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Kandi’s IVF Journey
When it comes to women's health, it's essential to be educated on the body's natural processes. But I would also like to recognize the real women who have first-hand experience with fertility complications and treatments. When brave women share their stories, it reminds us that we do not have to bear any burden alone. Kandi Matherne is a wife and mother who experienced fertility complications and has shared her story with us. I enjoyed gaining insight into Kandi's IVF journey and how it led to her beautiful family. Kandi's Story In 2006, Kandi found out that her fallopian tubes were
Insulin Resistance: A Silent Roadblock to Fertility
If you and your partner face challenges in your journey to conceive, it's important to know that you're not alone. A recent Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism study shows roughly 44% of young adults live with insulin resistance. Thus, the correlation between insulin resistance and infertility is worth recognizing. What is Insulin Resistance (IR)? The Cleveland Clinic defines insulin resistance as when the body's tissues do not react appropriately to insulin, causing high blood sugar levels. How your body utilizes glucose (sugar) can be explained like a lock and key. A lock symbolizes the cells that form your body,
PCOS Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
As a society, we are gaining more knowledge around Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to understand women's reproductive health better. Women are becoming empowered to conquer conditions like these through research and education. PCOS occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance affecting the ovaries. Any woman of childbearing age can develop this condition. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, and several other complications like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Symptoms present differently for each woman, making diagnoses challenging. However, recognizing an imbalance is the best way to advocate for proper diagnosis, treatment and knowledge to
Understanding Male Infertility
Many people question a woman’s reasons for not getting pregnant. However, the pressure of getting pregnant isn’t only on women. It takes two to tango when it comes to fertility. According to a recent study, males account for approximately 50 percent of all infertility diagnoses. What is a Male Infertility? The World Health Organization (WHO) describes male infertility as a man who has been unable to get a woman pregnant after a year of trying to conceive with frequent unprotected sex. To get a handle on male infertility, you first need to know how the male body works. The testicles
Old Wives’ Tales for Infertility
Ava rolled over in bed as she heard the familiar “ping, ping, ping.” It’s 1:00 am? Who’s texting me? She grabbed her phone off the nightstand to see her group chat light up. Emma B: Oh my gosh, so sorry for the late/early text but my brain’s going 100 miles an hour after my appointment today, and I know I’m not the only one here with insomnia. Anyway, has anyone heard of/tried acupuncture… Ava clicks the silence notifications button, darkens the screen, and sets the phone back down. Been there. Done that. After tossing and turning she gives up and
Advocating for Yourself on the Fertility Path
You don’t know what you don’t know. I share my story in hopes to help guide others in finding out what questions to ask from the start and throughout your journey. One bright thing I see as a glimmer in my journey thus far - there is no lack of learning. Sharing the power of questions and how advocating for yourself on the fertility path is important. Categories of Your Fertility Journey Our reproductive endocrinologist recently told us there are three main buckets that make up the fertility journey: Medical Emotional Financial When we started this journey, like many, we
Nutrition for Fertility
On August 1st, we had the pleasure of hosting the "Nutrition for Fertility" educational workshop, sponsored by Vytyl and presented by Elanie Welch, the Renegade Nutritionist. The workshop provided invaluable insights into the critical role nutrition plays in fertility and overall reproductive health. You can watch the entire presentation on our YouTube Channel @hopefulmamafoundation. Here’s a recap of the key points covered: 1. Input = Output: How Nutrition Impacts Fertility and Pregnancy Elanie kicked off the workshop with a fundamental principle: "Input = Output." She emphasized how what we consume directly influences our fertility and the ability to carry a
Infertility Support: The Power of Podcasts
Infertility can feel isolating, messy, and confusing, often leaving those experiencing it in a state of emotional and mental turmoil. While the support group from the Hopeful Mama Foundation has been an invaluable resource, I've also discovered that podcasts can be a fantastic source of knowledge, comfort, and solidarity. In this blog post, "Infertility Support: The Power of Podcasts," I want to share some of the podcasts that have been particularly helpful to me on this journey, providing insights and support when I've needed it the most. Emotional Challenges From First Period To Last Period (formerly Dear (In)Fertility) by Rescripted.
Hope to Spare: Empower the 1 in 4
Hopeful Mama Foundation raised over $8,100 for infertility grants at its inaugural fundraising event, “Hope to Spare: Empower the 1 in 4.” The event took place on Saturday, April 27 from 4 pm to 7 pm at SpareTime Cedar Rapids. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Donor Egg Bank USA, and our supporting sponsors, SpareTime, McGrath Family of Dealerships, and Great Clips, all proceeds from Hope to Spare will go directly towards infertility grants in 2025. By easing the financial burden, these grants offer hope and support to those on their journey to parenthood. "Witnessing the community unite in such a
Fertility Benefits of Seeing a Dietitian
Hi, I’m Anna, a 30-year-old woman with PCOS who has struggled with infertility for over 3 years. I wanted to share my nutrition journey with you because it has profoundly changed my life. Through this journey, I was able to use food as medicine and my life has improved dramatically. My hope is to inspire someone else to take control of their health and feel better than you ever thought possible! Below, I share my health and fertility benefits of seeing a dietitian. The Hopeful Mama Foundation is supported by its audience and donors. When you purchase through links on
