Honest words for infertility, IVF, loss, and everything after
Welcome to the Laurel Luna blog — a space for the both/and of infertility, IVF, loss, life after treatment ends, grief, and navigating what comes next. Whether you're in the middle of a cycle, holding a loss, newly pregnant and still bracing for the worst, or years out and still carrying pieces of it — you're welcome here exactly as you are.
You'll find honest reflections on fertility treatment, grief, and the messy in-between, plus tools and resources to help you hold what's hard without needing to tie it up neatly. No toxic positivity. Just community to help you feel a little less alone.
The Baby Blanket I Started During Treatment (And Finally Finished Five Years Later)
I started a baby blanket during my second round of IVF. I chose soft blue yarn, a simple afghan knitting loom, and a simple stitch. I enjoyed having something to keep my hands busy during the endless waiting.
The Case for a Slow Morning (and What I Use for Mine)
A warm cup of coffee in my favorite mug, the sun peaking through the trees in dusty pink and sherbet orange, and a few minutes before anyone needs me. I love to start my morning with intention.
The Two-Week Wait Survival Guide: What You Actually Need
The two-week wait is its own special kind of torture. You've done everything—the shots, the procedures, the monitoring, the uncertainty. And now? Now you wait. For ten to fourteen days that somehow feel longer than all the months before them combined.
What Not to Buy During Infertility: Save Your Money (and Your Energy)
Before I started IVF, I Googled everything. How do I track ovulation? How do I improve my chances? What should I expect? I’m a scientist. I like to be prepared. I want to know my options- how can I maximize my chance at success. What I found—the internet had opinions..
27 Items That Actually Helped During Infertility
Nobody tells you about the logistics of infertility treatment. The clinic covers the medical protocol, but they don't tell you about the daily reality of living through it..
From Infertile with Children to Laurel Luna: Why I'm Changing the Name (and What's Not Changing)
After 2 years as "Infertile with Children," I'm changing the name. Not because I'm walking away from that story - it's still mine, it's still true, it's still the foundation of everything I do here. But because the space I want to create has grown bigger than that name can hold.
The Challenges Nobody Talks About: Life as an IVF Parent
Someone asked me the other day if being an IVF parent feels different from being a "regular" parent. I paused- because after years of treatment, I'd almost forgotten that most people don't wonder if their happiness has an expiration date.
This Thanksgiving, I'm Grateful for Science
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for science.
I know that’s not usually how these posts start. Typically, people lead with family, health, home. I’m grateful for those things, too. But, this year, I keep coming back to this: I’m grateful for IVF.
Hi there!
Hi friend,
I’m happy you’ve found my little corner of the internet where we can connect about life after IVF, whether that is sharing parenting struggles, silly kid stories, hobbies, or life hacks that make things run smoother. I’ll be here to cheer you on, learn more about you, and share lots about my life after IVF.