my egg freezing journey
the reason I feel so passionate about sharing my egg freezing journey is because there was so much I didn’t know going into this experience that I wish I had known prior. I keep going back to the mantra “knowledge is power” when I think about my egg freezing experience. if I had one regret with the process it would be not getting all of my options out on the table sooner. I say this to motivate anyone who is even thinking about the process because there is still a stigma when it comes to visiting a fertility specialist. the sooner you educate yourself on the how, the why, and the when, the more you set yourself up for success.
I am 36 years old and I started the journey to freeze my eggs at 34 years old. I decided to freeze my eggs because I know I 100% want children and having a family is really important to me, but I just haven’t found my person yet. now, when I do, I will have all of these amazing resources to have a family because I put myself first and what I wanted first.
so I want to share my list of tools and resources that helped me during the process in the hopes of helping you or someone you know feel less alone and more empowered. for more on my journey:
- listen on Well+Good podcast & read additional info here
- watch on Instagram:
- read the full story and more tips from Spring Fertility via Looni
- follow along on tiktok to watch my egg freezing series
- reach out via DM or email hello@bydria.com to ask me anything!
- if you live in NYC, follow @alisecollective for upcoming panels on fertility!
Spring Fertility
after some research and interviewing a few fertility specialists, I feel so lucky to have found Spring Fertility.
Spring Fertility is re-imagining fertility care and partnering with patients to help them achieve their goals. Spring believes that patients deserve superior clinical outcomes without compromising compassionate, patient-centric care, and they offer comprehensive fertility services including IVF, egg and embryo freezing, and preimplantation genetic screening.
I would describe the way Spring approaches fertility as accessible yet very personalized. it was so important to me to feel a personal connection with my doctor, especially going through this process as a single female. Dr. Fischer was so welcoming and really took me through the process from A-Z in a nonjudgmental way.
*if you are looking to explore your options, use code dria for $150 off your first consultation with Spring Fertility.
my rituals
creating a ritual around giving myself the hormone shots every night helped to ground me in this process. here's what I did:
- played the same song every night, happiness by chris malinchak and danced around to pump myself up.
- I lit a candle (I love Sunday Forever)
- I poured a glass of wine, alcoholic or nonalcoholic) or sparkling water in a wine glass
- I always started with 2 deep breaths
- once I finished the shots, I would take a moment of gratitude. I would try and remind myself how strong I am to be doing this on my own for my future.
my appointment ritual — you go in for an ultrasound and bloodwork every other day after day 6.
- beforehand, I would read a poem by Amanda Gorman in the waiting room.
- afterwards, I sat at Maman next door with my matcha and write. it was so important to reflect after each appointment because there are so many highs and lows during this process. sometimes it would be a quick 5 min journal and other times it would turn into a full vent session on the phone with my dad.
favorite products that helped during my journey
it’s important to keep your digestion in tact while getting enough salt in your diet during the journey. of course, always hydrating and staying cozy is key too.
*use code BYDRIA for 20% off
haven well within organic knit sweater
haven well within organic knit pants
aplos non-alcoholic chili margarita
*use code BYDRIA for 20% off
*use code BYDRIA for 20% off
*use code BYDRIA for 15% off
*use code BYDRIA for 20% off
in conclusion
reflecting a year later, I feel so empowered by this experience. I couldn't be happier and more confident in my decision of going through with it when I did. it has taken the pressure off in so many ways. it has allowed me to enjoy dating again and focus on what and who makes me happy.
the sacrifices we make for our children begin before they are born. I didn’t think about this until I started this process. I sacrificed my body and my schedule, overcame my fears and tested my inner strength all for the future family I want to create. And I would do it again.