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: PCOS
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”
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”
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”
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”
Infertility Acronyms for the Newbies
Navigating infertility can be incredibly confusing, and it becomes even more complex when you engage in conversations with others who are also going through the same experience. I vividly recall being taken aback and wondering why these individuals seemed to be speaking a different language altogether. It’s true, the infertility community has developed its ownContinue reading “Infertility Acronyms for the Newbies”
Moving Mountains For Motherhood 