When I first set out to capture Kait & Chris’s infertility story, I thought I would be starting a series titled “This is Infertility.” Followed by more sessions of other heartaches and triumphs that people face in their life. The series was going to focus on real and raw chapters in peoples lives, to not only educate others on the journey but to also document such a pivotal moment in their life.
What I came to realize as I was capturing this journey is that the blanket statement of, “This is Infertility” wouldn’t be just. As someone who is also facing infertility, I realize our stories are all so different, yet all so painful. I also realize that as much as you try, there is so much to every couple’s story that it’s near impossible to convey the emotions and heartbreak in just a short story or in just a few sessions of photography. In the end, the intent of this is still the same – to document and capture real moments in such a painful journey.
1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility. Only 50% of those couples will ever get pregnant through natural or medical interventions. This is just one couples story and I hope it impacts you.
Thanks so much to Reproductive Associates of Delaware for allowing me to photograph at their appointments and an even bigger thank you to Kait & Chris. Thank you for allowing me in during such a personal chapter of your life. This was such an emotional story to photograph as it hits so hard to home, I don’t think I left any of my sessions with you without being in tears.
Here is a look at Kait and Chris’s Story in Kait’s own words:
“My husband Chris and I started on our infertility journey in May 2018. I have pre-disgnosed tubal-factor due to stage 4 endometriosis. We committed to IVF a month later and before ever starting the actual IVF process we had a miraculous natural pregnancy, which ended in a heartbreaking chemical miscarriage. Next I had surgery to remove my endometriosis, assess the condition of my tubes (not good), and clean up any other abnormalities.
- In the sterile transfer room the doctor delivered unexpected news that our intended embryo had not survived the thaw process and another had been thawed to replace it. I was devastated and the transfer was a blur. In the recovery room my husband consoled me as we grieved yet another loss, with Danielle capturing our vulnerability.
- I needed closure on my losses so I threw all the tests from my other pregnancies away.
- This particular medication protocol was 2-3 injections per night…. So we did lots of shots.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:40 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. The pictures are so raw and yet beautiful because that’s life. Praying for a healthy pregnancy!
Amazing job Danielle
October 6th, 2019 at 9:47 am
Thank you for sharing your journey! My husband and I are experiencing infertility issues and reading your success gives me hope! ❤️
October 7th, 2019 at 12:27 pm
What a raw and gorgeous way to share your story. We welcomed our miracle 6 weeks ago with the help of RAD and IVF. I pray your pregnancy is healthy and will be waiting to hear a follow up about your baby boy in April!
October 7th, 2019 at 10:32 pm
I’m sitting here tearing up at all the beautiful and yet heartbreaking photos. I too was at RAD for 12 years and as I read your journey it reminded me of our journey. How wonderful you both were to capture this for others to see the heartbreak and joy. We were finally blessed with two rainbow babies 6 years apart. IVF teaches all of us who travel that journey that we are stronger then we ever thought we could be. I’m sending you both all the prayers and good
baby vibes for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.