Dr. Greene shares his story of infertility

Hear fertility specialist, Dr. Greene of Conceptions, as he opens up and shares his own personal experience going through infertility. Listen in as he also shares the latest update on where his clinic is with resuming treatments during this time of COVID-19. We also discuss a bit on intralipid infusions. See his latest blog at enhancingfertility.com. Connect with Lisa for personalized fertility support at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com.

NIAW 2020 (COVID -19) - Interview with Ellen Trachman

Ending National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) with a fascinating talk with Ellen Trachman, a Managing Attorney at Trachman Law Center. She shares what inspired her to specialize in Assisted Reproductive Technology Law and gives insights for others to consider from a legal perspective when embarking on your fertility journey. Visit her at trachmanlawcenter.com and check out her podcast - "I Want To Put A Baby In You!" Visit Lisa at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com for fertility coaching support.

Soul Sister Conversations (6) NIAW 2020 -COVID 19 - Interview with Brooke Berndt

Celebrating National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) with my friend and fellow fertility warrior, Brooke Berndt. Hear her story going through 9 years of infertility and reflections on where she is today! Find Brooke on Instagram at brookeberndt313. Reach out to Lisa for fertility coaching support at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com.

NIAW 2020 (COVID -19) - Interview with Jessica Veit

Celebrating National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) with Jessica Veit. Meet one amazing fertility warrior and get inspired. Jessica shares her personal journey with multiple IUI's and IVF cycles, her reflections and where she is today! Jessica can be found on instagram at mamainthemaking21.22. Connect with Lisa for fertility coaching support at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com and instagram ivf.manifesting.a.miracle.com.

Soul Sister Conversations (5) NIAW 2020-COVID 19 - Interview with Crystal Wilson

Celebrating National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) with Crystal Willson. Crystal is a fertility sister and warrior, Legislative Advocate, rehab therapist, wife and mama of 2 boys. Hear her incredible fertility story and the passion that drives her to continue advocating for fertility awareness.

NIAW 2020 (COVID-19) - Interview with Brooke Berndt

Celebrating National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) with my friend and fellow fertility warrior, Brooke Berndt. Hear her story going through 9 years of infertility and reflections on where she is today! Find Brooke on Instagram at brookeberndt313. Reach out to Lisa for fertility coaching support at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com.

Soul Sister Conversations (4) NIAW 2020 COVID-19 -Interview with Dr. Christina Yannetsos

Kicking off National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) 2020 with special guest, Dr. Christina Yannetsos. Hear what it's like to be on the front lines as an ER physician during a global pandemic in addition to personally going through fertility struggles. She was one of the first involved in writing the bill to help pass the CO Building Families Act which was signed into law in Colorado on 4/1/20.

NIAW 2020 (COVID-19) - Interview with Crystal Wilson

Celebrating National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) with Crystal Willson. Crystal is a fertility sister and warrior, Legislative Advocate, rehab therapist, wife and mama of 2 boys. Hear her incredible fertility story and the passion that drives her to continue advocating for fertility awareness.

NIAW 2020 (COVID-19) -Interview with Dr. Christina Yannetsos

Kicking off National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) 2020 with special guest, Dr. Christina Yannetsos. Hear what it's like to be on the front lines as an ER physician during a global pandemic in addition to personally going through fertility struggles. She was one of the first involved in writing the bill to help pass the CO Building Families Act which was signed into law in Colorado on 4/1/20.

Soul Sister Conversations (3) - Shaelyn Christiansen & Lisa White

Meet soul sister, Shaelyn Christiansen. Listen in as we discuss honoring your body, trusting the process, tuning into our feminine cycle and the power of seasons. Find Shaelyn at spiritjunkiemom.com. Contact Lisa at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com for fertility coaching support.

Soul Sister Conversations - Shaelyn Christiansen & Lisa White

Meet soul sister, Shaelyn Christiansen. Listen in as we discuss honoring your body, trusting the process, tuning into our feminine cycle and the power of seasons. Find Shaelyn at spiritjunkiemom.com. Contact Lisa at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com for fertility coaching support.

Soul Sister Conversations (2) - Tiffany Josephs & Lisa White

Meet Magic Maker, Tiffany Josephs as she shares her unique views of living a "Magic Carpet Life," learn about the power of wishing, and the joy of living a fun, creative and colorful life. Join us as we discuss magic, wonder, awe, and so much more as it relates to your fertility and beyond. Follow Tiffany at TiffanyJosephs.com and instagram at Magic Carpet Life. Follow Lisa at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com and on instagram ivf.manifesting.a.miracle for fertility coaching support.

Soul Sister Conversations - Tiffany Josephs & Lisa White

Meet Magic Maker, Tiffany Josephs as she shares her unique views of living a "Magic Carpet Life," learn about the power of wishing, and the joy of living a fun, creative and colorful life. Join us as we discuss magic, wonder, awe, and so much more as it relates to your fertility and beyond. Follow Tiffany at TiffanyJosephs.com and instagram at Magic Carpet Life. Follow Lisa at ivfmanifestingamiracle.com and on instagram ivf.manifesting.a.miracle for fertility coaching support.

Soul Sister Conversations - Lisseth Wertz & Lisa White

Join in the first Soul Sister Conversation! Lisseth Wertz is a Master Subconscious Shifter, a Quantum Leap Facilitator, a Soul Integration Guide, and my dear friend. Follow Lisseth at PathtoYourself.com. Connect with Lisa for fertility coaching support at IVFmanifestingamiracle.com

First Appointment: What to Expect

Hear the most common question Dr. Greene gets asked, "Why am I not getting pregnant?" *Please send in your questions to: lisa@ivfmanifestingamiracle.com. Visit us! Lisa White, OTR/L, IVF Mentor (ivfmanifestingamiracle.com) Dr. Robert A Greene, MD. (enhancingfertility.com)

Dreaming Big in the Mile High City

I recently learned my hometown of Denver, CO is listed as the #1 city for women to start a business!  Having taken the leap in creating a coaching service supporting others on their fertility journeys, I couldn’t be more thrilled to hear this news.

Just as when I embarked into the unknown as a patient going through IVF, I feel myself charting down a familiar path of the unknown. Many have said it’s good to have a mix of feeling a bit scared and excited at the same time. It’s that awesome feeling when you are in pursuit of your heart’s calling and trying to break free of things holding you back; Pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone is what helps us feel most alive.  

We’re here to experience it all. To Grow. To Evolve. To reach our highest and fullest potential. 

Our paths are unique to us. They are a gift. We arrive with no guidebook handed to us on the direction we choose in life. On the flip side though, one might argue we do arrive with a guidebook and that guide is within us. 

I’ve learned as one listens to their call to play big and step out, it’s getting comfortable with the unknown that is key; Knowing fears will creep up and try to re-route you from your path. We acknowledge them and say “thank you, but you can leave now.” Quieting those fears and pressing forward with the inner knowing that we are being guided in the right direction is what matters. 

The more I dive into my work as an IVF coach supporting those on the emotional ups and downs, I am reminded that I don’t have to have it all figured out. I can rely on my inner guidance to help lead the way. I can continue reaching out, empowering myself with knowledge and resources to support me. A recent talk I attended on collaboration had me thinking how much more impact we have when we work together. 

As I move forward in my business development of new ideas, I’m excited to collaborate with more of my friends and networks. The possibilities are endless and that’s how I see it. The books and podcasts I’ve been reading and receiving lately are all about going for it. Dreaming Big. Reaching out for support. We have one precious life. Let’s make the most of it. 

I know that the pull on my heart to keep creating, keep writing, and keep getting into that state of alignment will bring even deeper fulfillment within. My hope is that those most in need of the services I’m creating will feel the love and passion behind it. 

Thank you for supporting me and cheering me on this journey! Please reach out if you feel inspired to discuss or share a possible collaboration!

Let’s do this. 

~Lisa

A mama’s reflections post IVF – turning 2

Picking up your child’s birthday cake….It might not seem significant, but it is, especially if you’ve walked the infertility path and longed to have a child.

These seemingly small events are not small by any means. They are EVERYTHING.

It struck me this past weekend as I walked into the cake store. I thought to myself,

“This is what I dreamed about.”

I dreamed of these days…. planning my child’s birthday party, gathering with friends and family, celebrating our little one growing. These days are here and I’ve been overcome with tears at times that my dreams have become my reality.

If you’re in the throes of IVF or on the TTC (trying to conceive) path you get this… it’s all these little things that we can’t wait to experience.  It’s difficult to express that it’s the mundane tasks that many wouldn’t thing much of that we desire.  When you’ve wanted a child so badly you just appreciate everything that much more.

The moment I got a glimpse of my daughter’s Elmo cake I melted inside thinking how much joy she would feel seeing it. It’s only been in the last month or so she has shown quite the affection for this lovable Sesame Street character. We’ve developed a cute game where she yells in excitement, “Elmos’ diaper!” when one of her favorites gets chosen from the stash.  Lucky for her, her mama can also do an Elmo voice impression which makes her smile ear to ear.

The little things.  This was the first birthday where I created little personalized party favor bags for the 8 kids in attendance. Oh, the joy!  As an Occupational Therapist I had fun selecting the items. (You bet I threw in some fine motor tools)!  Living in the moments that I had always wished for is truly sweet.

IVF sure knocked me around a bit, but it has become one of my superpowers.

If I can get through all of that, while at the same time facing the loss of my mom, I know I can get through most anything.

I believe birthdays are to be celebrated and think a 2 year old’s birthday is a pretty special one. It’s a bit crazy when I think about the statistics of kids who were at the party. Four of the nine kids (including my daughter) were born through reproductive assistance; That’s surprising and yet not so much a surprise in today’s age where 1 in 8 individuals are challenged with infertility.  Hopefully this topic is one that keeps getting talked about. Sharing my reflections in the hopes that at least 1 person gets a takeaway from this is my goal.

The little things are the biggest things especially after you’ve gone through hell and back with infertility.  

It’s these moments… seeing your daughter running on the playground with her friends, the red cake “Joker” mouths gobbling up some delicious cake, watching kids light up seeing bubbles and stickers, and seeing the pure joy on their faces while running through splash pad fountains…. It’s ALL OF IT.

There’s no greater honor as a mom to get to experience these kinds of moments. May this be a reminder – 

Savor the little things. Celebrate milestones. Take lots of pictures. 

You only get to turn 2 years old once in your life. Savor these precious times and know that getting to pick up your little one’s cake is the icing on top. 

xx

lisa

A letter to the woman “in the waiting”

To the woman in the waiting….

That state of uncertainty while going through fertility challenges.  A time when you aren’t quite sure which direction to take. You’re presented with options and you decide with utmost hope and confidence you’ve chosen the right path.

You want something so bad and feel a bit of disappointment when you see how easy it is for others to get pregnant. You think to yourself, WHY?  And even statements like “This just doesn’t seem fair” come to mind. Maybe you waited to find the right partner. Maybe you waited to be more established in your career. Maybe you just couldn’t think of waiting any longer and are going about it without a partner. Whatever your reason, you’re here now. You have heard all the suggestions from everyone (who mean well), on what you can do to help get pregnant, but what you REALLY want them to know they just don’t truly understand. Those of us who’ve gone down this road get it.  We know it can feel lonely, isolating, and at times depressing. We can relate to the emotional, physical and financial strain it places in your life as well as your partner’s life.  There’s a lot of hoping, praying, wishing and a lot, A LOT of tears.  At times it feels like your life is consumed by the process. Various doctors, nurses, techs, phlebotomists, sonagraphers, office staff… It all can seem almost robotic walking into the clinic for your regular blood draws and internal ultrasound checks. Each stage is one where you’re in a state of wonderment- hopefully it’s the good kind of wonderment, but for many it’s the state of wondering, “Will it work this time? What if this doesn’t go right? What happens if x, y, z?”  There’s A LOT of unknown.

What you really want is someone to hold space for you. To vent. To cry. To punch (yes) … Truly a long hug and a compassionate ear mean the world. Less talking and more listening. That’s what we want.  Be Present.

Just BE with me.

Going through the process of infertility testing and IVF myself, I quickly realized the importance of mindset, self care, and the energy I brought to this experience.  It all mattered.  Creating a support network also became a priority.  The personal connections friends shared with me of others who had been through this journey were key, and I had no hesitation in reaching out to them.  My outlook going through the process of testing and extensive medical procedures was one of optimism, one of faith, and one of an inner knowing that I would become a mother in one way or another. I knew that the thoughts I was thinking would affect my reality. I knew that I had to take care of ME.  Doing whatever I needed to stay in an optimal state to weather any storm that came our way was imperative; Man, did we face a lot of storms.

Looking back I think what’s unique in the approach I took to get through it all was recognizing how all the right supports appeared to me in just the right timing.  Being open was key.  I knew this secret.  It takes daily inner work and self awareness.  From the very beginning of this process I knew I had to be led by my heart.  There were many things out of my control, but there was much much I could control.  I had, what you may call, a “heart roadmap” guiding me through it all.

Where do you find this secret Heart map you may ask?  Well, that is where I come in.

I’m here to help you uncover what is there waiting for you and always HAS been there for you.  I want to help you discover your own Heart map.  Through personalized coaching we explore, we dig, we uncover, we build, we grow.

The coaching I provide is unique in that I utilize my 18+ years as an Occupational Therapist and lifelong practitioner of intentional, creative living to provide you with a holistic support like no other.  I believe in you, and I believe in the power of having someone like myself walk alongside you to help maximize your chances of manifesting your own miracle.  I want you to ultimately reach your personal goal of becoming a mother, but more importantly I want to you to not lose yourself on the way to get there.

I invite you to consider a personal coach to support you on your journey to motherhood. Infertility struggles are not meant to be gone through alone.  It takes a team.  A team of people who have been there, who care, and who have some valuable tools to support you.  I would love to bring more of the “magic” that may be missing from your team, and I invite you to reach out to set up an exploratory call to talk further.  Until then, keep going and know there is someone rooting in your corner for your dream of motherhood to come true.

All my love,

xo Lisa

Signs, spirit animals….It’s all part of the bigger unknown

A few days after my mom passed away I was in awe at the sight of a little friend perched on the umbrella I had just opened on our outdoor patio table.  My eyes and her eyes met.. it was the most amazing little grasshopper I had ever seen. It came as a surprise as I had not seen one all summer long and honestly cannot remember the last time I saw one.  We stared at each other for quite some time and I was moved by its presence. This little friend paid a visit to me and I know it was by no means an accident.

Of course I had to look up what this grasshopper may have been trying to tell me. I searched grasshopper signs and spirit animals. Because the internet knows all.. (ha ha), I was touched to read that this friend did have a special message to give me — Grasshoppers don’t jump sideways or backwards. They only jump forwards. It could be telling you to move forward and not look back in life.  While writing this I must share I just got a huge rush of goosebumps. I believe this to be true. My mom was telling me to keep moving forward.  Grasshoppers also can signify taking a huge leap of faith.  How appropriately timed as I follow the call to provide IVF coaching and keep spreading my message.  These cute critters are apparently also known for being a symbol of good luck. “Yes please,” my heart beamed while reading this.

Other messages touched me too. I read that grasshoppers connect and understand sound vibrations. They can represent your inner voice.  Grasshoppers may be telling you to follow your inner voice- again my mom; this is exactly something she would say.

Trust your inner voice.

My mom passed away on August 27th, 2018. I found it so special and symbolic that this night also happened to be a full moon.  It was that evening that I was planning to attend a friend’s full moon gathering.  It sometimes astounds me when I think of the interconnectedness of it all. My mom’s last day, my daughter (who was 11 months old at the time) waving goodbye to her Grammy. Their connection was special. So special in fact I have a book that I had bought for my mom to give Olivia- it’s called “Grandma Wishes.”

3 days before my mom’s passing I had my mom read Olivia, her only granddaughter,  this special book. I recorded her and it’s one of my favorite keepsakes.  I had my mom inscribe it to her and I believe it’s the last thing my mom ever wrote;  “To Olivia, From  Grammy” with a heart drawn by it.

Olivia often brings this book for me to read. It didn’t dawn on me until recently, but another pretty significant event had happened. This time it was the day after my grandmother’s funeral on January 9th, 2019.  I’ll let you know this entry is not meant to be one of “poor me” and all the loss I’ve recently experienced, but it’s one of significance in the joy it’s brought me through signs.

The day after putting my grandmother to rest, my aunt and I looked outside the back door and perched above us was a small but powerful, little owl.  My grandmother’s sign I knew.  (More goosebumps).  I had to look up the meaning and here is a bit what it said according to spiritanimal.info – “The owl spirit animal is emblematic of a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. The owl offers for those who have it a personal totem the inspiration and guidance necessary to deeply explore the unknown and the magic of life.”  It goes on by saying, “The presence of the owl announces change. The traditional meaning of the owl spirit animal is the announcer of death, most likely symbolic like a life transition, change.”

Life Transitions – Change – The Magic of Life

I have no doubt these 2 spirit animals appeared right in front of me for a reason.  I told my mom I’d still be talking to her long after her physical body would leave this earth. I asked her to give me signs, and she does. They truly appear ALL the time.

Now, this book I got my mom- from her, for Olivia – We continue to read it often, but recently it all hit me. The cover of the book shows a grandmother and her grandbaby… but these are not human figures.. they are OWLS.  I was very close with my grandmother.  Here she is represented along with my mother. Both were grandmothers. I was able to give my mom a granddaughter, I am my grandmother’s granddaughter, and Olivia is the only great-granddaughter to my grandmother. The circle of life.

They were the two most important women who influenced me more than other women in my life. They helped shape me into the person I am.

I had no idea when I found this sweet little book what a profound affect it would have in my life and my healing.  It’s through the tears I find comfort and strength. The tears are because of a deep love for my mom and my grandmother. Their spirits are strong.

Olivia is so wise.. Like an owl. Like a grasshopper.

She definitely has pieces of them in her.  She knows what a special book this is and how much it will be treasured for years to come. I believe she’ll too come to love future visits from these signs just as her mommy does.  You just never know when one may be perched right behind your shoulder.

xo lisa

A Time of Thanks

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. What better time than the present to acknowledge all that I have to be thankful for.  I sigh writing as I feel a piece of me still deeply misses her mom (and likely always will).  She’s the one who I felt most connected to. The one I WAS physically connected to for 9 months. The one who brought me into the world and I was lucky to have for 41 years. She gave me the gift of life. She helped give me the gift of becoming a mother. It’s my first big holiday without her. Nearly 3 months have passed and time is gradually having a way of helping heal.  My neighbor shared this quote with me and it rings so true –

“Grief never ends….but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith…It is the Price of Love.”

I sense a lot of love in the air.  Growing stronger and stronger.  At this time of year I can’t help but reflect on so much I have to be grateful for.

My daughter.  Each night I get the privilege of putting our girl to bed, I am reminded of the miracle of life.  At 14 months old now, she is everything and more than I wished for. As I rocked her to bed tonight, our fingers laced together for what I believe is the very first time.  Her sweet, tiny hand was locked with mine and it just solidified the bond I have with her and always will.

My husband. I’m grateful to him and the wild ride of ups and downs for the past 6 ½ years. He is an incredible provider and one amazing daddy. Tonight I watched time stand still seeing him sit at the small “kid” table with our girl- his eyes light up around her and it is most heartwarming thing to witness them play together. He puts me in my place when needed and pushes me to carry on…what my mom would like to see in me too.

My friends. True friends of mine know they are more like sisters to me. Being an only child, I look at friendships as an essential part of the puzzle of life. Lately I’ve had some visits and encounters with friends who have helped restore some of my “broken-ness.” They’ve helped bring me back to myself. Whether it’s feeling the magic all around while making mala necklaces together, diving into deep talk about who we are at our core, sharing stories where both of us have lost a parent approximately a month apart or the fun in seeing where an unplanned night on the town can lead— it’s all of this. The rich, complexity of friendship for which I am thankful.

I’m grateful for the beauty I find in nature every day. I notice heart shaped rocks a lot more. I notice colors in the sky more. I look for signs that speak to me every day, guiding me and helping show me I’m on the right track. Just the other day I saw 11:11 in the morning and then another 11:11 at night. My heart skipped a beat. I’m not kidding. I’m paying attention. I continue to practice what I preach and that is when you’re in alignment, things keep showing up, keeping working out and keep moving us in the direction we’re meant to go.

Living life on purpose.  There is such gratitude in living a life of our choosing.  I think all my life has been leading me to this point. As my personal and professional endeavors expand mentoring others in their IVF journeys, I feel immense awe and gratitude that I get to walk alongside others during a very difficult, personal time. I am using all my years of experience as a practitioner of creative intention, in manifestation and purpose driven living to help serve others. I definitely feel being an Occupational Therapist has been an asset and the most fitting profession for me.  Thankfully I followed that call in my later teen years, and with the guidance of a few individuals was led to what OT was all about.  Occupational Therapy– The integration of art and science. A mix of human development and psychology, physiology and arts and crafts. It’s all integrated into helping individuals lead their best, most fulfilled lives. We emphasize what is most meaningful to the client or patient and believe in the value of the therapeutic use of self. In OT it’s all about, “What matters to you?” I honestly cannot think of a more rewarding profession than the one I’ve been a part of for the last 18+ years.

Recently I came across a moving quote.  It speaks of gratitude, the simple pleasures, and such a good reminder as we celebrate Thanksgiving.

“As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness — just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.” 

 (Laura Ingalls Wilder, Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder)

My mom would have so loved this quote;  It’s exactly like something she would say.  Thankful for these ongoing signs–  I feel and know.  There is so much to be thankful for.

xo
Lisa