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In this “Living Today” video, we learn how Carrie Giddens, a 30-year-old with CF, and her husband, Craig, decided to have their first child through IVF and surrogacy.

When my husband and I were given the thumbs-up from my cystic fibrosis doctor to start trying for our own family, it felt like a small victory 12 years in the making. After being referred to a maternal-fetal medicine physician for a preconception consultation, we are finally taking our first steps toward parenthood.

As an infertile man with cystic fibrosis, I never thought my wife and I would be on the cusp of our first pregnancy. Fortunately, over the last 18 months, we've learned a thing or two about navigating the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

As a social worker who specializes in helping adults with cystic fibrosis, I realized several years ago that there's a connection between intimacy and sexuality, and the successful management of a daily CF treatment plan. By "partnering with your partner," you can work together to enhance your relationship and minimize the barriers to your care.

Most women with CF have normal hormonal function, reproductive tracts and sexual development. Despite this, the majority of women experience common reproductive health issues associated with CF.

On our journey to become parents, my wife and I experienced several disappointments and began to question the entire process. Meeting our daughters made it worthwhile.

The journey my husband and I traveled while trying to conceive our son was stressful but ultimately fruitful. Here’s what I learned during that process.

Breastfeeding when you have CF is more complicated than it is for people who don’t have CF. Here’s what I’ve learned about it with my kids.

I grew up thinking I would never be able to have children because of my CF. While advancements in treatments have made motherhood a possibility for many, I ultimately made the painful decision to not have children.