Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Dean.
Hi Elise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband and I started our infertility journey 4 years ago. We have been through 3 rounds of IVF, 3 pregnancies, which all ended in losses – one being a second-trimester loss that completely shattered our worlds. Followed by two failed attempts. We’ve both been very open and vulnerable in sharing our journey on social media. This most recent failed attempt, I posted a video on my Instagram of us finding out that we were not pregnant after an embryo transfer, and it was so raw and devastating. The video ended up going viral, as so many people are navigating infertility. 1 in 8 couples are on an infertility journey, and 1 in 4 experience a miscarriage. It’s not talked about enough. As a mental health professional myself, it has given me SO much purpose to be able to show up for my community online and support, educate, and encourage them in their journeys to starting a family. Infertility warriors are truly one of a kind, and I am honored to be an advocate for this community. Infertility sucks, but my goal is to make it suck a little bit less. To those of you struggling with infertility, I see you, I get you, I am with you, and send so much love to you!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
OH GOODNESS. Can I say hell no??? Lol, it’s been traumatic and tragic, honestly. My husband and I have wanted to be parents for as long as we can remember, so having that journey be so difficult while navigating the confusion, sadness, grief, frustration, and anger has been tough. Going through infertility treatments is a strain on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. It’s hard on your marriage, your social life, your career. It’s like committing to a really awful and exhausting second full-time job – with NO guarantees of a payout. Losing our son Wilder was the most difficult thing I think we’ve ever both gone through. It shattered us both and forced us to rebuild everything. Losing a child is the hardest heartbreak.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a mental health therapist by trade and a life coach/infertility advocate by choice. I see clients and create content that is educational, supportive, humorous, and encouraging. I think I’m known for being strong and navigating hardship with as much grace as one can going through trauma – which I think is really amazing. I use my pain to help others and bring light to other people because that’s what helps me get through hard times. It’s been really amazing to be able to connect with other warriors in the infertility community and help them through their journeys. I would say I specialize in being of service to others and normalizing vulnerability, and expressing hard emotions. I always try to be a safe space for everyone and anyone and just try to spread as much love, light, and kindness as I can. I am most proud of my ability to find myself through my hardship. I’ve never felt more in alignment with my true authentic self, and I think that’s the greatest gift of all of this thus far.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband Carl has been my rock through everything. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without his love, encouragement, and support. My parents have also been beyond supportive, and I love them to death. I am grateful they instilled values and qualities in me that have helped me navigate all the difficulties in my life. I also have amazing friends who have never wavered, means the world to me to have such amazing souls around me. I also have to give a HUGE shoutout to the infertility community – you have kept me going and kept me afloat through all of this, and I love you all BIG time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bebloomed.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elise__dean/?hl=en
Image Credits
Paige Greener Photography
