We struggled with infertility for about two years. Once we were married, we began to try to get pregnant, and month after month it did not happen. At first, we weren't concerned, but as time went on, it was clear something was wrong. The reality that we were infertile was hard to accept, as my husband and I were in good health, and had none of the risk factors associated with infertility. However, we were older than the average first-time parents (I am 39 and my husband is 52), and this turned out to be a major factor in our infertility (“advanced maternal age”). As anyone who has struggled with infertility can attest, the experience brings with it a lot of unpleasant emotions, disappointment and frustration at not getting pregnant, jealousy towards those who get pregnant easily, guilt about putting career first for so many years, anxiety that we would never be able to have children.  

Because we were living in New Orleans at the time we first sought treatment, we consulted with a doctor there. We had not yet begun treatment when Hurricane Katrina struck. We evacuated to Nashville, and thinking that we would only be here temporarily, we decided to seek a second opinion, as we were less than confident in the care we were receiving in New Orleans. A friend's doctor recommended the Center for Reproductive Health, and we made an appointment. 

In the meantime, we learned that our home in New Orleans had been destroyed, and that we faced an uncertain future. Looking back, we went through that time in something of a daze. I remember our first appointment at the CRH, because the reality of our loss was sinking in, and I think we both were still reeling. Some would say this would hardly be the best time to try to have a baby, but my husband and I felt strongly that our desire for a child could not be diminished, despite the hardship of the time, and we made a commitment to move forward and seek treatment. 

We both were immediately very impressed with the CRH. Every member of the staff was both professional and kind, and we felt at ease right away. Of course, we can't say enough about Dr. Vazquez. In addition to his intelligence, dedication, and thoroughness, most importantly he gave us hope that we could have a baby. We felt so positive about the CRH, and so hopeful about the future, that receiving treatment at the CRH was the major factor in our decision to resettle in Nashville. Finally, my husband and I were very moved when the CRH told us that, given our circumstances, they would not charge us for any pre-treatment testing and consultation. This generosity was so unexpected and so kind, we could hardly express what it meant to us.

We underwent IVF last January. Throughout the entire process - egg stimulation, blood draws, injections, medications, egg retrieval, embryo implantation, sonograms - the CRH were consummate professionals. We felt we were part of a team that was completely dedicated to our goal, and worked together to make it happen. We have nothing but positive things to say about our experience at the CRH, and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone struggling with infertility. We were thrilled to learn that IVF worked on the first try. Our daughter was born in October, and is a healthy, happy, and beautiful child. As I write this account and remember the path that led to our daughter, it really does seem nothing short of a miracle.