Holding Hope: Walking with You on Your Fertility Journey
By Candace Stewart, RN, CLC, and Doula, Compass Doula & Lactation PLLC
When I think back on my years working alongside families trying to conceive, whether through IVF, IUI, fertility preservation, or natural conception support, I feel so honored. Being trusted in such a personal, tender chapter of someone’s life is a privilege I’ve never taken lightly.
I’ve seen the incredible courage it takes to hope month after month, the heartbreak of loss, and the quiet, often unseen strength of those navigating the twists and turns of fertility treatments. I’ve celebrated positive pregnancy tests with tears of joy, stood beside families as they grieved miscarriages, and offered comfort in moments where words felt impossible.
Those years shaped me. They taught me about resilience, patience, and the power of holding space for someone’s deepest vulnerabilities. It was deeply rewarding, but I won’t lie, it could also be heavy at times. The emotional toll of witnessing repeated heartbreak alongside my clients was real. But my passion for this work, and my belief in every family’s right to compassionate, knowledgeable support, has always carried me forward.
How My Fertility Support Helps Families
My role isn’t just about sharing information, it’s about walking beside you at every step. Whether you’re preparing for a first consultation at a fertility clinic, trying to make sense of lab results, or navigating the rollercoaster of IVF cycles, I’m here to offer both clinical insight and emotional care.
I help families understand their options, from lifestyle changes that can support fertility, to the nuances of IVF, IUI, and fertility preservation.
I offer guidance on questions to ask your providers so you feel empowered during appointments.
I provide emotional support during the ups and downs, the waiting, the uncertainty, the moments that feel overwhelming.
I celebrate your victories, whether that’s a positive test, an embryo safely frozen, or simply making it through another step of the process with courage.
The Weight and the Beauty
The work can be heavy at times. I’ve held space for parents as they grieve early losses. I’ve listened as they share the heartache of unsuccessful cycles. And I’ve felt the deep emotional toll that infertility can take on individuals and couples alike. But I also know how powerful it is to have someone in your corner, who truly sees you and honors your journey. It is that balance, the grief and the hope, the loss and the love that fuels my passion. I believe that no one should walk this road alone.
Why I Do This Work
Starting Compass Doula & Lactation gave me the opportunity to continue this work in a deeply personal way. My fertility support services combined with my clinical background as a fertility nurse, allow me to provide compassionate, evidence-based guidance for each family I serve.
Whether you’re:
Starting to think about growing your family
Exploring options after a diagnosis
Preserving your fertility for the future
Or somewhere in the middle of it all
I’m here to support you. This is your journey, but you don’t have to travel it without a guide.
Ready When You Are
If you’re looking for fertility support that honors both the science and the heart of this process, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s walk this path together.
With love and support,
Candace Stewart, RN, CLC, and Doula
Compass Doula & Lactation PLLC