Stories That Inspire Hope
Every Family Story Starts with a Positive Step
Every fertility journey is deeply personal, shaped by challenges, hope, and perseverance. At Positive Steps Fertility, we are honored to share the real stories of patients who have walked this path and achieved their dream of parenthood.
From IVF and IUI to advanced fertility treatments and breakthrough testing like the Parryscope® approach, these experiences reflect the emotional and medical journey behind building a family. Each story is a reminder that progress is possible, even when the road feels uncertain.
We invite you to explore these journeys and find inspiration in the courage, resilience, and hope that helped make parenthood possible.
The Stubblefield Family
Infertility may have been part of our story, but it did not write our ending.
Their journey to parenthood hasn’t been easy, but they’re proof that determination, perseverance, and a supportive medical team can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. Their story is a testament to the strength of love in the face of difficulty.
When Veronica and Cassandra Stubblefield set out on their fertility journey nearly a decade ago, they were both excited and nervous. Both had established careers, Veronica as a hairstylist and Cassandra as a commercial trucker, but they yearned for more — to start a family of their own. Little did they know, the journey would be riddled with obstacles, but their tenacity and strength would prevail.
Seeking same-sex parenthood while living in Mississippi, they knew their fertility treatment options were limited. The fertility treatment journey wasn’t a choice for them, it was a necessity. The very first step on their path to parenthood was finding a fertility clinic that would welcome and support them, and they found that with Dr. Parry.
According to the couple, what set Dr. Parry apart was his warm and open demeanor, as well as his patient-centric approach. He made the couple feel welcome from their very first consultation. He patiently explained the processes of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), ensuring Veronica and Cassandra were well-informed and comfortable with their options.
Early Struggles: Addressing Infertility and Staying Hopeful in the Face of Loss
Their same-sex couple fertility options, however, were not straightforward. Despite the friendly atmosphere and optimism, Veronica and Cassandra’s path to parenthood was filled with ups and downs, triumphs and heartbreaks. Even though they used treatments like IUI and IVF, medical complications caused them to lose two pregnancies.
Regardless of the emotional toll of these losses, Veronica and Cassandra persisted. They refused to be deterred by setbacks. They were prepared to adopt if necessary, but first, they wanted to give fertility treatment their best shot.
Though they experienced two painful losses during their IVF journey, they found strength in each other, their resilient spirits bolstered by the support of Dr. Parry and his team. Despite the heartache, they held onto hope and decided to try again, this time with Cassandra carrying their baby. And with the help of IVF, this time, their hope was not in vain.
After countless ups and downs, trials and tribulations, Veronica and Cassandra’s story serves as a beacon of hope, courage, and resilience. Their journey to parenthood hasn’t been easy, but they’re proof that determination, perseverance, and a supportive medical team can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. Their story is a testament to the strength of love in the face of difficulty.
“Finally, we found our rainbow at the end of the storm,” Veronica said, encapsulating their journey perfectly. Veronica and Cassandra’s story is a reminder that despite the storms that may come, the promise of a rainbow — the hope for a new beginning — is always on the horizon.
Our Journey of Hope: Navigating the Path of LGBTQIA+ Fertility with Strength and Optimism
For some, the path to parenthood is as straightforward as making the decision to start a family. But for others, like us, it’s a winding, uphill journey marked by many setbacks and unexpected detours. Our path was a test of perseverance, strength, and unyielding positivity. We hoped, we prayed, and we kept going.
We began our journey excited and full of anticipation for the new chapter we were about to embark on. Months turned into years, and each passing cycle was a testament to our endurance and resilience. We had never imagined that we’d be part of the statistics — the one in five couples who struggle with infertility.
As we faced this reality, we embraced the challenge with a newfound determination. We refused to let infertility define us. Instead, we chose to see it as a journey that was shaping us into the people we were meant to become.
We sought medical help, and each doctor’s visit, each test, and every procedure was a steep learning curve. With Dr. Parry and his staff’s help, we navigated the complex maze of infertility treatments, learning more about our bodies than we ever thought we would. We underwent several rounds of IVF, each attempt filled with hopeful anticipation and anxious waiting.
During this journey, the emotional toll was intense. There were periods of overwhelming sadness, frustration, and moments of despair. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but we held onto each other tightly, committed to our shared dream of becoming parents.
Support was crucial during this time. We sought solace in each other and in the community of individuals who were traversing the same path. Sharing our experiences and learning from others who were in the same boat was immensely comforting. We also leaned on our friends and family, drawing strength from their words of encouragement.
Infertility may have been part of our story, but it did not write our ending. Our journey is a beacon of hope for those who are walking the same path. Because at the end of all that struggle, Cassandra gave birth to our daughter. When she was finally delivered, we kept asking ourselves “Is this real?” And it was. Our daughter was right there. We were parents.
Wisdom Gained: Our Advice for Others Navigating the Journey of Infertility
The journey of infertility is an intensely personal one, and each person’s experience is unique. But having navigated this path ourselves, we hope to share our insights and advice that might help others who are in the midst of their own journey.
Firstly, if you are a same-sex couple, don’t be afraid of judgment from others. We felt nothing but support and positivity from every medical professional involved: from Dr. Parry to the doctors and nurses who delivered our baby girl.
The most crucial advice we can offer is to remember that you are not alone. The struggle with infertility can often feel isolating, but it’s important to know that you are part of a community that understands your journey and stands with you. But once you’ve decided to become a parent, go for it! Don’t let anything deter you from pursuing your dream.
There’s no reason to be ashamed of seeking fertility treatment. Seeking help from fertility specialists can offer you the right guidance and increase your chances of success. Do not shy away from exploring different treatment options. We personally underwent several rounds of IVF and eventually were successful.
Patience and persistence are your greatest allies in this journey. The process can be slow, and results may not always be immediate. It’s essential to stay patient and not lose hope. No matter how hard the road may be, don’t give up. Because at the end, you’re going to get your sunshine. You’re going to get your rainbow.
Navigating the emotional landscape of infertility is equally important. The rollercoaster of emotions is very real – there’s hope, anxiety, disappointment, and joy, often all at once. Be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to feel all these emotions. Consider seeking emotional and psychological support, through therapy or support groups, to help you through this challenging time.
Sharing your story can be cathartic, and it also creates awareness about infertility, and is also a way of shedding the stigma associated with infertility.
The decision of when and how to share your journey, however, is entirely yours. You should feel no pressure to share until you’re ready. You have the right to your privacy and the process of healing and coping.
Lastly, always keep the big picture in mind. The goal is parenthood, and there are many paths to it. Fertility treatments, surrogacy, and adoption are all viable options. What matters most is what feels right for you.
Our road was winding and heavy. But we didn’t give up. And if we would have given up, we wouldn’t have our little girl. That road led us to the greatest joy of our lives. And it’s this joy that we wish for you.
The Turner Family
Never in my life have I experienced or even heard of care like Positive Steps Fertility provided.
I first came to PSF in the summer of 2020 for my Parryscope in Madison, looking to do IUIs with donor sperm as a single mom by choice through the not-yet-open Shreveport office. I ended up with 3 failed IUIs and decided to take the leap to do IVF in summer of 2021. I had my retrieval on Halloween, followed by a failed fresh transfer later that week, and had only one frozen embryo to transfer.
We transferred that in January and despite my fears, here we are approaching 10 weeks pregnant. Being single, I had incredible support from my group of friends, but the entire process was still overwhelming at times, with a lot of ups and downs, and so many uncertainties (in part thanks to Dr. Google). This was compounded, at least initially, by being based in Shreveport, waiting for the office to officially open and not routinely engaging with Dr. Parry directly.
While I was nervous about this at first, I was blown away by the care and candor demonstrated by not only Dr. Parry, but (as I call them) The Sarahs in particular.
Never in my life have I experienced or even heard of care like they provided. I looked forward to every visit, knowing that there could be bad news around the corner but that, through it all, I would be supported and given the most thorough information and the best care.
The accessibility and kindness of this team are beyond anything I ever could’ve imagined, and there is no doubt in my mind that Positive Steps Fertility cares as much about the success of their patients as they would for their own family members or even themselves.
While the choice to become a single mom has not always been part of my plan, I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to move forward and can confidently say this is 100% due to my decision to manage my care and treatment with the folks at Positive Steps Fertility.
From start to finish, this has been an amazing experience and I knew that, no matter the outcome, this team would ensure the best possible care every step of the way. I know this view is echoed by other existing Positive Steps patients, as well as those I have referred to the practice. There is no one else I would entrust with such an important journey and milestones. The only downside is that I can’t keep them for my OBGYN and pediatric care moving forward.
The Callahan Family
It really says something about a fertility clinic when you’re sad that you don’t have any follow-up appointments.
After one surgery, countless medications & two failed IUI cycles, a friend mentioned looking into Dr. Parry at Positive Steps in Madison. I will admit, I was very hesitant and guarded my heart to not get my hopes up. On a Sunday at midnight, I decided to fill out a consultation online. Monday morning, I had an appointment!
I went in to see Brittany Linton, NP and from the moment I sat down in the waiting room, I knew this was where I needed to be. I felt comfortable from the time I was checked in with the front desk. As I sat in the consultation room, with the lights dim and the relaxation sand table, I had never felt more seen or heard. I felt like more than just another patient & that’s what meant the world to me.
After speaking with Brittany on a Friday, Nic & I had to make a decision by the following week if we were going to move forward with IVF, in order to be in the next cycle. I knew the minute I left the office that day, we were doing IVF and we were going to have our baby!
Once we started the IVF process, there were God winks everywhere we looked. Friends and family helped us more than we could have ever imagined. Every step of the process was prayed over. One in particular was our meeting to sign paperwork and go over the whole process. While Nic & I sat in the room with Dana, a bit overwhelmed I’ll admit, she began telling us about PGT and where the embryos would be stored. As she continued with all the information, she mentioned the name of the testing facility… “Cooper Testing”. Nic & I immediately looked at each other and knew everything was falling into place. It was like a little sigh of relief. As a couple we knew our baby’s names & we knew one day our little boy’s name would be Cooper Callahan.
After our transfer & finally being pregnant, we sat down for our last appointment. Nic and I will never forget the embryologist bringing us Cooper’s Petri dish & Dr. Parry telling us it was his very first crib! We loved every part of the staff. Nurses, front desk, anesthesia, providers & lab!
And here we are, over one year later, with a baby. Cooper Glen Callahan was born on February 2nd, 2022. He weighed 7lb 6oz and was 21 inches long. We will forever be grateful for Dr Parry & his staff. I could never say thank you enough for everything they did for us! It really says something about a clinic when you’re sad that you don’t have any follow-up appointments. Positive Steps is more than a fertility clinic – they quickly became family.
The Caves Family
Dr. Parry made us feel heard, seen, and hopeful after over a year of trying to conceive.
My husband and I have so much love and admiration for Dr. Parry and his staff. We started our journey with them in September of 2019. From our very first consultation meeting, we knew that the Lord had placed them in our lives to help start our family. Dr. Parry made us feel heard, seen, and hopeful after over a year of trying to conceive.
Whenever we called with questions, which was very often, his nurses were sure to answer them in detail and never made us feel in the dark about the process we were going through.
After several failed IUI attempts and over a year of fertility treatments, Dr. Parry advised that IVF was our best option. From the start of our IVF process, we felt instant hope and support from the entire Positive Steps team. They prayed with us, held our hands, gave us words of encouragement, and made the process as easy as possible.
With just one embryo that survived, we finally transferred our miracle on October 23 and found out on November 2, 2021 that it was a success. Fast forward to today, we have a beautiful, healthy baby girl.
Our ultimate dream of becoming parents became a reality and we owe a lot of that to Dr. Parry and his team. I will forever sing the praises of him and his nurses and the amazing work that they are doing. Thank you so much for this gift!
See why so many families feel at home here
Serving patients across the South and Ark-La-Tex region
Average test time for breakthrough Parryscope® female fertility testing, delivering same-day results
Combined expertise across our fertility doctor and care team
For patients under 35 per retrieval — reflecting one of the highest pregnancy success rates in the South, according to CDC-published statistics
Every fertility story starts with a positive step