Before the BFP: A Fertility Podcast

In this episode, Hafsa sits down with Priyanka, a physician and mother of two, to talk about her experience with secondary infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and the emotional whiplash of getting pregnant easily once, then struggling the next time.Priyanka shares what it was like going into her second pregnancy with confidence, only to face a devastating 10-week miscarriage that completely shifted her understanding of fertility. She opens up about the fear of a possible molar pregnancy, miscarrying at home on Christmas Eve, and experiencing multiple chemical pregnancies in the months that followed.Together, Hafsa and Priyanka discuss:Why secondary infertility carries a unique and often misunderstood griefThe emotional toll of imagining a future that suddenly disappearsHow being dismissed by doctors can delay answers and deepen traumaThe role progesterone played in helping Priyanka sustain a pregnancyHow partners grieve differently and why they are often overlookedBreaking cultural silence around miscarriage and fertility strugglesThis conversation is honest, nuanced, and deeply validating for anyone who has been told “at least you already have one,” yet still feels the ache of loss, uncertainty, and unanswered questions.Trigger warning: miscarriage, pregnancy loss

In this episode of Before the BFP, I’m joined by Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda, author of Jefa in Training, consultant, and first-gen eldest daughter, who shares her deeply honest fertility journey after years of endometriosis, suspected PCOS, and not ovulating.Ashley opens up about the mental toll of tracking everything, medicated cycles with letrozole, intense side effects, and being told a cycle didn’t work, only to later find out she was pregnant. We talk about comparison, guilt, family pressure, cultural expectations, and the anxiety that doesn’t magically disappear once you finally see a positive test.This episode covers:Endometriosis and suspected PCOSOvulation issues and medicated cycles with letrozoleBeing told “it didn’t work” and the emotional crash that followedGetting a positive pregnancy test when it was least expectedLetting go after years of control and trackingInfertility anxiety carrying into pregnancyPreparing mentally for postpartum after a long TTC journeyIf you’re in the middle of trying to conceive, struggling with failed cycles, or trying to protect your mental health while holding onto hope, this episode will resonate deeply.NeededHigh-quality prenatal and postpartum supplements made with research-backed, thoughtfully sourced ingredients.🔗 Shop Needed:https://thisisneeded.com💛 Code: BFP20 for 20% offAt-home insemination kits designed to reduce stress while trying to conceive. Includes three applicators, a specimen cup, and instructions.🔗 Shop 2Plus Fertility:https://www.2plusfertility.com💛 Code: BFP15 for 15% off

✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order athttps://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o✨ Want to share your own story?https://bit.ly/shareyourbfpstoryIn Episode 13 of Before the BFP, Hafsa is joined by Megan Cavato, who shares her personal journey through infertility and years of trying to conceive.Megan opens up about what it was really like to live in the in-between for so long. The waiting. The cycles that did not work. The emotional exhaustion of planning life around TTC while watching others move on. She talks honestly about the pressure, the grief that is easy to dismiss, and how infertility slowly takes over your thoughts, your body, and your sense of self.This episode is not about quick fixes or advice. It is about what it feels like to keep going when nothing is happening, and how Megan eventually found a way to process everything she was carrying when words no longer felt enough.What years of trying to conceive actually felt like day to dayHow infertility changed her emotionally and mentallyThe quiet grief that comes with long TTC journeysFeeling stuck while life continues around youHow she found an outlet when everything felt overwhelmingAs a way to support others going through TTC and infertility, Megan created a free reflective art journal for listeners of Before the BFP. It includes thoughtful prompts meant to help you process the emotions that come with waiting, disappointment, and uncertainty.👉 Download the free art journal:You can connect with Megan and follow more of her journey here:👉 Megan on Instagram:@fertilitynesttherapy

Cait’s fertility journey is long, layered, and deeply honest.In this episode of Before the BFP, Cait shares what it was like to spend nearly a decade trying to grow her family. After years of irregular cycles, medicated rounds, and a devastating false positive pregnancy test, Cait and her husband moved into IVF. What followed was four retrievals in one year, repeated disappointment, genetic testing that changed everything, endometriosis surgery, hormone suppression, and the emotional weight of being told again and again that no embryos had made it.Cait opens up about the mental, physical, and financial toll of infertility, including spending nearly $100,000 out of pocket, navigating strained family relationships, and choosing to share her journey publicly when silence felt heavier than honesty. She also talks candidly about pregnancy after infertility, postpartum anxiety and depression, and the reality that becoming a mother does not automatically erase the trauma of everything it took to get there.After years of heartbreak, Cait and her husband transferred the single viable embryo they had left. That embryo became their son, Zion.This conversation is for anyone who has felt broken by fertility treatment, overwhelmed by repeated loss, or unsure who they are becoming on the other side of infertility.✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order athttps://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o✨ Want to share your own story?https://bit.ly/shareyourbfpstory

✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order at https://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o✨ Share your own story: https://bit.ly/shareyourbfpstoryAnupriya shares her journey from leukemia and a bone marrow transplant to surrogacy, using a donor egg, and navigating stigma in the South Asian communityIn this episode of Before the BFP, Hafsa talks with Anupriya, a family medicine physician, cancer survivor, and mom, about her remarkable journey to parenthood through surrogacy.Anupriya opens up about:Being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in her 20sHow cancer treatment and a bone marrow transplant ended her ability to carry a pregnancyFacing the emotional grief of losing fertility optionsChoosing surrogacy and working with an agency during the pandemicThe high financial, legal, and emotional costs of surrogacyUsing a donor egg, and the lack of South Asian donorsStarting the South Asian Women Infertility Warriors group on Facebook (now 300+ members)Navigating stigma, secrecy, and cultural shame around infertility and donor conceptionHow her surrogate’s gift brought her son into the world, and the mixed emotions of goodbyeThe importance of therapy, compassion, and presence in healingResources & Mentions:Resolve – infertility support and advocacyAmerican Cancer Society – cancer resources and patient supportFacebook group: South Asian Women Infertility Warriors (founded by Anupriya)

✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order at https://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o✨ Share your own story: https://bit.ly/shareyourbfpstoryChloe shares her journey through three chemical pregnancies, IVF, and the discovery of a rare DQ alpha gene match — and how she’s learned to advocate for herself along the way.In this episode of Before the BFP, Hafsa talks with Chloe from Australia about her three-year journey to conceive, which includes multiple early losses, failed IVF transfers, and finally answers through reproductive immunology.Chloe opens up about:Experiencing three chemical pregnancies and being dismissed by doctorsFighting for basic hormone and progesterone testingThe disappointment of unexplained infertility and how it fuels self-blameUndergoing IVF, producing healthy embryos, but facing repeated failed transfersThe emotional impact of negative transfers and how they feel like a true lossReceiving a diagnosis of microscopic endometriosis and high natural killer cellsDiscovering she and her husband are a rare DQ alpha gene match and what that means for fertilityNavigating immune protocols, intralipids, steroids, and reproductive immunologyCoping with the physical and emotional toll of treatments — including weight gain, body image changes, and mental health strugglesLearning to shift mindset from aesthetics to strength and resilienceWhy “just do IVF” is never that simple, and the need to stop minimizing this journeyResources & Mentions:Instagram: @trying.to.conceive.rainbow_IVF Real Talk PodcastWhat to Expect When You’re Injecting PodcastEvidence Based IVF (University of Melbourne)Support groups: IVF Support Group Australia + DQ Alpha Match Support Group✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order at https://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o✨ Share your own story: https://bit.ly/shareyourbfpstory

✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order at Needed https://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o✨ Share your own story: bit.ly/shareyourbfpstory✨https://dandifertility.com/BEFORETHEBFP code BEFORETHEBFP for 15% off✨Olivia Jones shares her journey through three miscarriages, the impact of stress on fertility, and the fight to finally bring home her son — while now expecting her rainbow daughter.Show Notes (full):In this episode of Before the BFP, Hafsa talks with Olivia Jones, a child and adolescent psychotherapist from Wisconsin, about her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss and the fight to finally be heard.Olivia opens up about:Three miscarriages within one year — and the emotional toll of being dismissed by doctorsThe turning point of advocating for progesterone and additional medicationsHow stress, work, and pressure influenced her fertility journeyNavigating the anxiety of pregnancy after lossHow her son’s pregnancy brought both relief and guiltEntering a new chapter while expecting her rainbow daughterThe role of therapy, affirmations, and community support in her healingResources & Mentions:PreMom app & stripsAffirmations and pregnancy quotes Olivia used as daily encouragementTikTok: @oliviacombs97

Lisa shares her journey through eight rounds of IVF, six losses, and the shocking discovery of a rare DQ alpha gene match with her husband — and why she still holds hope.✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order at https://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o✨ Share your own story: ⁠⁠bit.ly/shareyourbfpstory⁠⁠In this episode of Before the BFP, Hafsa talks with Lisa from Australia about her long and grueling infertility journey. Over nearly four years, Lisa and her husband have faced miscarriage, failed transfers, endometriosis, immune protocol treatments, and the rare challenge of a complete DQ alpha gene match.Together, they discuss:Eight rounds of IVF, six transfers, and six heartbreaking lossesDiscovering a genetic deletion on her X chromosomeUsing her sister’s donor eggs and what that process was likeBeing diagnosed with stage 3 endometriosis and pursuing surgeryNavigating strong immune protocols (IVIG, Intralipids, steroids, tacrolimus, etc.)The emotional, financial, and physical toll of repeated IVF failuresHow a rare DQ alpha gene match explained years of failed transfersThe importance of counseling, podcasts, and support groups along the wayHow Lisa and her husband have learned to support each other through griefWhy sometimes you need to “get off the roller coaster” and take a breakResources & Mentions:IVF Real Talk PodcastWhat to Expect When You’re Injecting PodcastEvidence Based IVF (University of Melbourne)IVF Support Group Australia (Facebook)DQ Alpha Gene Match Support Group Australia (Facebook)Instagram: ⁠@2peasnopodyet⁠

✨ Use code BeforetheBFP for $15 off your order at Dandi Fertilityhttps://dandifertility.com/BEFORETHEBFP ✨ ✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order at https://needed.sjv.io/aOmr1o ✨ ✨ Use code BFP10 for 10% off your order at TwoPlus Fertility https://uk.twoplusfertility.com/products/applicator?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=partnerships__aug_2025 ✨ Share your own story: ⁠bit.ly/shareyourbfpstory⁠Bethany Meyers shares her raw story of miscarriage, IVF, and the shocking twist that led to her miracle pregnancy — plus the lessons she carried into motherhood.In this powerful episode of Before the BFP, Hafsa sits down with Bethany Meyers to hear the raw, unabridged version of her infertility journey — one she’s rarely shared in full. From the heartbreak of a blighted ovum to the physical pain of a D&C, the stigma of IVF, and an unexpected twist that paused their cycle, Bethany opens up about the grief, resilience, and eventual joy of becoming a mom.Together, they explore:Why turning 35 while TTC felt terrifyingThe grief of an early miscarriage and the guilt that followedHow IVF challenged her identity and fears around womanhoodThe shocking complication that halted her IVF cycleThe pregnancy that came during their “break” — and why she rejects the “just relax” adviceCoping with anxiety in pregnancy after lossRituals, support systems, and the importance of reframing TTC strugglesResources & Mentions:Bethany recommends checking out Dandi Fertility, a company making supportive products and communities for those navigating IVF.Connect with Bethany on Instagram: @bethanycmyers

✨ Use code BFP20 for 20% off your first order at Needed✨ Share your own story: bit.ly/shareyourbfpstoryIn this episode of Before the BFP, Hafsa talks with Sarah Weiss about her path through male factor infertility, IVF, and finally pregnancy with her miracle baby girl. Sarah shares the emotional rollercoaster of failed transfers, the mental load of being the partner who undergoes all the treatment, and the challenges of pregnancy after infertility.Together, they dive into:​The shock of receiving male factor infertility results​The emotional and physical toll of multiple IVF cycles​Testing out the trigger shot and navigating the two-week wait​Finding little moments of normalcy during a medicalized journey​Why pregnancy after infertility can feel just as hard as the journey before​The importance of throwing out timelines and protecting your mental health​How social media communities can provide unmatched supportResources & Mentions:​Sarah recommends finding support on Instagram and TikTok IVF communities, where she connected with women who truly understand the journey.​Connect with Sarah on Instagram and TikTok: @sarah.and.babes

💡 Trying to conceive? Get real-time cervical mucus insights with Kegg. Use code BeforetheBFP to save $20: kegg.tech/BeforetheBFPIn this episode of Before the BFP, Hafsa speaks with Laura Ashton (@life.with.aps) about her fertility journey through recurrent pregnancy loss and her diagnosis of APS (antiphospholipid syndrome) — a rare autoimmune clotting disorder linked to miscarriage and infertility.Laura shares her experience with:Chemical pregnancies and multiple miscarriagesA traumatic drawn-out miscarriage with little medical supportFinally receiving an APS diagnosis after years of being told it was “just stress”Parenting a 4-year-old while navigating infertility and lossBuilding community and finding pregnancy loss support on Instagram✨ Laura’s story is a reminder: a loss is a loss, and it’s not your fault.🔗 Connect with Laura: Instagram – @life.with.aps📚 Resources mentioned:RPL Association — recurrent pregnancy loss support groupsAPS Pregnancy & Miscarriage Support (Facebook group)Instagram communities like @rplmom💬 Want to share your own TTC story on the podcast? Submit here: bit.ly/shareyourbfpstory

✨ Special Offer: Courtney’s course The InVitro Nurse’s Guide to Navigating IVF is live now! Use code BEFORETHEBFP for 10% off at www.theinvitronurse.com✨ Special Offer: Kegg! Use code BEFORETHEBFP for $20 off at ⁠https://kegg.tech/BEORETHEBFPCourtney is a registered nurse who began her TTC journey at the start of the COVID pandemic. After three failed IUIs, she was diagnosed with unexplained infertility and turned to IVF. Her first transfer brought her daughter, her second ended in heartbreaking loss, and her third gave her a second daughter.Now, she’s using her unique perspective as both a nurse and a patient to guide others through the IVF process. Courtney has created The InVitro Nurse’s Guide to Navigating IVF — a course designed to simplify, support, and empower anyone beginning their IVF journey.In this episode, Courtney shares:How she and her husband navigated infertility during the pandemicThe highs and lows of three IUI cycles, IVF retrieval, and transfersCoping with pregnancy loss and finding the strength to keep goingWhat daily life during IVF really looks like — from meds to monitoringWhy support systems and online groups became a lifelineThe lessons she carries forward as a nurse, mom, and IVF advocate🎧 Whether you’re just starting fertility treatments, in the middle of IVF, or supporting a loved one, Courtney’s story will remind you that resilience, community, and hope make all the difference.

In this episode, Norah Moore opens up about her journey through secondary infertility. She shares the heartbreak of miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, and an ectopic pregnancy after IVF, along with the emotional toll of failed IUIs. Norah also talks about navigating fertility clinics, finding support through online communities, and ultimately conceiving after years of struggle. If you’ve faced loss, IVF that didn’t go as planned, or the unique challenges of secondary infertility, this story will resonate deeply.Resources mentioned in this episode:Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni WeschlerI Had a Miscarriage by Jessica ZuckerBig Fat Negative podcastReddit fertility communitiesSecondary infertility groups on Discord📲 Connect with Norah on Instagram: @thenorah

Rebekah never expected to struggle to conceive — but after a year of trying naturally, her path led her through early pregnancy losses, multiple IUIs, and two rounds of IVF before finally becoming pregnant with her son, Santino.In this honest and often emotional episode, Rebekah shares:What it’s like to experience repeated loss and keep tryingThe trauma and silence around chemical pregnanciesWhy her final embryo transfer almost didn’t happenHow infertility changed her marriage, her mindset, and her motherhoodThe joy and challenge of raising a nonverbal autistic childAnd how she’s still trying for baby #2 — while learning to cope, rest, and hope againIf you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or stuck between grief and gratitude, this story will speak to you. early miscarriages and the grief no one talks aboutMultiple IUIs, 2 IVF cycles, embryo glue + PGT testingDiminished ovarian reserve and a heart-shaped uterusParenting after infertilityTTC again while raising a child with special needsAdvice for others in the thick of itStory submissions: bit.ly/shareyourbfpstoryPodcast IG: @beforethebfpShare it with a friendSubscribe to Before the BFPLeave a review so others can find stories like Rebekah’s

🎙️ Episode 1 — How I Got Pregnant: My PCOS + IUI StoryWelcome to the very first episode of Before the BFP.I’m Hafsa Khanum — a Muslim-American mom of two, and someone who never expected to face infertility. In this episode, I’m sharing the full story of how I went from not even thinking about kids… to tracking cycles, learning acronyms like IUI and BFP, and finally getting pregnant after a whirlwind year of PCOS, delayed diagnoses, and pandemic chaos.From being stuck in Pakistan during COVID, to spiraling through TTC forums, to crying after my first positive test — this is the story that made me start this podcast. Not because it’s the most dramatic… but because I needed a space where stories like this could be told. Honestly. Unfiltered.Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or deep in the two-week wait, I hope this episode helps you feel a little more seen.🩷 Share your story: @beforethebfp📩 Submit to be a guest: beforethebfp.com/submit⭐️ Rate & review if you feel moved — it helps so much!

Before the positive test. Before the congratulations. Before the baby.There’s a whole story.This is Before the BFP — a podcast about the part of trying to conceive that most people don’t talk about.IVF, IUI, loss, PCOS, unexplained infertility — it’s different for everyone, but the silence around it is the same.I’ve been through it. And now I’m sharing real stories from people who’ve been there too.Subscribe now. The first episode drops soon.