Episode 37: National Infertility Awareness Week - "More Than"

In this episode Jennifer talks with Lauren Hart Clancy, Executive Director at All Paths Family Building, about National Infertility Awareness Week. Lauren is a public health professional, maternal health and family building advocate, pediatric sleep and development practitioner, and perinatal behavioral health coach. After spending her career in the hospital and healthcare industry she founded The Village Advocate to support individuals navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood. She also co-founded and led the Boston Chapter of Chamber of Mothers for two years. Lauren first came to AllPaths seeking support during her own family building journey and then spent several years as a volunteer, leading peer support groups and annual fundraising efforts, before assuming her current role.Key Topics DiscussedLauren's family-building journey: a male factor infertility diagnosis, multiple IVF cycles, failed transfers, pregnancy loss and changing clinicsHow Lauren found AllPaths  and the moment she, "first experienced what it felt like to find my people"Her path from support group participant to AllPaths peer group leader to Walk Committee volunteer to Executive DirectorNational Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) 2026 theme "More Than" Losing your identity on the journeyParticipating in NIAW when you're not comfortable being public about your storyAllPaths peer-led support groups, how they work and why lived experience leadership matters.Finding support when you don't know what your path is going to look likeWhat gives Lauren hope: Growing openness and a shift toward patient-focused careHow to get involved with AllPaths: support groups, the podcast, the Walk and board committeesWords to Remember"The sooner that you find your people, the easier this is going to be, no matter what the outcomes are.""There's no medal or award for doing this alone.""There are people and organizations out there that will hold you how you need to be held."Resources Mentioned#NIAW. Search on social media for events, Instagram Lives and resourcesAllPaths Family Building. Support groups, advocacy, professional directory, podcast and programmingAllPaths Podcast. Family-building stories, searchable by topicChamber of Mothers. Non-partisan nonprofit and grassroots movement uniting moms for a better America; Boston chapter co-founded by Lauren Hart ClancyFootsteps for Family Building Walk. AllPaths annual fundraising eventRESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association.  Empowers people navigating their fertility journey through trusted information, community support, and grassroots advocacyThe Village Advocate. Supports individuals and families from preconception through early parenthood; founded by Lauren Hart ClancyConnect with Lauren:Instagram: @villageadvocateEmail: [email protected] with Jennifer:Schedule a free Fertility Support SessionFollow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhcDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.