As Justinne Soderberg rocks her newborn Axel, looking upon him with love and devotion she shares the beginning of her fertility journey. “It was about two years ago, we tried for a good year or so, we did everything,” Soderberg says. The couple tried every natural method to conceive, every method except seeking assistance from Reproductive Fertility Center.
Experts informed the couple that undergoing the intrauterine insemination procedure would be their best chance of getting pregnant. Intrauterine insemination, otherwise known as IUI, involves sperm being directly inserted into the uterus through a catheter. The procedure proved to be a success. Justinne Soderberg along with so many others had finally found the answer to their fertility woes, and it was through the help of fertility specialist Dr. James P Lin. Soderberg states “He (Dr. Lin) does everything. We just needed a little bit of help and that’s what we got.”
THE SODERBERG STORY
“If you wanted to get pregnant yesterday, I would suggest IUI” Dr. Lin declared to Justinne Soderberg while visiting Reproductive Fertility Center for an appointment. Intrauterine insemination was suggested to the couple when tests revealed that her levels checked out as normal. Before her appointment with the RFC specialist, Justinne Soderberg and her husband tried to conceive naturally for 12 months. When she expressed her disappointments and fears to a few family members she was met with a response that she describes as less than helpful. “Everyone was very supportive, but we also had other family members that didn’t fully understand that it’s hard to get pregnant these days and thought we were being too aggressive or to “just pray” conveyed Soderberg.
After much time being patient and with a fire in her spirit, Justinne Soderberg decided to try the intrauterine insemination procedure. As Soderberg was prepping for IUI, she expressed how attentive and comfortable she felt with the RFC team, especially with her patient coordinator, Adrienne.
“Adrienne was great. I looked forward to every single appointment. She was very available. The stuff and the medication you have to take, it was all so new. I never felt dumb or bad for asking any questions. It was one of the best experiences I have had with a nurse.”
DEFINING WHAT SUPPORT MEANS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US “among married women aged 15 to 49 years with no prior births, about 1 in 5 (19%) are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying.” Feelings of depression, anxiety, inadequacy, and isolation can quickly intensify for those struggling with infertility. Many often feel misunderstood and are at a loss as to who to turn to for support.
National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) calls for all to come together to normalize the discussion of infertility. NIAW aims to assist those experiencing reproductive challenges by spreading awareness, building community, and providing support. What does it mean to provide support to a friend or loved one? Soderberg illustrates that simply just listening can make all the difference. “A voice of support to us means a neutral sounding board when things got tough and still kept us motivated – I would say this would be Justinne’s sister – Janelle” the couple shared.
Throughout this fertility journey, Justinne also had her partner Erik Soderberg in her corner to remind her to not solely place the blame upon herself. As the new father changes baby Axel into a fresh onesie he says, “It brought us closer and it’s important to remember that infertility is not just a woman’s problem.”
Other times just placing yourself in another person’s shoes can aid in validating a person’s experience is the best type of support one can give. Soderberg says “Continue to be open and patient and also try to put yourself in that person’s spot. Just to help you re-center. It’s important to be heard so you can help a person re-focus.”
THE REPRODUCTIVE FERTILITY CENTER WAY
Nowadays the Soderbergs start their days waking up with baby Axel before work and couldn’t be more in bliss with their new morning routine. As the infant drifts off to sleep in her arms Justinne Soderberg is ecstatic to report how the couple is doing and expresses her gratitude towards the RFC team. “We are doing amazing! We are so grateful to have had a successful and great experience and RFC, and to have the happiest baby”, she says.
To say that infertility is difficult is an understatement. For aspiring parents, though, the now brand-new parents say that instilling trust in yourself and others is what will help others truly go the distance.
“Trust the process. Find a good fertility doctor/center that you feel comfortable with and trust.”
