Mandy Moore reveals unsuccessful IVF journey before surprise baby Lou arrived

The actress said she is still emotionally recovering after having three children within three and a half years

Mandy Moore has spoken candidly about her fertility journey, revealing that an attempt at IVF before the birth of her third child was unsuccessful and left her believing that expanding her family might not happen.

The actress and singer shared the details during an appearance on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, where she reflected on the path that eventually led to the arrival of daughter Louise “Lou” Goldsmith in September 2024.

Moore explained that she and her husband, Taylor Goldsmith, pursued IVF as what she described as an insurance policy. Having conceived their first two children naturally, the couple hoped to create embryos that could be preserved until they decided whether they wanted to have another child.

However, the treatment did not produce the outcome they had hoped for. Moore said the IVF cycle failed to result in viable embryos, prompting her to accept that a third child might not be part of their future.

According to Moore, the experience led her to adopt a more relaxed outlook. She said she concluded that if another child was meant to join their family, it would happen naturally. At the time, she felt content and grateful for the family she already had with sons August “Gus” Harrison Goldsmith and Oscar “Ozzie” Bennett Goldsmith.

The situation changed unexpectedly when she became pregnant with Lou. Moore described the pregnancy as a surprise, noting that while she and Goldsmith were not actively trying for another baby, they remained open to the possibility after going through the IVF process.

The actress has previously discussed fertility concerns. In earlier comments, she revealed that doctors had once suggested there was only a slim chance of her becoming pregnant before she conceived her eldest son, Gus. The eventual arrival of all three children therefore represented a series of unexpected developments in her personal life.

While Moore expressed gratitude for her growing family, she also acknowledged the demands of parenthood. With three children born within roughly three and a half years, she admitted she is still emotionally recovering from the experience.

Despite the challenges, Moore said she considers herself fortunate. She explained that her pregnancies were relatively straightforward and that she did not experience significant postpartum difficulties. Looking back, she described her overall journey into motherhood as easier than many others face, even while recognising the physical and emotional adjustments that came with raising three young children.

The former This Is Us star has frequently shared her appreciation for motherhood in recent years. In a Mother’s Day message posted in 2025, she described being a mother as the greatest gift of her life, praising the joy her children bring while also acknowledging the constant responsibilities that come with parenting.