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- 2 jalapeños, seeded for less heat
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the jalapeños, garlic, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add the black beans, scallions, lime juice, and olive oil, and toss to combine.
- Gently fold in the avocado and cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Clinic: Kindbody Rogers
Treatments: IVF, Employee Member
My IVF Journey: From Hope to Holding My Son
Going through IVF was one of the most emotionally and physically intense experiences of my life — a journey defined by uncertainty, resilience, and ultimately, joy. A single round of IVF might sound straightforward, but it's anything but simple.
The Demands and the Emotions
From the very beginning, you're immersed in a world of hormone injections, ultrasounds, early morning appointments, and a strict timeline that seems to take over your entire schedule. The medications played with my body and emotions in ways I didn’t expect. There were days I felt hopeful and strong — and others when I felt drained, anxious, and deeply vulnerable.
The Waiting
The hardest part wasn’t just the shots or the procedures. It was the waiting. Waiting to see how many eggs would mature. Waiting to hear how many embryos developed. Waiting for transfer day, and then for the longest two weeks of your life — the wait to find out if it worked.
The Moment Everything Changed
Despite all the challenges, one major achievement stands out: we made it through. Our embryos developed. Our transfer went ahead. And then… the call came. I was pregnant.
Holding My Son
After everything, we had reached the moment we had dreamed of. Every milestone in pregnancy brought a mix of joy and cautious optimism. And now, today, I hold in my arms the most perfect reminder of why we endured it all: my healthy, happy, adorable 3.5-month-old son. Every smile, every tiny coo, every middle-of-the-night snuggle makes the entire experience worth it a thousand times over.
What IVF Taught Me
IVF taught me more about patience, strength, and hope than I ever thought possible. To anyone currently in the thick of it: I see you. Your journey is valid, your feelings are real, and your story is still being written.
Advice for Others
Take it one step at a time. Try not to look too far ahead — it can get overwhelming. Focus on the next appointment, the next blood test, the next decision. Celebrate each little win. You’re allowed to hope. Hope isn’t naive — it’s courageous. Even on the hardest days, allow yourself to hold on to the possibility that good things can still happen. The outcome may not be linear, but your story is still unfolding. There are twists and turns. Delays. Heartbreaks. But also, there can be incredible joy. You may end up where you hoped — or somewhere entirely unexpected but just as meaningful.
Gratitude for the Care Team
From the first appointment to the last the Rogers Arkansas team made us feel safe, seen and heard!
" ["post_title"]=> string(15) "Jeniffer Florek" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(268) "After everything, we had reached the moment we had dreamed of. Every milestone in pregnancy brought a mix of joy and cautious optimism. And now, today, I hold in my arms the most perfect reminder of why we endured it all: my healthy, happy, adorable 3.5-month-old son." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(15) "jeniffer-florek" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2025-12-19 10:46:55" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-12-19 15:46:55" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=11750" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [4]=> object(WP_Post)#16639 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(11748) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2025-12-12 09:12:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-12-12 14:12:00" ["post_content"]=> string(2769) "At Kindbody, we know that nutrition plays an important role in supporting reproductive health. Thoughtful food choices can help promote healthy hormonal function, circulation, and overall fertility for people at every stage of their journey.
This Salmon Scallopini with Almond Orzo is a simple, nourishing meal that brings those principles to the table. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to help regulate blood flow to the reproductive organs. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, a nutrient associated with supporting uterine lining thickness as well as sperm health and motility.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Butter
- Sliced almonds
- 1 (7-ounce) salmon fillet, cut into 1/4-inch-wide slices
- Lemon juice
- Drained capers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook 1/2 cup orzo according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Melt 1 teaspoon butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons sliced almonds and cook until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Sauté in the same skillet, cooking on both sides until just cooked through.
- Divide the cooked orzo and salmon evenly between two plates.
- Add the reserved orzo liquid to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon capers. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in 3 teaspoons butter and the toasted almonds.
- Spoon the sauce over the salmon and orzo, and serve immediately.
Recipe adapted from Health.com
" ["post_title"]=> string(74) "Salmon Scallopini With Almond Orzo: Crafted To Promote Reproductive Health" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(241) "At Kindbody, we know that nutrition plays an important role in supporting reproductive health. Thoughtful food choices can help promote healthy hormonal function, circulation, and overall fertility for people at every stage of their journey." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(73) "salmon-scallopini-with-almond-orzo-crafted-to-promote-reproductive-health" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2025-12-19 10:38:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-12-19 15:38:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=11748" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [5]=> object(WP_Post)#16602 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(11743) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2025-12-08 10:04:09" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-12-08 15:04:09" ["post_content"]=> string(3635) "At Kindbody, we recognize that nutrition is one of many factors that can support reproductive health. Meals built around whole, nutrient-dense ingredients can help promote healthy hormonal function, protect reproductive cells, and support overall fertility.
This vibrant spinach salad is packed with ingredients chosen for both flavor and function. Dark leafy greens like spinach are high in folate, a B vitamin that has been shown to support ovulation. Berries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect eggs from oxidative damage. Together, spinach and berries are also known to naturally support libido.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Raspberry Vinaigrette
- 2 1/2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots, from one shallot
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 (6 to 7-ounce) bag or carton baby spinach, about 6 to 7 cups
- 2 cups stemmed and sliced strawberries, about 1 pint
- 1 cup blueberries, about 1/2 pint
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (if currently pregnant, exclude from recipe)
Instructions
- To make the dressing, combine the raspberry vinegar, vegetable oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced shallots, salt, and pepper in a small sealable container. Shake vigorously until well blended, making sure the honey does not stick to the bottom. Alternatively, combine the vinegar, honey, mustard, shallots, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the oil until the dressing is emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and toasted pecans.
- Add the dressing gradually, tossing until the greens are well coated. You may have a small amount of dressing left over.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the salad just before serving.
Recipe adapted from Once Upon a Chef
" ["post_title"]=> string(86) "Spinach Salad With Fresh Berries: A Nourishing Recipe To Support Reproductive Wellness" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(257) "At Kindbody, we recognize that nutrition is one of many factors that can support reproductive health. Meals built around whole, nutrient-dense ingredients can help promote healthy hormonal function, protect reproductive cells, and support overall fertility." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(85) "spinach-salad-with-fresh-berries-a-nourishing-recipe-to-support-reproductive-wellness" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2025-12-19 10:10:11" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-12-19 15:10:11" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=11743" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post_count"]=> int(6) ["current_post"]=> int(-1) ["before_loop"]=> bool(true) ["in_the_loop"]=> bool(false) ["post"]=> object(WP_Post)#5342 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(11784) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2025-12-31 17:59:38" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-12-31 22:59:38" ["post_content"]=> string(6288) "Fertility treatment is a journey you take together. It is one that can strengthen your relationship, deepen your communication, and help you show up for each other in meaningful ways. But it can also introduce stress, uncertainty, and emotional highs and lows. At Kindbody, we see every day how powerful partner support can be. When both people feel heard, valued, and connected, the entire experience becomes more manageable.
Whether you’re the one undergoing treatment physically or the supporting partner, here are ways to stay emotionally connected throughout the process.
1. Keep Communication Open and Gentle
Fertility treatment involves hormones, appointments, decisions, and expectations. Talking regularly helps you stay aligned, but how you communicate is just as important.
Try this:
- Set aside dedicated “fertility-free” time each day or week so your relationship doesn’t become all about treatment.
- Use phrases like “What would feel supportive to you today?” instead of making assumptions.
- Validate each other’s feelings even if they differ. One partner may feel hopeful while the other feels exhausted. Both of those experiences are real.
2. Share the Load (Even When You’re Not the One Being Poked and Prodded)
A common challenge is that one partner often carries the physical burden of treatment. The other can help balance the emotional and logistical weight.
Ways to help:
- Attend appointments together whenever possible because being present reduces isolation.
- Take charge of calendar tracking, medication reminders, or insurance tasks.
- Offer practical support: meal prep, driving to appointments, or creating a cozy, calm home environment.
Small acts of care add up and reinforce your partnership.
3. Create Rituals of Connection
During treatment, your schedule may revolve around injections, ultrasounds, and two-week waits. Building rituals gives you something grounding and positive to look forward to.
Connection rituals can include:
- A nightly check-in with no phones.
- A morning walk or coffee date after a monitoring appointment.
- A weekly movie night, massage trade, or shared meditation practice.
Rituals become touchpoints and moments that remind you you’re a team.
4. Give Each Other Room to Cope Differently
People experience fertility challenges through different emotional lenses. One partner might want to talk everything through; the other may process quietly. Neither approach is wrong.
Tips:
- Ask each other, “Do you want comfort or solutions right now?”
- Practice patience when responses aren’t what you expect.
- Recognize that support includes respecting boundaries.
Your emotional styles don’t need to match, they just need to meet.
5. Stay Intimate in Ways Beyond Sex
Fertility treatment can affect libido or change the way intimacy feels. But staying physically and emotionally close is still important.
Try:
- Cuddling without pressure.
- Holding hands during appointments or while watching TV.
- Writing love notes or sending supportive texts.
Intimacy is about connection, not just timing or performance.
6. Don’t Wait to Ask for Outside Support
Therapists, support groups, and fertility coaches can offer tools that help couples stay connected and resilient. At Kindbody, our mental health providers specialize in fertility-related stress, relationship changes, and emotional wellbeing. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re struggling, it means you’re investing in your partnership.
7. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Outcomes
Treatment can feel like an ongoing cycle of waiting for results, for answers, for next steps. Celebrate the things you can control:
- Completing a round of medication.
- Making it to a big appointment.
- Supporting each other on a tough day.
- Taking a break when you need it.
Recognizing these wins reinforces your teamwork and resilience.
You’re In This Together
Fertility treatment is a shared journey, even if it affects each partner differently. Staying emotionally connected doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same thing at the same time. It means you’re committed to navigating each moment side by side. At Kindbody, we’re here to support both of you with compassionate care, guidance, and community. Because strong support systems don’t just help you through treatment, they help you thrive.
Supporting Your Partner During Fertility Treatment: How to Stay Emotionally Connected
Fertility treatment is a journey you take together. It is one that can strengthen your relationship, deepen your communication, and help you show up for each other in meaningful ways.
Darcy Noren
Having access to a local fertility clinic, combined with financial support to pursue our dreams, truly transformed our lives and made our IVF journey possible.
Black Bean and Avocado Salsa: A Fresh, Fertility-Friendly Recipe
Nourishing meals can be a form of self-care, bringing comfort, joy, and support for reproductive health. At Kindbody, we celebrate food that’s as delicious as it is beneficial.
Jeniffer Florek
After everything, we had reached the moment we had dreamed of. Every milestone in pregnancy brought a mix of joy and cautious optimism. And now, today, I hold in my arms the most perfect reminder of why we endured it all: my healthy, happy, adorable 3.5-month-old son.
Salmon Scallopini With Almond Orzo: Crafted To Promote Reproductive Health
At Kindbody, we know that nutrition plays an important role in supporting reproductive health. Thoughtful food choices can help promote healthy hormonal function, circulation, and overall fertility for people at every stage of their journey.
Spinach Salad With Fresh Berries: A Nourishing Recipe To Support Reproductive Wellness
At Kindbody, we recognize that nutrition is one of many factors that can support reproductive health. Meals built around whole, nutrient-dense ingredients can help promote healthy hormonal function, protect reproductive cells, and support overall fertility.
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