Fertility Forward

The journey from trying to conceive, to pregnancy, to postpartum, can be the most beautiful time of someone's life, but also the hardest, and that's where finding the right support is key. Dr. Catherine Birndorf is a reproductive psychiatrist, the co-founder, CEO, and Medical Director of The Motherhood Center of New York, and the Founding Director of the Payne Whitney Women's Programme at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is also a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology, and the author of multiple books, including What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood. During this episode, we dive into a huge variety of topics, including perinatal, mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS), medication, and more. From how to know when something is wrong and where to seek the necessary support to understanding treatability, we cover it all. Thanks for listening!  

Today's guest is leading the charge in raising awareness for perinatal mental health (PMH). On the Fertility Forward podcast today is Hamish Magoffin, Founder of the Pranaiya & Arthur Magoffin (PAM) Foundation. Hamish established the PAM Foundation in memory of his late wife, Pranaiya, and their son, Arthur. The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness, improving care, and supporting research on (PMH) conditions. Hamish has taken on remarkable challenges to promote PMH awareness, including running and cycling across the UK. Beyond his philanthropic work, he is also the Co-Founder of Break Off Capital, which has been investing long-term capital in companies commercializing cutting-edge science for over a decade. Tune in to hear the story behind the PAM Foundation, the people and projects driving its mission, and the foundation's goals as it expands into the US. Hamish also discusses the importance of developing better awareness and follow-up care for PMH and how his endurance challenges tie into this critical cause. Don't miss it! 

Here on the Fertility Forward podcast, we often say that knowledge is power — and that you are your own best advocate! Joining Rena and Dara on the show today are two passionate guests who are dedicated to educating women about infertility, fertility benefits, healthcare coverage, and women's health. We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Taraneh Nazem, a double board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Infertility Specialist, and Obstetrician-Gynecologist at RMA of New York's Westside office, along with Carissa Simek, one of Dr. Nazem's patients. In today's episode, Carissa opens up about how her desire for better fertility coverage led her to change jobs — and the incredible fertility journey she's walked with Dr. Nazem. They discuss the panel discussions they've led, the catalyst behind Carissa's decision to preserve her fertility, and how advocating for fertility education has empowered Carissa in her own life. We also explore the conversation around freezing eggs versus embryos, the biggest challenges Dr. Nazem faces in her field, and how infertility treatments can impact daily life. For all this and much more, don't miss this insightful conversation! 

How can data enable doctors to best support their patients? Reproductive endocrinologist and associate research director Dr. Phillip Romanski joins us in conversation to discuss the annual Pacific Coast Reproductive Society Conference (PCRS), everything he learned, and what he spoke about. Tune in to hear Dr. Romanski's perspective on mosaic embryo transfers before we dive into the complex world of segmental mosaic embryos and fully segmental aneuploid embryos. We discuss Preimplantation Genetic Testing, how to personalize care on an ongoing basis, and how in vitro maturation and in vitro gametogenesis will shape the future of fertility. Join us today to hear all about the topics covered at this year's conference, the developments RMA doctors are focused on today, and more. Thanks for listening.  

When is the right time to have children? What if you put having a family on the back burner and then something tragic happens that prevents you from conceiving? Today, we are joined by cancer survivor and RMA client Alexandria Touris and her doctor, our very own Matthew Lederman, to discuss navigating fertility with cancer. Tuning in, you'll hear all about how Alexandria's life was turned upside down when she received her cancer diagnosis, her egg retrieval process, the kind of support system she had, and her personal opinion (and words of wisdom) about freezing your eggs if having a family may ever be on the cards for you. Dr. Lederman also explains that cancer is affecting younger women before sharing some of the difficult questions he asks his patients to individualize their care. Finally, we discuss what we are grateful for today. To hear all this and even be reminded to be kind and pay it forward, be sure to press play now!

An infertility journey comes with many stressors, from emotional and social challenges to family pressures and the unavoidable financial strain. Today's guest, Jenn Leffell, co-founder and COO of the Stardust Fertility Foundation, is working to ease one major hurdle—cost. Stardust Fertility Foundation helps bring more Jewish babies into the world by alleviating the financial burden of fertility treatments through its Stardust grants. These grants are available to all Jewish individuals and couples in the tri-state area, regardless of background, identity, or level of observance. As a passionate fertility advocate, Jenn is dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of building a family. In this episode, Jenn shares the journey and inspiration behind founding Stardust Fertility, how they select grant recipients, and their unique partnerships with clinics and pharmacies in the area. She also unpacks what makes for a strong grant candidate and how they approach marketing their organization, and she gives us a sneak peek into their upcoming annual gala. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Jenn Leffell! 

Every single fertility journey is unique and often, things don't go as planned. Today on Fertility Forward, we are joined by ovarian cancer survivor and mom of twins, Jess Jata to hear all about her unexpected journey and how infertility actually saved her life. Tuning in, you'll hear all about how Jessica's IVF experience led her to being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and having an emergency hysterectomy. We delve into how she managed to start a family through surrogacy, what gave her strength during such a challenging time, what Jess shares on her Instagram community, and so much more! Finally, our guest discusses the path to getting stronger in the face of hardship and as always, shares what she's grateful for today. To hear all of this and so much more from such an inspirational and resilient woman, press play now!  

Could the secret to better fertility and lasting health be hidden in the tiny world of your gut microbiome? Cheryl Sew Hoy, CEO and Founder of Tiny Health, shares how her children's health challenges inspired her mission to empower families through microbiome testing. Tiny Health offers the first-ever at-home gut and vaginal microbiome tests for mothers and babies during the crucial first 1,000 days. In this episode, Cheryl explains how microbiomes shape fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and a baby's immune system. She offers practical tips for addressing imbalances through diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes, while highlighting links to conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and gestational diabetes. Cheryl also reveals how personalized health decisions can help prevent chronic issues and improve outcomes for future generations. Tune in for this informative conversation and discover how understanding your microbiome could transform your family's health journey! 

During your infertility journey, it's important to align yourself with an ethical physician who is going to be honest with you about when your plans need to pivot. Today, we're joined by the wonderful Dr. Matthew Lederman and one of his former patients, Jaclyn Fieberg, to discuss her experience of family building. Tuning in, you'll hear about Jaclyn's complex infertility story, what led her to Dr. Lederman, how she decided to consider donor eggs and eventually chose to use her sister as a surrogate, and more! We delve into the power of changing your mind as you evolve through your fertility journey before discussing the importance of finding a physician who is going to be open and honest with you and advocate for your best interests. Jaclyn even shares some tools she used to help her get through this incredibly challenging time. Finally, Dr. Lederman reminds us of the power of perseverance. To hear all this and be inspired to be open to new ideas, press play now! 

As the year comes to an end, we're reminded of the value of reflecting on the past, looking ahead, and setting meaningful goals. In this episode of the Fertility Forward podcast, join Rena and Dara as they take a moment to ground themselves and reflect on all that 2024 brought. They share their thoughts on words that have taken on new meaning, the transformative power of journaling, and the concept of life as a balance beam. They also discuss books they've read, those still on their to-read list, and the trends they've observed among patients and in their work over the past year. Tune in to hear all this and much more! Thanks for listening.  

Are you overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions that come with infertility? Today, we welcome Sarah Geissah, a Columbia University School of Social Work graduate, to explore the transformative power of somatic therapy. Sarah explains how this bottom-up approach, focusing on bodily sensations before thoughts, can ground you during stressful times. She contrasts it with traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and highlights its benefits in dealing with anxiety and emotional distress before sharing practical self-soothing techniques and grounding exercises. She explains how these tools can help you process emotions, reconnect with your body, and find solace amid the challenges of infertility. Sarah also discusses the importance of acknowledging and validating all feelings, from joy to sadness, and how somatic practices can be applied to everyday life. Tune in to learn how to embrace your emotions, foster self-compassion, and navigate the infertility journey with grace and resilience. 

When access to fertility treatments is under threat, advocates like Dr. Kimberley Thornton step up to protect the rights of patients. In this episode of Fertility Forward, Dr. Thornton, a leading reproductive endocrinologist at RMA of New York, discusses her advocacy efforts with RESOLVE, a national infertility organization dedicated to improving access to fertility care. She shares RESOLVE's work pushing for the Right to IVF Act, which aims to safeguard IVF access and expand treatment coverage for everyone, including veterans. Despite legislative setbacks, Dr. Thornton emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories with lawmakers and the small but significant victories achieved in the ongoing fight for accessible care. Tune in to learn how you can support the cause and make a difference by advocating for greater fertility treatment access! 

Does ejaculatory abstinence really affect embryo mosaicism? Today on Fertility Forward, Fellow at RMA New York, Dr. Atoosa Ghofranian joins us to discuss her study titled: ‘Evaluating the Relationship Between Ejaculatory Abstinence and the Incidence of Embryo Mosaicism.' Tuning in, you'll hear about her inspiration behind the study, what mosaicism is, what her findings of the study were, why she thinks another study is needed, and more! We even discuss what we can learn from the concrete evidence this provided us. Finally, Atoosa tells us what she is grateful for today. Thanks for listening in! 

Joining Rena and Dara on the Fertility Forward podcast today is Dr. Erkan Buyuk, who is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and OB-GYN practicing at RMA of New York's Eastside office. He currently serves as the Director of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship Program and as an examiner for the REI Division of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Before joining RMA of New York in 2019, Dr. Buyuk was the Director of the Fertility Preservation Program and Reproductive Tissue Bank and the Director of the REI Fellowship Program at Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center. We are very excited to have Dr. Buyuk share a fascinating abstract presented at the most recent American Society for Reproductive Medicine Conference in Denver. Join the conversation to hear from Dr. Buyuk about why their research topic is important, why they chose to do this study, how they completed it, the results, and much more. Be sure not to miss out on this very insightful episode!  

Knowledge is power and understanding the nuances of egg maturation is incredibly helpful in any fertility journey. Based on her abstract on Assessing the Reproductive Potential of Late Mature Oocytes and Egg-Freezing Cycles, Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Keri Bergin shares her knowledge on this episode. We begin with background information on the study: when you do egg freezing, you want to stimulate the ovaries to grow as many eggs as possible; at the time of retrieval, the embryologist will determine which are mature and which are immature. At her lab at RMA, Dr. Bergin keeps the immature eggs in culture in the hope that they will mature. If they do, she will freeze them. This study looks at the potential of mature and late-to-mature eggs, and how they fare down the line, and this conversation covers what that means for your fertility journey. Join us as we unpack this important aspect of the egg-freezing cycle. 

Imagine a world where parents have the power to protect their future children from inherited genetic disorders before they even take their first breath. In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking science of single euploid embryo transfers and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) with returning guest, Dr. Rachel Danis, a reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at RMA of New York. Join us as we discuss Dr. Danis' research on this topic, how this technology is revolutionizing fertility treatments, and what it means for parents hoping to eliminate the risk of passing on genetic diseases. You'll also learn more about the ASRM 2024 Scientific Congress and Expo, where Dr. Danis will present her findings. Tune in as we uncover the science, the stories, and the ethical debates shaping the next generation of reproductive medicine! 

Each patient's journey comes with a unique set of challenges – especially in the vast landscape of infertility treatments – and finding the right support is essential. Christina Honeysett, co-founder of The Revive Project at Well Collab, joins the podcast to share her personal journey through infertility treatments and surrogacy, which has fueled her dedication to supporting others facing similar challenges. Through Revive, she's helping patients advocate for themselves while driving systemic change in healthcare. In our conversation, Christina delves into the power of trauma-informed care and community support when navigating fertility treatments, before unpacking Revive's easy-to-use resources and supportive network of patients and practitioners. She also introduces Revive's "Pause" approach, a simple, yet impactful five-step method for creating a more compassionate, patient-centered experience. Tune in for a conversation about empathy-driven healthcare and the importance of community in navigating your unique fertility journey!

So many women battle with having thin uterine linings when trying to conceive and today's guest, Kristen Tomlan joins us today with her reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Rachel Danis, to walk us through how she combatted this issue and brought two beautiful children into this world. In this conversation, we discuss what sparked Kristen's courage to advocate for herself and seek a second opinion during IVF treatment, how she ended up working with Dr. Danis at RMA, why Dr. Danis was happy to work with her, and how she stayed strong through her infertility struggles. We delve into factors to consider when selecting a reproductive endocrinologist before hearing some insights into fertility treatment from both the patient's and doctor's perspective. Our guests even tell us about Kristen's thin uterine lining, misconceptions about how thick it needs to be to carry a pregnancy, and remind us of the dangers of Googling information when undergoing fertility treatment! Finally, and as always, we share what we are grateful for today. Thanks for tuning in! 

Choosing the right fertility clinic can be overwhelming for prospective parents, with so many options and factors to consider. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Eric Flisser, a leading reproductive endocrinologist at RMA of New York, to help you demystify the process of selecting a clinic. He provides clear, actionable guidance for navigating SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) reports, understanding clinic statistics, and making informed choices that bring you closer to your family-building dreams. Tune in as Dr. Flisser shares his wisdom and expertise on what to look for when choosing a reproductive endocrinologist, why reviews might not tell you the whole story, the crucial questions you should ask your clinician, and much more. Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your fertility journey.  

In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Katie Lee, a multifaceted professional hailing from Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Lee is a dentist, speaker, author, and coach. She also consults for health technology companies and provides implant education for general dentists. Dr. Lee's passion for dentistry and empowering fellow practitioners stems from her firsthand experiences, particularly in understanding the link between oral health and systemic well-being. Her recent book, Saved by the Mouth, underscores the significance of oral health for both patients and clinicians. We use today's conversation to delve into the surprising connection between oral health and fertility, the physiological factors involved, and what Dr. Lee's research reveals about this important topic. Our conversation delves into the impacts of oral health on fertility, how you should approach oral health as a pregnant person, and why taking a trip to the dentist can make such a huge difference. To learn more about this field of study and Dr. Lee's important discoveries, be sure to tune in to this thought-provoking conversation! 

We are excited to welcome Dr. Mary Sabo to the podcast. Dr. Sabo is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and the founder of Lily +Horn, an integrative reproductive health clinic in New York City. Today, she joins us to discuss acupuncture and its role in the fertility journey. Dr. Sabo shares how she marries Eastern and Western approaches, the mission behind Lily + Horn, and her views on the importance of an interdisciplinary team and the collaboration of healthcare workers in achieving optimal health. We delve into the specifics of acupuncture and fertility, exploring what acupuncture entails and when, during your fertility journey, it's best to see an acupuncturist. Tune in now to hear her valuable tips and advice about acupuncture! Thanks for listening.

Most people know (or have at least heard) of gluten and understand that some may be affected by an intolerance of it, but many are unaware that this immune reaction to eating gluten is actually called celiac disease. Today on Fertility Forward, Jessica Lebovits, RD, CDN, joins us to discuss her journey with celiac disease and how the diagnosis ultimately affected her fertility. Jessica is now a celiac disease specialist (among others) and she explains how her positive outlook on her diagnosis led her to pursue and embrace it as a specialization in nutrition. We discuss the ins and outs of celiac disease: what causes it, why it's still relatively unknown, and how to treat it. Jessica then walks us through her fertility story and how a PCOS diagnosis sparked a lasting relationship with RMA's very own Rena Gower. To end, here's a gentle reminder that there is always something to be grateful for.  

Medical professionals have a duty to educate their patients and help them learn how to advocate for themselves and a great platform to do so is social media! Today on Fertility Forward we welcome Dr. Lucky Sekhon back to discuss her experience as a reproductive health influencer. Tuning in, you'll hear all about what inspired Dr. Sekhon to become an influencer, how she leverages pop culture to educate her audience, the kind of content she produces, how she balances it with her job and family, and so much more! We then delve into the importance of empowering our patients to advocate for themselves before she tells us how we can separate valid and trustworthy medical advice on social media from nonsense. Finally, Dr. Sekhon shares her goals and why she is grateful that her amazing presence on social media came out of the dark times of the pandemic. Thanks for listening in! 

Navigating infertility is an incredibly difficult journey as it is, but there are even more hurdles involved for same-sex couples. Today on Fertility Forward, we are joined by wonderful RMA clients, Ashley Quintero and Amy Deal to discuss their fertility journey. Tuning in, you'll hear all about our guests' fertility journey, the struggles they have faced, particularly as a lesbian couple, how they each got involved in the process, why support and a ‘village' are invaluable throughout IVF, taking breaks, and more! We delve into how they stayed positive even through bad news before discussing the stress and joys they have experienced from their infertility journey. We also talk about how IVF has taught them about true strength. Finally, they share some advice for other couples experiencing fertility treatment. To hear all this and be reminded to find joy in difficult circumstances, press play now! 

Whatever the nature of your fertility journey, you're bound to face some stressful decisions and the truth is that we could all use some extra support. One of the areas where American moms could really use a helping hand is in the realm of nutrition. That's where Chiyo comes in, a personalized meal delivery service for new moms that integrates Eastern food therapy with Western nutrition! Joining us today is Chiyo Cofounder and Chief Culinary Officer, Jennifer Jolorte Doro, to discuss the founding of Chiyo, the programs they've developed, and how they are prioritizing accessibility to bring maternal nutritional care to families across the country. We delve into the role of traditional Chinese medicine in their recipes, the concept of food as medicine, their fertility-focused program, and why giving the gift of nutritional peace of mind can serve as a beautiful gesture of support for moms and families. To hear the full scope of our conversation with Jennifer on fertility, maternal health care, nutrition, and more, tune in today! 

We need to be talking more about perinatal, postpartum, and peripartum depression to reduce the stigma around these disorders. Here today, to do just that, is Dr. Ida A. Eden. Dr. Eden is a board-certified psychiatrist with formalized training and expertise in women's reproductive mental health. She has particular interests in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and the psychological burdens of infertility and perinatal loss. She graduated with honors in Neuroscience and Medical Anthropology from the University of Michigan, earned her M.D. with honors from the University of Maryland, and completed her residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She also completed fellowship training in Women's Mental Health at NYU/Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Eden is passionate about teaching and remains on the faculty at Weill Cornell where she supervises and mentors trainees interested in reproductive psychiatry. Join Rena and Dara as they delve into a discussion with Dr. Eden about reproductive depression, how preexisting conditions can influence their likelihood, and why we should be optimizing our mental health as best we can before, during, and after pregnancy. We talk about why optimizing mental health is essential, and she unpacks different stressors and psychological strains common in the peripartum period. Furthermore, we discuss the difference between Baby Blues and Post Partum Depression (PPD), how a diagnosis of PPD is treated, and dive into the hot-button topic of medication use in this period. Don't miss out on these valuable insights offered by Dr. Eden, start listening now!

Are you considering acupuncture on your fertility journey? Well, this is the podcast for you! Today, we are joined by Dr. Beck Hoehn, a Los Angeles-based board-certified acupuncturist who treats pain, digestive disorders, stress, and hormonal imbalances and specializes in supporting women's wellness and fertility. Dr. Hoehn challenges her patients to look beyond the quick fixes offered by Western medicine and adopt a more holistic “whole systems” approach to optimizing their health. In this episode, Dr. Hoehn shares her advice for those trying to conceive and offers us some insight into her work at the intersection of Eastern philosophy, functional medicine, and Western fertility interventions. To find out how integrative medicine (including traditional Chinese herbs) can increase your chances of success with fertility treatment, lower stress and anxiety, and improve your overall wellbeing, don't miss this fascinating and insightful conversation with Dr. Beck Hoehn! 

Fertility journeys can be similar in experience, but they are unique to everybody in terms of the emotions they experience, the support they have, and the narratives surrounding them. Beth Gulotta is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Owner and Founder of NYC Therapeutic Wellness. She holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Manhattan College and has undergone extensive training in an outpatient setting, specializing in the treatment of individuals facing a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Amongst other passions, she's also the host of Quiet the Clock, a podcast that delves into topics such as fertility, egg freezing, and relationships. Join our conversation as we delve into who Beth is, processing and moving through unhelpful narratives, and why it's a privilege to be part of someone's fertility journey as a healthcare provider. Beth shares her own egg-freezing journey and the emotional challenges she faced, and she also highlights other emotions that surfaced throughout the journey. We dive into a discussion on building support around you, how you can set up your friends and family for success, and when a therapist becomes a key component. Tune in now to hear all this, and much more. Thanks for listening!  

We are thrilled to have Dr. Michelle Goldsammler join us on today's episode of the Fertility Forward podcast. Dr. Goldsammler brings a wealth of expertise as a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Infertility (REI) Specialist and Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Her clinical proficiency spans reproductive endocrinology and all facets of fertility treatment, including IUI, IVF, and fertility preservation. She's dedicated to empowering her patients to actively participate in their reproductive journeys through education. With a commitment to individualized care, Dr. Goldsammler prioritizes the patient experience and delivers culturally sensitive healthcare. As a practicing Orthodox Jew, she brings a cultural sensitivity and valuable insights into religious considerations like family ritual purity; a law in their religion. In our conversation, Dr. Goldsammler shares how she integrates her religion into her work, her approach to counseling within religious boundaries, and the importance of collaboration and communication with religious leaders in her practice. For a truly insightful discussion on the religious aspects of the fertility journey, don't miss out on this episode with Dr. Michelle Goldsammler. Thanks for tuning in! 

Being able to give the gift of life to a family who cannot have children of their own is a courageous and selfless act. Today on Fertility Forward, surrogate at Surrogate First, Zarah Hilliard joins us to tell us all about the magic of surrogacy. Tuning in, you'll hear all about how Zarah first got into surrogacy, the matching process, her relationship with her surrogate child's dads, and how her partner, family, and son reacted to her decision to become a surrogate. Zarah highlights the importance of advocating for what you want as a surrogate before telling us about her TikTok channel and how she uses it as an opportunity to educate people about surrogacy. She also stresses the importance of having a good support system and shares her top tips and tricks for anyone wanting to become a surrogate. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode, so press play now! 

Hearing other people's experiences with fertility and the journeys they take is important because one story is never quite like another. We are thrilled to have Bret Shuford on the podcast with us today! Bret is a Broadway actor, best known for Wicked and The Little Mermaid, as well as numerous TV series and films. While he loves acting, he also works as a director and producer. On top of his established acting career, he also helps other creatives step into their spotlight with private and group coaching, and along with his husband Stephen, he co-hosts Broadway Husbands a podcast that helps gay dads become better people, partners, and parents. Join us for a delightfully inspiring conversation about their journey to parenthood. Bret shares the story of how meeting his husband ignited his wish to become a father, ultimately leading to the start of their fertility journey. We hear what inspired them to choose surrogacy, how they found the perfect egg donor, and he details why finding a suitable gestational carrier is the hardest part of the journey. Tune in now to hear more about their beautiful story, including some insightful tips and resources. Thanks for listening! 

Even as more and more children are conceived using assisted reproductive technology, there is still a negative stigma that tends to surround surrogacy. Joining us to discuss this unconventional path to parenthood and dispel some commonly held misconceptions about it is Yessenia Latorre, a surrogacy educator at SurrogateFirst and a mother of two who raises awareness about her personal surrogacy journey on TikTok, where she has nearly 230,000 followers. Yessenia was inspired to help other families achieve their dreams of parenthood after her own devastating experience of pregnancy loss. In today's episode, she shares some practical advice for both surrogates and intended parents and highlights the importance of following your intuition when choosing an agency. We also discuss the emotional impact of surrogacy, the power of community, and more. Be sure to tune in for this gentle and thoughtful discussion about surrogacy with Mama Yessenia! 

One of the most common topics facing doctors today is the issue of mental health medication and pregnancy. If you are a soon-to-be mother with a mental health condition, getting the right information may be an arduous and complicated task. So today, we've asked Dr. Marlee Medora to join us on the show and help us unpack safer ways of finding the right care for pregnant women with a mental illness. Dr. Medora is a Women's Health Psychiatrist with her own private practice in New York and she begins our conversation by laying out three important tenets that govern how doctors treat pregnant patients who also have ailments to consider. Then, we discuss the dangers of starting a new medication or finishing a chronic course in and around pregnancy, why many women are still unaware of the options that are available to them, our guest's process for assessing medicinal safety during pregnancy, and how patients can find the right doctors and resources for their particular plight. We also learn about the importance of dismantling stigmas relating to mental health and substance abuse and after taking a closer look at the infertility struggle and the value of self-care, we close with today's moments of gratitude.    

Dr. Natan Bar-Chama is a board-certified reproductive urologist and has been the Director for the Centre for Reproductive Health at RMA of New York for the past 20 years. His practice is exclusively dedicated to the field of male fertility. During this episode, he shares a summary of his recent presentation at the ASRM Conference, titled Breaking Down Barriers to the Male Fertiltity Evaluation in the Reproductive Clinic: Optimizing New Technology. This episode centers on two elements that the male reproductive analysis is based on, and how evolving technological solutions facilitate the process of extracting necessary information for fertility treatment. We discuss Telehealth assessments, how a couple can assess male reproductive factors through conversation, and how to approach fertility treatment planning. Dr. Bar-Chama also touches on research into testicular surgery and sampling for men. Listen in to hear all this and more!  

Claudia Freedman was recently discharged from RMA of New York, under the care of Dr. Matthew Lederman. She is ten weeks pregnant today! During this conversation, Claudia joins us to share her story of reaching this point despite navigating a very real phobia of needles. Tuning in, you'll hear all about Claudia's unexpected struggles to get pregnant, her journey to pursuing fertility treatment, and the apprehension she experienced leading up to the process. Claudia shares tips and tricks that she implemented during the IVF process, how she created a sense of control to combat fear, and how asking questions helped set her mind at ease along the way. We discuss how treatment differs from person to person and some of the valuable wisdom for life and parenting that Claudia gained along the way. Thanks for tuning in!  

Welcome to our annual year-in-review for Fertility Forward! Today, we are delving into the highs and lows of 2023 and what we are looking forward to for next year. In this episode, you will hear what we love about this podcast, our favorite kinds of discussions, the good and bad of 2023, how things have changed in the world of fertility, and so much more! We discuss our goals for 2024 before talking about our self-care rituals and how we can prioritize them. From adapting to seasons, to reading great books, to what we are grateful for from 2023, to the excitement of 2024, this episode has it all so be sure to tune in now! 

If you're dreading the upcoming holidays, with their awkward conversations and cringe-worthy personal questions, this episode is for you! We are joined by returning guest, Dr. Georgia Witkin to discuss some handy tips and tricks for surviving the holiday season ahead. Dr. Witkin is the Director of Psychological Services and Wellness at RMA of New York and an assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Tuning in today, you'll hear Dr. Witkin's thoughts on why you need to stop “should-ing” and her insights for being discerning about what and with whom you share. She also highlights possible answers you can give to relatives asking questions or making uncomfortable statements about your fertility. Press play to hear these and other helpful suggestions, including the option to opt out this holiday season, and remember: base your expectations on reality and not wishful thinking. Thanks for listening and happy holidays! 

On the show today, we discuss the various meanings of motherhood with our special guest, Dr. Camille Hammond. Dr. Hammond is the Founder and CEO of the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation, otherwise known as The Cade Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote awareness of infertility and serve the needs of families struggling with infertility. They provide educational resources and financial assistance to help them grow their families. Join the conversation as Dr. Hammond candidly shares her personal infertility journey and the incredible story of her mother's offer to be a gestational carrier for her triplets. We explore the impact of social media in shedding light on less-discussed topics like infertility and delve into the founding of the Tinina Q Cade Foundation. Discover the Cade Foundation grants for families seeking support and gain insights into the diverse paths to parenthood and the empowering concept that you can define the word "mother" on your own terms. Don't miss out on this insightful episode, so press play now.  

In honor of Veteran's Day, today's episode explores the under-addressed topic of fertility care for active duty and veteran service members, the challenges they are likely to experience, and how to ensure they are better supported as patients. Joining us to discuss this subject is Dr. Samantha Estevez, a Clinical Fellow at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, and Katrina Nietsch, a medical student at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. We discuss their fortuitous collaboration before delving into their recent abstract titled, Supporting Our Troops: 20 Years of Fertility Trends Among Active Duty and Veteran Service Members Seeking Fertility Care at a Major Urban Fertility Center. Tuning in, you'll learn about Katrina's long history with the military, what led her to medicine, and how she partnered with Dr. Estevez to explore fertility and fertility care within the veteran population. We take a look at the limitations that veterans or active duty service members might experience when seeking specialized fertility treatment and how our guests went about researching this topic. We also reflect on the important role of advocacy and policy initiatives in this area, and how they are pushing the Veterans Association (VA) and government to recognize and address pressing issues facing female service members and veterans. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about an urgent topic that should be receiving much more attention!  

Today on Fertility Forward, we will discuss another research abstract presented at this year's American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Conference, titled ‘Spironolactone use in oocyte maturation in patients undergoing oocyte cryopreservation.' Here to join us in conversation about it are two of the authors, who are also endocrinologists at RMA of New York, Dr. Atoosa Ghofranian and Dr. Kimberley Thornton. Tune in now to hear more about Spironolactone and its uses, where their research question stemmed from including the story behind the interest in this project, highlights from the study's findings, and more.  

When it comes to accessibility, we've made important strides by enacting legislation that enables more inclusive access to fertility care, but there is still a long way to go. Here today to help unpack this important topic is return guest, Dr. Samantha Estevez, a clinical fellow at Mount Sinai and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. In our conversation with Samantha, we examine the details of key legislative changes in New York State, their impact on LGBTQIA+ couples, and the contents of her new article ‘Breaking down barriers for same-sex female couples building families in vitro fertilization utilization since the enactment of 2021 New York state legislation'. Tuning in, you'll hear Samantha's breakdown of the 2017 New York state legislation, how it excluded LGBTQIA+ couples when it comes to family building, and the important ways in which the 2021 legislation changes addresses these shortcomings. We delve into the findings of Samantha's study, including how the data showed greater inclusivity post-legislation, before reflecting on what this could mean for future advocacy and legislative changes across the US. This type of research plays a pivotal role in ensuring greater fertility access for all. To learn more about these types of legislative changes and why they are so important, be sure to tune in! 

Today, we are joined by Dr. Tamar Alkon from RMA's Mexico City office to discuss her groundbreaking research on embryonic mosaicism and its correlation with spermatozoa recovery in severe male factor infertility patients. Dr. Alkon begins by explaining embryonic mosaicism and shares insights into her research process and findings. The research will be presented at the ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) conference in October, which signifies a tremendous step in fertility knowledge and understanding! Tune in to hear Dr. Alkon's conclusions firsthand. 

The system fails women with cancer who want to protect their fertility and joining us today on Fertility Forward is the person on the frontline of this battle, Founder and CEO of The Chick Mission. In this episode, Amanda Rice tells us all about her cancer diagnosis, what made her decide to freeze her eggs, the disappointment she experienced when her insurance refused due to her diagnosis, and how that inspired her to create The Chick Mission. We discuss Amanda's current status, how she got through chemotherapy, and what she learned from her experience. Young women are also educated about reproductive health in a backward fashion; with the focus being on how not to get pregnant instead of providing them with an essential well-rounded education. Amanda discusses her mission to change that as well as the other important pillars of The Chick Mission before delving into how you can get involved in her organization. Finally, we are reminded of the importance of reaching out for help. To hear all this and so much more, tune in now! 

Just as we always say, knowledge is power, and today's guest is a massive advocate for getting more information about your fertility to make informed decisions. Dr. Jeffrey Klein is a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at RMA of New York --  Westchester with a reputation for incredible patient care and a great passion for his work. He joins us in this episode of Fertility Forward to discuss secondary infertility, what it means, why it occurs, why the workup is similar to regular infertility, and so much more! We delve into why open lines of communication and pure honesty are imperative in fertility care before Dr. Klein explains AMH and the differences between egg reserve and egg quality. Fertility is filled with grey areas, and our guest leaves us with words of encouragement to arm ourselves with information about our own reproductive health. Finally, he shares his gratitude for his health! Thank you for listening in.  

Welcome to PCOS Awareness Month here at Fertility Forward! Today we are joined by an incredible naturalistic doctor, Lana Butner to discuss all things holistic PCOS management. Tuning in, you'll hear about what drew Lana to natural medicine, what PCOS is, how it manifests, the problematic traditional process of diagnosis, and so much more! Our holistic expert offers nutrition and exercise tips tailored to women managing PCOS followed by a illuminating discussion on cortisol and stress in PCOS. We then explore how mindful eating and acupuncture can assist in alleviating symptoms. Finally, Lana talks about her PCOS course and recipe books! You don't want to miss this one so be sure to press play now! 

Postpartum depression is a topic that is considered taboo among mothers, especially those who have been blessed with a baby following an infertility journey. But the reality is that it is a very real experience and can be managed with a little bit of support and education. Joining us today on Fertility Froward is the incredible author and mother, Jessica Wendi Abel, to tell us about her book, The Little Blue Rocket Ship, her postpartum experience, and why she wants to help families going through depression and anxiety. Our guest tells us all about the inspiration behind her book, why she wrote it from a child's perspective, and how her eldest son reacted to it. We hear the difference between postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, how they cross paths, factors that exacerbate these struggles, how they show up differently for different people, and why many women struggle to communicate their feelings. Finally, Jessica shares some words of wisdom for any family going through PPD and PPA before telling us that we can (and should) change our beliefs to suit the needs of our families. To hear all this and to be reminded to ask new mothers what they need, tune in now! To purchase Jessica's book, click here. 

While navigating the fertility journey, women are encouraged to prepare their bodies for the intensive process of IVF. But equally important, is preparing your mind for the complex emotions and difficult challenges inherent to the process. Our guest today, Emily Getz, is the founder of Day 1 Fertility, a unique fertility network designed to support those struggling to bring home a baby. She is also a certified fertility, pregnancy and infant loss coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, and fellow fertility patient. In our conversation with Emily, she opens up about how she was impacted by her late-stage pregnancy loss, what she has learned about how your mindset can affect your fertility outcomes, and why she is on a mission to redefine the fertility journey. She shares how getting a life coach enabled her to see her journey from an entirely new perspective and how it inspired her to help other women facing the same struggles. We also discuss her 12-week program, the benefits of group coaching, and how she is equipping participants with the tools they need to handle painful moments. To learn more about the important work Emily is doing and the power of community, be sure to listen in! 

“Where are you in your menstrual cycle?” This is something that every woman should be aware of, whether you are trying to fall pregnant, optimize your training schedule, or simply get a better understanding of your body. Unfortunately, education in this sphere is difficult to access, but today's guest is doing everything she can to change that. Nora DeBora is a preconception health coach, holistic nutritionist, and fertility awareness practitioner. She joins us on the show today to discuss the journey that led her from the corporate HR space to where she is today, how the fertility awareness method (FAM) works, and the importance of employing strategies for calming your nervous system on your fertility journey. She also does a live demonstration of a breathing technique that we should all be doing everyday!  

Today we are joined by two special guest speakers to discuss a very timely and engaging topic. Dr. Eric Flisser is our fellow reproductive endocrinologist and Paxton Maeder-York is the CEO and Founder of Alife Health. Alife Health is a fertility technology company that builds artificial intelligence tools to advance the IVF process. During our conversation today, we dive further into the topic of artificial intelligence and how it can impact the infertility and IVF sectors. Paxton shares the mission behind Alife Health and how AI is currently being used in the healthcare sector. He also explains how algorithms function in different settings and the importance of gathering a diverse data set to battle inequities in infertility care. To hear about the potential of AI to advance not only the IVF process but the patient experience as well, tune in now! 

Surrogacy gives people with fertility struggles the opportunity to have a biological child. However, the idea can feel daunting beyond measure. Today we are joined by the founder of Newborn Advantage Surrogacy, Mindy Berkson. Mindy married her venture capital background with her industry experience, as well as her personal experience as a secondary infertility patient, to help intended families grow their families. In this episode, we find out more about the mother-daughter duo offering well-rounded concierge services to both intended parents and surrogates and learn the ins and outs of surrogacy. Mindy explains everything from the most important criteria when choosing a surrogate and what makes for a strong surrogate candidate, to how surrogacy laws differ state-to-state. Tune in to hear the communication guidelines between intended parents and surrogates, Mindy's advice for intended parents, and so much more! 

Today, we are excited to welcome Carey Cook to the Fertility Forward podcast. Carey is a holistic fertility coach for LGBTQ+ families who are spiraling into the anxious abyss of expanding their families. With an MA in Counseling Psychology, Carey helps people gain tools to navigate tough decisions, manage big feelings, and avoid common pitfalls. Having gone through her own fertility journey, she became more aware of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families when growing their families, ultimately inspiring her individual-based coaching program. In our conversation with Carey, we hear about her personal fertility journey and how she and her wife navigated both the clinic and private embryo donation route, the difference between embryo adoption and donation, and her thoughts on the rollercoaster (of emotions, grief, and trauma) that the fertility journey is. Tune in now, to hear about her work as a somatic therapist, and so much more.