ABOUT
Meet Tomoko!
ABOUT ME
Tomoko Okamoto
International Infertility Coordinator
Hello! I'm a fertility coordinator based in New York, and over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting more than 200 individuals and couples through their fertility journeys. I’ve personally undergone IVF in New York, so I deeply understand the mix of joy, uncertainty, and emotional ups and downs that come with trying to conceive. That experience has become the foundation of my work today, as I walk alongside others as a coordinator through each step of their treatment.
Every person’s fertility story is different—whether it's the reason behind infertility, their physical condition, or the timing of pregnancy. Even if 100 people go through the same treatment, the outcomes will never be identical. That’s why I believe it’s so important to not only find a doctor who offers the right approach for each individual, but also to have a fertility coordinator who can support you throughout the process with care and understanding.
Role as an Infertility Coordinator
As a fertility treatment coordinator, my role is to bridge the gap between patients and the medical team—including doctors and nurses. I support patients throughout their journey by helping them understand their treatment options, guiding them through decisions, and being there for post-treatment care and emotional support. My goal is to ensure that each patient feels informed, empowered, and confident in their treatment.
For those who feel anxious about undergoing fertility treatment abroad, I provide interpretation and help clarify any uncertainties, so they can move forward with peace of mind.
Many patients have told me, “It might feel like a small thing to ask a doctor or nurse, but I feel comfortable asking you.” Moments like these remind me how meaningful my role truly is. I’m also here to answer questions about insurance and costs related to fertility care.
Our Philosophy on Fertility: Navigating the Journey Together
In Japan, fertility treatment is often described as a "long, dark tunnel"—a phrase that reflects the emotional and physical challenges many face along the way. In contrast, the term more commonly used in the U.S. is the “Fertility Journey.” While it acknowledges that the path may not be easy, it carries a sense of hope, progress, and the belief that each step brings you closer to your goal.
As a coordinator, I serve as a kind of guide on this journey. I interpret during doctor consultations, offer supplemental explanations, and help facilitate communication with nurses throughout the treatment process. I believe that receiving the right diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment tailored to each individual greatly increases the chances of reaching your destination—meeting your child—as quickly as possible.
The first step is often the hardest—so let’s take it together.
How Fertility Treatment Differs Between Japan and the United States
In Japan, fertility treatment is often approached step by step, which has led to the highest number of egg retrievals in the world—yet paradoxically, one of the lowest birth rates. In contrast, the common approach in the U.S. is to pursue the most effective treatment at the right time, with the understanding that doing so ultimately saves both time and money.
Options that are still restricted in Japan, such as egg freezing, egg donation, and surrogacy, are more widely accepted in the U.S., where there is a strong belief that everyone has the right to become a parent on their own timeline. I believe that this kind of flexibility reflects the true essence of fertility care in today's world.
My mission is to support you every step of the way, so that your dream of becoming a parent can come true as soon as possible.