ROCHESTER, Minn. — For Erin Barreto, Pharm.D. , Ph.D., the path to motherhood was anything but easy. Nearly seven years of infertility treatments brought moments of hope, heartbreak, and unwavering resilience.
Now a mother of two, Erin reflects on her journey with Mayo Clinic’s
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) team—a group recently ranked among America’s Top 10 Fertility Clinics by Newsweek for the third consecutive year. Over the past five years, the team has helped bring more than 1,000 babies into the world.
Choosing Mayo: Trust in Data and Compassionate Care
Erin and her husband, Jason (Jay) Barreto, Pharm.D. , turned to Mayo Clinic for its high success rates, cutting-edge treatments, and empathetic care.
“When hope felt scarce, I trusted Mayo’s expertise,” Erin says.
Her care was led by Dr. Ali Ainsworth, clinical director of in vitro fertilization (IVF) at Mayo.
“Dr. A saw us through it all—miracles and miscarriages,” Erin recalls. “She knew how to guide us because she truly understood us.”
Dr. Ainsworth, moved by Erin’s words, says: “Being part of their story is a privilege. This work is hard, heartbreaking, and deeply meaningful.”
The Emotional Toll of IVF—and Small Acts of Hope
Erin’s journey wasn’t just medical—it was emotional. She found comfort in small rituals, like wearing a special pair of wool socks during each egg retrieval. Funded by a past Joy Project, the socks bore hopeful messages: “IVF got hope” and “Lucky transfer socks.”
Support also came from Mayo’s staff. Maria Lujero, a nurse, held Erin’s hand during her first retrieval. “She was my calming force,” Erin says.
Chelsea Marquardt, another nurse, guided Erin through complex medication routines—a crucial part of IVF. “I needed to trust someone else, even as a pharmacist,” Erin admits.
Holistic Care: Mind, Body, and Resilience
Mayo’s Mind Body Fertility program, led by nurse practitioner Nicole Callahan, helped Erin process the emotional weight of treatment.
“It was healing to support others starting their journeys,” Erin says.
Dr. Ainsworth adds: “Fertility care isn’t just medical—it’s about the whole person.”
Hard Lessons—and a Better Way Forward
Erin learned to self-advocate after a painful experience receiving difficult news alone.
“Seeing Mayo’s caller ID became triggering,” she says. “We adjusted—Jay would take the calls first and share the news gently.”
The Joy That Followed the Struggle
After three embryo transfers, Erin and Jay welcomed their daughter, Charlotte, during the pandemic. Later, after more challenges, their son, Thomas, arrived.
Now, Charlotte, 4, adores her “baby guy.” Thomas, 4 months, is already showing his personality.
“This is what we waited for,” Erin says. “Sitting on the floor, doing puzzles, hearing them laugh—it’s the greatest blessing.”
Related topics:
