14: It’s National Infertility Awareness Week: Let’s Talk About It with Stephanie Booe | Infertility, IVF, & Motherhood After Infertility

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week and Elisa sits down with infertility advocate and IVF warrior, Stephanie Booe, to talk about infertility and how this diagnosis has changed her life. This episode is raw and vulnerable as Stephanie shares her journey through infertility, IVF, and motherhood after infertility. She offers an honest look at both the clinical understanding and also the emotional weight of it all. Stephanie answers some common questions about infertility  while also sharing the reality of what it’s been like to live it. Stephanie opens up about her diagnosis of unexplained infertility and the grief of not having answers—along with the tension of holding both hope and fear at the same time. This conversation goes beyond the medical side to explore what infertility truly takes, from finances and future plans to friendships, identity, and mental health. She shares how infertility reshaped her life and marriage, while emphasizing the importance of communication, community, and finding safe spaces to process the weight of it all.The episode also explores motherhood after infertility—what it feels like to live in answered prayers while still carrying the impact of the journey. Stephanie speaks candidly about the intensified joy, the unexpected guilt, and the lasting emotional layers that don’t simply disappear after having children. In a deeply tender moment, she shares about her recent embryo transfer, the loss of their embryo and the grief that followed, offering insight into what it means to honor that life and move forward through heartbreak.Stephanie reflects on how sharing her story has created space for others to feel seen and supported, while also becoming a source of healing in her own life. She offers support to those walking similar paths and also practical, compassionate guidance for supporting loved ones through infertility. Whether you are walking through infertility or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassion, perspective, and hope in the midst of uncertainty.TW: I wanted to give a quick note that this episode includes open and honest conversations about pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and chemical pregnancy, along with experience navigating IUI and IVF. We completely understand that these topics can be deeply personal and difficult to hear. Please take care of yourself as you listen and feel free to pause, skip, or come back to this episode whenever you feel ready. If you relate deeply to any of this conversation, know that we’re sending you so much love and warm hugs!Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Follow & Connect with Stephanie on InstagramListen to the Messy Motherhood PodcastFor More Infertility Awareness, information, and support – check out The Warrior ShopGet Stephanie’s Book: You Were Worth the Wait___________________________________Connect with @ElisaUnscripted on Instagram Follow @ZealCastStudios on InstagramShort Story Long, Always is a ZealCast Studios Podcast: ZealCast Studios is a podcast management agency for passion-driven female creatives ready to amplify their messaging and leverage their brand through podcasting. If you are ready to step into your calling as a podcaster or are wanting to take your show to the next level, I invite you to reach out to ZealCast Studios for podcasting support. You can get started by going to www.zealcaststudios.com/get-started.