DARIA HARVEY
My Journey To Becoming Your IVF Doula
Hi there, I'm Daria!
An IVF doula who has great appreciation for what it takes to become pregnant after fertility struggles.
My tertiary education includes; genetics, reproductive biology and clinical embryology.
Whether you're beginning your fertility journey, about to start IVF, between IVF cycles, or currently in-cycle, I'M HERE FOR YOU!
In the ever-advancing field of reproductive science, my role is to keep you informed about all available options, ensuring no questions you have remains unanswered.
Reproductive endocrinologists are remarkable professionals, yet their demanding schedules often leave little room for keeping up with the latest groundbreaking research. An essential part of my practice involves staying on top of the newest developments in reproductive medicine.
How it all started...
Inspired by a semester at the University of Otago's Reproductive Biology Department, I chose to delve deeper into clinical embryology for my postgraduate studies. The intricacies of the human reproductive system and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) captivated me AND I WANTED TO LEARN MORE.
This journey led me to Melbourne, Australia, where I joined a very small group of students from across the globe in a highly competitive Master of Clinical Embryology program at Monash University. The result was a very fulfilling career in IVF clinics.
Hundreds of thousands of eggs and embryos, endless semen analysis, tricky IVF cases and more - I have experienced it all!
Embryology journey was brought home...
As someone with a type A personality, I always had my life meticulously planned. However, my own reproductive journey taught me that such control doesn't extend to fertility – a daunting realization for someone accustomed to having control. Becoming an IVF patient myself was challenging, yet invaluable. Having been on both sides of the experience, I understand the difficulty of feeling out of the loop and having to trust the process.
I've been fortunate to have two wonderful children through IVF.
My calling...
Whenever I meet someone new and mention I'm an embryologist, I usually get a puzzled look followed by, "What's an embryologist?" But soon after, I find myself hearing, "Oh, my neighbor's going through IVF," or "My sister had IVF and…" Suddenly, I'm engaging in deeply personal stories in casual chats. Over the last 12 years in fertility, I've become something like an IVF BFF on the side.
Throughout my time in the lab, I've formed close connections with many patients. We've shared moments of both tears and triumph, frustration and joy. I've always been more interested in the person behind the patient number on the manila folder, diving deep into their stories to fully grasp their fertility struggles.
Transitioning to Your IVF Doula felt natural, blending my scientific knowledge with a profound empathy for those navigating the tough road of infertility. Witnessing my clients move from worry to a sense of fulfillment, knowing they've tried every avenue to grow their family, brings me incredible joy.
This journey is deeply rewarding, and I truly believe it's what I'm meant to do.
And here's the best part: I offer genuine, straightforward fertility and IVF advice, free from clinic ties or quotas. Imagine that—just me, Your IVF Doula, ready to share everything I know to support you on your journey.
FUN FACT 1: I'M A KIWI!
My family moved to NZ from Eastern Europe when I was 9 years old. I completed my schooling and undergraduate studies in the beautiful land of the long white cloud - Aotearoa.
FUN FACT 2: I LOVE TO PLAN EVENTS
Everything from staging to execution and photography. I'm the go-to party planner in my circle of friends and friends-of-friends. I get so much joy out of it. I’m a huge people person and an extrovert.
FUN FACT 3: I'M BILINGUAL
My second language is Russian. I have taught both of my children to speak it too. It has been a tricky project as my husband doesn't speak the language. Consistency is key! And he has been super supportive.
FUN FACT 4: I ADORE CLASSICAL BALLET
I danced until my late teens. I once had the opportunity to work along side Bolshoi Ballet as a dancer and interpreter for non-Russian speaking dancers. It was an incredible experience.
FUN FACT 5: MOM LIFE IS MY JAM!
I absolutely love being a mom! The chaos of it all, unpredictability and heart melting moments. I'm lucky to be married to an amazing guy, and together we have two wonderful kids; a girl and a boy.
