Laurel Fertility Care

02/27/2026

Happy Birthday to the heart and soul of Laurel Fertility Care, Dr. Smikle! 🎂🎉
For over 20 years, Dr. Collin Smikle has been doing what he loves most: growing families and changing lives one patient at a time. His dedication, compassion, and whole-person approach to care have made Laurel what it is today, and we could not be more grateful.
We think this quote says it all:
"When you have a clear roadmap and know exactly what to expect next week or next month, that mountain starts to look like a series of manageable steps."
That is exactly the kind of doctor he is. Someone who walks alongside his patients every step of the way.
Today we celebrate him! If you have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Smikle or have a fun memory or story you would like to share, we would love to hear it in the comments below. 👇
Want to get to know him even better? Visit our Learning Center to read the full Q&A with Dr. Smikle at laurelfertility.com.
📍 San Francisco | Oakland | Modesto
📞 (415) 673-9199

02/25/2026

There's more than one way to build a family.
Third-party reproduction, including donor s***m, donor egg IVF, and embryo donation, has helped thousands of people become parents. Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to take the next step, we're here to help you figure out what's right for you.
At Laurel Fertility Care, our team provides honest answers and compassionate care at every stage of your journey.
Exploring your options or ready to move forward? We're here either way. Schedule a consultation at the link below, or call 415-673-9199 to speak with our Third-Party Team.

02/23/2026

This month, we're celebrating the birthday of our founder and medical director, Dr. Collin Smikle!

We sat down with him to talk about what whole-person fertility care really looks like, why metabolic health matters, and the one message he wishes every patient heard before starting their journey.

Read the full Q&A here:

Dr. Collin Smikle opens up about his whole-person approach to fertility care, the power of hope, and why no patient should ever feel alone on their journey.

02/20/2026

We're thrilled to celebrate these two amazing soon-to-be moms from our Modesto clinic and the loving family who has surrounded them throughout their journey to parenthood.
From their first visit with Dr. Smikle and Leslie Barahona to this joyful moment, it's been an honor to walk alongside them. What stands out most? The incredible support system they have. Family showed up, not just physically, but emotionally, with open hearts and so much love.
Building a family as an LGBTQ+ couple comes with its own unique considerations, and having people in your corner who truly see you and celebrate you makes all the difference. At Laurel Fertility Care, we're proud to provide compassionate, affirming care for all families in Modesto and throughout the Central Valley, because every love story deserves expert support and respect.
To this beautiful family: we can't wait to meet your little one. Thank you for letting us be part of your story. 🌈
And to all the LGBTQ+ families out there considering parenthood: we see you, we support you, and we're here to help.

02/18/2026

A quick reminder for California employees and employers: SB 729 is now in effect.
Many large group health insurance plans are now required to cover fertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF. If you or someone you know hasn't looked into their updated benefits yet, now is the time.

02/17/2026

Your fertility journey is deeply personal, and your care should be too.
At Laurel Fertility Care, we know that navigating fertility treatment can feel overwhelming. That's why we're committed to providing more than just medical expertise. We offer compassionate, individualized care that honors your unique story, your concerns, and your dreams.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll feel the difference. Our team takes the time to truly listen, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that's designed specifically for you. Because you're not just a patient to us. You're a person with hopes, fears, and a journey that deserves our full attention and support.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're already on your path to parenthood, we're here to walk alongside you with expertise, empathy, and care. 💚
Ready to experience fertility care that puts you first?
📞 Call us: (415) 673-9199
🌐 Visit: laurelfertility.com

02/15/2026

What a wonderful reunion! 💙
We hadn't seen this amazing family since they graduated back in 2023, so when they stopped by our Modesto office today, it made our whole day! They came to introduce us to their handsome son, Legend, who just turned 2 in January. He had a cow-themed birthday party, and we're absolutely hoping to see photos of the mooo-ment! 🐄
But the surprises didn't stop there – Mom also shared that she conceived spontaneously and is now expecting a baby sister for Legend!
These are the moments that fill our hearts. Every family's fertility journey is beautifully unique, and this one has our hearts bursting with joy. Legend, you're going to be the best big brother! 💕

02/13/2026

Your fertility journey is unique, and so is your body. That's why we offer personalized medical weight loss care designed to support your specific goals. When metabolic health and reproductive health work together, everything feels more balanced. You might experience more regular cycles, improved energy, better mood, and increased chances of conception.
Dr. Smikle's physician-supervised program uses advanced treatments to help regulate appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and create sustainable metabolic balance. This isn't about quick fixes or restrictive diets. It's about evidence-based medicine, compassionate care, and what matters most to you.

Whether you're actively trying to conceive, managing PCOS, or planning for your future family, we're here to support your wellness every step of the way. 💚
Learn more about our medical weight loss program: https://laurelfertility.com/medical-weight-loss-designed-for-your-unique-fertility-journey/

Learn how physician-guided medical weight loss can support fertility, hormone balance, and overall wellness at Laurel Fertility Care.

02/09/2026

We wouldn't be here without them. 💜
This Black History Month, we're celebrating three incredible Black women who changed maternal and reproductive healthcare forever—Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens, Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown, and Maude Callen.

Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens was a trailblazer—the first Black woman admitted to the American College of Surgeons. She spent her career making sure Black women had access to quality reproductive healthcare and opened doors for so many who came after her.

Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown was the first Black female surgeon in the South, and she didn't stop at breaking barriers. She fought for women's reproductive rights and provided compassionate care to communities that needed it most.

Maude Callen was a legendary midwife who delivered thousands of babies in rural South Carolina. For decades, she was a lifeline for Black families—bringing new life into the world with skill, dedication, and so much heart.

Their work laid the foundation for everything we do at Laurel Fertility Care. Every family we support, every journey we walk alongside, every barrier we work to remove—it's all built on their legacy.

This month, we honor them. And we recommit to continuing their fight for equitable, compassionate care for all. 💜✨

02/06/2026

We just had to share these adorable photos! 💕
One of our wonderful patients reached out to let us know they'll be coming back to see us soon to grow their family, and sent along these sweet pictures of their daughter Juliana. We agree with mom, she is cute as a button! 🌸
There's truly no bigger compliment than when families who've had success with us choose to return for baby number two. It means the world to us, and we're already looking forward to being part of the next chapter of their story.
Juliana, we can't wait to help you become a big sister!

02/03/2026

One of Dr. Smikle's favorite parts of being a fertility specialist? Getting to meet the babies he's helped bring into the world.
"There's nothing better than seeing these little faces and watching families grow together. It brings me so much joy, and it never gets old." - Dr. Smikle

Moments like these are what drive our team at Laurel Fertility Care. Every giggle, every milestone, every family photo is a reminder of why this work matters so deeply to us.

If you're ready to start your own journey to parenthood, we'd be honored to walk alongside you. Our team is here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
📞 (415) 673-9199
🌐 laurelfertility.com

02/02/2026

If you're trying to conceive and have been dealing with unexplained weight loss, anxiety, or irregular periods, your thyroid might be playing a role.

Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can affect ovulation, cycle regularity, and early pregnancy. The good news? When it's properly managed, most women with hyperthyroidism can conceive and have healthy pregnancies.

Our latest blog breaks down how hyperthyroidism impacts fertility, what symptoms to watch for, and the steps you can take to stabilize your thyroid before trying to conceive.
If you've been wondering whether your thyroid could be affecting your fertility journey, this is a great place to start.

Read the full article:

Hyperthyroidism affects ovulation and pregnancy, but proper treatment helps most women conceive. Get the facts on thyroid health and fertility.