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”
Tag Archives: endometriosis
Embryo Transfer Day Must Have’s
By: Erica Ferraro Embryo transfer day is one of the most exciting, nerve-racking, and special days you will have in your IVF journey. It is the day that all of your hard work, comes to a climax as you try with all of your might to bring your baby, Earthside. This moment is nerve-racking, becauseContinue reading “Embryo Transfer Day Must Have’s”
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”
The Power of Pineapples: A Symbolic Beacon of Hope and Community
By: Erica Ferraro In the past, infertility was shrouded in secrecy, whispered behind closed doors, and burdened by societal taboos. Our parents bore the weight of this struggle in hushed tones, with limited resources and a sense of isolation. However, times have changed. The internet has brought about a more open-minded generation, and but alsoContinue reading “The Power of Pineapples: A Symbolic Beacon of Hope and Community”
Infertility is a Medical Diagnosis, Not a Mind Set: Say it Louder for the People in the Back
By: Erica Ferraro Let me give you a glimpse into an encounter I had with someone when going through IVF treatments. This person, although they did not mean malice, clearly missed the empathy and commonsense memo. Which, unfortunately, is quite commonplace when discussing fertility struggles amongst those who have not walked our path. In theContinue reading “Infertility is a Medical Diagnosis, Not a Mind Set: Say it Louder for the People in the Back”
Flattering Dresses for the Overwhelming Summer: Beat the Heat, Hormones, and IVF Challenges with Flair
By: Erica Ferraro Let’s face it, going through infertility treatments during summer is a whole new level of stress. It’s a sizzling season, with raging hormones, weight fluctuations, exercise restrictions, and non-stop sweating (shoutout to my Lupron sisters!). All these factors can make us feel a tad insecure in our stylish summer outfits. Trust me,Continue reading “Flattering Dresses for the Overwhelming Summer: Beat the Heat, Hormones, and IVF Challenges with Flair”
Rainbow Baby Tokens: Faith-Filled Purchases for the Expectant Mother
By: Erica Ferraro However your journey to motherhood unfolds, it is undeniably a remarkable, exquisite, and unique experience. Some may traverse a longer path than others, encountering stormy weather along the way. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a precious baby, endured multiple rounds of IVF without success, or turned to various assisted reproductive technologies,Continue reading “Rainbow Baby Tokens: Faith-Filled Purchases for the Expectant Mother”
Adenomyosis, Endo’s Not-So-Sweet Sister
By: Erica Ferraro Wait.. there’s a sister? Is she cool? NO. She’s awful. And she’s really great at disguising herself as other female health conditions, going underdiagnosed and misunderstood at large. Adenomyosis (adeno) and endometriosis (endo), both conditions affecting the endometrial tissue within the uterus, exhibit distinct characteristics and present varying symptoms. In the caseContinue reading “Adenomyosis, Endo’s Not-So-Sweet Sister”
Beneath the Surface: The Enigmatic Diagnosis of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
By: Erica Ferraro Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) holds a special place in my heart, as it became a part of my life soon after I turned 30. It was during the infertility blood work at my fertility clinic that I received this diagnosis. I remember eagerly awaiting the call from my doctor, hopeful that withContinue reading “Beneath the Surface: The Enigmatic Diagnosis of Diminished Ovarian Reserve”
Moving Mountains For Motherhood 