Fertility Blog

As awareness around infertility and fertility treatment grows, many people are becoming more familiar with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). But what about all the other ways to make a family? While IVF is a great pathway to parenthood for many parents, it's not the only one!

This is Part 3 of Katie's Story, a series where one fertility patient takes you through her entire IVF journey in real-time, from start to finish. To catch up, read Part 1 and Part 2 or follow along here.

Choosing to become a parent is a big decision. Choosing to pursue single parenthood can add even more responsibility and potential challenges. Whether you become a single parent by choice or by chance, it is a huge undertaking - but can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Read on to hear about Kaitlyn's journey to parenthood as a single mother by choice and everything she learned along the way to bringing home her daughter Scarlett. Skip to a section: Meet Kaitlyn January 2019: Researching Her Options Taking the First Steps with Illume Fertility May 2019: Starting with IUI Treatment January 2020: First IVF Cycle March 2020: Pandemic Setbacks September 2020: Risk & Reward On Becoming a Single Mom by Choice Will people support your choices? More Resources

While every fertility patient's journey is different, there's one thing they all typically have in common: none of them expected to need the help of fertility treatments, doctors and an entire team of healthcare professionals in order to have a baby. In this story, RMA of Connecticut mom Azana shares the highs and lows of her experience and what she learned along her unique path to motherhood.  Skip to a section: Meet Azana & Delvin When Trying to Conceive Doesn't Go As Planned Taking the Next Step: Asking for Help The Highs & Lows of Fertility Treatment The Anxiety of Pregnancy After Loss Welcoming Their Long-Awaited Baby The Future of Their Family Advice to Other Fertility Patients Remember: Your Journey is Your Own More IVF & Infertility Resources

This is Part 2 of our Katie's Story series. Read Part 1 and Part 3. After a long journey involving multiple pregnancy losses, three rounds of IVF and lots of waiting, we finally welcomed our daughter Nora in 2020. But we were anxious about what it would take for us to try and give Nora a little brother or sister. This is Part 2 of my story, which includes some updates about whether our fourth frozen embryo transfer was successful, the emotional roller coaster of early pregnancy and what's next for our family.  Skip to a specific section: July 2021: Planning for Baby #2 Navigating Insurance & the Emotions of Starting Again My Second Egg Retrieval December 2021: Frozen Embryo Transfer January 2022: Am I Pregnant? Pregnancy Ultrasound #1 Pregnancy Ultrasound #2 Where Am I Now? More Infertility Resources

After years of wondering if she would ever become a mother, Nicole and her husband Scott decided to seek guidance from the fertility experts at Illume Fertility to see if it was possible for her to conceive with her diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. This is their journey through IVF, a multiple pregnancy, heartbreaking loss and finding light on the other side. ⚠️ Content Warning: This story includes discussion of pregnancy loss and stillbirth. If you're in a vulnerable place, please protect your mental wellbeing by skipping this post for now.