In this moving conclusion to our poetry mini-series, Natalie and Stacey bring the final chapters of Stacy’s IVF journey to life through her stunning poems. If you’ve been walking this path or loving someone who is this episode is a powerful companion.
Stacey shares not just the pain and loss, but the moments of quiet courage and the slow emergence of hope. From letting go to holding on, from disbelief to the unspoken darkness, and finally to The Light.
What we discuss:
- The Hopeless: Letting go, hitting emotional and physical limits, and facing a new reality.
- The Disbelief: Surrendering control, choosing silence for self-preservation, and the tentative reappearance of hope.
- The Unspoken Darkness: What no one tells you about after a successful IVF — fear, anxiety, and the struggle to feel joy again.
- The Light: Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. The journey shapes us — even when the darkness begins to fade.
- Navigating pregnancy after infertility — and the neuroses it brings
- Feeling robbed of joy even after good news — and why that’s okay
- Parenting one child and answering complex questions about family and origin
- Why the pain of infertility never fully disappears, but transforms over time
- How poetry became a powerful outlet — and how you can start writing, too
"The journey shaped me. It tested me. It broke us down. It built us up. It will never fully go away — but it feels distant now. Smaller. In the rearview mirror."
Also, check out the recommended podcast Finally Pregnant by Cat Strawbridge for more on pregnancy after infertility.
⚠️ Trigger Warning
This episode includes discussion of IVF trauma, pregnancy loss, PTSD, and emotional distress during and after fertility treatment. Please take care when listening, and pause if it feels overwhelming.
🎧 And Finally...
If you’ve made it through this three-part series — thank you. Whether you're in the thick of your fertility journey or reflecting from the other side, this series is here to hold space for all the complexity, sorrow, strength, and transformation that this experience brings.
As Stacey says, "The light for everyone is going to look a little different — whether that’s a baby or peace."
You're not alone.
Stacy’s poems are now available in a self-published collection on Amazon here
Let’s Stay Connected
💬 DM me on Instagram @fertilitypoddy
🌐 Follow @fertilityaction for updates and support
🖥 Check out their free weekly support groups and downloadable advocacy tools at fertilityaction.org
📧 Got thoughts, feedback, or ideas for future episodes? Email me at natalie@thefertilitypodcast.com
📱 Don’t forget to hit subscribe so we land in your feed each week
A Word From Our Sponsor – Proceive
We're delighted to be partnering with Proceive this season. If you're trying to conceive, you’ll want to check them out. Their high-strength fertility supplements are designed for both men and women and are trusted by healthcare professionals.
✨ Get 20% off your order at www.proceive.com using the code FP20 at checkout.
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