Ashley and Sam were in no rush to start a family when they wed in their early 20s, but when they were ready to started trying, it was not nearly as easy as they had expected. Watch this inspirational segment on Fox 5 Atlanta and read their full story below.
Their Story, as Told by Ashley:
Sam and I met at a country concert! Gary Allen to be exact. I was a senior in high school at the time and he was a freshman in college. Never did I think I would meet my soulmate at such a young age and end up marrying the man, but God had plans for us to meet that night and I’m so thankful he did! We dated for a couple of years before we got engaged and then married on April 27, 2013. We just celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary in April.
We decided to enjoy newlywed life just the two of us before trying to bring a baby into the world. We had a lot of friends and family who had kids, so we thought it would happen fast like it did for all of them. After a year, we were so excited to start trying for a family, but months went by with no positive pregnancy test. We started thinking, “what’s wrong with us?” We were really confused as to why it wasn’t happening like it happened for everyone else. I ended up going to my regular OB/GYN at the time and that’s when I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 22. When we got the news from the doctor that it could take a while to get pregnant, we honestly let it go in one ear and out the other. We were so young and naive to the news. As months went by after the diagnosis and still no pregnancy, we knew there was a problem and we needed help medically at that point.
Coming to Shady Grove Fertility
It was overwhelming to be so young sitting in a waiting room full of people who looked way older than us, but it made me realize in that moment that we were not alone. Infertility is a real disease that does not discriminate because of your age. Meeting Dr. Namnoum for the first time was like a breath of fresh air and for once, it felt like a baby was in sight. She was so kind, informative, and optimistic, reminding us to stay positive because she believed we would get pregnant.
Starting Treatment
Since we didn’t know any friends or family who went through in vitro fertilization (IVF), Sam and I had to be each other’s support system. We were open with our families and close friends about our struggle and they were compassionate and supportive, which helped us during the process. Dr. Namnoum and her nurse, Dawn, were there for us every step of the way – for every doctor’s appointment leading up to the egg retrieval and the transfers. The IVF calendars were actually super helpful and kept me on track, so I didn’t miss a medicine or protocol.
The 2-Week Wait
The 2-week wait can be so hard and your mind can wonder, so my biggest piece of advice would be to stay positive and have faith in the journey. Relax on the couch and watch a funny movie or read a good book that keeps your mind occupied!
The Best Call Ever
Getting the call that we were finally pregnant with our rainbow baby after our 5th IVF transfer was so surreal. Sam and I were ecstatic! After all the medicines, doctor’s appointments, and blood draws, it was so rewarding after fighting such a difficult battle.
Our first ultrasound was a dream come true. After losing our first baby on our first transfer, we never got to experience a good first ultrasound. As much as I had my doubts and fears with our second pregnancy, I just kept believing and praying that God would walk before us and calm our fears, and he did. We had peace from our transfer all the way to our first ultrasound. Even though I was extremely nervous for our ultrasound, it was worth every heartbreak to see and hear our baby’s heartbeat.
Graduating from Shady Grove Fertility was an answered prayer. Finding out we were expecting identical twins was the icing on the cake. It was a reminder that God finishes everything he starts in our journey and he will keep his promises. As ecstatic as we were to start our new journey with our OB/GYN, we were so sad to leave Dr. Namnoum and her team who helped us along the way. Honestly, there will never be another doctor or nurse who means as much to us as they do. They helped us achieve our dreams of parenthood and for that, we are forever grateful. They made us feel like we were their only patients. Looking back on the years we spent with them, they were angels sent from above to help us navigate the rocky road of infertility. I truly appreciate the close relationships that were formed during my time at SGF. They helped mold me into the person I am today and the mom I will be to my twin girls.
Advice for Future Patients
You have to remain positive and hopeful that your miracle is coming even when you experience heartbreak or devastation. What helped me the most was having my husband support me and encourage me on the hard days. He constantly reminded me that we would get pregnant and to not give up. My faith in God was what got me through the hardest days when I would see another pregnancy announcement on social media or feel defeated in my journey. He gave me the strength to get through the hardest 4 years of my life. I’m so passionate now about infertility and helping others be encouraged during their journey to parenthood. Also, blogging and connecting on social media helped me meet other women who were experiencing my same, silent struggle. It made me feel like I wasn’t the only one going through it. I loved hearing success stories and happy endings and I pray our story encourages a couple who feels like they are ready to give up. We serve a God who turns impossible situations into possible situations and if he did it for us, he can do it for you.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 1-877-971-7755 or fill out this brief form.
