Last updated April 22, 2026 For the 1 in 6 people worldwide who experience infertility, the cost of treatment is often a major concern. Whether you have insurance in one of the U.S. states with mandated fertility coverage or you’re paying out of pocket, it’s important to understand what to expect financially and what resources may be available to support you.

As Jess and Beth began their fertility journey, they knew it might take time, but they never expected just how long and winding their road to parenthood would be. What follows is a powerful story of resilience, love, and the unlikely path that led them to their baby boy.

At a glance → Mother’s Day can intensify the grief of infertility, pregnancy loss, and nontraditional family-building paths, and there is no one “right” way to feel or move through the day → You do not owe anyone your presence, your smile, or your social media engagement this weekend; opting out is a valid choice → This guide includes 12 practical coping strategies, from boundary-setting and grounding techniques to creative outlets and finding community → Free virtual support, fertility-focused yoga, and support groups are available through Illume and trusted national organizations like RESOLVE and AllPaths It's no secret: Mother’s Day can be a painful reminder for those navigating infertility, loss, or nontraditional paths to parenthood. This guide offers support, validation, and resources to help you feel a little less alone on a day that can feel anything but simple.

Every year, National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) gives us an opportunity to shed light on the many paths to parenthood and honor the strength of those facing fertility challenges. Here’s a look back at the powerful stories we shared throughout NIAW 2025.

Navigating fertility and family building can be tough, but with the help of expert clinicians, a range of treatment options, and complementary therapies like acupuncture, you can still maintain balance throughout your journey. At Illume, many of our practitioners demonstrate their dedication to supporting patients through continued education and training.

In the first part of Savannah’s story, she shared the inspiration behind her decision to become a gestational carrier, her matching process, and what it was like preparing to carry a baby for another family. Now, she opens up about the second half of her journey.

When Laura and Dave decided to grow their family, they had no idea just how winding their path to parenthood would become—marked by loss, resilience, and a single embryo that would turn their story around in the most unexpected way.

Last updated: January 13, 2026 So, you’ve officially booked your first fertility consultation. Congratulations! Reaching out for help is one of the biggest hurdles in this whole journey. Committing yourself to this process is a great feat, and you should be proud of yourself for taking this important step.