Nearly eight years ago, MCRM’s New Patient Liaison and Patient Support Specialist, Jennifer Bader and her husband Dale heard some of the most hurtful words that any couple would want to hear; “you’ll never be able to conceive a child”; Jennifer Bader says, “being strong willed and determined to have a family we did not take these words or NO for an answer”.
The Bader’s interviewed several St Louis physicians looking for the perfect match to assist them on their infertility journey. When arriving at Dr. Ahlering’s office Jennifer says, “we knew the minute that we shook Dr. Ahlering’s hand that this man was MORE than an INCREDIBLE doctor”
Dr. Peter Ahlering told Dale & Jennifer, in March 2007, that their infertility journey was definitely not going to be easy, but that with patience and persistence that he would help them create the family they so desired.
In April of 2007, Dale and Jennifer went through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and had high hopes that the battle of infertility, fought for nearly 4 years, would soon be dominated. Jennifer, a first grade school teacher at the time, was surprised by her husband in the school cafeteria with the news that only one could pray for…. POSITIVE BETAS!
It gets better…. not only were Dale & Jennifer pregnant, but TWINS were due February 2008. At the first ultrasound with Dr. Peter Ahlering, Jennifer recalls, “there were definitely two sacs, but only one heart beat”. Were they crushed? “No, as a positive pregnancy was MORE than we could only DREAM of,” replied Jennifer.
Weeks went by and at the 13 week ultrasound, Dale and Jennifer, saw two heart beats. Addelynn and Alexander, miracles in themselves, were born at 31 weeks in December 2007.
If you have been fighting the battle of infertility you have likely heard the phrase, “when you stop thinking about getting pregnant, it will happen.” Well, the Baders were SURPRISED with a true blessing in October 2009 when they discovered they were spontaneously pregnant with a third child. As their, now, five year old Josie tells Dr. Ahlering patients when she stops by for visits at MCRM, “I am not an Ahlering baby, but a SURPRISE.”
“However, Dr Ahlering did play a role in Josie, too,” explains Dale. “Jennifer was initially told the pregnancy was not viable by her local OB and that he would not prescribe any additional medication to assist. When provided with this information, Jennifer reached out to Dr. Ahlering for a second opinion and Dr. Ahlering assisted and provided Jen with the additional hope and guidance needed for the third pregnancy to turn out so wonderfully positive.”
Jennifer, today, is making a difference in the lives of patients at MCRM walking in similar shoes. Bader says, “the infertility journey is NEVER easy, but its absolutely worth it in the end”.
Infertility, Like Learning a new Language….
When walking the journey through infertility, you have to learn a whole new language. You are so overwhelmed with emotions, anxiety and excitement and presented with many different terms. In addition, its HARD to find ways to communicate with family and friends. While one can TRY and relate or even understand, those that can empathize the best are the ones that are currently walking in similar shoes or that have been through this journey before.
“For many couples, going through infertility is like a roller coaster ride, triumphs and even set backs, says Jennifer Bader, MCRM Patient Support Specialist.” The MCRM Patient Support Program will serve as encouragement for current and perspective patients; an extra resource and sounding board, and an outlet for patients to support and interact with others. Jennifer provides MCRM couples with support, information and resources.
“As a former patient, our patient support specialist understands what patients are going through and can lend a supportive ear when times are tough and provide vital information on assistance available,” explains Dr. Peter Ahlering.
The patient support program is designed to bring patients together by providing opportunities for them to socialize with others walking in similar shoes. The program will begin with a Girls Night Out, Wednesday, July 8th beginning at 6:30 PM. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by July 3rd to Jennifer at [email protected].
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