This poem was written on August 2, 2023, the morning that we received our first positive pregnancy test after an unbelievable, 2+ year fertility battle. If you’re going through infertility, and you feel like no one understands, I hope these words comfort your heart, today. By: Erica Ferraro The last two years were unfathomable, TheyContinue reading “Our Journey to Baby Ferraro, A Poem”
Category Archives: Infertility Mental Health
Pulling the Unlucky Card of Infertility: Let’s Take a Moment to Chuckle at the Absurdity
By: Erica Ferraro Dealing with infertility is like starring in a tragic drama most of the time. There is a silver lining: sometimes you get to laugh. If you do not, you will swim in an ocean of tears forever. As someone who has had their fair share of tearful moments over something they cannotContinue reading “Pulling the Unlucky Card of Infertility: Let’s Take a Moment to Chuckle at the Absurdity”
Boundary Setting 101
By: Erica Ferraro Infertility often involves a delicate balance between personal boundaries. You may decide to keep certain aspects private or a secret – which is not the same thing. Understanding the distinction between these concepts is crucial for individuals and couples navigating this sensitive terrain. However, from my personal experience, I strongly encourage openness toContinue reading “Boundary Setting 101”
How to Exist in the Online TTC Community Without Losing Your Own Mind
By: Erica Ferraro Let’s face it, support groups can either be a blessing or a curse. The “trying to conceive” (TTC) is intimately familiar with this truth. Since embarking on our journey to parenthood, I’ve immersed myself in a myriad of online support groups, vibrant Facebook communities, engaging Instagram conversations, and more. They’re all mesmerizingContinue reading “How to Exist in the Online TTC Community Without Losing Your Own Mind”
How to Not Intentionally Be a Jerk and Support Your Infertile Friends
By: Erica Ferraro Usually I direct my articles towards my IVF sisters who are currently in their own infertility battle but today, this sentiment is for our well-intentioned friends and family members who need a little help in the sensitivity department. I will preface this by saying that I believe 99% of the time, lovedContinue reading “How to Not Intentionally Be a Jerk and Support Your Infertile Friends”
Thoughts from a DOR Girl: You Have Options, Even Though it May Not Feel That Way
By: Erica Ferraro Ah, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), one of the leading silent culprits behind female infertility. A condition so discreet, it can remain undiagnosed throughout a woman’s entire life unless she seeks help from a fertility clinic. DOR reveals itself when a woman’s egg quantity, and often quality, fall short of what is expectedContinue reading “Thoughts from a DOR Girl: You Have Options, Even Though it May Not Feel That Way”
The 10 Things I Know to be Absolutely Certain About Infertility
By: Erica Ferraro But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked. “Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.” Alice in Wonderland Are you feeling the flames of frustration burning within? Feeling a bit…. MAD? In the midst of the uncertainty that defines allContinue reading “The 10 Things I Know to be Absolutely Certain About Infertility”
Building Mental Resilience: Tips for Preparing for an Embryo Transfer
By: Erica Ferraro Embryo transfer anxiety is a real challenge, but let me tell you, you’re not alone. I’ve been on this roller coaster for weeks, preparing for my first fresh embryo transfer. It feels like my entire future and well-being hinge on the success of this transfer. If you’ve gone through the process ofContinue reading “Building Mental Resilience: Tips for Preparing for an Embryo Transfer”
So You Need To Use an Egg Donor? How Not to Spiral, Panic, or Jump off a Cliff, By Someone Who Has Contemplated Cliff Jumping, Among Other Things.
By: Erica Ferraro Wait…What? We have to use WHAT? What in the world is an egg donor? NO WAY! OH MY GOD, this means I’ll never have my children. Are you suggesting that I carry another woman’s baby with my husband’s sperm? Are you out of your mind? But I am only 30 years old…everyoneContinue reading “So You Need To Use an Egg Donor? How Not to Spiral, Panic, or Jump off a Cliff, By Someone Who Has Contemplated Cliff Jumping, Among Other Things.”
Hug Your Infertility Sisters, Literally
I stepped into my mock transfer appointment, my heart cautiously beating in rhythm with my full bladder. Our journey through infertility had taken us farther than I ever imagined, and every visit to the clinic stirred a swirling concoction of complex emotions within me. Fear, hope, anxiety, and excitement danced together, their steps accompanied byContinue reading “Hug Your Infertility Sisters, Literally”
Moving Mountains For Motherhood 