By Connie Stark, RNC The path to parenthood can feel like navigating a maze full of twists, turns, and unexpected paths that bring moments of uncertainty, negative thoughts, low self-esteem, doubt, and feeling lost. But here’s the truth: you’re not lost, you are exploring. With the right mindset, tools, and support, every step forward brings … Read more
By Connie Stark, RNC Spring is here! It’s the perfect time to refresh not just your home but also your fertility journey. Let’s clear the clutter and shift your mindset, planning for a healthy lifestyle and preconception journey ahead. Here are 10 simple lifestyle changes to help you feel your best self as you continue … Read more
By Connie Stark, RNC The holiday season, while joyful, can also be a challenging time for those on a fertility journey, especially when going through fertility treatments. Balancing holiday festivities with the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive can be tricky. However, practicing gratitude can provide a much-needed boost to your emotional well-being. … Read more
By Connie Stark, RNC When starting in vitro fertilization (IVF), it can feel like you’re stepping into the unknown, but with the right mindset and self-care strategies, you can navigate this path with confidence and resilience. In this article, we’ll share helpful tips on prioritizing your well-being throughout your IVF journey, whether planning your first, … Read more
By Connie Stark, RNC When it comes to reproductive medicine, there is no secret recipe (or protocol) that guarantees pregnancy. But whether you just started trying to conceive (TTC), or you’re in the thick of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), making choices and finding what ignites you to feel and be your best … Read more
By Connie Stark, RNC Summer is the time of year for picnics, fun in the sun, and celebrating Independence Day. For those trying to conceive (TTC), enjoying the summer months can also look like living “in fertility” and planning for the celebration of pregnancy and parenthood. We can strive to choose healthy lifestyle habits that … Read more
Kasey’s Journey Our journey began long before my husband and I met. I was born with one of the genetic conditions that we do testing for in an effort to avoid; I have cystic fibrosis, and 24 years ago, I underwent a life-saving liver and pancreas transplant. Fast forward to 2019, when my husband and … Read more
By Melissa Gohkman, RN, BSN & Angel Thomas, RN, BSN You might have heard of in vitro fertilization (IVF) add-ons from your healthcare provider throughout your fertility treatment and care. These may have been referred to as “additional” or “adjunct” therapies. But you may still be wondering what is an IVF add-on, should you consider … Read more
Priscilla and Tony’s Journey When we got married in September of 2015, we knew we wanted a family. We also knew we wanted time to adjust not only to married life but also to living with someone else for the very first time. It wasn’t long before we decided to start “trying,” and without any … Read more
By Angel Thomas, RN, BSN Women and people who menstruate may be asked by their doctors, “Are your menstrual cycles normal?” Or they may be asked, “Do you have an irregular period or irregular cycles?” But what do “normal” and “regular” really mean? Our bodies are unique and our cycles are too. We have the … Read more
Nichelle’s Journey Harold and I married in April 2013, and I immediately stopped taking the pill when we returned from our honeymoon. I was thrilled to be finished with the extra hormones and looked forward to becoming a parent soon. I had always dreamed of getting married and being a mom. After six months of … Read more
Alex’s Journey Photo Credit: Lindsey Kay Photography John and I are thrilled to share that after four and a half years of waiting and ten grueling rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Baby Baxmeyer will FINALLY be here in April! We started trying to expand our family in 2018 and after an early loss, we … Read more
Jen’s Journey My husband and I started our fertility journey in 2016. After a few months of trying naturally, and due to our ages (34 and 46), we were referred to a fertility specialist (or reproductive endocrinologist) for testing. We found out that my husband’s sperm count was low, so we spent the next 8 … Read more
By Connie Stark, RNC In today’s world, many aspiring parents who face fertility challenges feel overwhelmed and even disheartened. There is a stigma surrounding infertility and a common perception of in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a “last resort” option, which is often rooted in fear despite advancements in reproductive medicine. But is IVF really a … Read more
By Connie Stark, RNC For some, an in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey may be the next step for aspiring parents when planning their family after an infertility diagnosis. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the updated definition of infertility is,“a disease, condition, or status characterized by any of the following: Nothing in … Read more