Infertile AF: Infertility and Modern Family Building through ART

When a Fertility Doctor Does IVF: Dr. Lucky Sekhon, Author of The Lucky Egg

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:11:42 +0000

Today’s episode is a special one — it’s a replay of Ali's 2023 conversation with Dr. Lucky Sekhon. Lucky is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and OB-GYN at RMA of New York. She’s also one of the most trusted voices on social media and TV when it comes to fertility, IVF, and reproductive health, breaking down complicated topics with clarity, compassion, and actual science.

In this conversation, Lucky opens up about her own family-building journey — including how, when it came time to start her family, she chose to create embryos and go through IVF herself. Ali and Lucky talk about what it’s like when the fertility doctor becomes the fertility patient, how that perspective shapes the way she treats her own patients, and why she’s so passionate about helping people understand their reproductive options.

Since this interview originally aired, Lucky has also written a fantastic book called The Lucky Egg, which helps people better understand fertility, IVF, and reproductive health.

So whether you’re hearing this conversation for the first time or coming back to it, it’s a really thoughtful look at fertility from both sides of the exam table.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

PherDal is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who’ve been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listen Again: Infertility in the Ballet World: The Taboo No One Talks About with Mathilde Froustey

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:21:09 +0000

What happens when one of the most disciplined bodies in the world can’t do the one thing everyone assumes it should? On this episode -- one of our most downloaded of all time -- Ali sits down with Mathilde Froustey, principal dancer at the San Francisco Ballet and widely considered one of the most extraordinary dancers in the world.Born in Bordeaux, France, Mathilde began dancing at just nine years old, training at the prestigious Marseille National School of Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet School before rising to the top of the international ballet world. Onstage, her body is her instrument — powerful, precise, and seemingly unstoppable. But behind the curtain, Mathilde has been fighting battles that almost no one in the dance world talks about. In this candid and emotional conversation, she opens up for the first time about her experience with infertility — a subject she says remains deeply taboo in professional dance. Mathilde shares what it was like to go through IVF while performing at the highest level, navigating intense body scrutiny, and hearing painful comments about her appearance during one of the most vulnerable periods of her life. She also talks about her past struggle with an eating disorder, the pressure dancers face to maintain a certain body type, and the silent toll of trying to build a family inside a culture that rarely makes space for it.

“In the dance world, infertility is a taboo subject,” Mathilde says.

Not anymore.

This is a powerful conversation about perfection, pressure, and what it means to reclaim your body — both onstage and off.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Holly Abel had a 10% Chance to Live: Stage 4 Endo, Sepsis and the Hysterectomy That Saved Her Life

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:07:28 +0000

It's Endometriosis Awareness Month. Ali's guest this week, Holly Abel, was eleven years old when her debilitating periods started. For decades, doctors told her it was “normal.” That she was dramatic. Hormonal. Sensitive. It wasn’t normal. In early 2023, Holly was finally diagnosed with severe stage 4 endometriosis — affecting multiple organs throughout her body. Shortly after, she experienced a miscarriage. In December 2023, she underwent major surgery. Then in March 2024, after a routine HSG, everything began to unravel. By early May, she was in septic shock and given a 10% chance to live. In July, a total hysterectomy saved her life… and ended her ability to carry children. Holly talks about all of this and more in an educational, emotional episode about medical trauma, advocacy and survival.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Seven Years Later: From Frozen Eggs to Baby on the Way with Barbara Ginty

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:02:22 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Barbara Ginty, host of the Future Rich podcast, for a special crossover episode to share her deeply personal fertility journey — and to talk honestly about the emotional and financial realities of IVF. Barbara froze her eggs in her 30s, not knowing exactly when or how she might use them. Seven years later, she returned to those frozen eggs and went through IVF — and now, as this episode airs, she’s on the brink of welcoming her first baby. Barbara shares what it was like to trust a decision she made years earlier, the uncertainty of the process, and the surreal feeling of finally reaching this moment. Barbara also turns the mic on Ali, who opens up about her secondary infertility and IVF journey, including the complicated emotions that can come with trying to grow your family after already having a child.

For more, check out www.futurerichpodcast.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

Becoming a Mom at 45: Alexis Allegra’s IVF and Embryo Donation Story

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 22:52:37 +0000

Today’s guest is Alexis Allegra, and her path to motherhood is one of those stories that reminds you just how many twists and pivots this journey can take. Alexis met her person later in life and, like so many of us, thought, okay — let’s go, let’s start trying right away. But what followed was nearly three years of fertility treatments… chemical pregnancies… failed IVF transfers… and a whole lot of heartbreak and regrouping. In her mid-40s, when things weren’t unfolding the way she’d imagined, Alexis made a brave pivot to embryo donation — a decision that ultimately led her to her healthy baby. In this episode, Ali and Alexis talk about trying to build a family on a timeline you didn’t plan for, grieving the losses you don’t always talk about, redefining what motherhood can look like, and staying open to a path that might be different — but just as beautiful.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BERRY FERTILITY

IG: @berry.fertility

The Berry Fertility app is packed with support: dozens of injection tutorials, over 100 articles, 200 FAQs, and if you still have questions, the Berry team is literally a tap away through in-app chat.

Berry has a free version, and you can try Premium free for seven days. After that, it’s $12.99 a month or $99 for the year.

InfertileAF listeners get 30% off an annual membership with the code INFERTILEAF when you sign up at berryfertility.com or in the Berry Fertility app.

For the Egg Freezing Girlies: Influencer Lily Montasser’s Fertility Journey

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:58:59 +0000

If you're considering freezing your eggs: This one's for you. Fashion influencer and writer Lily Montasser built her platform sharing effortlessly cool style, NYC life, and sharp, honest storytelling. But recently, she opened up about something far more personal: her decision to freeze her eggs. Instead of keeping it private, Lily brought her followers along for the ride — partnering with Extend Fertility for her treatment, documenting the appointments, the hormones, the doubts, and the unexpected empowerment of taking control of her fertility timeline. In this episode, Ali and Lily talk about what it really feels like to make proactive choices about your future, how Lily felt sexier than ever going through the process, how sharing vulnerably online changed the experience, and why more women are rethinking the “someday” conversation around family-building.

Follow her on IG: @lilymontasser

Substack: lilymontasser.substack.com

Check out Extend Fertility: www.extendfertility.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BERRY FERTILITY

IG: @berry.fertility

Berry has a free version, and you can try Premium free for seven days. After that, it’s $12.99 a month or $99 for the year.

InfertileAF listeners get 30% off an annual membership with the code INFERTILEAF when you sign up at berryfertility.com or in the Berry Fertility app.

Infertility, Intrusive Thoughts, and Three Kiddos Through ART: Ruby Smoot’s Story of Surviving the Dark and Finding the Light

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:08:01 +0000

On today's episode, content creator and mama of three Ruby Smoot gets real about the parts of infertility and pregnancy after infertility we don’t talk about enough — the mental health spiral, the obsessive thoughts, the fear, and the quiet, heavy darkness that can creep in while you’re trying so hard to become a parent. In this deeply candid conversation, Ruby opens up about pregnancy after infertility while battling OCD and intrusive thoughts, navigating severe nausea called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and what it felt like to hold hope and despair at the same time, and how becoming pregnant didn’t magically erase the mental health struggles she was carrying. Because as many of us know: having babies doesn’t fix everything — you still have to heal. She also talks about getting pregnant again, and having HG a second time. Now a mom of three kiddos, Ruby reflects on what she wishes she’d known, how she got support, and why talking honestly about maternal mental health might be the most important thing we can do for each other.

Follow her on IG: @rubydu91

And TikTok: ruby.du

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BERRY FERTILITY

IG: @berry.fertility

Berry has a free version, and you can try Premium free for seven days. After that, it’s $12.99 a month or $99 for the year.

InfertileAF listeners get 30% off an annual membership with the code INFERTILEAF when you sign up at berryfertility.com or in the Berry Fertility app.

Revisiting Fertility Rally Live: The Science of Whole-Body Fertility with Top Nutritionist Rachel Swanson

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:32:12 +0000

Today’s guest is Rachel Swanson — MS, RD, LDN — one of the most in-demand nutritionists in the country, known for helping people optimize performance using deeply science-backed, totally personalized care. She’s also the author of the brand-new book Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility. On today's episode, Ali and Rachel flip the fertility conversation on its head with what Rachel calls Fertility 2.0 — a proactive, preventative approach that goes way beyond eggs and sperm to focus on the whole body: your gut, metabolism, sleep, oral health, even your partner’s kissing hygiene (yes, really). This convo was originally aired as part of Fertility Rally Live #10.

For more on Fertility Rally, follow IG: @fertilityrally

For more on Rachel, go to www.rachelswanson.com

IG: @rachelsrx

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Our Sponsors:

* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

No Happy Ending (Yet): A Guy’s Perspective on Infertility with Jared Walker, Author of "The Empty Nest"

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:34:41 +0000

On this episode, Ali is joined by Jared Walker—author of The Empty Nest and founder of the non-profit Dollar For—for one of the most raw and important conversations we’ve had in a while. It's so great to hear a guy's perspective on infertility, and Jared and his wife are still in the thick of it. There’s no neat ending here, no bow tied on the story—and that’s exactly why this conversation matters. Ali and Jared talk about how he and his wife grew up together (he's best friends with her brother); what happened when they started trying to build their family, including a devastating pregnancy loss; and where they are today. Jared shares how infertility has shaped his marriage, his identity, and his understanding of hope—while simultaneously building a nonprofit that helps people eliminate crushing medical debt. This episode is for anyone who is tired of “success stories only,” who feels stuck in the wait, or who needs permission to say: this is really hard—and I’m still here.

For more, go to https://dollarfor.org and https://theemptynestbook.com/

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Our Sponsors:

* BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up today and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com

Revisiting Fertility Rally Live: The Surrogacy Panel That Answers Every Question You’re Afraid to Ask

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:03:48 +0000

This episode is a powerful conversation pulled from Fertility Rally Live in November 2025,, where we gathered an incredible panel to talk candidly about surrogacy — from every angle.Moderated by Jessie Jaskulsky of Surrogacy Simplified, the panel includes surrogacy mama Sarrah Strimmel Bentley, experienced surrogate Emily Westerfield, and surrogacy mama Alexandra French of The Surrogacy Foundation for an honest, nuanced discussion about what surrogacy really looks like — emotionally, logistically, ethically, and financially. Covered in the chat:

How people arrive at surrogacy (and how complicated that decision can be)
The relationship between intended parents and gestational carriers
Common misconceptions and hard truths
What surprised them most along the way
What they wish they’d known before starting

Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy from an Intended Parent or Surrogate POV, deep in the process, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this path to parenthood, this conversation is thoughtful, real, and incredibly informative. As always — no sugarcoating, no toxic positivity, just real stories from people who’ve lived it.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Encore Presentation: Elizabeth Carr, The First Baby Born in the U.S., Thanks to IVF

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 19:02:26 +0000

It's an encore presentation of one of our favorite episodes! Ali's very special guest today is Elizabeth Carr, the first person born in the U.S. — in 1981 — via in vitro fertilization. "My birth was so widely publicized that my first press conference was at three days old," Elizabeth says. "I didn't get here like everybody else." Elizabeth shares what it's been like to live under media scrutiny since the moment she was born (check out the NOVA documentary about her life). She also explains why her parents did IVF in the first place, what the IVF landscape was like back then, how the actual procedure worked (so much has changed!) and the incredible work she's doing today to advocate for IVF and reproductive rights. She also shares how the pope, when she was born, called her "a child of the devil." For more, check out https://ejordancarr.com/ and her IG: @ejordan12

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Singer-Songwriter Rene Byrd on Freezing Her Eggs, the Retreat That Healed Her and Becoming a Mom, Thanks to IVF, at Age 48

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:00:11 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Rene Byrd, a British-born singer, songwriter, and media personality known for her powerful voice, soulful pop and R&B style, and her bold, heartfelt storytelling. On this episode, she tells her deeply personal egg freezing, infertility and family building journey, including giving birth to her son via IVF at age 48. Rene talks about the retreat that changed her life for the better, meeting her future husband in a bar (and how she knew she would build her family with him), and facing backlash when she became a mom in her late forties. She also shares the lessons she's learned regarding advocacy, fertility awareness and maternal wellbeing.

Follow on IG: @Renebyrdofficial @Renebyrdofficialglobal

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Influencer and Advocate Tara Carlyle on Secondary Infertility, IVF, and The #TTC Blood Test That Could Make All the Difference

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:19:16 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is joined by Tara Carlyle—influencer, girl mom, and outspoken advocate for women navigating infertility, including the reality of secondary infertility. Tara shares her personal journey and the emotional whiplash of struggling to conceive again after already having a child—grappling with guilt, grief, and what it’s like to feel dismissed by the medical system. Tara also talks about her advocacy work for a TTC blood panel and deeper investigation into women’s health, especially when symptoms are brushed off or labeled “normal.”

Follow Tara on IG: @taracarlyle

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

Revisiting Fertility Rally Live: "Bachelor" alum-turned-advocate Sarah Herron's Keynote on infertility and motherhood after loss

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:10:58 +0000

Missed Rally Live #10? No worries! In this special episode, we’re bringing you the powerful Rally Live #10 keynote from Sarah Herron—reality TV alum, writer, advocate, and founder of SheLift. While many of you first met Sarah on The Bachelor, her true impact has come from the way she’s chosen to tell her own infertility story: with honesty, vulnerability, humor, and a fierce commitment to helping others feel less alone. In her keynote, Sarah opens up about living with a limb difference, navigating infertility, experiencing profound pregnancy loss, and redefining resilience on her own terms. She speaks candidly about grief, identity, mental health, and the unexpected places strength can be found. Her words remind us that we can hold joy and heartbreak at the same time—and that there is power in embracing our imperfections. She also talks about being a twin mom and a "Forever mom" to her sweet son, Oliver, who she honors every day.

Follow Sarah on IG: @sarahherron

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: @pherdal_science

Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.

Dr. Natalie Crawford on forging her own path in the fertility world, being on both sides of the stirrups and her new book, The Fertility Formula

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:31:32 +0000

On this week's episode, Ali sits down with an icon and pioneer in the infertility community: double-board certified REI and infertility warrior Dr. Natalie Crawford. Natalie opens up about her four pregnancy losses before having her two kiddos, being both sides of the stirrups as doctor and patient, and what it's really like to navigate infertility as someone who “knows too much.” She talks about bucking the system when it came to social media; co-founding her boutique clinic in Austin, TX, Fora Fertility (and why she decided to start her own thing); and her new book, The Fertility Formula. Natalie also talks about how to advocate for yourself in the exam room, how her patients inspired parts of the book; and what she wants every fertility patient to hear right now.

For more, and to preorder The Fertility Formula, go to www.nataliecrawfordmd.com

IG: @nataliecrawfordmd

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIES

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.

Order "Work of ART," "Beautiful Bird" and "You Are a Work of ART," now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

If You Want Your Baby, Go Get Your Baby: Connie's Egg Freezing and Single Mom By Choice Story

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:00:08 +0000

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ali sits down with Connie, a proud Single Mom by Choice whose path to motherhood was anything but traditional—and exactly right for her. Growing up with a Black military dad and a Taiwanese “Tiger Mom,” Connie always felt the weight of expectations about what family should look like. But as she approached her late 30s, knowing she always wanted to have kids, she decided to freeze her eggs. Later, her best friend gave her the clarity she needed: “Connie, if you want your baby, go get your baby. You don’t need to do it the traditional way.” Connie opens up about what it was like navigating the SMBC journey as a woman of mixed race, including the emotional complexity of donor selection and the lack of Black sperm donors in U.S. banks. She shares how she found an amazing doctor and clinic, Dr. Joshua Klein of Extend Fertility -- aka Ali's doctor! Connie also talks about navigating IVF, getting pregnant (with twins!), giving birth during Covid and what life is like today, as a single mom of two five-year-olds.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn’t about how you start—it’s about how you grow.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

Revisiting Fertility Rally Live: Emmy-winning TV Personality Lilliana Vasquez Shares Her Infertility Journey

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:00:05 +0000

In this special episode, Ali is bringing you the unforgettable keynote from style expert, author, and powerhouse storyteller Lilliana Vasquez at Fertility Rally Live. Lilliana opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood, including the emotional twists, cultural layers, and unexpected turns her family-building path took. With her signature candor, humor, and heart, she shares what it was like to navigate infertility while living in the public eye—and how it ultimately reshaped her identity, her career, and her purpose. She talks about resilience, community, representation, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in the stories around you. Lilliana also dives into the powerful role that vulnerability plays in healing, and offers encouragement for anyone who’s still in the messy middle of their journey.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

Revisiting Fertility Rally Live: Singer Christina Perri's Phenomenal Keynote

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:33:04 +0000

This week, we are celebrating a major milestone: Fertility Rally Live #10. Ten Rallies. Ten waves of community, connection, truth-telling, sisterhood, messy feelings, breakthroughs, belly laughs, and being so deeply seen.

To honor this moment, we’re revisiting one of the most unforgettable keynotes in Rally Live history: singer Christina Perri’s beautifully raw, breathtaking, and generous conversation about love, loss, grief, family building, and hope.

Whether you were there live or are hearing this for the first time, we hope this conversation finds you gently, wherever you are on your path. We are so grateful to Christina for sharing her beautiful truth, and for every single one of you who has shown up for yourself and each other over these ten Rallies.

Mark your calendars: Fertility Rally Live #10 is happening November 14. Even if you can't come live, snag your ticket because you have 30 days to watch all of the talks! Plus you get our Virtual Swag Bag!

🎟 Get your ticket (and watch on replay if you can’t come live) here: https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertility-rally-live-fall-2025

@infertileafstories

@fertilityrally

Infertility Warrior Ashtin Robison on doing IVF Abroad, 4 Failed Cycles, and Finally Becoming Pregnant Via the PherDal At-Home Insemination Kit

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:59 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Ashtin, who opens up about her long road through infertility, including doing IVF treatment in both Greece and Australia. Ashtin talks about trying to get pregnant for two years, navigating four failed cycles, and then, how she ultimately conceived using the PherDal at-home insemination kit — a non-invasive, science-backed option that helped her finally become pregnant with a healthy baby. Ashtin opens up about all of it, from the countless injections to the travel to being both emotionally and financially drained. She also shares how, after listening to the Infertile AF podcast and hearing an ad for PherDal (and hearing founder Jenn on another episode), she decided to try it -- and crazily enough, it worked!

For more on PherDal, go to pherdal.com

IG: @pherdal_science

EPISODE SPONSORS:

THERALOGIX

IG: @theralogix

Theralogix offers evidence-based, physician-founded supplements designed to support reproductive health, from egg and sperm quality to prenatal wellness and beyond. Trusted by fertility specialists and patients alike, Theralogix products are independently tested for purity and potency—so you know you’re getting only the best. Learn more at theralogix.com

Save 15% right now at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF.

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Fitness Influencer and Proud Donor Egg Mama Kyla Burke on Premature Ovarian Failure, IVF and the Beautiful Path to Her Two Babies

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:30:46 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is talking to Kyla Burke—who you might know from her huge following on social media as a fitness expert and creator of the Coached by Kyla app. At just 34 years old, Kyla was told, “You don’t have any eggs. I can barely see your ovaries—there’s nothing. You have no function.” Her AMH was less than 0.01, and her estrogen, LH, and every other hormone were in the post-menopausal range. Her period had disappeared at 33, and she was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure—complete with all the symptoms: hot flashes, muscle aches, insomnia, and heartbreak. But Kyla didn’t stop there. She worked with a reproductive therapist, dove into IVF, and eventually pivoted to donor eggs from a dear from of hers—becoming a proud donor egg mama of two beautiful babies. Oh—and wait until you hear how she met her husband. It might just be the best meet-cute ever shared on the pod.

Actress and infertility advocate Camille Guaty on multiple rounds of IVF and finally having her son, thanks to donor eggs

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:03:59 +0000

It's the 350th episode — and we couldn’t think of a more powerful, honest, and inspiring guest to help us celebrate this milestone. Today, Ali is talking with actress, writer, and fierce infertility advocate Camille Guaty, who you may know from Prison Break, The Vampire Diaries, Duster, and so many other shows and movies (Fertility Rally members especially love her in the Disney move, Gotta Kick it Up). But beyond her Hollywood career, Camille opens up about the deeply personal journey that led to her son — a journey that included years of IVF, heartbreak, hope, and ultimately, using donor eggs to build her family. Camille gets candid about the emotional rollercoaster of infertility, pivoting to donor conception, what it was like being a pregnant actress in Hollywood,, the advocacy work she's doing with Resolve, and how she’s now using her voice to normalize all the ways families are made.

A Deep Dive on Fertility Supplements with Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer at Theralogix

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:00:28 +0000

This week, Ali sits down with Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer at Theralogix and one of the country’s leading experts in reproductive health and nutritional science.

After 30 years in private practice focused on male fertility, Dr. Ratner has seen firsthand how confusing — and sometimes misleading — the supplement world can be. In this eye-opening conversation, he and Ali unpack what’s actually backed by science when it comes to fertility supplements, how to choose products that are truly evidence-based, and the importance of transparency in a market full of mystery formulas and marketing claims.

They also dive into OvaNAD+, a Theralogix supplement specifically designed to support egg health and mitochondrial function. Mark and the Theralogix team are also offering a special discount to Infertile AF listeners. Save 15% at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF.

For more, go to: theralogix.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

IVF Warrior Liz Krueger on Secondary Infertility, Miscarriages and the Embryo That Was Discarded Without Her Consent

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:00:24 +0000

In this powerful episode, Ali sits down with Liz Krueger to share her deeply personal journey through infertility and loss. After having her daughter at 35, Liz experienced a series of heartbreaking miscarriages—including one at 16 weeks, when she and her husband lost their baby girl.

Liz opens up about the devastation of finding out her highest-graded embryo didn’t survive the thaw, the hemorrhage and loss that followed another pregnancy, and the emotional toll of multiple retrievals and a chemical pregnancy. She also shares how she finally allowed herself to take a three-month leave from work to grieve—a step she had never given herself permission to take before.

With raw honesty, Liz reflects on navigating profound grief, the heartbreak of losing embryos without her consent, and the resilience it has taken to keep moving forward. She also shares the hope and vulnerability of finally being pregnant again—and how she’s feeling now, as she prepares to welcome her next baby this winter.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

THERALOGIX

IG: @theralogix

Save 15% right now at Theralogix.com with code INFERTILEAF.

Broadway, Breast Cancer, and Baby Dreams: Sarrah Strimel Bentley’s Incredible Surrogacy Story

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:00:19 +0000

On this episode, Ali talks to Broadway star and motivational speaker Sarrah Strimel Bentley, whose story is as powerful as it is vulnerable. After dazzling audiences in seven Broadway shows, Sarrah’s life took a shocking turn when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. The treatment plan didn’t just mean chemotherapy and a double mastectomy—it also came with the devastating news that her fertility would be at risk.

Sarrah opens up about the whirlwind that followed: racing to freeze embryos before starting chemo, navigating “funky sperm morphology” with her husband, experiencing the raw, messy emotions of IVF in the face of a cancer diagnosis, and what happened when they pivoted to a surrogacy journey. She shares the moments that broke her—like crying so loudly her neighbors called security—and the humor and grace that carried her through (“Prayer and Pinot Grigio”).

Follow Sarrah on IG: @sarrahstrimelbentley

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

PHERDAL

IG: pherdal_science

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

Fertility shouldn’t be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you’re preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they’re here with expert support every step of the way.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From Bravo Headlines to Real-Life Resilience: Lacy Nicole on Endo, Miscarriage, IVF and Surviving a Kidnapping

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:00:41 +0000

On this powerful episode, Ali sits down with Lacy Nicole—who you may have seen in the headlines for dating Jesse Lally from the hit reality show The Valley—but her story goes far deeper than Bravo antics. Lacy has endured the unthinkable: she survived a kidnapping before even beginning her infertility journey, and then faced years of debilitating reproductive health struggles—stage four endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, polyps, 28 ER visits, and multiple surgeries. She opens up about Lupron shots, induced menopause, internal bleeding, chronic fatigue, and the emotional toll of IVF, miscarriages, anxiety, and PTSD. She also talks about finding strength in the endo community, her current egg freezing journey, and finally finding a medical team who advocates for her care. Raw, honest, and inspiring, Lacy’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and refusing to stay silent. This is an episode you—and anyone navigating infertility or chronic illness—won’t want to miss.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Endometriosis, Five IUIs, and Pregnancy Loss: Savannah Bisby @infertilityfriends Shares Her Infertility Journey So Far

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:04:47 +0000

This week, Ali sits down with Savannah Bisby, who shares her infertility story on IG @infertilityfriends, to talk about Savannah's journey so far. She's still in the thick of it, battling endometriosis, doing five IUIs (including double inseminations), a laparoscopy, and taking a deep dive into reproductive immunology. Savannah talks about the emotional whiplash of infertility, including embryo transfer decisions and finding herself on a bachelorette party while waiting for beta results, suspended between hope and dread. Savannah also talks about how Inito, an at-home fertility monitor that tracks your hormones, has helped on her journey, how she finally became pregnant and navigated a devastating loss, and why the summer of 2025 became a heartbreak she and her husband will never forget. Her story is still unfolding, and we are rooting so hard for our sweet friend.

Follow Savannah on IG: @infertilityfriends

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

INITO

https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAF

IG: @initofertiility

For years, clinical labs were the only way to get a clear view of your hormone levels and ovulation patterns. But for many people in the trying to conceive community—especially those with hormone imbalances or conditions like PCOS—frequent lab visits can be costly, inconvenient, and take up a ton of time. This is why I’m excited to tell you about Inito, which is unlike anything else out there. Inito is an at-home fertility monitor that tracks all four key hormones—Estrogen, LH, FSH, and PdG—on a single test strip. Instead of piecing together fragments of info, Inito offers a full, clear picture of your hormone health through a data chart and clear insights that are unique to your body and your cycle.

The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at ihttps://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAF

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Late-Night Googling, PCOS, and IUI: Frame Founder Jessica Bell van der Wal Gets Real on Her Own Infertility

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:38:46 +0000

Today, Ali sits down with Jessica Bell van der Wal, founder of Frame, to talk about her deeply personal fertility journey and what ultimately led her to create a resource to better support others.

Jessica talks about learning about her mother’s miscarriages, growing up Catholic, and facing her own unexpected challenges when trying to conceive. She opens up about having PCOS, a mild thyroid condition, irregular cycles, and ovarian cysts, and also navigating infertility treatment with no fertility coverage. She also gets real about anxiety and shame, the loneliness of late-night Googling, and going through IUI (which ultimately led to her pregnancy).

Follow on IG: @meet_frame

For more, click: www.frameyourfuture.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; IUI success; PCOS; thyroid condition; ovarian cysts; male factor infertility; anxiety; shame

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Order yours now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Busting Infertility Myths with Dr. Amanda Adeleye of CCRM Fertility of Chicago

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:00:51 +0000

Today, Ali is joined by Dr. Amanda Adeleye, the founding partner and Medical Director of CCRM Fertility of Chicago -- and an REI who isn’t afraid to tackle some of the biggest myths and misconceptions around fertility. Ali and Dr. Adeleye dig into some of her patients FAQs, from the stereotype that Black-identifying people are “hyper fertile,” to what you should tell your doctor if you have a history of substance use or abuse. They talk about how they are both featured experts who answer questions on Roon.com -- a free, trusted resource built by doctors that helps you navigate your health journey with expert videos. They also bust myths about male factor infertility and whether long-term birth control use contributes to infertility. Spoiler alert: Dr. Adeleye sets the record straight.

Follow on IG: @amanda.j.adeleye_md and @roonwomenshealth

For more, click: www.roon.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; IVF; male factor infertility; substance use and abuse; fertility stereotypes for Black-identifying people; birth control

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fertility Docs Uncensored Are Back! Inside their new book, The IVF Blueprint

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:24:41 +0000

It's a very special minisode with three of Ali's favorite people in the fertility world: Dr. Carrie Bedient, Dr. Susan Hudson and Dr. Abby Eblen, aka Fertility Docs Uncensored. Today, we're diving into their brand-new book, The IVF Blueprint, which comes out September 23. The docs and I break down what they’ve learned from years of guiding patients through IVF—the science, the strategy, and the emotional side of treatment. We talk about why they wrote this book, what each one of them brought to the table, and how it aims to empower anyone navigating infertility with knowledge, clarity, and compassion. Whether you’re just starting to explore IVF, already in treatment, or supporting someone you love, this episode is packed with insights and real talk from some of the most trusted voices in reproductive medicine.

Follow on IG: @fertilitydocsuncensored

For more, click: https://www.fertilitydocsuncensored.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; IVF; egg retrieval; frozen embryos; embryo transfers; empowerment and education; REIs; what to ask your doctor before IVF

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

L.A. Real Estate Agent Kati Cattaneo on IVF, Hydrosalpinx, and the wildfires that destroyed her Palisades home

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:58:34 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is joined by Kati Cattaneo—Los Angeles real estate agent, influencer, storyteller, and IVF warrior—for a convo that blends heart, humor, and resilience. Kati opens up about the real and sometimes awkward parts of trying to conceive (“I kinda got crazy with my husband about timing things… and he was like, ‘What the heck—sex is supposed to be fun!’”), navigating her diagnosis of hydrosalpinx, pivoting to IVF, and going through her second egg retrieval on January 7—the very same day the Palisades wildfire destroyed her home. Kati -- who has a big following on IG and TikTok — talks about why she's sharing her infertility journey on socials in real time, what it felt like to lose their home in the LA wildfires (and if they'll rebuild), and where she is now in her family building journey (hint: It's not over yet).

Follow on IG: @katicatt

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; IVF; Los Angeles wildfires; Palisades fires; hydrosalpinx; timed intercourse; egg retrieval; frozen embryos

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Television Host and Podcaster Erica Cobb on Infertility, Surrogacy, and the Power of Spirit

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:00:51 +0000

Today, Ali joined by the multifaceted Erica Cobb—TV host, podcaster, and self-proclaimed “eternal optimist”—as she shares her raw and powerful journey through infertility, IVF, and surrogacy. Erica opens up about the challenges she’s faced so far, including a tumor on her pituitary gland, blocked fallopian tubes, and the emotional toll of hearing, “You’re pregnant, but not pregnant enough.” Through it all, Erica remains steeped in gratitude and grounded in intention. We talk about spirit babies, manifestation, navigating roadblocks, and the incredible woman currently carrying her baby as a gestational carrier. Her story is still unfolding-- so make sure to listen in and follow along for what happens next.

For more, go to www.comeback.tv

Follow on IG: @ericacobb

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; IVF; pituitary gland tumor; blocked fallopian tubes; spirit babies; manifestation; navigating roadblocks

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

INITO

https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAF

IG: @initofertiility

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

Rebecca Flick of RESOLVE on Her Infertility + IVF Journey, the MTHFR Gene, and the Power of Advocacy

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:26:52 +0000

Today, Ali sits down with a true powerhouse in the infertility community: Rebecca Flick, Chief External Affairs Officer at RESOLVE, who has spent the past 20 years advocating for fertility patients nationwide. Rebecca opens up about her own deeply personal infertility journey, including her diagnosis of premature ovarian failure (and how that language has evolved), discovering she carries the MTHFR gene (and what that really means), and navigating IVF. She shares her experience of transferring three embryos, welcoming her son (now a teenager), and conceiving her daughter years later—without ART. Rebecca also reflects on the power of advocacy, how RESOLVE has grown, and the ways the infertility landscape has transformed over the past two decades.

For more, go to www.resolve.org

Follow on IG: @resolve

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; IVF; MTHFR gene; premature ovarian failure; embryo transfer; advocacy

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

INITO

https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAF

IG: @initofertiility

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

Hopeful Mama Foundation Founder Emily Patel on How She's Bringing Books about ART, IVF and more into Public and School Libraries

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:00:45 +0000

It's World IVF Day! Today, Ali is talking to her friend and former Infertile AF guest, Emily Patel, about The Hopeful Families Collection, Emily's new initiative to bring books into public and school libraries to celebrate the many ways families are created, including assisted reproductive technology (ART), adoption, surrogacy, and donor conception, while helping all children learn that every family is built with love and hope. Emily talks about why she created this movement, some of the books that will be included (including Ali's books, Work of ART and Beautiful Bird!) and how listeners can help support the mission. "The goal is to bring awareness," Emily says. "Even with our family, we're a bi-racial couple with donor-conceived children from two different donors, which is not a very traditional story. "It's wanting to allow those families that are unique to be represented in books, and making sure that other families can educate their children from a very early age that it's ok that you have friends who have families that look different from you, that came together differently than you. We can celebrate our differences, because it's truly just love that creates a family."

For more, go to www.hopefulmamafoundation.org

Follow on IG: @hopefulmamafoundation

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; IVF; IUI; surrogacy; embryo adoption; adoption; single mom by choice; single parent by choice; donor conception

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

What's New and Innovative in Sperm Donation, with Dylan Morgan of Cascade Cryobank, a forward-thinking sperm bank

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:30 +0000

On this expert minisode, Dylan Morgan of Cascade Cryobank, a sperm bank based in Washington, talks about innovations and recent happenings in the world of sperm donation. Cascade Cryobank was founded in response to the need for safe, high-quality donor sperm that has emerged in recent years. Their mission is to recruit outstanding donors and to produce frozen sperm of exceptional quality for use by families and individuals pursuing assisted reproductive care. Dylan talks about how Cascade Cryobank is implementing video calls between potential donors and recipients, and how AI is being incorporated into the fertility and sperm donation world, making it potentially easier for intended parents and donors.

For more, go to cascadecryobank.com

Follow on IG: @cascadecryobank

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; ART; sperm donation; innovations in sperm donation; intended parents; AI and fertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Infertility, child loss and surrogacy advocate Keri Croft on 16 years of infertility, her two earthside babies, losing three girls, and finding her dream surrogate

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:00:44 +0000

Meet Keri Croft, an infertility, child loss and surrogacy advocate who went through 16 years of infertility. On today's ep, Keri tells Ali all about her family building journey, which includes having her son, and also the devastating loss of her first girl, Angel, who was missing part of her cerebellum. "It was a horrible, horrible decision to have to make, and I wouldn't wish it on anybody," Keri says of undergoing a TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons). Keri talks about how a balanced translocation affected their fertility journey, and also how she navigated IUI and IVF. "I tried everything. And of course that takes a toll on your marriage. It was an absolute clusterfuck," she says. Keri also shares how she lost two other girls, Hope and Jade, how she and her husband decided to pursue surrogacy, and launching her workshop, Find Your Dream Surrogate. "After years of fertility treatments, loss, and heartbreak, I eventually had my daughter via a surrogate — a journey I navigated completely independently, without an agency," Keri says. "It was beautiful and brutal and eye-opening in ways I never expected. When it was all said and done, I kept thinking: Why the hell isn’t there a better roadmap for this? So I built one."

For more, go to www.kericroft.com

Follow on IG: @thekericroftshow

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Pregnancy; TFMR; trying to conceive; pregnancy loss; baby loss; IVF; IUI; balanced translocation; surrogacy; ART;

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

INITO

https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAF

IG: @initofertiility

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Zach and Alexandra French on surviving breast cancer, navigating surrogacy and giving back via their nonprofit, The Surrogacy Foundation

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:20:53 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Zach and Alexandra French, the founders of the nonprofit organization The Surrogacy Foundation, whose mission "isn't just to raise funds, but to propel surrogacy into the mainstream." Zach and Alexandra share their entire family building story, from how they met and got together to having their first child without Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). They talk about what happened when Alexandra found a lump in her breast, and how they navigated her cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also talk about Alexandra's double mastectomy, and how they pivoted to surrogacy after her surgery. "My doctor said if we wanted to expand our family, I could no longer carry. We would have to turn towards surrogacy--because if i carried another child, my cancer would return," Alexandra says. They talk about all of the intricacies of surrogacy, from finding a match to navigating the legal side, and share what it was like when their next baby was finally born. They also talk about creating the Surrogacy Foundation and how they've raised more than $500,000 so far to help families in need. "At The Surrogacy Foundation we don't just raise money; we help families every step of the way," they say. "Because education is essential to accessibility, we provide state of the art education based on decades of experience in an easy-to-use format."

For more, go to www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org

Follow on IG: @thesurrogacyfoundation

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Breast cancer; chemotherapy; double mastectomy; trying to conceive; surrogacy; nonprofits; surrogacy grants; ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

GENERATIONS CRYOVAULT

www.gencryo.com

IG: @generationscryovault

When you're navigating fertility treatments, every decision feels big—because it is big. But did you know that when it comes to storing your reproductive tissue—including eggs, sperm, and embryos—you DO have a choice? Most clinics automatically store your tissues—or hand you off to their partner. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way.

Enter Generations CryoVault, which believes in the motto, "Your tissues. Your choice." When you choose to work with Generations CryoVault, they help you transfer your tissues securely and easily to their headquarters – a place you can trust.

Take control of this part of your journey by visiting gencryo.com. And make sure to mention Infertile AF to receive 1 free month of storage.

INITO

https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAF

IG: @initofertiility

The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code INFERTILEAF at i https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=INFERTILEAF&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=INFERTILEAF

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

Dr. Nirali Jain, RE at RMA, on the Importance of Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:00:57 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Dr. Nirali Jain, a Reproductive Endocrinologist at RMA, about the importance of fertility preservation for cancer patients. "I do feel like the system failed us a little bit, and I tell all my patients when they come in for their first visit, your entire life, you learned how to not get pregnant, and you never thought you'd be sitting in this office learning about timed intercourse and figuring out when you're ovulating," Dr. Jain says. Ali and Dr. Jain talk about how chemo can affect fertility, what your options are when you get a cancer diagnosis, and how to get a referral to a fertility specialist from your oncologist. If you or anyone you know has recently been diagnosed with cancer and you're interested in preserving your fertility, this is a must listen! Spread the word!

Follow Dr. Jain on IG: @eggspert_md

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cancer; chemotherapy; chemo agents; egg quality; egg freezing; embryo freezing; advocacy; trying to conceive; timed intercourse; ovulation

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

GENERATIONS CRYOVAULT

www.gencryo.com

IG: @generationscryovault

When you're navigating fertility treatments, every decision feels big—because it is big. But did you know that when it comes to storing your reproductive tissue—including eggs, sperm, and embryos—you DO have a choice? Most clinics automatically store your tissues—or hand you off to their partner. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way.

Take control of this part of your journey by visiting gencryo.com. And make sure to mention Infertile AF to receive 1 free month of storage.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

Endo, IVF, miscarriage, secondary infertility and pregnancy after loss with Fertility Coach Julia Midwinter

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:00:32 +0000

On this episode, Ali talks to Julia Midwinter, a Fertility and Pregnancy Mindset Coach who supports women struggling to conceive or who are pregnant after IVF or miscarriage. Julia shares her own infertility journey, including her diagnosis of endometriosis, her five year journey to conceive her son through IVF, and her two miscarriages. She talks about ovarian cysts, fertility acupuncture, and how she felt navigating all of the above. She also talks about what she learned from her own infertility coach, and why she decided to become one. "So many of us have experienced the elation of having a positive pregnancy test, and then the devastation of it being taken away," Julia says. "However lonely you feel, there are so many other people experiencing the same."

For more info, go to www.pineapplecoaching.co.uk

Follow on IG: @pineapplefertilitycoaching

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Endometriosis; IVF; miscarriage; pregnancy after loss; mental health; secondary infertility; fertility coaching; acupuncture; ovarian cysts

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

GENERATIONS CRYOVAULT

www.gencryo.com

IG: @generationscryovault

Take control of this part of your journey by visiting gencryo.com. And make sure to mention Infertile AF to receive 1 free month of storage.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

Fertility and Family Building for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents, with midwife and Pregnant Together Founder Marea Goodman

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:00:48 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Marea Goodman, licensed midwife, author, and founder of PregnantTogether, a virtual community supporting queer folks and solo parents from preconception through parenting. Marea co-authored the book, Baby Making for Everybody–Fertility and Family Building for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents, and today, they share their family building story, including having an early loss via IUI, and also having their son through IUI. They talk about their passion for empowering people with the information they deserve to grow their families, and about dismantling the isolation and stigma that still surrounds queer and solo parenthood. They also talk about inclusive midwifery, queer fertility, and how we can better support all kinds of families on their journey to parenthood. "We're trying to create a community for folks who don't fit into the mainstream family building world, to build connections, share resources and rely on each other. It's been a beautiful thing that has also really helped me personally on my queer parenting journey," Marea says.

For more info, go to www.pregnanttogether.com

Follow on IG: @pregnanttogether.community

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Solo parenting; LBGTQ+ family building; queer family building; donor eggs; donor sperm; midwifery; pregnancy; birth; postpartum; mental health

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

GENERATIONS CRYOVAULT

www.gencryo.com

IG: @generationscryovault

Take control of this part of your journey by visiting gencryo.com. And make sure to mention Infertile AF to receive 1 free month of storage.

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Everything You Need to Know About Preserving Your Reproductive Tissues with Generations CryoVault Co-Founder Courtney Dennewitz

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

It's another Expert Minisode! Did you know that when it comes to storing your reproductive tissue—including eggs, sperm, and embryos—you have a choice? Most clinics automatically store your tissues—or hand you off to their partner. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way. Today, Ali is talking to Courtney Dennewitz, Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder of Generations CryoVault, which is driven by a deep passion to “do things right” in the world of fertility preservation, armed with the motto, "Your Tissues, Your Choice." Courtney, who has more than 17 years of industry experience in cryostorage, talks about how GenCryo is passionate about providing the safest, most reliable storage option for patients and clinics alike. She also answers every question Ali could think of when it comes to fertility preservation, including, What safety and monitoring systems are in place at GenCryo? How is tissue protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or equipment failures? And how has cryostorage changed in the past few decades? "You might argue that we go a little overboard ensuring that they never warm, but we prefer to do more than necessary to avoid a heartbreaking disaster," Courtney says.

For more info, go to GenCryo.com -- and mention Infertile AF to receive 1 free month of storage. Because this isn’t just storage—it’s part of your family-building story.

Follow on IG: @generationscryovault

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Reproductive tissue; embryo storage; egg storage; infertility; IVF; TTC community; TTC support

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

The latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.

Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Surrogate Whitney and her husband, Geremi, on Family Building with ConceiveAbilities

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to Whitney, a surrogate, and her husband, Geremi, about working with ConceiveAbilities, a leading egg donor and surrogacy agency. When people think about surrogacy, they often focus on the surrogate herself—but what about her partner? The truth is, a strong, supportive partner can make all the difference. Emotional strength, physical support, shared sacrifice—surrogacy is a team effort in every sense. Today, we're getting a behind-the-scenes look at what that partnership really looks like. Whitney, an experienced surrogate with ConceiveAbilities who delivered for her intended parents about a year and a half ago—and her husband, Geremi, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, talk about Whitney's decision to become a surrogate; building their own family (including a devastating miscarriage); what happened when they met the intended parents; surrogacy and military life; and much more. They also talk about how the experience transformed not just Whitney’s life, but Geremi’s too.

Find out more about ConceiveAbilities on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/conceiveabilities/

For more information on surrogacy or becoming a surrogate click on this link:

https://share.conceiveabilities.com/apratoraf

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; miscarriage; surrogacy; IVF; egg retrieval; surrogacy success; military life

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Dr. Molly Quinn of HRC on Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:20:00 +0000

Welcome back to another expert minisode! Today Ali is talking to Dr. Molly Quinn, is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist with HRC Fertility. Dr, Quinn prioritizes direct communication with patients and will always make herself available to patients for any questions, and today, she is answering ALL the things about Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, or "RPL." Ali and Dr. Quinn talk about how

recurrent pregnancy loss is medically defined, how common it is, who is most at risk, what the most frequent causes of recurrent miscarriage and so much more. You do not want to miss this one! If you know anyone who has experienced or is experiencing RPL, please pass this episode on to them!

Follow her on IG: @mollyquinnmd @hrcfertilitypasadena @hrcfertility

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Recurrent pregnancy loss; miscarriage; fertility tests; infertility; IVF; genetic testing; chromosomal issues; mental health support;

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Emmy-nominated comedian and actress Riki Lindhome on Infertility, IVF, Adoption and Surrogacy

Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Do not miss our celeb guest today! Ali is talking to the incredible Riki Lindome, a prolific, Emmy nominated comedian and actress from Knives Out; Wednesday; The Big Bang Theory; her musical duo, Garfunkel and Oates; and her one-woman show about her infertility journey, Dead Inside. Riki gets real with Ali about her family building journey, including how she navigated infertility, IVF, a devastating pregnancy loss, an adoption journey and finally, surrogacy. Riki also talks about her new solo comedy album, No Worries if Not, her sweet son, Keaton (whom she’s raising with her husband, comedian and actor Fred Armisen), and how it felt to hold him in her arms for the very first time. She also talks about the amazing bond she has with her surrogate, and how humor and honesty helped them through it all.

Follow her on IG: @rikilindhome

Check out her work: rikilindhome.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; egg retrieval; pregnancy loss; products of conception; surrogacy; adoption; embryo donation

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

NEWGEN FAMILIES

IG: @newgenfamilies

NewGen Families is known for their thoughtful matches and their empathetic and expert care when it comes to both surrogates and future parents.

For more, go to: https://newgenfamilies.com

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Caitlin Trabert on Multiple Miscarriages, IVF Heartbreaks, Her Miracle Baby—And Being Pregnant Again

Fri, 16 May 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Today, Ali sits down with her dear friend and Fertility Rally member, Caitlin Trabert, for a raw and powerful conversation about her long and deeply emotional path to parenthood. Caitlin opens up about the heartbreak of multiple pregnancies and subsequent losses, her husband's balanced translocation, and the toll of IVF—physically, emotionally, and mentally. From the crushing "egg winner" high to the "zero embryos" low, a surprise pregnancy that ended in miscarriage, and learning her mom had breast cancer on the same day she was miscarrying—Caitlin talks about how hard it is to trust your body after so much loss, and joining Fertility Rally—an experience she describes as the best decision she's made. She talks about welcoming her daughter, Parker, into the world, and finally, being pregnant again with a baby that's due this year.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; pregnancy loss; miscarriage; IVF; embryo transfers; egg retrievals, pregnancy after infertility; balanced translocation

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

"So Now What?" author Lana Manikowski on IUIs, IVF, and thriving as a Childless Not by Choice Advocate

Fri, 09 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Lana Manikowski, a fellow Chicagoan, a certified life coach and the author of "So Now What?" -- a roadmap to help you create a life you love without the children you always dreamed about. Lana tells Ali about her years-long infertility journey, starting with an "unexplained infertility" diagnosis and 7 IUIs. Lana explains moving on to IVF, traveling to get treatment in Colorado, doing several rounds of IVF, and how she and her husband decided to stop treatment and embrace their lives without children. "So many women are left to navigate this alone," she says. "Here I was, left to figure out who I was gonna be in my life without motherhood. And there was no one there--not even a referral for a therapist." Lana has made it her goal to help other women navigate childlessness after infertility, from her book to her advocacy to The Other's Day brunch, which takes place each year in Chicago around Mother's Day.

For more, go to https://lanamanikowski.com

and follow her on IG: @lana.manikowski

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; unexplained infertility; IUI; IVF; childless not by choice

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com

Surrogacy mama Libby Wicks on ectopic pregnancies, surrogacy and NewGen Families, the agency that helped her bring home a baby girl

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:45:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to Libby Wicks, a surrogacy mama who went through a five-plus year struggle to have her baby girl. Libby talks about her not one, but two ectopic pregnancies, her emergency tube removal, and being diagnosed (wrongly, she would find out much later) with Asherman's Syndrome. She also talks about IVF and how her infertility journey affected her mental health. "I was suffering from anxiety," she says. "There were many days I wasn't able to leave the house. I wasn't able to work, and it was absolutely devastating. I was a shell of myself. And I want other women to know that that is actually normal." Libby talks about pivoting to surrogacy and finding NewGen Families, which is known for their thoughtful matches and their empathetic and expert care when it comes to both surrogates and future parents. She talks about bonding with her surrogate, the group text she had with her husband and her surrogate; and after going through so much heartache, finally bringing home her baby girl.

For more, follow them on IG @newgenfamilies

Or go to: https://newgenfamilies.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; ectopic pregnancies; trauma; IVF; normalizing the conversation around ART; anxiety and depression; Asherman's syndrome; surrogacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com

"Normalize It" and "I Had a Miscarriage" author Jessica Zucker, PhD

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:59:58 +0000

Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive and maternal mental health. Today, Ali is talking to Jessica about her new book, "Normalize It," her first book, "I Had a Miscarriage," and Jessica's own infertility journey, including a devastating pregnancy loss at 16 weeks. "I felt like I was living in a documentary, like, How is this my life?" Jessica says. They also talk about women lifting each other up; normalizing the conversation around IVF; miscarriage and navigating pregnancy after loss; and more.

For more, go to: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/

Order Normalize It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; D&C; trauma; IVF; normalizing the conversation around ART; pregnancy after loss

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com

Emily Oster, Professor of Economics at Brown University and founder of ParentData.org on how we can teach the next gen about fertility, sex ed, and more

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

It's another Infertile AF expert minisode! On today's episode, Ali welcomes Emily Oster, a Professor of Economics at Brown University, a bestselling author, and the founder of ParentData.org. Emily has a talent for translating complex data into practical advice—an approach that has made her a trusted voice for millions of parents. Today, she and Ali talk about sex ed, fertility, birth control, secondary infertility, endometriosis, and advocating for yourself in terms of healthcare and your medical team. Emily and Ali also explore the question, What should we be teaching the next generation, and how do we better prepare them for their futures than we were prepared?

For more, go to: https://parentdata.org/

Follow Emily @profemilyoster

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; sex education; endometriosis; birth control; fertility

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Single Mom by Choice Kristin D. on sperm donation, IVF, egg donation, and never regretting having a baby on her own

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali interviews Kristin D., a single mom by choice, about the journey to having her 2 1/2 year old son, Blake. Kristin explains why she made the decision to have a kiddo on her own and talks us through the entire process, from having a "sperm donor choosing party" with her sisters to finding out she had stage two silent endometriosis (but no symptoms). She talks about connecting with others in the single mom by choice community, and says, "In the single mother by choice community, you don't find a lot of people who regret going ahead and having a baby on their own. The most surprising thing was just that everyone was so happy with their decision." She talks about the pros and cons of doing it solo, gaining 40 pounds from taking the fertility meds, and how everything was "insanely expensive." She also talks about having her son, and later, embarking on the journey to have another child, which has so far included two failed egg donors. Kristin is not finished building her family, so follow along on IG @mysmbclife

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; sex education; endometriosis; silent endometriosis; single moms by choice; egg retrievals; egg transfers; sperm donation

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help.

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Vanderpump Rules" and "The Valley" star Kristen Doute on miscarriage, IUI and pregnancy after loss

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to the "Vanderpump Rules" and "The Valley" GOAT: Kristen Doute. Kristen shares her entire family building story, starting with back in the day, when she and co-star Scheana Shay talked about freezing their eggs (although Kristen didn't do it then) to today, when she is happily engaged and expecting her first baby, a daughter, in June. Kristen talks about the sex education (or lack thereof) she got growing up in Michigan; how, when she met Luke, she was about to be 40 "and not playing around," and how she really wanted a family and stability. She talks about how she and Luke started to "not, not try" for a baby; getting pregnant naturally; and then, a devastating pregnancy loss (in her case, a "blighted ovum"). Kristen also talks about the unsexiness of sex on demand; going to see a fertility specialist, and how she felt triggered by the word, "infertile." She also talks about IUI; becoming pregnant after their loss; a bleeding scare at 12 or 13 weeks gestation; and how she and Luke are thriving today, waiting for the arrival of their baby girl -- and the second season of their hit Bravo reality show, "The Valley."

Follow Kristen on IG: @kristendoute

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; sex education; chemical pregnancy; egg freezing; blighted ovum; miscarriage; IUI; hormones; pregnancy after loss; pregnancy hematoma; threatened miscarriage; guilt

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EXTEND FERTILITY

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Real Housewives star Roxy Earle and Dr. Arnold Mahesan on infertility, IVF and creating an app to help women conceive

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Roxy Earle, an entrepreneur, influencer, and star of The Real Housewives of Toronto, alongside her husband, Dr. Arnold Mahesan, a respected fertility specialist. Roxy and Arnold share their family building journey, including how Roxy was told by a few doctors, before she met and fell in love with Arnold, that in order to have children, she'd have to "lose weight and do IVF." Roxy talks about how Arnold put her on a "very robust" lifestyle program, including fitness changes, managing inflammation and taking supplements, and how she was able to successfully get pregnant and have two healthy babies at ages 38 and 39. Roxy and Arnold then share how they created the Ana app, which incorporates everything they learned during their own journey, and more. "The problem with infertility is that you don't know about it until it's too late. I wish someone had informed me about these things earlier on in life," Roxy says. For more on Ana — an app dedicated to empowering women with fertility knowledge, tools, and resources, see below.

Follow Roxy on IG @luxuriousroxy and Arnold on IG @drarnoldmd and Ana on IG @theanaapp

For more, go to https://www.anahealth.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; IVF; weight management; supplements; fertility doctors; advocacy; fertility apps; inflammation

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

CASCADE CRYOBANK

Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.

In an industry first, Cascade Cryobank has brought it’s “Early Disclosure Program” to the market – you no longer have to wait 18 years– now you can learn the Identity of your “Early Disclosure” donor at the report of a live birth conceived from their sperm. Let Cascade Cryobank help you grow your family with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Visit their website at www.cascadecryobank.com, and find your future, today!

Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Keren W. on recurrent pregnancy loss, low sperm count, IVF and the loss of her daughter at 17 weeks gestation

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Fertility Rally member Keren, who is still in the thick of her years-long infertility journey. Keren talks about growing up with seven siblings in "evangelical spaces," how her parents opted her out of sex ed in school; and having one of her ovaries removed, due to a cyst, at the age of 16. She talks about having a chemical pregnancy, followed by a "lot of disappointing cycles." She shares how having timed intercourse is "stressful and not sexy," what happened when they found out her husband had a low sperm count, and pivoting to IVF. She also talks about getting pregnant but receiving the devastating news that her baby was missing part of her cerebellum and measuring about 10 days behind. Keren talks about navigating this very difficult time; the pain of finding out that their baby's heart had stopped beating; and making the decision to give birth to their daughter, Iris, in Labor & Delivery. She also shares her advice on talking to parents who have lost a baby, and where she and her husband are now in their family building journey.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; ovarian cysts; TTC; sex education; chemical pregnancy; Hashimoto's; male factor infertility; low sperm count; miscarriage; IVF; egg retrieval; baby loss

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

IVF Mom of Two and Start Asking Fertility Coach Nichelle Sublett, Part Two

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is catching up with Mrs. North Carolina 2018 and IVF mom of two, Nichelle Sublett. Ali and Nichelle first spoke on Infertile AF back in 2019 -- and a lot has happened since then! At the time, Nichelle was 32 weeks pregnant with her first baby, son Hudson, who is now five. Nichelle had suffered five miscarriages and felt like her body was broken before Hudson -- and she fills Ali in on the rest of her infertility journey, including navigating Covid with a toddler; feeling like she couldn't complain about motherhood after going through infertility; and their next IVF transfer, which resulted in a second baby, their daughter, Siena. Nichelle also talks about her new fertility coaching business, Start Asking Fertility. "It's my mission to help people thrive through this time versus just survive, because I feel like I just barely survived it," she says.

For more, go to https://www.startaskingfertility.com/

Follow on IG @startaskingfertility

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; IVF; egg retrieval; IVF success; infertility community; fertility coaching; PCOS

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Special Crossover Episode: Ali x Fertility Doctors Uncensored

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It's a very special crossover episode! Today, Ali talks to the three brilliant and badass board certified reproductive endocrinologists from Fertility Doctors Uncensored, Dr. Carrie Bedient, Dr. Abby Eblen and Dr. Susan Hudson. Ali and the Doctors talk about separating fact from fiction, why community is so important in the infertility community, and why Ali wrote her children's book about IVF, "Work of ART." Ali shares some of her infertility story, the doctors talk about their own fertility challenges and share some frequently asked questions, and then they all talk about their respective news books coming out.

For more info, go to https://www.fertilitydocsuncensored.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; IUI; IVF; egg retrieval; IVF success; infertility community; secondary infertility; talking to kids about IVF

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Intended Parent Maggie and Surrogate Jessie on Family Building with ConceiveAbilities

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to Intended Parent, Maggie, and Surrogate, Jessie, about working with ConceiveAbilities, a leading egg donor and surrogacy agency. Maggie explains how she and her husband, Matt, started trying to conceive more than five years ago. She talks about seven rounds of Clomid, multiple miscarriages, and moving on to IVF. When that wasn't successful, she pivoted to surrogacy, after she and Matt were matched with Jessie. Jessie talks about being a nurse, why there are so many nurses who become surrogates, and why she decided to become a surrogate in the first place. "My heart just ached for women who couldn't have babies," Jessie says. "I love my babies so much. I feel so deeply passionate about making sure that another woman has a chance to love a baby, because it's just the greatest gift." Maggie and Jessie talk about meeting for lunch before the transfer, their deep bond, the difficulties of her pregnancy, and finally, how Maggie's daughter, Josie, entered the world. Maggie also talks about where she and Matt are now. Make sure to stay tuned to the end!

Find out more about ConceiveAbilities on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/conceiveabilities/

For more information on ConceiveAbilities Empower Nurse Campaign click on this link:

https://share.conceiveabilities.com/apratonc

For more information on surrogacy or becoming a surrogate click on this link:

https://share.conceiveabilities.com/apratoraf

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; Clomid; IUI; IVF; egg retrieval; immunotherapy drugs; surrogacy; IVF success; surrogacy success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Extend Fertility's Dr. Joshua Klein on Fertilo, a Groundbreaking New Fertility Treatment

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:30:00 +0000

It's another expert minisode! Today, Ali is talking to award-winning doctor Dr. Joshua U. Klein, co-founder of Extend Fertility, about a groundbreaking new fertility treatment called Fertilo, by Gameto. Dr. Klein (who, as you may know, is also the doctor who helped Ali and Vince have Sonny via IVF), explains exactly what Fertilo is and how it works in terms of egg freezing and IVF. He explains how Fertilo can shorten IVF and egg freezing cycles, who the best candidates are, and what research and clinical studies have been done to back the efficacy of Fertilo. "If Fertilo is working as we hope it is and it seems like it is, we can shorten and minimize both the duration and the amount of medication that women are doing," he says. "Egg freezing could become a three to five day thing. This is one of the first things in the last decade that has some serious groundbreaking potential, and I'm excited to be a part of it." He also talks about other innovations he and the team at Extend are excited about, and who would play him in a biopic.

For more information on Extend, go to https://extendfertility.com/

For more information about Fertilo and Gameto, go to https://www.gametogen.com/fertilo

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; IVF; IVM; egg freezing; egg retrieval; frozen embryo transfer; Fertilo; Gameto; hormone injections; stem cell technology; IVF success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Fertility Rally member Mesha Hardesty on stage-4 endometriosis, OHSS and having her two daughters via IVF

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to her dear friend and Fertility Rally member, Mesha Hardesty. Mesha tells Ali about getting her period at the age of 10, a cyst that led her to go on birth control at age 12, and painful periods that would "drop me to the floor." She talks about trying to have a baby, going through infertility during the pandemic, and what happened when she was finally diagnosed with stage-4 endometriosis. She also talks about her husband's semen analysis, pivoting to IVF, OHSS, endo surgery, why she had to have a D&C and having her two baby girls via IVF.

IG: @meshahardesty

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; endometriosis; stage-4 endo; ovarian cysts; IVF; egg retrieval; OHSS; frozen embryo transfer; pregnancy after infertility; placenta accreta; D&C; IVF success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Investigative Reporter Ginanne Brownell on IVF, Surrogacy and having her twins

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 15:35:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Ginanne Brownell, author of "Elusive Mommyhood: An Investigative Reporter’s Personal Journey into IVF and Surrogacy." Comedian and surrogacy mom Tig Notaro says of the book,"A very important book for everyone, relevant to our times." On the pod, Ginanne tells Ali about freezing her eggs, a devastating miscarriage at seven weeks, and later, after her doctor said, "I think we need to accept that you have unexplained infertility," how she went down the IVF road with her husband. She also talks about pivoting to surrogacy, getting matched with a gestational carrier, transferring two embryos, and what it finally felt like to hold her twins. A Michigan native, Ginanne also shares how she helped change Michigan’s surrogacy law.

To order "Elusive Mommyhood," go to Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble and Amazon

IG: @elusive.mommyhood

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; egg freezing; IVF; unexplained infertility; surrogacy; surrogacy law; miscarriage; embryo transfer; twin IVF babies

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Infertile AF Minisode: Ask an RE Anything with Dr. Armando Hernandez-Rey of Conceptions Florida

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It’s an Infertile AF Minisode! On today’s episode, Ali chats with Dr. Armando Hernandez-Rey of Conceptions Florida about all things infertility. Included: What's the number one question he gets asked by fertility patients? Is there a good season to freeze your eggs? What are the biggest advances in the fertility world? What changes are happening in IVF labs?

How is AI going to affect IVF and ART? And what about Ozempic babies? Does Ozempic affect fertility?

He rapid fire answers the Qs -- you might learn a lot in 12 minutes!

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; unexplained infertility; TTC; AI and fertility; egg freezing; Ozempic

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

Blair Nelson, Ali's Fertility Rally co-founder, on TFMR and having her "mosaic miracle" baby

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It's a very special episode! Ali's beloved PIBAC (Partner in Biz and Claw), Blair Nelson @fabivfmama, is back to share the third installment of her years-long infertility journey. Blair and Ali pick up where they left off during their last episode, in 2022, when Blair was pregnant with her son, Baron, but they had received devastating news that he had been diagnosed with a very rare condition called Limb Body Wall Complex. Blair talks about traveling from her home in Austin, TX to Colorado to undergo a Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR). She talks about the amazing fellow TFMR mamas n this community who helped her navigate that difficult time, and how the procedure did not go exactly as planned, putting her life at risk. She shares how she and her husband, Will, transferred another embryo months later, although it did not implant. She also talks about deciding to transfer their "mighty mosaic" embryo, the advice she got from her doctors, and finally getting pregnant and having their miracle baby, Margot, in October 2024.

For more follow Blair at @fabivfmama and @fertilityrally

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; TTC; TFMR; placenta accreta; embryo transfer; mosaic embryos; pregnancy after loss; Roe v. Wade

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

PherDal’s Jennifer Hintzsche on unexplained infertility and the device she invented that got her pregnant

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

It’s an Infertile AF Minisode! On today’s episode, Ali chats with Dr. Jennifer Hintzsche, Ph.D., a scientist and the founder of PherDal Fertility Science, Inc. Jenn shares her 16-month journey with unexplained infertility and how her frustration with the diagnosis led her to take matters into her own hands. Using her scientific expertise and her husband’s engineering skills, Jenn invented a sterile, at-home insemination device that ultimately helped her conceive. Tune in to hear Jenn’s story and learn more about the innovation born from her personal experience.

For more information, visit www.pherdal.com.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; unexplained infertility; TTC; at-home insemination; pregnancy after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

Astronaut and IVF Warrior Kellie Gerardi on Secondary Infertility and Her Next Trip to Space

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Get ready for an amazing conversation with Kellie Gerardi, an astronaut, researcher, mom, and space industry sensation who made history when she flew as a payload specialist on the Galactic 05 research mission in 2023. "I had two dreams growing up: I was fascinated with space, and I always pictured myself having a family," Kellie says. Today, Ali and Kellie talk about how she launched her career, and also about the difficult infertility journey she is navigating currently. Kellie shares the journey to having her daughter, Delta, who is now 7, and what happened when she started to try for baby number two. She talks about a number of pregnancy losses, including a devastating second trimester loss, and when they made the decision to do IVF. Kellie is in the midst of her journey, about to do an embryo transfer, and we are wishing her nothing but the best.

For more, follow her on IG @kelliegerardi

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; secondary infertility; pregnancy; pregnancy loss; miscarriage; IVF; embryo transfer; egg retrieval

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

PIXEL CARE

Pixel Care is a complete fertility support system designed to actually make treatments easier and less stressful for fertility patients. Pixel helps you keep track of your medications, your dosages, your deliveries and your side effects. It also has a 24/7 chat where you can talk to a medical professional about anything regarding your cycle - from medication questions to insurance benefits.

For more, head to Pixelcarehealth.com or download Pixel Care in the app store for free

Infertile AF Minisode: Fertility Law Attorney Rachel Loftspring on surrogacy, donor conception and when it's key to have a fertility lawyer

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Time for another Infertile AF minisode! Today, Ali is talking to Rachel Loftspring, a Fertility Law Attorney and Partner at The Family Law & Fertility Law Group. Rachel talks about Navigating the Legal Landscape of Collaborative Reproduction (including what intended parents need to know about surrogacy and egg, sperm, and embryo donation); how the medical and psychological support systems play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of all parties involved in the surrogacy and donation process; and what it looks like when she works with intended parents around the globe. She also talks about when -- and why -- you might need a fertility lawyer.

For more info, go to https://familyandfertilitylaw.com/our-attorneys/rachel-loftspring/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

LGBTQIA+ family building; family building through ART; donor conception; surrogacy; intended parents; fertility law

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

Transgender dad and LGBTQ+ Fertility Advocate Trystan Reese on being pregnant, going viral and more

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Trystan Reese, a transgender gay dad who went viral when he gave birth to his son in 2017. Trystan, a major advocate for trans fertility, is now a dad of three. He tells Ali about the overwhelming odds to get pregnant, including hormonal challenges; finding the right medical team; and facing harsh criticism on social media. He also talks about meeting the love of his life, Biff, and the discussions they had about Trystan becoming pregnant. "I’m a transgender man, I’ve been pregnant, and I’ve given birth," Trystan says. "People are like, 'What was it like to be a pregnant man?” And I’m like, “I don’t know, because I was never a pregnant woman.'"

For more info, go to https://www.trystanreese.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Transgender parenting; transgender family building; fertility; pregnancy; childbirth; social media backlash; family building in the LGBTQ+ community

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.

PIXEL CARE

For more, head to Pixelcarehealth.com or download Pixel Care in the app store for free

Mandy Messinger & Marni Wandner of Pixel Care on their respective IVF and infertility journeys, with two totally different outcomes

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to Marni Wandner, VP of Brand Marketing for Pixel Care, and Mandy Messinger, Director of Marketing for Pixel Care, about their respective journeys through infertility, IVF, and more. Mandy talks about meeting and falling in love with her wife, Lauren, and the challenges they faced as part of the LGBTQ community when they decided they wanted to build a family. She shares their experience with both known sperm donation and going through a sperm bank; a chemical pregnancy; a devastating miscarriage, and how they finally had their healthy little boy. Marni shares her experience with freezing her eggs in her mid-30s, falling in love and getting married later in life, and what happened when she and her husband started to try. She talks about IUI, unexplained infertility; a devastating miscarriage, and how she and her husband finally asked themselves, "What if we didn't have kids? What would our life look like?"

For more, head to Pixelcarehealth.com or download Pixel Care in the app store for free

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; LGTBQ family building; miscarriage; pregnancy loss; unexplained infertility; sperm donation; fertility apps; pregnancy after loss; living childless after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Musician and Infertility Warrior Kina Grannis on Infertility, Anxiety and IVF

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to the brilliant singer-songwriter-guitarist Kina Grannis about her five year-long infertility journey. Kina talks about adopting a super clean diet and reading all the books before she started to try getting pregnant; why she was hesitant to share her infertility journey at first; and how the mention of the word, "IVF" made her want to die. She talks about going through IVF transfers; how "holding it all in was like this poison pressure cooker inside of me," and her "needle phobia." She also talks about finally getting pregnant; the text she sent her friends when pregnancy after infertility felt very scary; and writing infertility-related songs, including the beautiful, "In the Waiting."

For more, go to www.kinagrannis.com

IG: @kinagrannis

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

PIXEL CARE

For more, head to www.pixelcarehealth.com or download Pixel Care in the app store for free

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Infertile AF Minisode: Leveling up your infertility supplements with WeNatal Founders Ronit Menashe & Vida Delrahim

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:16:26 +0000

We’re excited to launch a new series of bite-sized episodes packed with expert insights on infertility. These short, digestible minisodes are designed to give you quick, valuable takeaways from leading experts and professionals in the field. No matter what you're navigating, these minisodes will provide you with practical advice, emotional support, and the latest information on all things infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology. Tune in for easy-to-digest wisdom on a topic that deserves all the attention it can get.

Today, Ali is talking to WeNatal co-founders Ronit Menashe & Vida Delrahim about fertility supplements, the products they wish they had when they were navigating their infertility journeys and their new product, Egg Quality Plus.

For more, go to https://wenatal.com/ and follow IG: @we_natal

Psychotherapist Bethany Warren on Navigating Reproductive Trauma, from Infertility to Pregnancy Loss to TFMR

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today, we are mixing it up a bit. Ali is chatting with Bethany Warren, a psychotherapist and EMDR consultant who's had a passion for helping people navigate reproductive and perinatal mental health issues for 25 years. Beth specialize in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, working with individuals experiencing pregnancy loss, termination for medical reasons, infertility and more. Today, she focuses on dealing "Navigating Reproductive Trauma," a session that originally aired at Fertility Rally Live.

For more, go to www.bethanywarrenlcsw.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; reproductive trauma; pregnancy loss; intrusive images; intrusive thoughts; PTSD; the trauma spectrum; EMDR

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

S'MOO

S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout.

Megan Day on Losing Her Baby at 19 Weeks and then, a Surrogacy Journey

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Megan Day, who shares her very real and honest story about infertility, including losing her son when she was 19 weeks pregnant. "It was called a miscarriage," she says. She explains what happened after that, including five excruciating surgeries and a lot of unanswered questions. Megan talks about the complications of RPOC (Retained Products of Conception), when she and her husband decided to pivot to surrogacy; finding a gestational carrier, and finally, awaiting the arrival of their healthy baby via GC, due any day now.

For more: check out Megan's blog: at www.thefertilityfighters.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; IUIs; missed miscarriage; pregnancy loss; egg retrieval; embryo transfer; gestational carrier; surrogacy journey; surrogacy miscarriage; RPOC; surgery

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Lauren and Patrick's Infertility Story: IUIs, Chemical and Ectopic Pregnancies, and IVF Success

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to an amazing couple: Fertility Rally member Lauren Roth and her husband, Patrick. Lauren talks about growing up in Guatemala, how she and Patrick met, and what happened when they started to build their family. The couple then shares details about why Google and WebMD are "not particularly helpful" during infertility; their chemical pregnancy; and the unsexiness of "sending a calendar invite to have timed sex." They also talk about becoming frustrated as a couple, their five IUIs; and navigating chemical pregnancies and an ectopic pregnancy. They also discuss their egg retrievals and transfers, and finally, the healthy pregnancy that brought them their son, who was born shortly after this episode was recorded.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; IUIs; timed intercourse; marriage during infertility; adenomiosis; chemical pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy; egg retrieval; embryo transfer; pregnancy after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Best of Feat. Singer Christina Perri, Comedian Michelle Buteau and Olympic Skating Icon Tara Lipinski

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It's the 300th Episode!!!!! Today we are featuring clips from some of the top-rated episodes with some of Ali's favorite celeb guests. First up, Christina Perri shares her long and difficult family-building journey, including miscarriage; the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Rosie; navigating mental health; her blood-clotting disorder, and more. Then, Tara Lipinski talks about her endometriosis; IVF; miscarriage; navigating fertility treatments compared to the insanely hard work she did as an elite athlete, and pivoting to surrogacy. Finally, Michelle Buteau talks about the long road to having her twins, including IUIs, several rounds of IVF, four devastating miscarriages, exploring international adoption; facing discrimination at her doctor's appointments; and finally meeting the surrogate who would help them welcome their healthy babes. Thank you so much to all of my amazing guests and listeners since we launched in March 2019!

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Sarah Freese's Infertility Journey: IVF, Frozen Embryo Transfer and Fresh Embryo Transfer

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali is talking to Sarah Freese about her infertility and IVF journey. Sarah shares the details on having irregular periods when she was a young woman, being on the birth control pill from age 18 to age 33, and how once she started to try to have kids, it was not as easy as she'd hoped. She talks about doing IVF, how her failed IVF transfer was "one of the worst calls" she's ever gotten, and about having implantation issues. She also talks about frozen embryo transfers versus fresh embryo transfers, and how they finally figured out the "secret sauce" to having their healthy babies through ART.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; egg retrieval; frozen embryo transfer; fresh embryo transfer; irregular periods; zero implantation; polyps; sibling cycle; modified natural cycle; IVF success; pregnancy after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Infertility warrior-turned-fertility coach Rachel Mangahas on International Adoption and Surrogacy

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to mom of four Rachel Mangahas about the long road to building her family, including going through international adoption twice and using a surrogate. Rachel talks about her infertility journey, and how it made her feel so broken and alone. She also talks about wanting a big family, doing timed intercourse and ovulation kits, male factor infertility, and IUIs. She explains how they navigated international adoption -- for two of their children -- and the sweet surprise they got when they used a surrogate, and the embryo transfer worked.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; international adoption; surrogacy; anxiety; guilt; egg retrieval; IUI; embryo transfer; frozen embryos; surrogacy pregnancy; surrogacy success; identical twins

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

CASCADE CRYOBANK

Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.

Larken Co-founder Maggie Phipps on Secondary Infertility; Ectopic Pregnancy; Emergency Surgery and IVF

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to fierce infertility warrior and mama Maggie Phipps, co-founder of Larken (which means "fierce" in Gaelic), a comfy essentials brand for anyone navigating fertility treatments, postpartum, motherhood, and beyond. Maggie shares how her mom had three miscarriages; how she herself had an early miscarriage; and how conceived her first two kids naturally, but then had trouble with baby number three. She also talks about her traumatic ectopic pregnancy and how she felt brushed off by several doctors when she told them she was in pain. Maggie also shares how she navigated the devastation of losing her baby in that ectopic, going through emergency surgery; how she was just a few hours away from "bleeding out," and what happened in her family building journey after that.

For more, go to www.shoplarken.com and follow on IG: @larken_shop. Use code “InfertileAF15” for 15% your order

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; miscarriage; recurrent miscarriage; ectopic pregnancy; emergency surgery; fallopian tubes; fallopian tube removal; guilt; IVF; anxiety; pregnancy after loss; pregnancy after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

CASCADE CRYOBANK

Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.

Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase!

Jenny Angerman's Infertility Story: PCOS, IUIs and IVF

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is on the pod with one of our beloved Fertility Rally members, Jenny Angerman @thedailyendomama. Jenny tells Ali about being adopted from India; how she met her husband; what happened when they started to try for kids and it wasn't happening; her endometriosis diagnosis; fibroids; IUIs; one IVF cycle that unfortunately did not work out, and then, finally getting pregnant. Jenny also shares her thoughts on trauma bonding; sharing her journey on IG and TikTok; how everything changed once she joined Fertility Rally; and where they are with baby number two.

For more, follow on IG: @thedailyendomama

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; trauma bonding; PCOS; endometriosis; fibroids; IUI; IVF; egg retrieval; Fertility Rally community; TikTok; anxiety; pregnancy after loss; pregnancy after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

S'MOO

Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Eve Wiley, Fertility Fraud Advocate, and Dylan Morgan, COO of Cascade Cryobank, on Sperm Donor Transparency

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali has two incredible guests: Eve Wiley is a leading advocate against fertility fraud after discovering that she was conceived with a different sperm donor than her parents were told. Dylan Morgan is the COO of Cascade Cryobank. Together, they are working on advocating against fertility fraud and increasing transparency when it comes to donor sperm protocols and procedures. What is Fertility Fraud? It’s when a doctor intentionally uses his own sperm to inseminate his patients without their knowledge or consent of the reproductive material. Eve talks about discovering that she was a victim of fertility fraud, and how she is combating it through legislature and her advocacy work. Dylan talks about being a sperm donor and the ways that Cascade is doing things differently than many other sperm banks. Eve also talks about her involvement with the Netflix documentary, "The Man with 1000 Kids," including how she narrates the doc.

For more info, go to https://evewiley.com/

https://cascadecryobank.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; Sperm donation; conception deception; IVF; advocacy;

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

HerMD Co-Founder Komel Caruso's Infertility Story: PCOS, IVF and Revolutionizing Women's Health

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to Komel Caruso, the Co-Founder of HerMD, about her infertility journey. Komel talks about growing up in a traditional Muslim household and the sex education (or lack thereof) she received as a Catholic school student. It was, "Don't have sex, you'll get pregnant. You'll just get pregnant every time you have sex. I was just so fearful that if I had sex, I would get pregnant. Even if I was using birth control, I could still get pregnant. That fear leads to a lot of anxiety," she says. Komel also talks about having a "wonderful surprise baby" in her early twenties, discovering that she had PCOS, and what happened when she started taking Clomid. She also talks about IUI, IVF, "feeling like a failure," and finally getting pregnant again via ART. She also talks about her sister and co-founder, Board Certified OBGYN Dr. Somi Javaid, and how they created HerMD, looking to revolutionize women's health and pivot away from "drive-thru gynecology."

For more, go to www.hermd.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; PCOS; IUI; IVF; IVF cycles; IVF treatment; twin pregnancy; Clomid; pregnancy loss; pregnancy after infertility; motherhood after infertility; women's health; sisterhood; OBGYN; reproductive rights

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Amber Izzo's Infertility Story: Blocked fallopian tubes, male factor, and IVF advocacy

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today's guest, Amber Izzo, describes herself as "your oversharing, slightly chaotic mum friend and an IVF campaigner." Today, she's sharing her 7 1/2 year-long journey through infertility and family building, including blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, and so much more. Amber talks about the deep toll everything took on her mental state, how she was "spiraling" and "became obsessed," how she felt brushed off by her doctors, and how, at one point, she had suicidal thoughts. She talks about navigating the mental health side of her journey; IVF treatments and advocacy in the UK, where she is based, and the work she is doing with Gaia Family, which believes that there's a better way to pay for IVF.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; depression; blocked fallopian tubes; laparoscopy; marriage issues; suicidal thoughts; male factor infertility; pregnancy after loss; IVF; IVF cycles; IVF treatment; motherhood after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Carrot Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Asima Ahmad's Infertility Story

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today's guest, Asima Ahmad, is a double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and obstetrics and gynecology. She is also the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot Fertility, which believes in Fertility Care for All. On this episode, Ali and Asima talk about how Asima diagnosed herself with PCOS in her 20s; how her aunt had navigated multiple stillbirths; what it feels like being a fertility doctor and patient at the same time; and how, when Asima suffered her own pregnancy loss, she began to understand miscarriage on an even deeper level. She talks about the road that lead to her four children, and what she is doing now at Carrot to help increase access to fertility care.

Find out more at https://www.get-carrot.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

PCOS; infertility; pregnancy loss; miscarriage; miscarriage awareness; IVF; IVF cycles; IVF treatment; fertility care for all

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

S'MOO

Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout.

Gaia CEO and Founder Nader AlSalim's Infertility and IVF Story: There's a Better Way to Pay for IVF

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Gaia is founded on the premise that Everyone Who Wants a Family Should Have the Chance to Try. Today, Ali is talking to Gaia CEO and Founder Nader AlSalim, who shares his own unexplained infertility journey, and how that led him to create Gaia, a groundbreaking company in the fertility landscape (see more below). Nader talks about the frustrations of their "unexplained infertility" diagnosis; the emotional, financial and physical tolls of infertility; going through five rounds of IVF with his wife; and how they finally had their son. He also talks about creating Gaia, based on "member-centricity," explaining it like this: "You pay a percent of the cost of a cycle after we predict your probability of success. I pay the clinic on your behalf. You go focus on getting treated, and after the end of your journey, when you have a baby, you pay me back what I paid on your behalf. And if you don't have a baby, I say, 'I'm so sorry, but there's nothing to pay.'"

Find out more at www.gaiafamily.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; infertility; unexplained infertility; IVF; the emotional, financial and physical tolls of infertility; IVF cycles; IVF treatment

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sammi Lawlor's Infertility Story: Secondary Infertility, C-Section Ectopic Pregnancy and Surrogacy

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is talking to Sammi, a strongAF infertility warrior she met when Sammi joined Fertility Rally. Sammi shares all the details of the path to having her children, including going through secondary infertility; a very rare C-section ectopic pregnancy (a first for this show); termination for medical reasons; more surgery; the discovery of male factor infertility; and when they decided to go down the surrogacy road. She also talks about meeting her "angel" surrogate, several bumps along the way, and what lead--finally--to the birth of her second baby boy.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; C-section ectopic pregnancy; trauma, anxiety, depression; termination for medical reasons; pregnancy loss; D&C; male factor infertility; surrogacy; surrogacy in Canada vs. U.S.;

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

CASCADE CRYOBANK

Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.

Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase!

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Sarah Oreck on how her late-term pregnancy loss inspired her to co-found Mavida Mental Health Care

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is talking to yet another amazing woman who has turned her pain into her purpose: Dr Sarah Oreck, Co-Founder and CEO of Mavida Health. After her late-term pregnancy loss, Sarah created a company that would provide those on their path to parenthood the right tools and resources to take care of their mental health, every step of the way. Ali and Sarah talk about sex education and what they both learned about having babies when they were growing up; the devastation of what Sarah went through; how talking about miscarriage (or any loss, for that matter) and mental health need to be normalized, and how her Mavida Health co-founder also experienced a second trimester pregnancy loss.

For more, go to mavidahealth.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; late-term pregnancy loss; mental health; perinatal mental health; miscarriage

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Catherine John's Infertility Story: PCOS; IUIs and IVF Success

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Catherine John is a dear member of the Fertility Rally fam, and today, she's sharing her entire story with Ali, from being diagnosed with PCOS to going through IUIs. Catherine talks about exploring the option of doing her fertility treatments in Tijuana (and why she ultimately decided against it), her irregular periods; why she was told she was a good candidate for IVF; and what happened when she finally became pregnant with her son.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

PCOS; high testosterone; ovarian cysts; irregular periods; IUIs; IVF; IVF abroad; pregnancy after infertility; IVF success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

S'MOO

Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cheryl Sew Hoy, Founder of Tiny Health, on microbiomes, fertility and her own miscarriages

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What do you know about the vaginal microbiome? What does your vaginal microbiome have to do with your ability to conceive? Ali didn't know much about this, and is still learning, thanks to today's guest, Cheryl Sew Hoy, CEO and Founder of Tiny Health. Cheryl, a longtime entrepreneur and women's health advocate, explains how the microbiome impacts well-being and fertility. She talks about prioritizing her career for years, having her two kids via C-section, what the term "vaginal seeding" means, and more recently, the heartbreak she's experienced having two miscarriages.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

C-sections; microbiome; microbiome testing; vaginal microbiome; gut health; miscarriage; vaginal seeding; grief; immune systems; chronic disease

For more, go to https://www.tinyhealth.com/

For info on the IVF Clinical Study, go to https://www.tinyhealth.com/research/fertility-ivf

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hopeful Mama Foundation Founder Emily Patel's Story: Early menopause; adoption gone wrong, donor eggs and IVF

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is talking to Emily Patel, founder of Hopeful Mama Foundation, about her family building journey, years of struggles, and finally having her two daughters. Emily talks about having hot flashes and night sweats at the age of 16, being put on birth control, and later learning that she had premature ovarian failure/early menopause. She also talks about having a doctor with terrible bedside manner, who told her, "Well, you're never gonna have a kid," and later, how going through a private adoption process ended in devastation. She talks about how infertility and the failed adoption lead to the end of her first marriage; finding love again; embarking on the donor egg route; and finally having her two daughters. Emily also talks about creating Hopeful Mama Foundation, which supports women on their infertility journey through financial grants, educational workshops and support groups.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Premature ovarian failure; early menopause; marriage issues; divorce; adoption; donor eggs; IVF; IVF transfers; pregnancy after loss and infertility; financial grants for IVF and ART

For more, go to https://hopefulmamafoundation.org/

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

NATALIST

www.natalist.com

Natalist is on a mission to improve your fertility journey with evidence-backed essentials to support your needs, from vegan prenatal packets to easy-to-use, plastic-neutral ovulation tests and fertility-friendly lube. Natalist is offering my community 25% off your first order at Natalist.com with promo code INFERTILEAF.

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Christie Bishop's Story: Brain cancer, sperm banking, IUIs and IVF

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Christie Bishop is host of the podcast, "What Nobody Tells Us," where she tackles taboo topics and hosts uncomfortable conversations, from cancer to grief to the foster care system. Today, she tells Ali her own family building story, starting with how her then-fiance, Bryan Bishop, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and given six months to live. Bryan's diagnosis changed everything about how and when they'd try to have kids, as their doctor told them, "You need to go bank sperm -- right fucking now." Christie shares how she and Bryan have navigated his cancer treatment over the years (thankfully, he is now healthy and doing well!); how "You're not having a lot of sex when your fiance has just been given a death sentence of six to 12 months," how nothing was the same BC and AD (before cancer and after diagnosis); doing multiple IUIs that didn't work; doing two rounds of IVF; and how they finally, miraculously, had their daughter, who was conceived naturally.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cancer: brain cancer; IUI; IVF; cancer treatment; sperm freezing; embryo transfer; pregnancy after IVF and IUI; anxiety; ; chemo; hospitalization for stress; acute colitis

For more, go to https://www.christiebishop.com/

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

NATALIST

www.natalist.com

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Endo Warrior Sandra Rimaldi's 10-year Journey To Having Her Daughter

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"I never thought I'd be down a 10 year journey just to have my one and only miracle daughter," says Sandra Rimaldi, an infertility nurse and infertility warrior who spent a decade trying to build her family. For years, Sandra worked with renowned Reproductive Immunologist Dr. Jeffrey Braverman, who passed away in 2019, treating patients from all over the world who had unexplained infertility diagnoses. At the same time, she was undergoing her own infertility journey, including IVF, a traumatic transfer, endo surgery and more. On today's show, Sandra tells us the details her journey, including her anxiety and PTSD after infertility and how the advent of the Receptiva DX test has helped countless patients all over the world.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Endometriosis; endo surgery; reproductive immunology; traumatic transfer; IVF; embryos; Receptiva DX test; anxiety; pregnancy after infertility; PTSD

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Children's Book about IVF

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

@fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

NATALIST

www.natalist.com

S'MOO

Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

Fertility Nurse and Dandi co-founder Leyla Bilali’s Infertility Story

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Leyla Bilali is a veteran fertility nurse with over a decade of clinical experience at a top NYC clinic. She considers herself to be a "Fertility Godmother," with big ideas for fertility care. Today, she tells Ali about her family building journey, including the road to having her two girls, and the devastating losses she has experienced while trying for a third child. Leyla talks about working in the fertility industry, freezing embryos, her husband's vasectomy, co-founding Dandi based off of her clinical experiences and fertility concierge business, and how as a fertility patient herself, she has more empathy and compassion than ever. To reach out to Leyla, email leyla@dandifertility.com Follow her on IG: @lamleybilali and @dandifertility Topics covered in this episode: IVF; fertility nursing; hysteroscopy; miscarriage; D&C; pregnancy; vasectomy; embryo freezing; fertility immunologist; high risk pregnancy EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 NATALIST www.natalist.com Natalist is on a mission to improve your fertility journey with evidence-backed essentials to support your needs, from vegan prenatal packets to easy-to-use, plastic-neutral ovulation tests and fertility-friendly lube. Natalist is offering my community 25% off your first order at Natalist.com with promo code INFERTILEAF. RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

LGBTQ Infertility Advocate Christina Bailey's Infertility Story: IVF and Same Sex Family Building

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Pride Month Continues! Today we are celebrating the beautiful family built by Christina Bailey, aka @babybaileymamadrama on IG. Christina talks about coming out when she was younger, having her two older daughters via IVF, and how the LGBTQ community gets asked a lot, "Why don't you just adopt, or why don't you just foster?" Christina talks about going through the embryo adoption process, but deciding it was not the right path, and later, breaking up with her wife. "I spent so much time grieving and being hard on myself, like I wasn't good enough for somebody, and who would ever want me?" she says. She also talks about meeting her current girlfriend, falling in love, and having two more babies -- making her a mom of four. Follow Christina's story at @babybaileymamadrama on IG TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; same sex family building; IVF; reciprocal IVF; egg retrievals; egg transfers: embryo adoption; love is love. EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 NATALIST www.natalist.com Natalist is on a mission to improve your fertility journey with evidence-backed essentials to support your needs, from vegan prenatal packets to easy-to-use, plastic-neutral ovulation tests and fertility-friendly lube. Natalist is offering my community 25% off your first order at Natalist.com with promo code INFERTILEAF. MILK MADE SKIN https://milkmadeskin.com/ Milk Made Skin’s exclusive Milk Peptide ComplexTM encourages the skin's natural production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin. The results are smoother, firmer and more hydrated skin, improved skin elasticity and an immediate reduction in wrinkle depth, plus help with eczema and acne. Go to milkmadeskin.com and use code MILK30 for 30 percent off your purchase. RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Singer Nelly Joy's Infertility Story: Endo, IVF, Ectopic Pregnancy and IUI

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In 2011, singer Nelly Joy told a doctor that she thought she had endometriosis, but the doctor just chuckled and said, "Most girls have painful periods," handed her birth control and Nelly went on her way. She spent years navigating kidney issues, anemia (blacking out), IBS, and constant throwing up from pain while being on the road doing an arena tour with Jason Aldean and Eric Church, opening sold out shows, being in and out of the ER not knowing what was wrong. When she and her husband started to try to have a baby, the road continued to be rough, including IVF and a devastating ectopic pregnancy. At this point in her journey, she's going the IUI route, channeling her pain and experiences through her beautiful music, including her new song, "Baby Showers." Her story is not over yet--stay tuned. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; endometriosis; endometrial cysts; IBS; kidney issues; debilitating pain; IVF; ectopic pregnancy; pregnancy loss; egg retrieval; acupuncture Listen to Baby Showers https://music.empi.re/babyshowers Follow Nelly Joy's journey https://www.instagram.com/nellyjoymusic/ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialnellyjoy?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/NellyJoyMusic/ https://www.youtube.com/@nellyjoymusic EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 NATALIST www.natalist.com Natalist is on a mission to improve your fertility journey with evidence-backed essentials to support your needs, from vegan prenatal packets to easy-to-use, plastic-neutral ovulation tests and fertility-friendly lube. Natalist is offering my community 25% off your first order at Natalist.com with promo code INFERTILEAF. S'MOO S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Leia and Kriston Burroughs' Infertility Story: Sickle cell anemia; fibroids and embryo adoption

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Meet Leia and Krison Burroughs, who are still in the midst of their family building journey. On today's show, Leia and Kriston tell Ali about how Kriston was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when he was just a year old, and how they had no idea that the sickle cell drug, Hydroxyurea, would have a direct effect on his fertility. They also talk about microTESE surgery, the five hysteroscopies Leia had, and how the whole infertility journey has been hard on their marriage. They explain why they fired their OB, why they pivoted to embryo adoption, why they preferred doing that over donor sperm, and where they are now in the journey. Says Leia: "Did you know that 24% of men with Sickle Cell Anemia experience infertility due to the effects of the disease? Did you know that Sickle Cell Anemia affects about 100,000 people or that it occurs 1 in every 365 Black births in the U.S.?" Says Kriston, "Black folks need to start talking about our fertility treatments." For more, follow IG: @ladibuddafly08 and @owtspokeneducator and @iamkristonb TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; Sickle cell anemia; Hydroxyurea; fibroids; embryo adoption; donor sperm; therapy; marriage issues; health insurance; black maternal healthcare; fertility grants EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 NATALIST www.natalist.com Natalist is on a mission to improve your fertility journey with evidence-backed essentials to support your needs, from vegan prenatal packets to easy-to-use, plastic-neutral ovulation tests and fertility-friendly lube. Natalist is offering my community 25% off your first order at Natalist.com with promo code INFERTILEAF. RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

U.S. Women's Soccer Icon Carli Lloyd's Infertility Story: Unexplained infertility, IVF and finally, a successful IVF pregnancy

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali has a true sports icon on the show: Former pro soccer star Carli Lloyd, who won two World Cups and two Olympic Gold medals during her incredible career. Carli is currently pregnant -- and in the second trimester -- with her first baby, but it's been a long and difficult infertility journey to get here. Carli tells Ali all the details, starting from when she and her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, Brian, started to try for a baby, and what happened when it wasn't working. She talks about traveling the world playing professional soccer, why she didn't want to have kids while she was playing, and how, when she retired at 39, she found out, "It's a lot harder to get pregnant than people think." She explains being told they should do IVF, going through the retrieval process, and how her first transfer didn't work. She also talks about why they needed to take a mental break, what it felt like to do their next retrieval, and how she felt when she found out she was finally pregnant. "This journey was a humbling experience," she says. "For someone who's achieved greatness in the soccer world to have to struggle through this, it was really, really difficult. I was almost broken to a point I've never felt before." For more, follow IG @carlilloyd TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Unexplained infertility; IVF; egg retrievals; embryo testing; embryo transfers; zero healthy embryos; mental health; pregnancy after infertility EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 NATALIST www.natalist.com Natalist is on a mission to improve your fertility journey with evidence-backed essentials to support your needs, from vegan prenatal packets to easy-to-use, plastic-neutral ovulation tests and fertility-friendly lube. Natalist is offering my community 25% off your first order at Natalist.com with promo code INFERTILEAF. RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ENCORE - Michael of Two Dads UK's Fertility Story: Donor Eggs, Surrogacy and LGBTQ+ Family Building via ART

Fri, 31 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Happy Pride Month! Ali's guest today is Michael, one of the dads behind Two Dads U.K., whose mission is to raise awareness of same-sex parenting and help other same-sex couples and other single gay people realize that becoming a parent shouldn't just be a dream. Michael talks about coming out; building a family with his husband, Wes; the 3-4 years they researched surrogacy; the birth of their daughter, Talulah; and how they’re working hard to make LGBTQ parenting better, safer and more equal. Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lex Borino's Fertility Story: Egg Freezing and Being Proactive At Age 30

Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today Ali talking to her sweet SoulCycle friend Lex Borino, a super successful bridal hair stylist about her recent egg freezing journey. Lex, who is 30 years old, explains why she came to this decision: "Once I turned 30 and realized, 'Ooh, I'm not in a relationship, that's not on the table right now,' I had to look at my options and be like, 'What can I do to be proactive in still being able to have a family without having a partner in the picture?'" Lex talks about how her mother had secondary infertility; how she started typing "egg freezing journeys" into the TikTok search bar every night to do research and hear people's stories; and how her meeting with a financial advisor helped her realize it was a good time to go through with it. She also talks about having many friends who've successfully gotten pregnant and had babies with no issues; the anxiety of possibly "being a statistic;" fertility treatment hormones; and how she felt supported on the day of her egg retrieval. So what's next for Lex? Listen to her episode and follow her on social @bridalbylexborino for real time updates -- and stellar wedding hair videos. (Shoutout to Kaley!) TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Egg freezing; family building journey; hormones; secondary infertility; diminished ovarian reserve; SoulCycle; fertility clinics; financial advisor; egg retrieval EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Carly Stockdale's Infertility Story: Egg freezing, pregnancy and surrogacy for baby two

Thu, 16 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today's episode features Carly Stockdale, who started Nascency, Everything to know about surrogacy, and whether it’s right for you Carly talks about her egg freezing experience, pregnancy, and why she and her husband decided to use a surrogate for baby number two. She also talks about everything she's doing with Nascency, which provides info on becoming a surrogate and also taking the surrogacy path as an intended parent. For more, go to https://www.nascency.com/ TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; egg freezing; surrogacy; traumatic birth; intended parents EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

UFC Fighter Katlyn Cerminara's Infertility Story: IVF, miscarriage, and being in the wait

Fri, 10 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today's episode features a total badass, UFC fighter Katlyn Cerminara. Katlyn talks about getting into fighting as a young girl; thinking she would be pregnant right away when she took out her IUD (very relatable!); and going to a specialist after trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant after three months. She also talks about being told by her doctor "You're so young, everything looks fine" -- and why that pissed her off; doing a handful of IUIs that were unsuccessful; and moving onto IVF. She talks about her chemical pregnancy, her miscarriage, and also how going through infertility treatment in the public eye means that people will make rude comments on your social media ("You look so heavy--are you pregnant?"). She also shares why she chose to go public with her story; and where she is today. Follow Katlyn on IG: @blondefighter TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Unexplained infertility; sex education; infertility; IUI; failed IUIs; IVF; social media; going through treatment as a professional athlete; chemical pregnancy; miscarriage EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. DANDI dandifertility.com/INFERTILEAF A new kind of fertility care is here. Dandi just launched the Dandi IVF Care Kit, the first line of products built specifically to bring care, comfort and peace of mind to painful IVF injections. Their products guide you through every step of the injection process, whether you're freezing your eggs or preparing for an embryo transfer. Check it out at dandifertility.com/INFERTILEAF S'MOO S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Modern Mom Probs’ Tara Clark on Unexplained infertility and IUI success

Thu, 02 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to Modern Mom Probs founder Tara Clark about her unexplained infertility journey. Tara talks about growing up in Catholic school and the "fear-based" sex education she got; her three devastating miscarriages; being diagnosed with fibroids and having a procedure to remove them, and why she and her husband needed to take a mental health break after their losses. She also talks about trying again, doing three IUIs; getting pregnant on her third IUI; and the anxiety after loss she experienced when she was pregnant with her now-11 year old son, Jack. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Unexplained infertility; sex education; miscarriage; mental health; infertility; IUI; failed IUIs; IUI success; pregnancy after loss; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#NIAW: Infertility in Pop Culture

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this week’s special crossover episode, Ali is joined by her friends Abbe Feder (host of The Fertility Chick) and Elizabeth King (host of Creation Innovation podcast) to discuss infertility in pop culture. As infertility becomes more talked about in TV, movies, music and the news, what shows get it right? Where do we still need more support and stories shared? How can we ensure the narrative feels authentic? And when it doesn’t, is it just plain fun to laugh at? Ali, Abbe and Elizabeth get into all of this today, covering everything from Bluey to American Horror Story to the Taylor Swift song, "Bigger Than The Whole Sky." TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: IVF; miscarriage; Taylor Swift; Kim Kardashian; Emma Roberts; Bluey; UP!; TTC; pregnancy after loss; childlessness not by choice EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices S'MOO S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com Enjoy a generous 20% off sitewide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Yurcisin's Infertility Story: Single dad by choice

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"Growing up, I always imagined I'd one day be married with kids" says today's guest, single dad by choice John Yurcisin. "I've dated many smart, interesting, beautiful women. I was engaged once and called it off. I just never found my life partner." And so, John decided to become a dad on his own. On this episode, John shares the entire journey to having his two sons as a solo parent, including being the only heterosexual man in a room of 250 people at the Men Having Babies conference; finding a single parents group online; choosing and connecting with his surrogate; choosing an egg donor; and meeting his egg donor for dinner. He also talks about having his two boys, including his advice for anyone contemplating a single dad by choice journey. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Single dad by choice; solo dad by choice; egg donor; surrogate; surrogacy journey; IVF; Men Having Babies conference; doctors; lawyers; single parents' groups online EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cara DiFalco's Infertility Story: Single mom by choice

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"Truthfully, my journey is about 10 years long at this point," says today's guest, Cara DiFalco. Cara grew up in a big, boisterous Italian family in NJ, and she always knew she wanted many children. After getting divorced with no children at 38, she decided she would pursue being a single mom by choice, and today, she tells us her whole story. She talks about how her family embraced that decision; finding a sperm donor, including her pro tips on choosing a donor and navigating the donor sperm process; navigating three unsuccessful IUIs; her endometriosis; her egg retrievals and how "fertility treatments are stupid expensive, whether you have insurance or not." She also talks about feeling jealous of family and friends who've easily had babies, and where she is today. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Single parent by choice; solo parent by choice; donor sperm; donor sperm selection; IUI; finances; egg retrieval; IVF; jealousy EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices S'MOO S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com Enjoy a generous 20% off sitewide using code 'InfertileAF' at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bailey's Infertility Story (Part Two): Deciding to stop infertility treatments and work in a clinic

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

It's part two with our friend Bailey, who first shared her story on the pod in 2021. At the time, Bailey talked about having hair loss, night sweats -- finding out her AMH was just 0.1 and she had diminished ovarian reserve. She was told, 'You should be freezing your eggs, like, yesterday.'" Catch up on Bailey's first episode, and then listen to this one to find out where she is today, three years later: No longer going through treatments herself, working in a clinic, and making life much easier and better for any infertility warriors following in her wake. She also talks about the mental effects of infertility treatments, and how that helped her make the decisions which lead her to where she is today. "Infertility never leaves you," she says. "Your journey that you've been through -- it's never ending." TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: DOR; IVF; egg retrieval; egg freezing; fertility preservation; mental health; community support; patient care EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ashley Hingston's Infertility Story: Surrogacy Mama

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

LFG!!!!!! Today's guest is a dear friend of Ali's, Ashely Hingston, aka @rage_against_infertilty. Ashley tells Ali all about having PCOS symptoms as a young woman and going on birth control, how certain doctors don't want to work with someone over a certain BMI; and going through letrozole rage. She talks about meeting her husband, Rob, doing medicated cycles and discovering male factor infertility, and recovering from an eating disorder. She talks about joining Fertility Rally; finally finding a clinic and medical team that would work with her, enduring many cycles that ended in failed implantation, and -- SPOILER ALERT -- what happened when they met their surrogate, and finally had their son, Jackson Walter, in early 2024. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: PCOS; IVF; egg retrieval; ART; BMI; Letrozole; medicated cycles; male factor infertility; surrogacy; surrogacy agencies; surrogacy pregnancy; grieving your pregnancy; IVF success EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elizabeth Carr's Infertility Story: The First Baby Born in the U.S. via IVF

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

It's our Fifth Anniversary Episode! Ali's very special guest today is Elizabeth Carr, the first person born in the U.S. — in 1981 — via in vitro fertilization. "My birth was so widely publicized that my first press conference was at three days old," Elizabeth says. "I didn't get here like everybody else." Elizabeth shares what it's been like to live under media scrutiny since the moment she was born (check out the NOVA documentary about her life). She also explains why her parents did IVF in the first place, what the IVF landscape was like back then, how the actual procedure worked (so much has changed!) and the incredible work she's doing today to advocate for IVF and reproductive rights. She also shares how the pope, when she was born, called her "a child of the devil." For more, check out https://ejordancarr.com/ and her IG: @ejordan12 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: IVF; first baby born via IVF; egg retrieval; IVF in the 80s; ART; advocacy EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices S'MOO S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com Enjoy a generous 20% off sitewide using code 'InfertileAF' at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Leah McKendrick's Infertility Story: Egg freezing in your 30s

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

My guest today, Leah McKendrick, is the writer, director and star of the new movie about egg freezing and fertility in your 30s, called "Scrambled." The movie is amazing -- it even got a 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, so go check it out on demand and show the Hollywood system that we want even more movies and content around egg freezing, fertility, infertility and more. Today, Leah tells us about her own egg freezing journey, which was the impetus behind the movie. She also talks about the fertility landscape in Hollywood, sex education or lack thereof, periods, family building through ART, IVF, where she is now in her own family building story, and so much more. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Fertility; egg freezing; Hollywood and fertility/infertility; periods; sex education; IVF; ART; advocacy EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Julie Cohen's Infertility Story: Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR)

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

My guest today, Julie Cohen, is an infertility warrior and advocate, and today, she tells Ali all about her roller coaster of a family building journey, including having her three boys, who are earthside with us today, and also her devastating experience with termination for medical reasons (TFMR), due to an extremely rare condition called Limb Body Wall Complex. Julie is amazing, and she's also the city manager of the Jewish Fertility in Birmingham. One caveat: We recorded this before the ruling in Alabama, so we don’t get into that specifically, but we do touch on women’s rights and healthcare. If you want to hear from Julie on what's going on in Alabama, follow her IG at @juliecohen18 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: IUIs, laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis; endometriosis; IVF transfer; pregnancy after loss; PCOS; twin pregnancy; NICU life; limb body wall complex; pregnancy not compatible with life; baby loss; miscarriage; advocacy EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership RECEPTIVA DX ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ENCORE - The Roe v. Wade Episode

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:43:00 +0000

On today's special bonus episode, Ali is joined by Dr. Sahar Wertheimer, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist practicing in Los Angeles, and InCircle Fertility founder, fertility coach and infertility warrior Abbe Feder to discuss the implications of the overturning of Roe V. Wade. Among the things they discuss: If life begins at fertilization, what does that mean for embryos, creating embryos, discarding embryos and things of that nature? Are women supposed to stock up on the abortion pill? How do we deal with losing bodily autonomy? What it's like to be "waiting to be unpregnant" after a loss, and how young women today will come of age with fewer rights than her mothers and grandmothers. Dr. Werthemier also tells Ali and Abbe what doctors are saying behind the scenes, and what the next few years might look like. Then Abbe talks about how she had to take the abortion pill at one point for a very wanted pregnancy, and also how she had to to take methotrexte for an ectopic pregnancy, and how she went through TFMR when she was pregnant with IVF triplets (and how if the law were different at that time, she would have had a very different outcome). RESOURCES: https://resolve.org/resolve-statement-supreme-court-dobbs-decision/ https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/roe-v-wade-overturned-how-to-help-action/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ZSWBhCVARIsALERCvz0frUWttW5kc_pTnHQoHUTJl3IdqwWZ2EIgFpmyerb3GBkdwNhYyAaAm0EEALw_wcB https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/asrms-response-to-the-dobbs-v-jackson-ruling/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Caryn Johnson's Infertility Story: Being Autoimmune Infertile

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 23:02:00 +0000

Caryn Johnson is the Co-Founder and CEO of BOND, an innovative line of supplements reimagining hormone and reproductive health, inspired by her experience with infertility. In 2017, when trying to start a family, Caryn learned she was autoimmune infertile. Today, Ali and Caryn unpack all of it, including exactly what "autoimmune infertile" means, how she was "pregnant for a few hours;" navigating pregnancy loss; cancelled IVF cycles; taking infusions; and the treatment she got for her immune system. She also talks about choosing joy; transferring two embryos and miscarrying one of them: visiting a psychic; pivoting to a surrogacy journey and finding a match, and life today with her two children, a boy and a girl. Caryn also talks about founding BOND, and how her goal is to give back to women and help them navigate infertility with less trauma than she went through. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Autoimmune infertility; autoimmune infertile; egg retrieval; OHSS; cancelled IVF cycles; not viable pregnancy; antinuclear antibodies; IVF transfer; pregnancy after loss; embryo transfer with two embryos; vanishing twin; meditation EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available! Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kristin Dillensnyder's Infertility Story: Being an Infertility Coach

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:13:00 +0000

Kristin Dillensnyder is a certified life coach who specializes in working with women who are consumed by their infertility to help them find their strength and joy again. And she should know--because she's gone through her own infertility journey too. On this episode, Kristin talks to Ali about male factor infertility, IUIs, going through IVF, fresh transfers, frozen transfers, getting pregnant after infertility, having her daughter, and doing a sibling cycle that unfortunately was not successful. She also drops some expert knowledge about navigating infertility, no matter where you are. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: IUI; male factor infertility; fresh transfers; frozen tranfers; IVF; pregnancy after IVF; IVF success; sibling cycles EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available! Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Stacy Since's Infertility Story: On being sperm donor conceived and also navigating her own infertility journey

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Stacy Since found out she was conceived via donor sperm at the age of 41, and today, she's talking all about her experience, including why her mom and dad chose to keep it a secret; how Stacy found out she was donor conceived; and what happened when she met up IRL with her bio-dad. She also talks about her own infertility journey, which started with IUI and went on to include 10 egg retrievals. Stacy eventually ended up transferring two embryos, neither of which were deemed "normal or healthy" -- and she shares what happened during that transfer, including how she became pregnant and gave birth to her healthy, now-eight-month-old son. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Sperm donor conception; IVF in the 70s and 80s; sperm donor children; 23 and me; IUI; infertility; euploid embryos; "unhealthy" embryos; uterine PRP; trisomy 14; pregnancy after IVF; IVF success EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available! Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Julia Karol's Infertility Story: Solo mom by choice

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to solo mom by choice Julia Karol, Stork'd podcast host, about everything from when she decided to embark on the solo parenting route to where she is today. Julia talks about freezing her eggs, why she prefers the term "solo parent by choice" to "single parent by choice;" the complex, interesting process of choosing a sperm donor; going through IUIs; and what happened when Covid hit and the clinics shut down (think at-home insemination). She also talks about the financial side of assisted reproductive technology and using a sperm donor, the legal documents one needs as a solo parent; having her son; what happened when she told friends she wanted a second child; and what's going on with her family building journey now. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Solo parent by choice vs. single parent by choice; IUIs; IVF; choosing a sperm donor; the financial side of ART; anxiety; miscarriage; pregnancy via IUI; dating as a solo parent; secondary infertility EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available! Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Khaled Kteily's Infertility Story: The Road to Founding Legacy and Claiming the Title of "Sperm King"

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Khaled Kteily is the Founder and CEO of Legacy, the largest male fertility clinic in North America. Founded at Harvard, Legacy has raised $45M from some of the world’s best investors: Justin Bieber, DJ Khaled, The Weeknd, and Orlando Bloom, to name a few. Today, Ali is talking to Khaled about his own family building journey, and how an accident with a scalding hot cup of tea in his lap from Starbucks ultimately led him to create Legacy, which aims to change outdated views of fertility as a "women's issue." Legacy helps you test and freeze your sperm through a mail-in kit, so you don't have to see a doctor or go to a clinic. They work with everyone from Navy SEALs to the LGBTQIA+ community. Khaled talks about how he's always wanted to be a father, why he felt that sperm banks he went to in college were less than stellar, how sperm health is affected by everything these days, and how Legacy's at-home sperm testing and freezing services are revolutionizing the industry. For more, go to https://www.givelegacy.com/ TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: At-home sperm testing and freezing; sperm storage; sperm donations; male factor infertility; environmental effects on sperm health and quality; EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available! Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Marcy Crouch's Infertility Story: Being "The Down There Doc"

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:15:00 +0000

Dr. Marcy Crouch is a pelvic floor physical therapist, so she helps women prepare for delivery, get through their pregnancies with less pain, and much more. So you can imagine how difficult it was to go through infertility while working with pregnant women. Today on the show, Marcy tells Ali about her own journey, including going through IUIs, moving to the "big guns" of IVF, and her first heartbreaking miscarriage at 11 weeks. She also talks about being "a complete wreck," the "constant anxiety," and what happened when they moved to a new clinic. She also talks about getting pregnant through IVF, why she didn't want a baby shower; having her son, and then doing another transfer, which resulted in their second son. For more, follow Marcy at @thedowntheredoc TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: IUI; ISCI; miscarriage; IVF: embryos; pelvic floor therapy; low sperm motility; egg retrieval; frozen embryo transfer; IVF pregnancy; transferring two embryos; pregnancy after infertility; placental abruption EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now! “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available! Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Infertility Warrior Dr. Marcy Crouch, aka "The Down There Doc"

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 15:24:27 +0000

For more, follow Marcy at @thedowntheredoc

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IUI; ISCI; miscarriage; IVF: embryos; pelvic floor therapy; low sperm motility; egg retrieval; frozen embryo transfer; IVF pregnancy; transferring two embryos; pregnancy after infertility; placental abruption

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now!

“Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini

The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available!

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Bachelor alum and infertility warrior Sarah Herron

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

This is such a great episode. It's hard not to fall in love with Bachelor alum Sarah Herron, who has such a huge heart, and who opens up to Ali about her fertility journey, from what she knew (and didn't know) about sex education to where they are today. Sarah talks about meeting her husband and deciding they wanted to build a family together; why she had a feeling she would have fertility issues; being diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve; being told they needed to do IVF; getting pregnant, and the devastating loss of their baby son, Oliver. Sarah is very candid about grieving the loss of their son, navigating that grief, and where they are today.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Sex education; miscarriage; IVF: diminished ovarian reserve; egg retrieval; egg transfer; birth control; financial issues; IVF pregnancy; the loss of their son, Oliver; navigating grief; genetic testing

Follow her on IG: @sarahherron

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for order now!

The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available!

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Fertility Rally Member and New IVF Mama Kristin Thompson @financialfertilization

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to her Fertility Rally member and friend Kristin, who recently had a baby girl through IVF. But it was a long road to get to this point, and Kristin shares it all, including what she knew (and didn't know) about fertility as a younger woman; "pulling the goalie;" going through infertility during Covid lockdown; how life became a "hormonal shitshow;" when her husband had male "performance anxiety;" relationship issues; depression and not wanting to get out of bed; seeing a therapist; moving onto IUI; and finally, how they had their baby.

Follow Kristin on IG @financialfertilization

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ovulation tests; unexplained infertility; sex education; IUI; IVF: Covid lockdown; pandemic pregnancies; depression; Letrizole; anxiety; depression; pregnancy after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for order now!

The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available!

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

Special Encore Presentation: Ali's husband, Vinny Prato (100th Episode)

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

It’s the 100th Episode! Today Ali interviews her husband, Vince, about his version of their infertility story. Over some Coors and White Claws, they start with how the met and fell in love in high school, what happened when they moved to New York in 2003, and how their lives changed when they decided to have kids. They also discuss how, after Ever was born with no problem in 2009, their world was rocked when they found themselves going through unexpected secondary infertility, two failed IUIs and four miscarriages. Their marriage, they admit, almost didn’t last. They wrap it up with questions from the IG community.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; infertility; IUI; marriage and infertility; miscarriage; secondary infertility; financial woes; IVF not covered by insurance; anxiety; depression

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for order now!

“Work of ART” is the the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini

The first 200 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. There is also a non-personalized version available!

Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership -- don't miss out on our $149 annual holiday special, valid now through 12/31/23 !

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Childfree Not By Choice Advocate and Life After Infertility Coach Charlie Dice

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

This week's guest, Charlie Dice, is a 36-year old, married, childless-turned-childfree woman who has been through 8 years of infertility struggles, including three miscarriages and one failed round of IVF. A year and a half ago, Charlie and her husband made the difficult decision to stop trying to have a baby, and to move forward from infertility. "Honestly, it was one of the best decisions we ever made," Charlie says. "It saved our marriage, our friendships, our finances and our mental health." Hear the whole convo, including how Charlie is now helping others navigate this "after infertility" space.

For more, check out IG @lifebeyondinfertility

And https://charliedice.com

Facebook Group

Life Beyond Infertility Podcast - Apple

Life Beyond Infertility Podcast - Spotify

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; infertility; IUI; failed IVF; childless not by choice; childfree not by choice; childfree by circumstance; life beyond infertility; life after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now!

“Work of ART” is the the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover.

Written by Ali Prato

Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini

The first 150 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership -- don't miss out on our $149 annual holiday special, valid now through 12/31/23 !

AG1

AG1 delivers your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics, and more, it’s a powerful healthy habit that’s also powerfully simple. It’s just one scoop, mixed in water or a smoothie, once a day, every day. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at drinkAG1.com/infertileaf. That’s drinkAG1.com/infertileaf. I’m so excited for you to check it out.

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Infertility warrior, endurance athlete and "Secrets of Giants" author Alyssa Ages

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Alyssa Ages, a Toronto-based, New York-born author and freelance writer. Alyssa is a mom of two, a strongman competitor, an endurance athlete, a rock climber, and a CrossFitter -- and today, she shares her family building and infertility journey. Alyssa talks about miscarriage and chemical pregnancy, what she knew about her fertility growing up, and why she is on a "soapbox" now to encourage women to talk and learn about their own fertility, and to advocate for themselves. Alyssa shares how it felt to get pregnant after loss, and she also talks about her book, "Secrets of Giants," which uncovers why physical strength matters, and how it teaches us that we’re capable of so much more than we know. Fun fact: Alyssa has pulled a 50-ton truck, and she talks about that too.

For more, go to: https://www.alyssaages.com/book

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; infertility; miscarriage; chemical pregnancy; exercise during infertility; strongman competition; trauma-informed weight lifting; pregnancy and motherhood after loss

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART Children's Book about IVF

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Ali wrote her first children’s book, and it’s available for pre-order now!

“Work of ART” is the the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover.

Written by Ali Prato

Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini

The first 150 copies will be numbered, personalized and shipped free in the U.S. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership -- don't miss out on our $149 annual holiday special, valid now through 12/31/23 !

AG1

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Donor Egg Mama-to-Be Melissa Nath @becomingnathparty_3

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is talking to Fertility Rally member Melissa Nath, who Ali and Blair lovingly refer to at the Rally Fam's "Resident Nurse" and "Social Chair." Melissa talks about how she met her husband, Darrel, and what happened when they started down the family building road. Their journey includes nearly two years of Darrell being on hormones, two rounds of IVF with Melissa's own eggs, one round of IVF with an egg donor, one failed embryo transfer, the sudden loss of Melissa's mother, two transfers that ended in miscarriage, multiple tests, and one surgery to remove numerous uterine polyps. She also talks about the challenges of finding a donor as a mixed race couple, learning she could have endometriosis because her biopsy showed markers, being diagnosed at age 44 with PCOS, and what happened after they finally transferred another embryo, in August 2022.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; infertility; egg donor; miscarriage; uterine polyps; Emma, Alice and Receptiva DX tests; PCOS; losing a parent during infertility; hormones

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, 4 private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

S'MOO

S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. Now is the perfect time to give it a try, with an exclusive early Black Friday offer just for Infertile AF podcast listeners.

Go to thesmooco.com enjoy a generous 20% off sitewide using code 'InfertileAF' at checkout

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex Johnston, author of Inconceivable: My Life-Altering, Eye-Opening Journey from Infertility to Motherhood

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today's guest is author, lawyer, and fertility advocate Alex Johnston, who is on a crusade to educate women about the importance of knowing their fertility status even before they’d ever think about getting pregnant. Alex is the author of Inconceivable: My Life-Altering, Eye-Opening Journey from Infertility to Motherhood, which chronicles her painful and beautiful path to motherhood. She tells Ali all about her seven year-long journey, which began when she found out at age 34 that she was in premenopause. Alex talks about doing several rounds of IVF, what happened when she asked her sister to be an egg donor, why and how they pivoted to surrogacy, and the devastating stillbirth of their baby girl, Sam. She also talks about using surrogates in both the U.S. and Canada, and how they ended up, amazingly, having three babies in 15 months.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; sex education; infertility; premenopause; egg donors; surrogacy; pregnancy;

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 to 5 support groups per week, 4 private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

S'MOO

S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. Now is the perfect time to give it a try, with an exclusive early Black Friday offer just for Infertile AF podcast listeners.

Go to thesmooco.com enjoy a generous 20% off sitewide using code 'InfertileAF' at checkout

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

IVF mama and LIttle Words Project founder Adriana Carrig

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

It's our 250th Episode! Wooooot! Today, Ali is talking to a very special guest: Adriana Carrig, the brilliant IVF mama behind Little Words Project, the jewelry line featuring inspiring and empowering words and promoting kindness and support. Adriana tells Ali all about her family building journey, including what kind of sex education (or lack thereof) she got while growing up; her two year trial period of having sex but not getting pregnant; and what happened when she and her husband, Bill, went to a fertility specialist. She talks about having her first son through IVF; going "clean" in terms of her diet and beauty products; having her second son -- including a long and difficult NICU stay; and why she believes so strongly in the "power of the mind." She also talks how she took LIttle Words Project from something she did in her parents' basement to the behemoth it is today.

For more, check out www.littlewordsproject.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; bullying; sex education; infertility; REI; power of the mind; NICU life; Little Words Project; being an entrepreneur

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BERRY

Introducing the Berry Fertility app, a free way to manage your fertility treatments like Egg Freezing, IVF, and embryo transfer all in one place. The Berry app can help you understand the stages of your treatment, look up information about your medications, and set reminders for your doses and appointments. You’ll also find simple to follow injection videos, tutorials, as well as articles with pro tips on how to manage your injections.The Berry team is always available to provide support and answer your questions. It’s 100% free to use, and you can find it in the Apple app store. Try Berry Fertility, the trusted partner for every fertility journey.

Go to https://www.berryfertility.com/

S'MOO

S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. Now is the perfect time to give it a try, with an exclusive early Black Friday offer just for Infertile AF podcast listeners.

Go to thesmooco.com enjoy a generous 20% off sitewide using code 'InfertileAF' at checkout

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Part Two: Kristyn Hodgdon, co-founder of Rescripted

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

When we last talked to Kristyn, in January 2020, she shared how "nothing on the road to motherhood was easy" for her, from the "Clomid crazies" to her first failed frozen embryo transfer. At the time, her IVF twins were toddlers. Today, her twins are five years old, and Kristyn fills us in on what's happened since our last podcast episode, including two more years of fertility treatments. "In total, I did five embryo transfers over two years," she says. "Two losses and three that didn't implant at all. I just can't believe I'm here. I was so sure two years ago that we were gonna have three kids. Now I'm in this limbo period where I don't know what to do next." In addition to her family building journey, Kristyn shares how she pivoted from founding The Fertility Tribe to co-founding Rescripted, which covers women's health and wellness from first period to last period.

For more, go to www.rescripted.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Twin pregnancy; Asherman's Syndrome; PCOS; embryo transfers; IVF; miscarriage; blighted ovum

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BINTO

Today, Binto gets you your supplements in individual daily packets with your name on them. Binto makes it easy to stick to your supplement routine and enjoy taking them every day. Along with your supplements, Binto’s health providers offer online chat support and telehealth appointments to make sure you feel supported, informed, and empowered when it comes to your health. Take the quiz and get started on your prenatal supplement routine! Head to mybinto.com, take the quiz and enter promo code INFERTILEAF for 20% off your first month.

For more, go to mybinto.com

S'MOO

S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. Now is the perfect time to give it a try, with an exclusive early Black Friday offer just for Infertile AF podcast listeners. Go to thesmooco.com enjoy a generous 20% off sitewide using code 'InfertileAF' at checkout

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our Sponsors:

Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/

Inspiro Tequila Founder and IVF mama Mara Smith

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Mara Smith joins Ali on the show to talk about her family building journey, which includes her diagnosis of PCOS, and what it was like to do IVF 20-plus years ago. (Her IVF twins are now in college.) Mara shares how it was a very lonely experience more than two decades ago, since not really anyone was talking about it. She also talks about PPROM (Preterm premature rupture of the membranes -- a pregnancy complication she faced), NICU life with her newborn twins, and what happened when she and her husband decided that after their twins were born, they were not yet finished building their family.

For more, check out www.inspirotequila.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; PCOS: IVF twin pregnancy; PPROM; TTC; ART; NICU life; premature babies

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BERRY

Go to https://www.berryfertility.com/

Our Sponsors:

Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jessie Jaskulsky of Surrogacy Simplified

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:25:25 +0000

The road to parenthood has been challenging for Ali's guest today, Jessie Jaskulsky. In 2016, Jessie lost her son, Luke, at 22 weeks gestation. After their unimaginable loss, Jessie went through a series of surgeries and treatments, until she was diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome (a rare complication from her early delivery). On this episode, she tells Ali all about her journey, including how, after lots of ups and downs, they eventually decided to pursue surrogacy. Jessie tells Ali how they navigated the surrogacy road, how she had her two daughters, Lily and Luna, and why she started Surrogacy Simplified, which is passionate about helping Intended Parents navigate the complexities of surrogacy with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.

For more, go to https://surrogacysimplified.com/

Follow her on IG: @surrogacysimplified

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Pregnancy; still birth; surrogacy; gestational carrier; Asherman's Syndrome; retained placenta; emergency D&C; secondary infertility; pregnancy and motherhood after loss

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BINTO

For more, go to mybinto.com

RITUAL

Daily essentials with good intentions — for living life or creating it. Ritual is offering my listeners 30% off during your first month. Visit ritual.com/INFERTILEAF to start Ritual or add Essential for Women 18+ or Prenatal to your subscription today.

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When a Fertility Doctor Does IVF: Dr. Lucky Sekhon

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Lucky Sekhon is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist. infertility specialist and obstetrician and gynecologist who works at RMA of New York. Lucky is also a friend of Ali's and you might know her from social media, where she is a big voice with super smart, super important information about all things infertility and ART. Today, she tells Ali her family building story, including why she created embryos and went through IVF when it came time to have her family. She also talks about why she loves her job, what it's like to be such a strong presence on social media, and all the amazing things she's doing as part of Doctors for Fertility, which works towards creating a world in which every person who wants a family has access to fertility and reproductive care.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; embryos; embryo transfers; doctors going through infertility; TTC; ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BERRY

Go to https://www.berryfertility.com/

Encore Presentation: Sarah and Cody

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 17:54:36 +0000

Sarah and Cody met freshman year in high school and have been dating since they were 14. Today, they're telling us all about their family building journey, including how it started taking over their day to day lives, the five medicated cycles they did, and how Sarah was shocked by how much she didn't know about her own body before going through infertility. They also talk about experiencing a missed miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, and a chemical pregnancy, and how they all "hurt like hell." They are still in the midst of their story, so they tell us about their first round of IVF and where they are now--about to do their second round, and not sure what's going to happen next.

UPDATE: Since we aired this episode, Sarah and Cody welcomed their miracle baby girl, Kara, in July of 2022 -- and they are currently working to achieve their goal of taking Kara to 10 countries by her 2nd birthday.

Follow them on IG at @sarahrogersjohnson for more.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY and FERTILITY RALLY LIVE

Fertility Rally www.fertilityrally.com and on Instagram at @fertilityrally, offers 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome. NO ONE should go through this alone. Come and join our family--you will be so happy you did.

Get your FREE tickets for Rally Live #7, featuring Tara Lipinski, Deja Riley, Doctors for Fertility and more, here:

https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertilityrallylivefall2023

FIRST RESPONSE

First Response knows that when testing for pregnancy, you want to be sure of your result. That’s why they created Comfort Check, a pregnancy test kit that helps you test confidently and conveniently. The First Response Comfort Check Pregnancy Test Kit is a value pack containing 8 total tests: 3 First Response Early Result Tests and 5 First Response Pregnancy Test Strips, allowing women to test early and often for added reassurance. First Response’s Early Result Test, included in the Comfort Check Kit, is their #1 best-selling pregnancy test. It detects all major forms of the pregnancy hormone commonly found in urine and is over 99% accurate from the day of your expected period, with results ready to be read in just three minutes. The First Response Comfort Check Pregnancy Test Kit is available for purchase in store and online. Be sure to pick one up today.

See more at www.firstresponse.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Go to https://receptivadx.com/

NYC IVF Mama Briana Vizzi Tresova

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Briana Vizzi Tresova, an NYC mama with three babies from IVF. Briana and her husband started their TTC journey in 2019, facing IUIs, unexplained infertility, and all of it taking a huge toll on her mental health. Briana tells Ali about going through IVF, her first FET, and the traumatic birth of her daughter. She also talks about her next FET, what happened when she started bleeding, going off her hormones, and what happened when she went in for her D&C. Briana also talks about her next FET, which resulted in her twin boys. Today, she is a fertility double working towards becoming a pregnancy coach and childbirth educator. “ I really believe after what I endured that it is so important to educate women on advocating for themselves,” she says.

Follow her @blossomwithbriana @brievizzi

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; IVF; FET; D&C; miscarriage; fertility doula; hormones; anxiety; pregnancy after loss

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BERRY

Go to https://www.berryfertility.com/

RITUAL

IVF mama and Binto founder Suzie Welsh Devine, Part 2

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali picks up where she left off in 2021 with Suzie Welsh Devine, a Fertility and IVF Nurse, and the founder and CEO of Binto. Suzie talks about going from nurse to patient; her endometriosis, and everything that has happened since we last spoke, after a devastating miscarriage with a PGT-tested embryo. Suzie talks about transferring again, doing the Emma, Alice and ERA tests, and finding out she had two blood clotting disorders. She also talks about the 19 month old son she would not have without ART; how Binto has evolved after launching 7 years ago, the importance of sperm health, PRP and Ozone therapy, and the surprise pregnancy that rocked her world.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Endometriosis; IVF; sperm health; Ozone therapy; PRP; ART; IVF transfer: Emma and Alice; ERA; uterine health; surprise pregnancy

Find out more at mybinto.com

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

FIRST RESPONSE

See more at www.firstresponse.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Go to https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Model and Wellness Influencer Tess Annique Souray

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to model and wellness influencer Tess Annique Souray about her family building journey, which began when, at 25, she was told that her only chance to have a baby was through IVF. Tess talks openly about her sobriety and recovery; how she knew "absolutely nothing" about her fertility (like so many of us); doing treatment during COVID; her mental health; and her OHSS. She also talks about doing IVF; how she and her husband navigated the journey together; having a devastating miscarriage at 10 weeks; putting her phone on "do not disturb" for three months; and getting pregnant again (she is 20-plus weeks along today).

Follow her at @tessannique

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IVF; OHSS; sobriety and recovery; anxiety; marriage; IVF transfer; miscarriage; treatment during COVID; depression; women supporting women

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

BERRY

Go to https://www.berryfertility.com/

MIRA

How does Mira help to track ovulation? Mira measures actual fertility hormone concentrations with 99% accuracy. Mira is unlike other fertility trackers–it uses technology that’s similar to what’s used in the fertility lab, so it’s just like having your own mini-lab at home. Order the Mira Starter Kit or Mira Plus starter Kit online on miracare.com with promo code INFERTILEAF to get an exclusive discount.

For more, go to https://www.miracare.com/

RECEPTIVA DX

Go to https://receptivadx.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Olympic Gold Medalist in Figure Skating and Infertility Warrior, Tara Lipinski

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Ali is so excited to share her conversation with the iconic figure skater and Olympic Gold Medalist Tara Lipinski, who is going to tell us all about her five-year-long infertility journey, which she describes as “hell.” Tara and her husband Todd recently launched their own podcast, called Unexpecting, and today, she is talking about getting her period at the age of 25, meeting her husband, discovering she has endometriosis, starting the IVF journey, her devastating miscarriages, and where she and Todd are today.

ALSO!

Tara is our headlining KeyNote Speaker at this October’s Fertility Rally Live virtual event, and the tickets to that event are TOTALLY FREE — and you can reserve your free ticket by going to the link in my bio on Instagram @infertileafstories and also @fertilityrally

Rally Live is on October 21, and everyone has 90 days to watch all of the talks. Reserve your FREE ticket today!

Covered in this episode: Unexplained infertility; IVF during Covid; sex education; endometriosis; infertility in the public eye; failed IVF cycles; miscarriage; healthy and unhealthy embryos; grief and anxiety

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Embryo Adoption Mama at Age 47, Heather Passaro

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Heather Passaro, who is 47 years old, and pregnant with her first child via embryo adoption. Heather talks about how she and her husband started trying for a baby when she was about 38, and how it didn't go as planned. She talks about going through several failed IUIs, doing ICSI, pivoting to IVF, and how she thought, like so many of us, that "IVF was a guarantee." She talks about how they started working with an adoption agency, and how that route didn't work out either. Heather also discusses how she heard about embryo adoption, which was a fraction of the cost ($5,000); getting medically approved to carry a child, going through the adopted embryo transfer, and finding out that she was pregnant with her son. She also talks about having another embryo "on ice," and what that means for her future family, and also her donors' family.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; IVF; unexplained infertility; ICSI, insurance; unsolicited advice; embryo adoption; Covid; IVF babies; acupuncture; adoption; women supporting women

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

FIRST RESPONSE

See more at www.firstresponse.com

Our Sponsors:

Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

IVF Mama and Milk Made Skin Founder Sarah Shafer

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Sarah Shafer, a beauty boss and the founder of Milk Made Skin, a skincare line that harnesses the power of breastmilk in a 100% clean, nutrient-packed, natural proprietary complex to achieve beautifully smooth, younger-looking skin.

Sarah talks about IUIs, multiple failed rounds of IVF, not being happy with her fertility clinic, finding an immediate connection w her new doctor, and finally, having her two IVF babies. She also talks about founding Milk Made Skin and Fertility Dreams which advocates for infertility awareness and assist families that are struggling with infertility.

Follow her on IG: @milkmadeskin @fertiledreams

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; IVF; failed transfers; successful transfers; changing clinics; female founders; IVF babies; women supporting women

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

RITUAL

Intended Parent Alex @ourbeautifulsurprise and Surrogate Madison

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Intended Parent Alex @ourbeautifulsurprise and Surrogate Madison: A Successful Surrogacy Journey

Today, Ali is talking to Alex, an Intended Parent, and Madison, her Surrogate, about both sides of a surrogacy family building journey. Alex and Madison talk about how they first connected with each other, why they knew they both wanted to work together, and how it was when they finally talked in depth. They also talk about myths and untruths surrounding surrogacy, their IVF journey, their two transfers, and how Alex's second son finally came into this world. It's a beautiful story -- their forever bond is palpable.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Surrogacy; IVF; gestational carriers; successful transfers; unsuccessful transfers; women supporting women

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

FIRST RESPONSE

See more at www.firstresponse.com

Rashmi Gill, Photographer and IVF Mama of Two

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to London-born photographer Rashmi Gill about her decade-plus infertility journey, and the many ups and downs and heartbreak that finally resulted in her two IVF babies. Rashmi talks about her Punjabi Sikh heritage, and how her culture perceived the stigmas of infertility and not being able to have babies. She talks about doing IVF in London versus America, why she waited 10 years to see a doctor when she was having trouble, and the many hurtful things people said to her while she was on her journey. She also talks about the financial aspects of infertility, and how her most recent failed transfer left her heartbroken once again.

Find out more at rashmigill.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; IVF; IVF in London vs. America; finances; grief and heartbreak; Punjabi Sikh heritage; failed transfers; successful transfers; women supporting women

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

MIRA

For more, go to https://www.miracare.com/

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mosie Baby CEO and Co-Creator Maureen Brown

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Maureen Brown, CEO and Co-founder of Mosie Baby, a revolutionary at-home insemination device that she created with her husband. Maureen tells Ali all about her infertility journey, being diagnosed with unexplained infertility, how she didn't want to go through IVF, how "it broke our hearts, and it broke us mentally, thinking about the financial constraints," and how they finally created the product that was missing in the fertility world.

Find out more at mosiebaby.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; IVF; not wanting to do IVF; artificial insemination; at-home insemination; financial constraints; babies born through IUI; babies born through at-home insemination

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Author and Motivational Speaker Alexis Jones

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to mama, speaker, activist, and New York Times Bestselling author Alexis Jones, whose memoir, "Joy Hunter," talks about her infertility journey -- and so much more. Alexis gets into it all with Ali, including five frustrating years of unexplained infertility, navigating the world of IVF, a heartbreaking miscarriage, working with an expensive egg donor, finally getting pregnant, and what happened when she went into labor seven weeks early. A self-described “productivity junkie,” Alexis talks about what happened when she was forced to slow down for the first time in her life. She also talks about how "Joy, it turns out, is not a destination; it’s a way of life."

Follow Alexis on IG @alexisjones

Find Joy Hunter here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707008/joy-hunter-by-alexis-jones/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; IVF; miscarriage; donor eggs; embryo transfer; pregnancy after loss and infertility; early labor; NICU life; finding joy

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

MIRA

For more, go to https://www.miracare.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Infertility advocate and "Miss Me Always" author, Tasha Van Howe

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, author Tasha Van Howe shares her personal tale of tragedy and triumph, which includes navigating her marriage to her high school sweetheart through years of infertility; losing a son shortly after he was born; the inability to walk after labor; a roller coaster of failed attempts at IVF; suicidal thoughts; and an adoption gone wrong that ended in complete heartbreak. Now 43 with no living children at home, Tasha is here to talk about being hit with one tragic life event after another. In fact, she calls her own story, "a Lifetime movie."

Follow Tasha on IG @authorvanhowe

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; unexplained infertility; IVF; infant and newborn loss; grief; suicidal thoughts and tendencies; surrogacy; adoption; adoption gone wrong

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Infertility Warrior and Peak and Valley Beads founder Rachel Sloan

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Infertility Warrior and Peak and Valley Beads founder Rachel Sloan, about her family building journey. Included: male factor infertility; being a military family (& doing IVF at a military hospital), placenta complications attributed to the IVF process, deployment, postpartum depression, starting her own business, being pregnant with twins in the time of Roe v Wade being overturned, and so much more.

Follow Rachel on IG @peakandvalley.beads

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; IVF in a military hospital; male factor infertility; grief; placenta complications; twin pregnancy; pregnancy after loss and infertility; post-partum depression; Roe v. Wade

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

MIRA

For more, go to https://www.miracare.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Male Factor Infertility Advocates Esther Santer and Avi Rosenberg

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 13:47:00 +0000

On today's episode, NYC-based Lifestyle influencer Esther Santer and husband, Avi Rosenberg, share their male factor infertility story. Esther and Avi talk about how not having children is an anomaly in their Jewish community, which has a "big emphasis on family;" her needle phobia and how she never thought she would have to do IVF; how everyone assumed she was the problem; and how it felt for Avi to get his male factor diagnosis of low sperm count. They also talk about paying for treatments 100 percent out of pocket; why they want to destigmatize the topic of male factor infertility, and finally, having their son through IVF.

Follow her on IG @esthersanter

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IUI; IVF; male factor infertility; IVF in the Jewish community; breaking the taboos of male factor infertility; needle phobia; low sperm count

For podcast sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

MIRA

For more, go to https://www.miracare.com/

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Arielle Bogorad, Progyny SVP, Employer Market Strategy and Services

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In 2017, Arielle Bogorad was diagnosed with unexplained infertility and, after more than a year of trying IVF drugs, she was told she was a “poor responder” to them and would have a hard time achieving chromosomally normal embryos. Today, Ali talks to her about her family building journey, including how, in 2019, she was able to obtain 2 normal embryos with one being transferred and resulting in her having a beautiful baby girl that September. The exorbitant cost of fertility treatment would have been too expensive for Arielle and her family, but she was able to move forward and have her daughter because her employer offered Progyny. Arielle explains to Ali why she joined Progyny in a role where she educates employers on how critical family building benefits are, the impact they have on DEI initiatives, and the cultural message it sends to employees. She also talks about how the trauma and grief of infertility lives on.

For more, check out https://progyny.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; IVF; cancelled cycles; trauma; frozen embryos; chromosomally abnormal embryos; fertility insurance and benefits; advocacy; grief

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Fertility Coach Academy and Elizabeth King Fertility Coaching

Ready to turn your passion for fertility into a purpose-driven career? Visit www.fertilitycoachacademy.com. You’ll be empowered to make a difference, while embracing the mind, body, and spirit approach. Or are you seeking personalized guidance on your own journey. Visit www.elizabethking.com. Unleash your potential and unlock the doors to parenthood.

Use code "InfertileAF" on both for your special 25% discount.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1980s IVF Pioneer and "Unstoppable" author Ellen Weir Casey

Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to an ART O.G.! It's Ellen Weir Casey, "The Original Fertility Advocate," who forged her own unique path to parenthood in the very early days of IVF. "Infertility wasn't even a word then," Ellen says. "It was, 'You're not getting pregnant. There's no way you're getting pregnant.'" Ellen tells Ali her entire family building journey, starting with how she got an unapproved IUD in her early 20s, which led to a severe internal infection that resulted in extreme scarring in both fallopian tubes. Ellen was around in the earliest days of Assisted Reproductive Technology, so she was doing research in the library basement. This was also way before email and iPhones and Facebook and Instagram, so she was typing up letters on her typewriter and sending them in the mail to doctors and clinics. She talks about her early miscarriage, being one of the first women in the world to have micro-surgery, and when IVF babies were called "test tube babies." She also talks about how having her daughter became an international news story, and her powerful memoir, "Unstoppable," a captivating story of loss, struggle, and perseverance. "I believe that it's important for women to know the stories of the women who went before them, who opened the doors, that they can walk through now," she says.

To order her book, go to https://www.amazon.com/Unstoppable-Forging-Path-Motherhood-Early/dp/1632994976

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; early days of ART; IVF; micro-surgery; test tube babies; advocacy

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Fertility Coach Academy and Elizabeth King Fertility Coaching

Use code "InfertileAF" on both for your special 25% discount.

"Fertility Rules" author and infertility advocate Leslie Schrock

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

"There is so much about pregnancy and fertility health that no one talks about," says this week's guest, author and infertility warrior Leslie Schrock. Leslie has written two books, "Bumpin: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy," and "Fertility Rules," in which she debunks myths and empowers you to be your own advocate from preconception to pregnancy and beyond. Today, Ali talks to Leslie about her own family building journey, including ovulation tracking, her first miscarriage, and how she has been pregnant a total of five times (today, she has two sons). She talks about having a D&C, her thoughts on the turnover of Roe v. Wade, how she and her husband grieved differently at different stages of their journey, and how it felt to get -- and stay -- pregnant after loss. She also discusses why her friends call her "Pregnancy Siri" and why guys need to step it up in terms of getting involved in the fertility and reproduction conversation.

For more or to order her books, go to https://leslieschrock.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; D&C; mental health; ovulation tracking; pregnancy after loss; grief; acupuncture; C-section

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Fertility Coach Academy and Elizabeth King Fertility Coaching

Use code "InfertileAF" on both for your special 25% discount.

Meridian Psychiatric Partners

Meridian Psychiatric Partners’ Reproductive Psychiatry & Women’s Wellness Division is Chicagoland’s premier women’s mental health private practice. They have specialty-trained psychiatrists and therapists who offer

pre-pregnancy and TTC consultations
postpartum consultations
medication management and psychotherapy for individuals and couplesIf you would like to know more about Meridian or make an appointment, you can find them online at meridianpsychiatricpartners.com or call their intake line at 312-640-7743.
Make sure to mention that you heard about MPP on Infertile AF the podcast.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elana Frank, CEO and Founder, Jewish Fertility Foundation

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Jewish Fertility Foundation founder Elana Frank about getting married but not getting pregnant right away, going through fertility treatments in Israel, getting put on Clomid without even getting an exam, and so much more. She also talks about IUIs, IVF, transferring multiple embryos, embryo donation, having her babies, and why she started the JFF.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; Jewish infertility; IUIs; infertility treatment in Israel; Clomid; embryo donation

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Fertility Coach Academy and Elizabeth King Fertility Coaching

Ready to turn your passion for fertility into a purpose-driven career? Visit www.fertilitycoachacademy.com. You’ll be empowered to make a difference, while embracing the mind, body, and spirit approach. Or are you seeking personalized guidance on your own journey? Visit www.elizabethking.com. Unleash your potential and unlock the doors to parenthood.

Use code "InfertileAF" on both for your special 25% discount.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fertility Doctor and IVF Mama Sasha Hakman, MD

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Sasha Hakman is not only a fertility doctor, she is a fertility patient, and today we are talking about ALL OF IT. In her podcast debut, Sasha (formerly known on IG as Dr. Fierce) talks about why female physicians have a greater percentage of infertility, and how that specifically affected her when she went through her OBGYN residency for four years, and then her REI fellowship for an additional three years. She talks about thinking about freezing her eggs, how she met her now-husband and why she decided to freeze embryos instead, and how, as a doctor, she was able to look at her husband's sperm under a microscope. She talks about "super ovulating," being "reckless" with her med doses, why she didn't do PGT testing, why SCH are more common in IVF pregnancies, and what it felt like to finally have her son. She also talks about exercise during TTC -- and why she is so passionate about it.

Follow her on IG at @sashahakmanmd for more.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; exercise during TTC; physicians facing infertility; "super ovulating;" PGT testing; embryo freezing; pregnancy after infertility; motherhood after infertility

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Bailey Hawkins @baileyannhawkins on IG

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Bailey Hawkins is an IVF mama, and today she's going to tell us everything she went to to have her son -- and where she and her husband are now in their family building journey. Bailey talks about having endometriosis and very painful periods from a young age (and how her mom also have severe endo); how the Receptiva DX test changed the game for her; being called "irrational" by her doctor,; the immense stress of infertility; doing a frozen transfer; the anxieties of pregnancy after infertility and so much more. She also talks about why, after her family is complete, she'll have a hysterectomy. Follow her on IG at @baileyannhawkins

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; IUIs; failed IUIs; failed IVF; finances; endometriosis; endo surgery; frozen transfer; pregnancy after infertility; stress; infertility and sex; NICU life; hysterectomy

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

IVF advocate and mama Lisa McCarty @mccarty717pr

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Lisa McCarty is a women's health and infertility advocate who has been through so much, including 14 IVF transfers. Today, Lisa tells Ali the whole story, including IUIs, moving on to IVF, discovering she had Asherman's syndrome, the anxieties of pregnancy after recurrent miscarriage and loss, and so much more. She also talks about the benefits of therapy during infertility, including Cognitive Based Therapy, and how her therapist used to say "You can't change the thought going into your mind, but you can change your response to it." Decide how you want to react. Am I in danger? Or is it perceived danger? Reassure yourself you are pregnant now, don't worry about tomorrow. Lisa believes it's critical to be your own best advocate, especially when it comes to your health.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; IUIs; failed IUIs; failed IVF; recurrent miscarriage; therapy; CBT; pregnancy after infertility and loss

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Darlene

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Darlene, a woman who emailed Infertile AF asking to share her family building story. Darlene is a self-described "kindergarten teacher who spends all day with kids but is yet to have kids of her own." She and her husband have been trying for a baby since 2020, including 4 failed IUI's, 2 cancelled IVF cycles and a tragic pregnancy that was diagnosed as cornual ectopic. On this episode, Darlene explains how her journey continues, and how infertility is "so humbling." "I'm a shell of a human I was 3 years ago and there's no end in sight," she says. You can follow her story at @making_baby_oh

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; IUIs; failed IUIs; cornual ectopic pregnancy; anxiety; cancelled cycles;

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

To celebrate the Rally's 3rd Birthday, we are offering $30 off our annual memberships (normally $199) with code RALLYBDAY

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Encore Presentation: Actress, comedian and writer Michelle Buteau

Thu, 25 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Michelle Buteau is a brilliant and real AF comedian, actress and host best known for appearing on Netflix's "The Circle" and in the movies "Isn't it Romantic" and "Always be My Maybe." She's also a fierce infertility and surrogacy advocate, who Ali first met in early 2020 when they were both in Albany, NY for Surrogacy Lobby Day. Today, Michelle tells Ali all about the long road to having her twins, Hazel and Otis, including IUIs, several rounds of IVF, four devastating miscarriages, prolactinoma (a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland) and why exploring international adoption didn't go how they'd planned. She also talks about facing discrimination at her doctor's appointments (and how, when her white husband was with her, she was treated completely differently)—and finally meeting the surrogate who would help them welcome their healthy babes.

For advertising or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men.

RECEPTIVA DX

Embracing Childless: Katy @childlesscollective and Alisha @twobechildfree

Thu, 18 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to Katy Seppi, creator of @childlesscollective, and Alisha, creator of @twobechildfree, about living -- and thriving -- without children after infertility. Katy, who told her full infertility story on Ali's podcast in 2020, talks about all the work she is doing to support those in the community who have pivoted from their family building journeys and are now living childless not by choice. Alisha, another strong voice and bright light in the #embracechildless community, tells Ali about her struggles with infertility, her two chemical pregnancies, why she walked away when IVF was brought to the table, and everything she is doing now to raise awareness, blast stigmas and support her and Katy's childless after infertility sisters. Ali, Katy and Alisha also talk about how "childless" vs. "childfree,"; how they all really dislike the term "giving up," how infertility and treatment can lead to depression and anxiety; how they both decided to pivot from their family building journeys; and their advice to listeners for creating a beautiful, full, childless life.

You can listen to Katy's previous episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/katy/id1457516002?i=1000464004013

Topics covered in this episode:

Infertility; chemical pregnancies; integrative medicine; IVF; embracing childlessness; childless not by choice

For advertising or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

RECEPTIVA DX

Dr. Kelli Burroughs

Fri, 12 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Kelli Burroughs is a board certified OB/Gyn who has been practicing in Texas with Sweetwater OB/Gyn since 2009. Dr. Burroughs graduated from Spellman College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She currently serves as Department Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Memorial Hermann in Sugar Land, Texas. Today, she tells Ali all about her two and a half year battle with infertility, including going through IVF -- and what it was like seeing her patients while she was struggling with her own infertility journey. She also talks about finally getting pregnant, and the anxieties that came with it.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; infertility as a doctor; the anxieties of pregnancy after infertility and loss

For advertising inquiries please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mary Leah and Rodney Miller

Fri, 05 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Mary Leah and Rodney Miller spent 10 long years trying to build their family. Today, Ali talks to the couple about how they met, how Mary Leah was told that her eggs were not viable and that she’d likely never be able to get pregnant; and their ultimate decision to pursue embryo adoption. Mary Leah and Rodney talk about the effect infertility had on their marriage, how at certain points they had different paths in mind, but how they both felt excited when it was suggested that they connect with Snowflakes Embryo Adoptions to adopt one family's embryos. They also talk about getting matched with a family, why using donor eggs was not the correct path for them, how their faith came into play, and how twins Dalton and Mary Elizabeth were born in December 2022.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; IUIs; IVF; egg viability; poor quality eggs; the donor egg path; embryo adoption; embryo transfers; pregnancy with twins

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sonia @donor.egg.mama.cheetah

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:56:07 +0000

Sonia Iwanek-Chesley is a proud donor egg mama to Taya, her sweet daughter who was born in January 2023. She is also one of Ali's dearest friends, after Sonia joined the Fertility Rally fam and became one of their support group leaders. Today, Sonia tells Ali all of the details of her family building journey, including meeting her husband, doing several IUIs, a chemical pregnancy, a miscarriage, and what happened when they decided to shift to donor eggs. Sonia talks about how they chose a donor (and then another one) -- and why it was important to include her bonus kids; about finally getting pregnant; and all about her severe preeclampsia and Taya's early birth, leading to a long and traumatic NICU stay. Follow Sonia @donor.egg.mama.cheetah

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; IUIs; IVF; donor eggs; chemical pregnancy; miscarriage; advocacy; finding your support groups; embryo transfer; preeclampsia; NICU

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"This is Infertility" author Kirsten McLennan

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Kirsten McLennan is the author of "This is Infertility," which tells the story of her six year journey through IVF and surrogacy. Kirsten's son Spencer was born through gestational surrogacy in 2019 in Utah. On this episode, she and Ali talk about all of the significant challenges and setbacks they went through, as well as their very real experiences with IVF and surrogacy. Says Kirsten: "I'm passionate about raising awareness about infertility through my book and also through my instagram page @straight.up.inferitlity"

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; IVF; surrogacy; international surrogacy; advocacy; pregnancy of unknown location; thin lining; embryo transfer; embryo loss

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Million Dollar Listing New York" star Kirsten Jordan

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Kirsten Jordan is the first woman ever cast on Bravo's Million Dollar Listing New York. In college, she was diagnosed with PCOS, and later, when she was told she was going to need IVF to conceive, she decided she did not want to go down that road. Kirsten soon started working with Dr. Christina Burns, a previous Infertile AF podcast guest, and they started changing Kirsten's lifestyle and taking a naturopathic approach to fertility. They focused on balanced hormones, improved egg quality, and lowered inflammation, managing her PCOS with natural methods. "I was like, I'm never gonna do IVF," Kirsten says. Today, she is the mother of three, all born without assisted reproductive technology.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

PCOS; TTC; forgoing IVF and ART; anti-inflammatory diet; herbal medicine; acupuncture; pregnancy without IVF and ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

CEO and President of Cicero Diagnostics, Chris Jackson

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today, talks to Chris Jackson, CEO and President of Cicero Diagnostics. Chris has been in diagnostic lab testing for over 30 years, focusing on health care sales and marketing. He has launched more than 35 products during his career, with the majority in the field of women's health & reproductive medicine. Ali and Chris talk about how Cicero Diagnostics is

Giving a Voice to Silent Endometriosis, Why this so important right now, How the Receptiva DX test, which is for unexplained infertility, failed implantation and recurrent pregnancy loss, works, and so much more. Chris shares some success stories from some of the women he's worked with over the years, and also shares some very exciting new generation testing that's on the horizon.

For more, go to https://receptivadx.com/

USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; TTC; endometriosis; silent endo; Receptiva DX; failed implantation; recurrent pregnancy loss

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Master Mindset Coach Rosanne Austin

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:10:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali interviews Rosanne Austin, Master Mindset Coach, Fertility Fairy Godmother, and "Am I The Reason I'm Not Getting Pregnant?" author, about going through seven years of failed fertility treatments. Rosanne explains how she did treatment after treatment, also trying everything from acupuncture to boiling black chickens, before having her son without assisted reproductive technology at 43 years old. Rosanne. a former prosecutor, is now passionate about teaching other high-achieving women across the globe to do the same through her Fearlessly Fertile Method, helping them work on their mindset and also reduce stress on their fertility journeys.

More info on Rosanne:

Website: https://www.frommaybetobaby.com

nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosanneaustinfertility

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosanneaustincoach

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fearlesslyfertiletv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanneaustin

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; acupuncture; fertility herbs; forgoing ART; changing one's mindset; pregnancy without ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donation

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook" author Dr. Christina Burns

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:09:25 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Dr. Christina Burns, a doctor of Chinese Medicine and a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She is also the founder of Naturna, an integrative fertility clinic in NYC, dedicated to the comprehensive fusion of Eastern medicine and Western science. Christina explains why and how she got into a healing profession, how she was diagnosed with PCOS and low ovarian reserve, and how, when it came time to build her family, she chose not to go through IVF or any ART, even though her OB-GYN recommended it. Christina is also the author of The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook, which just hit shelves, and includes proven tactics to help women tune into their body's natural "language" and increase their chances of conceiving. "I've just seen so many miracles with natural medicine and lifestyle changes that that is what I stick to. I very rarely take a more modern Western approach, although I do see there is absolutely a place for it and I'm a big fan of integrative medicine," Christina says.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

PCOS; low ovarian reserve; integrative medicine; acupuncture; fertility herbs; chemical pregnancy; forgoing ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Singer Christina Perri

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Huge episode today! Ali is talking to "Jar of Hearts" and "A Thousand Years" singer Christina Perri about her long and difficult family-building journey. Christina and Ali get deep about how Christina met her husband (a legit "meet cute,"), when she found out she was pregnant with her now-five-year-old daughter, Carmella, and how "A Thousands Years" is hands down one of the biggest anthems of Ali's (and so many others') infertility journey. Christina shares her experience with miscarriage; the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Rosie; navigating mental health; mold poisoning; the effects of loss and fertility issues on marriage, how they told Carmella about Rosie's death, and so much more. Christina is passionate about raising awareness for pregnant women with blood-clotting disorders, and she talks about her own disorder, and the test that could have detected her disorder and possibly prevented her losses. Christina is such a badass, she’s a woman’s woman, she is a cheerleader for this community, and Ali can’t thank her enough for going there like she never has before.

Follow Christina on IG @christinaperri and check out her new album, "A Lighter Shade of Blue"

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; mold poisoning; mental health; therapy; pregnancy after loss; stillbirth; blood clotting disorders; anxiety; grief

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

MYVITRO

Since launching the company in 2020, MyVitro has helped thousands of people feel confident during treatment. From their Fertility Caddy and Fridge Box to the Injection Trainer and TTC Bandages, customers rave that MyVitro products are a game changer.

MyVitro has everything you need to get your meds stored safely and organized so you feel confident and in control of your IVF cycle. Go to myvitro.com and use code INFERTILEAF at checkout to receive 10% off of your order.

PINK STORK www.pinkstork.com

For PinkStork, wellness is personal. As The Wellness Brand for Women®, they feel called to support all women on their wellness journeys. Our bodies are wonderful and complex, but they don’t always act the way they should. Whatever your ailment, Pink Stork is here to support you⁠—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Founded by CEO Amy Suzanne after her own health struggles, Pink Stork is women-owned and women-run with over 80% female employees. Their diverse team cares deeply about offering clean, natural products and the women who trust them every day.

The best part? Infertile AF listeners get a special discount. All you have to do is go to pinkstork.com and use CODE XXXXXX (NEW CODE COMING SOON) for an exclusive discount on your purchase

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lauren Kelley

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to singer-songwriter Lauren Kelley, who is still in the midst of her years-long infertility journey. Lauren says she "had a feeling" she'd have trouble getting pregnant. And unfortunately, she was not wrong. Lauren explains what happened when she and her husband started to try for kids, and what happened when they discovered that one of her tubes was blocked and the other was non-functional. She talks about rounds of IVF, finding a "grapefruit-sized cyst" on her right ovary, why she distrusts doctors, and why she started sharing her story on social media. Make sure to listen to the end so you can hear the beautiful song Lauren wrote about her journey, "New Life."

Follow Lauren here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queenevelyine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenevelyine

Website: https://www.evelyine.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evelyinesings

New Life on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAbOPpuW9TA

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; ovarian cysts; the effects of IVF on marriage; fallopian tubes; fallopian tube surgery

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pam Schumann, IVF mom and CEO of SMP Fertility and Specialty Pharmacy

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ali's guest today, Pam Schumann, is CEO of SMP Pharmacy, a groundbreaking fertility and specialty pharmacy that is dedicated to empowering patients and clinics throughout their fertility journeys. Pam talks about how she joined the fertility community from a professional perspective before enduring her own infertility struggles. She talks about her low ovarian reserve, going through IVF more than 20 years ago, how IVF took a toll on her marriage, her "really bad quantity but really good quality" results, having her son, and how, later, he found out he was an IVF baby. She also talks about the extraordinary things SMP Pharmacy is doing, the importance of decision support, and the personalized, on-demand trackable injection training that SMP is offering, which has completely transformed the process for patients and nurses alike. "I think anything that gives people control of their decision making is very useful," Pam says. "We are a women-run pharmacy and so we understand both the emotional and physical side of fertility."

For $200 off your next order through SMP Pharmacy, go to SMPPharmacy.com and use code FERTILITYRALLY

Connect with SMP and Pam Schumann:

SMPPharmacy.com

IG: @smppharmacy

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; embryos; low ovarian reserve; IVF pregnancy; the effects of IVF on marriage; injection training; fertility pharmacies; women-run businesses

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex Kornswiet @ourbeautifulsurprise on IG

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Alex Kornswiet is an infertility advocate, a mental health advocate, a miscarriage survivor and a surrogacy warrior, and today, she and Ali are getting into all of her family building deets. Alex talks about marrying her high school sweetheart, finding out they had infertility issues, doing a fresh IVF transfer with her first son (it worked!), and why, at one point, she felt like a "fraud" in the infertility community. She also talks about her devastating miscarriage and how she navigated the grief, realizing her doctor wasn't the right fit for her and switching clinics, using a courier service to transport her embryos, the crush of a cancelled cycle, and being diagnosed with Asherman's syndrome. Alex also discusses her surrogacy journey, including how they matched quickly with a surrogate, the surprise pregnancy that rocked their world, and how today, she is a proud mama of three boys.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF: Asherman's Syndrome; miscarriage; embryos; cancelled cycles; lining issues; mental health; surrogacy; intralipid infusions; pregnancy after loss; IVF surrogacy.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Michelle G., full spectrum doula, IVF warrior, pregnancy loss survivor and foster parent

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to her friend and one of the Fertility Rally founding members, Michelle G. Michelle is a full spectrum doula, a yoga teacher, a reiki healer, an IVF warrior, a pregnancy loss survivor and a foster parent, and on this episode, they're getting into all of it. What Michelle and her husband, Lucas, thought was a simple Male factor diagnosis turned into multiple surgeries, IVF miscarriages, IUI miscarriages, donor sperm and three egg retrievals. The silver lining is that Michelle and Lucas became foster parents at the end of 2022. But their family building story is not over yet. As Michelle says, "Our story is still not over and we hope to continue 'finding forever' in 2023."

Follow her or connect @via.mirabella on Instagram.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Male factor infertility; microtese; vericocele; IVF; IUI; donor sperm; miscarriage; Covid; adoption; chemical pregnancy; trauma-informed therapy; foster parenting

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Victoria Nino @expectinganything, Part Two

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

It's been two and a half years, and lot has happened since Ali last talked to her friend, Victoria Nino @expectinganything. Today, Victoria brings us up to speed on where she is now (spoiler alert: 8 and a half months pregnant!). She talks about what she did when her doctor said, "Don't get your hopes up, Victoria, because it's not that great of an embryo," another transfer that didn't work, and then a surprise pregnancy of "an unknown location." She also gets into what happened next, including some very cool messages from an intuitive friend, being "all in with gypsy magic," and why they call their next baby, "Star Baby."

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Failed IVF transfers; donor eggs; gypsy magic; IVF; pregnancy after loss; surprise pregnancy; pregnancy of unknown location; IVF success; epigenetics.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

IVF advocate and stillbirth mama Jenna Cuccionilli @jcuccionilli

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Jenna Cuccionilli has one of the biggest hearts Ali has encountered in this community, and today, Jenna and Ali are talking about Jenna's 5-plus year infertility journey, including being diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 16, five miscarriages, one stillbirth and how now, they have five embryos left. Jenna gets into the details of her first miscarriage, one week before she and her husband Pete's wedding, why she calls herself "half crunchy," starting with IUIs and moving onto IVF, and why she turned her household into a non-toxic household. She also talks about the devastating loss of their baby, Graham, who was stillborn when she was around 20 weeks pregnant. Jenna gives advice to anyone navigating stillbirth, where they are now on their family building journey, and why her word for 2023 is "breakthrough."

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; IUI; IVF; pregnancy after loss; still birth; non-toxic environment; infertility and weight loss.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jillian Sipkins, Interior Designer, Photog, Surrogacy Mama and Wife of "Magic for Humans" star Justin Willman

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ali's guest today is the incredible interior designer, photographer, mom of two, and wife of magician and "Magic for Humans" star Justin Willman. Jill shares all the details of her family building journey, from being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 18 to her first miscarriage, to finally getting pregnant with her son -- although it was far from an easy pregnancy. Jill talks about how she and Justin met, how they made a list of baby names the night they got engaged, and what happened when her first pregnancy ended after eight weeks. She also talks about how, when she finally got pregnant with her son, she "bled the whole time," the anxiety of pregnancy after loss, and how Justin, who was doing a show across the country, almost missed Jack's birth. Jill also discusses how, after her body had been through so much with her pregnancy with Jack, they were advised to use a surrogate if they wanted to have any more children, how they found the perfect surrogate for them (shoutout to Katie!) and what happened when their daughter, Rosie, was finally born. Sidenote pro tip: After listening to this episode, check out Jill and Justin's two hilarious YouTube Drunk History videos, about how they met and about Jack's birth. You won't regret it.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Type 1 diabetes; miscarriage; pregnancy after loss; anxiety; surrogacy; IVF; surrogacy success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

CIRCLE SURROGACY

Having an experienced agency by your side to guide you and manage your journey means you can focus on what’s important: the arrival of your baby. Intended parents and surrogates recommend Circle Surrogacy because of the company’s 27 year history of bringing over 2,800 babies into the world. And with a 99.3% success rate for parents, Circle also delivers peace of mind. If you’d like to see what surrogacy is all about, visit circlesurrogacy.com or follow them on social media @circlesurrogacy

RECEPTIVA DX

Cancer survivor, surrogacy mama and Circle Surrogacy Marketing Director Kristin Marsoli

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ali's guest today is Kristin Marsoli, a loyal Target shopper, an aspiring novelist, and a cancer survivor. Knowing she couldn’t carry a baby because of her medical history, when Kristin and her husband were ready to start their family, they turned to surrogacy. After a long journey with many bumps in the road, they finally welcomed their beautiful son into the world in 2014. Kristin then turned her personal experience with surrogacy into her profession, taking the role as the Marketing Director at Circle Surrogacy. Kristin educates intended parents, surrogates and egg donors about surrogacy and egg donation through Circle’s marketing efforts, and is passionate about helping make parenthood possible for others. On this episode, Ali and Kristin get into allll of it — as well as what song was number one in 2004. (Can you guess?)

For more info on Circle Surrogacy, check out circlesurrogacy.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cervical cancer; cancer survival; infertility; radical hysterectomy; surrogacy; IVF; surrogacy success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. GET ONE MONTH FREE THROUGH 1/7/23 with code INFERTILEAF. (Go to fertilityrally.com, purchase the monthy membership and use the code--your first month is free!) We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Fitness expert, influencer and infertility advocate Deja Riley Izydorczyk

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today's guest, Deja Riley Izydorczyk, is a a fitness instructor and an ambassador for Lululemon, she was named one of Forbes' Black Women Changing the Face of Fitness. She is also a huge influencer on social, with almost 100,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 105,000 followers on TikTok, where she and her husband, Jimmy, have been chronicling their fertility journey. Deja tells Ali all about what she and Jimmy have been going through since they started their family building journey, including unexplained infertility, four failed IUIs, a devastating miscarriage, screaming in the shower, and now the next phase: IVF. Deja is still in the midst of her journey, so follow along on her IG @dejarile or on TikTok @dejarileyizy -- and stay tuned for another Deja episode down the line.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IUI; unexplained infertility; pregnancy loss; miscarriage; polyps; fitness during infertility; IVF

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Erin Bulcao @mybeautifulblunder on IG

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to warrior mom Erin Bulcao about her real and raw fertility journey. Erin talks about how not ovulating led her to see a fertility specialist when she was in her late 20s, and why they recommended she start with IUIs. She talks about getting pregnant with triplets via IUI, and why it was recommended by her medical team, for the health of both Erin and her babies, that they reduce the pregnancy to twins. After discussing the aftermath of that decision and that procedure, as well as the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, Erin shares how she felt "horrible and embarrassed." She also shares the difficulties of bringing one twin home while the other was still in the hospital, when and why her marriage almost "crashed and burned," moving on to IVF, and the importance of switching clinics and advocating for herself. Erin also talks about more losses, including an excruciating miscarriage that seemingly lasted forever, and finally bringing home their rainbow baby, via a final round of IVF.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

IUI; IUI success; triplet pregnancy; pregnancy reduction; twin pregnancy; NICU life; IVF; marriage issues; miscarriage; advocating for oneself; rainbow babies

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI20, and you’ll get 20% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Monica Bivas, Author of “The IVF Planner”

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Monica Bivas, IVF warrior and advocate, mindset and holistic fertility coach, and author of "The IVF Planner." Monica talks about her stage-four endometriosis, finding out that IVF was her only option to have healthy pregnancies, the several IVF cycles she went through, and how IVF can be considered taboo in the Latina community. She talks about having her now-17 year old daughter through IVF, and how blood clots in her umbilical cord during another pregnancy lead to the devastating stillbirth of another daughter, at 39 weeks. Monica explains what happened next, including depression, suicidal thoughts, her marriage almost "crumbling," more IVF cycles, the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility, how it felt when her next daughter (who is now nine years old) was born and how she turned her "pain into her purpose." Follow Monica on IG at @monicabivas

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Endometriosis; Stage-four endo; IVF; successful IVF; IVF in the Latin community; taboos; pregnancy after infertility; fertility coaching; IVF coaching; stillbirth; blood clots; depression; suicidal thoughts.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

The ReceptivaDX test can help couples struggling with unexplained infertility. It can help identify endometriosis before an embryo transfer, and has the potential to save women the stress, anxiety, and cost of multiple failed IVF attempts. Learn more at receptivadx.com or download the ReceptivaDX app. Use code INFERTILEAF for $75 off.

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

April Christina, Endometriosis and Fertility Advocate, @iamaprilchristina

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

April Christina is one of the biggest endometriosis advocates in this community and today, Ali hears April's entire fertility journey, from when she first got her period at the age of 9 to where she is today -- still in the midst of it all. April talks about her very early menstruation; her endometriosis diagnosis in her early 20s (and how when she was diagnosed, she had never even heard of endo before); her two endo surgeries; being in a depressive state; the discovery of her chocolate cysts; how she met her husband and when they started talking about family building; knowing that IUIs were not the right thing for her; and how her first IVF cycle did not go as planned. April also talks about her Endo Brunch, the power of community, the trauma of infertility, feeling isolated, and where she and her husband are now in their journey. (Hint: A new IVF cycle is starting soon.) April Christina is also a partner of Fertility Out Loud’s newest offering, Fertility Outreach a text-based platform providing aspiring parents with access to a live fertility coach. Find out more here: https://www.fertilityoutloud.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Early menstruation; endometriosis; IUI; IVF; isolation; depression; chocolate cysts; fibroids; trauma; the power of community

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Blair Nelson Part Two: Ali's Fertility Rally Co-Founder and @fabivfmama

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to her incredible PIBAC (Partner in Biz and Claw), Fertility Rally co-founder Blair Nelson, aka @fabivfmama. Blair was on Ali's 8th episode three and a half years ago, and sooooo much has happened since then: Blair did many more rounds of IVF, Blair had her baby girl, Hadley, Blair and Ali launched Fertility Rally in 2020, Blair got pregnant again in the fall of 2022, and then Blair received some devastating news that her baby, in utero, has an extremely rare disease called Limb Body Wall Complex, which is fatal. Blair talks about all of it on this episode, including what's going to happen next.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Balanced translocation; IVF; FETs; pregnancy after infertility; parenthood after infertility; rare diseases; Fertility Rally; limb-body wall complex; TFMR (termination for medical reasons).

Follow Keegan @theivfdad and check out his book here: https://www.theivfdad.com/

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sarah: Secondary Infertility In Shanghai

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali talks to Sarah, a U.S. citizen who's been living --and going through secondary infertility -- in Shanghai, China. Sarah emailed Ali, "I have always had good access to mental health support and friends in the US, but the past two years I have been living in Shanghai, China. The border remains closed due to covid so we have not been able to travel out at all. I recently experienced a miscarriage here, between 8 and 9 weeks, had a D&C, and really struggled to find anyone to talk to about it. While Shanghai is a very very modern city, it really lacks the sort of mental health awareness and access we have in the US and it was a real struggle." Sarah shares what it's like going through secondary infertility in China, where for many years, there was a "one child" policy; the cultural differences she's faced; finding community (or the lack thereof); how some people have embryos in China but are not allowed in the country; and more.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUI; IVF; Shanghai, China; China's "one child" policy; Covid-19; miscarriage; D&C; secondary infertility; anxiety; frozen embryos; PCOS; quarantine; Letrizole; Clomid.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 450 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Payal @payalponders on IG

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to a very dear friend of hers, Payal @payalponders, who she met when Payal joined the Fertility Rally family. Payal is mama to Zion Edward, who was with us earthside from 7/4-7/6/22 --and she's going to tell us all about her sweet son, as well as her entire fertility journey. Payal talks about meeting her husband Ron, why she had a feeling she might need fertility treatments, doing 3 IUIs, doing 3 egg retrievals, and doing two FETs. She also talks about her placenta abruption when she was 24 weeks two days pregnant with Zion, including what happened at home, what happened in the hospital and the NICU, and what happened when they realized sweet Zion was not going to make it. This is a very special episode, and Ali can't thank Payal enough for sharing. Here's to Zion Edward and ice cream forever.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; egg retrievals; FETs; frozen embryo transfers; pregnancy after loss; placenta abruption; NICU; baby and infant loss.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 450 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jess Veit @onesunnystory on IG

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to a dear friend of hers who she met through Instagram. Her name is Jess Veit,and she is an IVF Warrior and advocate, a bright light in the IG community, and mama to her rainbow baby, whose nickname is Sunny. You probably know her from IG @onesunnystory. On this episode, Jess tells Ali how she got to where she is today, including 9 years of trying, 𝟼 𝙸𝚄𝙸s, 𝟼 𝙵𝙴𝚃s (frozen embryo transfers) and her one miracle baby. They also talk about thyroid issues, natural killer cells, painful periods, and Asherman's Syndrome. And big news: Jess reveals what's happening next in her family building journey.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; painful periods; IUIs; FETs; frozen embryo transfers; thyroid issues; natural killer cells; pregnancy after miscarriage; Asherman's Syndrome.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 450 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

WeNatal Founders Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Ali is talking to best friends this week! Today, her guests are Ronit and Vida, who met while working together at Nike in Los Angeles, who both come from health and fitness backgrounds, and who both found themselves going through infertility at the same time.

Today, they both share their infertility journeys, including how they each had a miscarriage one week apart, how they supported each other as best friends, how the losses affected their relationships with their husbands, and how they blamed themselves. They're also going to discuss how after delving into some deep research and trying to figure out the root cause of their fertility issues, they decided to found a company called We Natal. WeNatal is the first prenatal supplement intentionally optimized for her and for him. Reimagining the gender paradigms around fertility and pregnancy, WeNatal is shifting prenatal care from women-centered to couples-centered—from Me to We. For more, check out https://wenatal.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; infertility; sperm health; male factor infertility; pregnancy after miscarriage; prenatal supplements; genetic abnormalies; "It Starts With the Egg" book.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lauren Massarella, Lifestyle Blogger and Co-host of "Cozy Conversations" Podcast

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Get ready for a very entertaining conversation! Today Ali is talking to Lauren Massarella, a wellness and lifestyle blogger from Chicago, who co-hosts "Cozy Conversations," a bi-weekly podcast about everyday life experiences, pop culture, current events, and everything in between, with her sister, Michelle. Ali and Lauren dive deep into Lauren's infertility struggles, starting with "horrible" endometriosis for a big chunk of her life, the lack of sex education she got as a young woman, going through IVF with her husband, Anthony, how they finally got pregnant, some unique pregnancy complications, and finally, having their healthy baby girl.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Endometriosis; surgery; infertility; IVF; sex education; pregnancy after infertility; parenthood after infertility.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Keegan Prue, Author of "The IVF Dad"

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Keegan Prue, whose book, "The IVF Dad," chronicles he and his wife's struggle with infertility, going through two rounds of IVF, two miscarriages, and three embryo transfers before the birth of their first daughter--and then even more before having their next baby girl, who was just born less than a month ago. Keegan talks about how to be a supportive partner through infertility, why he's always wanted to have kids, what happened when they "hit the wall," how his wife had a blighted ovum, hearing the dreaded phrase, "I'm sorry, there's no heartbeat," pregnancy after loss, and so much more.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; the male point of view; Letrizole; IVF; FET; blighted ovum; miscarriage; grief; successful cycles; genetic testing; a double-thawed embryo; pregnancy after infertility; parenthood after infertility.

Follow Keegan @theivfdad and check out his book here: https://www.theivfdad.com/

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When IVF Breaks Your Heart — and Then Changes Your Life with coach, author and podcaster Lisa White

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Lisa White is an author, an IVF mentor and an occupational therapist, and today, she's going to talk about riding the emotional rollercoaster of the infertility and IVF journey, and how it can feel incredibly overwhelming, lonely and painful. Lisa asks, "How do you stay hopeful and not lose yourself or your dreams for your family in this process?"

Lisa tells Ali about being told they had less than one percent chance conceiving without assisted reproductive technology (ART), discovering polyps in her uterus, getting no embryos during a round of IVF, her lifelong love of journaling, the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people during infertility, achieving IVF success with only one healthy embryo, becoming a mom at the age of 40, the emergency hysterectomy that saved her life, and a ton more.

Follow Lisa on IG at @ivf.manifesting.a.miracle and check out her book, "Hold On, Baby" here: https://ivfmanifestingamiracle.com/holdonbaby

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Male factor infertility; miracle mindset; polyps; IVF; failed cycles; successful cycles; polyp surgery; scar tissue surgery; fibroid surgery; fertility coaching; motherhood after 40.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Lora Shahine

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine is on the show today! You guys probably know her from TikTok, IG, and also her passion for educating and supporting the fertility community. Today, she's talking about all the things, including her own infertility journey--and why so many doctors (one in four actually!) face infertility. Lora talks about the importance of social media in her medical practice, egg freezing, being diagnosed with secondary infertility, the 3 IVF transfers she went through, and why working remotely has had some pros and cons for patients when it comes to going through treatment.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Secondary infertility; IVF; transfers; failed transfers; stims; egg freezing; doctors going through infertility.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY LIVE

Do not miss our FREE VIRTUAL EVENT: Fertility Rally Live For Anyone Trying to Conceive and New Moms After Infertility on 10/22! The All-Day, Educational and Inspirational Event Returns to Support the ‘Worst Club with the Best Members’

For the first time ever, tickets to the event are totally free. All ticket holders have 30 days to watch the 8+ hours of talks, and they also each receive our Virtual Swag Bag full of discounts and offers. Tickets can be reserved HERE.

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Samantha Bloom

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Samantha Bloom, who, in March 2020, learned she had the BRCA gene variant after taking a 23andMe test. Samantha, a mother of twins, was trying to have a third child. And it was mid-Covid, so once she was finally able to see her OBGYN a few months later and confirm she was BRCA positive, her gynecologist advised that she stop trying to get pregnant and instead consider starting IVF. Samantha tells us her entire story, including how she was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager, and what happened when she did go down the IVF road.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Genetic testing; PCOS; BRCA gene variant; 23andMe test; miscarriage; IVF.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY LIVE

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrall.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

MAGIC MIND

Magic Mind’s mission is to make the world more productive by giving people the tools to be the best version of themselves. Their goal is to get you into that glorious flow-state more often, so you can do your best work more efficiently and spend more time doing what you love. Go to magicmind.co/infertile and use code INFERTILE20 for 20% off. The best part is that they have a money back guarantee. If you get the subscription, it’s a 40% off. My 40% off code only lasts 10 days, so hurry up!

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Priscilla Brown

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Priscilla Brown is an incredible mama of four kiddos named Liam, Bear, Ziggy and Olive. But it took Priscilla a long time to become a mom of four, and included a lot of heartbreak, and many twists and turns along the way. Today, Priscilla tells Ali all the things, including being diagnosed with unexplained infertility; doing five back-to-back IUIs; giving up big important life events because of treatment; having a miscarriage; being diagnosed with DOR; moving onto IVF; fresh transfers versus frozen transfers, and so much more. She also talks about her collection of poems, "Waiting on the Universe," which were written while she was going through her infertility journey, to help others feel less alone.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY and FERTILITY RALLY LIVE, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

MAGIC MIND

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

'Egg Party' Director Kersti Bryan

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to "Tales of the Walking Dead" actress and "Egg Party" director Kersti Bryan about her new short film, "Egg Party." Egg Party (click link below to watch it!) tackles the incredibly tough topic of pregnancy and infertility—and so much more. The movie is about six women in their late-thirties gathering together for a not-so-sober afternoon to laugh and dye Easter eggs—and to contemplate their fertility. Ali and Kersti about how she created the story behind Egg Party, filming during the Pandemic, the overturning of Roe V. Wade, the importance of good maternal health, miscarriages, egg freezing, the stigma of infertility, and where Kersti is now when it comes to family building.

WATCH EGG PARTY MOVIE HERE:

https://vimeo.com/589975618

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

Infertility; fertility; egg freezing; miscarriage; maternal health; Egg Party movie; Kersti Bryan.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

EXTEND FERTILITY

Extend Fertility--co-founded by Ali's brilliant doctor, Joshua U. Klein, believes in being personal and data driven. They’re passionate about delivering fertility care in a more compassionate and transparent way. To help proactively explore your fertility options, Extend Fertility has an exclusive offer for all Infertile AF listeners. If you schedule a consultation and mention that you are a Infertile AF listener, you will receive $500 off your first IVF or egg freezing cycle. Visit extendfertility.com and mention Infertile AF.

CIRCLE SURROGACY

When you’re ready to explore options, Circle Surrogacy & Egg Donation is ready to hear your story, and to talk about the different options for parenthood. Circle offers a variety of programs that fit YOUR needs – and they have a 99.3% success rate for parents. Plus, 44% of Circle’s staff has personal experience as surrogates, egg donors or parents through surrogacy, IVF or adoption. To learn more, go to circlesurrogacy.com or call the Circle Team at 617-439-9900.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cristy Murray

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Cristy Murray, an Infertility warrior who has a passion for helping women who struggle with infertility. As a veteran and women's health provider, Cristy has made it her mission to give back and empower women to be their own advocates for their health. Cristy talks about ways to boost fertility, toxin-Free living, and of course, her own experience while going through the painful journey of trying to conceive. Cristy explains how her Catholic upbringing played into her family building journey. She is also a military veteran, and she talks about something that Ali has never talked about before on the show: how heavy metals may have affected her fertility, and the procedures she used to get them out of her body.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

Infertility; military veterans; fertility; advocacy; heavy metals; toxin-feel living; Catholic faith; natural conception.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

She Helps Celebrities Build Families — Then Faced Infertility Herself, with Stephanie Levich of Family Match

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Stephanie Levich, founder of Family Match, a fertility consulting firm for A-List celebrities, CEOs, and prominent sports and political figures who require extra support and privacy as they navigate their family-building journeys. Stephanie talks about growing up as one of three adopted children, how and when her parents told her she was adopted, and how she has worked in the fertility industry for more than 20 years. She also talks about finding herself in the throes of infertility when it came time to build her family, and what happened when she went through IVF. Stephanie also tells Ali about the children's book she wrote, "From the Start," about building families through assisted reproductive technology.

For more, check out

www.familymatchconsulting.com

www.fromthestartbook.com

Follow Stephanie at:

@familymatchconsulting

@stephanielevich

@fromthestartbook

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

Adoption; talking to kids about adoption; fertility; infertility; surrogacy; red flags when it comes to surrogacy.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sex Educator and Author Cory Silverberg

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Cory Silverberg, sex educator and the author of You Know, Sex, a graphic style book that The NY Times recently called one of "The Books about Sex that Every Family Should Read." and Ali could not agree more. The New York Times Book review says, "Silverberg's writing is fearless . . . Here is that rare voice that can talk about the hardest things kids go through in ways that are thoughtful, lighthearted and always respectful of their intelligence." Ali and Cory talk about all of it, including how You Know, Sex is the first thoroughly modern sex education book for every body, covering not only the big three of puberty—hormones, reproduction, and development—but also power, pleasure, and how to be a decent human being. They also talk about the lack of good education we all got (and are still getting), talking to kids about fertility, infertility, and miscarriage -- and so much more.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

Miscarriage; fertility; infertility; sex education; hormones; reproduction; pleasure; being a decent human being; LGBTQ family building.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BELI @beli.baby

Catie and Ryan

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 22:12:17 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Catie and Ryan, who she met when Catie joined the Fertility Rally family. Catie and Ryan talk about everything that lead up to having their baby, who is actually going to be here any day now — from unexplained infertility to five IUIs to Ryan's "super sperm" to miscarriage to the anxieties of pregnancy after loss. Ryan also talks about writing his book, "Finally! An infertility Book for Dudes," which is funny, relatable and so necessary in this infertility landscape.

Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/FINALLY-Infertility-Book-Dudes-Perspective/dp/B0B2TP64FM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ERAIP4F4X4PF&keywords=finally+an+infertility+book+for+dudes&qid=1661975450&sprefix=finally+an+infer%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; IUI; IVF; Clomid; sperm health; miscarriage; pregnancy after miscarriage; pregnancy after loss; men talking about infertility.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BEEBIZY

Beebizy, the #1 party planning app, was founded by mom of two, Laila Marshall, who struggled with the party planning process for various occasions. Whether it's for bachelorette parties, wedding showers, dog birthday parties or more, let Beebizy do all the legwork for you. Interested in a little more hands-on help? Beebizy also offers in-house event planners to make sure you don’t need to lift a finger! Check out www.beebizy.com,

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ajima

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Ajima, who is calling from Belgium to share her very complicated family building story. It starts when Ajima's doctor went in to remove some fibroids, and mistakenly amputated her cervix, rendering her infertile. It also includes another traumatic medical experience, when Ajima's sister-in-law, who had agreed to be Ajima's surrogate, became paralyzed after receiving an epidural. This is not only a story about infertility and surrogacy, it's a story about racial disparities when it comes to black maternal health, of the injustice of medical mistreatment, and so much more.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Fibroids; cervical amputation; infertility; ovarian cysts; IVF; surrogacy; epidural; medical mistreatment; black maternal health disparities.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Allison M.

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Allison, whose story begins with a diagnosis of leukemia at the age of three years old. Allison talks about her diagnosis, going through chemo and radiation, and getting a life-saving bone marrow transplant from her sister, who was just one year old at the time. Now a childhood cancer survivor, she talks about how her treatment came into play when it came time to try to have babies. She describes having heavy bleeding and cysts on her ovaries, deciding to freeze her eggs, and going through two unsuccessful rounds of IVF, because "there weren't any eggs to extract at that point." She talks about having a hysterectomy, using an egg donor and a surrogate to have her baby girl, and how today, she is the manager of the egg donor program at Conceiveabilities, helping others navigate egg donation and more.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Leukemia; childhood cancer; infertility; ovarian cysts; IVF; egg freezing; failed cycles; hysterectomy; egg donation; surrogacy.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

INCIRCLE FERTILITY @incirclefertility

Abbe Feder founded InCircle fertility after her own 6 year struggle with infertility. InCircle provides a holistic approach – from guidance on planning and decision making, to patient advocacy and day-to-day emotional support. All of this from someone who’s BEEN THERE.

InCircle is giving Infertile AF listeners a free 30 minute support session - check out https://www.incirclefertility.com/aliaf Again, use code ALIAF for a free 30 min session. I really can’t recommend her enough.

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire community of more than 400 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cheyna

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Cheyna Roth is a Senior producer at Slate, where she produces podcasts for a living. Ali first heard about her and her story when she talked about her own infertility struggles on a podcast that she frequently co-hosts, called "The Waves."

Today, she shares that story with us, talking about endometriosis, the random places she's injected meds in her ass, retrievals, transfers, IUIs, miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, secondary infertility and so much more.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; endometriosis; IUI; IVf; egg retrievals; embryo transfers; secondary infertility; pregnancy after loss; grief; guilt.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

INCIRCLE FERTILITY @incirclefertility

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Michelle V.

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Michelle V. is the proud mom of her angel baby Sweet Pea, who she lost due to miscarriage, her angel daughter Colette Louise who she lost at nine days old, and her only living child, her rainbow baby, Elliott Miguel. Today she tells Ali all about her journey, including infertility, miscarriage, giving birth to her daughter at just 24 weeks, their nine-day stay in the NICU, the devastating loss of Colette, and so much more. She's also going to tell us about how she and her husband founded The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation, whose mission is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; miscarriage; IUIs; NICU; infant loss; grief; advocacy.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chauncey Ellis

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Miscarriage Awareness advocate Chauncey Ellis about her two very different losses. Chauncey talks about growing up as part of the LDS church, how she was one of eight children in her family, and having her first daughter at a young age. She also talks about trying again seven years later, the two miscarriages she experienced, the grief she deals with to this day, and later, having another daughter, named Indigo. Today, Chauncey is a huge cheerleader for others in the #TTCcommunity, sharing education, advice and her own experiences. Follow her @chaunceyellis

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; multiple miscarriages; meditation; grief; pregnancy after loss.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

THE CLASS.

The Class is a fun and challenging workout that combines strength-training, cardio, and mindfulness to help you feel better. Check out The Class’ recent Fertility Series, backed by CCRM. Whether you’re curious about conceiving or actively trying to have a child, The Fertility Series strengthens your mind-body connection so you can maintain your wellbeing wherever you are on the fertility journey. This series includes conversations, meditations, and no-impact workouts that emotionally and mentally support you where medicine, society, and well-meaning loved ones fall short.

The best part? Infertile AF listeners can get an exclusive, 30-day free trial by going to theclass.com/infertileaf

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 325 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: infertileafstories@gmail.com

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Peta Murgatroyd of Dancing with the Stars

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Dancing With the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd about the secondary infertility journey she is currently experiencing, after she and her husband, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, another DWTS pro, had their son, Shai, who is now five years old. Peta talks about her three miscarriages, dealing with loss in the middle of her Dancing with the Stars season, why she felt embarrassed and ashamed by having miscarriages, why she feels it's so important to talk about it now, how she and Maks have dealt with it together, and what happened when she started IVF this past June. She also talks about balancing work with raising a family (and the regrets she has in that area), wondering how and why miscarriage could happen to her, listening to her gut, why she thought IVF was "a broken woman-type of thing" and how her body and mind have responded so far during her IVF journey.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; secondary infertility; miscarriage; multiple miscarriages; IVF; egg retrievals; relationship issues; advocating for oneself; shame and embarrassment.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

EXTEND FERTILITY

RECEPTIVA DX

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: infertileafstories@gmail.com

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ashley Gildin Spitzer

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali talks to Ashley Gildin Spitzer about her four-year-long infertility journey, which ended with she calls her "twiblings," two babies born four months apart. Ashley starts with her diagnosis of hypothalamic amenorrhea (loss of her period), then talks about her IUI which ended in a blighted ovum. She then talks about her IVF journey, which included several retrievals, several transfers, and several devastating losses. She talks about seeing an immunologist, going gluten and dairy-free, and what happened when they pivoted to looking for a surrogate. She then explains how, in a wild twist, she became pregnant, and so did her surrogate--and how the two babies were born four months apart.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; hypothalamic amenorrhea; IUIs; IVF; accupuncture; surrogacy; miscarriage; immunology; ReceptivaDX; blighted ovum; chemical pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy; twiblings; NICU babies.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 325 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

KINDBODY

Kindbody is so forward-thinking, they've recently merged with our good friends at Vios Fertility Institute - some of the best in the business in my opinion. From now until September 5, Kindbody is offering priority access to fertility treatment during your summer break with an exclusive $1500 discount on egg freezing or IVF plus $100 off your first appointment.

Educators work tirelessly to take care of others all year and this is one way Kindbody can say "thanks".

Visit Kindbody.com/teacher-promo for details and exclusions, and to get your discount code for $1500 off egg freezing or IVF plus $100 off your first appointment.

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Roe V. Wade Episode

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

HOW WILL OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE IMPACT IVF PATIENTS AND THE INFERTILITY COMMUNITY AT LARGE?

RESOURCES:

https://resolve.org/resolve-statement-supreme-court-dobbs-decision/

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/roe-v-wade-overturned-how-to-help-action/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ZSWBhCVARIsALERCvz0frUWttW5kc_pTnHQoHUTJl3IdqwWZ2EIgFpmyerb3GBkdwNhYyAaAm0EEALw_wcB

https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/asrms-response-to-the-dobbs-v-jackson-ruling/

Monica @waitingforbabywunder

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali's friend Monica tells us all about her infertility journey, including how she discovered she has uterus didelphys, a rare congenital condition where you're born with two uteruses and pelvic kidney--both of which make it difficult and unsafe for her to carry her own pregnancy. Monica talks about meeting her husband, when they started to try having babies, starting IVF, falling down a Google rabbit hole, pivoting to a new clinic, going through PRP treatment, finding and matching with a surrogate (and then another, and then another, and then another), and where she is now.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; uterus didelphys; pelvic kidney: PRP; surrogacy; advocacy; loss and anxiety.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 325 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jaime B: A Covid Story

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

On today's show, Jaime shares her infertility journey, including how she lost her baby girl, Emily, at 23 weeks gestation in December 2020 due to getting Covid while pregnant. Both Emily and Jaime's placenta tested positive for Covid. "It was an absolutely devastating loss," Jaime says. "Prior to losing her we had five early miscarriages. We finally brought home a baby this February - my son Brody is now four months old." Jaime says her journey is "to help promote awareness of Covid and Pregnancy to help prevent this from happening to others."

NOTE FROM ALI: Please guard your heart -- this is a sad and difficult episode. But it's so important, and I can't thank Jaime enough for sharing her story.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; unexplained infertility; miscarriage; RPL; Covid; IVF; still birth; IVF success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 325 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month--and we are currently running a special for our 2nd Birthday: Just $129 for an annual membership--which is $70 off! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

E! News Host and Style Expert Lilliana Vazquez

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Lilliana Vazquez, host of E! News, style expert and founder of The LV Guide, about the six years she spent battling infertility. Lilliana gets super candid about all the things: how she met her husband, how her first retrieval got messed up, how it's difficult to talk about infertility in her Latin community, how IVF is "a thief," being your own health advocate, the importance of getting a second opinion, how infertility almost "broke" her marriage, and finally, how she had her baby boy, Santi. "In my head, I had told myself, 'This one IVF round is going to lead to a beautiful, healthy baby,' which I think a lot of women do," she says. "It's very expensive, it's emotionally taxing, it's a huge sacrifice, and then to get that news, you're like—this was supposed to be my baby."

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; egg retrievals; relationship issues; advocating; the anxiety of motherhood after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

PINK STORK www.pinkstork.com

The best part? Infertile AF listeners get a special discount. All you have to do is go to pinkstork.com and use CODE InfertileAF15 for an exclusive discount on your purchase

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: infertileafstories@gmail.com

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meg @creating.crawfords

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

On today's show, Meg, aka @creating.crawfords, tells us all about her infertility journey, her heart condition, and the spinal injury she endured—all of which have made it so that she is unable to carry a baby. Meg talks about her miscarriage, trying for another year and half, the car accident that left her with chronic pain and in a neck brace, and how she and her husband pivoted to both surrogacy and donor eggs. Then, Meg explains how they found both their egg donor and their surrogate through social media — and how the surrogate is due with their baby in July.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; unexplained infertility; miscarriage; chronic pain; surrogacy; donor eggs; donor egg transfer; IVF; IVF success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 325 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month--and we are currently running a special for our 2nd Birthday: Just $129 for an annual membership--which is $70 off! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jade

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to Jade, an amazing friend she met through Fertility Rally, and who works as a school counselor. Jade explains her entire infertility journey, including her hysteroscopy, "huffing" essentials oils, what happened when her doctor found uterine polyps, multiple failed IUIs, her laparoscopy and the discovery of endometriosis, and how all of this affected her relationship with her husband, Justin. Jade is about her have her first baby any day now, and she talks about her experience with IVF, panic attacks, what it felt like to finally be told she was pregnant, and of course, the anxieties that come with pregnancy after infertility. At one point, Jade asks, "Why am I setting myself up to get slapped in the face again and again?"

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; hysteroscopy; essentials oils; uterine polyps; failed IUIs; laparoscopy; endometriosis; IVF; panic attacks; pregnancy after infertility

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 325 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month--and we are currently running a special for our 2nd Birthday: Just $129 for an annual membership--which is $70 off! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Taylor @infertileandimpatient

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to her very dear friend Taylor, who you might know from IG as @infertileandimpatient, and who Ali met when she joined Fertility Rally (@fertilityrally). Taylor has been through a ton, and today she tells Ali everything that happened leading up to the miracle birth of her twin girls, Quinn and Charlie. She talks about being blinded by miscarriage after miscarriage, being told by doctors that she had "bad luck," her diagnosis of a balanced translocation, the discovery of chronic endometritis, how she set a goal to make 10 embryos, and then how, in her words, making embryos became kind of an obsession. She also talks about pregnancy after infertility, being in the NICU with the twins, and the "survivor guilt" that comes along with having babies after infertility and loss.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; balanced translocation; chronic endometritis; IVF; miscarriage; recurrent miscarriage; pregnancy after infertility and loss; twin pregnancy; identical twins

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 325 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month--and we are currently running a special for our 2nd Birthday: Just $129 for an annual membership--which is $70 off! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ICYMI: Mathilde Froustey, Principal Dancer, San Francisco Ballet

Thu, 26 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Mathilde Froustey is a principal dancer at the San Francisco Ballet and one of the best dancers in the world. Born in Bordeaux, France, Mathilde started dancing at the age of 9 and trained at the Marselle National School of Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet School. Today, even though she says, "In the dance world, infertility is a taboo subject," she comes out to Ali about her personal struggles with infertility and more, including battling an eating disorder, being body shamed while going through IVF, and life in general in the highly competitive world of professional dance. “No one talks about this in the dance world,” Mathilde says. Well, they do now.

Fertility Rally is the all-inclusive community for anyone who has gone through infertility, is going through infertility, or who are building modern families in “non-traditional” ways. The space is for anyone seeking support, information, inclusion, humor, kick ass virtual and IRL events, and fun discounts on the journey of infertility and parenthood. To start your Free 7-Day Trial or join now, go to fertilityrally.com

Today we are partnering with Proov, the first 5 minute, at-home progesterone test to confirm ovulation. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code INFERTILEAF20, and you’ll get 20% off your first order.

This episode, I'm partnering with NYU Langone Fertility Center. Join the thousands of families who've placed their trust in the experts at NYU Langone Fertility Center. When you're ready to explore your options, they're ready to help you build your family. For more information, check out their website fertilityny.org, Instagram @Fertility_NY, or call 212-263-8990.

Jaycee Gossett of The Class

Wed, 18 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Jaycee Gossett, a founding teacher and VP of training at The Class. The Class is a workout that strengthens your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through an innovative combination of fitness and mindfulness. Jaycee is a rockstar in the wellness world and today she’s going to tell Ali all about her infertility journey—which she is still in the midst of. She talks about her diagnosis of unexplained infertility, doing six IUI, doing three rounds of IVF but making it to the transfer stage, and how she and her husband have navigated everything so far.

Jaycee also tells Ali about something really cool that’s happening this week at The Class:

The Fertility Series, which includes conversations, meditations, and no-impact workouts that emotionally and mentally support you where medicine, society, and well-meaning loved ones fall short. 1 in 3 teachers at The Class have faced fertility challenges and will share their stories, because no-one is alone on this journey. The meditations will help you move energy, regulate the nervous system, and calm the mind for phases when movement is not advisable or stillness is needed. There will also be a toned-down, no-impact version of The Class without jumping and extreme twisting

FIND OUT MORE AT THECLASS.COM

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; unexplained infertility; IVF; silent endometriosis; Receptiva DX test; assisted reproductive technology; self-care.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Samantha Busch Returns

Wed, 11 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali's badass friend Samantha Busch @samanthabusch returns! It's been over two years since we did our first podcast episode, in March 2020. SO. MUCH. HAS. HAPPENED. Samantha and Ali catch up on ALL the things, including how she switched clinics and did another egg retrieval, how she had another loss--a pregnancy that ended devastatingly with two blighted ovums, finding the right gestational carrier, how it felt when her book, “Fighting Infertility,” came out, and how she and Kyle navigated the next phase together. She also talks about her baby girl, who is due via gestational carrier ANY MOMENT NOW! Always real AF, Samantha talks about how excited she is, but also how she is "so guarded" as well—understandably. If you want to hear her entire story, catch up on part one before listening to this ep.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; miscarriage; blighted ovum; gestational carriers; surrogacy and surrogates; the anxiety of motherhood after infertility; intended parents; the book "Fighting Infertility."

EPISODE SPONSORS:

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by Proov, a women’s health company dedicated to providing information and solutions on key fertility hormones so they can reach their goals faster. The best part is that they’re giving Infertile AF listeners a special discount code. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first Proov order of $25 or more.

Famlee Fertility

Famlee Fertility, which offers affordable at-home labs, convenient telehealth visits, and Rx delivery has made it the number one choice for women looking for fertility support and real solutions without ever leaving their home for lonely waiting rooms or sterile doctor’s offices. If you’ve been diagnosed with Unexplained Infertility, PCOS, have recurrent miscarriages, or are considering IVF or have had IVF without success, Famlee Fertility can help you identify and correct the leading hormonal imbalances standing in the way of getting pregnant. Schedule your FREE consult at Famlee.com. That’s F-A-M-L-E-E.com. Famlee: Clinical fertility treatment, at home.

ConceiveAbilities

ConceiveAbilities Surrogacy and Egg Donation is proud to be celebrating 25 years of building families. As a leading, full service woman-owned agency, their mission is to help everyone who dreams of a family, do so. Learn more about why parents and surrogates alike choose ConceiveAbilities Surrogacy Agency as the best agency for them at conceiveabilities.com

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. Follow us and see more on IG @fertilityrally

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Smothers

Fri, 06 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

John Smothers is 71-year-old businessman, and today he's telling us about the difficulties he and his wife had building their family in the late 70s and early 80s, when ART hadn't really been developed yet, and it was all very "hush hush." It took John and his wife, Gayle, 7 years to have their first child, due to Gayle's endometriosis. But the trauma of infertility lived on. When Gayle died of breast cancer in 2018, one of the last things she said to him was, “Do whatever you can to help those couples.” He began investigating ways to improve the collection of human sperm, and today, John has helped create ProteX, the first and only product designed specifically for semen collection to aid in fertility treatment.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; IVF; endometriosis; breast cancer; semen samples; sperm motility; sperm health; assisted reproductive technology.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Maiclaire Smith

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to her good friend and the very FIRST Fertility Rally member, Maiclaire Smith, about the long and winding road she took to get to her baby son, Isaac. "Having Isaac doesn’t erase what we went through," she says. "The pain, the loss, the sacrifices that went along with three years of hell to get us our miracle baby. This is just a small part of what infertility looked like for us. This is $152,000 of medical intervention not covered by insurance to get us our precious boy. It’s been two years since I wrote my book, which just scratches the surface of our journey." In addition to all this, Maclaire talks about her diminished ovarian reserve, her multiple miscarriages, her 2 IUIs, her 2IVF cycle that yielded nothing, financial difficulties, literally putting all of her "eggs in one basket," doctors who didn't pay attention, switching clinics, facing what felt like discrimination as a bi-racial couple, and what it was like to go through IVF in her 40s. She also talks about how Isaac was a Day 7 embryo, and how rare it is for doctors to transfer Day 7 embryos these days. "So many clinics would have thrown him in the garbage, they never would've even let him have a chance to grow, and he is the most perfect child on the planet," she says. Check out her book, "Prequel to Parenthood."

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; IVF; DOR; failed cycles; anxiety; Day 7 embryos; switching clinics; financial difficulties; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Emma K. Belle on TFMR, Grief, Mental Health, and Finding Hope Again

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Emma K. Belle is a life coach and mentor with a focus on Mental Health Recovery, Trauma Recovery and Emotional Awareness Learning. She's also a huge advocate for the infertility community, and an #infertility warrior herself. She heads up a Bipolar Disorder Recovery Online Support Group, and she also created TFMR Mamas, a group for those who have lost their babies to Termination for Medical Reasons. Today, Emma tells Ali about her fertility journey so far, including her "very chaotic and hectic young life," what she found out about her fertility when she went to freeze her eggs at age 35 and living with bipolar. She also talks about the traumatic loss of her daughter, Willow, who was diagnosed with Edward's Syndrome in utero, and the extremely unthinkable decision they made to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons. Plus: Stick around after our interview for an update from Emma about where she is now (hint: It's good news!).

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

And get your tickets now for Fertility Rally Live on Saturday, 4/23! Rally Live is our signature event Even if you can't make it live, your tickets get you access to all the talks for 30 days!

Get your tickets here: https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertilityrallylivespring2022

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jess L.

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to her friend and Fertility Rally member Jess L. about the infertility journey she and her wife, Ann, have been on so far. "In a same sex relationship, you know right away that you're gonna need help--reproductive assistance," Jess says, as she fills us in on everything that's happened so far, including choosing a sperm donor (known or anonymous?); the cost of sperm; her chemical pregnancy; going through multiples IUIs; more pregnancies that ended with no heartbeat; and where they are now.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; PCOS; sperm donation; same sex family building; same sex relationships; chemical pregnancy; miscarriage and D&C; endometriosis; ICSI; RPL panels

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

And get your tickets now for Fertility Rally Live on 4/23! Even if you can't make it live, your tickets get you access to all the talks for 30 days!

Get your tickets here: https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertilityrallylivespring2022

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dani Wade

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali chats with Colorado lifestyle blogger Dani Wade, aka @dwbella. Dani fills Ali in on the four years she has spent so far battling infertility, and how her journey is not over yet. Still in the midst of her story, Dani tells Ali what has happened up until this point, including hormone fluctuations, failed IUIs, the "heartbreak of the process," and how she's had very tough conversations with her husband. Dani talks about "feeling like it was on all her, as the woman," the importance of taking a break, why she thinks "we would greatly benefit from having more diversity in our healthcare system," and where she is now.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IUIs; stress and anxiety; taking a break during infertility treatments; going through infertility as a woman of color, hormone fluctuations; surgery.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

And save the date for Fertility Rally Live on 4/23! Even if you can't make it live, your tickets get you access to all the talks for 30 days!

Get your tickets here: https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertilityrallylivespring2022

PREMAMA

Premama creates doctor-backed supplements that support every stage of your maternity wellness journey. Premama Fertility support for Her is the #1 selling over the counter fertility supplement for women trying to conceive. All Premama supplements are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan or vegetarian, with no additives and no synthetic flavors. Discover why moms (and dads-to-be!) trust Premama wellness for their nutritional support from preconception to postpartum by visiting Premamawellness.com. You can get your first month supply free when you subscribe to any Premama product for a limited time!

MIRA

If you’re trying to conceive, listen up: According to Mira, you can get pregnant faster by tracking your ovulation and hormones using the Mira Fertility tracker. Mira is a super cute, palm-sized device that measures your *actual* hormone concentrations with 99% lab-grade accuracy. Order the Mira Starter Kit or the Mira Plus Bundle online at www.miracare.com using the promo code ALI to get 10% off.

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Melissa R.

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to True Warrior Jewelry founder Melissa Randazzo about her long and complicated battle with infertility and endometriosis. Melissa tells Ali about how she'd never heard of endo before, and what happened when her insides were "black, covered in scar tissue, and all my organs were attached to themselves." She also talks about the healing power of crystals and how they helped on her journey, having her fallopian tubes removed, and going through multiple rounds of IVF. Melissa also discusses the anxiety of being pregnant after loss, and the complicated birth stories for both of her two children, ultimately leading to a hysterectomy. "Nobody can understand what you're going through with infertility unless you've been through it yourself," she says. Check out her jewelry at www.truewarriorjewelry.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; endometriosis; stress and anxiety; blocked fallopian tubes; fallopian tube removal; IUI; the healing power of crystals; pregnancy after infertility and loss, rainbow babies; hysterectomy.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

And save the date for Fertility Rally Live on 4/23!

RECEPTIVA DX

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sara Walsh, Emmy-Winning NFL Reporter

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali talks to Emmy Award-winning journalist and NFL Network reporter Sara Walsh about her infertility journey and what finally led to her "miracle twins." Sara opens up about her four miscarriages; how working in a male-dominated industry drove her to keep her journey a secret; having a devastating loss while out of town for work; why advocating for oneself is so important; and when she started to feel "suicidal and falling apart." She also talks about hosting a big event at the Plaza Hotel in NYC the day of her IVF retrieval; feeling guilt-ridden to her husband and her parents about not being able to have kids; her "IVF Hail Mary;" and why, even once she was pregnant, she "never allowed (herself) to have the happiness."

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; IUIs; medicated cycles; egg retrievals; failed cycles; miscarriage; anxiety and depression; guilt; suicidal thoughts; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility; going through infertility in a male-dominated industry.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

PREMAMA

PROOV

Proov’s Predict and Confirm kit allows women to predict ovulation and confirm high quality ovulation to help them get pregnant faster. And now, the free Proov Insight app takes your hormone knowledge one step further by providing numeric hormone levels, info about what they mean, and personalized action plans to help you reach your fertility goals faster! Proov also offers an entire suite of at-home hormone tests and hormone supporting products to empower you with the right information on your journey. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off your first order of $25 or more.

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bre

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali talks to fellow infertility warrior Bre, about her "roller coaster" infertility ride. Bre talks about what happened when her partner, who is 21 years older than her, had a reverse vasectomy. She also talks about how infertility affected her relationship, how she and her husband were "looked at differently every step of the way" trying to have their own child, and how the judgement "became almost too much to bear." She also talks about finally having her son, and why she has no problem speaking to women sometimes on the street about her miracle baby.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; medicated cycles; vasectomy; vasectomy reversal; relationship issues; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

MIRA

RECEPTIVA DX

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dani Repsch

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to proudAF egg donor mama Dani Repsch, who chronicles her infertility journey from IUIs to medicated cycles to donor eggs and beyond. Dani goes into detail about choosing a donor, grieving her genetics, failed cycles, becoming pregnant, and why she and her husband think it's so important that they tell their young son, Nathan, that he was conceived with donor eggs from the jump. She also talks about what happened with their four embryos after Nathan was born (hint: She's pregnant with another baby right now).

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; IUIs; medicated cycles; egg retrievals; Clomid hot flashes; egg donors; sperm donors; finding a donor; chemical pregnancy; miscarriage; anxiety and depression; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility; the difference between closed donors and known donors; depression and grief.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nidhi

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Nidhi is an IVF and Surrogacy Warrior, and today she tells Ali the long, complicated story of having her three babies under the age of four. Nidhi talks about a host of issues that contributed to her infertility journey, including uterine polyps, an ovarian cyst, and much more. She talks about multiple rounds of IVF, why they skipped IUI entirely, the effects of infertility on her marriage, how her Indian culture came into play while she was going through treatment, how going through transfers almost "felt like an addiction," why she became a fertility coach, and where she and the family are now.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; IVF; IUIs; uterine polyps; ovarian cyst; egg retrievals; infertility triggers; surrogacy; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility; depression and grief.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

RECEPTIVA DX

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Loree Johnson

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Dr. Loree Johnson, @drloreejohnson, a therapist specializing in reproductive health, grief, infertility and pregnancy loss. Loree talks about going through six rounds of IVF and so much more, including finding out in the second trimester that their baby had chromosomal issues—and making the devastating decision to terminate for medical reasons. Loree talks about the grief of that decision, how infertility affected her marriage, and why taking a break to travel was so important to them. Then Ali and Loree discuss trauma, EMDR, black maternal health, and the disparities in health coverage for women everywhere.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; unexplained infertility; stress and anxiety; IUI; TMFR; chemical pregnancy; tubal blockage, ruptured uterus, pregnancy after infertility and loss, rainbow babies.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex Slate

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

What an episode! On today's show, Ali and her dear friend Alex Slate, aka @rockabyemaybe about her years-long journey to finally becoming pregnant and staying pregnant—and simultaneously expecting another baby via her beloved surrogate. It's an incredible story, featuring Alex's experiences with and thoughts on her five devastating pregnancy losses, her IUIs, moving to IVF, the Canadian healthcare system vs. the U.S. healthcare system, dealing with anxiety and stress throughout it all, and so much more. Alex also discusses when they decided to use a surrogate, and what happened when both she and the surrogate became pregnant at the same time (she and her surrogate are about 8 weeks apart).

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; unexplained infertility; stress and anxiety; IUI; surrogacy; the Canadian health care system; pregnancy after infertility and loss.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kate K.

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to her good friend Kate Knapton, founder of Jojii And Co., about her infertility journey, which ultimately led to having her two children through embryo adoption. Kate talks about finding out her husband had "zero sperm," what happened after his micro-TESE procedure, feeling "so defeated," getting lost in Google rabbit holes and all the anxiety of #TTC. She discusses why they chose to go the embryo adoption route instead of using her eggs with donor sperm, the logistics of adopting an embryo, and grieving their genetics. Kate also discusses pregnancy after infertility, secondary infertility, and why she started Jojii and Co., her jewelry line for #infertilitywarriors.

See Kate's super rad jewelry at https://jojiiandco.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; male factor infertility; micro-TESE; anxiety; donor eggs; donor sperm; embryo adoption; pregnancy after infertility and loss; secondary infertility; snowflake babies.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

DR. TARA BRANDNER @tarabfertility

Dr. Tara Brandner works as an experienced doctorate nurse practitioner and fertility coach with patients worldwide. Tara has combined her experience as a healthcare professional and personal struggle to help couples navigate their family-building path. She offers a variety of services to fit your needs including a one-time visit, 1:1 coaching, and the Confident Fertility Academy. To find out more or to schedule a FREE discovery call with Dr. Brandnter, go to tarabfertility.com or direct message her on IG @tarabfertility

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ceire

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to IVF mama and fertility coach Ceire about her dream of always having four kids—and how, of course, that dream did not go as planned. Ceire talks about her unexplained infertility and how while doing IVF, she hid all of her fertility treatments from family, friends and co-workers because of shame and her unconscious beliefs of what family-building should look like. She talks about having her twin girls through IVF, a surprise natural pregnancy, and the battles she got into her husband over having a fourth child. She also talks about restricting my diet to veganism, detoxing from endocrine disruptors, and running on autopilot, missing the joy in front of her kids.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; being raised Irish Catholic; unexplained infertility; anxiety; pregnancy after infertility and loss; having twins; veganism; orthorexia; fertility coaching.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Introducing: Baby or Bust with Dr. Lora Shahine

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Episode 1: Laughing Through Infertility with Karen Jeffries from Hilariously Infertile

It's said that laughter is the best medicine, but does that apply to a fertility journey? This episode's Baby or Bust guest Karen Jeffries certainly thinks so. With an avid social media following and successful book, Karen joins host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine to discuss humor's crucial role in her IVF experience, online community, and book Hilariously Infertile.

From PCOS diagnosis to IUI to IVF, Karen's fertility journey was full of ups, downs, tears, and—intentionally—laughter. Together with host Dr. Shahine, Karen reflects on moments from her family-building experience with unapologetic honesty. With laugh-out-loud stories, this episode will inspire you to choose comedy as a tool for self-care and empowerment.

Jamie B., Glitter Enthusiast

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Jamie B., a.k.a. Glitter Enthusiast, about the long and winding infertility journey to having her twin boys. Jamie talks about her three IUIs, moving onto IVF, miscarriage, failed transfers, and feeling like everywhere she went, everyone was pregnant. She also talks about being in the "jail of your own anxiety," how being pregnant after infertility is like "waiting for a miscarriage," how watching "The Bachelor" helped while she was grieving, and the importance of therapy. Jamie then discusses the unique style of art she's created, inspired by her own infertility journey, in which she uses sterile IVF needles to create art and decor—much of which winds up in the nurseries of babies who've been wanted so badly for so long.

For more on Jamie, check out @glitterenthusiast and https://glitterenthusiast.com/

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; infertility; anxiety and grief; IUIs; IVF; failed transfers; unexplained infertility; pregnancy after infertility and loss; marriage; therapy.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BABY OR BUST

Dr. Lora Shahine's new podcast, BABY OR BUST, features fertility experts and patients who are busting myths, shattering stigmas, and providing best practices to help anyone trying make their baby dream come true. Check it out here: https://babyorbustpodcast.com/

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amanda Knox

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Season Four Premiere! Today, Ali is talking to Amanda Knox, who, as many of you know, is the American who spent almost four years in an Italian prison following her wrongful conviction of the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, a fellow exchange student with whom she shared an apartment. In 2015, Knox was definitively acquitted by the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation, and today, she is a mother to her baby girl, Eureka, a journalist, and the host of her own podcast, Labyrinths.

And just so you know, this is not a podcast about the aforementioned. Today, Ali and Amanda are talking about Amanda’s own fertility journey, her devastating miscarriage, becoming a mother after loss, the criminal justice system's effect on family building, and the advocacy work she is doing today for wrongfully convincted women (and men) everywhere.

They also talk about Amanda's four years in prison, and how she was terrified she would never become a mother, even comtemplating suicide. Also covered: How Amanda found love after being "vilified in the press," the anxiety of pregnancy after miscarraige, and how, during her third trimester, she thought she was going to die.

For more on the work that Amanda is doing, check out sentencingproject.org and her podcast, Labyrinths.

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; infertilty; the criminal justice system; wrongful convictions; advocacy work; anxiety and grief; pregnancy after infertility and loss; marriage; trauma.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

MY VITRO

MyVitro has everything you need to get your meds stored safely and organized so you feel confident and in control of your IVF cycle. Use code INFERTILEAF at myvitro.com to get 10% off MyVitro products.

KNOWELL

Fertility, PMS symptoms, cycle regulation, mood, metabolism, skin and hair health are all dictated by hormone balance. Knowell’s daily supplement provides the nutrition support you need to feel your best. Use code IAFKNOWELL for 10% off at KNOWELL.COM

VERACITY

Veracity is a totally new type of skincare brand that is revolutionizing the way we approach caring for our skin. Use code INFERTILEAF20 for 20% off at veracityselfcare.com.

FAMLEE

Famlee is the first and only 50-state fertility telehealth company with at-home hormone labs, 1:1 online clinical visits, and treatment and medications sent straight to your front door. Find out more and use code INFERTILEAF25 at famlee.com/getthekit for 25% OFF.

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chelsea F.

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Chelsea and her wife have been trying to grow their family since January 2020. LIke so many others, they were derailed by COVID, and today, she tells Ali all about the rest of her story, including seven failed IUIs, being diagnosed with unexplained infertility, and their first failed round of IVF. She also talks about using three different sperm donors because there was a donor sperm shortage in 2020--and the first two we chose ran out of vials. After their second round of IVF, Chelsea is now pregnant--and she discusses their future plans, as well as the anxiety that comes along with pregnancy after infertility.

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; same sex couples; same sex family building; IUI; IVF; donor sperm; unexplained infertility; failed transfers; anxiety; pregnancy after infertility and loss; two moms.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Christa K.

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Today's story talks about stillbirth. It's not an easy one, but it's real. And Ali is forever grateful to her guest, Christa, for sharing her first hand experience with infertility, IVF, and the devastating loss of their son, Zeke, who was born still at 27 weeks. Christa, a nurse, talks about how finding out that she and her husband were both genetic carriers for the same disorder, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a hormone disorder, "rocked her world," how IVF was twice as expensive as she was expecting, and the toll fertility and other things took on her marriage. She also talks about the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility, "always waiting for the other shoe to drop," and the worst day of her life, when she had to deliver her stillborn son. She also gives tips on what to do if you know someone who's gone through stillbirth or infant death.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; financial difficulties; infertility trauma; guilt and anxiety; pregnancy after infertility; stillbirths; grieving the loss of a baby.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. We offer support groups, private Facebook groups, curated events, and an entire of more than 300 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Marly

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to licensed individual and couples therapist Marly Steinman about her four-year-long infertility journey, including many early losses, an egg quality issue, anxiety, and a lot of guilt. She talks about "sobbing eyes out in the bathroom" while giving herself a shot at a baby shower, financial frustrations, and feeling like it was her fault because her body "wasn't working." She also talks about her own surrogacy journey, welcoming her twins, Jack & Celine, via surrogacy in 2019, and why today, her work includes helping other intended parents navigate their own journeys through surrogacy.

MORE ABOUT MARLY:

As a licensed marriage & family therapist of 12 years, specializing in fertility issues, Marly decided to use her experience to help other parents navigate what felt like an impossible and uncertain process.

As a surrogacy consultant, Marly’s ambition is to help make parenthood possible for all. From helping you find the right surrogate and or donor, to building a team around you, and guiding you every step of the way, her goal is to facilitate the surrogacy journey, so intended parents can leave the stress behind and focus on what truly matters, growing their family.

See more at www.surrogacybymarly.com.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; poor egg quality; miscarriage and loss; surrogacy; financial issues; the power of community; marital issues; guilt and anxiety; twins.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

Vios is a different fertility clinic experience built on a foundation of patient-centered care, evidence-based medicine, and innovative technology. With clinic locations throughout Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, the Vios Fertility Institute team understands the challenges of infertility. To learn more about Vios Fertility Institute and schedule your first appointment, visit ViosFertility.com.

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aaron & MJ

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks Aaron and MJ, who are married and also co-authored the book, "Men and Miscarriage: A Dad's Guide to Grief, Relationships and Healing After Loss." Aaron and MJ get allll into it, including how men don't know how to express their feelings around miscarriage, infertility and loss; their devastating loss of a baby at almost 17 weeks due to Sirenomelia, also known as mermaid syndrome; and how, when they went to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons, they were faced with very outspoken anti-choice protestors. They also talk about the PTSD of infertility, their five or six total losses, and how they feel today, with three healthy boys.

Topics covered in this episode:

Infertility; marital issues surrounding loss, grief and infertility: Sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome; termination for medical reasons or TFMR; miscarriage; recurrent miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss; PTSD; Chron's Disease; fertility support.

Episode sponsors:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today host Sheinelle Jones Talks Miscarriage, Loss, Silence, and Her New Doc, "The Fertility Secret"

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 18:35:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to the Today Show's Sheinelle Jones about her own fertility journey and her devastating miscarriage—and her new documentary, "The Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret," which airs tonight on MSNBC.

Episode sponsors:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

PREMAMA

PROOV

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Not Every Infertility Story Ends With a Baby; Jody Day on Embracing a Beautiful Life Without Children

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Not all of these stories end with babies. And this is one of those stories. Today, Ali talks to Jody, @childless_and_confident, who, after being diagnosed with early menopause at 37 or 38, decided she did not want to pursue fertility treatments to have children. Instead, she pivoted to embrace a life without children. "I need to help people find a path that shows them that there are great things to experience, and there's great happiness to pursue, and just because you don't have a child doesn't mean your life isn't complete," she says.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; early menopause; NOT pursuing IVF or ART; societal pressures of having children; embracing a childfree life; relationship and marriage issues; what to say to someone who asks why you don't have children; how adoption in Australia is "deeply expensive,"; egg donation; grief; living out "Plan B Fabulous."

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Stephanie L.

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today's guest, Stephanie, has been through it all during her infertility journey, including unexplained infertility, a daughter who ended up in the NICU and had to have brain surgery; a natural pregnancy that had to be terminated for medical reasons, and 10 IVF transfers. Ten! You read that correctly. Now about to give birth again, Stephanie recalls everything she's been through--and why she wants to help people everywhere by sharing her incredible story.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; IVF; brain surgery; NICU babies; NICU trauma; egg retrievals; Trisomy 21; termination for medical reasons; infertility triggers; infant and baby loss; pregnancy loss; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility; natural pregnancy; relationship and marriage issues; breast cancer; the "random crapshoot" of infertility.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Raquel Horn

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to entrepreneur, creative director of Poppington, author (of the children's book, "Dusko Goes to Space") and infertility advocate Raquel Horn about the years-long fertility journey she went through with her fiance, music mogul Damon Dash. Raquel and Damon have been through a tremendous amount as they've tried to expand their family, from going vegan, embracing acupuncture and doing IUIs, to going through IVF and experiencing the heartbreaking late term pregnancy loss of their baby daughter--after Raquel's baby shower was on TV. Raquel is an open book about her entire roller coaster of a journey, including how they grieved, when and why they decided to try again, and what it was REALLY like to finally become pregnant with and become parents to baby Dusko, their now one-year-old son.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; IVF; IUIs and unsuccessful IUIs; acupuncture; normalizing the infertility conversation; blasting taboos; uterine polyps; holistic care; Clomid; egg retrievals; mock cycles; infertility triggers; pregnancy arthritis; Covid; late term loss; baby loss; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility; baby blues; postpartum anxiety.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

PREMAMA

RECEPTIVA DX

ELAN HEALTHCARE

Ovofolic from Elan Healthcare is an inositol combination that helps manage PCOS. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, improve ovulation, improve mood and sleep, balance hormones and overcome insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Infertile AF listeners get 20% off using the code ‘ALISON20’ at checkout. https://elanhealthcare.ca/discount/ALISON20

PROOV

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jacqueline

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Jacqueline, who has always wanted to tell her story on a fertility podcast, is checking that goal off her list. She starts by telling Ali about her husband's battle with kidney cancer, and the very interesting, very lucky way his cancer was discovered. Then she explains how male factor infertility came into play (in the form of low sperm count), what happened when she went through IVF, the extreme anxiety of pregnancy after IVF, and, after having two babies, the moral dilemma of having more embryos on ice.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; IVF; IUI; hyperstimulation; kidney cancer; male factor infertility; low sperm count; normalizing the infertility conversation; traumatic pregnancy; the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility; self-care; frozen embryos.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tara B.

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Tara Brandner is a nurse practitioner, an infertility warrior and a full-time fertility coach. Like so many of you, she's endured a long road through infertility, followed by infertility treatments and a traumatic pregnancy. Today, she talks to Ali about all the things, including feeling lonely and confused, making a shift to a "not healthy mental space", why she left a clinic after her doctor said something really rude to her; her unexplained infertility; finally being diagnosed with endometriosis; why it's important for everyone to feel like they can trust their doctor and their clinic; the fear of pregnancy after infertility, and how she was life-flighted after a massive bleed at 32 weeks.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; infertility trauma; IVF; IUI; fertility coaching; miscarriage and loss; endometriosis; the power of community; traumatic pregnancy; anxiety during pregnancy after infertility; self-care.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY, @fertilityrally

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com. Doors open the 1st of every month. See more on our IG @fertilityrally

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

BELI, @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Katie & Emily

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

This is the story of two sisters who each have their own infertility journeys—but they are also very much intertwined. Both Emily and Katie had one child, and then, in 2019, their world was rocked when Emily was diagnosed with appendix cancer. After a surgery that took her ovaries, Katie donated her eggs to her sister, Emily, so she could try for her second kid. And then a lot more happened after that. Today, Ali gets the entire story from these two incredible sisters. Grab the tissues because this story is beautiful, and heartbreaking, and also a true testament of love and the incredible bond between two sisters.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cancer, appendix cancer, IVF, failed transfers, miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, anxiety and intense emotions, egg donation, egg donation between family members, fresh transfers, FETs, the intense bond of sisterhood, pregnancy after loss, being in the thick of infertility.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com -- it's just $199/annually or $19.99/month! See IG @fertilityrally for even more info.

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole Chang

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Nicole, who is still in the middle of what she calls her "infertility puzzle," -- with no baby yet. Nicole shares what she's been through so far, including not being able to get pregnant naturally, starting with IUI because she wasn't yet ready for IVF, a chemical pregnancy, getting those "big, fat, negative" pregnancy tests and the devastation of her two unsuccessful transfers. She also talks about how difficult it is to explain infertility to your parents and family, how she handled her emotions being "all over the place," why she found it so important to take a break from treatment, and asking herself, "Am I gonna ever get pregnant?"

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Endometriosis, IUI, IVF, failed transfers, chemical pregnancy, anxiety and intense emotions, taking a break, questioning one's body

EPISODE SPONSORS

FERTILITY RALLY

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com -- our doors are open through November 7th for just $19.99/month!

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ashley G.

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Ashley has been a surrogate to three babies and has three kiddos of her own, and today, she talks to Ali about what it's really like to be a surrogate: Why does someone do it, What are the logistics, Where does one even begin? She also talks about the difference being a surrogate for a same sex couple and a couple that has gone through infertility. Then, she answers frequently asked questions about the surrogacy process--some of which may surprise you.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Surrogacy; becoming a surrogate or a gestational carrier; the anxiety of pregnancy after loss; surrogacy via agency and not via agency; same sex family building; surrogacy after infertility; intended parents.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com -- our annual rate is just $109 until November 1!

FIRST REPUBLIC

With a best-in-class banking app that allows you to bank anywhere, anytime, and a dedicated personal banker when you need one-on-one service, First Republic is uniquely positioned to offer the best of both worlds. With this combination of personal attention and convenience, it’s no wonder that First Republic Bank has a client satisfaction rating, two times the industry average.

So whether you’re opening a Personal Line of Credit or planning for your retirement, you can count on First Republic to be there for you, every step of the way. Visit FirstRepublic.com today to learn more. That’s FirstRepublic.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.'

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sophie

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali talks to her friend and InCircle Fertility co-founder Sophie about navigating the "maze" of infertility. Sophie explains how her struggle with anorexia in her 20s may have played a role in her ability to have a baby, how she didn't hear a heartbeat at her first baby's second ultrasound, that "slow motion, underwater feeling" when the ultrasound tech's face drops, how the loss of embryos was as hard as her miscarriages, and her two D&Cs. Sophie also gets into her endometrial function test, a hysteroscopy that was supposed to happen but never did, how unsexy sex is when you're trying to conceive, and the pressures and complications of secondary infertility.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Anorexia and Eating Disorders
Relationship Issues and Unsexy Sex
Embryo Loss
Miscarriage and D&Cs
Endometrial Function Test
Hysteroscopy
Secondary Infertility
Infertility and Mental Health
Fertility Coaching
The Importance of Finding Community

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY LIVE

No one should go through infertility alone. Our all-day virtual event is happening on 10/23. Get your tickets at https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertilityrallylivefall2021

USE CODE ALI at checkout FOR 50% OFF!

This fall's topics include infertility and mental health, male factor infertility, endo, environmental toxins, IVF abroad, recurrent miscarriage, late term loss, surrogacy, donor conception, pregnancy and motherhood after infertility and much more. The best part? If you can't make it live, your ticket gives you access to all sessions for 30 days after the event—so you can watch it all at your leisure!

FIRST REPUBLIC

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Michelle L.

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Michelle, who went through IVF in the late Nineties, about how much things have changed between now and then. At 31, Michelle was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure and told, "You might as well go straight to donor eggs." But she didn't--and today she shares everything she went through, including IUIs, frozen embryo transfers, "assisted hatching," a psychic surgery, and more. Michelle now works for Donor Concierge, www.donorconcierge.com and Tulip, www.tulipfertility.com, helping people build their families through donor conception.

SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY LIVE

No one should go through infertility alone. Our all-day virtual event is happening on 10/23. Get your tickets at https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertilityrallylivefall2021

Rachel B.

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali hears all about Rachel's long and winding road to motherhood, including her diagnosis of Asherman's Syndrome and the "missed miscarriage" she suffered at the beginning of her fertility journey. Rachel goes on to talk about all the things, including the frustrations of starting IVF in March 2020 right as the world was shutting down, a pregnancy that included placenta previa, and why, at one point, her doctor said to her, "Rachel, this organ, your uterus, is not serving you well, and I don't think you should ask any more of it." Listen until the very end, because Rachel's story also includes a surprise twist ending!

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY LIVE

No one should go through infertility alone. Our all-day virtual event is happening on 10/23. Get your tickets at https://www.accelevents.com/e/fertilityrallylivefall2021

FIRST REPUBLIC

Support this podcast at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infertileaf

https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicola

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Nicola Salmon is a self-proclaimed "Fat-positive fertility coach, a Fat Activist and Author of, "The Person’s Guide to Getting Pregnant.” Today, she talks to Ali about her own personal fertility journey, from being diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 16 to facing lifelong discrimination from doctors because of her weight. She talks about having her two sons, the anxiety she faced during pregnancy, and how "it is so exaggerated the way that weight impacts fertility." Nicola's goal is to support people and help them advocate for themselves. She talks about the importance of "weight-inclusive" fertility care, helping people believe and understand that they are worthy of that care, and why "the majority of clinics will not support fat people, and it's shocking."

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY LIVE

No one should go through infertility alone. Find out more about the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com and on Instagram at @fertilityrally. We offer 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome. Come and join our family--you will be so happy you did.

FIRST REPUBLIC

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Becky

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Becky Fawcett is a mama of two via adoption, an #infertilitywarrior, a three time #miscarriage survivor and the founder of @helpusadopt — which gives grants to people who are building their families through adoption. It is an AMAZING org that you’ll hear about today, as Becky talks to Ali about her nine-year infertility journey -- and how she ultimately ended up with two amazing children through adoption. Ali and Becky have a no-bullshit convo about all things adoption, finding a birth mother, being on a different page from your partner, infertility, miscarriages, the ignorant things people say to adoptive parents, how much everything costs, and more.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

BELI @beli.baby

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

Jon

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali is talking to Jon Waldman, author of the book, "Swimming Aimlessly," which takes a deep dive into the six year infertility journey he went through with his wife. "It was a space that needs to be filled," he says of writing the book. "There isn't a lot of talk about what men go through." Jon talks about mental health, inner turmoil, and going through a miscarriage alongside his wife, as well as what happened when they traveled to do IVF. He also shares resources, both on social media and elsewhere, for guys who are going through their own infertility struggles.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

FIRST REPUBLIC

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dacia

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Dacia James Lewis is a Hollywood choreographer and author of the book, "The Game of Life: Releasing the Weight When God Says Wait." Today, she tells Ali about her infertility journey and how, although she's been trying to have a baby for several years, it hasn't yet happened. Dacia says, "I want people to know that there's somebody still waiting with them. There's somebody still praying with them. There's somebody still going through this journey that they can relate to." Dacia also talks about her faith, her husband's varicocele, why they're choosing to not do IUI or IVF, what it feels like to go through infertility as a woman of color, and why she decided to write a book.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

FIRST REPUBLIC

With a best-in-class banking app that allows you to bank anywhere, anytime, and a dedicated personal banker when you need one-on-one service, First Republic is uniquely positioned to offer the best of both worlds. With this combination of personal attention and convenience, it’s no wonder that First Republic Bank has a client satisfaction rating, two times the industry average.

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elizabeth

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to her friend Elizabeth King, who she met through Instagram, and who is a Certified Fertility Health Coach, Birth & Bereavement Doula and New Parent Educator. Elizabeth tells Ali about her journey to becoming a mother over 40 to her three littles. Along the way: Freezing her eggs when she was single in her 30s, meeting her husband at 39 and feeling ashamed, guilty and broken when she wasn't getting pregnant on her own. She also discusses her fibroid surgery, her two miscarriages, the two babies she got pregnant with naturally, and the third baby she had after doing an IUI. Today, Elizabeth is a fertility coach, so she shares the tools she's learned for anyone going through infertility or using ART to build their families.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

BELI @beli.baby

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Stephanie G.

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to cult-fave jewelry designer Stephanie Gottlieb @stephaniegottlieb about the journey to having her two babies, which includes marrying her high school sweetheart, her devastating chemical pregnancy, "skinny PCOS," and the pure rage she felt at certain points during her journey. She also talks about the importance of great bedside manner and a confident doctor, what happened when they did IVF, and why she felt like she "had this dirty secret for a full year" before she told anyone what was going on.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

BELI @beli.baby

Nicole C.

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Nicole about dealing with cancer and infertility at the same time. Nicole explains how she went to a chiropractor who found a bump under her jawline--and just hours later, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which meant doing chemo every other week for two months. At the same time, Nicole was battling PCOS and an infertility journey--all the while wondering how the cancer treatment might interfere with her family building story. She also talks about her Christian upbringing, finding out she was pregnant on Valentine's Day 2020, and what happened when she was diagnosed with another cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia, or CML.

EPISODE SPONSORS

FERTILITY RALLY

NO ONE should go through infertility alone. Find out more about the Worst Club with the Best Members at www.fertilityrally.com and on Instagram at @fertilityrally. We offer 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome. Come and join our family--you will be so happy you did.

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

TWO PLUS

TwoPlus Fertility is a comfortable and easy to use at-home device that increases the chances of a sperm meeting an egg when you're trying to conceive. When you try naturally, less than 1% of sperm reach the egg. Twoplus Fertility's goal is to fix that. For more, visit twoplusfertility.com and use code "IAF30" for a 30% discount across all products.

BEL, @beli.baby

Claire

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Claire, who reached out via email, about her roller coaster infertility journey. Included: Four IUIs, IVf, how it all took a toll on her marriage (but also made them stronger), her fresh embryo transfer, her diagnosis of Stage 3 Endometriosis, how her bible study helped her get through it all, and what her husband said when her surgeon said to him, "Claire’s tubes look terrible. They are tortuous. Do you want me to remove them?” We also talk about her miracle pregnancy, and how the PTSD of pregnancy after infertility is very, very real.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

PROOV

The Proov product family has grown to now include LH tests to accurately predict ovulation, FSH tests to better understand your ovarian reserve, and Balancing oil, formulated with 2500 mg of natural progesterone. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code ALI35, and you’ll get 35% off their PdG test kits and Balancing Oil.

Sarah and Cody

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

TWO PLUS

BELI

@beli.baby

HEIRLOOM

Heirloom is a new way to send your videos in the mail. Just upload up to 10 min of video to the website and Heirloom sends physical books to you or your loved ones in just 48 hours. Visit sendheirloom.com to build your video book today and use InfertileAF code to get $10 off your order.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bailey

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Bailey, who is in her mid-20s, and who says, "I don't see a lot of women out there who are going through exactly what I'm going through." A few years ago, Bailey was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve and POI. And although she's not actively trying to conceive right now, she is going through fertility preservation. She and her husband want to have a family, and doctors have told her that she'll likely go through menopause when she's about 30, so she has so far gone through four rounds of IVF to try and freeze as many healthy embryos as possible. Bailey talks about night sweats, her hair falling out in clumps, feeling like her hormones were out of whack--and how it felt to get her rare diagnosis. She also talks about feeling isolated, how this has affected her relationship and her sex life, and what happened when she asked her twin sister if she would possibly donate her eggs.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

Fertility Rally www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

HEIRLOOM

Susan

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Susan Ruediger, Founder and CEO of The CMT Research Foundation, about her family building journey. Susan was diagnosed with CMT, a genetic nerve disease that affects the nerves outside the spinal cord and brain, when she was 2 years old. Today she tells us about how this progressive disease affected her family building journey--and ultimately lead to her decision to do IVF. She's also going to talk about the miscarriage she had, the effects of the disease on her body, which she says sometimes feels like "walking on hot broken glass," and the important work she's doing at the CMT Research Foundation.

SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

Ovofolic from Elan Healthcare–a new and trusted way to get Inositol, which helps with PCOS. People with PCOS know the importance of taking an inositol supplement with quality ingredients--because not all inositol ingredients are the same.

With Ovofolic by Elan Healthcare, you’re getting the recommended 40:1 ratio of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol.Ovofolic has no taste or smell, no preservatives or additives. Plus, the individual pouches guarantee easy dosing and optimum freshness. Elan Healthcare is woman-owned and led,and Dr. Pari responds to all customer emails herself and oversees every aspect of manufacturing.Infertile AF listeners get 15% off Elan Healthcare products.

Check it out at elanhealthcare.ca/discount/ALISON15 ... Use code ALISON15 at checkout.

Amy R.

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Ali talks today to fellow journalist and Brookyn mom Amy Gallo Ryan about her long and painful infertility journey, which includes IUIs, feeling brushed off by doctors because she was "too young," even though she knew there was a problem; unexplained infertility; a chemical pregnancy; a "pseudo sac;" and an ectopic pregnancy. Amy talks about the isolation she felt when she was navigating not being able to sustain a healthy pregnancy, how she couldn't find the right people to talk to, and how family building difficulties affected her relationship with her husband. She also discusses her seven rounds of IVF—and what her family looks like now.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Medfertil BY ELAN HEALTHCARE

Medfertil is a once-a-day prenatal dietary supplement for couples planning to or struggling to conceive. This prenatal is enriched with vitamins and minerals scientifically proven to increase your chances of fertility. The Medfertil for men and women combo package is on sale now. If you are planning for a healthy pregnancy and want to start Medfertil today, go to elanhealthcare.ca and use code ALISON15 *for an extra 15% OFF*

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brand

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Melissa and Erik

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Melissa and Erik, aka on IG @livechildfree. Four years after making the decision to live childless, Melissa and Erik tell Ali all about the infertility journey that led to this point. Included: Lots of negative pregnancy tests, IVF, and an operation for Erik that had so many complications that he nearly lost his life and was in the hospital for 25 days. Melissa talks about how at one point, she finally asked herself, "How many more years of my life do I want to give to this heartache and this roller coaster ride?" They explain how they grieved after making that decision--and how today, they are living a full, amazing life that they never imagined.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Medfertil BY ELAN HEALTHCAR

The Miscarriage Doula: Arden Cartrette on Loss, Trauma, and Why She Was Afraid to Open Her Eyes When Her Baby Was Born

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:21:10 +0000

On today’s episode, Ali talks to her friend Arden Cartrette, bereavement doula & trauma support specialist, about everything she went through to have her baby son, Cameron. Arden, who you might know on IG as @themiscarriagedoula, works with women to get through miscarriage and grief--and she goes there—and tells it like it is—like no other.

Arden talks about what she calls her “morbidly beautiful," miscarriages, how she still realy struggles with the PTSD of the blood and the miscarriage itself, and why she calls herself the most "fertile infertile" person ever. She also talks about how pregnancy after loss can be a scary and miserable time, and why, when Cameron was born, she refused to open her eyes.

SPONSORS:

*BELI for WOMEN* @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hannah

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

TODAY, Ali is talking to Hannah Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer at VIOS and mom of two, about her "reverse infertility journey," starting with the two egg retrievals she did as a volunteer, in the name of science. Hannah also discusses her diagnosis of PCOS, her first devastating miscarriage, how she and her partner handled the trauma differently, the shame and guilt she felt, the lack of education young women receive today when it comes to reproduction (and what she's doing to change that) and how she has become a better and more empathetic advocate for patients after experiencing loss herself.

SPONSORS:

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

“I Had No Sperm.” Pursuing Fatherhood's Alex Fain on Male Factor Infertility, Donor Sperm and How DNA Doesn't Make a Family

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today Ali is talking to her incredible friend Alex Fain, who is the guy behind @pursuingfatherhood on IG. Alex is one of the few very vocal guys in this infertility community; he's spoken at Fertility Rally Live, and he's been very open about he and his wife, Laurin's, infertility journey. Alex talks about his male factor infertility, how they used donor sperm to conceive their baby girl, Delaney. He also discusses what it felt like to find out he "had no sperm," how he was "embarrassed and emasculated and ashamed by the whole thing," how hard it was to choose a donor, the perils of using expired home pregnancy tests, how it felt to finally get a positive pregnancy test, having a hard time grieving his genetics, how losing his dad suddenly when he was 19 added even more weight to infertility, how DNA doesn't make a family, and how you can be a "really good parent without being biologically connected to your kid."

SPONSORS:

*BELI for WOMEN* @beli.baby

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lindsey

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Lindsey Halliday, who is sharing her story about the infertility journey that she and her partner, Bea, who is transgender, are currently going through. They two have been married since 2010, and in 2016, Bea came out to Lindsey, as Lindsey says, "kind of out of nowhere." Ali and Lindsey talk about how they navigated this as a couple, and what one can do when a loved one comes out at trans. They also talk about Bea deciding to freeze their sperm, what happened when Lindsey and Bea started doing IVF, how they got through two pregnancy losses, how money factors into the equation, and where they are now.

If you enjoy this podcast, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW. It helps us get noticed and reach more people around the world. Thank you!

SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events for anyone going through infertility and building their modern families. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

GO TO FERTILITYRALLY.COM to snag yours!

MIRA

The Mira fertility tracker measures actual fertility hormone concentrations with 99% accuracy. Mira will help you to achieve your fertility goals, regardless if that means trying to conceive, learning your cycles or trying to avoid. Order the Mira Starter Kit or the Mira Plus starter Kit online at miracare.com with promo code ALI and get $25 off. See more at https://try.miracare.com/ and @mirafertility

Elena

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Elena Ridley, a proud Donor Egg Mama and one of the OG members of the infertility Instagram community. Elena tells Ali her entire story, starting with meeting her husband in high school, the horrible motorcycle accident that delayed their family building plans, and what went wrong when they did start to try. She also talks about IUIs, why she started posting about infertility back in 2013, when not many people were doing it, her endometriosis, and making the decision to use an egg donor—who she happened to meet through social media. They also discuss relationship issues, what to consider when choosing an egg donor and how she bonded with the one they chose, the birth of her baby girl, Georgia, and what she thinks about epigenetics.

If you enjoy this podcast, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW! It helps us get noticed and reach more people around the world. Thank you!

SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY

GO TO FERTILITYRALLY.COM to snag yours!

CIRCLE SURROGACY

With a database of hundreds of bright, generous young women, and an experienced egg donation team, Circle Surrogacy & Egg Donation can partner with you to find the perfect egg donor match so you can have the family of your dreams. With over 25 years of experience and a 99.3% success rate, Circle Surrogacy & Egg Donation is ready to help make parenthood possible for you. Learn more a circlesurrogacy.com and follow them on social media @circlesurrogacy

Dodgeball and Gone Girl Actress Missi Pyle

Wed, 26 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to a phenomenal woman who you will no doubt recognize from her various TV and movie roles. Her name is Missi Pyle, and she has appeared in such movies as Dodgeball, Galaxy Quest, Big Fish, 50 First Dates, Anchorman, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Artist and Gone Girl. Her list of TV credits is absolutely insane too, including roles on Friends, Frasier, Two and a Half Men, My Name is Earl, Grey’s Anatomy, Family Guy, Mom and most recently, Mr. Mayor. Missi shares the extraordinary story about how she ended up as the mother to her now 5 1/2 year old daughter. And she and Ali get into all of it, including how Missi had a bear as the best man in her wedding; her three devastating miscarriages; at one point finding herself $35K in debt, not working much and living in Montana; pregnancy number four at age 42; and the call she got from an adoption agency that changed everything.

If you enjoy this podcast, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW! It helps us get noticed and reach more people around the world. Thank you!

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally, offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome!

Pacific Fertility Center: For more information and to get started today, check out their IG at @pacificfertilitycenter, email them at info@pacificfertility.com, or call (415) 834-3000

PROOV: Go to proovtest.com, enter enter the code ALI25, and you’ll get 25% off their PdG test kits.

Rescripted: Their tech-enabled hub for fertility patients is launching in July 2021. Head to fertility.rescripted.com and sign up for updates today.

Venus

Wed, 19 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

On this Season Three Finale, Ali talks to Venus Morris Griffin, mother of seven, six of whom were conceived via artificial insemination. Venus tells Ali all about her extraordinary life, which includes a lifetime of abuse, having to use ART because of her husband's male factor infertility, and how she was ostracized by the Catholic community when they found out her children were conceived via ART. She also talks about her now ex-husband being sentenced to 45 years in prison, how she told the children they were donor conceived, becoming a super successful real estate agent, and the book she's writing that chronicles it all. (For the record, Ali thinks Reese Witherspoon should option the book and star in the mini-series of Venus' life).

If you enjoy this podcast, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW! It helps us get noticed and reach more people around the world. Thank you!

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally, offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome!

DM us at @fertilityrally with any questions

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility

Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Heidy

Wed, 12 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to her friend Heidy Best, a fellow Chicagoan and Fertility Rally member, about her four miscarriages, genetic testing, battling secondary infertility, the shitty sex education they both got as young women, and how Heidy and her husband dealt with loss after loss and loss after loss after loss. She tells Ali about having her amazing son, Oliver, the heartbreak of not being able to give him a sibling (yet), and what's next for her, now that she has two embabies on ice.

SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers

24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

*BELI for WOMEN* @beli.baby

Sunita

Thu, 06 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Dr. Sunita Osborn is a clinical psychologist and the author of two books on miscarriage, "The Miscarriage Map: What To Expect When You're No Longer Expecting," and "The Miscarriage Map Workbook." Today, she tells us about her infertility journey, including two miscarriages, being "such a dick" and aggressively playing baby games at her best friend's baby shower, how to rekindle intimacy after infertility, how the differences in women and men grieving can affect a relationships—and how she came to the ultimate decision to stop trying for a baby after all.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers

24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

*BELI for WOMEN* @beli.baby ( https://www.instagram.com/beli.baby/ )

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com ( https://belibaby.com/ ) and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men. Again, that's code ALI15 at belibaby.com ( https://belibaby.com/ ).

VERACITY

https://veracityselfcare.com/en

Demystify your skin; start from within. Skincare based on your unique biofactors. Veracity is offering 20% off your test kit or Veracity merch if you join their waitlist today, and use code InfertileAF20 at check out.

Visit www.veracityselfcare.com or @veracityselfcare on Instagram to learn more about the brand and begin treating your skin from the inside out.

Amber

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Amber Bailey is a brilliant environmental scientist, a dear friend of Ali's through Instagram and Fertility Rally, and an #infertilitywarrior. Today, the two talk about her long road to pregnancy, including how infertility really harmed her mental health, the importance of talking to your embryologist, the two PGS tested normal embryos that tragically died during thaw, her three back-to-back retrievals, her three tragic losses, the benefits of finding a therapist that specializes in infertility, the benefits of couples therapy, what happened when she starting taking Prozac, and how she feels now that she's about to have her first son.

SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers

24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

EXTEND FERTILITY

Extend Fertility began offering egg freezing at 40% below the national average cost. By 2017, they were the largest egg freezing practice in the nation. Today, they've expanded to offer a full range of infertility services, including IVF, in a small practice environment that is more personal, higher quality and data driven. To make an appt or see more, go to extendfertility.com.

Stephanie

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Stephanie Cartin is the badass CEO of Entreprenista, the Co-Founder of Socialfly and an Infertility Warrior who is dedicated to sharing her story to spread awareness, promote self-advocacy and inspire hope. On today's episode, she talks about getting diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, going through IVF, her very complicated high-risk pregnancy, what happened when she found she had a twin-to-twin transfusion, the surgery she had to try and save both babies, and how she got through it all with the help of connecting to others via social media.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

BELI for WOMEN @beli.baby

VIOS Fertility Institute @viosfertility

Fertility Rally @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

Fertility Rally offers 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events for anyone navigating infertility, ART or building their modern families. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome!

Allie

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ali is talking to Allie Egan, the founder and CEO of skincare line Veracity and former CEO of women's fashion brand Cynthia Rowley. Allie is not only a badass entrepreneur and businesswoman, she's a fertility warrior, and today, they're discussing everything she went through to have her son, including a diagnosis of the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's, how Allie and her husband did not tell a soul they were doing IVF, her pregnancy of "unknown location," how to grieve after loss, the anxiety of pregnancy after infertility, and so much more.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

TICKETS FOR FERTILITY RALLY LIVE ARE ON SALE NOW!

GO TO FERTILITYRALLY.COM to snag yours!

BELI for WOMEN

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.

To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men. Again, that's code ALI15 at belibaby.com.

Kellee

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Kellee Stewart is a powerhouse in so many ways—she's an an actor, a writer, a producer and an advocate for proactive fertility health and knowledge, On Wednesdays, Kellee hosts "Warrior Wednesday" IG Lives, featuring the truthful and empowering stories of infertility told from a Black women’s experience—and featuring some guys, too. Today, Ali and Kellee are talking about how Kellee froze her eggs after a long term relationship ended, the misconception that black women are fertile, finding doctors that don't brush you off, the movie Kellee wrote about infertility—which she wrote and is starring in and films this summer—and so much more. Make sure to give Kellee a follow at @kstew222 and check out her site, https://www.warrior-wednesdays.com/

SPONSORS:

TICKETS FOR FERTILITY RALLY LIVE ARE ON SALE NOW!

GO TO FERTILITYRALLY.COM to snag yours!

CIRCLE SURROGACY:

Learn more at circlesurrogacy.com, and follow them on social media @circlesurrogacy

Sarah K

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Sarah Kuhn, the badass founder of Juna, an app that provides nutrition and workouts for women in TTC, pregnancy and motherhood. Sarah's path to her three kids has not been easy, including not one but two ectopic pregnancies, having one of her tubes removed, another crushing miscarriage, "unsexy" sex, a roller coaster of emotions, the intense anxiety that comes with pregnancy after infertility, and so much more.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

TICKETS FOR FERTILITY RALLY LIVE ARE ON SALE NOW!

GO TO FERTILITYRALLY.COM to snag yours!

BELI for WOMEN

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.

To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men. Again, that's code ALI15 at belibaby.com.

Lindsay

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Lindsay Fischer is the best-selling author of "The House on Sunset" and "The Two Week Wait Challenge," and today, she's telling Ali her entire infertility story. Included: How trauma therapy helped her heal from an abusive relationship, the importance of self-care, and what happened when her husband did an at-home semen analysis. Lindsay also talks about IUIs, her horrible experience with Clomid, a retrieval that went horribly wrong, and the anxiety she felt—and the constant dehydration she suffered—when she finally did become pregnant with her twins.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY www.fertilityrally.com ( http://www.fertilityrally.com/ ) and @fertilityrally, offers

24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

TICKETS FOR FERTILITY RALLY LIVE ARE ON SALE NOW!

GO TO FERTILITYRALLY.COM ( https://fertilityrally.com/ ) to snag yours!

EXTEND FERTILITY

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Roohi Jeelani

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Roohi Jeelani, MD, FACOG at Vios Fertility Institute. Roohi is a superwoman: An icon in the infertility community, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, an outspoken advocate, a mother, a wife, and an industry disrupter. Roohi uses her ginormous social media following—almost 100,000 followers—to empower her patients and the #ttccommunity at large. She talks to Ali about the moment she knew she wanted to become a fertility doctor, being diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 12, her own infertility journey—including IUIs and IVF, and the power of social media. Roohi is currently going through treatment to try to have her third child, and she explains how "sometimes doctors make the worst patients" — and how she gets through the dreaded two week wait.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Fertility Rally Live--featuring big name speakers, 16 breakout sessions, and tons of giveaways, is happening on 4/17/21. Get your tickets at fertilityrally.com

VIOS Fertility Institute, @viosfertility. Vios is a different fertility clinic experience built on a foundation of patient-centered care, evidence-based medicine, and innovative technology. With clinic locations throughout Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, the Vios Fertility Institute team understands the challenges of infertility. To learn more about Vios Fertility Institute and schedule your first appointment, visit ViosFertility.com.

Rachel

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

A few years ago, Rachel went to the hospital with a terrible stomach bug, though she was going into surgery for a laparoscopy, and possible appendicitis, and woke up with a diagnosis of Stage Three Ovarian Cancer and a full hysterectomy. Today, she tells Ali all about her life-changing experience, including how the hysterectomy thrust her into menopause and rendered her infertile. "Infertility crept up on me. No one talked to me about it," she says. "I felt overlooked by everyone because I was young. They didn't give me access to any resources." Now 26, Rachel explains what options she has when she does begin trying to conceive, how she still struggles to find community, and why she calls her infertility her "dirty little secret."

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers

24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

TICKETS FOR FERTILITY RALLY LIVE ARE ON SALE NOW!

GO TO FERTILITYRALLY.COM to snag yours!

EXTEND FERTILITY

Kimberly and Mark

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Kimberly and Mark, aka @bombprooffamily have been through a lot since they first got together via Match.com. Today, Ali welcomes her first couple on the show to talk about all of it, including multiple pregnancy losses, going into "full denial" when they didn't hear a heartbeat, infertility, secondary infertility and unexplained infertility, how they coped, and more. They also talk about being angry and sad, and how Mark wrote the children's book, "Whirlwinds to Rainbows" as a tribute to his bombproof wife--and strong women everywhere.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY www.fertilityrally.com and @fertilityrally, offers

24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

SAVE THE DATE FOR FERTILITY RALLY LIVE ON 4/17/21

EXTEND FERTILITY

Abbe

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Abbe Feder is an actress, an infertility advocate, creator of the podcast "Maculate Conception," and co-founder of InCircle Fertility (@incirclefertility), which provides coaching, education, support and guidance to anyone navigating the shitshow of infertility. Today, Ali is talking to her amazing friend about her years-long journey, including multiple IUIs, multiple unsuccessful transfers, two pregnancy losses, a surrogate who changed her mind, PTSD, switching doctors, heartbreak after heartbreak, and so much more. Abbe also recalls the very difficult decision she and her husband made to reduce her pregnancy when she was pregnant with triplets, and how that third baby became her "angel baby," who brought them their healthy twins.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome.

SAVE THE DATE FOR FERTILITY RALLY LIVE ON 4/17/21

EXTEND FERTILITY

Lauren

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Meet Lauren, an #infertilitywarrior who has gone through a ton so far throughout her fertility journey, including a near-fatal pulmonary embolism from being on birth control when she was 19; discovering her husband's male factor infertility, four IUIs and medicated cycles, and lots of "glimmers of hope and heartbreak." After IVF and some devastating failed embryo transfers, depression and a diagnosis of endometriosis, Lauren and her husband decided to pursue adoption, which is where they find themselves now—feeling hopeful for the future, but still guarding their hearts. Follow them on IG @thehopefulkampffers

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Alexie

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Alexie, who had her daughter through IUI before tragedy struck at home: When her daughter was 16 months old, Alexie's husband died unexpectedly. Alexie talks about navigating grief as a young widow and co-founding a self-care gift shop, Crying Out Loud, after connecting with other women who had also lost their partners at a young age. Alexie also talks about getting back into the dating scene in her mid-30s, finding new love, and how today, she and her partner are going through IVF, using both her partner's sperm and donor sperm, still unsure what the outcome will be.

EPISODE SPONSOR: BELI for WOMEN

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.

To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men. Again, that's code ALI15 at belibaby.com.

EPISODE SPONSOR: Fertility Rally

Vinny Prato (Ali's Husband!)

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

SPONSORS:

CIRCLE SURROGACY:

Learn more at circlesurrogacy.com, and follow them on social media @circlesurrogacy

PROOV:

Go to proovtest.com, enter the code INFERTILEAF20, and you’ll get 20% off your first order.

PACIFIC FERTILITY CENTER:

For more information and to get started today, check out their IG at @pacificfertilitycenter, email them at info@pacificfertility.com, or call (415) 834-3000

Suzie

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Suzie Welsh Devine is a Fertility and IVF Nurse, and the founder and CEO of Binto, and she has dedicated her career to reinventing the way women take care of their health. "It's very odd to be in the patient seat now," she says, explaining how she's gone from IVF nurse to IVF patient. Suzie talks about being in the midst of her infertility journey, including uterine polyps, endometriosis, loving your body but also hating it, her miscarriage last summer at seven weeks, her most recent transfer, and where she and her husband are now.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Binto, @mybinto

Binto offers personalized supplements for your body and no one else’s. Binto is the women’s health company on a mission to help women everywhere get access to safe and effective over-the-counter products, alongside access to licensed healthcare professionals, all at an attainable price-point. Go to mybinto.com today and use code infertileAF at checkout to get 20% off your first month.

Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally

Offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome!

Aimee

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Aimee, the founder of @iwassupposedtohaveababy about Infertility in the Jewish community. Inspired by the questions, "Why in the Jewish community is this so closeted?" and "Why is no one talking about this?" Aimee, a member of the Orthodox Jewish Community, started her organization in 2019 to help others in her community feel less alone. Aimee explains how in the Modern Orthodox Community, she tries "to straddle the modern world while still upholding the ideals and basic tenets of the religion," and also talks about her unexplained secondary infertility, how she lost 4 pregnancies at 16 or 17 weeks, and how, finally pregnant with her final two babies—twins—she suffered from panic attacks and PTSD. "Hearing, 'There's no heartbeat,' just changes you," she says.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Jamie

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Today's episode features a conversation with Jamie, an Atlanta-based realtor who is in a same sex marriage with Kathy, who is 30 years her senior. Jamie explains to Ali how she and Kathy met and fell in love when Jamie was in her early 20s, what happened when they started to try to have children, and where they are now. Jamie's story includes her diagnosis of PCOS, 10 IUIs with 2 or 3 different sperm donors, pursuing fostering and adoption, an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage around 7 weeks, and finally, a healthy baby girl, born in December 2020.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome!

L'Oreal

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to L'Oreal, a Chicagoan with a journalism background who has written about her infertility in such publications as Self and Hello Giggles. L'Oreal talks about "being in the messy middle right now" —and how, even though she doesn't know how her story is going to turn out, she wants to share anyway. She discusses how isolating infertility can be, especially in the black community,

how having a "plan" rarely works out, her history of fibroids, how infertility has affected her marriage, and how IVF is a full-time job. L'Oreal also explains the shame that black women feel and their hesitation to speak about infertility, how the face of infertility is usually a "thin white woman," and how medical treatment is different, depending on what you look like.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally, offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events.

Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support while navigating your journey. EVERYONE is welcome!

Millie

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali is talking to her hilarious friend Millie Brooks, an actress, an infertility warrior and advocate, and an all around stellar human. Millie talks about meeting her husband, what happened when they started to try to have kids, how an "unexplained infertility" diagnosis rocked their world, and how switching doctors and finding Dr. Aimeee, "The Egg Whisperer" changed the course of their treatment and their lives. Currently pregnant with their first child through IVF, Millie talks about the anxiety that comes along with pregnancy after infertility, how many more embryos they have on ice, and how the infertility community has helped her get through some of her lowest times.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally, offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events.

Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support now at fertilityrally.com/join-now

Ellen

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Ellen about addiction and infertility. Currently sober for almost four year, Ellen talks about how not being able to "drink like a normal person" became a problem, especially once she started navigating the rocky waters of infertility. Ellen talks about taking Clomid, the awkwardness of timed IUIs, getting black out drunk every night and how her husband hired a divorce lawyer, ready to end their relationship. She also talks about going to rehab, how the baby onesie she brought with her helped her get through her in-patient stay, and how, later, and thanks to IVF, she finally became pregnant with twins.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

FERTILITY RALLY, www.fertilityrally.com, providing 24/7 community, content and curated events for everyone going through infertility. Follow @fertilityrally for more

Ruth Corden

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:47:55 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Ruth Corden, "Finding the Funny" podcast host, infertility advocate and IVF warrior who is now living Childless Not By Choice. Ruth talks about her 8 year infertility journey, including miscarriage, loneliness, mental health, her siblings, (including her sister Ange, who she hosts the podcast with, and brother, Late Late Show James), and how she loves being an aunt to their children. Ruth also talks about feeling like a failure, what happened when she found out her husband had secretly been using drugs while they were going through it all and how infertility seeps into every single area of your life.

"Let's be honest, when I die, there isn't gonna be anybody at my funeral talking about how many kids I pushed out of my vagina," Ruth says. "They're gonna be talking about what kind of person I am and the way I treated people and how kind I was and what I did for my neighbor. Nobody's gonna stand around going, 'Oh god, well, she didn't have any kids, so she completely failed at life."

EPISODE SPONSOR:

CIRCLE SURROGACY

Circle Surrogacy provides exceptional knowledge and experience, fixed costs and financing, and the highest success rate in the business. Learn more at circlesurrogacy.com, and follow them on social media @circlesurrogacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Amanda W.

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Today's guest is Amanda Warsavsky, whose infertility story includes her mother's infertility diagnosis (and a sister born through IVF), being blown off by a doctor at the age of 25 even though she knew there was something wrong, discovering she has PCOS, and the 7 failed IUIs she had before having her baby daughter. Amanda also talks about the devastating decision she made to terminate her pregnancy at 19 weeks because her baby son had a myriad of health issues. And now, how at almost 32 weeks pregnant, she is still not able to fully relax. Amanda is also talking about her new site, we-know.com, a place where people can go to ask questions and crowdsource advice on everything from travel to food to infertility.

Sponsor: Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally, offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support now at fertilityrally.com/join-now

For more on We-Know, check out

beta.we-know.com/users/339

Ariel

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Ariel Taylor, aka @carried.with.love, about her 4th surrogacy journey, the surrogacy journeys that came before—and why she wanted to become a surrogate in the first place. Ariel talks about becoming a young mother, how she explains to her biological daughter that she’s carrying someone else’s baby, the tragic loss of one of her intended parents’ babies, and how surrogacy is different in Canada from the United States. She also talks about infertility as trauma, surrogacy advocacy and education, and common myths surrounding surrogates.

Sponsor: Fertility Rally, @fertilityrally, offering 24/7 Community, Content and Curated Events. Give yourself or a fellow infertility warrior the gift of support now at fertilityrally.com/join-now

Marilyn

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to Marilyn B. Gomez about her six-year-long journey to motherhood, which lasted from 2009 to 2015. Marilyn, who hosts the Mama Vida Podcast @mamavidapodcast and makes cool infertility tees, hats, jewelry and more at @infertiletees, discusses her high points and low points, including how much holidays suck while #ttc; the guilt she felt about whether genetic testing means "playing god;" how therapy and visualization exercises helped her cope; how grieving differently from her husband drove them apart; and how, after she finally got pregnant with her daughter, Mila, she experienced the deep anxiety of pregnancy after infertility. Ali and Marilyn also talk about the difficult decision some people have to make when they've got more embryos on ice.

SPONSORS:

Today’s episode is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events for anyone experiencing the pain of infertility or building their modern families at www.fertilityrally.com

BONUS Episode: Ali, Abbe and Sophie Talk About THAT Lena Dunham Article

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:15:00 +0000

Last week, Lena Dunham released an article in Harper's called, "False Labor: Giving Up on Motherhood" -- and it created a shitstorm in the infertility community, to say the least. Today, Ali and her friends Abbe and Sophie, infertility warrior-advocates and co-founders of InCircle Fertility, unpack the article that has the whole community talking.

Broken Brown Egg founder and infertility warrior Regina Townsend

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to her good friend Regina Townsend, a librarian, an infertility warrior and the founder of Broken Brown Egg, a blog she started in 2009 was because she wanted to break silence around infertility and women of color. Today, Broken Brown Egg has grown exponentially, existing to "empower, inform, and advocate for those questioning or experiencing the impact of infertility, with an emphasis on the Black experience of it." As Regina always says, Infertility is bigger than babies—and today we're talking about all of it, including how, after years of TTC and heartbreak, including a disrupted adoption and a lot of other things, Regina and her husband Jahbari welcomed their gorgeous son, Judah.We also talk about how Target can be a real asshole, why, when you don't end up in jail, you've had a good day, and how growing up in the public schools of Chicago shaped our versions of being women and our knowledge of our reproductive systems.

Today’s episode is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events at www.fertilityrally.com

Also check out thebrokenbrownegg.org for more

Candace

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to her amazing friend Candace Wohl, who explains how 10 years of marriage, two brain surgeries and a 7 year battle with infertility have not been easy for her and her husband, Chris. Candace is a huge infertility advocate, creator of the blog Our Misconception, and star of MTV True Life documentary, “I’m Desperate to Have a Baby.” She gets into all of the highs and lows, including how her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor shortly after they got married, how they learned early how to deal with a life crisis, why she had a "Goodbye, Uterus," party (complete with a uterus piñata and a tampon corsage) and how, after she had two babies via surrogate, she was able to induce lactation and breastfeed.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

CIRCLE SURROGACY

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Caroline

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:56:25 +0000

Today, on the Season Three Premiere, Ali talks to Caroline, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 26. Caroline talks about how she was in a race against time to preserve her fertility before she started her cancer treatments, how she was wheeled from one hospital during cancer treatment to another hospital to do her egg retrieval and how the intense pain of her tumor affected her sex life. She also talks about why she started Femunity.org, a community and crowdsourcing platform where women can ask questions and share their medical experiences, and where she is now in her family building journey.

Today’s episode is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events at www.fertilityrally.com

FERTILITY RALLY MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN NOVEMBER 1-7--SIGN UP NOW! www.fertilityrally.com/join-now

Kela

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Kela Smith, creator of the Hormone Puzzle Society, a woman’s health hub for fertility, hormones, and coaching. Kela tells her own infertility story, how she finally had her two sons, and how she works with women who are struggling with infertility and hormone imbalance, coaching them to get pregnant naturally and eliminating their symptoms of hormone imbalance. For more, check out https://www.instagram.com/kela_healthcoach/?hl=en

Today's Sponsor is VIOS Fertility Institute. Vios is a different fertility clinic experience built on a foundation of patient-centered care, evidence-based medicine, and innovative technology. With clinic locations throughout Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, the Vios Fertility Institute team understands the challenges of infertility. To learn more about Vios Fertility Institute and schedule your first appointment, visit ViosFertility.com.

Jaclyn

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Jaclyn Misch is a former Miss Michigan who competed on the CBS reality show "Survivor" with her now husband, Jon. Today, she talks to Ali about being born with a very rare condition called MRKH Syndrome, and how it has affected her life and her ability to have children. They discuss her two IVF retrievals, what happened when she started sharing publicly about MRKH, and what happened when they decided to use a surrogate. See more of her story at @jaclynmisch

EPISODE SPONSORS:

PROOV

Today’s episode is sponsored by PROOV’S NEW PREDICT AND CONFIRM KIT, which helps you both predict your most fertile days and also confirms successful ovulation. Get yours at proovtest.com

CIRCLE SURROGACY

Nora and Ani

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000

This is the first time Ali has interviewed best friends on her show--but she was so smitten by the friendship between Nora and Ani, she couldn't resist. Today, the founders of @modamobofficial and @noranibaby are talking about their rough and respective infertility journeys--including 8 IUIs, 9 IVF treatments, gestational diabetes, awful progesterone injections and bloating, a blood clotting disorder and a baby in the NICU. Nora and Ani get into all the details, including fresh vs. frozen transfers, Ani's ectopic pregnancy, infertility as trauma, and how they got through the roughest times—even when one of them would be laying in the fetal position on the floor—together.

Today’s episode is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events at www.fertilityrally.com

FERTILITY RALLY MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN OCTOBER 1-8--SIGN UP NOW! www.fertilityrally.com/join-now

Tickets are now on sale for FERTILITY RALLY LIVE on October 24th at

https://www.accelevents.com/e/FertilityRally

Monica

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to infertility advocate, all around bright light and her dear friend Monica (aka @my_so_called_Ivf) about IUIs, secondary infertility guilt, vaginas, marriage probs, dealing with stress and depression and what Jared Leto, Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah have in common.

Today’s Sponsor: www.fertilityrally.com

Kim

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to her friend Kim, who she met via Instagram in 2019, right after Kim had given birth to her third child, Meredith Samantha. On her IG page, mera_rula_of__the__sea, Kim chronicled Mera's very short, very sweet life after she was diagnosed in utero with a host of birth defects, including very little brain tissue. Kim tells the story of having her two kids before Meredith, bringing Mera home from the hospital, and how the entire family had to say goodbye to the sweet baby nine days later. Kim also explains how she has gracefully (and sometimes, not so gracefully) managed losing her baby daughter, and what is next for her family. For more on Mera's story and to find out about the nonprofit, Mera's Mission, which Kim launched to change the way parents experience grief after pregnancy and early childhood loss, follow @merasmission.

Today’s episode is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events at www.fertilityrally.com

FERTILITY RALLY MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN OCTOBER 1-8--SIGN UP NOW! www.fertilityrally.com/join-now

Tickets are now on sale for FERTILITY RALLY LIVE on October 24th at https://www.accelevents.com/e/FertilityRally

Paige

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Paige Dennis is a fashion designer, and an infertility warrior who describes herself as, "If Dolly Parton and Suzanne Sugarbaker had a baby." She's also the breakout star of "DeMarcus Family Rules," the Netflix reality show that chronicles the lives of Rascal Flatts bassist Jay DeMarcus and his beauty queen wife, Allison. Today, Paige tells Ali all about her infertility journey, including a pulmonary embolism that rocked her health, getting pregnant very easily but then suffering a miscarriage at nearly 12 weeks, and how and why she and her husband found a surrogate without going through a surrogacy agency. She also talks about the tragic loss of her first son due to an umbilical cord accident, and how now, as the mother of twins, she feels passionate about giving back to the infertility community.

Today’s episode is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events at www.fertilityrally.com

Tickets are now on sale for FERTILITY RALLY LIVE on October 24th at https://www.accelevents.com/e/FertilityRally

Ali and Blair Talk About Fertility Rally Live

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Partners-in-biz-and-Claw Ali and Blair Nelson, who started the Fertility Rally membership site on June 1, talk about their latest creation: Fertility Rally Live, taking place virtually on Saturday, October 24th! The event will be a one-day, action-packed infertility celebration, with more than 30+ speakers, exhibitor booths, tons of giveaways and plenty of surprises. Ali and Blair talk about how they came up with the name for Fertility Rally, the importance of community, why it's going to be an incredible and valuable event for anyone no matter where they are on their fertility journeys, and some other amazing things that have been happening in their lives this week (hint: Blair is pregnant!).

To get your RALLY LIVE TICKETS, GO TO www.accelevents.com/e/FertilityRally

Early bird prices are available for a limited time!

Victoria

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Victoria Nino, aka @expectinganything, talks to Ali about her long path to mamahood, beginning with a diagnosis of Stage 3 endometriosis. After medicated IUIs that didn't work, they turned to IVF, but her low egg quality led her to research donor eggs. As she and her husband went down the donor egg path, she explains how they "grieved their genetics," why at one point they maxed out their credit cards to travel around the world, ("YOLO!"), the spiritual experience she had in Thailand, why going through the donor profiles was so intense, how she feels about epigenetics, and her baby daughter, Flo. She also talks about her new ebook, "Why I'm Glad My Eggs Didn't Work" -- and the second transfer that didn't work, bringing her to her knees with grief.

Today’s ep is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events at www.fertilityrally.com

Chloe Melas

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Chloe Melas is an entertainment reporter for CNN, and today, she is getting realAF with Ali about her years-long infertility journey. They cover it all, including IUIs that didn’t take, the shock and heartbreak of IVF, a pregnancy “in an unknown location,” getting phone calls from doctors while on double dates, how it all affected her marriage (and her sex life!), and SO MUCH MORE.

Today’s ep is sponsored by FERTILITY RALLY—Community, Content and Curated Events at www.fertilityrally.com

Wes

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Wes, aka Detour to Dad, who's been very vocal about the difficult journey that he and his wife, Amanda have traveled to have a baby—including a diagnosis of "extremely low sperm count" that made him feel "emasculated" and like he'd been punched in the face." Today, Wes tells his story, from when he and Amanda met playing softball, to making the decision to use donor sperm and how he came to terms with that—and what's happening with them now.

EPISODE SPONSOR

Fertility Rally

Jasmine

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to artist Jasmine Katatikarn, a fertility warrior who struggled to have a child for six years. After multiple IUIs and her 2nd IVF, she was told that she had a less than 1% chance of having a baby and to stop trying. However, Jasmine didn’t give up. Jasmine tells Ali about the devastation she went through, how she and her husband had a hard time talking about what they were both going through, why finding community is so important, and how she applied her artist's mindset to take control of her fertility journey.

EPISODE SPONSOR:

*Fertility Rally*

Mina Starsiak Hawk of HGTV

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to HGTV Good Bones star and all-around badass Mina Starsiak Hawk about her fertility struggles, including why she skipped IUI and went straight to IVF, how she deals with comments from judgy (and handsy) women, and how she and her husband decided to show everything, including the messy parts, on their TV show. We also get a surprise guest cameo by her husband Steve, who jumps on the call to talk about how infertility affected their relationship.

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Fertility Rally

Peanut

This episode is sponsored by Peanut, a social network for women. Peanut provides a community for women who are moms and who are hoping to be moms build friendships, find support and learn from one another. Download Peanut for free in the app store or click https://www.peanut-app.io/.

Monique

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Monique Farook is a an infertility survivor, a former NICU Mom, a wife, and host of the podcast, "Infertility and Me." She and her husband began their journey to parenthood in 2012 when she was 29, and today, she tells Ali all about their long and bumpy road, from her unsuccessful IUI and uterine and cervical polyps to how she experienced prejudice at the fertility clinic. Monique also talks about why, when she started looking for people in the infertility community who looked like her, she couldn't find anyone—and how she felt when she finally had her son, who spent 129 days in the NICU.

Episode Sponsors:

Fertility Rally

Care/Of

Care/of is a wellness brand that makes it easy to maintain your health goals with a customized vitamin plan that helps you feel your best today and supports you long-term. Care/of can make taking your vitamins and supporting your health goals attainable. Care/of is super transparent about the research and sourcing behind every one of their products with extensive info available on their website, and fun, informative content on their social pages. Care/of’s in-depth, 5-minute online quiz asks you questions about your diet, lifestyle, and health concerns to help address your specific wellness goals. For 50% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter code INFERTILEAF50.

Emily

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Emily about the ups and downs of her years-long infertility journey, including 7 IUIs (all unsuccessful), "always ending up on the wrong end of the statistics," "a dreadful sex life full of stress and dashed expectations," her five pregnancies, a string of miscarriages, and the night she went to the hospital and her doctor told her, 'You have to abort this tonight unless you wanna die." It's a dramatic tale, but it ends with Hope—in more ways than one.

Episode Sponsor:

Fertility Rally

Ashley

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Ashley, a single mom by choice, who wanted to share her story to inspire others and shatter any stigmas about choosing to have and raise a child on one's own. Ashley, a successful executive who is raising her now 10-year-old son in Los Angeles, talks about how she felt like a "unicorn" at the fertility clinic, the unique process of of choosing a sperm donor (and why she asked her friends at one point, "Why wouldn't I choose the hot one?") and what happened when she tried for a second child. It's yet another example of someone building a modern family the way they want to create it--and we're thrilled to include her story here.

Episode Sponsor:

Fertility Rally

Michelle Buteau

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

EPISODE SPONSORS:

Fertility Rally

Circle Surrogacy

On today's episode, we're partnering with Circle Surrogacy, which is celebrating 25 years of making parenthood possible for heterosexual and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Circle partners with their surrogates, intended parents and egg donors until they achieve success together. Learn more at circlesurrogacy.com or by emailing info@circlesurrogacy.com

NYU Langone Fertility Center

Join the thousands of families who've placed their trust in the experts at NYU Langone Fertility Center. When you're ready to explore your options, they're ready to help you build your family. For more information, check out their website fertilityny.org, Instagram @Fertility_NY, or call 212-263-8990.

Pacific Fertility Center

This episode, I'm partnering with Pacific Fertility Center, which is located in the San Francisco Bay Area has welcomed more than 10,000 babies through IVF, IUI and egg donation. For more info, check out IG: @pacificfertilitycenter, email info@pacificfertility.com or call 415-834-3000

Flora

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Flora Sinha is a Board Certified Internist practicing in Southern California, and today she's talking to Ali about going through secondary infertility. Although she didn't have trouble having her first child, she tried for six months to have her second child before realizing IVF was in her future. Then, after undergoing multiple rounds, she and her husband made the difficult decision to stop pursuing parenthood any further. Find out all about what she went through, how she ultimately made that decision, and what she tells her 4 1/2 year old daughter now about why she doesn't have any siblings.

Emilia

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Emilia Bechrakis is a lawyer, a Manhattan mom and a television personality you probably recognize from the Bravo reality show, “ Million Dollar Listing New York, ” where she appears alongside her husband, real estate mogul Ryan Serhant. Today, she talks to Ali about falling in love with Ryan and getting married, and how when they started to try to have a baby, things didn’t exactly work out as planned. She also talks about her children’s book, “To the Moon and Back for You,” written after their daughter, Zena, was born via IVF.

This episode is sponsored by kegg, the first 2-in-1 fertility tracker that assesses the key sign to the fertile window: cervical fluid. Go to www.kegg.tech and use promo code INFERTILEAF to get $20 off your intuitive fertility tracker.

Amy B.

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Amy Beckley, who has a PhD in pharmacology and an expertise in hormone signaling, had trouble conceiving for more than three years before turning to IVF to have her son. But when she decided she didn't know if she could handle the physical and emotional challenges of another round of IVF, she began tracking her own hormone levels, suspecting she had a problem with ovulation—causing her to lose pregnancy after pregnancy. Today, she talks to Ali about creating a game-changing fertility product called Proov in her basement, how she finally had another child, and why IVF is not the "Band-Aid" so many people make it out to be.

Today we are partnering with Proov, the first 5 minute, at-home progesterone test to confirm ovulation. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code INFERTILEAF20, and you’ll get 20% off your first order.

Andrea

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Andrea Syrtash is a dating and relationship expert, a published author, a television host and an on-air personality. She's also the founder of Pregnantish, an online magazine that helps people navigate the realities of infertility and fertility treatments. Today, she tells Ali all about the eight years and 18 fertility treatments she went through, including getting ghosted by two potential surrogates, before her cousin stepped in and offered to be her gestational carrier--resulting in her healthy baby girl.

Mathilde

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today we are partnering with Proov, the first 5 minute, at-home progesterone test to confirm ovulation. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code INFERTILEAF20, and you’ll get 20% off your first order.

Nichelle

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Nichelle Sublett, Mrs. North Carolina 2018, about the five painful years of infertility she endured—and why she chose to spread awareness about infertility after winning the pageant. Nichelle is finally pregnant with a baby boy, due at the end of August, and here she recalls her "horrible" path, including PCOS, five miscarriages, IVF, considering a surrogate, marital strain, and why, in the African-American community, infertility and pregnancy loss "just aren't talked about."

Jay

Thu, 28 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo, a stand-up comedian, OG infertility advocate and mom of two, about her long path to parenthood.

Included:

IVF and how Clomid made her act like The Hulk, the uterine polyp she named "Jackson Polyp," going through couple's counseling and how her pregnancy announcement in 2014 ignited a Twitter war.

Fertility Rally is the all-inclusive community for anyone’s who has gone through infertility, is going through infertility, or who are building modern families in “non-traditional” ways. The space is for anyone seeking support, information, inclusion, humor, kick ass virtual and IRL events, and fun discounts on the journey of infertility and parenthood. Think of it as 24/7 therapy—but unconventional and fun. (To be clear, we’re not licensed therapists, but we’ve both been there, and we know how you feel.)

To sign up, go to fertilityrally.com

Josephine

Wed, 20 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Josephine Atluri is a meditation teacher and a badass mom of FIVE kids. Today, she talks to Ali about how she always wanted a big family, and how she and her husband built their modern family in many different ways, including international adoption, IVF and surrogacy. She also talks about how, due to a lack of control, she developed the eating disorder bulimia during her infertility journey, and how she overcame that and is healthy today.

BetterHelp Exclusive Offer: If you're struggling with life's challenges, try BetterHelp, the leading provider of online counseling, with over 4,000 licensed counselors and therapists. You can talk to someone through video calls, real-time phone calls, text or direct messages. Get 10% OFF at trybetterhelp.com/infertileaf

Paula

Wed, 13 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Paula Rallis is an amazing woman who flips houses, flies planes, interior decorates and runs a chic lifestyle blog (www.paularallis.com) and IG account, @paularallis. In this episode, she tells Ali all about how, after a year of trying to have a baby and being unsuccessful, she found out she was born with a very rare medical condition in which she has only half of her reproductive system. After going through IVF and even more heartbreak, Paula explains how she and her husband found a surrogate to carry their healthy baby girl.

I'm also partnering with Pacific Fertility Center, which is located in the San Francisco Bay Area has welcomed more than 10,000 babies through IVF, IUI and egg donation. For more info, check out IG: @pacificfertilitycenter, email info@pacificfertility.com or call 415-834-3000

Amy D.

Thu, 07 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali is talking to Amy, who, after 18 months of trying and more than 540 ovulation tests (yes, she counted!), finally had her son. Amy explains how a misdiagnosis of PCOS lasted for six years before she realized she didn't have it after all, the pressures she felt to have kids as an Indian woman, and why she and her husband didn't want to do anything invasive. She also tells us about inventing OOVA, a groundbreaking ovulation test for women that's now on the market.

Amy

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

You might know journalist Amy Klein from Fertility Diary, the column she wrote in the New York Times about her infertility journey. Today, Ali is talking to Amy about everything she went through—including nine rounds of IVF, four miscarriages, two rabbis and one reproductive immunologist—before finally having her daughter in 2015. Amy also talks about finding (and affording) a clinic, baby envy, and when it's time to move on.

Whitney Port

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

A lot has happened to Whitney Port since you first met her on MTV's The Hills and The City. She married Timmy, the love of her life, became an entrepreneur, started a podcast, With Whit, and had a son named Sonny. Today, she talks to Ali about the miscarriage that "rocked her world"—and how it brought up feelings of guilt, confusion, heartbreak and even selfishness. She also talks about not being sure if they're going to have another kid — and if she'll ever let Sonny watch her live out her 20s on reality TV.

This episode is sponsored by Peanut, a social network for women. Peanut provides a community for women (who are trying to conceive) to build friendships, find support and learn from one another. Download Peanut for free in the app store or click https://www.peanut-app.io/.

Ali x Blair

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, Ali and her Fertility Rally co-founder, Blair Nelson of Fab Fertility, talk about how they met and bonded right away, why this infertility community means so much to them, and what—and who—everyone can expect at the very first Fertility Rally, happening October 23-25 in Brooklyn. Make sure to follow @fertilityrally for updates, and sign up for the newsletter at www.fertilityrally.com.

Lia

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Lia tells Ali all about her long and difficult journey to motherhood, including a pregnancy that ended tragically after her uterus ruptured at 31 weeks. She also talks about the two different and amazing surrogates who came into their lives, and how tragedy struck again, heartbreakingly, before they had their healthy baby girl. Lia also explains why she started Fly Bravely, a NYC consultancy dedicating to de-stigmatizing infertility and raising awareness for pregnancy and infant loss.

Janna

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to her friend Janna about going through infertility for six excruciating years. Her story includes full-blown IVF, mini IVF, IUI, lots of heartbreak, a devastating miscarriage and D&C and ultimately, the adoption of her now-almost one year old son, Zeke. She also describes that brutal moment when the nurse is looking at your ultrasound, gets quiet and says, 'I need to talk to the doctor...'"

Today we are partnering with Extend Fertility, https://extendfertility.com/, the largest egg freezing practice in the nation. Extend has now expanded to offer a full range of infertility services—including IVF—in a small practice environment that is more personal, data driven, and higher quality.

Maddy

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Maddy Gutierrez describes herself as a "body positive Manhattan mom, Fashion Lover and Beauty Junkie," and today, she talks to Ali about all of those things, as well as her struggle with secondary infertility, which she's in the middle of right now. Maddy gets into the details of her journey, including having her now five-year-old son with no issues, going through multiple IUIs, how Covid-19 has affected her next steps, and the poor treatment she gets from doctors because she is a plus size woman.

This episode, we're partnering with Gennev, an online clinic dedicated exclusively to women. Gennev is all about women’s health, and right now, as COVID 19 cases are filling up our medical facilities, Gennev, is expanding their offerings to include primary care. Access their doctors through their telemedicine services for safe, convenient, at-home consultations at Gennev.com.

Liz

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Dr. Liz Kane, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Natalist, where she develops pregnancy tests, ovulation kits and more to help people who are trying to conceive. Liz, who ran a research lab at Harvard, talks about the challenges of leaving academia to start a family, how her chronic migraines affected her fertility journey, the postpartum hemorrhage that threatened her life, feeling "betrayed by her body" and how she ended up using a surrogate for her second child, who is due very soon.

This episode is brought to you by The Oh Hell No Podcast, a show for young people transitioning into adult life or adults who are looking for motivation in getting to their next level. To subscribe and listen, go here: https://www.ohhellnopodcast.com/

Nathalie

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Nathalie, an infertility warrior, mama of one and the founder of Fertilust, a fertility-inspired wellness and nutrition hub. Self-described as "a recovering workaholic and type A down to the blood type," Nathalie shares her story of unexplained infertility, silent endometriosis, several IVF cycles, pity parties, how changing her nutrition changed everything, and why this community is so important to her. Nathalie's story is not over yet: After a recent transfer that unfortunately didn't end with a pregnancy, she's not sure what's going to happen next…

Cynara

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Cynara, who she met when they were both in Albany lobbying to make gestational surrogacy legal in New York. Cynara used a surrogate to have her daughter, Pearl, and today she chronicles her entire journey, including unexplained infertility, having eight miscarriages in 10 years, feeling broken, and having suicidal thoughts. As she says, "It was like, 'There's something wrong with me. I'm defective.' I was so hard on myself."

Today we are partnering with ConceiveAbilities, a leading surrogacy and egg donation agency that has been around for 24 years, with thousands of babies born. If surrogacy or egg donation is part of your journey, make sure to check out conceiveabilities.com. And make sure to tell them Infertile AF sent you!

We are also partnering with Extend Fertility, https://extendfertility.com/, the largest egg freezing practice in the nation. Extend has now expanded to offer a full range of infertility services—including IVF—in a small practice environment that is more personal, data driven, and higher quality.

Samantha Busch

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Samantha Busch, wife of NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, star of Racing Wives, and Infertility Advocate. Samantha gets real about having their first baby through IVF, how infertility has affected her marriage, going through it all in the public eye, her devastating recent miscarriage, and how they're considering using a surrogate for their next child. Samantha also talks about her upcoming infertility memoir and her nonprofit, Bundle of Joy Fund, which has awarded 54 grants to couples going through IVF, with 25 babies born and 5 more on the way.

Elyse

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Elyse Ash is an infertility warrior and the founder of Fruitful, a fertility mentor service that pairs mentees who are going through infertility with mentors who have come out the other side. Fruitful is "committed to making infertility suck less." Today, Elyse talks to Ali about everything she went through before finally having her baby, including endometriosis with no symptoms, ovarian cysts, and scrolling through Instagram and being "so jealous and heartbroken and wondering what it would look like when it was my turn."

We are also partnering with Extend Fertility, extendfertility.com, the largest egg freezing practice in the nation. Extend has now expanded to offer a full range of infertility services—including IVF—in a small practice environment that is more personal, data driven, and higher quality.

Maggie

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Maggie, aka @bean.and.biscuit, has two baby sons who were born one month apart. Today, she tells Ali the incredible story of how this happened, starting with several failed rounds of IVF, including one round that ended in a miscarriage. Maggie and her husband then turned to surrogacy, and the surrogate got pregnant with one of their healthy male embryos. And then, soon after—in a miraculous turn of events—Maggie got pregnant with a boy, too.

Today we are partnering with Proov, the first 5 minute, at-home progesterone test to confirm ovulation. Go to proovtest.com, enter the code INFERTILEAF20, and you’ll get 20% off your first order.

We are also partnering with Extend Fertility, extendfertility.com/, the largest egg freezing practice in the nation. Extend has now expanded to offer a full range of infertility services—including IVF—in a small practice environment that is more personal, data driven, and higher quality.

Michael F.

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today's guest is Michael Frank, a brilliant author whose novel, "What is Missing," takes on infertility as one of its central subjects. The reason Michael knows so much about infertility is that he went through it with his wife, and as he tells Ali, "I found it personally to be one of the hardest things I ever lived through." Find out about their three miscarriages, how he dealt with feeling "powerless and quite lonely," and the Buddhist refrain that changed his perspective.

Today's episode is brought to you by Beli Vitality for Men, which provides men with the right nutrients for optimal reproductive and sperm health. Use code InfertileAF to receive 25% off your first bottle at http://bit.ly/Belibaby

Nicole

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Ali's guest today is Nicole Lawson, who went through years of infertility, including three devastating miscarriages, before choosing to go the surrogacy route. Today, she has two healthy daughters via surrogacy--and she tells Ali all about the entire process, including some of the fears and reservations she had. Nicole was so moved by the surrogacy process that she started her own agency, called Abundant Beginnings, in L.A.

On this episode, we're partnering with Mom Culture, an online lifestyle brand created to spread positive vibes and to highlight both the salty and the sweet sides of parenthood—and the road to parenthood. Their Rainbow Mama tee and Rainbow Babe tee were created in collaboration with Dr. Zucker of the #IHadAMiscarriage campaign. Check them out at www.momculture.com and use code: INFERTILEAF for 20% off your entire purchase through February 29th.

Katy

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Not all of these stories end with babies. Today, Ali talks to Katy, who went through four years of infertility, including a failed IVF cycle and depression and anxiety, which left her feeling "stripped down" to her core. "I never thought the ending would be that i didn't have a kid," Katy says. But after a hysterectomy and some deep soul searching, Katy decided to stop trying, and now she is focusing on crafting a beautiful, childfree life, including her blog, chasingcreation.org.

Sarah

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Sarah Larson Levey, the founder and CEO of Y7 Studio. After talking about how Y7 yoga was a huge part of Ali's infertility story, they talk about Sarah's two devastating miscarriages, "being a complete hysterical fucking mess," the toll it took on her relationship, and how she managed this heavy emotional and physical stuff while building one of America's fastest-growing companies. Also: Sarah talks about how, even though she's five months pregnant now, it's still hard to fully relax.

Kristyn

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Kristyn is the founder of The Fertility Tribe, an incredible online community based on "redefining fertility together." Today, Kristyn tells Ali about how "nothing on the road to motherhood was easy" for her, from the "Clomid crazies" to her first failed frozen embryo transfer. Now a mother of toddler twins, she also talks about the 25 nights she spent pregnant in the hospital, her "traumatic" birth situation, and the things she wishes she knew before starting infertility treatments.

Keeley

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this Season Two kickoff, Ali talks to Keeley, a producer in London, about her unexplained infertility journey, resulting in eight rounds of IVF in England, Spain, and finally, Russia. Keeley talks about her "total shitshow" of a second transfer, undergoing one traumatic "pregnancy in an unknown location," making the difficult decision to use donor eggs, and how her husband has been a "total legend" through it all.

Karen

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Karen describes herself as part teacher, part mom, fully inappropriate and forever infertile. She is the creator of Hilariously Infertile, a brand that includes an Instagram with more than 66,000 followers, stand-up comedy gigs, and a book (see hilariouslyinfertile.com for more). Today, she talks to Ali about IUIs, Clomid, the dangers of Google searching, discovering leggings, and why when going through IVF, you should "set the bar low."

Today's episode is sponsored by Extend Fertility, which offers egg freezing, IVF and more--with the goal of making fertility more accessible, and with services priced 20-40% lower than the national average. For more, visit extendfertility.com

Jasmin

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Jasmin is an entertainment editor and writer whose New York Times essay about egg freezing, "Great Eggspectations," caught Ali's attention this spring. Today, she talks to Ali about how, since most of her friends were doing it, she jumped at the chance to freeze her eggs at 36 (but what she wishes she knew then). Also discussed: her possible endometriosis, the fortune teller who changed her life path, getting leftover IVF drugs from her friends, and how every six months, she pays money to keep her eggs on ice.

Dorette

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:47:40 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Dr. Dorette Noorhasan, the Medical Director and Co-Founder of CCRM Dallas-Fort Worth, about being an infertility specialist while going through her own infertility journey. Dorette discusses working with a surrogate as a single woman, the devastation when those two transfers didn't work out, needing a mental break, and how, after marrying her husband, they tried again with a surrogate. Dorette's memoir, "Miracle Baby: A Fertility Doctor's Fight for Motherhood," is out now.

Michelle

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:14:10 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to her childhood best friend, Michelle, about her years-long quest to have a baby. Included: Why she hates IUIs, getting a surprise diagnosis of PCOS, how to advocate when it comes to insurance, and how one night on a business trip in Hong Kong, her world came crashing down when she checked her medical portal. Michelle also details her six IVF cycles, how meditation finally helped her turn a corner, and why they named their frozen embryos Dwayne and Rerun.

Angela

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to L.A.-based former nanny Angela, whose infertility journey started at 39 and includes two "missed" miscarriages, a stimulated follicle that turned into a cyst, and three IVF cycles with varying results. Angela says that at times, she felt like such a failure that she apologized to her husband, saying, "Why did you marry me? I'm broken." She also explains why she thinks it's important for everyone to get their embryos tested, regardless of risk factors, age and history.

Ali x Joshua

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 12:10:19 +0000

Joshua U. Klein is the Chief Clinical Officer at Extend Fertility, and he’s also Ali’s doctor, who worked with Ali and Vince on their one and only round of IVF—which brought them baby Sonny in Dec 2015. Four years later, Ali reunites with the Harvard Med School grad to unpack what they went through together, from Ali walking into his office as a "broken woman" to the emails she sent him at all hours of the day to what he’s doing now to make the fertility journey “less miserable."

Debbie

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 13:10:50 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to Debbie about her unexpected pregnancy at the age of 36, how she dealt with the heartbreak of losing that baby in the third trimester, starting to have kids again at the age of 39, and the eight rounds of IVF--and 450 shots--that lead to where she is today. "When I put my hands on my hips, I can still feel the soreness of those 21-gauge needles," she says, years later.

This episode is sponsored by Binto, personalized supplements made for women by women, and delivered right to your door. For more, go to mybinto.com/infertileaf and use PROMO CODE infertileaf for 20% off.

Sam

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:43:09 +0000

Ali goes deep with her friend Sam, who was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure three years ago, at age 25. Faced with the fact that if she wants to have a biological children, she’ll have to do IVF, Sam discusses how she's dealing with the challenges of her diagnosis, including how hormone replacement therapy has put her into pre-menopause, how she tells (or doesn't tell) guys she dates about her situation, and the very special family member who has offered to donate her eggs to Sam.

America

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000

America is an actress, singer and mama who has gone through hell—and back again—to finally have her beautiful baby daughter. Today, she talks to Ali about her years-long struggle to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery, including multiple miscarriages, multiple stillbirths, and what happened when they decided to pursue surrogacy in India. America talks about going through a very dark time—at one point even contemplating suicide—and how she and her husband, Christian, came out the other side.

Holly

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Holly about her unexplained infertility, including IUIs that didn't work, IVFs that didn't take, and an adoption that ultimately fell through. Holly, who's one of the strongest mamas Ali has ever met, discusses how she finally had her son--and how he was born with a very rare medical condition that has already required several surgeries and countless hospital visits. She explains that she wants to share her story because, after years of anguish, she promised she would pay it forward.

Meg

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Meg is the author of, “The Waiting Line: What to Do (and Not Do) When Someone You Love Is Struggling with Infertility.” Today, she talks to Ali about getting pregnant at age 37, back-to-back blighted ovums, the MTHFR gene, Hashimoto's disease, and finally having her son. Now in the midst of secondary infertility, Meg also reveals how she got ghosted by her doctor and the best and worst things to say to women who are struggling to have a baby. (Hint: "Have you thought about adoption?" is not okay.)

Rebekah

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Rebekah is a fellow NYC mama and infertility warrior who struggled to get pregnant in her mid-30s before going through "mini IVF." Today, the mom of three is focusing on supporting other women as a fertility coach, a doula and the creator of the website, https://its-conceivable.com/. Today, she talks to Ali about not wanting children when she was growing up, egg quality vs. egg quantity, why women need to advocate for themselves and the importance of going to Phish concerts.

Stacy, Parts 4 and 5

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:59:56 +0000

If you've been following the secondary infertility story of our beloved recurring guest, Stacy, you know that she’s gone through so much: multiple miscarriages, two IVF cycles, and sadness, disappointment and frustration that isn't quantifiable. Today, in parts 4 and 5, Stacy tells us what happened with her second retrieval (hint: it includes running down the freeway with a bag full of needles), the "whole new stress" she's been feeling, and the results of her first embryo transfer.

Bridget

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 12:34:23 +0000

You might know Bridget Marquardt from the reality series "The Girls Next Door," which depicted her life as one of Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner's girlfriends. Today, Ali—a Playboy mag editor for 10 years—talks to Bridget about freezing her eggs while living at the Mansion, being terrified of needles, the "emotional, financial and physical roller coaster" of infertility, the devastation she felt when none of her eggs survived the thaw, and where she and her fiance, Nick, are in their journey now.

This episode is sponsored by Fruitful Fertility, a mentorship service that connects people struggling emotionally to build their family with someone who has been through it before but is now on the other side. To learn more or to sign up, visit fruitfulfertility.org.

Vanessa

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 19:44:17 +0000

This is the story of Vanessa, a.k.a. "Mama," and Jory, a.k.a. "Mommy," who live in California and have two adorable toddlers, Axel and Lexa. Today, Vanessa tells Ali all about how she and her wife conceived their two children via at-home insemination (and why her wife carried one and she carried the other); the dumb things people say to her at the park (ie: asking her if she's the nanny to her redheaded son); why she jokes about wanting to have a "redo" pregnancy; and the benefits of babywearing.

Agnes

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:42:43 +0000

In 2017, Agnes Fischer wrote a book, "Eggs Unscrambled," the girlfriend's guide to everything you need to know about your reproductive organs, including freezing your eggs. Today, Agnes talks to Ali about avoiding pregnancy in her early 20s and early 30s, how women are conditioned to think they have to breed, "fertility treatment light," IUIs and IVF, her blog, "FrozenPlease.com," how her book became her "baby" and why today, she's passionate about fertility awareness.

Dara

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Dara, a registered dietitian at the fertility clinic Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) of New York, about her own infertility struggles. Dara discusses having PCOS as well as toxic fluid in both her fallopian tubes, requiring surgery to block them off. Also covered: Feeling shameful about her chemical pregnancy, getting pregnant twice more through IVF, and the dietary advice she gives to women who are trying to have babies.

Naomi

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 12:01:18 +0000

Today, Naomi, a 24-year-old living in England, talks to Ali about being faced with the most difficult decision of her life: Having to decide what to do when, halfway through her pregnancy, doctors discovered that her son, Bear, had a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. Naomi gets real about making the decision they did and why; telling her then four-year-old son, Tristan, why his brother wouldn't be coming home with them; and how the grief of having a stillborn baby affected her relationship with her partner.

Anna Victoria

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 12:39:37 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Anna Victoria—the fitness entrepreneur and influencer behind the hugely popular Fit Body App—about the painful infertility road she's been traveling with her husband, Luca. Anna Victoria gets into some real talk, including two failed IUIs; how not being able to work out has affected her emotional and physical health, and the frustrations of being told by doctors that things look "perfect," even though she's still not able to conceive. Today's episode is sponsored by OOVA, a new fertility tracking system that can monitor and predict your cycles with groundbreaking precision. Find out more at www.oova.life, Instagram (@oova_miracle), and Facebook (facebook.com/OOVAInc).

Stacy, Part 3

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Today, Ali welcomes back her #ttcsister and recurring guest Stacy, who is taking us along as she straps into her secondary infertility roller coaster ride. When we last spoke to Stacy, she was in the middle of her very first IVF cycle. Now, she fills us in on how that first cycle and retrieval went, why she and Ari decided to do a second IVF cycle right away--and how she manages when things are "just totally out of our control."

Nichelle

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 11:58:23 +0000

Amanda

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 11:28:17 +0000

Amanda Rice is a self-proclaimed "cancer overachiever" who was diagnosed with—and beat—cancer three times before turning 40. She’s also the badass founder of Chick Mission, a nonprofit that gives young women who are diagnosed with cancer scholarships to freeze their eggs. Today, Amanda talks about getting brushed off by doctors, her bilateral mastectomy, "dress-up chemo,” an egg retrieval that went horribly wrong, overcoming depression and how creating Chick Mission has given her—and so many others—hope.

Shira

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 11:27:39 +0000

Today we meet Shira, a brilliant lawyer, amazing mom, and Ali's friend from SoulCycle, who opens up about her intense, emotional struggle with infertility. Shira details everything she went through, including an unexpected diagnosis of endometriosis "everywhere," getting pregnant after two years of trying, and the brutal decision she and her husband had to make when they found out that one of their twins, while in utero, had almost no amniotic fluid. Warning: This one's a tearjerker.

Mark

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 22:58:58 +0000

Ali’s guest today is Dr. Mark Trolice, an OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist who runs Fertility CARE in Winter Park, Florida. Marks gets real about the 10 years of infertility he and his wife experienced before adopting their five children. He calls infertility "a life crisis" and how not being able to help his wife caused him to "spiral down into an abyss of despair." Mark's book, "The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Infertility," comes out this October.

Elli

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 16:29:06 +0000

On today's episode, Ali talks to Elli, an American living in Paris, about how different infertility is in France versus the U.S. Case in point: The health care system in France covers fertility treatments (for free!) up to a woman's 43rd birthday. Elli talks about being on the Pill for 20 years, going down an internet rabbit hole, one very insensitive doctor she came across, being in a "really negative place," and finally, after years of trying, how she and her husband finally had a healthy baby boy.

Stacy, Part 2

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 12:02:07 +0000

Today, Ali checks in with Stacy, her first recurring guest, as she goes through her secondary infertility journey. When we left off, Stacy had suffered three miscarriages and was about to start her very first IVF cycle. Now, she's 9 days into it, and she's sharing all the details, from waking up at 5:30am to do her injections to what happened when the hormonal and emotional side of everything kicked in, taking her by surprise. "I just have to be hopeful," she says. "That's the only way I can get through it."

Melissa

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 11:17:30 +0000

On today’s episode, Ali talks to Melissa, a friend from high school who reached out in the hopes that her complicated infertility story would help other people. In addition to severe endometriosis and other health issues that left her in and out of the hospital for years, Melissa gets candid about her seven cycles of IVF, the devastating double miscarriage she says "should be on an episode of Grey's Anatomy" and the decision she and her husband, Matt, made about using donor eggs to finally have their healthy, beautiful daughter.

Kristi

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 11:25:42 +0000

Continuing our celebration of Pride Month, this week's guest is Kristi, who had two children of her own before becoming a surrogate for a same-sex couple living in Israel. Kristi shares the intimate details of her surrogacy experience--before revealing that now, years later—and after undergoing a hysterectomy—she and her husband are using a surrogate of their own to try and have a third baby.

Elshane

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 10:49:34 +0000

Ali's guest today is Elshane, a fashion stylist by day, blogger by night and mama 24/7. Self-described as "If Carrie Bradshaw were a mom," Elshane, who has nearly 100,000 followers on her highly entertaining, extremely chic Elshane's World Instagram account, tells Ali all about her journey with secondary infertility. Included: Six unsuccessful IUIs, how she and her husband managed to laugh hysterically while doing her shots, and why she's proud to be a member of the IVF community.

Michael

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 11:41:36 +0000

Stacy

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 00:22:54 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Stacy, who's in the midst of her infertility story—and who's agreed to be Ali’s first recurring guest, so that everyone can listen along as she goes through it in real time. On this first check-in with Stacy, we find out what’s happened so far, including the birth of her healthy daughter Noa, now 3; the three subsequent miscarriages that rocked her world; secondary infertility “guilt;” and what Stacy and her husband, Ari, have chosen to do next.

Danny

Wed, 29 May 2019 11:27:06 +0000

It’s Ali's first guy on the pod: Today, she talks to Danny, a friend from high school, about the heartbreak he and his wife, Stacy, endured while trying to become parents. Danny tells the unfathomably tragic story of losing their newborn daughter when she was just one hour old, how it strengthened them as a couple, how it felt to finally get pregnant again, and how Stacy's diagnosis of cervical cancer was another unexpected blow. "Stacy is tough as nails," he says. "I admire her to no end."

Halina

Wed, 22 May 2019 10:57:03 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Halina about her long journey to become a mom—including how some major life events shaped her world views. Halina opens up about how being an eyewitness on 9/11 traumatized her, life with PCOS, and years of battling an eating disorder. She describes the pain of losing one twin in utero, as well as a miscarriage that required blood transfusions. Today, the mom-of-two says, “It’s not that the pain goes away. The pain just gets easier to live with over time.”

Blair

Wed, 15 May 2019 10:48:21 +0000

Today, Ali talks to Blair, the founder of Fab Fertility, a blog and Instagram account (@fabfertility) that provides resources and aims to empower women. Blair, who’s about to start her second IVF cycle, gets real with Ali about her own roller coaster, including giving herself an injection on a transatlantic flight, the miscarriage that caused her to “lose her shit,” giving up alcohol and going plant-based, and why, even though she hasn’t had her dream baby yet, she’s not even close to giving up.

Leah

Wed, 08 May 2019 11:45:35 +0000

Ali's guest this week is Leah, an incredible woman whose story has so many twists and turns that it seems like a movie. But it's not. It's her real life. Her journey, which she is still in the midst of, includes blocked fallopian tube surgery, a tragic miscarriage and a diagnosis of Asherman's Syndrome. (Never heard of it? She hadn't either.) Through it all, she says: "There've been setbacks, but then there've been miracle moments where things aligned and it was a clear sign for me: 'Don't give up. Keep going.'"

Donna

Wed, 01 May 2019 23:41:59 +0000

This week, Ali talks to her friend, Donna, about her years-long quest to become a mother, including doing countless rounds of IVF (she literally lost count), why she chose to keep it a secret from some of her closest family members, and how, even though she didn't end up having a baby after all, she's very happy that she tried. "Never, ever, in a hundred million years did it dawn on me that I wouldn't have children," Donna admits. She is sharing her story to help other women who are struggling.

From “Zero Percent Chance” to Becoming a Twin Mom with Gail Kegolis

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 14:11:03 +0000

This week, Ali talks to Gail, one of her besties, about the years of infertility hell she went through before ultimately adopting her now-five-year-old twin boys, Dylan and Leo. Gail gets personal about how she and her husband, Erik, handled multiple rounds of IVF (including how he once gave Gail a shot in her bum in a bar bathroom), how it felt to hear they had a "zero" percent chance of getting pregnant on their own, and how they finally found a great adoption agency and an incredible birth mother.

Miscarriage, Abortion, IVF, and Finding Her Calling: Doula Alison Wehr's Story

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ali talks to Alison, an absolutely magnetic NYC-based doula, who went though years of infertility before making a career out of helping other women before, during and after pregnancy and delivery. Before answering listeners' questions about being a doula, Alison tells her own incredible story, touching on everything from miscarriages to abortion to infertility anger to IUIs and IVF. To find out more about her, go to http://www.doulaalison.com.

“I Can’t Find Mr. Right — and I Won’t Settle for Mr. Okay." Single Mom By Choice Kimberly's Journey to Three Boys

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 11:21:34 +0000

In this episode, Ali talks to Kimberly, a single-mother-by-choice who, in her late 30s, wanted to have babies but hadn't found the right partner. Or, as she puts it, "I can't find Mr. Right, and I don't want to settle for Mr. Okay." Kimberly explains how she made the decision to do it on her own, how she navigated the complicated world of donor sperm (hint: it took a massive spreadsheet) and how today, she juggles working and raising three incredible, energetic boys (hint 2: she gets up at 3:45am!).

From IVF to Adoption: Actress and AP Bio star Jean Villepique

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ali talks to Jean, a talented actress and comedian (A.P. Bio, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre) living in Los Angeles, about the years-long infertility roller coaster she and her husband endured. Included: Going through several miscarriages and a handful of failed IVF cycles, discovering the weirdness (and the free food!) of IVF and adoption seminars, why it's so hard going to other people's baby showers, and how adoption is so much more complicated than anyone ever explains.

Infertile AF Host Ali Prato on Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Depression, Bad Sex, and Navigating the Emotional Reality of Secondary Infertility

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 00:22:45 +0000

In this debut episode, InfertileAF host Ali Prato - a Brooklyn-based journalist and mom-of-two - talks about the four years of infertility hell she went through to have her second child, Sonny. Ali’s goal with this podcast is to create a community and a safe space for women to tell their stories, and here, she gets more personal than ever about her own journey. With a trademark mix of honesty and humor, Ali talks about her four miscarriages, her struggle with infertility depression, and the countless tear-drenched fights with her husband, Vince. She talks about how therapy and SoulCycle helped - but how seeing other knocked up women - in real life and in and certain diapers commercials - would cause her to spiral. Also covered: Clunky sex on demand, shooting up in a gas station bathroom, a trip to a psychic, and why the Beatles song, “Here Comes the Sun,” became her anthem.