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”

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.”

The Silent Struggle: Male Factor Infertility- A Common Secret, Shared Only Through Whispers

By: Erica Ferraro Male Male factor infertility is surprisingly common but still one of the most misunderstood aspects of reproductive health. When couples struggle to conceive, society tends to unfairly point fingers at women. Yet, one third of the time it is a male issue, and in many cases it is a combination of bothContinue reading “The Silent Struggle: Male Factor Infertility- A Common Secret, Shared Only Through Whispers”

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”

Assisted Reproductive Technologies 101

By: Erica Ferraro with Contributions from Alease Daniel Barnes, BS, Senior Embryologist Once you find your clinic and feel confident in your decision to proceed with treatment, you will likely learn about treatment options based on your diagnosis. I cannot reiterate enough that every patient is highly different and should have a unique treatment protocol. So,Continue reading “Assisted Reproductive Technologies 101”

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”

Infertility Support Resources that Feel Like A Lifeline

Infertility may not pose a direct threat to life, but I have personally experienced how it can profoundly alter one’s existence, making life feel unbearable at times. Regrettably, the impact of infertility on mental health is often overlooked and underdiscussed. Any individual who has undergone IVF treatment will attest that the emotional burden it carriesContinue reading “Infertility Support Resources that Feel Like A Lifeline”