Archive

The Year For Me

For the past 3 years, it seems like each year is met with a sigh of relief-because it’s over. We haven’t had a “normal” year since 2019 and quite frankly, I don’t think we ever will. For those suffering with infertility, we have a different sense of what is “normal.” Doctor appointments, shots, multiple medication […]

Out and About

It is one of Conceive Nebraska’s goals to be out and about in the community as much as possible. The reason? To connect with individuals struggling to conceive, raise awareness about infertility, and help advocate. We’ve walked in parades, hosted vendor booths, and most currently were the non-profit of the night at Werner Park. If […]

Annual Fundraiser Update

Every year the Conceive Nebraska board members roll up their sleeves and put together a night of food, fun, and friends. This year was no exception, but a little more exciting as it was our first in-person fundraiser in two years. Lucky Bucket Brewery provided the perfect back drop for the fundraiser and the drinks […]

What Does it Mean to Have Access to Fertility Care in Nebraska?-A Grandma’s Point of View

When 57 year old Linda was asked the question above, this was her answer: “Everyone has an equal right to give love and life, to make a family how they determine best. Fertility care allows people like myself, to watch my child have children and see the joy it brings as she welcomes her two […]

Parenting and Infertility

Written by Conceive Nebraska board Member Nikki B. Going through any fertility struggle is traumatic and devastating and the effects of this experience can have a long-lasting impact on parenting. From anxiety during pregnancy, anxiety after birth, feelings of constant worry that something will happen that takes this precious gift away, and feelings of guilt […]

Talk About It

At Conceive Nebraska, we believe that with infertility effecting 1 in 8 couples, we should and NEED to talk about it. No matter where you are in your story-honor it-own it-don’t be ashamed of it. So many people are living out their journey’s in silence because of embarrassment or cultural unacceptance or they feel there’s […]

Virtual Fall Fundraiser

Join the Conceive Nebraska board members for our annual Fall Fundraiser! While we wish we could meet in person, with the uprise of Covid and many in our community going through infertility treatments, we will be hosting an online event. Mark your calendars and meet us online for a Facebook live update on everything that […]

Your Weight and Fertility

We are honored to have Dr. Stephanie Gustin from Heartland Reproductive Center in Omaha, Nebraska, tackle a sensitive topic with fertility: Weight. It’s not a fun topic to talk about because while we are always talking about the pains of losing weight, we rarely talk about HOW it effects our fertility. “Your fertility and your […]

Acupuncture for Fertility

We are so excited to have Thirteen Moons Acupuncture as sponsors for the 2021 year! Who is Thirteen Moons? We are glad you asked! Thirteen Moons Acupuncture was founded in 2003 by Donna Huber, a licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in Chinese Medicine. We are a fully licensed and board-certified Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese […]

2021 Walk of HOPE

It’s that time of year again to raise Infertility Awareness through Conceive Nebraska’s annual Walk of HOPE. While we are going virtual again for the health and safety of our community, it doesn’t mean we are alone. This year as we kick off the National Week of Infertility Awareness, we are focusing on finding safety […]

A Donor Story-by an Anonymous Author

THE GOOD EGG I was in a dark place this time last year. After a miscarriage and years of unsuccessful infertility treatments, I was imagining life childless and trying to figure out how to come to terms with quiet holidays, never seeing my husband have a daddy-daughter dance, and even more awkward moments with my […]

Don’t go it alone: Find Connection and Understanding in Fertility Support Circle

The experience of infertility is a difficult, demanding, and emotionally trying journey. It can also be a hard topic to discuss with friends and family, who may not fully understand the complexities, may ask painful questions or offer unhelpful advice. Even just explaining where you are in the process can require reliving setbacks or losses. […]

Infertility & the Holidays

Walking through infertility and family building challenges is rough – 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And yet, somehow that intensity seems to be turned up even more in the holiday season. In case you haven’t seen them yet, today we’re unpacking some tips – taken straight from our free mental health video series – […]

Story of an Egg Donor-Part Two

“You’re not really donating though, because you’re getting paid, right?” This is a really tough question because the lawyer in me jumps out and immediately says “No one is getting paid for their eggs, it’s illegal to sell human tissue, organs, or cells in the United States. The compensation that I and other donors receive […]

Story of an Egg Donor-Part One

“Why did you decide to become an Egg Donor?” My sophomore year of college I was still living in the dorms, I loved them and was super involved in the community. So as a sophomore I got to pick a room. My roommate and I chose the big corner room with four windows (seriously it […]

November’s President Letter

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is almost at a close. We’ve endured more this year than we ever have on top of the trials of trying to conceive. That is why it is so important that we take some time to practice gratitude. Join me during the month of November in making time each […]

From Barista to Baby~Leah O

            One of the largest hurdles for many people facing the decision about whether to go forward with infertility treatment is finances. When including the cost of medications, the average price tag associated with a single round of IVF in the United States is $16,000. Most clinics do not offer in-house financing and require payment […]

A Little Thought…

It’s weird. Being pregnant. Being on the ” other side of infertility,” but still not being normal. I struggle with the same feelings I did before. I hate what my body has put me though. I hate that I still feel sad when someone else got pregnant so easily. I still cry at gender reveals […]

October President’s Letter

The air turns crisp, leaves begin to change color, and people everywhere are obsessed with pumpkin spice. While we throw on our flannel and knee high boots, look for fun Halloween activities that are worthy of our adulting status, 1 in 4 women are secretly hurting….secretly remembering their pregnancy loss. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness […]

Male Factor Infertility: One Man’s Perspective~By Leah and Stephen

In the United States, 1 in 8 people will experience infertility. Within this group approximately 1/3 of cases are male factor infertility. There are numerous kinds of male factor infertility with different causes and treatment options. One patient, Stephen R. has come to Conceive Nebraska to provide some personal insight. In 2016 Stephen was diagnosed […]

Fall Fiesta Update

It has been quite the year for fundraising as a non-profit. We’ve had to reimagine our Walk of Hope and Fall Fundraiser and boy, did our board volunteers rise to the occasion! We cannot thank our community enough for showing up-virtually of course-for our Fiesta Fundraiser earlier this month. We had a fun night playing […]

September’s President’s Letter~Kassandra Mayo

Imagine this, another visibly pregnant woman with a young girl holding her hand. They are laughing and enjoying their time walking along the park path. The woman stops, puts her hand on her belly and smiles a wistful smile. Your eyes connect and immediately you are filled with anger, a deep sadness, and a twinge […]

Infertility….the Second Time Around~by CN Board Member Julie Richt

If you have dealt with infertility or going through it now, you understand the fear, pain, and distress that comes during that uncertain time.  I want to be upfront with all of the readers when writing about secondary or second time infertility struggles.  I have been torn in how I should write about this topic […]

August’s President’s Letter

Conceive Nebraska is growing and we need your help! This coming November is a BIG month for voters and for our board as well. We are in need of a few individuals who would like to volunteer for the Conceive Nebraska board. It’s a year long commitment where you engage in the going on’s of […]

July’s Presidents Letter

It’s been a crazy couple of months and through it all, I have come to value community. The people who create a safe place for me to live, work, and play while being my authentic self. One of the communities that I have come to appreciate is my “infertility crew.” The people who know what […]

Sometimes, Treatments Fail~ By Leah O.

Writing this post today I find myself surrounded by a half dozen cats and dogs, my Starbucks cups dripping with condensation. Outside of the occasional bark or meow my home is quiet. I suppose for many this would be a peaceful place – but often it feels like a dark reminder of the holes within […]

June’s President’s Letter

This month, I’m reflecting on how everyone’s story matters. If you’re beginning you’re “infertility journey” or 12 years deep, how you feel and what you have to say about your experience should be valued and heard. Which is why this month, I would like for us to encourage the men in our lives to share […]

Infertility: A Grandparents Story~by Linda McDowall

I am a grandma of infertility; I am my daughter’s mom. I have watched my daughter and son-in-law try to have a little one. For years I watched as my own daughter arms ached to hold one of her own. I seen her each Mother’s Day so desperately wanting to be called “mom.” I watched […]

Omaha Gives!

“Omaha Gives! is a year-round online giving platform organized by the Omaha Community Foundation to grow philanthropy in our community. The goal of Omaha Gives! is to inspire our community to come together for 24-hours to give as much as possible to support the work of public 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the metro area. Since 2013, Omaha Gives! has […]

May President’s Letter

May 1st came and went and here we are 8 days in. Time is blur as I’m still trying to figure out a “new normal.” However, the calendar doesn’t stop and the days keep ticking off. Imagine my surprise when I realized that this weekend is Mother’s Day! Between my husband and I, we have […]

Walk of HOPE

We raised over $1,300 and had 76 participants for our first ever VIRTUAL walk!!! Wow you guys rocked it! We thank all of you for participating and would like to give a huge thanks to our Sponsors. Their sponsorship helps us continue the Conceive Nebraska mission further. Methodist Reproductive Health Specialist: https://www.bestcare.org/womens-hospital/services/reproductive-health/ Heartland Center For […]

National Infertility Awareness Week

This week kicks off the National Week of Infertility Awareness. What does this mean? It’s a chance for those of us who struggle with infertility to help change the conversations going on about the trials associated with trying to conceive. It’s an opportunity to shed light on a taboo subject that millions of individuals are […]

Dealing with Infertility as a Stepparent~By Lydia Loewenstein

Let me first start off with saying that you are all amazing, strong and wonderful women. And you should NEVER feel guilty for wanting a child of your own flesh & blood. Being a stepparent and co-parenting is already a challenge without adding the extra stress and enormous bag of mixed emotions to the infertility […]

Knowing When Your Done

How do you deal with infertility when you are no longer trying to conceive? I have always wanted a minimum of three kids. This was something my husband and I both agreed on long before we were even married. Here I am now with two perfect children. I know I have more than many others who are […]

March’s President’s Letter

Sitting in the fertility clinic waiting to hear my name get called for what seemed like the hundredth time in our 12 years of TTC, I noticed the waiting room to be a little more crowded than normal. Couples clasping hands, guys shaking their legs so hard they look like their gonna take off, individuals […]

From a Friends Point of View

One of my best friends has tried to have babies with her husband since they married many years ago.  They were never able to conceive.  She has considered adoption – and would love to adopt. But I know her heart is set on creating her own life.  I understand this feeling as I feel the […]

February’s President’s Letter

While most tend to put an emphasis on flattering their significant others with chocolates, flowers and love letters around the middle of the month, I wonder what it would be like if we celebrated every day of the month with just as much enthusiasm. Most of us would fess up and say that our relationships […]

How We Came To Choose Donor Egg Path

by Anonymous Contributor When I found out my best egg from IVF was missing chromosome #2, I realized I didn’t want to throw more good money at more potentially bad eggs. Months later, that sentence still raises grief. But I knew then the practical decision on a financial and emotional level was to get a […]

(Re)productive Journey

by Anonymous Contributor If you are starting out on the assisted reproductive journey, I want to tell you what I didn’t know when I started: gather the troops. Be ready to say the words “I need.” Also, this reproductive journey may not be as smooth and quick as you may hope and expect. Try to […]

January’s Presidents Letter

Were you one of the many that was glad to see 2019 go? As I look back at what Conceive Nebraska achieved, the work we did, and the relationships we made in 2019, I can’t help but be thankful and excited at what’s to come! So thankful, that as I look to 2020, I envision […]

~The Year of Hope~

Every year we mutter, “where did the time go?” and we take a minute to ponder how we spent the last 365 days. I’ll be honest, when I look back at this last year, I find myself exhaling a HUGE sigh of relief. So many things changed and yet stayed the same. One thing that […]

December Presidents Letter

As I reflect on my first year as president, I can’t help but feel grateful for all of you. Without you, Conceive Nebraska couldn’t exist!  Whether you donated to the cause, were one of the 300 individuals who personally attended one of our events, volunteered on our board, started a conversation in one of our […]

Holiday Time While Trying to Conceive ~by Heather Hochstetler

This is the time of year that we are all “merry and bright”! At least that is how it feels, right? Everyone is running around shopping, or paying it forward in the coffee lines. But when you are trying to conceive and have been for a while this time of year can be downright painful. […]

Our Adoption Story

~By Amber Owens Failure after failure is what describes the last 4 years of our lives. My husband and I started trying to have a baby a year after our marriage. Nine months went by and still no baby. I am impatient and went to my doctor. This is a time when my impatience was […]

National Adoption Month-Our Open Adoption Story

Infertility treatments, miscarriage, foster care, failed adoption, open adoption. All of these things have been apart of my life that last 12 years. I had always wanted to be a mother and when I finally met the man of my dreams we started trying a year after marriage. After a missed period and negative tests […]

November Presidents Letter

November is here which means, the holidays are upon us. So many who are TTC (trying to conceive) find themselves dreading this time of year. Yet, here I am trying to find some encouraging word to share with you and remind you that even though the leaves change color and fall to the ground, we […]

Pregnancy/Infant Loss Awareness Month

As we end National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, we want to acknowledge and honor those who are grieving and offer our support. Statistics tell us that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss so chances are, you know someone if you haven’t experienced it yourself. While talking about it is still considered taboo, […]

October’s President’s Letter

Last month, the Conceive Nebraska board held a tailgate fundraiser at Kros Strain Brewing to celebrate another awesome year and raise funds for upcoming projects. 70 individuals came together to cheer on the Huskers, chow on BBQ, and support the on-going work Conceive Nebraska provides to our community. We are so thankful for our underwriter: […]

Life with PCOS~By Megan Gifford

Missed periods, mood swings, strange cravings, unexplained weight gain… No I am not pregnant, I have PCOS. What is PCOS you may ask, well it is polycystic ovary syndrome. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in women 18-44 years old. It is a hormonal imbalance caused by an excess amount of male […]

Exciting News For You!

We at Conceive Nebraska work hard to find you free to low-cost resources to help you on your journey through infertility. We understand the costs that come with infertility due to appointments every day, treatments, medications overnighted, and the procedures that it all requires. We also understand the emotional and mental toll it takes on […]

What I Wish I Had Known….by Julie Richt

The journey of infertility – what I would have wanted to know.  This blog is not necessarily here to provide you concrete “facts” about infertility, but rather, my truths.  If I could go back and do things differently, would I?  The answer to that question, is absolutely YES!  Infertility got the best of me for […]

Infertility After Kids

by Sheena Stafford The truth is…I look normal. Husband. 3 kids. 2 dogs. Cozy apt. Nice car. Strikingly Normal. Then, theres the ugly truth. The stuff that no one can see. The invisible reason my life changed. INFERTILITY. It’s silent and hidden. I find myself screaming from tall buildings ” Im infertile” I’ve had a […]

The ABC’s of Infertility: Here’s How People are Getting Pregnant in 2019