Hannah Bronfmanhas been documenting herfertilityjourney since 2019, through the highest of highs and the devastating lows.
Why Ive documented jabbing needles into myself during my multiple rounds of implantation cycles and IVF.
Why Ive spoken in detail about my miscarriages.
courtesy of Hannah Bronfman
Ive done it because Im not living on an island, suffering alone.
And asBlack women, our experiences are far too often invisible.
In the age of social media, were so used to sharing our lives.
courtesy of Hannah Bronfman
Usually its just the great parts.
To not show that would have been a disservice.
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Ill be honest, I never thought this would be my experience.
I was lucky enough to find my person in Brendan when we were both young.
It never occurred to us that having a baby would be hard.
I joke, but honestly, sometimes it feels like our parents didnt give us the necessary heads-up.
I certainly was never prepared for the fact I might just not be able to get pregnant.
Thats part of a narrative I want to change too.
My first miscarriage was four years ago.
But it was during that appointment that I discovered the heartbeat had gone.
I took the day to be in bed.
So I tried to compartmentalize my emotions.
Brendan didnt want me to go, but going seemed better than dealing with the trauma head-on.
At the beginning of the journey, you assume and hope for the best.
You track your cycles.
You do timed intercourse.
But it wasnt that simple for us.
Life isnt, and this was just the beginning of our three-year-long journey to having children.
But nothing seemed to work.
Thats when we made the decision to try IVF.
During the IVF process I learned the power of positive thinking.
However, my husband encouraged me to stay positive and believe in success, and our second implantation took.
But I am acutely aware that not everyone is as fortunate in the journey of infertility.
I was three days overdue, and I ended up having an induction.
I needed to do a lot of advocating for myself.
We went straight for IVF, given our experiences, and were hopeful for a successful outcome.
Ten days later I miscarried.
It was a heartbreaking experience, and I felt that I had failed myself and my family.
But I didnt give up.
Were now looking at a different landscape.
TheUS maternal mortality rateis currently at its highest level since 1965, with Black mothers the most affected.
If you are not comfortable with your team or your OB, I highly suggest seeking out midwifery options.
courtesy of Hannah Bronfman
There have been a lot of surprises on this journey.
But there is hope.
When you enter the world of fertility treatment, you join a community that stays with you forever.
