If you had told me two years ago that I’d be here again—prepping for another IVF transfer—I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Back then, I was deep in the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, navigating the unknown, and clinging to the stories of other women who had been there before me. It was those stories—those blog posts and Instagram captions/stories —that kept me going. Now, as we prepare for our third transfer, I want to pay it forward.
Our first IVF journey gave us the greatest gift: our 19-month-old daughter. But it wasn’t an easy path. It took two transfers to get her, countless medications, and a lot of emotional and physical endurance. With endometriosis and Hashimoto’s in the mix, the odds often felt stacked against us. But here we are, with two frozen embryos left and hope in our hearts that one of them will bring us baby #2.
If you’re reading this because you’re gearing up for your own transfer or considering IVF, I hope this post can be a resource and a source of comfort. You’re not alone, and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.
A quick timeline of our journey:
Early Spring 2019 – Start Trying for Baby (no luck, except a chemical pregnancy Dec. 2019)
Early Spring 2020 – at the one year mark, my OBGYN finally refers me to a fertility doctor. Then, of course, the world shuts down for the pandemic.
Fall 2020 – finally able to start going to some appts, they find a polyp in my uterus through HSG that they take care of with a surgical procedure. We hoped this would be the answer, but it wasn’t. Through blood work, we also discover hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s.
Spring 2021 – switch to a new fertility doctor. Decided to be my own advocate, there was a lot I didn’t like about the first office. This new office is sure I have endometriosis.
December 2021 – endometriosis excision surgery. Stage 4 endo is found with lesions on my bladder & colon as well as small endometriomas on both ovaries & ureters. Fembriplasty on one side.
February 2022 – Start IVF process, end up with 4 frozen embryos
June 2022 – 1st Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) – unsuccessful
August 2022 – 2nd FET – Success!
May 2023 – Have our beautiful baby girl
March 2024 – Unplanned pregnancy – ended in miscarriage @ 6 weeks (about 2 days after finding out)
August 2024 – Decide to do a transfer, start lab work & other pre-transfer procedures, biopsy comes back with chronic endometritis which needs to be treated with antibiotics prior to transfer. Takes a few rounds to clear.
December 2024 – starting the process of transfer for baby #2
Preparing for IVF Transfer #3 (Baby #2)
Even though I’ve been through this before, this time feels different. For starters, I now have my daughter keeping me busy (and reminding me every day that this process is so worth it). But more importantly, I feel more empowered and informed this time around.
Here’s what I’m focusing on as we prepare:
1. Optimizing My Body for Transfer
Having endometriosis and Hashimoto’s means my body doesn’t always play nice. But there are steps I can take to help things along:
• Anti-inflammatory Diet: I’ve been focusing on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that reduce inflammation, like leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats.
• Supplements: With my doctor’s suggestion, I’m taking key supplements to support implantation and hormone regulation. These include vitamin D, omega-3s, and a prenatal vitamin.
• Acupuncture: I did this during my first IVF journey, and I’m doing it again. Research suggests it may improve blood flow to the uterus and support implantation.
2. Mental Health & Mindset
If I’ve learned anything from my first transfer, it’s that IVF isn’t just a physical journey—it’s an emotional one, too. Here’s how I’m preparing mentally:
• Mindfulness Practices: I’ve started meditating regularly, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. It helps me stay grounded when the anxiety creeps in.
• Support System: I’m lucky to have a supportive partner, but I’ve also found comfort in connecting with others online who are going through the same thing. Talking to people who get it makes all the difference.
3. Managing Expectations
I’ll admit it: I went into our first IVF transfer thinking it would work on the first try. When it didn’t, I was devastated. This time, I’m reminding myself that success may take time. Our bodies are unpredictable, and there are no guarantees. But I’m holding onto hope while also giving myself grace.
Why I’m Sharing Our Journey
When I went through IVF the first time, I didn’t have the confidence or knowledge to share my experience. I was still learning the language of infertility—stims, PIO shots, beta days—and I wasn’t sure if my voice mattered.
But now, after everything I’ve been through, I know how powerful it is to share. Reading other women’s stories helped me feel seen and understood. They gave me tips I wouldn’t have thought of and hope when I felt hopeless.
So, I’m opening up this time around. I want to be a resource for anyone navigating infertility, especially those dealing with the added layers of endometriosis or autoimmune conditions.
My Advice for Others Gearing Up for a Transfer
If you’re in the trenches of IVF, here are a few things I wish someone had told me when I was starting out:
1. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or you’re unsure about a treatment plan, advocate for yourself. You know your body best.
2. Find Your Community: Whether it’s online or in-person, connecting with others who understand can be a game-changer.
3. Be Kind to Yourself: This journey is hard. It’s okay to feel all the feelings—hope, fear, excitement, frustration. Give yourself grace.
If you’d like to see more of my IVF recommendations, check out this post for my Top IVF Must-Haves.
What’s Next for Us
As we move forward with this transfer, I’ll be documenting every step—from prepping my body to the two-week wait and beyond. My hope is that sharing my experience will not only help others but also remind me of how far we’ve come.
To anyone reading this who’s on a similar journey: I see you. I know how tough this is, but I also know how strong you are. Let’s take it one step at a time and hold onto hope together.
If you have questions about IVF or just need someone to talk to, I’m here. Feel free to comment below or reach out—I’d love to connect.
Here’s to hope, resilience, and the possibility of another miracle.