Our Primary Infertility Story
“We started our fertility journey dreaming and wondering what it would be like to have a family, to have little ones bouncing around, so we started to make that dream happen.”
Neurofibromatosis and IVF
“Once I got to high school, it was probably about 11th or 12th grade where my parents told me I would have to go through IVF to have kids. In my mind I was like, ‘Okay- No big deal.”
PCOS Personal Story
“I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 13, and had to start taking birth control pill to regulate my periods. Even then, my gynecologist always reassured me that I would have no difficulty to get pregnant.”
The Stranger Who Sees You Clearly
“I’m not sure what you were holding onto, but it was clear that it was upsetting you — for when I looked over, a few quiet tears were running down your face.”
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
“We’ve tried different protocols, tried doing some natural remedies, tried over 4 clinics. It’s been 10 IVF retrievals so far. We spent thousands of dollars. And my daughter is still our only child.”
My Personal Infertility Story
I want to highlight one important piece of this story. Anyone who is struggling to have a child, whatever the reason, feels a complex jumble of emotions.
To My Dearest Embabies
“Lastly, dear embabies of mine, I want you to know that mommy loves you more than anything in the world! I am so proud of all of my brave, strong and beautiful babies.”
IVF & Marriage
“I’ve never told a single soul this, but the biggest reason I don’t want to do IVF is because I don’t think my marriage is strong enough to endure it.”
Stopping Treatment
Have you made the decision to stop treatment, for a little while or forever? What was your reasoning? How do you feel/did you feel when you stopped?
Pregnant For One Week
“I was pregnant for 7 days and 7 nights. After doing my one billionth cycle of IVF, I had my first positive HCG. After 42 and a half years I was finally pregnant.”
I Want A Baby
“I want a baby I want to feel the joy of a positive pregnancy test I want to feel the first twinge of morning sickness I want to feel that overwhelming exhaustion.”
Partner Against IVF
My husband and I couldn’t be on more different pages. Nothing has made me hate him more.I feel so alone in this because it literally seems like no one else has this issue.
Grief and the Unknown
Grief and the unknown: Two words that accurately describe my feelings as i stand in the midst of my journey at a standstill. Waiting for THE PHONE CALL.”
Dearest Little Embryo
“How does one describe the grief and pain of a failed embryo transfer?It’s hard to put pen to paper, but the pain and grief is so very tangible. It’s an unexpected pain and yearning.”
Letter to My Embryo
We have been flooded with messages about your embryo failures. "I thought I was crazy to feel this way.” "I didn't know anyone else I could talk to about my feelings of deep, intense loss."
Support Not Suggestions
It's important to share this message any time of year, but especially now when so many of you are seeing friends and family who may not know the intricacies of your situation.
A Eulogy for a Person Who Never Got to Be
Deeply grateful to Dr. Rachel Rosenthal for allowing us to share her piece, which talks about her latest miscarriage with the themes of communal and personal expectations running throughout.
Thick Skin
“Thick skin When she says "I'm pregnant," and you fake a smile All while she babbles about Morning sickness and Setting up a nursery and She never thinks of you.”
Infertility and Running
Infertility takes so much from our identity. Thank you @rachelteachestorah for sharing your words on infertility, resilience, and yes, running.
Infertility Has Rewritten My Life’s Story
Longing for a child is deep and painful. And it changes you forever. Read one woman’s story below. “I don’t read novels much anymore. When I was younger I used to love it.”