The World of Fertility Psychology Feat. Lauren Berman

Today we had the amazing opportunity to speak with our incredible Mental Health Advisor, Dr. Lauren Berman. Dr. Berman is a clinical psychologist and the founder of the Fertility Psychology Center of Atlanta. She works with reproductive endocrinology practices as well as gestational surrogacy and egg donation programs, and is the past chair of the ASRM mental health professional group. Dr. Berman explains the importance of LANGUAGE in discussing 3rd party assisted reproductive technology (for example, “birth mom” vs. “mom,” or “surrogate” vs. “gestational carrier”), as well as the process of first going into a fertility clinic or first considering working wiht a gestational carrier from a psycholgical perspecitive. We learn about why people become gestational carriers and what the psychological clearance is like for becoming a gestational carrier (not everyone qualifies!). And of course, we dig deep into “my baby…your body.” If you or someone you know is considering becoming or working with a gestational carrier, you should absolutely give this episode a listen! Dr. Berman is a wealth of knowledge and we are proud to work with her as the JFF Mental Health Chair.