From clueless about PCOS to one IVF baby after another, Amy shares her family’s story through her own words and photos

Aaron and I started trying to conceive two years prior to visiting Dallas IVF. When I saw my gynecologist to see what may be the issue, that is when I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. I found it odd that this diagnosis wasn’t brought to my attention before. Yet, here I was, 28 years old, clueless as to what PCOS even meant.

We visited one clinic before coming to Dallas IVF. But ultimately, we decided on Dallas IVF as it was recommended by my gynecologist at the time. I felt more confidence in the staff and doctors there and as a result, I felt more calm. I knew it was the right place.

Preparing for Kennedi, IVF Baby #1

Prior to seeing Dallas IVF, Aaron and I had already tried other routes like metformin and clomid. I also took control of my health and focused on my diet and exercise and had lost 30 pounds. Through all of that, nothing seemed to be successful, which brought us to Dr. Brian Barnett.

We began seeing Dr. Barnett in 2017. At first we started conservative with timed intercourse – with no luck. Aaron and I decided we wanted to move forward with IVF (in vitro fertilization). It was a long journey, but we remained patient and had our first transfer in 2019. It was a success and we became pregnant with Kennedi, who was born on December 10, 2019.

I still have the voicemail saved on my phone when Dallas IVF called to confirm my bloodwork that I was pregnant! I remember telling the office to leave a voicemail because I wanted Aaron and I to find out together. I waited until he got home from work, and we listened on the back patio together. The relief and excitement was an emotion I cannot describe. We battled infertility for five years and that moment was such a WIN!

I still remember holding Kennedi for the first time and saying/crying over and over, “We waited so long for you,” tears streaming down my face. The whole delivery room stood still in that moment. There is absolutely no greater joy than the moment you get to hold your baby for the first time.

After a miscarriage, Kase completes the family: IVF Baby #2

With Kase, we were so very blessed and thankful. We had gone through so much before getting pregnant with him, including a miscarriage. So the joy we felt when we found out we were pregnant was such a gift! We were ready to give up right before Kase, but I am so glad we didn’t. He is the caboose to our family.

With Kase, we felt whole. I remember holding him thinking, Thank you God, my family is complete. I felt a sense of calm and content. Taking both babies home was exciting and, of course, we had everything ready and planned to a T. But getting to see Kennedi meet her brother for the first time may have been our favorite memory. Kennedi smiled looking down at him saying, “Hi brother.” She was so proud.

Leaning into their faith through the fertility journey

For us, the most difficult part was the miscarriage we had between Kennedi and Kase. But Aaron and I always leaned into our faith through every step of our fertility journey. Our faith is what got us through every obstacle. Before our first visit to Dallas IVF, my mother-in-law gave me a St. Jude coin and I carried it to every single appointment.

Every ultrasound, I held that coin in my hand to remind myself that God is a part of every step in our journey, guiding our doctors and nurses, and He always knew our path. Leaning into our faith helped to give us more strength and sense of calm through the whole process. I carried that coin on transfer day as well as delivery for both babies. I still keep the coin in my purse everywhere I go.

Advice for others struggling with infertility

If I could share anything with others in their fertility journey it would be this:
Have patience. Trust the doctor’s process and know they want you to conceive as much as you do. They are the best at what they do. Also prepare yourself for the fact that nothing will go as planned … and that’s okay!

Give yourself grace: It’s easy to be hard on yourself especially when it’s your own body that is the issue. But remember to give yourself some credit. You are strong, smart and a fighter!

Life is busy! Aaron and I both work full time but our family is always our first priority. Before babies, we had just each other. But I am also thankful for those years because we grew so close as husband and wife. Now, our time revolves around bath time and bedtime and there is nothing better. We are thankful to be parents. It is a gift we will never take for granted.

A fertility doctor & staff taking each step with precision & care

Dr. Barnett is very skilled at what he does – the best in the business! What I appreciated most about Dr. B is his ability to always take every step in our journey with precision and care. He wanted the best results for us, and I am thankful for his patience and we would trust him again.

The staff members at Dallas IVF are just as equally skilled. Everyone is very communicative, professional and approachable. Coming into a fertility clinic can seem daunting and overwhelming, but the staff at Dallas IVF ensures your experience is a positive one.

Thank you Dr. Barnett and Dallas IVF for giving us a family. Each day is a gift to be a parent, and we have you and the staff to thank for that.

I would absolutely do it all over again, and I would pick Dallas IVF every time … every shot, every appointment, D&C procedures, all of it. I would go through it all to have our babies with us.

– Story by Amy Tidwell