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: InVitroFertilization
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Moving Mountains For Motherhood 