My IVF Journey: Loss, Love, and the Gift of Community
As a Cleveland newborn photographer, I have the incredible honor of documenting some of life’s most emotional and joyful moments. Especially for families who have walked a long road to get there. Many of my clients have experienced the highs and lows of infertility, IVF, and loss. And I know that journey well because I’ve lived it too.
Along the way, we lost three embryos each one a piece of our hearts. We named them. We saw them in our family. We prayed for them. We planned for them. The heartbreak was real and deep.
But so is the joy in the success.
This journey has changed me. It’s made me a more present, patient, and empathetic mom. And it’s opened my heart to love others walking through infertility with a deeper understanding.
I truly believe God will use my experience and He will use yours too. I’m thankful for the community He’s given me through it all. And I want to be part of that support for others.
We chose Cleveland Clinic’s Beachwood Fertility Center for our journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the care we received. I also happened to work at the Clinic during our egg retrieval, which gave us access to a discount a huge help when navigating the financial side of fertility.
If you’re starting or continuing your own fertility journey in Ohio, here’s a look at some of the clinics, options, and insider tips that might help.
Top Fertility Clinics in Ohio
🏥 Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center – Beachwood
A top choice in Northeast Ohio. The team here is experienced, compassionate, and known for their high success rates. What stood out for us was the personalized care and how comfortable the space felt during such a vulnerable time. If you work for the Cleveland Clinic, they also offer employee discounts for procedures like IVF—something that made a real difference for us.
💡 CNY Fertility (Albany, NY – just outside Ohio)
While not technically in Ohio, CNY Fertility is a hidden gem worth mentioning. Their IVF costs are a fraction of the price you’ll find at most clinics—many families pay around $5,000–$6,000 per cycle compared to $15,000+ elsewhere.
Here’s the best part: You can do monitoring locally in Ohio, and only travel to New York for retrieval and transfer. It’s a bit of a logistical juggle, but for many, the savings are worth it.
🏥 University Hospitals Fertility Center (Cleveland, OH)
Another excellent option in Cleveland, UH offers a full range of fertility services and is known for attentive care. Some insurance plans offer broader coverage here, so it’s worth checking your policy or asking if your employer has a relationship with UH.
🏥 Ohio Reproductive Medicine (Columbus, OH)
For families in Central Ohio, ORM has a long-standing reputation for fertility care and offers flexible treatment plans. Their team focuses heavily on individualized treatment, which many families appreciate.
How to Save on IVF: Employers That Offer Fertility Benefits or Discounts
One of the biggest challenges of IVF is the cost. Insurance coverage is limited, and many families pay out-of-pocket. But here’s a tip: certain Ohio-based employers offer fertility benefits that can dramatically reduce costs.
👩⚕️ Places to Work for IVF Discounts or Coverage
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Cleveland Clinic – Offers IVF discounts and fertility benefits to employees. This made a big impact for us back in 2016.
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University Hospitals – Known to offer fertility coverage through employee health plans.
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Progressive Insurance (Cleveland HQ) – Frequently rated as one of the best companies for fertility benefits.
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Nationwide Insurance (Columbus HQ) – Offers family-building benefits, including IVF coverage, depending on the plan.
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Google, Amazon, and Apple – Have expanded fertility benefits in Ohio hubs or remote positions.
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Large Ohio school systems & universities – Some public educators and university employees get partial coverage for fertility treatments.
Tip: When job-hunting or reviewing insurance plans during open enrollment, ask directly about fertility and IVF coverage. You might be surprised what’s available when you advocate for yourself.
A Personal Note:
To anyone walking through this season of waiting, hoping, and heartbreak I want you to know you’re not alone.
I’ve cried those tears. I’ve asked the same questions. And now I sit on the other side with gratitude and empathy. My IVF journey has changed me and I believe your story will shape you too, in powerful ways.
If you’re in the Cleveland area and you’d like to talk, share your story, or celebrate your long-awaited miracle, I’d love to connect. Whether it’s to capture your sweet baby in a newborn session or just be a listening ear, I’m here.
You are seen. You are loved. And there is hope.
With love,
Danielle Ashley
Cleveland Newborn Photographer
