81. Lana Manikowski - Thrive After Infertility: Choosing a Life Beyond Motherhood

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the fertility treatments stop, the clinics stop calling, and life doesn’t look anything like you imagined?In this powerful episode of Radiant Resilience, Tawny sits down with Lana Mankowski—author, certified life coach, and infertility advocate—who helps women thrive after infertility and find meaning beyond motherhood. After a seven-year fertility journey that ended without a child, Lana was left grieving a future she thought was guaranteed. When she couldn’t find the support she needed, she created it herself.Tawny and Lana dive into:The reality of unexplained infertility and failed IVF cyclesGrieving the dream of motherhood and navigating the silence that followsWhy choosing not to pursue adoption is a valid, deeply personal decisionHow infertility impacts marriages, intimacy, and identityRebuilding a relationship with your body after feeling like it “failed” youFinding purpose, connection, and relevance in a childless lifeLana’s 12-week coaching program Thrive After Infertility and her book So Now What, a roadmap for life after treatments endIf you’re in the thick of trying, sitting in the in-between, or learning how to live a beautiful life without the children you longed for, this conversation is for you. Lana’s message is clear and hopeful: your story isn’t over—it’s just the beginning.Specific topics covered that may be triggering:Infertility and “unexplained infertility” diagnosesFailed IUI and IVF cyclesEmbryo transfer complications and non-viable embryo resultsGenetic testing (Trisomy 16) and the end of pursuing biological parenthoodChoosing to stop treatment and remain childlessAdoption discussions and the decision not to adoptGrief, isolation, and feeling “othered”Body image, weight gain, and hating your body after treatmentMarital/intimacy struggles and trauma stored in the bodyInsensitive comments (“you can always adopt,” “you’re lucky you can travel,” etc.)CONNECT WITH [email protected] on IG, TikTok and YouTube WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE POD??? Click here to be featured in the podcast!WANT TO SHARE YOUR STORY ANONYMOUSLY? EMAIL ME! @ [email protected] WITH TAWNY!Email us your stories and questions! [email protected] Tawny: @tawnypalmWatch us on YouTube