to say, especially during moments of helplessness. For example, she wishes she could ask how her mom managed to endure the exhausting process of breastfeeding, especially when she and her siblings were nursed until the age of three or four. Everything about her pregnancy went so smoothly, and it makes her wonder: If Mom were here, what would she say to me?
When Linn Kuo looks at Li-Ya, the little face seems to tell a story of love’s continuity. This tiny life is not only a continuation of her mother’s spirit but also a profound and enduring connection between Linn Kuo and her mother. As life flows onward, that bond grows ever deeper and stronger.
