Welcome to episode #23 where my friend Rachel shares with us her deeply trying mama journey, one of infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF). *Trigger warning: Our conversation does include the IVF process and miscarriage.*

After giving a great IVF 101, Rachel shares the physical and emotional difficulties she faced along the way. I appreciated hearing what was helpful and unhelpful for her, from resources to interactions with friends and family to Bible verses. As an outsider to the world of IVF, I got a glimpse of what it's like to go through infertility and how we can come alongside loved ones who are in the process of receiving fertility treatments. It is an honor to be able to share Rachel's (and little Mylo's!) story with you.

(Note: Occasional shrieks and squawks courtesy of Lyla, my almost 1-year old baby girl who co-hosted her first episode with me!)

Extra Stuff:

Here are the fertility treatment grants Rachel mentioned:

• https://giftofparenthood.org/grant-giveaways/
• https://www.hopeforfertility.org/
• https://starfishinfertilityfoundation.org/

Here is the Shady Grove Fertility website: https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/.

These are the Youtube couple channels Rachel followed:

• https://www.youtube.com/@RachelleandJustin
• https://www.youtube.com/@PhilandAlex

These are the Bible verses that got Rachel through difficult times:

• Matthew 19:26, "But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
• Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Check out Rachel’s personal Instagram account to watch her in-depth IVF journey highlight and to connect with her: @ralzajohnson.