What The Fertility

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kayla's Surrogacy Journey 01:57 Kayla's Background as a Nurse and Interest in Surrogacy 03:57 Deciding to Become a Surrogate and First Steps 05:58 Matching with Intended Parents via Facebook 08:01 Medical and Legal Clearances Process 10:00 Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Experience 12:07 Emotional Journey and Bonding with Baby 14:03 Birth and Post-Birth Contact 15:50 Reflections and Advice for Future Surrogates resources Facebook Surrogacy Groups - USA Surrogacy & Christian Surrogacy - https://facebook.com/groups/USASurrogacy Reach Fertility Clinic, Charlotte - https://reachfertility.com

Katrina Quach, owner of Fertility Point Acupuncture based in Australia helps women TTC. She has patients that are suffering with recurrent miscarriage, unexplained infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, patients over 35 and so much more.IG:@fertility.point.acuwww.fertilityacu.auBook your first appointment now!

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alli's Journey 02:57 The Struggles of Ectopic Pregnancies 06:04 Navigating IVF and Egg Retrievals 08:50 The Emotional Toll of Loss 11:57 Deciding on Adoption 14:58 The Adoption Process and New Beginnings 24:56 The Journey to Adoption 27:42 Emotional Moments of Motherhood 29:08 Navigating Adoption Laws and Finalization 30:41 The Intricacies of Adoption Anxiety 34:40 Bonding Beyond Biology 39:09 Sharing Adoption Stories with Children resources Instagram - One Cycle at a Time - https://www.instagram.com/one_cycle_at_a_time/

Lillian Rishty, mom of four shares her journey with postpartum depression. She is a licensed therapist and helps women struggling with anxiety, perinatal mental health and so much more.IG: @nyctherapygroup Book a 15 minute free intro call www.nyctherapygroup.comAccepting clients from NY, NJ, CT, FL

00:00 Introduction to Sophia's Journey 02:59 Navigating Early Pregnancy and Loss 05:58 The Heartbreaking Diagnosis 08:42 Facing the Decision of Termination 11:48 The Emotional Aftermath of Loss 14:56 The Struggle to Conceive Again 17:50 The Rollercoaster of Pregnancy After Loss 24:15 The Unfolding of Grief 29:23 Navigating Medical Procedures and Emotional Turmoil 35:45 The Impact of Loss on Family Dynamics 41:11 Hope Amidst Trauma: A New Pregnancy Journey 45:16 Finding Community and Support in Grief

Dr. Emily Guarnotta shares her practice Phoenix Health with us and what she specialize on. They take insurance in 10 states and loves working with infertility and perinatal mental health.www.joinphoenixhealth.com@joinphoenixhealth@dremilyguarnotta

This episode we have Amanda's (co-host) older sister Courtney on the podcast. They chat all the similarities and differences in motherhood as well as their relationship. Courtney did not walk through loss herself but she watched Amanda walk through it and was by her side through it all. Be sure to listen as Courtney shares her perspective of motherhood and what she has done that has helped her be a better mom and better individual.IG:@courtneysica

In this episode, Josh Paigen speaks about the often-overlooked topic of male fertility and the importance of preconception health. Josh shares his personal journey into fertility optimization, emphasizing the significance of sperm quality and the various tests available. He introduces his framework of five pillars that encompass nutrition, detoxification, exercise, rest, and mindset, all of which play a crucial role in enhancing fertility. The conversation highlights the need for men to take an active role in their reproductive health and offers practical advice for optimizing sperm quality through lifestyle changes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Preconception Health 03:03 The Importance of Sperm Quality 06:15 Understanding the Five Pillars of Male Fertility 09:17 The Role of Lifestyle in Sperm Health 12:20 The Impact of Age on Fertility 15:26 Heat Exposure and Sperm Quality 21:28 Understanding Blood Sugar Regulation 27:28 Detoxification and Environmental Toxins 32:20 The Importance of Exercise and Circadian Biology 34:41 Mindset and Emotional Regulation

Laura Weppler's path to becoming a fertility support professional began unexpectedly. Initially trained as a labor and delivery nurse, she soon realized that the fast-paced nature of the job did not fulfill her desire for deeper connections with patients. It was during her transition to a fertility clinic in the Chicago area that she discovered her true calling. "I was meant to work in this field," she recalls, describing how she fell in love with the technology that helps people build their families. This passion was further fueled by her personal struggles with fertility, which made her approach to patient care even more empathetic. Laura's journey to motherhood was fraught with challenges, including irregular ovulation and a traumatic miscarriage after an initial IUI. Ultimately, IVF became her path to parenthood, resulting in two beautiful children. This experience not only deepened her understanding of the emotional turmoil many face during fertility treatments but also equipped her with the empathy necessary to guide others through similar journeys.

OBGYN and REI/Infertility specialist Dr. Rachel Mandelbaum sits down and shares all about her practice and Needle Free IVF.Check out her IG for FAQ's and demonstrations of needle free IVF cycle.IG: @rachel.mandelbaum.md

In this episode, Jared Walker shares his journey through infertility and the emotional challenges he faced alongside his wife. He discusses the inspiration behind his book, 'The Empty Nest,' which uses the metaphor of two ducks to explore the heavy themes of infertility. Jared also introduces his nonprofit, Dollar Four, which helps individuals navigate medical debt and access financial assistance for healthcare costs. The conversation highlights the importance of open communication in relationships during difficult times and the need for resources to support those facing similar struggles.

In this episode Catherine and Amanda discuss the complexities of motherhood after experiencing loss. They delve into topics such as sleep patterns, postpartum anxiety, and the challenges of parenting through secondary infertility. The conversation highlights the unique experiences of each child and the emotional journey of navigating grief while raising children. They also touch on the importance of sibling relationships in understanding loss and the joy that comes with motherhood, despite the challenges. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on managing anger and frustration as parents, and they conclude with a discussion about upcoming adventures in parenting.

Courtney Simelton, a licensed Mental Health therapist sits down with us and shares about her private practice For Her Counseling.She has specialized training in working with women experiencing infertility, miscarriage/pregnancy loss, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.She is located in Charlotte, NC and is available in person in office or virtually to NC and SC clients.Website:https://www.forhercounseling.com/Email: [email protected]:@forhercounselingShe shares her own personal journey of secondary infertility and how it has now allowed her to empathize even more with clients who are struggling with any infertility and different stages of motherhood.

In this episode, Dr. Angela Potter, an integrative fertility specialist, discusses the complexities of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and its impact on women's fertility. She shares her personal journey into integrative medicine, the importance of understanding PCOS, and how it can be managed through nutrition and hormonal health. The conversation also addresses common myths surrounding PCOS, the significance of thyroid health, and the need for individualized care in fertility treatments. Dr. Potter emphasizes that women with PCOS can achieve successful pregnancies with the right support and resources. To find more about Dr.Potter, visit her website https://www.drangelapotter.com/

We are so excited to announce our new series Motherhood after loss! We wanted to have a space for women that have gone through loss or infertility and are experiencing motherhood. We want to share our journey of navigating the everyday and what life may look like after loss.Our first episode is with Lauren Dewey, owner of brooksybox. Brooksybox is a care package service for all different stages of life. Lauren wanted to design packages for every stage of. motherhood. She shares her story to get to her son Brooks and why she started her business. Be sure to check it out and use code WTFPOD15 for 15% off!www.brooksybox.com

Cat and Amanda sit down with co-founder and CEO Priyanka Jain as she shares about the mission of Evvy and how that impacts the fertility community."Know what's up down there" - be sure to check out their website and order an innovative and effective vaginal microbiome test that comes straight to your home.www.evvy.com"Evvy is unlocking precision healthcare for women and people with vaginas""Evvy's mission is to close the gender health gap by discovering and leveraging overlooked female biomarkers-starting with the vaginal microbiome"IG: @evvyTiktok:@evvybio

Mary Susan started her cycle at 11 and faced severe pain. Endometriosis often takes a long time to diagnose. A total hysterectomy was necessary for Mary Susan at 21. IVF can be physically and emotionally challenging. Finding the right surrogate is crucial for the journey. Community support plays a vital role in the surrogacy process. Mary Susan and her surrogate have developed a close bond. Surrogacy can provide hope for those struggling with infertility. The emotional impact of fertility struggles is significant. Mary Susan aims to be a source of support for others.

In this episode of What The Fertility Podcast, hosts Catherine and Amanda sit down with Reece Weaver to discuss the important work of Beckett's Blessing Box, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced child loss. Reece shares her personal connection to the cause, the resources provided by the organization, and the significance of community support in the grieving process. The conversation also touches on fundraising efforts, the importance of awareness, and the impact of faith in healing. Reece emphasizes that no one should walk through grief alone and highlights the legacy of Beckett as a source of hope and support for many families.To learn more about Beckett's Blessing Box you can visit them on Instagram @beckettsblessingbox or online via www.mortonscholarship.com.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:10 Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss05:58 Beckett's Blessing Box: Mission and Impact08:55 Fundraising and Community Involvement11:45 Personal Reflections on Grief and Support14:50 Merchandise and Awareness Initiatives17:43 Final Thoughts and Community Support

Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down her own infertility journey or reoccurent pregnancy loss and how that ultimately led her to become such a strong fertility advocate and voice in the online space. Tune in to hear about her new book, The Fertility Formula, as well as answers to listeners questions such as, "are wearables worth it, optimal ways to track fertility, and even some discussion around menopause. To learn more about Dr. Crawford go to www. nataliecrawfordmd.com or @nataliecrawfordmd on Instagram. Also, in today's episode you can learn how to get The Fertility Formula Starter Pack—including The 7-Day Hormone Reset and The Ultimate IVF Guide!

Amanda and Cat share about whats been going on and whats to come in season 5.

Erin shares her journey with a resected uterine septum & recurrent pregnancy loss.-ivf-donor eggsIG:@chasingcatandrainbows

Part 2 with guest Shelby as she shares all that has happened since Season 3 and what led her to her son Benjamin.She shares about how she went into labor at 30 weeks and life in the NICU was like. Resources:IG:@manipuraacupunctureAcupuncture and Holistic Healthcare IG: @hishelby

Author Jami Crist shares her journey through loss and infertility which led her to write the book "The Losses We Keep" and begin a podcast "The Radical Female".IG/Tiktok:@jamicristLink to The Losses We Keep:https://www.amazon.com/Losses-We-Keep-Journey-Fertility/dp/1958472115/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m4VZPfoXScTbqdTaXIbuCQQrLbbOTTKAJnsRh-pOEtUjKobuRM0EeTGyCBy4x6centB19VVpovoGohUqqZHkS7wjg42emxVjY7fErvbQmrmTOMySaRBx8yaY7Ak5CXr19tdZreMxVrrJptKWLHkoDAk8WWsEi4oFajzZak98PUj2zuVhCkmid1zXSMcpwz2RulqORtqk8p5CMAOSEM1EXZDMohVLaDhKQzeapn_wpAg.5KaZJIAplaM_EfMP-e3UbCOcurWyu2hm2XygjiU4KB4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+losses+we+keep&qid=1751243842&sr=8-1

Hannah shares her journey through 4 miscarriages, IVF and the struggles she has gone through while trying to start their family. She chats with us about the importance of taking a step back and taking a break when needed.Triggers Warning: Miscarriage, FET cancelIG:@hannahtetreault92

To learn more about Kyla, you can connect with her on Instagram: @kylamayalew

PCOS and Endo ExpertFocuses on helping you get pregnant natural, IVF/ICSIIntegrative Nutrition & MoreIG: @thefertilitycoach_Resources:thefertility-coach.co.uk

Fiona Macdonald easily conceived her first child. When the couple started trying for another baby, they were immediately faced with experiencing their first miscarriage. Unfortunately for Fiona, she would go on to have a total of 5 miscarriages and turn to IVF to assist in growing her family. In this episode, we discuss common misconceptions around secondary infertility and the isolation that women feel when facing infertility after becoming a mother. To connect further with Fiona, you can find her on IG @fitfertilitea

Tiffany went through two miscarriages and a myomectomy to remove fibroids before the conception of her now 2 year old daughter. When she started trying for a second child, she was thrown into the world of recurrent miscarriage, experiencing five back to back losses. Her last loss was an ectopic pregnancy which caused her to lose her right fallopian tube. Her family turned to IVF, as she had unexplained RPL. Tiffany found success through IVF and just announced the conception of her second baby! To connect with Tiffany, find her on IG: @tiffanyldeleon

Juliana Jason, Founder of Embyr, started her turbulent infertility journey at just 21 years old. She shares how she went through the loss of her left ovary and fallopian tube to a soccer ball sized tumor. This event led Juliana to IVF, where she experienced several complications. Ultimately, Juliana went on to have three beautiful children and along the way created an infertility inspired jewelry line called Embyr. Embyr jewelry is something you can hold onto and something that represents what you have been through. To learn more about Juliana and Embyr jewelry, follow them on Instagram: @embyr_forever or on her website www.embyrforever.com.

Analeah shares her long journey with 6 IVF transfers, 4 miscarriages, PPROM at 23 weeks, NICU stay and all the in between.IG:@analeahaaha

Hayley shares her personal journey with infertility and loss, after being diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma. Hayley talks in depth about the moment when her physician shared she would need brain surgery in order to build her family. Tune in to hear how Hayley navigated her diagnosis and kept moving forward to ultimately welcome her beautiful daughter into this world! To learn more about Hayley, you can find her on Instagram: @hayleyjconnor

We sit down with host, Catherine Baker's own REI, Dr. Edward Tarnawa. Catherine received care at PREG, as a second opinion during her initial years of reoccurent pregnancy loss. Dr. T and his partner, Dr. Theisen share what led them to reproductive endocrinology, answer listeners Q&As, and dive into the myths of regulatory requirements when it comes to IVF. To learn more about PREG visit www.pregonline.com or follow them on Instagram at @pregonline.

Laetitia shares her story with 3 miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy and ultimately what led her to conceive at 40 years old.Her journey has led her to become a fertility coach and focus on aligning ones mindset with their body.IG:@mindset_bodyandsoulFree Consultation Coaching Call:https://calendly.com/mindsetbodyandsoul/20minEmail:[email protected]:Free Guided Meditation Resource- check out her IG

Erica Hoke shares her infertility struggles and how doctors shared she had less than a 1% chance of conception. Erica is the Author of the book series Infertility Success 'Stories of Help and Hope For your Journey." You can view and purchase the book series here. To learn more about Erica, you can follow her on IG: @infertilemomof4

Aubrey shares her journey through 6 years TTC, 2 failed IUI's, 2 unsuccessful FET and a diagnosis of Endo and PCOS.

Beth Gulotta, a licensed therapist, is the host and founder of Quiet the Clock. Beth's focus is breaking down societal timelines and expectations. To learn more about Beth, follow her on instagram @quiettheclockpod

Jolene Podcast host of Motherhood Off the Rails shares her journey with miscarriage and how that encouraged her to create a community around infertility.

Lelya Bilali, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer, shares her personal and professional journey that led her to launch Dandi, with her partner Jake Kent (CEO). We have personally used the Dandi products and could not recommend more! Use WTFORWHATTHEFERTILITY for for $15 any product! To learn more about Dandi Fertility, follow them on IG: @dandifertility

To find more information on Dr. Mickey Coffler, following him on Instagram: @mickeycofflermd or @hrcfertilitysd. To learn more about HRC Fertility visit www.havingbabies.com

Aliza Sir shares her story with secondary infertility, a blighted ovum, Asherman's diagnosis and more.Asherman's specialist: Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Dr. Peter Movilla; Dr. Isaacson recently moved to New OrleansFacebook Group: Asherman's Syndrome Awareness & Support Anyone who is in New England, Here is a Zoom support groups facilitated by AllPaths Family Building (a regional nonprofit) to be wonderful.Platonic Love link: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/ My miscarriage story: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/p/why-getting-pregnant-wont-be-on-my?How music has helped me through grief: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/p/issue-78-songs-for-a-terrible-horrible?How to help a friend through grief: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/p/issue-83-how-to-help-a-friend-throughBouncing back after pregnancy: https://platonicloveletter.substack.com/p/issue-56-i-still-wouldnt-say-ive?

Join us to learn more about @thefertilitymama, Ceire Nevins. Ceire talks about her own personal journey with infertility which led her to a career of fertility health coaching. Ceire provides so many free resources to her followers! Check out her Instagram @thefertiltiymama or click on the link here to access all of her freebies! Some of which include her IVF survival guide, 8 steps to take control of your fertility, & self-care while-we-wait challenge! Some additional links for items referenced during today's show: The science of well-being course offered through Yale with Laura Santos, which is free! The IIN link in case anyone is interested!

Trigger Warning: Shares her journey with stillborn pregnancyIn loving memory of Remy & Wyatt PCOS, ENDO, Donor embryos, her journey through loss and so much moreResources: @faithslodge@chasingtherainbowsincIG: @j_

Tune in to hear Courtney's unique story of pursuing IVF for genetic exclusion testing, due to her husband's family history with Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease has a 50/50 chance of being passed. Courtney shares how her family was able to have children through IVF, to ensure her children did not inherit Huntingtons.

Lauren shares her long journey through IVF and how she navigated recurrent loss, endo, and so much more.Be sure to listen until the end for the sweetest surprise that we got to find out live during the podcast.IG:@itsme_lc4

Lisa White is a IVF mama, podcast host, and infertility mentor. Lisa is the Author of Hold On, Baby a book focused on helping women navigate the mindset challenges that come along with IVF. To learn more about Lisa, follow her on IG @ivf.manifesting.a.miracle

Andrea, a Latina IVF mama that went through 8 miscarriages. Had her miracle rainbow baby and then endured another loss that led to the removal of her tubes.IG:@hotmessivfmama

Co-founder of Balanced Friends, Sam, shares how they are integrating home lab testing, detoxification, and supplements to support your fertility journey. Follow Balanced Friends on IG: @balancedfriends.

"JustanotherIVFmama, Alicia Amos shares her long journey with PCOS, complex congenital uterine anomaly, failed cycles, silent endometriosis, infertility ministry and so much more.IG:@justanotherivfmamaSupport Group:@midmoinfertilitysupport@waitinginhope

Cat and Amanda share all of their personal updates on trying for baby #2. They discuss the interesting dynamics of one partner being pregnant while the other is closing the chapter on growing their family.

SEASON 3 FINALE!! We will chat with you all next year!