A Journey of Hope, Friendship, and Fertility: Ashley's Path to Parenthood
Meet Dr. Ashley Totty, 35, a middle school principal and patient of Tennessee Fertility Institute whose journey to parenthood was filled with heartache, hope, and an unexpected miracle. After five years of marriage and countless struggles with early pregnancy losses, Ashley and her husband, Spencer, turned to TFI for help. Despite the challenges, Ashley’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the remarkable power of human connection.
Finding Hope in a Difficult Journey
Ashley and Spencer had faced repeated losses after trying to conceive naturally. "The hope with every pregnancy and the devastation that wrecked my world with every loss was the most challenging part," she recalls. After experiencing multiple early losses, Ashley was referred to TFI, where the couple began the path to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Though they created embryos, their first transfer attempt was unsuccessful. "The heartbreak wrecked us," Ashley remembers, sharing the raw emotional toll of the experience.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, an unexpected call from a former student named Hannah changed everything. "Hannah reached out to me with a prayer and a calling on her heart to help me be a mom," Ashley explains. “I had Hannah as a junior in high school in my Spanish class, and we stayed in touch after she graduated. Never could I have imagined that one of my connections I made as an educator would have touched someone so deeply to offer this sacrifice and gift of gestational surrogacy. Hannah insisted on an altruistic surrogacy, which is proof of her pure heart and good intentions.” Though Hannah had no specific knowledge of the Totty family’s struggles, she felt compelled to offer her help. "It was in that conversation I knew God brought her to us for this divine purpose—to be our gestational carrier."
A Compassionate Partner in TFI
From the start, Ashley and Spencer found compassion and professionalism at TFI, where Dr. Christopher Montville became their physician. "They truly cared about us as people," Ashley says. "Dr. Montville was always so calm and kind. I couldn't imagine how he [never] wavered in his emotions with the kind of work he does, especially if there's loss." The clinic worked closely with both Ashley and Hannah, ensuring that each step was seamless and inclusive. "TFI worked with us to make sure my husband and I were included in the process of having a gestational surrogate," she adds, grateful for the compassionate support they received. "We never felt left out in the process. It was truly the best type of partnership."
Ashley’s journey came with many hurdles, from the side effects of medications to the financial and emotional burdens of fertility treatment. Despite the struggles, Ashley drew strength from her faith, finding solace in her personal relationship with God. "The most rewarding part of my journey was the relationship I developed with God and truly surrending to His plan,” she says.
A Beautiful Gift: Bringing Baby Sophie into the World
The greatest reward of Ashley’s journey was welcoming her daughter, Sophie Leigh, with Hannah’s help. Sophie was born on July 29, 2024 at 7 pounds, 20.5 inches. Her middle name comes from Hannah Leigh. For Ashley, the moment of bringing home Sophie was overwhelming in the most beautiful way. "There’s a deep, indescribable joy that fills me," she says. "This journey wasn’t just about bringing a child into the world—it was about love, sacrifice, divine purpose, connection to another person, and trust."
Ashley is immensely grateful for Hannah's selflessness and recalls a touching quote from her: “Nothing beats the amount of love I have for my own three children. I wanted to be able to help give that love and experience to another mama, and no one is more deserving than Ashley. The second most magical day of my life was the day I made someone else a mom." Ashley’s journey, enriched by Hannah’s compassion and TFI’s support, has inspired her to help other women facing similar challenges. "I feel empowered to help other women through pregnancy loss and to discuss the emotions unexplained infertility brings," she says.
Advice for Others on Their Path to Parenthood
To those considering fertility solutions, Ashley emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and finding the right clinic. "First, I’d tell [potential patients] to have a strong support system and an outlet to process like therapy or counseling," she advises. "And to go to a reputable clinic! Not just anywhere because the price is affordable. Research the doctors and the results. Research risks and benefits and all the options. The integrity and compassion of Dr. Montville and his team is unmatched.”
As Ashley reflects on her journey, she feels a deep sense of gratitude for the role TFI played in bringing Sophie into her life. "We do not regret the choice to be at TFI, even when we had friends who had been to another local fertility clinic," she says. A photograph of Ashley, her husband, Dr. Montville, and Hannah hangs proudly in their living room—a lasting symbol of love, faith, and the kindness that carried them through.
Ashley’s journey reminds us that the path to parenthood is unique, challenging, and, ultimately, profoundly rewarding. With the support of TFI, the Tottys turned their dream into reality, and Ashley now eagerly awaits the day she’ll share her story with Sophie, a story of hope, resilience, purpose in pain, and the extraordinary gift of life. She cannot wait for Sophie to know Hannah!
If you’re ready to take the first step on your path to parenthood, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with Tennessee Fertility Institute today to learn more about the fertility treatments and compassionate support available for every stage of your journey. Click here to book your consultation.
