Did you know that in the U.S., around 95,000 babies are born through IVF each year? Unfortunately, many cycles don’t end as hoped, and the heartbreak is real for many couples. In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, host Kelly Renee shares her deeply personal journey with infertility, miscarriage, and IVF. She begins by discussing IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) as a common first step, detailing her own experience with the procedure, including a pregnancy that ultimately was not viable. Kelly then guides listeners through the intensive and costly process of IVF, from egg retrieval and fertilization to the emotional rollercoaster of genetic testing and embryo transfers. She bravely recounts the profound heartbreak of her final attempt, which resulted in a miscarriage of a genetically healthy embryo, leading to a D&C procedure. Beyond the medical details, Kelly explores the layered devastation of IVF, the financial drain, the immense hope, and the repeated grief. She offers a poignant reflection, suggesting that sometimes the miracle isn't a baby but "being set free," as her journey ultimately led to the end of her marriage. She also highlights the importance of options like egg freezing and empowers listeners with knowledge, while affirming that a woman's worth is not defined by motherhood. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, choice, and finding meaning in a path that diverges from one's dreams. Key Takeaways Infertility is layered. IVF is not just science; it’s emotion, faith, and heartbreak colliding. The miracle isn’t always a baby. Sometimes, it’s the freedom and self-awareness that come after loss. Knowledge is power. Understanding options like egg freezing empowers women to choose their path. Your story still matters. Even when it doesn’t look the way you imagined, you get to decide how it’s told. You are enough. Being unable to conceive doesn’t make you less of a woman.. In This Episode [00:01] Introduction [00:40] IUI: first steps after miscarriage [01:13] Transition to IVF: process and emotional toll [02:13] Genetic testing and embryo selection [03:13] IVF heartbreak and financial strain [04:21] Personal IVF outcomes and loss [05:25] Reflection on relationships and fertility [06:33] Egg freezing: options and awareness [07:31] IVF statistics and realities [09:38] Empowerment, knowledge, and closure [10:40] Episode wrap-up and call to action Notable Quotes   [05:44] "Sometimes the miracle isn't the baby. Sometimes it's just maybe being set free." [04:32] “My last try with my last two embryos, I got a positive pregnancy test, and at seven weeks, there was no heartbeat. That was extra devastating.” [05:17] “I always used to think I was the unluckiest person in the world. Now, looking back, I’m actually the luckiest person because I’m not tied to someone who never really saw me.” [06:45] “I actually froze my eggs in 2021, when my marriage was breaking up, because I wanted to have choices.” [09:44] “I don’t understand why that was my journey yet, but maybe it’s so I could tell my story so people don’t feel so alone.” Resources and Links Fiercely Unfiltered Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee Kelly Renee Instagram Facebook Website