Heidi resides in Utah with her children and husband. She has been a member of the Wellnest Patient Advisory Board (PAB).
For many, the journey to parenthood is filled with hope, joy, and anticipation. But for others, the path can be lined with unexpected heartache, loss, and uncertainty. Heidi Nielsen's fertility journey embodies this challenging reality. As a mother, advocate, and member of Wellnest’s Patient Advocacy Board (PAB), Heidi's story of resilience and determination highlights the emotional depth behind fertility challenges—and how personal experiences like hers have shaped the empathetic, patient-centered approach at Wellnest.
Heidi’s fertility journey began in 2005 when she became pregnant with her first child. "At 25, I was thrilled and grateful to have a smooth and uncomplicated pregnancy," she recalls. The birth of her son was a joyful experience, and she felt fortunate to have had a healthy pregnancy. Like many first-time parents, Heidi assumed her future pregnancies would be similarly straightforward.
However, her next experience was far more complex. Two years later, Heidi and her husband decided to try for a second child, eager for their children to be close in age. She quickly became pregnant again, but this time, at around 10 weeks, she suffered a miscarriage. Despite her doctor's reassurances that her previous healthy pregnancy was a good sign, nothing could have prepared her for the series of miscarriages and physical and emotional tolls that followed.
Heidi’s fertility challenges didn’t stop after that first miscarriage. She experienced multiple miscarriages over the following years, one of which brought her into a fertility study that offered her some answers and even helped her carry her second child. Yet, the stress of her fertility journey, compounded by a third miscarriage and the invasive medical procedure known as dilation and curettage (D&C), led to significant physical and emotional hardship. "The stress and heartache were so intense that I developed Bell’s Palsy on my right side," she shares. Despite the immense challenges, she was able to deliver her second child—a healthy baby girl who brought light into her life.
After the birth of her daughter, Heidi faced another miscarriage and, sadly, was never able to conceive again. Through the repeated losses and the exhaustion of her body and spirit, Heidi felt increasingly isolated. "I often felt without guidance during those challenging years," she says. This profound sense of loneliness and a lack of support are what ultimately inspired her to join Wellnest’s Patient Advisory Board.
"I wanted to be there for others in ways that I needed during my journey—to provide the support, understanding, and hope that can make a difference in someone’s life when they’re going through their darkest moments."
For Heidi, the decision to advocate for others on their fertility journeys was deeply personal. She recalls a turning point after her third miscarriage, when she experienced an overwhelming sense of isolation. "I wish I had a place like Wellnest to turn to for support and understanding," she reflects. That need for a compassionate, informed community drove her to ensure others would not feel the same level of loneliness she had endured.
As a member of the Patient Advocacy Board, Heidi has transformed her personal pain into a source of strength and empathy for others. "The most rewarding aspect of my work with the PAB is being able to offer real, compassionate support—being the person I wish I had during my hardest moments." Through her work, Heidi provides not only practical advice but also emotional reassurance, helping others navigate the rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak that often accompanies fertility challenges.
One particularly meaningful interaction for Heidi occurred with a co-worker who had experienced several losses and was starting to lose hope. "We shared our stories and tears, and I felt so deeply connected to her pain," Heidi recounts. In that moment, she realized the power of simply being there for someone, listening, and validating their experience. These connections, Heidi explains, are what make her work on the board so important: they remind others that they are not alone.
Heidi’s personal experiences have shaped the unique perspective she brings to Wellnest’s Patient Advocacy Board, and in turn, her influence helps shape how Wellnest cares for its patients. "What sets Wellnest apart is its genuine focus on patient-centered care," she says. "It’s about supporting the whole person and their unique story. The compassion at Wellnest is authentic, and it’s felt in every interaction."
At Wellnest, fertility care goes beyond medical treatment. The emotional and mental well-being of patients is prioritized, with a focus on ensuring that no one feels isolated on their journey. Heidi’s contributions help ensure that patients are met with empathy, understanding, and personalized care—exactly the kind of support she wishes she had during her most difficult times.
Reflecting on her own journey, Heidi emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and seeking support. "I learned that it's important to advocate for yourself and not be afraid to ask questions or seek different opinions," she says. Her advice to those currently navigating fertility challenges is equally empowering: "Give yourself grace and allow yourself to feel everything. The ups and downs of fertility can be incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Know that it's okay to seek help, to grieve, and to hope all at once."
Perhaps most importantly, Heidi wants others to know they don’t have to go through the journey alone. "There are people and communities like Wellnest that are here to support you every step of the way."
Heidi Nielsen’s fertility journey, marked by loss, resilience, and advocacy, serves as a guiding light for Wellnest’s patient care philosophy. Her deeply personal experiences have helped shape the compassionate, patient-centered approach that defines Wellnest today. By sharing her story and offering empathy and support to others, Heidi has turned her pain into purpose, ensuring that no patient feels alone in their fertility journey.
At Wellnest, we are continually inspired by Heidi’s journey and the insights she brings to our Patient Advocacy Board. Her story reminds us of the importance of listening, caring, and building a community where every patient feels supported and valued. It’s through stories like hers that we strive to create better decisions and experiences for all our patients, making Wellnest a place where compassion meets care at every step of the journey.
Sharing her story and reflecting on those challenging times has been a healing experience for Heidi, helping her better understand how those past experiences have shaped her present.
This article was developed in collaboration with our professional fertility care providers located in Arizona and Utah.