What The Fertility

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode 00:18 Amanda shares her pregnancy at 27 weeks 01:11 The story of how Amanda found out she was pregnant 02:13 Reflecting on the timing and significance of the pregnancy 03:22 Amanda discusses her experience with hormone treatments and pregnancy 04:38 The emotional rollercoaster and acceptance of pregnancy 05:54 Amanda's pregnancy during a difficult first trimester 07:13 The surprise of having a second boy and family dynamics 08:41 Looking back at their podcast journey and future direction 10:08 The viral reel and its significance 11:39 The impact of their stories on listeners 14:48 Reflections on personal growth and community support 17:36 Plans for future content and podcast transition

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.acu www.fertilityacu.au Book 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.com Accepting 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: courtney@forhercounseling.com IG: @forhercounseling She 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: @evvy Tiktok:@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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:10 Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss 05:58 Beckett's Blessing Box: Mission and Impact 08:55 Fundraising and Community Involvement 11:45 Personal Reflections on Grief and Support 14:50 Merchandise and Awareness Initiatives 17:43 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!