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: IUI
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 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”
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) Less Common Than You Expect, More Concerning Than you May Think
By: Erica Ferraro Embarking on our TTC journey, we become acutely aware that the heartbreaking loss of unborn babies can mar the path of parenthood. What remains concealed from us is the prevalence of miscarriages and the distinction between a “normal” miscarriage occurrence and a more severe condition known as RPL. It is important toContinue reading “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) Less Common Than You Expect, More Concerning Than you May Think”
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”
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 