Podcasts about motherhood reimagined

Motherhood Reimagined: Real Moms Share Their Journey With Life Coaching Get ready for a treat as I bring you one of my favorite podcast episodes to date. In Motherhood Reimagined, I interviewed five incredible moms from my Busy to Balanced life coaching group - Natalie, Brenna, Megan, Emily, and Ashley. They share their inside perspective, unveiling the transformative journey they've had in life coaching. Join me as I delve into their experiences and explore the tools and strategies that have empowered them to navigate the challenges of motherhood. We touch upon the powerful self-coaching model, the 50/50 rule, and the importance of feeling your feelings. Discover how these concepts have become invaluable tools for these moms in gaining control, confidence, and peace. Each of them emphasize the unexpected benefits of being part of a supportive community and the positive impact that it has had on their families. As you listen, be inspired to reimagine your own motherhood journey and open yourself up to the possibilities that life coaching can bring. Don't miss out on this empowering episode where real moms share their stories, insights, and the life-changing impact of coaching. Join us on the inside and let's embrace Motherhood reimagined together! For more help from Danielle Thienel Coaching: To explore an opportunity to work with me as a one-to-one client or to see if my group life coaching program, Busy to Balanced, is right for you, Schedule a call with me HERE. Get a copy of my latest book, The Cyclone Mom Method HERE for only $4.99 Get more peace and productivity around your time with my new Divine Time Course. Find out more HERE Visit my website: www.daniellethienel.com to learn more about the life changes possible for you through having a life coach. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram: @daniellethienelcoaching

Becoming a mother can take many paths. On this week's Egg Whisperer Show podcast, I'm delighted to have Sarah Kowalski join me. Sarah works with women who are contemplating single motherhood, having fertility issues or raising donor-conceived children. She's also the author of “Motherhood Reimagined,” an amazing book where she shares her own journey to becoming a mother, as well. Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Join Egg Whisperer School Checkout the podcast Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Do you have questions about IVF or Egg Freezing? Join Dr. Aimee at The Egg Whisperer School for a live class where you can ask her your questions. Click here to learn more. Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.  

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by Sarah Kowalski to discuss how to be a single mom & financially set up to do so. Sarah Kowalski is the author of Motherhood Reimagined and a Life Coach for single mother's by choice. She is a go to guide for women who are contemplating single motherhood, seeking help with fertility or raising donor-conceived children.

Welcome to Episode 22. This is a requested episode from Instagram. Today, we talk about Donor Eggs and IVF/Egg Donation Abroad. When I originally recorded this episode it was back around the end of April. In light of recent events, considering IVF abroad may be something that is coming up for you. Luckily, Sarah Kowalski of Motherhood Reimagined shares some of her experience and her clients experiences with seeking egg donor abroad and domestically. If you want to hear Sarah's story, you can listen to episode 7 where she shares her path to independent parenthood and coming to terms with needing an egg donor. Today, we focus primarily on the egg donor process and she shares what her experience was like in going abroad and researching using egg donor abroad. Now, we don't specifically go into what this experience is like with a partner. I have someone sharing that experience in a couple of months. She went through IVF in Mexico and is now doing a cycle in the US. After her US cycle, she and I were going to have a conversation, so she could have better insight into differences and pros and cons to each. Domestically, there are some cost saving programs, and I've linked them in the show notes for you. CNY has a program and Dr. Aimee the Egg Whisperer also has the Freeze and Share program. Egg donation is a complex topic. I know I can't cover it all in one episode. I want to cover more stories and perspectives, so you can understand the experience and hopefully have the information to make the choice that is best for you. I hope this is helpful for you. As always, I have links available for you in the show notes about the things we have discussed today. Egg Donor Resources: Episode 7: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QA5iQRrNB63E0IkYBWOvd?si=fGlFTM6nR_q41Ldx4R2Q4g Episode 10: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RcSJTCGBltDKaeUFCpGdP?si=h2EWKzJHRRWDQ0qWgrG4qw Everything You Need to Know Before Picking an Egg Donor on Egg Whisperer Show: https://draimee.org/everything-you-need-to-know-before-picking-an-egg-donor Egg Whisperer Freeze and Share: https://freezeandshare.com/ CNY Egg Donor Program: https://www.cnyfertility.com/donor-egg-ivf/ California Conceptions: https://californiaconceptions.com/pregnancy-with-donor-embryos-embryo-adoption/ IVF Traveler: https://www.ivftraveler.com/ Santa Monica Fertility Egg Donor Program: https://www.santamonicafertility.com/egg-donation/using-donor-eggs/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtvqVBhCVARIsAFUxcRsoQa5esv6L1j3O8lOy6ht1DK9woEhM4ZPSTbsrdnS5c4AhEDg5pF8aAsIbEALw_wcB Everything You Need to Know Before Picking an Egg Donor on Egg Whisperer Show: https://draimee.org/everything-you-need-to-know-before-picking-an-egg-donor --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/40andinfertile/support

www.LIBERATEYOURSELF.com BE POWERFUL · BE MAGICAL · BE FREE Visit our website for free and inspired spiritual & wellness content, creative events, metaphysical shopping and to book private sessions with any of our brilliant and gifted practitioners (zoom, phone or in person). MOTHERHOOD REIMAGINED - Liberate The Podcast! Episode 196 with host Cristina Dam & guest Kelly Fabiano, Founder of Life and Death with Kelly, Life Coach and Death Doula ATTEND KELLY'S UPCOMING EVENT AT LIBERATE 3 Keys To Work/Life/Self Balance For Exhausted Moms Sunday, July 10th, 2:00 - 3:30 PM, $20 Early Bird, $25 Day Of   A 90-minute workshop on what work/life/self balance really is, what keeps us from achieving it, and 3 strategies to achieving it right now. This workshop includes a presentation by Kelly, opportunities for gentle reflection (optional), and connection with other mothers in attendance. GET TICKETS HERE: https://liberateyourself.com/events/in-person-3-keys-to-work-life-self-balance-for-exhausted-moms/   CONNECT WITH LIBERATE https://liberateyourself.com/ FB: http://www.Facebook.com/liberateurself IG: @liberateurself  https://www.instagram.com/liberateurself/channel/ CONNECT WITH KELLY FABIANO IG: @kellylynnlifecoaching & @tilldeathdoulaparts WEB: www.lifeanddeathwithkelly.com ABOUT LIBERATE WELLNESS Energy Healing · Intuitive Readings · Hypnotherapy · Classes · Meditations · Sound Baths · Crystals · Spiritual & Metaphysical Supplies · Massage · Saunas · Music · Comedy · Art At times we all feel disconnected, lost or in search of something more. Liberate helps guide you forward with Education, Intuitive Readings, Energy Healings, Crystals, Music, Art and other metaphysical and wellness tools to support you! Visit us online at www.LiberateYourself.com #motherhood #momlife #lifecoach #doula #wellness #healing #deathdoula

Today, Emma Grønbæk shares with us her journey through life as a donor conceived person. She provides advice on how recipient parents can help their donor conceived children have a positive upbringing. She shares stories of how her parents have helped cultivate a positive environment the supported both growth and curiosity. She also talks about her book that chronicles the story of her and her family! Emma is a truly lovely human with a beautiful outlook on life and how she came to be! If you're considering donor conception or you're a recipient parent, this episode is for you! Connecting with the guest: Connect with Emma: https://www.instagram.com/donorchild/ Emma's Website: https://donorchildemmagroenbaek.com/ Get Emma's book here: https://amzn.to/3ur0ip7 Also Mentioned in this episode: Motherhood Reimagined Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodreimagined/ Motherhood Reimagined wesite: https://motherhoodreimagined.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/40andinfertile/support

Today, Sarah Kowalski of Motherhood Reimagined joins us to share her own fertility journey, discusses her decision to solo motherhood and her experience with donor conception and raising a donor conceived child.   More information on Sarah can be found here: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodreimagined/ Website:  https://motherhoodreimagined.com/ Also mentioned on this episode:   Dr. Aimee the Egg Whisperer:  https://eggwhisperer.com/ Jenna Hua, PhD of Million Marker:  https://www.millionmarker.com/ Cute4Fertility:  https://www.instagram.com/cute4fertility/ Glennon Doyle:  https://www.instagram.com/glennondoyle/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/40andinfertile/support

Stay in the loop on IG  @kristykatzmann and be sure to subscribe to the show so you don't miss a minute! Love what you're hearing? Please rate or review the show... this goes a long way to help other women find the show so we can build a powerful community together.Learn more at www.motherhoodreimagined.comJoin her SMC Support CommunityFollow Sarah on IG @motherhoodreimaginedJoin her private Facebook GroupListen to her 1st Episode on my podcastRead her book!"If you're stuck in doubt, ask the rockstar version of yourself what it wants," Sarah Kowalski.

0:45 Motherhood Reimagined, The Book and The Business1:58 The Consequences of A Patriarchal Family Structure3:02 You Really Are Not The Only Person In This Space4:15 The Number One Obstacle...5:59 You WILL Forget The Stress of The Struggle7:22 The Most Surprising Outcome10:00 Suggestions for Women Who Might Struggle to Afford Fertility Treatments12:18 To Freeze Your Eggs of Not15:04 A Fertility Doula Described16:05 Affordable Support Services Offered Through Motherhood Reimagined

What issues should you consider if you want to adopt as a single person? We talk with Susan Fremer, a licensed mental health intern and a single mom of five adopted girls; and Lee Varon, a LICSW specializing in adoptive parenting, a single mom to two sons through adoption, and author of two books on single parent adoption. In this episode, we cover:Single parenting is common. Are there distinctions between becoming a single parent through divorce, conception, and adoption? How easy is it to adopt as a single woman or single man? Are there any additional requirements for single parents to be able to adopt? Any additional questions in the home study? Legal issues. Importance of a will and naming a guardian. What are some potential issues single parents should consider before they decide to adopt? Is there another single parent or family that you could partner with to provide mutual child care support either full time or babysitting type arrangement? Emotional support. Consider moving closer to family. Changes to your friend network after you become a parent. Finances. Costs for raising a child. Look at your debt. Will your housing have to change? Child care. May influence the age of child you decide to adopt. Finding the opposite gender role model for your child. Self-care. Dating. Are you ready to be a single parent? Are you ready to give up the fun parts of being child-free, like the freedom to do what you want when you want? The freedom to tackle a new time consuming work project, educational degree, hobby, travel, etc. Are you ready to feel the inevitable time crunch of single parenting? Are you ready financially? Annoying comments you may hear. You haven’t given enough time to finding a partner. Consider joining a single parent by choice support group. Online or in-person (check Meetup) Resources: Single Adoptive Parents: Our Stories (Book by Lee Varon and Sherry Fine) Adopting On Your Own: The Complete Guide to Adoption for Single Parents (Book by Lee Varon) Single Mothers By Choice (organization and website) Motherhood Reimagined (organization and website) ChoiceMom.org E-guide: Finding Support (eGuide) This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them. Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:· Weekly podcasts· Weekly articles/blog posts· Resource pages on all aspects of family building Support the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)

Highlights from this episode include:following Sarah's journey to choosing motherhood solo - how she had to re-imagine her story 3 times before her dreams became realityhow she went from living a "Sex and the City" lifestyle to a total health collapse virtually overnight, and how her path to healing led her to rediscover her desire to be a motherwhat is Qi Gong and how it became a pivotal practice in her life and journey to motherhoodhow to take control of your fertility - learn from someone who's been through it and get her best "do's" and "don'ts"why she recommends considering choosing a donor and fertility treatments abroad, and her top tips for choosing an egg donorlearning to think outside the box to make your dreams of motherhood  realityhow her own journey led to the development of her coaching practice and why she wants more women to consider single motherhood as a Plan AResources from this episode:visit Sarah's website to connect w/ her journey, resources, coaching practice, Facebook groups and more!read her book, Motherhood Reimaginedget your free 30 min coaching session herejoin the tribe here get her ultimate guide to sperm banks - THE resource I really I wish I had!!!   

Becoming a mother can take many paths. On this week’s Egg Whisperer Show podcast, I’m delighted to have Sarah Kowalski join me. Sarah works with women who are contemplating single motherhood, having fertility issues or raising donor-conceived children. She’s also the author of “Motherhood Reimagined,” an amazing book where she shares her own journey to becoming a mother, as well. Read the full show notes on Dr. Aimee's website Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Join Egg Whisperer School Checkout the podcast Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America’s most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

If you have ever felt overwhelmed as a mother, this episode is you. If you have ever felt like parts of yourself were atrophying as a mother, this episode is for you. If you have ever thought the system mothers are set up in is a recipe for depression and isolation, this episode is for you. If you have felt discouraged by never being able to see a task to its completion without interruption, this episode is for you! In Episode #52 of the Show It Off Podcast, I interview mother and author of Motherwhelmed: Challenging Norms, Untangling Truths, and Restoring Our Worth to the World, Beth Berry. This woman is so honest and open and eloquent, I was pretty much freaking out with joy throughout the entire interview. And BTW this book is our August read for the Show It Off Bookclub! This may be my most favorite topic to discuss ever. Since giving birth I have felt like this topic is the elephant in the room that no one is talking about. Well, Beth is changing that. We are talking about it now. After you hit play, text the show link to a mama friend or two and you can listen together which is really fun. After you listen, go to @showitoffpodcast on IG and share your thoughts and feelings on the episode post! You are going to want to connect with Beth so here is how you can: See all things Beth Berry including buying the Motherwhelmed book here: https://revolutionfromhome.com To join the Empowered Single Mama Sisterhood: www.empoweredsinglemama.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/showitoff/message

Welcome to the last episode of season one of Motherhood Reimagined. To mark the end of this season I have invited a return guest to the show. Sige was my guest for the second episode of the first season. During that interview, Sige was pregnant with her son and told us she would come back to tell us how she felt about the single-mother-by-choice path. It has been thirteen months since our last conversation and she is very honest and raw about the first year with her child. She shares her struggle with me and reflects on how her feelings have changed since our first episode together. Sige has an unusual living arrangement that she recommends to other single parents. We also discuss dating and how parenthood changes your expectations of a partner. I was really glad to have Sige back on the show and I feel her point-of-view is important for anyone curious about the single-mother-by-choice option. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Welcome back Sige to the show. The arch Sige experienced during her son’s first year. The struggle with resentment and sleep deprivation. Sige’s emotional roller coaster over the last year. How she has dealt with going back to work. Sige’s support system and feelings of isolation. Why mindset is the most important part of parenthood. The unique co-living arrangement Sige has and why it is great. The qualities she is looking for in a partner now. Sige’s opinion on single parenthood. A revisit of our first conversation and Sige’s answers now. The “secret club of parenthood.” The single mom stigma and how Sige copes with it. Sige’s advice to women considering the single mother path. Resources Sign up to be a podcast guest Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Sarah’s email Thank you for joining me for the end of season one. In a few weeks, I will begin a second season. Please feel free to share your feedback with me and take a look at my other content.

My guest today is Brenda, a single-mom-by-choice who had a difficult 4-year journey to motherhood and has made it her mission to help women feel empowered about their reproduction options. She shares her shock at the realization that her OBGYN never mentioned the finite window of fertility. Brenda believes that it is an important conversation to have and encourages women to be proactive in the conversation. Brenda tried IUI (Intrauterine insemination) with no results and ultimately decided to switch to donor egg IVF (In vitro fertilization). Using both a sperm and an egg donor, was difficult and quite mentally taxing decision. We discuss how she conquered her bias toward the double donor path and why she considers it one of the greatest gifts anyone has given her. Sadly, Brenda’s first two pregnancies with donor eggs ended in miscarriage. It was discovered that she had a problem with her immune system that had to be medically treated through shots and a doctor’s watchful eye. She tells me about these painful moments and explains why she kept pressing on to her goal, even when it seemed everything was against her. Brenda says that one of the things that got her through the grueling process was a support group who became a second family for her. She explains how their ups and downs helped put her own struggles in perspective and kept her on the path. Brenda’s story is very similar to my own and I feel a deep connection to her thoughts and feelings. If you are considering the single-mother-by-choice path just remember that education is key to preparing yourself for the journey. That’s why Motherhood Reimagined was created and I want to help you make informed decisions about having your own family. Some highlights of today’s conversation: The pressure Brenda felt when the prospect of marriage was not on the horizon. How a conversation with her OBGYN changed her life plan. The 4-year journey that led to many setbacks but ultimately ended with a child. The misconception that pregnancy is an easy process. The fears that arise when telling your family about your plans. The statistics that pushed Brenda into the double donor path. The immune system issue that led to specialists and difficult treatment. What the road looked like for Brenda after the miscarriages and how she carried on. The support group that kept her going. What Brenda considered in her donors and why she hopes to meet the sperm donor someday. How Brenda approaches the donor-conceived conversation with her son. How her journey has changed her perspective on family and the world around her. Why women need to take more control of their fertility.

My guest today is Brenda, a single-mom-by-choice who had a difficult 4-year journey to motherhood and has made it her mission to help women feel empowered about their reproduction options. She shares her shock at the realization that her OBGYN never mentioned the finite window of fertility. Brenda believes that it is an important conversation to have and encourages women to be proactive in the conversation. Brenda tried IUI (Intrauterine insemination) with no results and ultimately decided to switch to donor egg IVF (In vitro fertilization). Using both a sperm and an egg donor, was difficult and quite mentally taxing decision. We discuss how she conquered her bias toward the double donor path and why she considers it one of the greatest gifts anyone has given her. Sadly, Brenda’s first two pregnancies with donor eggs ended in miscarriage. It was discovered that she had a problem with her immune system that had to be medically treated through shots and a doctor’s watchful eye. She tells me about these painful moments and explains why she kept pressing on to her goal, even when it seemed everything was against her. Brenda says that one of the things that got her through the grueling process was a support group who became a second family for her. She explains how their ups and downs helped put her own struggles in perspective and kept her on the path. Brenda’s story is very similar to my own and I feel a deep connection to her thoughts and feelings. If you are considering the single-mother-by-choice path just remember that education is key to preparing yourself for the journey. That’s why Motherhood Reimagined was created and I want to help you make informed decisions about having your own family. Some highlights of today’s conversation: The pressure Brenda felt when the prospect of marriage was not on the horizon. How a conversation with her OBGYN changed her life plan. The 4-year journey that led to many setbacks but ultimately ended with a child. The misconception that pregnancy is an easy process. The fears that arise when telling your family about your plans. The statistics that pushed Brenda into the double donor path. The immune system issue that led to specialists and difficult treatment. What the road looked like for Brenda after the miscarriages and how she carried on. The support group that kept her going. What Brenda considered in her donors and why she hopes to meet the sperm donor someday. How Brenda approaches the donor-conceived conversation with her son. How her journey has changed her perspective on family and the world around her. Why women need to take more control of their fertility.

Motherhood Reimagined Blurb: Join us this week as we celebrate Mothering Sunday with a live interview onstage with 3 extraordinary women who are mothering the city and beyond.

Join us this week as we celebrate Mothering Sunday with a live interview onstage with 3 extraordinary women who are mothering the city and beyond.

After her mother passed away, Laura decided she needed to make another connection with another human being and began her unconventional path to motherhood. She went through three years of multiple attempts at IUI (Intrauterine insemination) and several miscarriages. Finally, in 2014, Laura was able to conceive her daughter with IVF (In vitro fertilization.) Laura is very honest about the long and grueling process that led to her pregnancies. We discuss the sperm donor process and how opened id donors interact with sperm banks. Laura also shares the relief of having half-siblings to help ease her daughter’s curiosity in the future. She tells me about their relationship with the other families and how she has approached the topic of her daughter’s conception. We also explore the loneliness of the single-mother-by-choice path. Laura encourages seeking out a community and finding other moms to connect with. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Laura’s ideas of normal and expectations of motherhood. Why her mother’s death kick-started her single-mother-by-choice journey. The medications and processes Laura went through. The three-year process of IUIs and miscarriages. The devastation of losing her babies later in pregnancy. The shift to IVF and the successful pregnancy. How Laura found mom groups and forums. Laura’s donor selection process and the final choice. Laura’s concern about having an opened id donor and how her daughter will react. The benefit of being in contact with half-siblings and their families. The surprising closeness of Laura and her daughter. The isolation of the single-mom-by-choice and how to fight it. Laura’s advice to women considering this path. Resources Sign up to be a podcast guest Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Sarah’s email Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter

My guest today is Jackie, a single-mom-by-choice who wanted to have a co-parenting agreement at the beginning of her journey. The plans for co-parenting fell through and Jackie conceived her child with a sperm donor. Jackie talks about how she approached the co-parenting arrangement and why it didn’t work out. She also discusses her difficult pregnancy and recovery. Jackie dealt with postpartum depression after her delivery. She shares what it was like to cope with those startling feelings and how she reached out for help. We also talk about how to build a support system and why it is good to start early to build your village. Jackie authors a blog called Oakland Choice Mom and hopes to encourage women to consider the single-mother-by-choice option. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Jackie’s early ideas of motherhood and family. Why she wanted to pursue the single-mother-by-choice option. Jackie’s attempts to arrange a co-parenting relationship and why it didn’t happen. How she approached the co-parenting agreement with her friend. How Jackie underestimated the difficulty of the donor process. How she chose her sperm donor. The importance of not having expectations with your donor experience. How Jackie coped with postpartum depression and found the resources to help. Jackie’s support system and how she built it. The Oakland Choice Mom blog. Resources Oakland Choice Mom Blog Oakland Choice Mom Facebook Sign up to be a podcast guest Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Sarah’s email Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

Karin chose to be a single-mother-by-choice in her late 20s. She is now married with a step-daughter and two-parent family structure. I asked Karin to tell me what it was like to date while pregnant and how she weeded out the creeps from the serious candidates. She also tells me about her plans to conceive a child through a friend’s sperm donation and the shift to a sperm donor bank when her original plan didn’t work. She describes the mindset she went through while looking for a new sperm donor. Tragedy struck during her pregnancy when her daughter’s twin was born stillborn. She is very frank about that disappointment and her regrets about that baby’s treatment. We then move on to how Karin met her partner and how they blended two families. She shares her experience as a step-mom and explains the pros and cons of choosing to parent with someone else. She encourages parents to look for their “tribes” and build a community for themselves and their family. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Karin’s early expectations of motherhood. Her plans to conceive her child with a friend. How she chose her sperm donor when the original plan didn’t work. The heartbreak of giving birth to one live child and one stillborn. How Karin balanced dating and pregnancy. When she realized she wanted a blended family. How she met her partner. The upside of parenting with another person. The downside of being part of a partnership. Karin’s life as a step-mom. How she was able to blend her family. Karin’s advice for pregnant women who want to date. Her regrets from her pregnancy. How Karin built a community and tribe for her daughter. Resources Center for Loss in Multiple Births (CLIMB) Sign up to be a podcast guest Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Sarah’s email Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the websi

My guest today is Marni, a single-mother-by-choice who chose the path when the community wasn’t very accessible. She does an excellent job of painting what it was like twelve years ago and the challenges of finding donors. Marni needed both an egg donor and a sperm donor to conceive her son. At the time of Marni’s process, her choices were very limited and sperm donors were always anonymous. She explains how she chose her donors and why she actually had to fight for her sperm donor in the end. She expresses how much the community has changed since her process. The community is much easier to reach out to now. Marni has also raised her son largely on her own away from her family. We discuss the importance of “getting over yourself” and asking for help. It doesn’t mean you are weak. She is also proof that you don’t need family support to raise a child, a common stumbling block for some women. Marni offers a unique perspective on the single-mother-by-choice path. She chose her path at a time when it was not a favorable option, culturally speaking. Which makes it a testament to the drive and resilience of Marni and the community around her. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Marni’s early ideas of motherhood. Why she waited till 40 to try to conceive. The failed IUIs (Intrauterine inseminations) and the switch to IVF (In vitro fertilization.) Deciding to continue with an egg donor instead of adoption. How Marni chose her egg and sperm donors. Why she had to fight to get the same sperm donor as a college friend. What led to the decision to be open and honest with her son about his conception. Why every woman should have the option to stay at home (and why Marni doesn’t.) Asking for help and finding a supportive community to help you. The burden of being both good cop and bad cop. Why you don’t need family close to raise a child and how to make it work. Resources Sign up to be a podcast guest Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Sarah’s email Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twi

At the age of 38, Elena had her eggs frozen, by her early 40s, she was using those eggs and a sperm donor to conceive a child. She is now the proud mother of a healthy 3-year-old girl. Like most women, Elena had her own ideas of how motherhood was going to be but life went another direction. We discuss how Elena was able to move past her expectations of motherhood. She recommends the benefits of therapy and finding people you can trust to listen and help you sort through the complex emotions that come with this alternative path to motherhood. Elena shares what motherhood has been like for her and what she would tell other women considering the single-motherhood-by-choice path. The joy she feels when she discusses her daughter is really infectious. She truly enjoys the single-mother-by-choice path and is a heart-warming reminder that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to build a family. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Elena’s early ideas of motherhood. The decision to freeze her eggs and the realization she would need them. How therapy helped her let go of her expectations of motherhood. Why you should look for sperm donors that share similar traits to you. The importance of knowing the medical history of a sperm donor. Why Elena is taking the honest approach with her daughter regarding her conception. The overwhelming depth of love Elena feels for her daughter. How being an older and single mother creates appreciation. Why Elena feels she is more comfortable with motherhood. The unexpected exhaustion that comes with motherhood. Elena’s advice to other single-mothers-by-choice. How to find a support group and ask for the help you need. How Motherhood Reimagined is helping the alternative motherhood community. Resources Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest,

I’m happy to welcome Jill to the podcast. Jill is a life coach and mentor for people facing big life-altering decisions. Her favorite topic to address is solo parenting. Jill is a single-mother-by-choice who had a definite idea of what her life was supposed to be. Jill is involved with an organization called Uncharted You. She shares what it was like to let go of her “fairy tale” and move forward in becoming the proud mother of her now healthy and thriving son. Jill tried IUI (Intrauterine insemination) early on in her journey but she miscarried. She explores that disappointment with me and focuses more on how she carried on with her dream for motherhood. Although Jill achieved her dream through egg and sperm donation, today’s episode is more so about letting go of your own expectations of motherhood and the reality that motherhood doesn’t end with the release form from the hospital. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Jill’s “fairy tale” and why she struggled with it. Her failed pregnancy and the 3-year process. How Jill let go of her fear, expectations, and the fairy tale. How she stayed focus on her goal. The powerful mother-by-choice community. How Jill’s journey led to personal growth. The pros and cons of solo parenting. There is no final destination as a mom. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Why the Family Book is a helpful resource. Let go of perfection and aim for progress. Alternative paths to motherhood are valid paths. Keep moving forward on your journey. Resources Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Uncharted You Jill’s email The Family Book by Todd Parr Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitt

Gail Sexton Anderson is the CEO and founder of Donor Concierge, an organization that helps clients find egg and sperm donors. Gail explains how her organization approaches the sensitive topic of egg and sperm donation and surrogacy. She also offers great advice for women currently looking for donors or surrogates. Gail shares her observations of common hang-ups clients have regarding the donor and surrogacy process. She suggests ways to make the process more comfortable for the donor and the client, and how her organization fits into the system established by several agencies around the country. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Why Gail began Donor Concierge. The agencies and physicians Donor Concierge work with in tandem. How Donor Concierge helps their clients before and during the process. Gail’s advice for women looking for a gestational carrier. Her advice for women looking for egg and sperm donors. How Donor Concierge helps with the surrogacy process. The facts Gail thinks clients need to consider in the beginning. The pros and cons of using first-time donors. Tips for meeting a potential donor. The importance of transparency within your family and knowing what is best for your situation. Gail’s final advice to the audience. Resources Donor Concierge Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Also, consider joining our Motherhood Reimagined Tribe to connect with other women just like you. Please join us for our next episode when we talk to another inspirational mother! Quotes:

Stacy is a single mother by choice who had a grueling eight-year journey to motherhood. She shares her struggles with infertility and the disappointments regarding the adoption and surrogacy processes. She researched every avenue available to her and suffered many miscarriages. In the end, the surrogacy process and adoption process paid off and she became the proud mother of two children. One through surrogacy and one through adoption. Stacy explores her emotions during this time. She also discusses the stigmas as well as the hidden angels she found during her journey. There are pearls of wisdom in this episode for every mother and every woman wanting to be a mother. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Stacy’s image of motherhood in the beginning. The string of miscarriages and hysterectomy that were a turning point. The avenues Stacy explored such as adoption and surrogacy. The failed attempts Stacy had to overcome. The day Stacy got the phone call about her two children –the 24 hours that ended her 8 year journey to motherhood with two kids. How not to give up on your desire to be a mother. The grieving process Stacy went through when letting go of the idea of biological children. The stigma regarding adopted children versus biological children. Stacy’s encouragement to future single-mothers-by-choice. What she likes about motherhood and what she doesn’t. Stacy’s parting advice to the audience. Resources Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Also, consider joining our Motherhood Reimagined Tribe to connect with other women just like you. Please join us for our next episode when we talk

Welcome to Motherhood Reimagined, the podcast that helps women who are choosing single motherhood to find a community and helpful resources to prepare for unconventional paths to motherhood. My guest today is Sige Weisman, a therapist who is currently expecting her first child via a natural IUI (intrauterine insemination.) Sige shares why she decided to leave a loving, yet unready relationship to pursue single motherhood. She explores her connection to love and family and how the IUI path has changed her thinking. She encourages women to let go of their fear of single motherhood and consider an unconventional pregnancy method. We also acknowledge the serious questions a woman needs to ask herself before going through the process. Sige is at an interesting crossroads that many women find themselves. I think Sige’s story is relatable for a lot of women and is exciting and beautiful. If you have a takeaway from today, let it be don’t let your desire for children take a backseat to a relationship. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Sige’s plans for her life in her early 20s. The conversation that made her consider an alternative path to motherhood. Sige’s plans to freeze her eggs and why it wasn’t an option for her. The serious relationship that was the catalyst to begin her IUI journey. How Sige decided to move forward with her motherhood path without a partner. How Sige separated her desire for children from her desire for romance. What she considered when choosing her donor. How Sige feels about being days away from motherhood. The loneliness that comes with single motherhood. Sige’s master’s research about middle age women’s attitudes about motherhood. The negative reactions to her pregnancy and questions she still needs to ask herself. Why Sige considers herself privileged to take this path to motherhood. Resources SF Women's Therapy California Cryobank Motherhood Reimagined website Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest

Abby is a twice single mother by choice. She shares her story about choosing the sperm donor path and why she chose to give the gift of an embryo to another hopeful mother. Abby compares her two pregnancies and discusses the trouble of having two children along with the joy of it. She offers advice to other mothers considering having a second child and tells a really touching story about embryo donation and what it has meant to her family. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Abby’s expectations for her family life. The events that lead to Abby’s decision to use a sperm donor. The lab issues and the rushed decision about her sperm donor at the last minute. Abby’s second pregnancy and how it differed from the first. Why Abby prefers single motherhood and doesn’t regret it. What Abby likes about motherhood and what she doesn’t. Why Abby decided to be an embryo donor. The process of donating the embryo and the impact on her family. Resources Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Also, consider joining our Motherhood Reimagined Tribe to connect with other women just like you. Please join us for our next episode when we talk to another inspirational mother!

Welcome to Motherhood Reimagined, the podcast that helps women who are choosing single motherhood to find a community and helpful resources to prepare for unconventional paths to motherhood. My guest today is Janice Held, she is an architect who decided to conceive a child via a sperm and egg donor. Janice shares how her thinking changed during the donor process and how she soldiered on even when things didn’t go smoothly. We discuss her expectations of motherhood and the misconceptions that held her back from taking the donor path. We also cover the importance of having a support system during the donor process. Janice shares a very uplifting and all too common experience. The largest lesson I think listeners can take away from this episode is, listen to yourself, connect with yourself and do what you feel is best for you. Some highlights of today’s conversation: Janice’s early years and original plans for motherhood. What led to her decision to use both sperm and egg donor? Why Janice wanted to carry her own child. The fears and bias that kept Janice moving forward in the process. How she overcame those fears and bias. How meditation helped Janice to cope with the donor process.How Janice feels about having had a child at an older age. The importance of listening to yourself and knowing what you want. The new definition of family and how society is adjusting. Resources California Cryobank Motherhood Reimagined website Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Shady Grove Fertility Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Please join us for our next episode when we talk to another inspirational mother!

Welcome the first episode of the Motherhood Reimagined podcast! I am your host Sarah Kowalski. I am an author, life coach, fertility doula, a certified Feldenkrais method practitioner, and Qigong instructor. I started this podcast as a way to unite women who are considering alternative paths to motherhood. I chose the “single mother by choice” path for myself and it has been one of my best decisions. Many women have personal bias and fears that keep them from being a mother. I want to help these women. I want to celebrate motherhood in all its forms. During this episode, I tell you my story. How I came to this unconventional path and how I hope to inspire and encourage my listeners to follow their hearts. Some highlights of today’s conversation: What the term “single mother by choice” means. My early ideas of motherhood and family. My journey to self-growth. My alternative path to motherhood. The mothers who are featured on my podcast. How my guests chose their sperm and egg donors and other standard questions I will ask on my show. Resources Motherhood Reimagined Website Motherhood Reimagined Tribe Motherhood Reimagined: When Becoming a Mother Doesn’t Go As Planned: A Memoir by Sarah Kowalski Thank you for joining us for Motherhood Reimagined. You can contact us through the website or Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Please join us for our next episode when we talk to another inspirational mother!

Sarah Kowalksi joins Dr. Aimee to talk about fertility, and the choice to pursue becoming a single mother using modern fertility methods.

In BONUS Episode 161 of Beat Infertility, we interview Sarah Kowalski, a single mother by choice and the founder and author of Motherhood Reimagined, about navigating fertility treatments as a single woman. If you need additional support, consider joining Hope University or our Infertility Warrior Tribe. For details on both, please visit https://beatinfertility.co/hopeu.

In BONUS Episode 161 of Beat Infertility, we interview Sarah Kowalski, a single mother by choice and the founder and author of Motherhood Reimagined, about navigating fertility treatments as a single woman. Infertility coach Heather Huhman helps warriors like you make scientifically-based, well-informed decisions about your next steps. To schedule your free 30-minute call, go to https://beatinfertility.co/hope.

At the age of thirty-nine, Sarah Kowalski heard her biological clock ticking, loudly. A single woman harboring a deep ambivalence about motherhood, Kowalski needed to decide once and for all: Did she want a baby or not? More importantly, with no partner on the horizon, did she want to have a baby alone? Once she revised her idea of motherhood―from an experience she would share with a partner to a journey she would embark upon alone―the answer came up a resounding Yes. After exploring her options, Kowalski chose to conceive using a sperm donor, but her plan stopped short when a doctor declared her infertile. How far would she go to make motherhood a reality? Kowalski catapulted herself into a diligent regimen of herbs, Qigong, meditation, acupuncture, and more, in a quest to improve her chances of conception. Along the way, she delved deep into spiritual healing practices, facing down demons of self-doubt and self-hatred, ultimately discovering an unconventional path to parenthood. In the end, to become a mother, Kowalski did everything she said she would never do. And she wouldn't change a thing.  http://motherhoodreimagined.org/about-us/