Stories from the Community
The following are an assortment of essays, creative writing, journal entries, poetry, and more from people in our shared community.
“Once a member, always a member”
Katie and her husband, Mike, were not willing to give up hope when they were told donor sperm was the only option… so they kept looking for more answers!
She Has That “Fertile Feeling”
It took over a decade for Françoise and her partner Remigius to conceive their first child Benjamin through IVF. They are currently trying for a little brother or sister. The journey has been such a life-changing one that Françoise quit her job at a prestigious international affairs think tank so that she could dedicate all her time to sharing the lessons she has learned along the way with others.
Interview with Juliane: When IVF is only the first hardship…
Juliane’s hardship really began with IVF… and then came the premature birth’s of her children. She is such a reminder that the battle is not always won at the positive pregnancy test!
10 Tools for Coping with Infertility During Holidays
The holidays are less than joyous occasions when they become reminders of what we don’t have in life, rather than times to appreciate what we do have. For couples and individuals struggling with infertility, holidays can be a painful reminder of what you’re missing most from your life. Here are 10 Coping Tips to get through the tough days.
Interview with Alecia: How She Pivots Her Perspective
Alecia has tried IUI, IVF, Surrogacy… while she is not done trying, it has forced her to ask the tough questions of “when is enough enough?”
Interview with Lucero: Escaping Abuse for her future family
Lucero is many things. She is a domestic violence survivor who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a candidate for State Senate, a first generation immigrant, an ironman triathlete, and a mentor. She has overcome loss, grief, and abuse all to come through with an IVF baby on the way.
Here is her story.
Contingency Planning
Steph and her partner have to navigate their fertility journey alongside the complications of being in the military. Let’s just say, it gets complicated!
Interview with Priscilla: “When you decide enough is enough”
When one woman finally decided after IUI, IVF, years of trying and a pregnancy loss - enough was enough - and embraces a childless life.
Interview with Leanne: Her journey with Turners Syndrome
Leanne learned as early as 15 she would have trouble, but that doesn’t make things any easier.
Journey to my Stage 4 Endo Diagnosis
"I will continue to share my stories, among other’s stories, until this horrible disease is taken seriously and is getting the attention in the medical field it deserves."
When an OBGYN has a Loss
Rima, and OBGYN, shares her personal experiences with pregnancy loss and helps us see that we are not alone in our feelings of sadness - and that no matter how many times you have seen someone experience a loss, you could never understand that pain until your own.
Alice’s Ectopic Story
Alice shares her story with experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and a sudden surgery, and how she is still hopeful for her rainbow baby.
Finding the Right Therapist for You
Finding a therapist that is right for you & questions to ask in the consultation.
Interview with Aly: “Finding Comfort in Journaling”
Aly and her husband have been trying to conceive for a little over three years. After experiencing four pregnancy losses along their journey, Aly and her husband are getting ready to start IVF.
Interview with Janilyn: Hoping, Waiting, Praying
Sometimes we become closest to those helping us get through infertility! Janilyn Lee has developed a unique relationship with her fertility clinic, she even babysits for the nurses! You can hear more about Janilyn, her experiences, and her support system here.
Tips from my Acupuncturist
Included here are some of the additional tricks and tips provided by my Fertility Acupuncturist to improve fertility. These are unique to my needs, but may help you as well!
When the only goal becomes… to have a baby.
What it is really like when all other aspects of your life seem to fall apart or feel insignificant, as the only thing that matters anymore is having a baby…
Fertility Coach, Jen Robinson, helps us understand these feelings.
Meg’s Endometriosis & Induced Menopause at 23
Through years of pain due to endometriosis, Meg shares how she finally came to a diagnosis, pregnancy loss treatment using induced menopause, and finally two miracle babies.
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