The elements that encompass this journey …we call life. Welcome to life- bringing you insight and experiences into love, relationships and fertility, with a focus on enjoying life and moving forward.
For many, the transition to becoming an intended parent can be unexpected and for others not. Regardless of your journey, having insight into what to expect when accessing care is always important. In this episode, hear about what happens when someone transitions from fertility treatment to a third party: What does third party mean. The significance of a “pause”. Legal documentation her clinic looks for (please note, your lawyer may have alternative recommendations). Any medical testing that may be requested. And much more!
Intended Parents - Legal info you want to know, with Jennifer Mass, ESQ In this episode, Jennifer Mass, ESQ, provides important considerations for those trying to conceive through donor conception and surrogacy for all family structures. She is clear in her delivery as she shares her knowledge and expertise about what you want to know. While each state has its own legislation, you will hear about: Parentage laws and factors to consider Surrogacy and the significance of the contract Donor conception and legal implications. and so much more.
Dr. Lowell Ku, MD, RE is a Reproductive Endocrinologist who is board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and OBGYN. He is the senior physician at Dallas IVF, and recognized by numerous organizations and publications as a top Dallas physician. In this episode, Dr. Ku provides essential information that all those trying to conceive will want to know. Hear about: What happens when a man goes to a fertility clinic. What potential testing can find. Suggestions to improve sperm quality. And more!
In this episode, we explore the journey of Julie Eshelman, founder of the Building Military Families Network, as she transforms her personal struggles with infertility into a mission of advocacy and support. Julie shares the unique challenges faced by military families, from frequent relocations to limited fertility resources, and how these experiences inspired her to create a community that empowers and uplifts others. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and the power of advocacy to bring meaningful change for those serving our country.
In this episode, we dive into all things donor siblings with Hayley King, founder of All Things Donor Conception and Manager of Operations for the online support platform Paths to ParentHub. As both a donor-conceived person and a recipient parent, Hayley shares her unique perspective and lived experience, offering insights into navigating donor sibling connections.Hear about:The positives and complexities of donor sibling connections.What to consider when connecting with donor siblings.How to talk to your child about potential siblings.Insights into best supporting your child as they learn about their donor siblings.
In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of recipient moms through the eyes of Victoria Nino, the founder of Infertility Unfiltered. Victoria shares her personal experiences, purpose, and passion, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on infertility, resulting in building community and bringing others together.Hear about:A recipient mom's journeyThe significance of communityHow one person can make a difference
Dr. Jesse Hade shares a wealth of information those considering or in the process of building their family through donor conception will want to know.Hear about:What donor conception isEpigenetics and what it really means.Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) double blind study that he is leading and is still open for new participants.
Hear about:The how and why the PCOS Challenge organization beganThe impact PCOS has on women's healthThe significance of information, education and researchHow one women named Sasha Ottey made a difference
Hear about:• What Artificial Intelligence (AI) can do in the lab.• What AI is available now in the field of embryology .• How AI can help in the Embryologist• What the future may bring.
Hear about:How Lisa became interested in involved in surrogacyHealth insuranceWhat to look forInternational surrogate
Hear about the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM):Who comprises ASRMHow ASRM works on policy and advocates for those trying to conceiveProvides access to research, information, and resources
Hear about:How she thought of using the concept of building blocks for DNA in explaining a birth story.How she decided to create a series of books to address all types of families using donor conception.What she hopes to see on bookshelves for donor-conceived children and their parents.
Hear about: How IVF Babble came to be. The wealth of information, connections and awareness they provide, including the pineapple pin! How they are supporting corporation in providing fertility programs, resources and more.
In this episode, hear about why Hayley became a fierce advocate and in turn helps so many. The importance of support while going through treatment, and also continuing that support whilst parenting after donor conception.The Nugget Series - Hayley's downloadable toolbox of tips, info and resources for parents of donor conceived children. (for info the free PDF for the nuggets can be found at this link.
Hear about:Shelia's fertility journey, becoming a mom in her late 40s.Her quest for understanding and information.How she felt going from a nurse to a fertility patient.Steps that can be to empower yourself through.
Hear about: Why the day came to fruition, what it encompasses, when and where it takes place and how you can be involved.Appreciating the impact of advocacy. Acknowledging what type of advocacy is comfortable for you personally and as part of a community, considering that we all advocate at different times throughout our days, and understanding why advocacy is a change agent and empowers attendees. You have until May 2 to register at Resolve.org https://resolve.org/
Hear about the emotional journey of telling your donor conceived child about their conception, the impact on the parent and donor conceived child or adult knowing,(depending on when they find out). Understand why these conversations are important. Learning strategies to help parents engage in these conversations and Information on resources and about the TELL Tool study and how parents can get involved https://tell-tool.com/
Rena M. Gower, LCSW, Director of Social Work at RMA of NY, Co-Host of Fertility Forward Podcast and author of the soon to be released Fertility 101. In this podcast, we explore ways of coping and caring for yourself when going to a fertility clinic in order to optimize your experience.Hear about:How to prepare for your visit at a fertility clinicThe impact and ways of advocating for yourself on your fertility journeyThe benefit of recognizing your feelings and honoring themCoping with the grief and intangible loss
Go Stork, a platform that allows you to "Find, Compare and Connect with Top Fertility Providers” with no costs to access with Eran Amir, founder and proud father of two. https://www.gostork.com/ Hear about: Why Go Stork created. The journey that lead one technology expert to use his skills to help others build their families How the components of the platform was selected The financial impact and how to access assistance
Part 2 of the Male Factor, Male Infertility with Dr. Lowell Ku, MD, board certitude in Reproductive Endocrinology and OBGY, senior physician at Dallas IVF, active member of numerous organizations including Resolve.org & ASSRM. In this podcast we continue the conversation about the male infertility factor sharing information and suggestion that could assist in the journey. Hear About:• Current research and findings•The emotional, physical impact, and the toll it can take•The significance of support, recognizing the need, reaching out
Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist, shares information and insight on ways change can come about. Hear about:Infertility as a human issue not a race or cultural issueHow change in the delivery of care can come aboutHow disparities in fertility care mirror those the health care
With advocacy day around the corner, and all but West Virginia (we need you West Virgina) represented, it seem like a perfect time to discuss advocacy with Barbara Collura president and CEO of RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association. Hear about: Resolve, the impact of grassroots advocacy. Going from consumer, to volunteer, to CEO to testify before Congress What advocacy really is What it takes to create change What advocacy really is, and the impact it can have in others, policy and the advocate, (think empowerment)
Resolve Federal Advocacy Day is a day of empowerment. It is a day when voice from the professional and those going through fertility journey’s come together for a common cause with a common goal of providing knowledge in order create change. On this podcast hear about: - Why Jesse became an advocate - What it’s like to be an advocate - How your voice can be herd - How to become an advocate
The COVID-19 Vaccine & Fertility—Part 2 with Dr. Serena H. Chen, MD, Director for the Division of Reproductive Medicine at IRMS (the institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science), Dept. of Reproductive OBGYN at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Clinical Assoc. Prof. Rutgers, UMDNJ Medical School and St George’s University School of Medicine, and Resolve’s Hope Award for Advocacy 2020. Hear About:• What the science is showing for women trying to conceive, pregnant and those breast feeding, as well as the general population.• Updates on how the COVID vaccinations work on different strains of the virus including variances.• Looking for answers in all the right places, in other words what the experts are saying. Please look to ACOG.ORG, ASRM.ORG, CDC.ORG, SMFM.ORG and @drserenahchen on instagram, twitter and Facebook.
Hear About: The impact of your personal life script, what you want to consider on this path, the positives, what to embrace, updating your plan based on what you need ,and a desire to hold off to you meet a partner based on what you truly desire.
The Male Factor, Male Infertility with Dr. Lowell Ku, MD, Reproductive Endocrinologist, board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and OBGY, the senior physician at Dallas IVF, and recognized by numerous organization and publications as a top Dallas physician. In this podcast he provides insight, information and suggestion that could assist in improving male infertility. Hear About: - How frequently the male factor impacts infertility - What testing is involved to diagnosis the condition - What men can do to improve their fertility - The emotionL tool
Integrative healthcare, conventional and holistic medicine to optimize your health with Dr. Anna Barbieri, MD, OBGYN. Founder of TaraMD, an integrative gynecology practice, Assistant Clinical Professor OBGYN Reproductive Medicine Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC. Hear about the benefits of blending conventional and holistic medicine to optimize your health care through: Understanding your needs and how to meet them Being informed Self-empowerment by speaking up, advocating for yourself Finding the doctor that works for you Tips and tools to achieve the balance
Hear About: Donor conception, the evolution in philosophies and it’s subsequent effect on an emotional journey for the intended parent and child. The impact of using a known family member or known donor and preparing for the relationship physically, emotionally, financially, & legally prior to the child’s arrival.
Hear About: COVID-19 vaccination and fertility, the differences in vaccines and how they work, what mRNA messenger Ribonucleic Acid is verses the new vaccinations coming out with a live virus, the significance of accessing up to medical recommendations from ASRM (https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/covid-19/) and other recognized sites, a tool form from U Mass Decision tool at I'm pregnant. Should I get the COVID vaccine? to evaluate if this the vaccine is right for you, UCSF's ASPIRE: Assessing the Safety of Pregnancy In the CoRonavirus PandEmic study. A nationwide prospective cohort study of pregnant women and their offspring during the COVID-19 pandemic that you can enroll in.
Hear About: What research and data reveals about families with children born through donor egg, donor sperm, embryo, surrogacy, gay, lesbian and transgender parents.
Hear About: The impact miscarriage has had on three different women, the feelings experienced after a miscarriage, and if the word can be less taboo of a topic .
Hear About: The frequency of miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, the impact of self advocacy, emotional support, recurrent pregnancy loss and ways to investigate.
Hear About: The frequency of miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, the impact of self advocacy, emotional support, recurrent pregnancy loss and ways to investigate.
Hear about: How Julie’s path to parenthood lead her to write the Happy Together books. How she has pursued her passion and the impact she has had on the family building community. @happytogetherchildrensbooks
Hear About: What happens when the sperm and egg enter the lab for fertilization to occur until an embryo is created. Learn about each phase of the intended parents 3-5 day wait, and current and upcoming cutting edge science to create an embryo and who and what "wanda" really does.
Hear about: Third-party reproduction, the impact of epigenetics, helping children understand their birth story and Lisa's "My Lifebook" to help parents document the child's unique story.
Hear about: How PAUH was developed in response to fertility practices to provide knowledge, education, counseling and support for the greater Jewish community, including navigating third party reproduction and living an observant life.
Hear about: What really goes on in the lab, new techniques, testing egg quality, storage and general health care tips.
Hear about: Psychological first aide and how to administer it along with coping skills that include; a check list of intent, your emotional thermometer, focused breathing and personal resilience. This is an episode you will not want to skip. For those looking for help please call the National Helpline at 1.800.HELP (4557) or the Suicided Prevention Hotline at 1.800.273.8255 or go to http://www.findtreatment.gov.
Hear about: What PCOS is, how it's diagnosed, how to treat it and how to conceive in a very clear and understandable conversation with Dr. Meivys Garcia from Markham Fertility Center.
Hear about: The church's philosophy, ethics and impact of today's science of conceiving a child including, medication, IUI, IVF and third party reproduction.
Hear about: What IVF is, when to have it and what to consider prior to beginning.
Hear about: What functional medicine is, the impact & interaction one’s environment, lifestyle & genetics play in good health equating to good fertility, treatment of complex conditions & all conditions by uncovering the root cause(s) so it can be treated.
Hear about: Fay Johnson is candid as she shares her journey in attempting to conceive, raising her two children born through two different surrogates, their relationships with them, telling her children and how has dedicated her life to helping others in similar situations. The podcast will benefit all those who are touched by surrogacy personally and professionally.
Hear about: How to have a passion, desire to help and perseverance can make an impact. How you can take action (big or small) to help create change. One person can and does make a difference.
Hear about: The options available in selecting a donor (race, ethnicity) and financial impact depending on the path you take. Screening processes used by agencies for the donor, SEEDS the Society for Ethics for Egg Donation and Surrogacy (SEEDS), and developments underway in this arena.
Hear about: What it's like being born through surrogacy. Chase Johnson now in his 20's shares his experience. No question was off limits. This is a must listen too for all intended parents of children born through surrogacy or donor egg. Thank you Chase!
Hear about: The impact environmental, social and aging factors have on fertility for both men and women.
Hear about:The first fertility efforts and success, the male factor, options available today and statistical outcome.
Learn About: The impact eating has on your BMI (whether overweight or underweight), hormones including your sex drive, PCOS and fertility, along with suggestions for moving forward.
Hear about the history of surrogacy, the screening process used to evaluate and match the surrogate and intended parents as well as the emotional impact surrogacy has on them and the child.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
