IVF Success Stories: Turning In Vitro into a Journey of Healing

One of the most powerful antidotes to medical pessimism is connecting with others who have successfully resolved their particular difficulties. Our case studies and letters from the front are here to tilt the scale in favor of hope; to inform and inspire. I invite you to read them carefully, sometimes a small detail in someone else’s story, can open the door to your own healing.

Learn more about Fertile Heart and IVF.

Denyse K., Brooklyn, NY

“I have some news. I am pregnant! It is very new and I alternate between being ecstatic and nervous. We saw and heard the heartbeat today! The doctor said everything is measuring on target and looks great. We did do IVF… but this time it was on my timetable, for reasons and protocol that made sense to me, and not because some doctor said in vitro was my only chance, or out of some sense of frenzied urgency. But I don’t believe the IVF made me pregnant. I know it was this process and working with you and the tools. I can not thank you enough, but I don’t believe the work is finished for me. If I am still welcome at the circles, I will be able to request the day off in advance next time.”

Amy M., New York City

“Whenever I have occasion to explain to a friend who I have not seen in a while (as I did a few nights ago) why I seem so different from the last time she saw me, I have great joy in saying that I finally feel that I am on my “right path” in life. Who knows what path that is or where it will lead? But I can say with complete sincerity that I am genuinely grateful that I did not get pregnant in November, not only because I would never have found this path, but because I would never want now to bring a child into the life that I would have done then. As I write this, it has been a week since my in vitro “transfer” of a beautiful perfect little 8-petaled/celled flower/embryo, whose picture we both gush over. Of course she has an uncertain future—but I wanted to write to you before my pregnancy test because I want to express my gratitude what, whatever happens next, you have taken my hand and helped me climb out of a place of despair and powerlessness that I never have to go back to. Thank you for being such a bright light in the darkness.”
(Amy is now a mom of a little girl.)

Jo Z., a phone circle participant

“I’M PREGNANT!!!! Yes, it happened!!! My sincere thanks for your brilliant support, your intuitive guidance, and unflagging belief in this journey being a most blessed event in all of our lives. Julia, this has been such a jubilant time—the affirmation from the universe of what I always knew deep down was possible, but was sometimes too afraid to dream—that I AM fertile, that my baby CAN come to me, that there is nothing ‘wrong’ with me. Your work helped me remember that so many times when my faith was shaky. I love you for that.”

Jetaun and the boys

“I wanted to forward these sweet photos of me pregnant. It worked. Our first IVF cycle and we’re expecting twins. Thought you should see what all of your efforts go towards—hopefully you can see all the happiness and love in the photos.

We found out they are two boys. I admit I suffered from some “gender disappointment” at first. All that work we did together—all those images—almost always a girl. I was ashamed that I was upset because I knew I should be happy I was pregnant and that they are healthy. And then it came to me—a very strong sensation. To put it into words is difficult, but basically it was a gut feeling that said ‘Oh, wow—this journey isn’t over. She’s still out there.’ Doesn’t mean I’ll do another IVF or get pregnant naturally or even adopt—just means she’s out there—that little girl I’m meant to mother. I trust we’ll meet each other some day—even if in many years from now. Now that I wrote that, I think you would say, that little girl I’m meant to mother is me, and she’ll always be there.

Once I had that realization I was able to welcome the excitement of two little boys. I love that this journey keeps throwing me curve balls—never in a million years did I, the little girl from an all woman family with a lot of resentment towards males, dream that my nuclear family would be a husband and two boys. It’s actually quite thrilling—I’m so lucky that I’ll now get the chance to know and love males in a way always so foreign to me.

Anyway, I really just sat down to write cause I wanted you to know that I think of you often. As I wrote to you earlier, there are aspects of IVF, like seeing and knowing exactly when life ‘begins’: that can be magical.

I continue to use the tools for different reasons now. And, they as always work. I’m so centered and balanced and well—just filled with a peaceful happiness. I hope you and your family are feeling the same. As you said, in vitro can be a road of healing if you make it so. Lots of love.”