Insights with Tammy Merecka on In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In our latest Insights Series, we’re discussing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Tammy Merecka as she shares her personal experience with successful IVF and being a mom to four little ones under the age of five. We’re getting into the joys of motherhood and the challenges along the way as Tammy offers her inspiring advice.
1. Congrats on the three beautiful boys, and the brand-new baby girl! What's your favorite part of being a mother?
Thank you so much, we are over the moon! I think I've always been a nurturer. Even when I was young I would take care of animals and pretend they were my babies. There is just something about pouring your love into others that has always been so special to me.
2. You're a proud "boy mom." Are there any unique approaches or philosophies you take when raising boys?
We ended up having three boys within 13 months total so our approach is pretty laid-back! We try to let them explore and learn with a very hands-on approach and then we step in if they need us. They are so active and curious at this age, it is amazing to let them have independent play and see what they come up with. They surprise us every day.
3. You had your twins via In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - what was your journey like?
IVF was such a rollercoaster of emotions. I remember being so afraid. What if we spend all our time and money and never end up having a child? What if I'm not meant to carry a child? I also remember feeling like I was the issue. We never ended up with many eggs and I blamed myself. I would hear about other women getting ten times the amount of eggs that I got and thinking that I somehow failed. But once we got through the shots and procedures and we did a transfer that "stuck" and got to see that little baby on the ultrasound all of that went away. I would do it one thousand times over again. I am so thankful for IVF.
4. How long did the IVF process take?
It took us about a year. We had lots of testing and then I ended up having to do 3 egg retrievals in a row before finally getting to do a frozen embryo transfer. We were so lucky that the first transfer was successful and we ended up having our twins.
5. Were there any emotional challenges that you experienced during your fertility treatment? How did you navigate them?
I think the biggest thing for me—besides getting over my fear of needles—was comparing myself. The medication and hormones can make you even more emotional than normal and I definitely was hard on myself. Wondering why I had to go through this when everyone else in my family and friend group was able to conceive naturally and seemingly easily.
6. What's your advice to all the parents out there considering IVF?
Always remember the end goal - your future child(ren). There will be so many hard days and sometimes you will feel like it will never happen. But push through and keep your head up, it won't last forever. I honestly forget that it was even part of our journey some days. Once I had my babies it felt like the journey to get to them was a lifetime ago.
Tammy Merecka is a designer, blogger, social media influencer, and mother who is passionate about neutral home style and taking care of her four beautiful children. Keep up with Tammy’s journey through her Instagram handle @tammymerecka.
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