Waiting for you

In this episode Rachael shares her experience of infertilty and a diagnosis of both female and male factor infertility which meant their only option was to do ICSI IVF.After grieving that they would not be having a baby naturally, they went ahead with this and in their first cycle of IVF, Rachael experienced overstimulation and then sadly miscarriage at around 9 weeks.  Her miscarriage was prolonged, difficult and ended in surgery.She then discovered she had developed hypothryroidisma and had to be treated for that before they could  try again with a frozen embryo transfer.That transfer was successful and is now their darling baby Lincoln.Connect with Rachael - https://www.instagram.com/littlelinky_/Mindful IVF app  - https://www.mindfulivf.com/Connect with Janine - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/

I am so happy to bring you today's episode with Cat.  Cat chats with me from a small idyllic village in England about her fertility journey.Cat's journey has been 10 years and included a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. They had  3 rounds of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), 4 fresh rounds of In vitro fertilization (IVF) and 2 frozen transfers (FET). She has been pregnant 3 times, miscarrying twice and also losing an identical twin in her final pregnancy - the one that gave them their beautiful daughter Wren.Cat and I chat about the grieving involved when you are unable to have a second child and not provide your child with a sibling.  The grief that comes with your ending not looking as you expected and hoped for, but the gratitude for what you do have. It is such a beautiful chat  Cat's linksTrying years - https://www.instagram.com/tryingyears/Finally pregnant - https://www.instagram.com/finallypregnant/Finally pregnant podcast - https://www.podpage.com/finally-pregnant/The hang out membership  - https://www.catstrawbridge.com/thehangoutAudio diary Part 1 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mggB0i02GUoGrBrO4EMZd?si=8ce61a27c75b4c07Audio diary part 2 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kh11FWUoWhbMu93j2yM5l?si=8eda667a25f348f4Janine's linkPodcast insta page - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography insta page - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Photography website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/

Kathryn and her husband spent 8 years trying to coneive a much wanted child, which included IVF and miscarriage.   After 8 years they made the difficult decision to let go and carry on their life in a way that didn't match their dreams."I had the movie version of my life in my head and I had to learn to let that go."Kathryn describes her experience as incredibly isolating and at the time she struggled to find the support she needed.  As a result of this, she is now a qualified life coach, specialising in infertility and supporting others on their journeys.Her passion is wanting others to know they are not alone and that support is available.She wants women to know that letting go is not the same as giving up and there can still be hope and happiness when you don't have children.This chat is so important because as hard as we try , we don't all get the fairy tale ending we are hoping for.  I am so grateful to Kathryn for sharing this with us.Kathryn's links:https://www.instagram.com/fertilitypotentials/https://www.fertilitypotentials.com/Janine's linkshttps://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/

Esther was pregnant with her fourth child during New Zealand's first Covid 19 lockdown, and living on a high country station in rural Kaikoura.The lockdown restrictions were stong and strict and her midwife appointments had not been regular, although things were going well.At 18 weeks her midwife could not find a heartbeat and after driving to Christchurch it was confirmed her baby had died.Because of the pandemic and restrictions she was separated from her husband and two of her children, but was able to join her parents in Christchurch  along with her young daughter Libby who had been at the midwife appointment with her.  Her dad was alongside her as she birthed her daughter.  Esther shares the beautiful way her family scattered the ashes of their baby.Esther's instagram - https://www.instagram.com/farmmumlife/                                              https://www.instagram.com/estherkilgourphotography/Podcast instagram -https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/ Janine's photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In this episode I am speaking with Suzie and we recorded it especially to release in baby loss awareness week.Suzie is a photographer, a photography mentor and education provider and an author.Suzie shares with us the experiences she went through on the journey to create her family.It is a story of miscarriage, baby loss, TFMR (Termination for medical reasons), and of two beautiful living children.Suzie shares the emotional complications and pain of TFMR - which includes shame, isolation and stigma.Suzie is a big believer in healing through creativity which she talks about in this interview, and her book called The Rallying Cry is linked here.https://www.amazon.com/RALLYING-CRY-Healing-Hardest-Creativity/dp/B08CMD9BY7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3OBN7DLO8SWV9&keywords=The+rallying+cry&qid=1665441225&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=the+rallying+cry%2Caps%2C280&sr=8-5Her current creative project is an iphone photography course. Suzie's course, iPhone Magic opens for registration on 19th October and there is still time to join the waitlist for early access to registration and 15% off.   Click the link below to find out more.https://suziejaygoldsmith.com/iphone-magic-courseSuzie's website - https://suziejaygoldsmith.com/Suzie's instagram - https://www.instagram.com/suziejaygoldsmith/TED talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/nora_mcinerny_we_don_t_move_on_from_grief_we_move_forward_with_it?language=enARC UK - https://www.arc-uk.org/Podcast instagarm - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Janine's photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

Arna's story - secondary infertility and miscarriageWhen trying to conceive her second child, Arna experienced miscarriages, severe morning sickness , IVF treatment and anxiety.  She went through a lot.After all of this, Arna now holds her baby Andie in her arms.Arna's instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nz_secondary_infertility_/Podcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/ Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

Jules went through a huge IVF journey, trying to conceive her baby.Four and a half years and 13 cycles of IVF.There were many transfers that did not result in pregnancy, many cycles that got cancelled or did not get to transfer stage, as well as three chemical pregnancies.Jules and her husband were living in a cycle of hope and grief.After much thought and working through the loss of Jules' genetics, they went on to find an egg donor and had amazing success.This is a beautiful and painful story with a wonderful ending xxPodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Janine's photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

Cumorah shares her experience of having a molar pregnancy when trying to conceive her second child.  A molar pregnancy has to be removed surgically and followed up closely with regular blood tests as it can develop into cancer.Cumorah experienced deep depression which she describes as taking over her life.She shares with us the ways in which she worked hard to get well again.At the time of recording she was pregnant and her baby was due soon.  She now has her beautiful baby in her arms.Miscarriage journal - https://promptlyjournals.com/products/miscarriage-workbook-wheatPodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Janine's photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In this episode I chat with Felicity who shares her story of infertiliy, IVF, multiple miscarriages and D&C's, egg donation, embryo testing and very sadly losing her young sister.Felicity was diagnosed with low ovarian reserve and endometriosis and she and her husband did multiple rounds of IVF resulting in no pregancy or miscarriage.They tested embryos from two of their cycles to try to help their decision making and increase their chances.Felicity also discovered she has Graves disease which is a thyroid condition and needed to suspend IVF treatment until that was sorted.Further into their treatment they used donor eggs from Felicity's sister which resulted in no embryos to transfer and subsequently had a cousin lined up to be another egg donor.In the end they have had three beautiful children from their own genetics with the help of IVF and embryo testing.Felicity's sister Lucy became very unwell and died at the beginning of their journey and Felicity did all this while grieving her little sister xxConnect with Felicity/FA ChristchurchFelicity insta - https://www.instagram.com/felicityiuli/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Christchurch Fertility associates - https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/clinics/christchurch/Dr Michelle Bayley - https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/team-members/dr-michelle-bailey/Connect with JaninePodcast insta - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/?igshid=YzAyZWRlMzg= Photography insta - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Podcast email - waitingforyou.podcast@gmail.com

In this episode I chat with Josh who shares the very long and complex journey he and his wife Jo went through to have their son Wolfgang (or Wolfie).It is a story of unexplained infertility, many rounds of IVF and countless embryo transfers, miscarriages, nearly losing Jo with one of the miscarriages, providing emergency foster care, and finally having Wolfie in their arms.It is also the story of an adventurous couple who made big decisions and pushed their limits.Connect with JoshInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/wild_westerns/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In this episode Lydia shares her story of becoming a Mama to her two girls Jemima and Mabel.Their first daughter was conceived easily and she was born in 2014.When they tried for a second child, they had difficultly and were diagnosed with secondary infertility, namely very low AMH levels.  They were told they would need IVF and probably egg donation.The subsequent years involved trying treatment with Lydia's eggs, becoming pregnant naturally but then losing the baby at 13 weeks, getting public IVF funding and being selected by an egg donor.They then went on to do all the necessary requirements to use the egg donor and they conceived their daughter Mabel on the 2nd transfer.We talk about so much more in this episode - we talk about all the feelings about so many intricacies of their journey.Fertility NZ  https://www.fertilitynz.org.nz/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram  -  https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In today's episode Emily shares her story of becoming a Mama to her twins Charlie and Delilah.Emily and her partner Mark struggled to conceive and went on to have IVF treatment.From their first cycle they got 8  day five embryos but sadly Emily went on to experience recurrent miscarriages after each embryo transfer.They were going through the process of sperm donation when they decided to try with their own embryos one more time.  They transferred two embryos thinking they would be lucky if one worked and they discovered they were pregnant with twins.Such a beautiful ending to a long and difficult journey xConnect with EmilyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/blumenthalem/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram  -https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In this episode Saira shares her experience of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), how it affected her fertility and the treatment she received to help her have her first daughter.In her pregnancy Saira struggled with back and hip pain and also had kidney stones at 32 weeks.Saira suffered postnatal depression after her daughter was born and sought help at 10 months post partum.  She shares with us the denial she went through that she wasn't well, and then all the things she put in place to help her get better.Saira became unexpectedly pregnant with her second daughter and was able to remain well during this pregnancy and postnatally.Connect with JaninePodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In this episode Meg shares the experience of losing her baby Ada at 20 weeks pregnant.Meg's waters broke one day after work at 20 weeks and although her baby still had a heartbeat when they got to A&E, she was told her baby would not survive.Meg so bravely shares her experience in the hospital, waiting all day on a labour and delivery ward for things to be signed off,  giving birth to Ada and leaving the hospital without her baby in her arms.Huge thanks to Meg for sharing her story.This episode is dedicated to Ada xMusic written and performed by Alan Meharry and Stu FoxConnect with JaninePodcast instagram https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In this episode Russell shares his story of the journey to have children knowing that a complex chomosomal issue was always going to be part of the picture.  In Season 2, Russell's wife Kelly shared their story and here we are privileged to hear Russell's perspective and experience.Russell and Kelly have two healthy living children and had to say heartbreaking goodbye  s to their other two daughters as they passed away shortly after they were born.This episode is dedicated to Nina and Molly xxConnect with Russell/Kelly  https://www.instagram.com/thegriefdebrief/                                                                https://eitsirhc.wixsite.com/bestillandknowkcConnect with Janine https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/                                               https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

In this episode Cass shares her story  of trying to become a Mama on her own, using a private sperm donor.  Cass' story involves finding a sperm donor, trying to conceive, miscarriage and grief.  She also experienced pain and unexpected symptoms following her miscarriage which culminated in surgery.It has been hard, complex and painful and Cass continues to try for her baby who she longs to have in her arms.  Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your story Cass x Connect with CassInstagram https://www.instagram.com/cass_r_sampson/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/

Robin was diagnosed with a thyroid issue which needed treatment and balancingAlso diagnosed with unexplained infertilityNo fertility treatment until the thyroid issue was sorted out which took 18 monthsFirst IVF cycle in USA,  with no positive resultMoved to NZ and second cycle was here in NZ, which was successful and they had their daughter MoanaLater they went on to try a frozen embryo transfer and were blessed with their second daughter RubyThey then found themselves in a position where their family felt complete but they still had two frozen embryos and so Robin took her time to work through how she could best honour those embryosThis Kiwi/USA family are now happily living in ChristchurchConnect with RobinInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/revrobin/Blog - https://danceonholyground.wordpress.com/Email - https://robinlynnhumphreys@gmail.com  Robin is very happy to be contactedFertility NZ - https://www.fertilitynz.org.nz/Connect with JanineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Email - http://waitingforyou.podcast@gmail.com

 - Nina lost of left ovary and falliopian tube due to ovarian cyst - She later discovered she has a unicornuate uterus - IVF treatment was the only option to try for a baby - First cycle produced 2 eggs and neither of them fertilised - Second cycle produced 15 eggs and 4 embryos,  and resulted in a freeze all cycle due to        OHSS - 1st frozen transfer cancelled - 2nd frozen transfer resulted in a chemical pregnancy - 3rd frozen transfer gave Nina and her partner their gorgeous boy Hugo:)Connect with Nina - https://www.instagram.com/unicornuateuterusnz/Connect with Janine - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/

Hayley and her husband found themselves at Fertility associates after trying to conceive for a couple of years.  Hayley was very unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis.They held off on surgery for the endometriosis and also IVF treatment.  Hayley felt very reluctant about IVF.    After researching, Hayley worked with a nutritionist on her diet (Mikki Williden)Three months later she became pregnant but then had a miscarriage.As time went on she felt like no one was supporting her on this journey so sought out Loula George at Motherwell  who helped her with ovulation/cycle tracking, supplements and she also suggested Lipiodol treatment.Hayley had that treatment and then did month about IVI and trying to conceive naturally.With no success, they then moved onto IVF treatment but had two unsuccessful cycles.Hayley then saw another fertility specialist, who suggested seeing a rectal surgeon for her endometriosis.  She saw the surgeon but didn't go ahead with the surgery at this point.She then went back to the naturopath and had the Dutch hormone test and a gut microbiome test and followed this up by seeing nutritionist – Kaytee Boyd  who put her on a special diet for her gut health.Hayley also saw Dr Ray Lala  for vibrational alternative treatment.  He told her “we deal in miracles.”Hayley and her partner then became pregnant naturally 6 years after the beginning of their journey.Connect with Hayley - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angelhayley/Connect with Janine - Podcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/ Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Share your story - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcastPractitionersFertility Associates - https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/Mikki Williden - https://mikkiwilliden.com/Loula George - https://www.mother-well.co.nz/team/loula-george/Kaytee Boyd - https://www.theboydclinic.co.nz/Ray Lala - https://www.theboydclinic.co.nz/

Two and a half years after getting married Anna's husband Kyle was diagnosed with Sperm Maturation Arrest, which is irreversible and is considered to be absolute infertility.Their only option to become pregnant was sperm donation.  They were both on different pages about this and it caused too much tension so they decided not to do sperm donation and not to have children.Anna made the decision to leave the job she loved working with children because it was too painful.  She did a facebook post to explain to everyone at once and from that post a family contacted them about donating embryosThe process of embryo donation started from there.  They met with the couple and then went through the process of ethics committee, lawyers, counselling and psychiatrist.They were given full public funding due to being fully infertile as a couple.The first embryo implanted worked and Anna became pregnant.  She had a difficult pregnancy with pelvic separation and round ligament pain, to the point of blacking out.Anna had a traumatic birth including a week long induction process and manual dilation to 5cm, and ending in c-section.  She experienced borderline post partum psychosis and complex PTSD.They tried for 2nd baby with embryo #2 which was also successful.Anna had a big bleed at 10 weeks (hematoma) and from 10-20 weeks she didn't stop bleeding.  She experienced a beautiful healing birth with the birth of her second child.However her daughter had severe jaundice and then seizure like behaviours, health issues,  and developmental delays Anna and Kyle are so grateful to have their two daughters and are planning on trying their third embryo in the near future.Connect with AnnaInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/annajkeogh/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram  https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Share your story  https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast   

After experiencing a miscarriage at 21 Kiri thought getting pregnant was not going to be an issue for her but after she was married, they struggled to become pregnant.  With no diagnosis and no funding for treatment, they had a long wait ahead of them to access treatment.  While waiting Kiri became pregnant and they thought this was the one, but at 11 weeks Kiri had a miscarriage which was devastating for them.They finally went on to have fertility treatment starting with IUI and then moving onto IVF.  None of their cycles were successful.They then began looking into the process through CYFS (now Oranga Tamarki) for adoption and fostering.Kiri's Aunty and Uncle then kindly and unexpectedly offered to pay for another cycle of IVF so they re-entered that process but sadly it ended in tears again.So they started the CYFS process again , undergoing training courses and gruelling visits from social workers investigating all parts of their life.Twin baby boys were flagged as possible permanent foster children for them and after the long social worker process and a period of meeting the boys and transition, Kiri and her husband welcomed two 15 month old twins into their home, their arms and their hearts.Kiri shares with us the legal process, the birth parents visitation agreement and the realities of parenting foster children.Kiri opens her heart for us and this is such a beautiful episode.Connect with KiriKiri's instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kiriwhitigirl/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/ Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Share your story on the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast

Andy has PCOS and endometriosis and volunteers for Qendo  - a charity based in Queensland, Australia supporting people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS and infertility.Andy and her partner did not use contraception foduring  their four year relationship as Andy felt she would have difficulty becoming pregnant.  The day Andy went in for her endometriosis/PCOS surgery she discovered she was pregnant, as she was sitting in pre-op all prepped and ready to go.So her surgery was cancelled and she began a new pathway of being pregnant.  However, she had a strong feeling from the beginning that something was going to go wrong in this pregnancy.At 12 weeks Andy was alerted by a doctor that something was wrong but it wasn't properly investigated or diagnosed and the care she received around this was sub-standard.  A month later, Andy discovered that doctor had had his licence cancelled and that he was on drugs the very day he saw her.A few weeks later (around 17-20 weeks) things became clearer, with a diagnosis of Limb wall body complex for her baby.Andy had to choose whether to terminate at this point, or carry to term and lose her baby then.Andy chose to say goodbye to her baby girl at this point and underwent an induction, labour and delivery.  Arielle was born and died.The placenta wasn't delivered and Andy had to wait 3-4 hours for the surgery she required, all the while still having strong and frequent contractions.  Following her surgery, Andy was accidently placed in a new mum room complete with a ‘Welcome baby' package.Andy buried her grief and struggled with her mental health in the weeks, months and years following.Sadly her relationship broke up a year after Arielle was born but Andy would love to try again for a family.Music written and performed by Alan Meharry and Stu FoxConnect with AndyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyroberts___Qendo instagram - https://www.instagram.com/qendoau/Qendo website - https://www.qendo.org.au/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram -https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/ Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Share on the podcast  - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast

Jessica is a single mum by choice, choosing to have a baby using a sperm donor and not waiting for the right partner to come along.She had been diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 21 and once she had further tests done at the fertility clinic it was also confirmed that her right tube was damaged from a surgery she had as a baby, and her left blocked from the endometriosis.This meant she would need IVF treatment .  Jessica found a sperm donor through an online forum  and began her treatment.Her first cycle of IVF was sadly unsuccessful and was swiftly followed by her dad passing away.On her second cycle of IVF Jess got two embryos but they both had to be frozen as we had just been plunged into Level 4 lockdown.  She would have to wait until we were back at Level two before she could do any transfers.Her gynecologist helped her petition to ACC for compensation for what happened to her as a baby, which was affecting her fertility now.  She was given 2 cycles of IVF compensation for this injury.On Jessica's fourth transfer, she became pregnant but had an early miscarriage.On her 5th transfer, she became pregnant with her little baby girl Hazel.Jessica planned a homebirth.  All went well and she got to 10cm dilated at home but then things slowed and she was transferred to hospital and ended up having a c-section.Hazel struggled with her breathing at birth and was transferred to NICU.  Jess lost a lot of blood and was transferred to HDU.  They were separated and Jess struggled with that.However, by the next day Jess was well enough to spend all day with Hazel skin to skin in NICU and by that night they were back on the ward together.Shortly after the birth of Hazel, New Zealand went into lockdown and Jessica and Hazel spent the first few weeks locked down together at home, having friends and family visit by looking at Hazel through the window.Jess has spent a lot of time processing the birth and working through her guilt at the separation they experienced in those first 24 hours. Connect with JessicaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/houseplant_mother/Email - jesskaj@hotmail.comConnect with JaninePodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Submit to the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcastPhotography website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/ 

Emma and her partner Rowan spent a few years trying for a baby naturally before seeing a Fertility specialist.They tried Clomiphene treatment on and off for about a year with no success and then began IVF.Their first two cycles of IVF both produced one embryo and sadly no pregnancy for them.It was then suggested they find a donor and a friend of theirs had already offered, so they then started the egg donor process with testing and counselling.Their first IVF cycle using their donor's eggs produced 3 eggs and one embryo and it was not successful.After this cycle, Emma experienced traumatic pain and was diagnosed with a twisted fallopian tube.Their second donor cycle produced 2 embryos and the one implanted did not become a pregnancy.  During this time they had a lot going on with selling a property, Rowan broke his collar bone and her Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer.Emma desperately wanted to give her dad good news and at this point she hit a wall with a sense of hopelessness and feelings of letting everyone down, so they took a break and her Dad passed away 3 months later.Later, they tried again with the frozen embryo from the last cycle, using a new protocol but sadly they had another negative result.They then made plans to go to San Diego to try there with a clinic donor.  It was all planned and ready to go and then Covid happened and the plans had to be cancelled, but Emma used this time to research further.They then had to change clinics in Christchurch to Fertility Associates and did a new test that Emma had found in her research.  They went on the egg donor list at Fertility associates and waited.While waiting they did another (non donor) cycle, which was not successful.They finally got matched with egg donor and went ahead with a donor egg cycle.This cycle was successful and Emma received her long awaited positive pregnancy test at she is now 15 weeks pregnant. Connect with EmmaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegrocerthemaker/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/ Photography instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Photography website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Submit to the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast

 Ruth's mother in law Christine had a large family of 7 children.  She was all about family and bringing people together, and had a huge capacity for people, helping and love.  Ruth had a wonderful relationship with her.Around the time that Ruth was 37 weeks pregnant with her second child, Christine's body started changing and not working in the same way.Christine was quickly diagnosed with motor neuron disease and Ruth's son Corban was born shortly after.  The newborn phase with her son was completely different than planned or expected.She and her family travelled and visited in another town every second weekend with a newborn and a toddler.Christine experienced a rapid decline in her health.  Her daughter Hannah got married at this time and Ruth photographed the wedding with her son Corban in the front pack.Ruth also  documented Christines last months and death with her camera.Ruth shares with us the experience of welcoming her son to the world and saying goodbye to her mother in law all at the same time.  She described that there were so many first time moments coupled with so many last time moments through this time.This is a beautiful episode and I am so grateful for Ruth for sharing it.Connect with RuthInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ruthgilmourphotographer/                          https://www.instagram.com/ruthgilmourcommercial/                          https://www.instagram.com/idhtbth.photoschool/                          https://www.instagram.com/itdoesnthavetobethishard/Blog post on the wedding - https://ruthgilmourphotographer.co.nz/hannah-and-dan-tauranga-wedding-photographer/Connect with JaninePodcast instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Photography website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Submit to the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast                            

Olivia always knew she might have fertility issues due to the history in her family.After breaking her spine and having ongoing back pain it was discovered she had endometriosis and adenomyosis, as well as low egg reserves.Feeling she didn't have time to wait, she decided to go ahead with trying to have a baby alone, using fertility treatment.After 13 months on the sperm donor waiting list she chose her donor and got started with IUI treatments which were not successful.  She then went onto IVF treatment but in her first cycle she retrieved no eggs.From here Olivia decided she needed to find an egg donor as well.  She found her donor on a Fertility forum and after they had been through all the required counselling and ethics committee, her egg donor went ahead with IVF and they ended up with 7 beautiful embryos.The first of the embryos was implanted back into Liv's uterus and she became pregnant with her beautiful little boy August.Music written and performed by Alan Meharry and Stu FoxConnect with OliviaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sisterdoinitforherselfConnect with JaninePodcast instagram -https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/ Janine's photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Janine's photography website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Submit your story to the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast

Rebecca became pregnant easily with her first child but struggled to get pregnant a second time andunderwent fertility treatment through a clinic.After two cycles of IUI treatment she was still not pregnant and felt that she was letting people down not being able to become pregnant, even with this fertility treatment help.On their third cycle of IUI Becca became pregnant but then miscarried.  She describes this time as the loneliest she has ever felt.  After a failed fourth IUI Becca carried a lot of guilt about the process not working.Becca was encouraged by her clinic to now apply for public funding for IVF treatment but she kept putting this off.  She had conflicting feelings about this.  She already had one child and she didn't want to take an IVF space from someone who had no children.However, on their  6th cycle of IUI she became pregnant  and at the 6 week  scan they discovered that she was pregnant with twins.  She didn't need the IVF funding after all.At 19 weeks pregnant they had a scare with limited fluid around baby Neve and she was put on full bed rest.  The twins were born healthy at 36 weeks, but Becca had a bad bleed and ended up in HDU.  Thankfully she got well, and the twins were healthy and they became a family of 5.Music written and performed by Alan Meharry and Stu FoxWaiting for you instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Janine's photography instagram page -  https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Janine's photography website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Submit your story to the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast

Kelly is a mum of four.  She has two living children – Brooklyn and Jake, and two children who she had to say goodbye to within hours of them being born – Nina and Molly.Kelly learned in her early life that she was a carrier of a Chromosomal issue running in the family, passed down from her dad.  She is a carrier but when she has children they could either be totally fine, a carrier like her, or incompatible with life, ending in miscarriage, stillbirth or death shortly after birth.  A 50 % chance of her baby not surviving.Her first three attempts to have a baby ended in miscarriage but  after that she went on to have two healthy children.  They are both carriers too but healthy in themselves.After this, Kelly just didn't feel that he family was finished and she desired to have another baby.  So she and her husband tried again.They became pregnant but the CVS results at 14 weeks showed that this baby was affected and was incompatible with life.  They had to make decisions around terminating the baby or carrying to term.They chose to carry their baby to term and with the help of a supportive team she was born at 36 weeks, alive and with her eyes open.  She lived for 1 hour and 46 minutes.  Her name is Nina.After this experience of losing Nina the feelings of wanting to try for another child just wouldn't go away.  Her husband was not on board with her but in the end they did try again and Kelly became pregnant again and the CVS results showed that this baby also was not compatible with life.They gave this baby what they gave Nina.  Kelly carried her to term in the hopes of also meeting her alive.  She was born alive at 36 weeks and lived for 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Her name is Molly.Kelly shares with us the isolation, the grief and the heartache she and her family have been through but also how they are doing well now and she finally feels herself again.Connect with Kelly: Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/thegriefdebrief/Blog - https://eitsirhc.wixsite.com/bestillandknowkcConnect with Janine:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/waitingforyou.podcast/Janine's photography instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Share your story on the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcastMusic written and recorded by Alan Meharry and Stu Fox

After trying for a year Liz and her husband found themselves at a fertility clinic with a diagnosis of 'unexplained infertility''.  They started with Clomiphene treatment and were still unsuccessful after three cycles.  They then went onto IUI treatment and four cycles later they were still not pregnant. So they were advised to move onto IVF treatment and on the first cycle became pregnant with their daughter Josie.Liz shares with us her emotional and mental health during this time and how she felt robbed of a ‘normal' conception experience.  When she did get pregnant, she suffered from HG and again felt robbed of a joyful pregnancy experience.They tried for a second baby when Josie was 15 months using the two frozen embryos they had, but sadly both attempts failed which was so tough on them.  They then had to face starting another full cycle of IVF from the beginning.  Liz had been finding the ongoing phone calls of bad news coming from the clinic, so hard to take and from this point on she asked Chris to take all the calls.Their first transfer from this IVF cycle failed and they were left with only one frozen embryo.Thankfully that second transfer worked, and Liz became pregnant with their son SebastianIn this episode, Liz shares the stress that can be put on relationships when going through fertility treatment and how she learned the importance of sharing her story.Links:Repromed - https://www.repromed.co.nz/Janine's instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Janine's website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Want to share your story on the podcast? - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast

Today I share just a short solo episode to round off season one of Waiting for you.I am so proud of what I have created and so grateful to those who have shared their stories and those who have listened along.I am currently chatting to and lining up interviews for Season 2, so I will see you then!Janine's instagram https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Janine's website  https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Podcast submissions https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast

Lauren knew she might face fertility issues due to her family history and so after 6 months of trying she went to her GP,  but was told not to worry.She went on to self-refer to Fertility Associates and after testing of both her and her husband, they started with two self-funded rounds of Clomiphene treatment which were sadly both unsuccessful.The fertility specialist then suggested laparoscopy  and hysterocscopy to check the uterus, fallopian tubes as well checking for endometriosis.  Quite aggressive endometriosis was found on her ovaries and uterus and Lauren underwent further surgery to remove this.After she had recovered from surgery they tried another round of Clomophene but that was also unsuccessful and so then they moved onto IUI treatment (Interuterine insemination).  Their first round of this treatment was successful and they welcomed their daughter Ashley on Boxing day of 2016.  There were a couple of bumps in the pregnancy which Lauren shares with us.When Ashley was 16 months Lauren noticed the signs of endo coming back again so they went back  to Fertility Associates and got started again with another round of IUI to try for a second baby.  This cycle worked first time as well, but to their surprise they were pregnant with twins.  While she tried to give birth to the twins vaginally it ended up being a c-section to get them here safely.Lauren knew she wanted to help another family struggling with fertility  and so after the twins were weaned she started the process to donate her eggs.  She produced 16 eggs that were donated to another family .  What an absolutely beautiful gift!Music written and performed by Alan Meharry and Stu FoxConnect with JanineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphoWebsite - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Submit your story to the podcast - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcastConnect with Fertility associateshttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/

Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to families who have experienced stillbirth or have children with serious or life threatening illness. Heartfelt is dedicated to providing this gift in a caring and compassionate manner, with all services free of charge.Emma has many roles within Heartfelt.  First and foremost she is a photographer for them and has helped around 450 families in her seven years so far.  She also holds the roles of vice-president,  NZ representative and NZ co-ordinator.There are over 320 photographers who volunteer across Australia and New Zealand and to date they have provided services to over 9000 families.Emma's interest in this area began when she read the blog of a mum whose baby had lived for 19 minutes and every minute had been captured in photographs which was very powerful. Later she found and joined Heartfelt and now it is a huge part of her life.It is the families which drives Emma to volunteer in this way.  Being able to give beautiful memories of their fleeting moments with their child.Emma talks us through what a Heartfelt phtography session looks like – what she aims to do and how she interacts with the family and how every session is different.  It's a unique and privileged position to give the families NON medical time with their baby.Emma shares with us a session where she photographed a full term baby who was having his life support turned off and how the space was so filled with love and care and peace. She also shares of a family who she has worked with twice as they have lost two babies, and the invitation to be one of the 10 people allowed at the funeral so that she could take photos for the family members who couldn't be there, because of COVID-19 restrictions. We talk about how she is emotionally at or after a session,  and how she looks after herself.  For Emma, it is an honour and privilege to be invited into these spaces and she loves to be able to be there for families in their grief,  but also to celebrate and honour this little baby or child.Connect with HeartfeltWebsite - https://heartfelt.org.au/0800 number -  NZ    0800 583 768AUS 1800 583 768 Connect with JanineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/ Website - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Podcast submissions - https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcast  

Ruth experienced irregular periods and despite not having any of the other common PCOS symptoms,  was diagnosed with PCOS.   She was referred to Fertility Associates to help her start her family.Ruth shares with us feelings of isolation as she watched her friends having babies and knew that her husband did not feel it all as deeply as she did.Through the clinic she and her husband Dave started on Clomiphene treatment, but after three cycles and no success, they took a break. Two months later she discovered she was pregnant naturally.  By this time it had been three years since they started trying.They really celebrated this pregnancy including a fireworks gender reveal show created by Dave at Ruth's 30th birthday, and making  amazing documentary about Ruby's birth (see the show notes to watch this).In the postpartum period Ruth struggled with the dependence of her infant and not being able to just get up and go like she used to. She thought she would be able to drop everything else she loved and just focus on her baby but didn't work out that way. By the time Ruby was  15 months Ruth did not have her period back but she was keen to try for a second child.  She was told by Fertility Associates that she would need to stop breastfeeding before they would see her.  This was an emotionally and physically challenging thing to do for everyone involved.They then started their cycle to try for their next baby this time using Letrizole instead of Clomiphene.  Ruth shares a funny story about the conception of her baby boy, and her experience of going from one to two children, as well as how Ruby coped with this.Ruth's husband Dave is a scientist and he gave the children their middle names.  Both are named after scientists.The decision to have a third baby is now something they are grappling with, finding that they are in different spaces about it.   This was further highlighted and complicated by a recent miscarriage. Ruth is finding living in limbo of not knowing what her family is going to look like quite challenging.  Connect with RuthInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/ruthgilmourphotographer/                        https://www.instagram.com/IDHTBTH.Photoschool/                          https://www.instagram.com/ruthgilmourcommercial/Website  https://ruthgilmourphotographer.co.nz/Birth documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QXp27E8-2E Connect with JanineInstagram https://www.instagram.com/janinefoxphotography/Website https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/Submit to the podcast https://www.janinefoxphotography.co.nz/podcastOthersCyber safety for your kids https://www.citizen21.co.nz/Fertility associates Hamilton https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/clinics/hamilton-central-north-island/hamilton/ 

 I apologise for the sound quality of this episode.  This was my first in-person interview and I clearly didn't get it right, but this story needs to be heard and perfectionism needs to be sent packing so here it is!Lauryn's longing to be a mum was deep but not available to her in the ‘conventional' way so she chose to be a solo mum, using a private sperm donor to help her conceive her son.   Her mum suggested donor conception.  At first Lauryn dismissed the idea as too unconventional but after some research she changed her mind.  She entered the private donor world as going through a clinic was going to be a 2 year wait.    After some initial enquiries, emails and a meet up, she chose her donor.  They discussed and set the terms of their agreement, and then got the process underway.  Donations were delivered to the door three nights in a row and a turkey baster was used to complete the job. Lauryn was pregnant on the first month of trying.  She had a good pregnancy except for badly dislocated knee and needing a month off work to recover.  Although it was not expected of her, she kept her donor up to date with the pregnancy and also Nate's arrival.  Lauryn had her mum at her side at the birth  which ended in a forceps assisted c-section as Nate's head was on a tilt and he got very stuck. Lauryn and her Mum live together and they raise Nate together.  It is a beautiful relationship between the three of them.They recently had the opportunity to meet a couple of Nate's donor siblings which was unexpected but very welcomed.  Nate's family expanded overnight.  Lauryn's intention as a parent is to be reflective and forward thinking, and her whole perspective on life and work has changed since having Nate.  Follow Janine on instagramJanine's website Submit your story to the podcastEpisode is Not LivePublish: Aug. 03, 2021 @ 9PM EditPublishAdd a TranscriptGet episode better indexed by search engines.Add Chapter MarkersListeners can tap through & see what's coming up.Create a Visual SoundbiteBest way to share to social media for engagement.Share Episode OnFacebookTwitterLinkedInMore OptionsEmail Link to Episode CopyDirect Link to MP3 Copy Download MP3Embed this ONE Episode

Anna was in a committed and secure relationship of four years when she discovered she was pregnant.  The pregnancy was unplanned and although she was a little nervous,  she was happy for this surprise.  However this day became the day her world fell apart as her partner's reaction was very unexpected.Her partner very quickly gave her an ultimatum.  Either marry him  and live with his parents or have an abortion.  Anna was not prepared to be given that kind of ultimatum and abortion was never on her agenda.  By the end of the day her partner had packed his bags and left.Anna sought solace in her family and moved back home to live with her parents and sister while she tried to recover from the shock and try to piece her life back together.Pregnancy was a difficult time and Anna coped just by carrying on with her life and trying not to think about it.  None of it felt real.  The whole time was very surreal.Anna had her mum by her side for the birth of Emme, despite some tricky hospital Covid-19 policies to navigate.  She brought her baby home to a house  full of support and love.  However, she found herself grieving for what she didn't have, grappling with the the idea of what a family looks like and sad she wouldn't be able to give Emme what she had growing up.Emme is now 13 months hold and her dad has not met her.  It is very clear he wants nothing to do with her and Anna is dealing with all of that. Anna has learned that she is stronger than her ever knew and Emme gave her that strength.This episode is heartbreaking and full of heart all at once.  Follow Janine on instagramJanine's websiteSubmit your story to the podcast 

In this episode Jen takes us through her story of endometriosis, IVF, trauma and poor health.  Jen suffered debilitating period pain and often ended op in the emergency department and led to a laparoscopy.After trying for a year, she needed IVF quickly as her egg reserves had dropped significantly.  Her first embryo transfer didn't work and she experienced a very traumatic end to that cycle with a lot of bleeding and pain, and a hospital stay.  Following this her mental health declined and so they waited until she was strong enough again to try for another embryo transfer.Their second embryo transfer was successful and they welcomed their son Ezra into the world.In the days following Ezra's birth he wasn't well with trouble feeding, dry lips, lethargy and weight loss, and at the same time Jen was unwell with increasing c-section pain.  After going home Jen's c-section scar burst and bled.  She had a big infection, which hadn't been picked up so she ended up back in hospital.  Once Jen was back home, still taking lots of antibiotics and pain killers, she was suffering with intense back pain and nausea and following an appointment to her osteopath, she was sent straight to hospital and was then diagnosed with pancreatitis which involved a long and difficult recovery.  As a result of all of this Jen spent a lot of time in the early days separated from Ezra. After two years of being unwell, things were recently resolved when it was discovered her gall bladder was in very poor condition and it was removed and for the first time in a long time, Jen is beginning to feel well.Jen has recently done some work with Karla Sargent, a birth trauma specialist, to help her come to terms with the trauma she has been through.It was picked up in the newborn hearing screening that Ezra has hearing loss and so Jen also shares that with us.Follow Janine on instagramVisit Janine's websiteSubmit your story to the podcastCarla Sargent - birth trauma support and educationFertility associates 

In this episode Charlotte shares her story of a diagnosis of Polycystic ovarian syndrome , the impact that had on her fertility, and her subsequent fertility treatment.Living outside of a main centre, they had to access treatment from a distance which proved difficult at times.  They started treatment using Clomiphene and Letrizole and then moved onto IVF.Their first cycle of IVF gave them their beautiful son Hugo.  They subsequently experienced two miscarriages before having their second son Sullivan.  Charlotte shares with us the impact of all of this on her gentle heart.We discuss a calcification in her uterus, post partum bleeding and identifying a dairy allergy in her young son, and what being a mum has taught her.Charlotte's oldest son was recently diagnosed with autism and she kindly shares with us the signs that lead to getting an assessment for him and what the diagnosis has meant for their family.Follow Janine on instagramJanine's websiteCPAC scoringSubmissions to the podcast

In this episode I talk with Lisa who is 8 years into her journey to create her family.Lisa was originally diagnosed with PCOS at 18, which has evolved into hypothalamic-pituatary-ovarian (HPO) axis disorder.After getting married Lis and her husband headed straight to a fertility clinic and started on Letrozole treatment.  This was followed by two cycles of IUI and then they moved onto IVF.With no eggs collected from her first two cycles of IVF, they moved to a different protocol (IVM) which was also unsuccessful.Lisa developed Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and became very unwell and hospitalised following a double trigger cycle.It wasn't until her 7th embryo transfer and approximately 5 years into the journey that she became pregnant with her son Otis.Lisa believes strongly in strengthening her resilience and good self care to help her through these years of treatment.Following having their son, they contintued treatment to try for a second child.  One cycle was cancelled as Lisa had developed shingels and a very difficult time came when she became pregnant again but sadly had a miscarriage.Lisa npow puts any spare energy she has into charity work for Fertility Funding Charitable Trust to help others access fertility treatment.After eight years and 13 embryo transfers, Lisa and her husband continue with treatment.  They remain positive and hopeful that their second child will come.Follow Janine on instagramJanine's websiteFertility funding charitable trustDr SherFertility associatesMotherwell (Loula George)Podcast music created by Alan Meharry and Stu Fox

In this episode I talk with Emm who navigated endometriosis, IVF and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome on her journey to have her son Dillon.Emm's endometriosis took 8 years of battling to get a diagnosis and gave her such severe pain that she was in the emergency department many times over.  Despite having surgery, she still faced an IVF journey .During her egg collection they retrieved a large number of eggs  but she subsequently developed Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome which caused her to become very ill and admitted to hospital.  The embryos all got frozen while they waited until she was recovered from OHSS and her body ready  to do an embryo transfer.During all of this, Emm lost her beloved Nan who was one of her greatest supporters.Emm is a shining light of grit and positivity with a massive dose of adventure and I thank her for sharing her story here.Follow Janine on instragramJanine Fox photography websiteFertility associates