Infertility

Our providers at Vayda MH have unique experience (both personal and professional in many cases) and expertise to support those with difficult journeys to parenthood. Whether impacted by infertility and the complexities and stress of treatment (e.g., meds, IUI, IVF), third party reproduction (donor gametes, surrogacy), pregnancy or perinatal concerns, birth trauma, or pregnancy/infant loss... you are NOT alone in your suffering. We will walk this painful path along with you!

Struggling with infertility can be a deeply emotional and isolating experience. Whether you're facing difficulties conceiving, undergoing fertility treatments, or coping with pregnancy loss, know that you're not alone. I am here to walk alongside you, offering support, validation, and practical strategies to help you navigate this complex and often overwhelming journey. My approach to infertility counseling is grounded in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based techniques.

I work with women & their partners struggling with the stress & grief associated with infertility. Not limited to adoption, single parents by choice, miscarriage, recurrent loss, late term loss, IVF/ IUI, use of gestational carriers, use of donor gametes, donor embryos, donor eggs, and donor sperm.

Dealing with infertility - struggling to get and/or stay pregnant - is a life crisis. What we expected to be a joyful part of life becomes a series of losses which can leave us feeling intense grief, helplessness, anxiety, isolation, and envy. I can help you process these experiences, review different treatment options, talk you through considering the use of a donor and/or a gestational carrier, and even evaluate donors/GC's. You don't have to cope with this alone.

Following my own journey to parenthood, my passion is helping women and men with the hardships that can arise when building a family. I have more than 15 years of experience, specializing in helping clients coping with infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum issues. I completed the 10-month Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD and am certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International.

I have a specialty in grief and loss and a certification in expressive arts, I have found ways to work with those facing infertility to help on the road to healing. I was trained by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in Mental Health, have completed the County of San Diego adoption program. and work with those going through IVF, surrogacy or facing challenges around women's health.

I have a background in working with individuals and couples who are hoping to build their family and struggling with fertility, adoption and/or different roads to parenthood. I offer reproductive clinical support to couples who are exploring their options of using donor gametes (donated sperm or eggs). I also perform evaluations for prospective gestational carriers. I enjoy the opportunity to support the relational dynamic of intended parents and gestational carrier.

After having twin boys, I shifted my practice to focus on pregnancy, post partum and infertility issues. I am certified in perinatal mental health and completed the Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD.

I am trained through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and Postpartum Support International.

I am well-versed in the world of infertility, through both my clinical practice and personal experiences navigating infertility and pregnancy loss. Whether you are struggling with medical fertility challenges or are simply an LGBTQ+ couple trying to build your family, I am familiar with much of the fertility world and can help you navigate the complex, painful, and emotional journey that is getting pregnant, staying pregnant, and growing your family.

Needing medical intervention to get and stay pregnant is not easy, no matter how you found yourself on this path. It is a complex and lonely place to be and even your most well-meaning friends and family can do and say really hurtful things. In our work, you will have the space to feel and say everything you need without judgement or toxic positivity. We will work to find ways for you to cope with the process of treatment or what it means if treatment is not in your future, for whatever reason.

Infertility impacts 6.1 million couples in the United States or close to 1 in 6 couples. You may feel very isolated and alone during this time but literally millions of other couples are or have been in a similar position as you. Infertility is devastating and often is accompanied by pregnancy losses or a stillbirth experience. Infertility takes many couples on an emotional roller coaster while trying to start or grow a family.

In my own struggles with infertility I have come to a deep understanding of both the physical and mental strain it places on ones body and mind. Each journey is different and as such, should be treated as unique as the individuals who experience trials of infertility.

I am a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and Resolve. I have completed 1st training of the ASRM Mental Health Certificate. Additionally, I am an infertility warrior and have an intimate understanding of the emotional stress, anxiety, depression and suffering that you may be going through at this time. I use mindfulness skills, and introduce healthy coping skills to help build up your distress tolerance as well as cope with the losses you are currently experiencing.

Following my own journey to parenthood, my passion is helping women and men with the hardships that can arise when building a family. I have more than 15 years of experience, specializing in helping clients coping with infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum issues. I completed the 10-month Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD and am certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International.

Infertility can be one of the most lonely experiences you go through as an individual, and as a couple. At a time when you need warmth, love, understanding, and support, most people feel isolated and alone. I am here to help you feel connected, heard, and I can offer support and understanding when you're making difficult decisions about your treatment plans. You should not have to travel this road alone.

Fertility is often an aspect of women's health that is overlooked until trying to conceive. Common experiences learning about infertility include anger, grief, and shame. You're not alone in this journey. I have experience supporting women through egg freezing, IUI, IVF, pregnancy, third party matters, and surrogacy. I have completed the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's mental health professional training on infertility and third party reproduction to best support my clients.

You do not need to walk your difficult journey to parenthood alone. Whether impacted by infertility and its treatment (meds, IUI, IVF), use of third party reproduction (donor eggs/sperm/embryos or surrogacy), or deciding to grow your family via adoption or choosing to live child-free... we will join you. We have providers specialized in birth trauma, pregnancy and infant loss and stillbirth, and perinatal mood/anxiety/OCD/trauma disorders. We use an attachment and feminists' approach!