Podcasts about iuis

Infertility, IVF, donor eggs, and pregnancy loss — how do you keep going after years of grief and loss on the journey to parenthood?In this episode, Constance Lewis shares her six-year infertility journey that included low AMH, stage 2 endometriosis, multiple failed IUIs, three rounds of IVF, and two miscarriages. After learning her husband carried a balanced translocation that made pregnancy extremely unlikely, they faced the difficult decision to pursue donor eggs in order to continue growing their family.Constance opens up about the emotional impact of infertility and losing a baby, the complicated feelings that can follow pregnancy after loss, and the reality that IVF is not always the guarantee people think it is. She also shares how her family navigated a serious medical diagnosis for their son and how that experience inspired the children's book Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings.This conversation explores infertility, IVF after miscarriage, choosing donor eggs, pregnancy after loss, baby loss, and finding hope through grief and loss while building a family.

On today's episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Leslie shares the story of her daughter Cora born via emergency C-section after a full-term pregnancy and the unimaginable grief of losing her shortly after birth. She also opens up about secondary infertility, pregnancy after loss, a traumatic COVID birth, and the long road of healing that followed.This episode is a powerful reminder that grief and trauma can coexist and that both deserve care.

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I'm 35, had a healthy pregnancy in 2022 followed by three miscarriages, and just found out I have 19% Turner mosaicism on karyotype. If I were your patient, would you recommend moving to IVF with PGT, or continue trying naturally? I'm 32 with an LH/FSH ratio of 2.6 and an AMH of 2.7. The labs were drawn around suspected ovulation. Does this ratio suggest possible PCOS, or could this be a normal mid-cycle finding? I'm 33 and have been trying to conceive for five months. My AMH just came back at 0.057, but the rest of my labs look normal. What would your next steps be, and what are the most common causes of very low AMH at my age? My fiancé uses CBD gummies with trace amounts of THC for chronic pain. We know marijuana can impact fertility, but do CBD products with small amounts of THC meaningfully affect sperm health or fertility outcomes? My partner and I are a same-sex female couple (ages 30 and 32) using donor sperm. We've had two unsuccessful IUIs, and I'm about to start a third with letrozole. My workup is normal, but I suspect possible endometriosis. If that's the case, should we be considering additional evaluation or changing our treatment approach? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textWhen you see a fertility doctor, you're usually offered two paths: IUI or IVF. But what if there's a middle ground?In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down IntraVaginal Culture (IVC) — a treatment where your body becomes the incubator. At our clinic, we call the device the “Baby Pod,” and it offers a meaningful step up from IUI without the full cost and complexity of IVF.Dr. Amols explains how IVC works, why it is not the same as IVF, and why marketing it as an IVF replacement is misleading. He walks through real-world success rates, who makes a good candidate, who should avoid it, the limitations of embryo monitoring, and why fewer embryos matter. He also clarifies how IVC differs from mini-IVF and where each fits in modern fertility care.If you've failed IUIs, are concerned about IVF cost, or want a clear, honest breakdown of your options — this episode separates hype from hope and myth from medicine.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

In this episode, Aimee speaks with "Q" about infertility, identity, and redefining motherhood. She shares her diagnosis of PCOS and the emotional toll of years of fertility treatments, including multiple IUIs. Q discusses the decision she made to look into other options. She opens up about the heartbreak of closed doors, including her 15-year hope of adopting from Ethiopia, which became complicated after policy changes. F shares how she ultimately built her family through domestic adoption in the United States after navigating the cultural pressure to have biological children, and stereotypes about fertility in Black women. This conversation is a powerful reminder that family-building can look different than expected and still be deeply intentional and sacred. Note:  "Q" is a pseudonym and the voices in this episode have been altered to ensure the anonymity of our guest   Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I'm joined by Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, Medical Director of The Agora Clinic and Trustee of Fertility Action, to talk about family building within the LGBTQ+ community.If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and thinking about becoming a parent, or you love someone who is, this episode is a practical starting point. We talk about treatment pathways, donor conception, fertility preservation, NHS inequality, and how to make sure you are supported properly by a clinic that understands your needs.This is about education, empowerment and knowing your options.What we cover in this episodeWhy fertility equality on the NHS is still not where it should beThe postcode lottery affecting IVF fundingWhy three full IVF cycles should be the national standardThe additional financial barriers faced by same sex couplesWhy six self funded IUIs before NHS eligibility is deeply problematicThe risks of sourcing donor sperm onlineChoosing between known donors and donor banksHow clinics should approach inclusive paperwork and languageWhy pronouns and preferred names matter in clinical settingsShared motherhood and reciprocal IVFFertility testing for both partners before deciding who carriesSupporting gay male couples through complex pathways involving egg donation and surrogacyWorking with the trans community around fertility preservationPreserving sperm or eggs before starting hormone treatmentThe emotional impact of genetic connection and non biological parentingWhy counselling is essential before treatment beginsSupporting patients who fear internal examinations or surgical environmentsCreating clinic spaces that feel safe, calm and inclusiveAbout Dr Carole Gilling-SmithDr Carole Gilling-Smith is the Medical Director of The Agora Clinic, one of the UK's leading fertility clinics for the LGBTQ+ community, based in Brighton and Hove.She is also a founding Trustee of Fertility Action, the UK charity campaigning for fertility equality and better access to treatment.Carole has been a long standing advocate for:Equal NHS funding for fertility treatmentInclusive fertility care for LGBTQ+ patientsFertility education in schools and universities

**Melbourne IVF fertility specialist Dr Daniel Lantsberg has offered the Now What community an exclusive discount for anyone in Melbourne considering becoming a solo mum by choice.They are offering half-price off the initial consultation — usually $400, reduced to $200 — for those who register via the link below.The initial consult is the most important first step, even if you're only in the thinking stage. It gives you clarity on your fertility, your timelines, your options and the realistic pathway ahead, so you can make informed decisions without losing valuable time.If this is something you've been quietly considering, this is a practical place to begin.Leave your details to start your journey with Melbourne IVF:https://www.jotform.com/assign/260467361728059/260471128781054In this episode, Rachel sits down with Anna Riches (you may know her from Big Miracles) for an honest, reassuring conversation about becoming a solo mum by choice- and what people don't tell you about the road to getting there.Anna takes us through the turning points that pushed her from “I've got time” to freezing her eggs, then choosing a donor, then diving into treatment with Dr Daniel Lantsberg — including multiple failed IUIs, IVF, a chemical pregnancy, a pregnancy loss, and the third transfer that finally brought River into her life.They talk money (because IVF isn't optional-cost), the long, mandatory counselling and donor waitlist process, how she chose her donor, why she didn't use a friend as a donor even when offered, and what it feels like when you're the only adult at 4am with a crying baby and no one to tap in.It's also a conversation about the emotional aftermath: the hormonal shock, the loneliness that hits in different seasons, the grief for your old life even when you got the life you wanted, and the non-negotiable need to protect your mental health - including building in paid help even if it means living lean.If you're considering solo motherhood by choice, this episode cuts through the noise: start earlier than you think, expect it to take longer than you think, and don't confuse fear with a “no.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

104. Rosey is on to share her IVF pregnancy with donor eggs. Rosey shares the intimate details of her decade-long path to motherhood. After a relatively straightforward journey with her first daughter at age 36, Rosey was met with years of "unexplained" infertility while trying for a second child. She takes us through the clinical maze of IUIs and mini-IVF, the heartbreak of a mid-trimester loss, and her eventual decision to pursue donor eggs. Rosey speaks candidly about the importance of being your own advocate—specifically how she pushed for endometriosis testing when she was told "it's just your age"—and how she navigated the transition to donor conception with a focus on bonding and peace.We also feature a special "update" where Rosey and I reconnect months after our initial recording. In this powerful segment, she reflects on how her story took one final, unexpected turn.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode104/Shop the Show

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions.1. Husband has low sperm morphology. IUI didn't work—how much does morphology really matter? 2. After 5 losses and 2 years trying, she's scared to do IVF with genetic testing. What are her next steps? 3. Low AMH, 3 miscarriages, 3 IUIs, 1 IVF—doctor recommended DHEA without checking testosterone. Could her high testosterone have affected IVF? 4. Thoughts on phone-based fertility monitors for someone with PCOS? Are urine hormone measurements reliable? 5. Miscarriage 6 months ago, now trying again. Husband has low testosterone—what safe options or natural approaches can help? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here!⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OBGYN and mom-by-IVF, Susan Caldwell, shares the full, complicated story of her decision to pursue IVF in the past and why she'd never do it now. She's honest with us as she details the physical pain and emotional turmoil she faced due to assisted reproductive technology treatments and offers the hope of an alternative--an approach she's dedicated her professional life to sharing with other women and couples desperate to grow their families.GUEST BIO: Dr. Susan Caldwell is a primary care physician specializing in women's health and a NaProTECHNOLOGY Medical Consultant practicing near New Orleans, Louisiana. Most importantly, she is a proud mama of three amazing adult children.NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all, but does include discussion of IVF, pregnancy loss, and concerns around assisted reproductive technologies.OTHER HELPFUL EPISODES:Ep. 31: The Napro Difference, with Laura Ducote, F-NP, CFCPEp. 72: Naprotechnology, with Dr. PakizEp. 99: Client Story - Anna (Infertility: Update)Ep. 106: Creighton vs. NaProTechnology - What are they?Ep. 155: "How I got pregnant when IUIs didn't work" -- Braelyn's storyEp. 163: Healthy pregnancy in 3 cycles after being told IVF was her only hope, with LorenSend us a textSupport the showOther great ways to connect with Woven Natural Fertility Care: Learn the Creighton Model System with us! Register here! Get our monthly newsletter: Get the updates! Chat about issues of fertility + faith: Substack Follow us on Instagram: @wovenfertility Watch our episodes on YouTube: @wovenfertility Love the content? The biggest gift you could give is to click a 5 star review and write why it was so meaningful! This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Neither Woven nor its staff, nor any contributor to this podcast, makes any represe...

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. Questions Answered: 1. A 30-year-old in a same-sex couple with anovulatory PCOS managed on metformin, high AMH, and otherwise normal labs moved from failed IUIs to IVF and had 19 mature eggs but only 4 fertilized despite good donor sperm—what could explain low fertilization rates and how should the next steps be approached? 2. 35 and trying for baby number two, and her 40-year-old husband has been on the GLP-1 medication Zepbound for four months—are there known effects of GLP-1s on male fertility, and should men discontinue them while trying to conceive? 3. A patient with PCOS and mildly elevated thyroid levels is experiencing medication interactions and was prescribed 2.5 mg of methylfolate— is this dose appropriate, and should she be taking methylfolate, folic acid, or both? 4. A patient with endometriosis underwent two egg retrievals, one with estrogen priming that triggered an endometriosis flare and resulted in very high estrogen levels and poor egg maturity—are there stimulation protocols better suited for patients with endometriosis undergoing IVF? 5. A 38-year-old planning IUI with donor sperm, normal fertility workup, AMH of 3.3, and a personal history of being a twin is deciding between natural versus medicated cycles— which approach is more successful while minimizing twin risk and preserving future fertility goals? Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠⁠⁠ Want your questions answered on the next episode? ⁠Ask them here!⁠ ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/qa-submissions⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textFertility tests can look perfect on paper—and pregnancy still doesn't happen.In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down why many fertility treatments, especially IUI, are built on assumptions rather than certainty. Tests like the HSG can confirm that fallopian tubes are open, but they cannot prove that the tubes are functional. Semen analysis can look normal, but it cannot confirm that sperm can reach the egg or successfully fertilize it.This gap between testing and reality is why IUI often requires a leap of faith—and why it works well for some patients but not for others.In this episode, Dr. Amols covers:What fertility tests can—and cannot—tell usWhy “normal results” don't guarantee pregnancyWhy IUI is assumption-based by designWho is more likely to succeed with IUIWhy patients with long-standing infertility face harder decisionsThe difference between assumption-based treatment (IUI) and information-based treatment (IVF)Why IVF often provides answers even when it doesn't lead to pregnancyIf you've ever wondered why IUIs fail despite normal testing—or whether it's time to move on to IVF—this episode explains the logic behind those decisions without pressure or judgment.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

In today's episode, I'm talking with my former Fertility Framework client Tanya - a dentist, Navy veteran, and devoted follower of Jesus who has walked a long road of infertility, loss, and deep spiritual surrender. She shares her story of an ectopic pregnancy, failed IUIs, being dismissed by doctors, and how God met her in the darkest moments.   Episode Highlights: Inside Fertility Framework, Tanya learned: How to understand her hormones Support her thyroid Slow down her lifestyle Walk closely with God through the waiting You'll hear how her symptoms improved, how her faith transformed, and why she believes Fertility Framework is a “no-brainer” for women wanting both root-cause support and spiritual guidance. This is a powerful, hope-filled testimony you don't want to miss.   Resources & Links: ✨ Join Fertility Framework: If you're ready for deeper support, personalized cycle guidance, and faith-filled encouragement, come join me inside Fertility Framework! This is a space where you AND your husband can learn about the science of your cycle while keeping God in the centre of your fertility journey and growing towards Him together. Read the testimonies & enroll here: www.bekahyawn.com/course  ✨If you would like personal support on your journey but are not sure how to get started, book a free 10-minute consult with me here: www.bekahyawn.com/consult ✨ Join our Facebook community where you'll meet other Christian women who are praying over and encouraging one another. Come join the family! https://www.facebook.com/groups/802419477419221   

Type of loss: Twin loss, TTTS Stage 4More about this episode: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, we talk with Rachel Badalamenti as she shares the incredible, emotional, and deeply complex journey that brought her both her sons...Dean and Robbie.After years of infertility, multiple failed IUIs and IVF cycles, and finally finding the right doctor, Rachel learned she was pregnant with twins. What began as overwhelming joy quickly shifted when, at 23 weeks, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Despite the fear and uncertainty, Rachel and her husband chose laser surgery in hopes of saving both babies.When Rachel woke from surgery, she learned that her son Dean had passed away due to heart failure. She carried him with his brother, Robbie, all the way to 35 weeks, a gift she calls nothing short of a miracle. On Easter Sunday, Rachel delivered both of her boys, holding the heartbreak of losing Dean alongside the profound gratitude of welcoming her surviving son, Robbie.Rachel opens up about the grief that resurfaces as Robbie reaches milestones, the strength she found through hope, and the vulnerability she brings in sharing both her love and her loss. Her story is a powerful reminder that no parent walks this journey alone.

When doctors said her AMH was too low and IVF was the only option, one of our Fab Fertile clients decided to look deeper. Through functional testing and personalized support, she uncovered the health factors that were quietly working against conception and went on to get pregnant naturally after only 4 months in our program). You'll learn: Why AMH and FSH are only part of the fertility picture How digestion, inflammation, and nutrient imbalances can affect egg quality The impact of stress and sleep on reproductive hormones What changed once her whole-body health was supported Key steps you can take to improve your fertility even with low AMH or DOR Her story shows that fertility isn't defined by a single number  it's a reflection of overall health and balance. Sarah Clark is the founder of Fab Fertile Inc and the host of Get Pregnant Naturally. Her team specializes in functional approaches for low AMH, high FSH, diminished ovarian reserve, and unexplained infertility helping couples prepare their bodies for pregnancy success naturally or with IVF. This epoisode is for you if: You've been told your AMH is low or your FSH is high You're considering IVF, but want to prepare your body first You're trying naturally and want to understand what your labs don't reveal Not sure where to start? Download our most popular resource: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Pregnant This Year If You Have Low AMH/High FSH. It breaks everything down step by step to help you understand your options and take action. For personalized support to improve pregnancy success, book a call here. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why low AMH and high FSH aren't the full story Sarah shares how many are told donor eggs are the only option and why that message often misses deeper health factors that impact fertility. 01:45 – What this client's fertility journey looked like before Fab Fertile Three failed IVFs, two IUIs, and a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve plus the emotional toll that comes with feeling “stuck.” 03:10 – The overlooked factors affecting AMH and egg quality How long-term birth control use, chronic stress, and thyroid patterns (like high reverse T3) can influence fertility even when labs look “normal.” 04:45 – Gut health and fertility: what her stool test revealed From constipation and loose stools to parasites, C. diff, and H. pylori, how digestive imbalances can block nutrient absorption and egg development. 06:15 – The hidden food sensitivities that trigger inflammation Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, dairy intolerance, and gluten cross-reactors like tapioca, why eliminating inflammatory foods helped reduce immune stress. 07:10 – Supporting the body as a couple Why both partners completed functional testing and the elimination diet, and how addressing anxiety, gut issues, and stress improved overall fertility potential. 08:00 – Pregnancy after low AMH: what finally made the difference After only four months of targeted functional support, she conceived naturally. Sarah shares what changed and how mindset and visualization played a role. --- RESOURCES

In this episode I sit down with my former client Carrie whose story embodies what it means to hold onto hope even when life takes an unexpected turn.After six IUIs and one egg retrieval, Carrie was preparing for an embryo transfer when she received a life-changing diagnosis: breast cancer. Her fertility journey came to a sudden halt as she began two years of cancer treatments and surgeries, including 16 rounds of chemotherapy. Through it all, she held tightly to her dream of becoming a mom and seeing her husband become a dad.Once her treatments were complete, Carrie sought a new, more soulful path forward—working with Lisa as her fertility coach and connecting with a hypnotherapist I recommended for additional support. Together, they helped her process the heavy emotions, expand her circle of support, and find gratitude even in the hardest moments.Carrie's journey reminds us that hope and healing can coexist, and that opening your heart to new forms of support can create space for miracles. After another egg retrieval, she received one precious embryo — the embryo that became her daughter, Ella now 20 months old.This conversation is for anyone walking through fertility challenges, IVF, or life detours that test your strength. Carrie's story is proof that even when the path feels uncertain, your miracle may already be on its way.In this episode you'll hear:Carrie's honest and emotional journey through IUIs, IVF, and a cancer diagnosisHow she stayed hopeful during two years of treatment and recoveryThe power of mindset, gratitude, and community supportHow coaching and hypnotherapy helped her reconnect with peace and possibilityThe miracle of her one healthy embryo and the arrival of her daughter, EllaCarrie's message of hope for women still waiting for their own miracleI'm so grateful to Carrie for opening up and sharing her personal journey with you. If you loved this episode, I'd be so grateful if you would let me know! Send me a DM on Instagram @ivf.manifesting.a.miracle. CONNECT with Lisa & get IVF COACHING SUPPORT Download IVF Mindset Shift Guide https://ivfmanifestingamiracle.myflodesk.com JOIN - Colorado Fertility Advocates event on 10/20 https://coloradofertilityadvocates.org JOIN - Full Moon Fertile Womb on 11/2 https://ivfmanifestingamiracle.com/full-moon-fertile-wombBOOK a complimentary DISCOVERY CALL BOOK: ‘HOLD ON, BABY! A Soulful Guide to Navigating the Ups & Downs of Infertility & IVF.'INSTAGRAMWATCH on YOUTUBELISTEN to the PODCAST on Apple and Spotify:**Please Rate the show & Subscribe! THANK YOU so much for your Reviews of the podcast!Music Credit (Closing Song) by Sam Costigan. Follow her on Spotify and IG ...

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan—adoptive parent, consultant, and founder of RG Adoption Consulting—takes you inside her signature presentation: a masterclass on the basics of domestic adoption.From her own story of 26 failed IUIs to becoming a single mom through adoption, Rebecca walks you step by step through what it really takes to build your family this way. She covers the questions hopeful parents ask most often—about open adoption, profiles, timelines, and costs—and doesn't shy away from the realities, risks, and emotional work required.You'll learn why readiness (emotional and financial) is critical, how to manage fears and expectations, and why building the right team around you makes all the difference. Whether you're just beginning to explore adoption or you've already started your journey, this episode gives you the clarity, encouragement, and practical insight you need.

On this episode of Baby Steps, hosts Jordana Abraham and Dr. Naomi Bernstein sit down with Love Is Blind participant, Lauren Speed-Hamilton to share the raw, unfiltered truth about her multi-year fertility journey. Lauren opens up about trying to conceive, facing unexplained infertility, going through multiple failed IUIs and IVF transfers, enduring a heartbreaking miscarriage, and discovering fibroids that required major surgery. She reveals how grief over the sudden loss of her father intertwined with the hope of creating new life, therapy, faith, and support from her husband and Love is Blind co-star Cameron Hamilton helped her keep going. Lauren also discusses the mental toll of IVF, the pressure of being in the public eye while struggling with infertility, and the importance of finding the right doctor and advocating for your own care. Now six months pregnant, she reflects on resilience, hope, and what she wants others facing fertility challenges to know: you are not alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Wives Not Sisters, Alix and Kayla unpack the “propaganda we're not falling for”—from self-help catchphrases to fitness influencers and even avocado toast—before diving deep into their three-year fertility journey. They share candidly about choosing a sperm donor, navigating IUIs and IVF, pregnancy loss, and ultimately turning to surrogacy. Honest, funny, and vulnerable, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about queer family building, fertility challenges, or simply enjoying heartfelt conversations on love, resilience, and partnership.⏰ Timestamps:00:01 – Intro & what we're not falling for04:16 – Fitness influencers & unrealistic promises06:46 – Heterosexuality as “propaganda”08:35 – Avocado toast and Mercury retrograde12:38 – Eight-step morning routines & mouth tape13:11 – Beginning our fertility journey15:15 – Choosing a sperm donor23:43 – Painful procedures & women's health advocacy33:14 – Costs and realities of IUI38:34 – Shifting to IVF and mental health challenges53:10 – Pregnancy loss and moving forward58:29 – Choosing surrogacy over adoption01:02:06 – Strengthening marriage through challenges01:04:57 – “Who's the problem?” popsicle editionConnect with us on social media: IG: @wivesnotsisterspod | TikTok: @wivesnotsisterspod Follow our hosts on Instagram: @kaylalanielsen @alix_tucker

This week, Ali sits down with Savannah Bisby, who shares her infertility story on IG @infertilityfriends, to talk about Savannah's journey so far. She's still in the thick of it, battling endometriosis, doing five IUIs (including double inseminations), a laparoscopy, and taking a deep dive into reproductive immunology. Savannah talks about the emotional whiplash of infertility, including embryo transfer decisions and finding herself on a bachelorette party while waiting for beta results, suspended between hope and dread. Savannah also talks about how Inito, an at-home fertility monitor that tracks your hormones, has helped on her journey, how she finally became pregnant and navigated a devastating loss, and why the summer of 2025 became a heartbreak she and her husband will never forget. Her story is still unfolding, and we are rooting so hard for our sweet friend. Follow Savannah on IG: @infertilityfriendsEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn't about how you start—it's about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipINITOhttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFIG: @initofertiilityFor years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I'm excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAFEXTEND FERTILITY IG: @extendfertilitywww.extendfertility.comFertility shouldn't be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you're preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they're here with expert support every step of the way. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Eric Vivier is a Professor of Immunology at Aix-Marseille Université and the Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy. He is also an awardee of the European Research Council and a member of the French Society of Immunology. In this special episode recorded at the IUIS 2025 Congress in Vienna, Dr. Vivier highlights the critical importance of investing in science, explores the responsibility of governments and other organizations in funding research, and reflects on the role science plays in society.

Amanda and her husband had tried everything but IVF on their road to try to conceive. After failed IUIs and no known diagnosis beyond unexplained infertility, they felt stuck and frustrated. Amanda had had cycle issues for years, but had always used birth control to suppress symptoms. Now, it seemed like they could be contributing to their infertility. A friend reached out with a different option and a new perspective: restorative reproductive healthcare. The rest is history. Hear Amanda's story of natural conception and a healthy pregnancy after infertility and failed assisted reproductive technology treatments!NOTE: Appropriate for all audiences but does discuss assisted reproductive technology.GUEST BIO: Amanda, a speech pathologist, has been married to her husband for 4 years and began working with Woven Natural Fertility Care in March 2025 after unsuccessfully working with an assisted reproductive technology clinic.SHOW LINKS:Ep. 163: Healthy pregnancy in 3 cycles after being told IVF was her only hope, with LorenEp. 155: "How I got pregnant when IUIs didn't work" -- Braelyn's storyEp. 147: Emotional healing after IVF, with Shiloh IVF MinistryEp. 122: IVF Alternatives for friendsEp. 96: Theological Considerations with IVFJoin us on Substack*Get started like Amanda: Register for an Intro Session today*Send us a textSupport the showOther great ways to connect with Woven Natural Fertility Care: Learn the Creighton Model System with us! Register here! Get our monthly newsletter: Get the updates! Chat about issues of fertility + faith: Substack Follow us on Instagram: @wovenfertility Watch our episodes on YouTube: @wovenfertility Love the content? The biggest gift you could give is to click a 5 star review and write why it was so meaningful! This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Neither Woven nor its staff, nor any contributor to this podcast, makes any represe...

In this episode, Courtney shares her journey through infertility, four IUIs, and welcoming twins born at 29 weeks who spent time in the NICU. She later faced a miscarriage at 10 weeks due to chromosomal issues. Courtney opens up about grief, perinatal mental health, postpartum anxiety, and the isolation that often follows pregnancy loss.

In August 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria. We chat with delegates about their research and impressions of the meeting. They discuss the most memorable research presented and their experiences in Austria.

Four years of infertility.Two failed IUIs.A spot on the IVF waitlist.And then… six months after shifting her food and lifestyle with PrimalBod (use code MEB100 for $100 off if you want to try it!), Dominique's story took a turn she'll never forget: two pink lines in an Airbnb, before a wedding, shoving the test in her husband's face while he was still scrolling his phone. (ICONIC.)This conversation is part raw honesty, part “wait, why didn't anyone tell me this sooner?”, and fully a reminder that your body is powerful when you give it what it actually needs.Dominique doesn't hold back about the tears, the supplements, the trial-and-error, and the eventual breakthrough. And she shares the exact shifts that cleared her brain fog, steadied her energy, reduced pain, and ultimately supported fertility.This episode is a love letter to women in the thick of the fertility journey. Show Notes Here✨ Links MentionedEpisode 268: Prenatal Nutrition: The Lies & The Truth, with Candi FrazierPrimalBod Program: Save $100 with code MEB100DM me on Instagram @myessentialbirthAnd mama… If nutrition is how you build your baby, birth education is how you protect the experience of bringing them earthside. Inside The My Essential Birth Course, you'll find evidence-based tools, confidence-building strategies, and even guidance around food + fuel for pregnancy and postpartum.Learn more and enroll today.GET IN TOUCH!

In 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the final of five special episodes from the meeting, in which Brenda and Jason discuss sessions on AI applications and CAR T therapy progress.

In 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the fourth of five special episodes from the meeting, in which Jason and Brenda discuss sessions on cancer immunotherapy and neuroimmunology.

In 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the third of five special episodes from the meeting. Brenda and Jason discuss sessions on CD4+ T cells in Hepatitis B infections and how amoebas make their way to the brain. They also cover research on the effects of antibiotics on immunotherapy, and what we can learn about allergies by comparing pet shop and lab mice.

In 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the second of five special episodes from the meeting. Brenda and Jason cover research on Lynch syndrome, dendritic cells, and the epigenome of regulatory T cells.

In 2025, we attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology, hosted by the International Union of Immunological Societies, in Vienna, Austria, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the conference. Here is the first of five special episodes from the meeting. Brenda and Jason discuss sessions on colon cancer organoids and stable induced regulatory T cells. They also cover presentations from the IUIS Rising Star Awardees and Dr. Yasmine Belkaid's talk on maternal physiology.

In this episode of IVF Uncovered, we meet Amy, who shares her inspiring IVF journey. Amy's story begins with three failed IUIs, a heartbreaking miscarriage, and a chemical pregnancy. Determined not to waste any more time, Amy sought expert advice and support instead of relying on unreliable sources. Trusting her instincts and the expertise of Tasha and her team, she successfully got pregnant after just one egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Amy discusses her proactive approach, the importance of advocating for herself, and the benefits of seeking personalized guidance through the IVF process. Now 17 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Amy reflects on overcoming challenges, maintaining a positive mindset, and the critical role of having the right support system in achieving her dream of starting a family.     Get Personalized IVF Support: ►Sign up for a strategy session WITH TASHA HERSELF! NEED SUPPLEMENTS?  Click here for education and discounts on medical grade supplements (don't take supplements unless they are medical grade- it could hurt more than help!)   Connect with Tasha + Access IVF Success Resources: ► YouTube ► Instagram ► Facebook    For more information, email us at support@tashablasi.com   About the Host: Tasha Blasi is an IVF consultant and Founder of IVF Uncovered (formerly the FU Project). Using her background in the sciences, and personally going through ten rounds of IVF for her two children, she has created a life mission to help patients doing IVF know as much as their doctor so they can ask better questions and get better treatment...all while bringing an unfiltered, humorous tone to this often heartbreaking subject.   Topics: Fertility Consultant, IVF Consultant, Fertility Coach, IVF Coach, IVF Success, Getting Pregnant, Staying Pregnant, Egg Retrievals, Egg Quality, Embryo Transfers, Holistic Health, Women's Health  

In this episode, Natalie is speaking to an amazing fertility advocate who she's known in this space for almost a decade, yet this is the first conversation the pair of them have had on the podcast. Andrea Syrtash is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Pregnantish.Pregnantish went live in 2017, and Andrea describes it as “the state you're in when trying to conceive,” which the pair go on to discuss.What Was Discussed:Andrea's diagnosis of Endometriosis at 14 years old and how she was put on the pill and could go to school and function, having been really sufferingAndrea discusses the 18 treatments she had: IUIs, egg retrievals over many yearsHow she got pregnant from IUI and why she continued down that route—despite that pregnancy not continuing—as they had access to unlimited IUI and 3 rounds of IVFHow in Year 5 a Canadian doctor told her: “It should have worked by now. You produce beautiful embryos and should be pregnant by now,” and that she needed to consider gestational surrogacyThe grief and acceptance of not being able to use her own body—and the relief she felt having had to deal with so many losses anymoreHer work as an author and relationship coach and the impact it had on her relationship, and how her TV profile impacted her life at that timeHow she launched Pregnantish as a relationship platform “This is as much a relationship issue as a physical, financial, mental and emotional journey.”How launching the platform was the greatest gift—sharing other people's stories helped her navigate her own experience, and Natalie talks about how the podcast was also her therapyHow her cousin Alana was her surrogate and their surrogacy pathway was in Canada, yet two dropped out including one ghosting her just before the transferIn 2018, her depression after the second surrogate had dropped out and how her cousin offered to be her surrogate, using Andrea's frozen embryo which had been in the freezer for 2 yearsHer retrieval was two years to the day before it was transferred into her cousinHow her cousin sought advice from her Rabbi and how the Jewish press reacted, as it hadn't been spoken aboutThe significance of trying to rebuild their family as so many members of their family were lost in the Second World War, in HungaryThe selflessness of surrogates and what surrogates have to tell their family and friends—how her cousin talked to her children and how they were scared to see Andrea as they thought her belly was broken and would be bleedingLink to previous episodes about Surrogacy, Donation, and PregnantishThe World Fertility Awards—happening in New York in December for all patient advocatesHost committees across around 10 regions worldwide: Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, North America, India, and AustraliaPregnantish reaches hundreds of thousands of people each month, sometimes over 1 million—it's a global audienceJoin the pledge for the World Fertility Project—asking people to take a pledge, aiming for 1 million signatures to change the conversationHow Andrea feels about the fertility conversation in the patient space todayRegions of the world where people are so scared about saying out loud they are infertileNatalie shares a story she had printed in a tabloidHow more companies are giving people the chance to opt out of Mother's Day and Father's Day emailsLinks:World Fertility...

What happens when you only get one viable embryo and it's your only shot at becoming a mom? For Kellyn, her single embryo became the greatest gift of her life.Today's guest is Kellyn Nagel, a fellow single mother by choice and dedicated attorney who represents children in foster care. Kellyn shares her emotional and financial journey through fertility as a single woman: from egg freezing after a low AMH diagnosis to IVF with frozen eggs, and ultimately to the birth of her daughter, Kellyn's story is one of trust, resilience, and quiet courage.We talk about the heartbreak and hope of navigating IVF as a single woman, how Kellyn leaned into her gut instincts at every step, and the profound ways motherhood has shifted both her career and her understanding of the family court system. We also touch on the power of donor sibling connections, postpartum realities, and what it means to keep the door open for a second child as a single mom by choice, even when the path is anything but straightforward.In this episode on IVF as a single woman, we discuss:How Kellyn's journey began with egg freezing and a low AMH diagnosis;Her decision to move from two failed IUIs to IVF using her frozen eggs;The emotional weight of having just one viable embryo, and the joy when it worked;What it's like to give birth and navigate postpartum as a solo mom;The challenges of working in child welfare while becoming a parent herself;How she connected with donor siblings and built early relationships for her daughter;Her reflections on sleep deprivation, daycare, and going back to work as a new SMBC;And more.Resources mentioned in this episode:Book: This Might Be Too Personal: And Other Intimate Stories - Alyssa ShelaskyListen to Season 6, Episode 8: “Accidental” SMBC Through Foster to Open Adoption With Elizabeth Friedland

Have you heard of the term micropreemie? A micropreemie is a baby that is born before the 26th week of pregnancy or weighs less than 28 ounces. Today's guest is a mother of two an angel baby and rainbow baby both who were micropreemies born before 26 weeks.  Diane Olusado combatted infertility with professional help for 4 years.  After 7 failed IUIs and 1 failed IVF cycle she had a successful transfer and gave birth to her baby at 23 weeks and 5 days.  Alayo died in the NICU after living for 9 days.  Diane went onto another round of IVF that was successful and had her rainbow baby Iyanu at 26 weeks and 2 days and spent 108 days in the NICU. In todays episode, Diane shares her journey through infertility and loss and how she is preparing for her next IVF or Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). This episode is for you to listen to if you have battled infertility and are also preparing for your next FET and IVF cycle.   Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook Erica's Twitter  

Laura is a registered nurse and fertility expert who blends clinical knowledge with deeply personal experience. After being diagnosed with PCOS while working as a fertility nurse, Laura endured years of fertility treatments, including multiple IUIs, IVF cycles, and pregnancy loss. Her journey to motherhood included three surgeries, failed transfers, and emotional setbacks—yet ultimately led to the births of her two sons through IVF.Now the founder of Navigating Fertility with Laura, LLC, she advocates for compassionate, fertility support. In this episode, she talks about the often-overlooked aspects of infertility: the emotional toll of treatment, the mental health gap in fertility care, limited access to reproductive medicine, and the desperate need for clear, empathetic patient education.This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating infertility, fertility nurses, and professionals working in women's health and reproductive medicine.

Today, Ali is talking to Lana Manikowski, a fellow Chicagoan, a certified life coach and the author of "So Now What?" -- a roadmap to help you create a life you love without the children you always dreamed about. Lana tells Ali about her years-long infertility journey, starting with an "unexplained infertility" diagnosis and 7 IUIs. Lana explains moving on to IVF, traveling to get treatment in Colorado, doing several rounds of IVF, and how she and her husband decided to stop treatment and embrace their lives without children. "So many women are left to navigate this alone," she says. "Here I was, left to figure out who I was gonna be in my life without motherhood. And there was no one there--not even a referral for a therapist." Lana has made it her goal to help other women navigate childlessness after infertility, from her book to her advocacy to The Other's Day brunch, which takes place each year in Chicago around Mother's Day. For more, go to https://lanamanikowski.comand follow her on IG: @lana.manikowski  TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; TTC; unexplained infertility; IUI; IVF; childless not by choiceSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsEPISODE SPONSORS:WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologyhttps://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksDo not miss Ali's children's book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership BELIIG: @belibabywww.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if your fertility journey took years longer than you ever imagined-and the answers you needed weren't what you expected? In today's episode, Nicole pulls back the curtain on her four-year quest to conceive, revealing the twists, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs that led to her long-awaited IVF pregnancy. Nicole shares how she was able to transform frustration into fierce self-advocacy, why she refused to settle for dismissive care and how hiring a fertility coach helped her rewrite her story. From hidden diagnoses to the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, Nicole shares the raw realities and unexpected lessons that changed everything. If you're longing for hope, real talk, and the secrets to persevering when the odds feel stacked against you, don't miss this inspiring, eye-opening conversation. Nicole's journey will leave you believing in what's possible for you on your fertility journey. Episode Highlights: After confidently starting her TTC journey in 2021, Nicole shares how her expectations were quickly challenged when pregnancy didn't happen as planned. When doctors dismissed her concerns, Nicole became her own advocate-diving into research, tracking, and understanding her body's signals. Discover the moment routine testing revealed surprising challenges, leading Nicole and her husband through the emotional terrain of medicated cycles and IUIs. How working with Nora transformed Nicole's approach to preparing for pregnancy with functional testing that uncovered hidden barriers conventional medicine missed. The heartbreak and hope of retrieving dozens of eggs only to end with a single viable embryo Nicole reveals her emotional first positive pregnancy test and reflects on her journey at 15 weeks pregnant, offering insights for others facing similar challenges. If you're LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/145 Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You're Not Getting Pregnant Wondering what supplements to take to help you conceive? Download my Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide   Please Note: The contents of this podcast are for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not to be interpreted as, or mistaken for, clinical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.  

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm walking you through my full story — the highs, the heartbreaks, the hospital rooms, the quiet breakdowns, the Clomid, the IUIs, the IVF, the separation, all the decisions… all of it.You'll hear about Jade, Angel, and Hope...the daughters we lost.You'll hear how we almost gave up.And you'll see how Dane and Kyle came into this world in a way I never imagined, but wouldn't change for a second.If you're walking through infertility, loss, or the brutal in-between where your life doesn't look how you thought it would… this one's for you.It's raw. It's unfiltered. And it's the story I've never fully told — until now.#TheKeriCroftShow #InfertilitySeries #InfertilityAwarenessMonth #1in6  #InfertilityJourney #YouAreNotAlone #PregnancyLoss #realtalk To learn more about Keri's Dream Surrogate Workshop go to: https://kericroft.com/surrogacy-workshop-----Use promo code KERI for 20% your first order at Fluff! www.thefullapp.coMention KERI for $100 off your first treatment at Donaldson. Use code CROFT for $25 off your first visit at Boss Gal Beauty Bar.Book your appointment at Headspace by Mia Santiago today at https://miasantiago.glossgenius.com/

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I welcome Kerry Hinds @fertilebodyyoga, founder of Fertile Body Yoga, who shares her inspiring fertility journey and how yoga became an essential part of her path to motherhood. Kerry opens up about her struggles with infertility, navigating IVF abroad, and ultimately conceiving naturally after stepping away from treatments. She also discusses the benefits of fertility yoga for calming the nervous system, enhancing blood flow, and creating a supportive environment for conception. In this episode, you'll learn how yoga can help balance your nervous system, why feeling safe is essential for fertility, and practical ways to integrate fertility yoga into your daily routine. This heartfelt conversation is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical tips for anyone on their fertility journey. Key Takeaways:  Kerry's personal fertility journey and challenges with IVF The pivotal moment when she conceived naturally after stepping away from treatments How fertility yoga supports the nervous system and reproductive health The importance of feeling safe and creating space within the body Practical tips on incorporating breathwork, movement, and mindfulness for fertility Guest Bio: Kerry Hinds @fertilebodyyoga is a certified E-RYT, RPYT, Relax and Renew® teacher, fertility yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner. She founded Fertile Body Yoga to support individuals on their fertility journeys. Drawing from her personal experiences with fertility challenges, including undergoing treatments and experiencing pregnancy loss, Kerry offers compassionate guidance to her students. She leads weekly fertility yoga classes and provides various mind-body support programs through the Fertile Body Yoga Virtual Studio. Kerry is also the host of the "Fringe Fertility" podcast, where she explores holistic and alternative approaches to enhancing fertility. Websites/Social Media Links: Learn more about Kerry HindsFollow Kerry Hinds on Instagram Listen to her podcast: The Fringe Fertility For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com To learn more about ancient wisdom and fertility, you can get Michelle's book at: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/ ---------------- Transcript: # TWF: Kerry Hinds [00:00:00] Episode number 329 of the Wholesome Fertility Podcast. My guest today is Carrie Hines. Carrie is the owner and founder of Fertile Body Yoga, a virtual yoga studio that is dedicated to supporting women navigating their fertility journey. She offers both live stream and on demand fertility yoga classes. and small group programs that embrace the complete journey physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, spiritually, and socially. Carrie has been teaching yoga for over 20 years and has been specializing, teaching, and training almost solely fertility yoga for eight years. Her classes and offerings are informed by her own experiences with pregnancy loss, years of IVF, and eventually completing her family with two children. Carrie has supported thousands of women on their fertility journey so far and is on a mission to help women conceive and birth with yoga and community. Carrie also [00:01:00] hosts Fringe Fertility, a podcast that highlights supportive fertility practices beyond the doctor's office. **Michelle:** Welcome to the podcast. Carrie. I'm so happy to have you. **Kerry:** Thanks for having me, Michelle. I'm so happy to be here and spend some time with you today. **Michelle:** Yes. I would love for you to share your story first of all I love fertility yoga. I always suggest for my patients and my clients to do it It's something that I've personally myself have been really transformed by yoga in general. Many different types of yoga, a huge believer in it. And I also think that it's a, I call it an intelligent exercise. It's something that's been around for thousands of years and [00:02:00] really is a medicine in its own. So I would love for you to share your story and how you personally went through your own journey, but also how you combine fertility with yoga. **Kerry:** Okay. Yeah. I'll try and be a little bit concise cause I could go on and on for the, for a long time about this topic. But you know, as many listeners out there, you know, I didn't really start thinking about having kids till I was in my mid thirties. I took me a while to find the person I wanted to share my DNA with. Right. So when I did, we got married we moved to Germany and We went to Germany with the intention of this would be a good time for me to have kids. He's going to do his PhD. Germany has so many great social supports for families and so on. So we're like, Oh, it's just skim the cream off the top of that social system. And so when we got there, as often [00:03:00] happens, things don't go as planned when it comes to fertility. So we rolled into IUI. So we tried for six months, we found a clinic and. You know, we lived in old Eastern Germany, so it was hard to find English speaking doctors. So it was a very interesting time of my life. Not only was it just stressful in general dealing with what's going on and is this ever going to happen to living in another culture, another country? I didn't have a ton of support around, but then trying to navigate a new language that I was not fluent in. at all. So, I, you know, had one amazing friend there who spoke fluent, fluent German, American woman. And she's like,I will help you. And she went into those appointments with me, **Michelle:** oh **Kerry:** did all the **Michelle:** What a great friend **Kerry:** I know, I know. It was so amazing because I was so [00:04:00] lost at that time trying to figure out, like, just what's going on, but then how to say it in a different language or understand it in a different language. So for anybody who's doing this, fertility journey overseas or is here in North America It's not your mother tongue English, and you're trying to figure it out, I see you, I understand how this can add an extra level of stress to it. So we. You know, during that time, I actually went and did a yoga teacher training cause I was like, this isn't working. I want to do something for myself. So let's go get a yoga teacher training. I'd actually been teaching yoga for years before this was, so I've been teaching yoga for 20 years far before, This, you know, all these 200 hour yoga teacher trainings that, you know, you can sign up for one. No problem now. But back then it was your teacher [00:05:00] tapped you on the shoulder and said, Hey, do you want to be like, let's do this. And so that's kind of how I started yoga. But then when I was in Germany, I was like, okay, I need to, let's make this legit, right? Let's go get the training. I love it. I was teaching in Germany and so on. So that was sort of the, the main integration of the yoga into the fertility journey was just taking that bigger step to get the certification. And then, yeah, we went, we did IUIs. The first IUI was successful in that I got pregnant and, you know, 10 week ultrasound, there was no heartbeat. So we lost that baby. Yeah, and it was again, different culture, different bedside manners, different, it was just so stark. That's the word I could use for it. Shocking. It was just like, okay. The baby has no heartbeat. We're booking you in tomorrow for a DNC. Be there at 6 a. m. [00:06:00] You know, there was no time to, to, to absorb what was, to breathe, to figure out what I wanted. it was just like this snowball that was just like, okay, this has happened. You're going to do this. You're going to be better than you're going to start again. And you're going to keep trying and trying. So that's a whole other rabbit hole we could go down. But yeah, it was, it was a lot. It was a lot. And so we ended up going to do IVF, and this was, you know, 15 years ago. So things were maybe a little different than they are now. LikeICSI was just sort of a, more of a thing, right? It's Ooh, we're going to do this new cool thing. ICSI. I was like, okay. And they're like, and then there's embryo glue and we'll glue your embryo to your uterus. And it was all cutting edge at this time. And We did it. We did many cycles frozen cycles fresh cycles. Yeah, so many cycles and [00:07:00] nothing stuck, right? We had been doing IVF for two years and we kind of just paused and said, Is this, do we want to keep doing this?is this how we envision our life to be? And we wanted kids for sure, but we also wanted to start living our lives again. So that was a very pivotal moment in our journey is when we stepped away from IVF. We said, okay, we're done. I had gained weight. I wasn't feeling like myself. My body was weirdly puffy in different places and just, I was unhappy and I was emotional and I was just like, let's. Let's, let's walk away. And I remember my fertility doctor at the time, he said, you know, your chances of getting pregnant naturally are like one in a hundred million. Like you shouldn't be walking away from IVF. And I was like, you know, I'm okay. Like [00:08:00] I just, I need a break. And I walked away and a month and a half later I was pregnant. **Michelle:** Wow **Kerry:** intervention. And then nine months postpartum, I also was pregnant again by accident because we thought we had our miracle baby, right? So we were like, okay, whatever. And then I was pregnant again and through the whole journey, I was using yoga for my body, but more so for my energetic health, my mental, emotional health. So when we ended up coming back to the U S and moving to Boston, that was one of the first things I did. I did a prenatal yoga teacher training and I said, Hey, can we do fertility yoga? And she's like,I don't, I'm sure. I have no idea what it is. Tell me what it is. I'm like, either do I, but I'll get back to you. And that's sort of how the fertility yoga started. And [00:09:00] nobody was really doing it eight years ago. It was, **Michelle:** It's true **Kerry:** Like, there was nothing. There was a few people, there was a couple books out on it but I really spent a lot of time explaining. what it was that we were trying to do when we were doing like a fertility focused yoga practice. So that's kind of the story. That's the evolution. **Michelle:** Well, I love the story. I don't love that you went through the suffering through the story But I love the fact that you can it Prove with your story that when people tell you when you hear from doctors that you have one in a million chance or whatever that is, that is not necessarily the truth. That is their opinion. They say it very factually, and I think that that's where it gets very confusing for people. They say it very factually, and I'm not dismissing what doctors say because a lot of times it could be very accurate or they can, but I, I, what I don't love is Is when things are predicted because the body can be [00:10:00] so unpredictable. And it can also show so many signs that defy what it's going to do. So that's where, you know, I say just have an open mind or getting a second opinion is great. So, but I do love hearing those stories because I think when people who are going through that now and are probably listening to fertility podcasts because they want to get. Answers and hear other people's stories and when they hear stories like that it sparks some hope in their hearts So I think that that's really important **Kerry:** Yeah, I often get Students they'll ask me well what was it like right because this is what we want This is people don't want to do IVF if they don't have to and they're like, what was it? what happened and I was like, I cannot tell you I can't tell you a hundred percent that it was the yoga that I was doing or you know All the other lifestyle changes I was doing but something came [00:11:00] together You magically all together at the right time and this baby happened and if I had to choose one word for it, it would be exhale because there was this feeling that my body was no longer having to perform like it felt safe because I wasn't going in for you know, all these procedures and like they're. You know, minimally invasive, but you're still like vaginal ultrasounds and people poking around down there and all the operations that come with it. Anesthesia, all those sorts of things. And yeah, it's, it's a lot. So my body was like, whew, thank you. Thank you. Let me just be. And I think the mental piece was just like that. I wasn't going to go back to it. At least anytime soon. So my, my body was actually believing [00:12:00] me, right? And I don't think it's It's something that you can fake. It's not a time, like I had to go through those two years of IVF and pregnancy loss to get to that point. I don't think that there's we can't just kind of skip over it and be like, Oh, I'm just going to think this now and I'm going to get pregnant naturally. So it's a process. That's it. you know, everybody's journey is different and we just need to give ourselves a little bit of space sometimes to integrate what's going on and give our bodies that exhale, which is so important. Mm. **Michelle:** I love that you say that because actually exhaling longer can simulate your, parasympathetic nervous system, which is the rest and digest mode, which many times the majority of us in response to life are in the fight or flight mode. And especially when we feel unsafe. And I love that you use the word safe because when we feel unsafe, Then [00:13:00] we're really not in a creative mode. We don't create even like mentally when we're not feeling safe. **Kerry:** Yeah. **Michelle:** When we feel safe, we're able to create, we're able to let go and our body's able to create, and that's a, it's a state of growth. So I love that you talk about that. And I think that one of the commonalities between yoga and acupuncture, which actually they're related in  many ways. And because it's really about moving the energy because yoga is connected to Ayurveda. Ayurveda has Marma points and yoga is actually a branch of Ayurveda. it's part of the medicine of the physicality of the body and moving the energy. **Kerry:** Yep. **Michelle:** Qigong is sort of the yoga of Chinese medicine. So it's very related. And I think one of the biggest commonalities or one of the ways I think it really works is it's all about the nervous system. **Kerry:** 100 percent it, the nervous system. Like when I, [00:14:00] even these days I, when I'm talking to somebody, I'm like, I'm talking to a person. Yes. But I'm interacting with a nervous system. So with the words that I'm saying my body language or how I look at them, right? Like it, it all is interacting with third nervous system. So how are we working with nervous systems? And when we show up, in fertility world supporting people. For me, the huge part of fertility yoga is how do we harness this parasympathetic, I call it rest, digest and reproduce. That's what I call it, just  **Michelle:** Yeah. I love that. Yes. **Kerry:** Because what it is, it **Michelle:** Yup. **Kerry:** It's what yoga is so good at, sadly, right? Like our Western culture view of yoga has been a little focused almost exclusively on exercise and gymnastic style yoga. But [00:15:00] really traditionally, like you said, it was about the marma. It was about the energetic lines running through you and wherever you find that imbalance, you can work with the energetic field to create balance again. And as you know, the Marma points and acupuncture and pressure points are like following very similar lines and it's powerful. But it's subtle, right?  **Michelle:** Right. it's **Kerry:** explain. Yeah, like it's hard to explain exactly what's happening but it is, it's so powerful and it can really be transformative for how we, how we navigate the journey as embracing that, the quiet side, the quiet side of things. **Michelle:** Yes. And I think that the way we connect with it is through feeling. Right. Because that is ultimately how we do it, but we can't feel or pay attention to what we're feeling when we're distracted all the time by the noise of the world. So we're constantly disrupted by the [00:16:00] noise. It's very disrupting actually for our nervous system. We don't realize it because we're so used to it. You could be used to things that are really not healthy for you and listen, you know, hearing the outside noise. And the loud noises of construction, you know, the normal life, if you're living in the city, the constant sirens and honking, and, you know, those things are actually very taxing on the nervous system. And they put us in a fight or flight mode because our bodies don't really recognize them isn't in the natural world. So it stimulates a more fight and flight response. So having that counter balance with practices like yoga. In calming the nervous system. And what I love about yoga is that it includes breath, all the things that really stimulate the vagus nerve mantra sound. So you're able to tune your vibration and breath. Which is also very calming because if you exhale longer, like there's certain controlled breath [00:17:00] where you're able to control your brain through breath and even movement, somatic energy work and emotions that we can at least much more easily, like that control, but manage with our  bodies.  **Kerry:** Yeah. I couldn't say it better myself, Michelle. That was perfect. I think one thing, right, like we, we, we know that the fertility journey is stressful. We know that life is stressful. We know that we're probably living in a heightened state in our sympathetic more than we, we would like to. And yeah, the yoga piece can just. hit so many things. And one thing we need to remember is that we are created like evolutionarily are, you know, we are more attuned to the stresses, right? For survival. So the loud, the loud noises, it [00:18:00] alerts us to look around and see, Oh, is there something coming for me? Or the bright lights and things like that. Like we're just constantly Like our bodies are looking out to keep us safe all the time. And we're tuned to that, right, that our bodies are naturally tuned to go in that direction. And there's way more stimuli that will take us that way. And then with the other side, the parasympathetic, we have to work harder and more intentionally to go there. And I think that is one of the things that is the hardest is you actually need to train the system to be more fluid. It's not the stress isn't going to go away. Stress isn't going to go away, but if you are training your nervous system to float more evenly back and forth between the two and taking the time to go parasympathetic as best that you can, whether it's with the breath or [00:19:00] with yoga or going for a walk in nature or anything like that You're rebalancing, but we have to make more effort that is just the way we're, we're built. And yeah, like things that will help us be calmer are like dim lights, quietude, support. So like lying down flat. So our body doesn't have to be alert, like even sitting, we have to be alert.  So we might not fall over weight. Unless you're claustrophobic, of course so yeah, there's lots of things that we can add, and yoga does that. Restorative yoga, which is a huge piece of how I teach fertility yoga it, that is what it does. those are the things that we're embracing when we do restorative yoga.  **Michelle:** I love restorative yoga. **Kerry:** Me too.  **Michelle:** Oh, it feels so good. It really just feels so good. And you know what? I love to. I remember taking a yoga class and the teacher after we're laying in Shavasana said, allow the ground to support [00:20:00] you. And I'm like, just the thought of that changes. My experience laying down right now **Kerry:** Yes. Yes I say that too in my yoga classes or I'm like the earth is coming up to hold you and you Let the earth hold you like it's like a two way street. It's like here I am I'm here, but you need to let go into it too. Yeah, it, there's so many wonderful things about restorative yoga. I mean, it's not the only part of fertility yoga the way I teach it, but it is definitely a huge part of what I like to emphasize to help train the nervous system that like,  Oh, Oh, I remember this place of calm and safety, right? And then if we can condition it with at the beginning of every Shavasana or every restorative yoga pose, you do three big, deep breaths, long exhales. The body then starts to put it all together. and [00:21:00] say, Oh, when she takes three big, long, deep breaths, it's time to relax. It's time to release and let go. So we can, there's so much we could do to support ourselves on that level, I think. But yeah, society makes it hard. **Michelle:** Right, so it's almost like a triggering relaxation response To something that you repeat over and over again I always say likeif you do meditation and you burn a specific incense That's clean or something that I'm even in the central oil Like diffuse a specific one every single time you start to meditate you're immediately going to It's almost like pavlov's dog. You're always going to associate it with meditation time and our scent brings us Right there because it's so connected our olfactory nerve, which is really responsible for our sense of smell Is connected to our brains directly **Kerry:** Yeah. And certain smells will be more grounding and, you know, so choose your smells. wisely, I would say, you know, where like,citrus [00:22:00] and high notes are a little bit more stimulating where like the deeper tones like sandalwood and like the earthy green trees, those sorts of things can just be really calming. And then plus the volatile oils that are in evergreen trees are calming to the nervous system. **Michelle:** Yeah. It's not amazing. **Kerry:** You know, so why not put those in your diffuser like use all the tools that you can and and and then things smell good **Michelle:** Yeah.  **Kerry:** like  I just  **Michelle:** who doesn't like that? **Kerry:** Yeah Yeah, **Michelle:** That's awesome. So just take people through, likeif they've never really heard of fertility yoga, like what differentiates fertility yoga from regular yoga  or other types of yoga? **Kerry:** Whoo. So the first I would say are the people that are in the class so it is just really dedicated to holding space for those that are trying to conceive and it can be anybody from, Oh, I'm just [00:23:00] thinking about it, but I, my periods have been a little weird all my life. I just want to get in tune with my body to those who have, you know, eighth round of IVF, like really deep into the journey. So I think the community piece is really important because, People like to be seen and understood. And when we do a check in at the beginning of our classes, even though it's online and there's all these little squares and so on on the Zoom room, people, you see people nodding and oh, and like sending hearts and doing all the things. And just creating community around that as opposed to if you went to a regular yoga class and you walked up to your teacher and said, Oh, by the way, I'm doing a stim cycle right now. They're not going to know what to do with you. They're not going to know how to keep you safe, nor are they going to know how to nurture that part of the cycle. So that's the 2nd piece is. Becoming or recognizing [00:24:00] where you are in your cycle and then matching the energies of that time. So follicular phase is a little more. Woo woo, woo hoo, right? Springtime, and follicles are growing, you have more energy because of the hormones, and an ovulation, you're just like the queen bee, right? So these are the energies that we would say, okay, if you're in the follicular phase, you're gonna do this twist, and so on, and blah blah blah. And then you would say, okay, oh, you're in the luteal phase, things are a little quieter, You might be pregnant, you're in the two week wait, you're post transfer, you're stimming, like all these things, then we need to be a little quieter with the body and give the pelvic area a little bit more space. So we would work with that and do some modifications for that. So really following the cycle. So when I'm teaching, I'm constantly, Okay, if you're in the follicular phase, you're going to do this. If you're in the luteal phase, you're going to [00:25:00] do this. So not only am I keeping people safe, but I'm also like finding the nourishing pieces as well. So it's like,I'm boosting that energy and keeping you safe where you wouldn't be able to do that in a regular class. And then the movement piece. Is really just like slow flow, somatic movement, a lot of it's pelvic centered, but not always because we hold tension and all different places in our body, the chakra system, the energetic system, right? We want it flowing as well as possible for many reasons. So it's lots of ooey gooey, juicy sort of moves in and around the pelvis. So what else did I forget? Oh, and of course the yoga wisdom part of it, right? The energetics, the, the wisdom. So I teach, I'm very thematic when I teach. So I will choose a theme and it may [00:26:00] come from yoga. For example, I did a class or I'm doing a series right now. We're doing an elemental series. So it's five weeks. Perfect. Five elements. Let's do this in yoga anyway, or in Ayurveda. So I'm like, we started with earth, like, why is earth, why is grounding important in fertility, then water and fire and so on. So, yeah, just bringing a new perspective into it, like something to be like, oh, okay, I get it. I get that, I need to be grounded and feel safe for fertility to I don't want to say be boosted, but to be, to feel safe, your body, or to be working at full capacity, whatever is happening in your body, your body needs to feel safe for the fertility hormones. Whew.  **Michelle:** I'm sure there's a lot more even that you might not even realize it, you know, because when we feel safe, I [00:27:00] mean, there's so many things that our bodies naturally do. And our bodies are so intelligent. And it puts us into a growth cycle in general, like our bodies are able to regenerate and repair when it feels like it's getting rest, the proper rest. So, also uh, something that I've noticed, and I do have some patients, it's really interesting because it kind of correlates with jaw tension, but it usually correlates with hip tension. **Kerry:** Hip and pelvic floor, probably. Yeah. **Michelle:** And so that's something that I always think about with fertility yoga is really kind of like getting that area more free because it correlates to the first and second chakra. And the first chakra is really that rooted chakra, the place that we feel safe, and that holds up the second chakra, which is really where our fertility is. So in order to have that active, you know, it depends on that foundation of safety. **Kerry:** Yeah. **Michelle:** So also the blood flow, I'm [00:28:00] sure. **Kerry:** Oh, yeah. Yeah. See, there's so much. I like so many things. But yeah, so that somatic slow flow movement that's pelvic centered, of course, it's like, it's energetic, like bringing energy in and like moving energy, which is really important when we're in our lifestyle of sitting stagnant a lot of the time. And yeah, the blood flow, Like this gentle squeeze and release, right? Like it's constantly bringing in new oxygenated blood into the organs of the pelvis. And I think often in yoga, we don't think, we don't think about the organ level. when we're moving our bodies. And that's what I love about the Ayurvedic yoga. It's more okay, this is happening in your body. let's look at the liver, right? So you're doing side bends and the liver and the spleen and just incorporating more of those, organs, like the systems of the body. It's not just about. the [00:29:00] large muscle groups and releasing tension, which feels great and is lovely and good for energy and marma points and things like that. But we can also work at the organ level and the hormonal level. **Michelle:** Yeah, for sure. And do you also include pranayama? Yeah. **Kerry:** I do breath work. I don't do we're going to do half an hour pranayama every time, but I will integrate breath work or pranayama techniques. When they're suited for the theme or what we're doing with our bodies, sometimes mudra as well. So like, let's, Which is our hand gesture. Yeah. It's like a seal. **Michelle:** again, see, it relates to the meridians and the energetic connections in the body. It's like our body's like a circuit. So putting our fingers together in certain positions will actually link that circuit and, and have it continue. **Kerry:** Yeah, yeah, and [00:30:00] I was never really into mudras  for quite a while of my yoga journey like I was like Oh, yeah, let's I'm gonna stick my fingers together do whatever all the things that you know Yeah, mudra and so on that you see all the time and then someone actually sat down and we we I learned and I experimented with like slowly touching your fingers together and then like you know, do you want to increase something or decrease something, et cetera. And it was actually very profound.  And that energetic piece, I believe it, and it's now Ayurveda as well. And in yoga, energy is the thing that connects. The element that connects body and mind. Right. We're always talking about body and mind, but what is it that's, that's going on to connect those two? It's the energetic body. And pretty soon I am hoping western science will get on [00:31:00] board. It slowly **Michelle:** It is. It's really fascinating. I mean, that's a lot of Dr. Joe dispenses. He's always talking about like energy frequencies, and he talks about how we can connect and he does a lot of scientific research on it actually. So he looks at the brain waves and how they respond to certain meditations and certain energy movements. He does also breath a specific breath. And a lot of people have Kundalini awakenings. That's what it, I mean, he doesn't call it that. He talks about it more scientific and he talks about chakras. He doesn't call it chakras. He calls it energy centers. And it's basically the same thing that we've been, you know, we've been taught years ago, thousands of years ago. And ultimately, I mean, people are having Kundalini rising. They, they see this light, they feel this incredible energy just shooting through their spine from the base. It opens up cause that's where the Kundalini of people haven't really learned about that. They say that there's this [00:32:00] dormant energy at the root of your spine. That's always there, but it's sleeping. And so sometimes  doing. Yep. And when we do breath work or certain types of exercises, it can actually awaken that when that awakens, a lot of people have spontaneous healing, spontaneous remission, and it's really fascinating. So his work is also very much based on quantum physics. And if you look at a lot of the old work and teachings of ancient cultures. They describe pretty much what we're learning as quantum physics. And it ultimately comes down to the fact that we are mostly energy and much, much, much, much less matter than we really think we are. We're like 0. 0000001. It's like a million tons of zeros. And then one, that's how our matter is. And if we actually Take it like the space actually is way more in between the [00:33:00] particles in our bodies and just what we  see. So it's kind of like an illusion. It's really fascinating. So we really are vibratory beings, which is why vibration sound really impacts our bodies. I can nerd. I  **Kerry:** I, I'm going to go, I'm going  to,  **Michelle:** all day long. **Kerry:** I know me too. Well, I, well, there's two things I wanted to talk about, but first I want to talk about space and spaciousness, openness. And I often say to my students, like magic happens in the space. So when we think about the body, We need space in our body, openness, spaciousness, for our body to function, right? between the synapses, there's a little gap, right? It's tiny,  but it's there. And that we have, we need to have space, the womb, let's not forget, that is space. openness, spaciousness, [00:34:00] right? we have to have space in our digestive track and air and things like that to keep it moving. And now I'm like going off the deep end and also Ayurveda of course, right? anything that is moving in our body is the air and ether element and ether is spaciousness, it's openness. And so I often emphasize this idea you in class of creating space. When we move our pelvis, we're creating space. We're opening up, we're releasing blocked energy, if you will, or like stagnant blood, like we are getting things moving. And when things are moving, the magic happens, right? Like the space, we need that spaciousness. Oh yeah. I  **Michelle:** that.  **Kerry:** Yeah. The **Michelle:** Well, it's, it's so cool. I mean, cause, cause that's one of the things that Joe Dispenza does is he first, he almost puts you in an induction with his [00:35:00] meditations and he says space, and he wants you to focus on like this endless space. But the reason why is there's a rhyme. There's a reason for everything that he does is that when our minds focus on space, it actually creates. I don't know how to how he described it. Actually. I mean, I go to so many of his stuff, but I don't remember everything but he said that when you do that, I think it takes you almost to a different mind. Mental frequency brainwave when you start to focus on space. **Kerry:** Well, so Yoga Nidra, which we had talked about previously, but Yoga Nidra, which is like a 5, 000 year old technique that the yogis came up with it is about, it is about that. It is about slowing down your brainwave to delta wave, which is what your brainwaves would be like if you were in deep sleep. And why do we love deep sleep so much? Because that's when we heal, that's when we [00:36:00] process and calibrate and so on. Our organs are doing their cleaning up and all that and it's so important and it's definitely related to fertility that deep sleep state. And Yeah, with Yoga Nidra, we're purposefully going there, but being conscious when we're there. So it's an experience that we would never do. We would never get to that state on our, on our own naturally. Like we'd either be in deep sleep or we wouldn't be in Delta. So this is what I love about Yoga Nidra. And like you were saying, just even the concept of thinking about. Space or expansiveness or you know, you're in an airplane, you look out the window and all you see is infinite space. it never ends. It just goes on and on and on. Right. But yeah, it does, slow us down. It slows down the brainwave so we can get out of the, the gamma or the, you know what we're in right now [00:37:00] talking. **Michelle:** Yes. And it also gives you a sense of freedom. You just feel this like sense of peace and freedom from that space. Cause then you're like, ah, you know, there's just so much, and there's so many possibilities and it's open. And so for people actually who have not heard of yoga, Nidra, can you explain what it is exactly? **Kerry:** Okay. So yoga nidra, like I said, it's thousands of years old. It has so many benefits. I mean, it's so many like deep healing, but also like physical deep healing, but also mental emotional. So it takes, you know, sort of these deeply ingrained, maybe even ancestral patterns that we have, we can start to change those patterns. The body can process all of those things. It's so, it's. It's, it's the Soma we say in yoga, it's the sweet nectar. [00:38:00] It's the nectar that we want for our bodies, especially during fertility, but also to for overall health and longevity. We want to have that sweetness and that nectar in us. And what I use it for, I do a ton of Yoga Nidra in classes. It is It is a progressive deep relaxation technique. It that it has been, Huberman has taken it and called it non sleep deep rest because it's more palpable to Western mind. So it's been an eye rest and all these things. So it's yoga nidra has been taken and repackaged in many different ways for our Western minds. I love the traditional one. Of course, I'm sure you probably do too. And. Yeah, you just, you go  ## Marker **Kerry:** progressively to put your body to sleep. So you go through body parts and you relax those body parts and we can, instill or implant a message. [00:39:00] We call it sankalpa, but you can call it whatever you want. Affirmation, it's not quite the right word. Intention maybe of what deep healing you want to happen. And that's sort of implanted throughout the deep relaxation part. And then yoga nidra is actually a state. It's not the progress of getting there. So yoga nidra is when you are, your body's asleep, you're conscious. But your brain is in these sort of Delta waves and sometimes you get there, sometimes you don't, and sometimes the journey is joyful to, to get there too, right? So it's not oh, you have to get to that state to get any benefit. You're still getting all that parasympathetic work going on. The body feels safe and protected. And most people feel very blissful. afterwards, they often say, Oh, it's like hypnotic that there's like this [00:40:00] hypnosis. And my voice too, I think it's like low and like kind of slow and steady. They're like, Oh, I just hear your voice and I start to relax. Right. So it is a really powerful tool. And if I were to choose one thing, like people say, what yoga pose should I do to help my fertility? If I could choose one thing I would say do Yoga Nidra for at least 40 days straight **Michelle:** Yeah, **Kerry:** and see what happens. I think it's perfect. And I have a program, 40 days, a 40 day program where you have the option to do Yoga Nidra every day if you wanted to, or meditation. So yeah, it's, it's perfect. It's really powerful. really **Michelle:** is so cool. And I'm excited actually to have you as a guest contributor to my fertility hypnosis toolbox. Soon. I know a lot of people, listeners are probably on there, so you guys I'll be very excited. I think by the [00:41:00] time this is out, probably going to  **Kerry:** it. to you. I promise. I will do it. I feel honored  **Michelle:** have time. you have time.  **Kerry:** Yeah, I  know. But I wanted to make it, this is me. I want to make it, I don't want to just maybe take an old recording that, you know, It's, you know, been out there for a while. Like I want to make new things for you and also like, where do we need the yoga nidra the most? Like the two week wait, perfect time, um, after law. So you know, I want to theme them so that there's it hits home for what people need the most. **Michelle:** Well, I'm so grateful for that and I'm grateful for this conversation. I think this is awesome. I can nerd out on this stuff  **Kerry:** too. Me too. Me too. I **Michelle:** I think we're on the same page. **Kerry:** I am **Michelle:** fascinating.  **Kerry:** nerdy about it. And, **Michelle:** Yeah. **Kerry:** and, I mean, I know, I love what you do. All the messaging that you're sending out there to those that are on this journey, I think it's so valuable and, [00:42:00] and needed. we need more voices that are like, here, right? here, **Michelle:**  the ancient stuff, kind of like the bridging that ancient wisdom, that ancient nurturing, really connecting with nature. Cause I know that you also are a big fan of nature and being out in nature. And I think that really just kind of coming home to like our authentic authenticity of, as humans, and sort of the tribalness that, you know, coming home to really our roots and the sacredness that we have also as women. I think that that's there's so much power in that. And I think that a lot of people are thirsting for that. And that's why I nerd out on this. I say, it's you know, I could say my brain nerds out now, but I think my soul nerds **Kerry:** Mm. Oh, I love that. Yes, my soul nerds out on it. That is so good. I love that. I'm gonna use it  if I  can't  **Michelle:** said, well, Carrie, like I, we had such a great conversation also on your podcast, **Kerry:** yes  **Michelle:** guys. Yes. I highly recommend you guys [00:43:00] check out her podcasts. Fringe fertility. So it is definitely like something that I highly suggest. Cause you're going to get more of this amazing conversation on there and she has other guests on there. So yeah, very  **Kerry:** thanks for the shout out for the podcast. Thank you. Yeah. Well, it was a pleasure to be here today and sharing this conversation. I could just do it forever and ever. **Michelle:** for sure. And also before we go, how can people find you? What are the best ways? **Kerry:** sure. So yeah, I have a website Fertile Body Yoga. So it's a virtual yoga studio dedicated to fertility. So fertilebodyyoga. com. That's probably the, the lead in place to find me. I'm on Instagram as well. I'm not a huge Instagrammer though. And lately, I'm feeling like I just might need to walk away because for my mental health. But I do have an Instagram account. It is fertile body yoga there. And yeah, like I'm always doing [00:44:00] some great collaborative workshops and I have a retreat coming up at the end of April. You can cut this out if it's not the right timing, but so an in person retreat in New Hampshire at the end of April with. Two lovely co creators. So that, that's the big thing. That is huge. This has been years in the making and it's  finally  **Michelle:** That's so exciting. Well, congratulations. That's really cool. **Kerry:** Yeah. Thank you. **Michelle:** Awesome. Well, Carrie, this has been a pleasure and we really do have great conversations. I could tell you that we definitely are very aligned in a lot of the way we view the body and really view the fertility journey. And also thank you for sharing your own experience and now sharing your story. Cause I think that a lot of people will be inspired by that as well. So thank you so much. This has been amazing. Perfect.  **Kerry:** Thank you. for having me.[00:45:00] [00:46:00]     

Listeners weigh in on whether to do IUIs or go straight to IVF and on having another kid when you have a chronic illness. Plus, Matt gives some Vegas recs and we discuss how to navigate a picky eater.Support us on Patreon and get up to two bonus episodes per month, plus ad-free episodes! Sign up at patreon.com/eggcellent adventure.Call or text us at 413-461-BABY or email us at mattanddoree@gmail.com or doreeandmatt@gmail.com. We love getting your messages! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I love client stories like Braelyn's. She and her husband were struggling to conceive a pregnancy and her OBGYN sent her to a Reproductive Endocrinologist for fertility treatments. The options she found there weren't what she expected. In today's episode, she shares their story of walking through fertility treatments unsuccessfully and eventually changing direction to focus on conceiving naturally, and in a way that honored their faith. Braelyn's story is one worth hearing! I know you'll enjoy it. NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all audiences, but does focus on the topic of infertility and fertility treatments. Show Notes: Ep 149: Fertility Journey Transformation with Josiah and CallieEp. 145: Dan & Lindsey's radically different approach to infertilityEp. 102: Rebecca's Story of Secondary Infertility Send us a textSupport the showOther great ways to connect with Woven Natural Fertility Care: Learn the Creighton Model System with us! Register here! Get our monthly newsletter: Get the updates! Chat about issues of fertility + faith: Substack Follow us on Instagram: @wovenfertility Watch our episodes on YouTube: @wovenfertility Love the content? The biggest gift you could give is to click a 5 star review and write why it was so meaningful! This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Neither Woven nor its staff, nor any contributor to this podcast, makes any represe...

For today's guest, becoming a mother wasn't just a dream—it was a promise she made to herself. In her mid-30s, Erica Ward knew she wanted to be a parent more than she wanted to be a wife. By 40, she made the decision to pursue single motherhood, despite the challenges ahead.   Her path wasn't easy, from choosing a sperm donor, failed IUIs to IVF, and devastating loss. While Erica grieved for her pregnancies and felt the financial toll, she never gave up. Tune in to hear how support from Progyny's fertility benefits and donor eggs led to her happy ending of becoming a mom.   Guest: Erica Ward, Progyny Member at Sleep Number Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny   For more information, visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.     Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y6Ln16ecXGM  

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, Sarah, a woman I worked with, shares her deeply personal fertility journey that was close to four years. She shares her struggles, the various treatments she explored, and the spiritual practices that helped her find hope and healing. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, the role of alternative therapies like acupuncture, and the significance of finding the right medical support. Sarah's story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of belief in oneself and a higher purpose.   Takeaways   Sarah struggled with unexplained infertility for three and a half years before seeking treatment. She explored various treatments, including acupuncture and IVF. Visualization and spiritual practices played a crucial role in her journey. Finding the right medical support made a significant difference. Sarah emphasizes the importance of not giving up on the journey. She believes in the power of intuition and listening to one's body. Connecting with nature helped her find peace and clarity. Nutrition and blood flow are essential for fertility. Sarah's experience highlights the importance of sharing stories for hope. She encourages others to start their journey sooner rather than later.       For more information about Michelle, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com   The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/   Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/     Transcript:   Michelle (00:00) I'm so excited to have you on today, Sarah, to share your story. Thank you so much for being willing to open up and inspire others with your journey. I'd love for you to introduce yourself and share a bit about your experience.   Sarah (00:20) Thanks for inviting me, Michelle. My name is Sarah, and I struggled with unexplained infertility for three and a half years. I had multiple tests and examinations, visited several doctors, and went through all the standard procedures, but no one could pinpoint the issue.   During my research, I discovered that acupuncture could be helpful for infertility, as it promotes relaxation and balance. Along with acupuncture, I learned about the importance of the right supplements. That's when I found you, Michelle, through your amazing reviews online. I reached out, explained my situation, and shared how I'd been following everything the doctors recommended, eating healthy, but still had no success. What struck me immediately when I met you was your energy and positivity. You weren't just an acupuncturist; you were like a life coach, guiding me step by step. During our first visit, you assessed my needs, recommended supplements, and started a treatment plan. After just one session, I felt significantly more relaxed. I also started practicing the visualization techniques you suggested, spending time at the beach, watching the sunrise, and focusing on restoring my energy.   After five treatments, I was able to get pregnant naturally. It was an incredible moment, and I can't thank you enough for your guidance and support. Michelle (03:17) I appreciate your kind words, Sarah, but I want to highlight the effort you put into this journey. You took initiative, embraced the practices, and made significant changes—that's a big deal.   Sarah (03:28) Thank you. It was a challenging road, but your support made all the difference. To give some context, I had tried naturally for three and a half years. Then, I underwent four IUIs, but none were successful. During one of those cycles, I worked with another acupuncturist, but it didn't help. Eventually, I decided to move on to IVF. My first IVF attempt wasn't successful. The clinic retrieved a few eggs, but only two made it to embryos, and the fresh embryo transfer didn't work. That experience was emotionally draining. The clinic's lack of support left me feeling alone and uncertain. That's when I turned to you. We started acupuncture and supplements, and your guidance helped me approach the process differently. I switched to a new clinic, which was much more supportive. They recommended combining acupuncture with IVF, and this time, everything felt more aligned.   Michelle (06:01) It's amazing how much the right environment and support can make a difference.   Sarah (06:22) Absolutely. The second clinic was so thorough and caring. They retrieved more mature eggs, and six of them made it to embryos. We planned a frozen embryo transfer but decided to wait a few months to let my body recover. Meanwhile, I continued with acupuncture and the protocol you recommended.   Then, something unexpected happened. Before the transfer, I got pregnant naturally. It was a complete surprise. I couldn't believe it after everything I had been through. Michelle (08:27) That's incredible! Your story is so inspiring because you had every reason to feel defeated, yet you never gave up. What kept you going? Sarah (10:00) I'd say it was a combination of faith and determination. I also had a dream after my first failed IVF that really stuck with me. In the dream, a man in brown clothing with a beard stood over me and placed his hands out, giving me energy. It felt like a message not to give up.   Michelle (12:14) That's so powerful. Dreams can be deeply meaningful, especially during such emotional journeys.   Sarah (13:32) It was. That dream, combined with my spiritual practices, gave me strength. I started focusing on connecting with God and nature, walking barefoot in the sand, and appreciating the present moment. I also began meditating and visualizing my body healing and preparing for pregnancy. Those practices made a huge difference. Michelle (17:22) It's amazing how those connections to faith and nature can create such profound shifts. And I remember when you first came in, your hands were very cold, which indicated poor blood flow. Improving circulation was a key part of the treatment. Sarah (18:45) Exactly. My hands aren't cold anymore, and I feel so much healthier overall. The blood flow improvements and supplements were game-changers.   Michelle (19:58) Blood flow is essential for nourishing the body and supporting fertility. In Chinese medicine, when the blood isn't circulating well, it can cause stress and other issues. Supporting the body holistically allows it to do what it's meant to do naturally. Sarah (22:33) I agree. Another big takeaway for me was learning that not all clinics or protocols are the same. Switching to a more supportive clinic and waiting for my body to recover before the frozen embryo transfer were critical steps. Patience and intuition played huge roles.   Michelle (23:44) Your intuition and persistence were key. And I'll admit, when I first met you, I had a feeling you'd be successful. But I always try to stay neutral because I never want to give false hope. It's about supporting the process and trusting your body.   Sarah (24:26) Thank you for believing in me. That belief made such a difference, along with everything I learned about visualization and spirituality. I've come to realize how powerful those tools are.   Michelle (29:23) It's true. Visualization and faith are incredibly powerful. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Sarah. Your journey will inspire so many others who are navigating similar challenges.   Sarah (30:02) Thank you for having me, Michelle. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hopefully give hope to others. Never give up—the results are worth it.   Michelle (30:30) Absolutely. Thank you again for opening your heart and inspiring others.

What happens when the path to parenthood takes unexpected turns? For Laura, it meant navigating the heartbreak of unexplained infertility, the frustrations of multiple failed IUIs, and the surprising joy of a positive pregnancy test during the unlikeliest of cycles. But as her story unfolds, it becomes clear that getting pregnant was just the beginning.  For our 200th episode, Laura shares the honest reality of facing postpartum depression after her first pregnancy—an experience she never thought she would have after fighting to conceive. With fertility benefits through Progyny she welcomed a second child into her family a few years later. This time, Laura went into her second postpartum journey with the expectations, knowledge, and tools to manage her PPD symptoms effectively.  This episode is a powerful reminder that family-building journeys are rarely straightforward. They're filled with highs, lows, and the moments that teach us the true meaning of resilience.   Guest: Laura, Progyny Member   Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny   For more information, visit Progyny's Podcast page and Progyny's Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.    

In this episode, I'm sharing client success stories— like a woman with PCOS and endometriosis who got pregnant in under two months after three years of trying. Plus, how my clients ditched trending strategies (think fertility teas, IUIs, GLP-1 shots) and instead embraced strategies that addressed the root cause of their fertility issues. By focusing on real solutions, they not only got pregnant but felt healthier than ever with more energy, better moods, and optimal health!Chapters in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Fertility Challenges03:05 Real Client Success Stories05:50 Addressing Root Causes of Infertility08:58 The Importance of Understanding Your BodyWays to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code PODCAST for 10% off!!)Mentioned in this episode: Check out GutPersonal products here & their Gut Testing package HERE! Code CORINNE saves you 10% on any item in their store (& on testing!) Or take the GutPersonal Quiz to find out exactly which supplements are best for your unique situation! FREE TRAINING! How to build a hormone-healthy, blood-sugar-balancing meal! (this is pulled directly from the 1st module of the Mind Your Hormones Method!) Access this free training, HERE!Join the Mind Your Hormones Community to connect more with me & other members of this community!Come hang out with me on Instagram: @corinneangealicaOr on TikTok: @corinneangelicaFree Facebook group: Mind Your Hormones Podcast CommunityEmail Fam: Click here to get weekly emails from meMind Your Hormones Instagram: @mindyourhormones.podcast Disclaimer: always consult your doctor before taking any supplementation. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, not to diagnose or treat any conditions. 

Today, Ali is talking to Megan Day, who shares her very real and honest story about infertility, including losing her son when she was 19 weeks pregnant. "It was called a miscarriage," she says. She explains what happened after that, including five excruciating surgeries and a lot of unanswered questions. Megan talks about the complications of RPOC (Retained Products of Conception), when she and her husband decided to pivot to surrogacy; finding a gestational carrier, and finally, awaiting the arrival of their healthy baby via GC, due any day now. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; IVF; IUIs; missed miscarriage; pregnancy loss; egg retrieval; embryo transfer; gestational carrier; surrogacy journey; surrogacy miscarriage; RPOC; surgeryEPISODE SPONSORS:WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologyhttps://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksDo not miss Ali's children's book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024EMBRYO SOLUTIONIf you're navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you're looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com RECEPTIVA DXhttps://receptivadx.com/ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is talking to an amazing couple: Fertility Rally member Lauren Roth and her husband, Patrick. Lauren talks about growing up in Guatemala, how she and Patrick met, and what happened when they started to build their family. The couple then shares details about why Google and WebMD are "not particularly helpful" during infertility; their chemical pregnancy; and the unsexiness of "sending a calendar invite to have timed sex." They also talk about becoming frustrated as a couple, their five IUIs; and navigating chemical pregnancies and an ectopic pregnancy. They also discuss their egg retrievals and transfers, and finally, the healthy pregnancy that brought them their son, who was born shortly after this episode was recorded. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; IVF; IUIs; timed intercourse; marriage during infertility; adenomiosis; chemical pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy; egg retrieval; embryo transfer; pregnancy after infertilityEPISODE SPONSORS:WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologyhttps://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksDo not miss Ali's children's book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024EMBRYO SOLUTIONIf you're navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you're looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com RECEPTIVA DXhttps://receptivadx.com/ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's the 300th Episode!!!!! Today we are featuring clips from some of the top-rated episodes with some of Ali's favorite celeb guests. First up, Christina Perri shares her long and difficult family-building journey, including miscarriage; the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Rosie; navigating mental health; her blood-clotting disorder, and more. Then, Tara Lipinski talks about her endometriosis; IVF; miscarriage; navigating fertility treatments compared to the insanely hard work she did as an elite athlete, and pivoting to surrogacy. Finally, Michelle Buteau talks about the long road to having her twins, including IUIs, several rounds of IVF, four devastating miscarriages, exploring international adoption; facing discrimination at her doctor's appointments; and finally meeting the surrogate who would help them welcome their healthy babes. Thank you so much to all of my amazing guests and listeners since we launched in March 2019!EPISODE SPONSORS:WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologyhttps://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksDo not miss Ali's children's book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024EMBRYO SOLUTIONIf you're navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you're looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com RECEPTIVA DXhttps://receptivadx.com/ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is talking to mom of four Rachel Mangahas about the long road to building her family, including going through international adoption twice and using a surrogate. Rachel talks about her infertility journey, and how it made her feel so broken and alone. She also talks about wanting a big family, doing timed intercourse and ovulation kits, male factor infertility, and IUIs. She explains how they navigated international adoption -- for two of their children -- and the sweet surprise they got when they used a surrogate, and the embryo transfer worked.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Infertility; international adoption; surrogacy; anxiety; guilt; egg retrieval; IUI; embryo transfer; frozen embryos; surrogacy pregnancy; surrogacy success; identical twins EPISODE SPONSORS:WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologyhttps://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksDo not miss Ali's children's book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024EMBRYO SOLUTIONIf you're navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you're looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com RECEPTIVA DXhttps://receptivadx.com/ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.CASCADE CRYOBANKCascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.In an industry first, Cascade Cryobank has brought it's “Early Disclosure Program” to the market – you no longer have to wait 18 years– now you can learn the Identity of your “Early Disclosure” donor at the report of a live birth conceived from their sperm. Let Cascade Cryobank help you grow your family with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Visit their website at www.cascadecryobank.com, and find your future, today. Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is on the pod with one of our beloved Fertility Rally members, Jenny Angerman @thedailyendomama. Jenny tells Ali about being adopted from India; how she met her husband; what happened when they started to try for kids and it wasn't happening; her endometriosis diagnosis; fibroids; IUIs; one IVF cycle that unfortunately did not work out, and then, finally getting pregnant. Jenny also shares her thoughts on trauma bonding; sharing her journey on IG and TikTok; how everything changed once she joined Fertility Rally; and where they are with baby number two. For more, follow on IG: @thedailyendomama TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Infertility; trauma bonding; PCOS; endometriosis; fibroids; IUI; IVF; egg retrieval; Fertility Rally community; TikTok; anxiety; pregnancy after loss; pregnancy after infertility EPISODE SPONSORS:WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologyhttps://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksDo not miss Ali's children's book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membershipSAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024EMBRYO SOLUTIONIf you're navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you're looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com RECEPTIVA DXhttps://receptivadx.com/ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.S'MOOS'moo's best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S'moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally.Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy