Pregnancy | IVF | Mental Health | Patient Stories
By:
Katie Cacchiani
January 28th, 2022
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
Twins | IVF | Genetic Testing | Patient Stories | Pregnancy & Infant Loss
By:
Sierra Dehmler
January 10th, 2022
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.
PCOS | IVF | Patient Stories | Pregnancy & Infant Loss
By:
Katie Cacchiani
December 14th, 2021
This is Part 1 of our Katie's Story series. Read Part 2 and Part 3. After coming to terms with the fact that my husband and I likely wouldn't be able to conceive on our own, we decided to seek out the help of a fertility specialist. What followed was a long journey through fertility testing, procedures, multiple pregnancy losses, three rounds of IVF, and finally meeting our rainbow baby girl. Skip to a specific section: The First Step: Fertility Testing Understanding the World of Fertility Our First IVF Cycle Trying Again: Our Second Embryo Transfer Experiencing a New Kind of Loss Getting More Answers with an ERA Cycle Giving It One More Try: Our Third Transfer Overcoming Loss & Grief A High-Risk Pregnancy & The Greatest Reward Preview: The Journey to Baby #2 More IVF Resources
Twins | IVF | Patient Stories
By:
Sierra Dehmler
December 3rd, 2021
After struggling to conceive on their own, Danielle and Rob began a path to parenthood that would lead them through ICSI and IVF to a huge surprise they never could have anticipated. Read about their journey through infertility, a complex and challenging pregnancy and their advice to fellow fertility warriors in this honest account of how they grew their family. Skip to a specific section: Meet Danielle & Rob The First Step: Seeking Out Help Uncovering Male Factor Fertility Issues Leaning on Their Care Team for Support The Challenges of the IVF Process Remaining Hopeful & Preparing for Transfer #2 The Shock of a Lifetime Becoming Parents x 2 Advice for Other Fertility Patients Staying Connected to the Fertility Community More Resources
Infertility Coverage | IVF | IUI | Affording Care
By:
Sierra Dehmler
November 18th, 2021
If you need to pursue fertility treatment, your next question is likely “How in the world am I going to pay for this?” Hopefully, your answer is your insurance provider! The first step is to figure out if your insurance policy includes fertility coverage and will help pay for the infertility treatments, tests, or other procedures your doctor may recommend. Learn how to explore your plan's coverage and get the most out of your insurance with our detailed guide below.
Fertility Treatment | IVF | Patient Stories
By:
Sierra Dehmler
November 5th, 2021
After four failed IVF cycles at another fertility clinic and almost ready to give up their hope of ever having children, Chris and Desiree decided to reach out to the team at Illume Fertility to see if they could help. This is their story. Want to jump to a specific section? Meet Chris and Desiree A New Start Navigating the Highs and Lows Finding Success After Failed IVF Reflections on Their Fertility Journey Advice to Other Fertility Patients Desiree's Top Tips Want to Share Your Story? More IVF Resources
Unexplained Infertility | Twins | IVF | Patient Stories
By:
Sierra Dehmler
August 18th, 2021
Some people dream of having twins. Some even enter into the fertility treatment process hoping for twins. But no matter what, finding out that you're pregnant with multiples is a shock! In this special Illume Fertility family story, Stephanie shares her journey through unexplained infertility, a high-risk pregnancy, and creating her family of four.
PCOS | IVF | Single Mom By Choice | Patient Stories | Pregnancy & Infant Loss
By:
Sierra Dehmler
July 27th, 2021
One of our favorite things about helping families grow is witnessing the diversity - both in what each patient's version of success looks like, and what each family looks like. No two families are exactly the same, and we believe that uniqueness is part of what makes each story so beautiful. In this blog, former Illume Fertility patient and single mom by choice Alison shares her journey through fertility struggles, an unexpected divorce, and choosing to add another baby to her family as a newly solo parent.