Donor Conception Conversations: Recent Episodes
Lisa Schuman
This is the only podcast created for people who are considering, or have used donor conception to build their family. As a researcher, therapist, author, and expert in donor conception, Lisa is passionate about helping people on their donor conception journey. Lisa and her guests will share their research, insights, and deep feelings about navigating the world of donor conception. On this show, you will learn about the tools and truths to have a better path to parenthood and tackle tough parenting issues.
For more information, sign up for our newsletter, you will be able to stay up to date with the episodes, get information about our programs and most of all join our warm community. And follow us on social.// Monthly email: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Watch the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Vb6FLloxtGyGmAvEmiHMA Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
If you’re considering donor conception and feel like you “can’t see the forest for the trees,” this is your zoom‑out episode. Before you choose a donor, sign with a clinic, or pay an agency, you need the big picture.
In this video, we step back from the overwhelm and walk through the full donor conception landscape:
• How your decisions affect your child long‑term (identity, mental health, relationships)
• Common mistakes parents make when they’re rushed, exhausted, or only hearing the clinic’s side
• How to think about psychological screening
My goal with this episode is simple: to help you feel calmer, clearer, and better equipped to lead your family through donor conception without feeling lost or alone.
If you found this helpful, you might also like my workshops on
• How to tell your child their donor conception story: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
• Donor Conception 101 for new and future parents: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
donorconception #ivf #eggdonor #spermdonor #lgbtqfamily #familybuilding
Are your tampons quietly exposing you to toxic metals and chemicals that could affect your hormones and fertility?
In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Nancy Reame breaks down what the FDA has (and hasn’t) done on tampon safety since 2005 and how that compares to Europe.
We cover the real story behind tampon safety, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and what the science actually says about toxins in period products. You’ll learn how chemicals are absorbed through the vagina, what we know about toxic metals like lead and cadmium in tampons, and how all of this may impact menstrual health and fertility.
Dr. Reame explains:
The history of tampon safety and how Toxic Shock Syndrome changed regulations
Why US tampon regulations haven’t been updated since 2005, and how Europe handles toxic materials differently
How and why the vagina is so absorbent, and what that means for chemical exposure
What current research suggests about toxic metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in period products
The real risks of long-term exposure vs what’s been overhyped
Pros and cons of alternatives like menstrual cups and pads (including how to use them safely)
How to read labels, evaluate brands, and find reliable, science-based resources
How to stay appropriately concerned without spiraling into panic
We also talk about advocacy: how to push for better testing, transparency in ingredients, and stronger public health guidance for women’s health products.
If you care about menstrual health, fertility, and safer period products, hit subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and check the links in the description for the research and resources mentioned.
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32382713/
Consumer reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/
Made Safe: https://madesafe.org/
Mamavation: https://mamavation.com/
tamponsafety #toxicshocksyndrome #periodproducts #womenshealth #menstrualhealth #fertility #toxins #endocrinedisruptors #reproductivehealth #periodtalk #buildingyourfamilypodcast
Your clinic and agency help you with the medical and legal parts of surrogacy. But who helps you zoom out and see the bigger picture for you, your surrogate, and your future child?
In this Zoom Out Theory episode, reproductive therapist Lisa Schuman, LCSW, talks about how to step back from the day‑to‑day stress of surrogacy so you can make clearer decisions and set your journey up for long‑term success. We explore how most surrogates are caring, altruistic people, how to build a healthy relationship and communication rhythm with your surrogate, and how to keep your future child in mind without getting overwhelmed.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What the Zoom Out Theory is and how it applies to surrogacy
How emotions and stress can quietly shape decisions during your journey
Keys to the most helpful communication strategy with your surrogate
Why regular check‑ins and clear expectations matter over time
How to think about the long‑term impact on your relationships and your future child
Why documenting your surrogacy experience can support your child later
How to balance emotional awareness with rational clarity when you’re making big choices
If you’re using surrogacy to build your family and want a calmer, more thoughtful journey, this episode will give you tools to zoom out and see the whole picture.
surrogacy #familybuilding #donorconception
“No normal embryos” doesn’t always mean the end.
Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for tough cases, especially older patients. They discuss PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, immunology, inflammation, and why individualized, evidence‑based treatment can open options many patients don’t realize they have.
Have you been told you have “no normal embryos” and feel like you’re out of options?
In this episode of the Building Your Family Podcast, Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for some of the toughest cases: older patients, “no normal embryos,” and cycles where many people are told there’s nothing else to try.
They discuss why careful diagnosis and truly individualized treatment matter so much, especially for older patients; how they think about embryos other clinics might not consider; and what current evidence actually shows about PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, and implantation. They also explore the role of immunology, inflammation, toxins like microplastics, supplements, and AI in embryo selection.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
What “no normal embryos” really means (and what it doesn’t)
Why one‑size‑fits‑all IVF protocols often fail older patients
The controversy around PGTA and how it affects real‑world outcomes
When aneuploid and mosaic embryos may still be part of a thoughtful plan
How immunology, inflammation, and sensitivities can impact implantation
Personalized ovulation induction for older patients
Why evidence‑based, individualized care matters more than trends or hype
If you’ve been told there are no options left, this episode can help you ask better questions and understand what might still be possible for your family.
Subscribe to the Building Your Family Podcast for more evidence‑based conversations on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy.
Episode resources
Website: https://centerforhumanreprod.com/
In this first episode of the Zoom Out series, reproductive therapist, researcher, and author Lisa Schuman, LCSW unpacks the most important question almost no one asks about egg freezing.
Lisa explains why “How many eggs can I freeze?” is only part of the story, and why you also need to understand how many cycles and eggs you’re likely to need for the kind of family you actually want in the future. She introduces her Zoom Out Theory – a simple framework to help you step back from panic, manage stress, and make clearer decisions about your fertility.
Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, Lisa also shares surprising data about non‑genetic parenthood options: how many egg freezing patients are open to donor eggs, embryos, or other paths if needed, and why that matters for how aggressively you pursue more cycles now.
You’ll learn:
The critical egg freezing question almost no one thinks to ask
Why freezing “as many eggs as possible” isn’t always necessary – or helpful
How your emotional state can quietly distort your fertility decisions
What Lisa’s research reveals about patients’ real openness to non‑genetic options
A practical way to zoom out and plan for your long‑term family, not just the next cycle
If you’re considering egg freezing – or you’ve already frozen eggs and are wondering what comes next – this episode will help you balance facts and feelings so you can move forward with more confidence.
eggfreezing #fertility #ivfjourney #fertilitypreservation
reproductivehealth #ttc #familybuilding #donorconception
In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman, LCSW sits down with Dr. Jessica Gray, a physician who has lived through infertility, miscarriage, and the intense pressures of medical training on her way to motherhood.
Jessica shares how a stressful childhood shaped her resilience, what it was like to face endometriosis and IVF as both a doctor and a patient, and how she coped when a long‑hoped‑for pregnancy ended in miscarriage. She talks candidly about binders of notes, hours of research, and the feeling of “doing everything right” and still not getting the outcome she hoped for.
Together, Lisa and Jessica explore the emotional burden of infertility on both partners, the importance of support systems, and the small planning behaviors that can create a sense of control in an uncertain journey. Jessica reflects on how she now gives back to the infertility and parenting community, and what she would say to her younger self who was just starting down this road.
If you’ve felt isolated, overwhelmed, or “not like yourself” during infertility or pregnancy, this conversation offers validation, practical coping ideas, and hope.
Dr. Jessica Gray resources:
Website: https://www.drjessicagraymd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessicagraymd
infertility #miscarriage #IVFjourney #endometriosis #ttccommunity #infertilitysupport #pregnancyloss #mentalhealth
familybuilding #fertilitytreatment #resilience
motherhood #medicaltraining #emotionalhealth #buildyourfamilypodcast
If you’re single or in a relationship that isn’t working and you’re quietly Googling “single motherhood by choice,” this episode is for you. In this conversation with SMBC fertility doctor Alexis Melnick, MD, we walk through 5 clear steps to help you decide before your back is against the wall.
We cover both paths: staying on the relationship track and exploring single motherhood by choice on your own timeline. You’ll hear about the emotional, practical, financial, and support‑system questions to ask yourself so you can move from spiraling alone at 2 a.m. to making a grounded plan.
Inside this episode:
• Who this is really for (single, dating, or in a shaky relationship)
• The 5‑step framework Alexis uses with clients considering SMBC
• Grief, stigma, and the “mourning period” for the life you imagined
• Why so many people say they wish they’d decided earlier
• How to know you didn’t “fail” if you choose this path
If you’re considering donor conception or surrogacy as a single parent, this will help you feel less alone, more informed, and better prepared.
Work with Alexis: [alm2036@med.cornell.edu]
Get my free family‑building resources: 10 Things Donor Conceived Children Want Their Parents To Understand: https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/
singlemotherbychoice #singlemotherhood #donorconception #fertilityjourney #queerfamily
In honor of Pride, this episode is a love letter to queer family building.
I’ve pulled my favorite moments from conversations with LGBTQ+ parents, a fertility doctor, a midwife, a donor‑conceived person, and queer influencers who’ve built their families through donor conception and surrogacy. Together, they share how they answer intrusive questions, how they talk to their kids about donors and surrogates, and how they’ve learned to fully embrace the families they fought so hard to create.
We talk about:
• Navigating fertility clinics, donor conception, and surrogacy as queer intended parents
• What to actually say when people ask, “But who’s the real mom/dad?”
• Age‑appropriate language for talking to children about donors and surrogates
• Grief, joy, and pride on the path to queer parenthood
• How our families feel now that their children are here
If you’re using reproductive medicine, donor conception, or surrogacy to build your family, you are not alone. This episode is meant to sit beside you in the messy middle, give you words when you’re tongue‑tied, and remind you that your family is real, valid, and worthy of celebration.
Please join us on the anniversary of Stonewall for a free Queer Family Building workshop. Register here: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
QueerFamily #DonorConception #QueerFertility #FamilyBuilding
DonorConceived #Pride
Re-released for Pride 2026 — In loving memory of Bret Hanna-Shuford (1979–2026)
In this beloved episode, I sit down with Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna — the Broadway Dads — to talk about one of the most heartfelt and hard-won family-building journeys I’ve ever witnessed. Together, these two Broadway performers navigated egg donation, surrogacy, financial challenges, a lost match, a miscarriage, and a global pandemic before welcoming their son, Maverick, in 2022.
Bret passed away in January 2026 after a sudden and devastating illness. He was 46 years old.
Stephen is now raising Maverick on his own — and remains a fierce, loving advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in their pursuit of parenthood. I re-release this episode with a full heart, because Bret’s spirit, humor, and generosity shine through every minute of it.
In this episode we cover:
• How Bret and Stephen chose their egg donor — and why the first profile felt right
• The surrogacy process as two performers managing a major financial investment
• How they handled the hard questions from others
• What they wish they had known going in
• The moment they knew it was “supposed to be this way”
This one is for every queer person who has ever dreamed of becoming a parent — and for Bret, who never stopped believing it was possible.
Episode resources
Buy the new book "Goodnight Break a Leg": https://bit.ly/GoodNightBreakALegBook
DonorConceptionConversations #Pride2026 #BroadwayDads #LGBTQFamily
BroadwayHusbands #Surrogacy #QueerParenting #DonorConception #EggDonation
GayDads #InMemoriam #FamilyBuilding #BretShuford #BuildingYourFamily
RepresentationMatters #LGBTQ
What does it really look like to build a queer family today – with donor conception, infertility, and non‑biological parenting in the mix?
In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa sits down with long‑time queer family advocate and podcast host of the Queer Family Podcast, Jaimie Kelton to talk honestly about infertility, the emotional weight of genetics, and the many paths LGBTQ+ families take to build their families. They explore how advocacy and resources for queer families have evolved, why non‑biological connections can be just as deep as genetic ones, and how humor helps normalize complex family dynamics.
You’ll hear candid stories about slow bonding, the myth of the “instant magical moment,” and why accepting your unique path changes everything. Lisa and Jamie also dig into the importance of intentional parenting, open communication about donor conception, and how to create safety for kids to ask questions about their origins.
If you’re a queer parent, planning a family, or supporting LGBTQIA families, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and community for the journey.
You’ll learn:
How advocacy and resources for queer families have changed
Why infertility and emotional struggles are universal and important to acknowledge
How to navigate feelings about genetics and non‑biological parenting
Practical ways to talk with kids about donor conception
Why community support and openness matter so much for LGBTQ+ family building
Guest resources
Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast
Re-released for Pride 2026 — Because this conversation never gets old
What does it actually feel like to need a donor to build your family? How do you choose the right one? What does the medical process look like — and what does the emotional process look like? In this rare co-author conversation, I put these questions to Dr. Mark Leondires, Founder and Medical Director of Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be — and he turns them right back on me.
Together, Dr. Leondires and I wrote Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception. In this episode, we give you the condensed, honest version — the medical clarity, the practical steps, and the emotional truth — all in one place.
You’ll walk away knowing:
• The key medical steps in egg, sperm, and embryo donation
• How to think about choosing a donor — and what really matters
• The emotional landscape most people don’t expect
• What to tell your children — and when
• Why donor conception is more mainstream than ever, and what that means for your family
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or are already in the process, this episode gives
you clear, actionable guidance from two of the leading voices in the field. No fluff. No
overwhelm. Just answers.
DonorConceptionConversations #Pride2026 #DonorConception #LGBTQFamily
EggDonation #SpermDonation #IVF #FertilityDoctor #BuildingYourFamily
DrMarkLeondires #IllumeFertility #GayParentsToBe #FamilyBuilding #QueerFamily
FertilityPodcast #ListenNow
Co-authors Lisa Schuman &; Dr. Mark Leondires answer your biggest donor conception
questions — medical, emotional &; practical. 50+ years of expertise in one episode.
ABOUT THE GUESTS
Dr. Mark Leondires, MD — Founder and Medical Director, Illume Fertility; Founder, Gay Parents
To Be; co-author, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception. Father through donor conception and surrogacy.
Lisa Schuman, LCSW — Founding Director, The Center for Family Building; host, Donor Conception Conversations podcast; co-author, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception; award-winning researcher, ASRM.
She was only 25 and already knew something was wrong.
If you have one child and are secretly struggling to have another, this episode is for you.
Margarita’s story of secondary infertility and PCOS shows what happens when “just keep trying” isn’t good enough.
In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman sits down with Margarita Lainez to talk about the often overlooked reality of secondary infertility and PCOS. After having her first child with ease, Margarita assumed a second would come naturally. Instead, she faced month after month of negative tests, dismissive “just keep trying” advice, and the heavy guilt of not giving her son a sibling.
Margarita shares what it was like to live this while working inside the fertility world, how she finally pushed for a real workup and received a PCOS diagnosis, and the grief, shame, and loneliness that came with that season. Together, Lisa and Margarita explore self‑advocacy, setting boundaries, protecting your mental health, and finding the right support when friends, family, or even doctors don’t fully understand.
If you’re in the middle of your own fertility journey, especially secondary infertility, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more equipped to ask for what you need.
Inside this episode:
What secondary infertility can feel like day‑to‑day
Being told “just keep trying” when you know something is wrong
Getting to a PCOS diagnosis and what self‑advocacy really looked like
Shame, blame, and the pressure to “give a sibling”
Setting boundaries, finding community, and caring for your mental health
What grounded, realistic hope can look like after grief
If you’re in secondary infertility or on a donor conception path and want help with the emotional and decision‑making side, that’s exactly what we do inside Building Your Family.
👉 Learn more and get support here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
Guest resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margarita-lainez-950a2860/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaritalainez100/
secondaryinfertility #PCOS #fertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #buildingyourfamily #donorconception #ttccommunity
If you’ve been told “this is just your protocol,” “we’ll just try again,” or “everything looks fine” while IVF keeps failing, this episode is for you. Standard IVF works for many people, but not for everyone. So what happens when you don’t fit the usual box?
In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Pietro Bortoletto, reproductive endocrinologist at Terra Fertility. He trained at Northwestern, Brigham & Women’s / Mass General, and Weill Cornell, and now focuses on the hard cases: diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, fibroids, and Müllerian anomalies.
We talk about:
Why he stepped out of the traditional IVF system
How real experts think “outside the box” without going fringe
When surgery actually helps (and when it’s just more trauma)
The role of endometriosis, inflammation, and the immune system in fertility
What thoughtful immunologic workups look like (and when they’re not useful)
When to seek a second opinion and how to do it respectfully
Mindset tools for staying sane when the road is long and uncertain
This is not personal medical advice. It is a window into how a well‑trained REI thinks when standard IVF isn’t working, so you can have better, deeper conversations with your own team.
🔗 If you’re in treatment, using donors, or considering surrogacy and want more support with the emotional and decision‑making side of this journey, that’s exactly what we do inside The Building Your Family Community. You’ll find the link in the description.
Guest resources:
Website: https://www.terrafertility.com/
IVF #Fertility #Infertility #FertilityTreatment #DiminishedOvarianReserve
RecurrentImplantationFailure #RecurrentPregnancyLoss #Endometriosis
FertilityDoctor #FertilitySupport #FertilityJourney #IVFSupport
TryingToConceive #FertilityClinic #FamilyBuilding
Unexplained infertility. Failed cycles. Constant “what ifs” about plastics, products, and the environments we live in.
We’re surrounded by headlines about “toxins” and especially worried about how they might affect fertility, but almost no one teaches us how to think clearly about any of it. In this episode, Lisa Schuman, LCSW, talks with Dr. John Warner, a founder of Green Chemistry, about how everyday materials may influence fertility and health, and how to think about risk without spiraling into fear. Dr. Warner shares the personal tragedy that pushed him to re‑invent how chemistry is taught and practiced, and together they explore what realistic, informed choices look like for people in fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy.
You’ll hear about:
How environmental exposures intersect with fertility and overall health
The “devastating realization” that changed Dr. Warner’s career
What Green Chemistry is and why it matters for future parents
Why testing chemicals is so complex (and why “no data” ≠ “safe”)
How to ask better questions instead of panicking about “toxins”
The four pillars of chemistry education and “intellectual ecology”
How consumer choices quietly shape what companies create next
Why fear itself can become toxic and block clear decision‑making
If you’re going through IVF, using donor conception, working with a surrogate, or pregnant after infertility, this conversation offers a calmer, clearer way to think about your environment, without chasing perfection or drowning in guilt.
Guest resources
Website: https://johnwarner.org/
Chapters
00:00 The Impact of Environment on Fertility
03:42 John Warner's Journey to Green Chemistry
08:33 The Birth of Green Chemistry
15:43 Practical Steps for a Healthier Life
19:31 The Challenge of Testing and Regulation
25:58 Finding Reliable Information on Toxicity
27:51 The Four Pillars of Chemistry Education
29:00 Intellectual Ecology in Chemistry
30:08 Navigating Public Skepticism
32:55 Finding Balance in Information
34:54 Making Informed Choices
36:27 Embracing Chemistry in Daily Life
39:22 Consumer Responsibility and Market Influence
42:20 Understanding Marketing and Product Labels
45:45 Overcoming Chemophobia and Embracing Chemistry
49:39 The Role of Fear in Consumer Choices
fertility #IVF #donorconception #greenchemistry #environmentaltoxins #infertility #womenshealth #familybuilding #eggdonation #surrogacy
If you’re building your family through donor conception and one of you is not genetically related to your child, this episode is for you.
Lisa Schuman, LCSW, unpacks the real emotional challenges non-genetically related parents face: jealousy, insecurity, fear of being “less than,” and the quiet worry about connection and bonding. She walks you through five key suggestions for navigating these feelings together, so you can protect your relationship and your future family.
You’ll learn:
Why the non-genetic parent often gets overlooked, and how to change that
How to talk openly about jealousy, insecurity, and grief
The critical difference between privacy and secrecy in donor conception
How to stay flexible as roles and feelings shift over time
What the genetically linked parent needs emotionally, and how to support each other as a team
This conversation is about intention, compassion, and clear communication so both parents feel seen, secure, and fully “real” in their role. If you want a strong relationship and a healthy environment for your donor-conceived child, start here.
Get free resources on donor conception here: https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/
00:00 Introduction to Donor Conception and Parenting Dynamics
01:44 Challenges for Non-Genetically Related Parents
02:59 Navigating Emotional Complexities
06:05 Five Key Suggestions for Couples
08:18 The Importance of Open Communication
10:16 Privacy vs. Secrecy in Family Building
12:04 Creating a Supportive Environment
14:36 Flexibility in Parenting Roles
15:06 Recognizing the Genetically Linked Parent's Role
17:16 Normalizing Feelings in Parenting
18:46 The Importance of Intention and Communication
Most people only meet a fertility specialist in crisis mode.
In this episode, Dr. Shefali Shastri, Clinical Director and Physician Partner at RMA New Jersey, explains what proactive fertility actually looks like.
Dr. Shastri is a board‑certified reproductive endocrinologist who has helped bring thousands of babies into the world since joining RMA New Jersey in 2009. Inspired by her OB/GYN mother, she now combines cutting‑edge science with deeply personal, patient‑centered care.
We cover:
• Who should consider a fertility workup before trying
• How to understand your “fertility age” vs your birthday age
• What a proactive fertility checkup actually includes (hormones, AMH, ultrasound, semen analysis, basic genetic screening, etc.)
• Red flags where you should not “wait a year”
• Egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, and underlying genetic causes of infertility
• Exercise, weight, stress and movement for fertility
• Specific guidance for single parents by choice, queer couples, and people planning for donor conception or surrogacy
• How to turn fear of “bad news” into informed, empowered decisions
If you’re not trying yet but want options later, or you’re already in treatment and feeling stuck, this conversation will give you a clear, compassionate roadmap.
Connect:
• Learn more about Dr. Shastri and RMA New Jersey: https://rmanetwork.com/staff/shefali-mavani-shastri/
• Follor Dr. Shastri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shefalishastrimd/
• Get my proactive fertility & family‑building resources:https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/
National Infertility Awareness Week is about more than awareness posts. It is about whose stories get heard, who gets left out, and how we turn lived experience into better policy for everyone building their family.
In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle, the new CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. We talk about what RESOLVE is really doing behind the scenes, how they’re supporting single parents by choice and queer families, and why telling your story is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy you have.
We also get practical: how to advocate for yourself at work, how to approach HR about fertility benefits, and how to find common ground in a divided moment so we can actually move legislation forward.
We cover:
What RESOLVE does for patients beyond social media during NIAW
How current policies help some groups and still miss singles and LGBTQ+ families
Concrete RESOLVE resources for talking to HR about fertility coverage
Advocating for yourself at work without risking everything
Using your story to build empathy, shift culture, and influence lawmakers
Finding common ground across differences as a path to better legislation
If you’re a single parent by choice, part of a queer couple, or anyone navigating reproductive medicine who has ever felt invisible, this conversation is for you.
Episode resources
Resolve: https://resolve.org/
National Infertility Awareness week: https://www.infertilityawareness.org/
Deciding what to do with unused embryos after IVF can feel overwhelming, lonely, and loaded with grief.
In this episode, we talk honestly about the emotional weight of unused embryos and why so many people get stuck here for years. I walk through the most common options clinics offer, explain what each one actually means, and introduce additional paths like compassionate transfer and using ritual when none of the standard choices feel right for you.
Then I share a simple 3‑step system to help you move forward when you feel completely stuck, so you can make decisions that align with your values and find some peace with whatever you choose.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why unused embryos bring up such big and conflicting feelings
What your clinic’s standard options really involve (storage, donation, research, disposal, and more)
What a compassionate transfer is and when it may be offered
How ritual and meaning‑making can help with grief around unused embryos
A practical 3‑step process to move from paralysis to the next right decision for you
If you’re facing decisions about unused embryos and feel torn, this conversation is for you. You are not alone, and there is a way through.
For more support around IVF, donor conception, and surrogacy, check the links in the show notes.
Journalist and TV anchor Jenna Wolfe joins therapist Lisa Schuman to share how she built a two‑mom family through fertility treatment and donor conception, came out on the Today Show, navigated a double mastectomy after a BRCA diagnosis, divorced, and is now co‑parenting two daughters. This episode is for anyone using reproductive medicine, or donor conception and worries, “Will my family really be OK?”
We walk step‑by‑step through Jenna’s story:
• Coming out publicly while pregnant and what she was most afraid of
• Meeting her wife, deciding to have kids, and whose genetics to use
• Fertility treatment in the public eye and choosing a sperm donor
• Facing a double mastectomy as a new mom and talking to her kids about it
• Divorce, building a healthy co‑parenting relationship, and focusing forward on the children
• Small, doable changes that helped her get through fertility, surgery, and starting over
If you’re building your family with fertility treatment, or donor conception, and want more structured support, you can learn about the Building Your Family education and support platform here:
https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
This episode is sponsored by Seattle Sperm Bank, a donor sperm bank focused on rigorous screening, a wide donor selection, and thoughtful support for LGBTQ+ and solo parents. Learn more here:
https://www.seattlespermbank.com/building-your-family/
When you’re going through fertility treatment, donor conception, or surrogacy, it’s completely normal to hit a point where you think, “Ugh… screw it.”
In this solo episode, Lisa Schuman names and explains the “Screw It Principle”: the quiet ways stress, exhaustion, jealousy, and resentment slip into big decisions about clinics, donors, and agencies. She breaks down the two versions of “screw it” moments, why they feel so good in the moment, and how they can slowly pull you away from your deepest values for yourself and your future child.
You’ll learn:
The two types of “screw it” decisions and how they show up in fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy
How decision fatigue, jealousy, and burnout push you toward what feels comforting instead of what matches your long-term values
A simple two-question checkpoint to catch “screw it” moments in real time
How to gently redirect that “I’m done” energy into safer places, without judging yourself
Lisa also shares a free Stress Tools Guide to help you calm your nervous system when you feel burned out, angry, or jealous, so you can return to big choices with more clarity and self-compassion. She also points you to SART, a resource for looking up official U.S. IVF clinic data so you can better align clinic choices with your values, not just your stress level.
You are not weak for having “screw it” moments. You’re human. This episode helps you notice them before they quietly steer the parts of your family-building journey that matter most.
Episode resources
Grab your free ebook here: https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) - https://www.sart.org/
Fertility and Sterility: https://www.fertstert.org/
Most patients never see what actually happens to their eggs and embryos once they disappear “into the lab.” In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Dr. Eduardo Hariton to unpack what safety really looks like in modern IVF: barcodes, double-checks, lab standards, and how AI is starting to support better decisions.
Dr. Hariton earned his MD from Harvard Medical School and MBA from Harvard Business School, has published over 70 papers and presentations, and leads innovation across a large fertility network. He brings a rare perspective that combines hands-on patient care with systems-level insight into how labs actually run day to day.
We cover:
How eggs and embryos are labeled, tracked, and verified at every step
Why lab conditions and protocols can quietly impact success rates
How clinics use redundancies, checklists, and technology to prevent errors
Where AI is already being used in IVF (and what is still early hype)
What “good” answers sound like when you ask your clinic about safety
How donor eggs, sperm, and embryos are handled and safeguarded
Practical questions you can take to your own clinic without feeling adversarial
If you’re using IVF, donor gametes, or surrogacy to build your family, this conversation is designed to give you clarity and better questions, not fear.
Guest resources
Dr. Hariton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haritonmd/
Dr. Hariton’s website: https://rscbayarea.com/doctors/hariton/
AutoIVF Technology: https://autoivf.com
My resources
Building Your Family Podcast: https://familybuilding.net/podcast/
If you want help turning this episode into specific questions and checklists for your own journey, you’ll find guides and tools in our community.
Trans people don’t want “special” families. They want what every parent wants: to tuck their kids in at night and know they’re safe.
In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman, LCSW, sits down with educator and advocate Trystan Reese to talk about trans family building: what’s the same, what’s different, and what trans parents need from clinics, communities, and allies right now.
They cover:
• Trystan’s journey as a pregnant trans man and becoming a parent
• Why trans people’s desire to parent is the same as anyone’s
• How fertility, pregnancy, and adoption can be more complex for trans individuals
• The role of supportive communities and affirming medical care
• How providers can build real trust with humility and curiosity
• Legal protections like second‑parent adoption and why they matter
• What non‑trans patients using donor conception or surrogacy can learn from trans families about “difference and belonging”
Whether you’re trans, cis, a fertility patient, or a clinician, this conversation will help you better understand and support trans families in a world where family building is increasingly politicized.
Resources & Links
– Learn more about Trystan Reese: https://www.trystanreese.com/
– Building Your Family community, workshops, and newsletter: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
– Learn more about Collaborate Consulting: https://collaborate.consulting/
– Learn more about Transfertility: https://transfertility.co/
Building Your Family is hosted by Lisa Schuman, LCSW, a leading expert in fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy, helping parents and professionals support children growing up in “different” families.
TransFamilyBuilding #TransParents #TransPregnancy #LGBTQFamily #QueerParenting #FertilityJourney
DonorConception #Surrogacy #InclusiveCare #AffirmingCare #LGBTQHealth #BuildingYourFamilyPodcast
TrystanReese #InfertilitySupport #FamilyBuilding
How do you make smart, grounded choices about egg freezing today that support whatever comes next – IVF, donor conception, or deciding not to pursue treatment at all? In this episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Jaime Knopman joins Lisa to unpack the real numbers, timing, and trade‑offs so you can feel more empowered and less sold to.
We talk honestly about when egg freezing makes sense, what “ideal before 35” actually means in real life, and why success rates are never higher than about 75% – no matter what the brochure says. Dr. Knopman explains how to think about lab quality, age, and medical factors, while Lisa brings in the emotional side of planning for the possibility of future IVF or donor conception.
In this conversation, we cover:
How to think about fertility planning in your 20s and 30s
When to consider egg freezing or embryos – and when it may not be worth it
The truth behind egg freezing success rates and “control is an illusion”
Common myths about egg quality and what actually matters
How today’s decisions can shape later choices, including donor conception
Why your lab and team are so important
Chapters:
00:00 Empowering Fertility Planning
06:02 Navigating the Decision to Freeze Eggs or Embryos
11:56 Addressing Concerns About Egg Quality
17:57 Debunking Myths Around Egg Quality
23:44 Grieving and Acceptance in Fertility
29:39 The Importance of the Lab in Fertility Treatments
If you’re in fertility treatment, thinking about egg freezing, or considering donor conception and want more emotional support and education, you can find my workshops and membership at https://familybuilding.net/
Learn more about Dr. Jaime Knopman: https://drjaimeknopman.com/
Follow Dr. Jaime Knopman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaimeknopman/
fertilityjourney #eggfreezing
fertilityplanning #fertilityawareness
reproductivehealth #ivfjourney
donorconception #infertilitysupport
womenshealth #fertilityclinic
Many intended parents secretly ask themselves: “How can I have such negative feelings about donor conception and still love my child?”
In this episode, Lisa talks directly to that fear. She explains why you don’t have to “feel good” about donor conception to be a deeply loving, attuned parent – and how the part of you that’s grieving and the part of you that loves your child are not the same part.
We explore:
• How guilt, grief, and ambivalence can show up during and after treatment
• The “two parts of you” that get intertwined during fertility treatment – and how to start gently separating them
• What Lisa has seen in younger donor‑conceived people who are doing well emotionally
• Why the extent to which parents are comfortable with their family story shapes how safely their children can talk about it
• Small, practical steps you can take if you can’t imagine feeling fully “okay” about donor conception, but you still want to move forward
If you’re building your family with donor eggs, sperm, or embryos and carrying a lot of complicated feelings, this conversation is for you.
For more support and education around donor conception, visit Building Your Family:
familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
donorconception #donoreggs
donorsperm #donorconceived
intendedparents #fertilitysupport
ivfjourney #ivfcommunity
infertilitysupport #familybuilding
reproductivemedicine #mentalhealth
Leaking when you laugh, rushing to the bathroom “just in case,” constipation, or painful sex after birth… common, yes. Normal, no.
In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon (aka The Vagina Whisperer), joins me to break the silence on peeing, pooping, pregnancy, postpartum, and sex. We talk about what your pelvic floor actually is, why it matters during fertility treatment, pregnancy, birth and menopause, and how small changes can make a huge difference in daily life.
Dr. Sara shares practical guidance from her app and new book Floored, including how to breathe, move, poop, and have sex in ways that support your pelvic floor instead of fighting it. We also cover C‑section recovery, scar tissue, back pain, and why “adult diapers are not your destiny.”
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What the pelvic floor does and how it affects peeing, pooping, sex, and core strength
Why pregnancy, birth, and C‑sections change your pelvic floor (and what to do about it)
How stress and tension show up in your pelvic floor during fertility treatments
Simple relaxation, breathing, and bowel movement techniques you can start today
The truth about Kegels and when they help vs. when they make things worse
How to navigate dryness, pain with sex, and shame around “down there”
When to see a pelvic floor PT and how apps and books like Floored can help
Whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, in perimenopause, or just tired of wondering what’s “normal,” this conversation will give you clear, compassionate education and next steps.
Learn more about Dr. Sara Reardon: https://thevagwhisperer.com/
Follow Dr. Sara Reardon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer/
When you’re building your family with donor conception, one huge decision often gets skipped: Are we setting this person up as “Dad” (or “Mom”)… or as a “Donor”?
This episode is not about what your child might eventually choose to call them. It’s about the role you intentionally create at the beginning and how that choice shapes expectations, time, money, relationships, and logistics for everyone involved. It can be beautiful, or it can become very complicated, depending on how it’s set up.
In this solo episode, I walk you through six key topics to think about before you decide:
• Legal realities and responsibilities
• Emotional expectations for you, your co-parent / donor, and your child
• Family and societal expectations
• Occupational and lifestyle implications
• Time and financial commitments
• How your own story and history shape the relationship
I also share three practical ways to process your responses, so you’re not just spinning in worry, but actually moving toward a more grounded, thoughtful decision for you and your future child.
This episode is not legal advice and cannot replace personalized medical, legal, or mental health support. It’s meant to offer ideas, language, and frameworks as you navigate donor conception and modern family building.
👉 Want more support as you make donor-related decisions?
Attend our free donor considerations workshops for people using reproductive medicine to build their families.
Get your ticket here: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
donorconception #donorconceived #familybuilding #fertilityjourney #IVFcommunity #singlemotherbychoice #LGBTQfamily #thirdpartyreproduction #surrogacyjourney #modernfamily #donorissues #knownDonor #intendedparents #reproductivemedicine #chosenfamily
What if you’re told you’re in premature menopause at 34 – and your only path to pregnancy is IVF with donor eggs?
In this episode, I’m joined by fitness coach Kyla Burke, who shares her personal journey with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), IVF, and ultimately pregnancy using donor eggs from a friend.
Kyla talks honestly about:
– Mistaking her early POI symptoms for lingering COVID effects
– Learning what AMH actually means and how it changed her plans
– Moving from her own eggs to donor eggs – emotionally and practically
– The loss of control that comes with IVF and donor conception
– How she prepared her body and mind for pregnancy after treatment
– Staying active during pregnancy to support her mental health
– The realities of postpartum recovery (and how pelvic floor therapy helped)
– The pressure of “bouncing back” and unrealistic social media expectations
– Aging, fitness, and maintaining health while building a family
Throughout the conversation, Kyla comes back to one core message:
You’re not failing if treatment is hard, if transfers fail, or if you need donor eggs. Your body is not broken – and you deserve support for your mental health and recovery just as much as for your lab results.
This episode is for anyone facing POI, IVF, donor eggs, or simply trying to hold onto their physical and emotional wellbeing through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.
⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team or therapist.
🌱 Ongoing support for donor conception & surrogacy families
If you want more than one‑off episodes and would like ongoing workshops, courses, and community around donor conception, surrogacy, and talking to your child, you can learn about the Building Your Family community here:
👉 https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
To receive free resources and updates about future workshops and episodes, you can also join my newsletter here:
👉 https://familybuilding.net/newsletter/
If you’re using or considering donor conception and wondering, “Will I feel like the real parent?” or “Will I love this baby as much?” you are not alone.
In this solo episode, I talk about genetic loss – what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s different from lifelong “genetic grief.” I share findings from my own research and years of clinical work, and explain why the distress you feel about needing a donor (even during pregnancy) has no correlation with how much you will love your child.
We’ll cover:
– What “genetic loss” means in the context of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos
– Why people experience genetic loss so differently – and why your way is valid
– The difference between genetic loss and genetic grief (and why you don’t have to “finish grieving” before starting your family)
– Why being upset about needing a donor does not predict whether you’ll bond with your child
– What my research and real‑life stories show about love and attachment in donor‑conceived families
– Practical tips for working with these feelings instead of judging yourself for them
At the heart of it, most people just want to know:
“Will I have a real bond with my child?”
This episode is here to reassure you that a strong bond is possible, and to give you language and tools to support yourself along the way.
⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team or therapist.
Most people naturally focus on photos and eye color when choosing a donor. It’s the first thing you see and it feels concrete. But if that’s all you focus on, it’s easy to overlook some of the genetics and long‑term implications that may matter even more for your family.
In Part 2 of my conversation with social scientist and philosopher Jonathan Anomaly, we talk about how to think about donor eggs, donor sperm, and genetics in a way that actually helps you choose a donor. Jonathan works with a company developing and researching embryo testing tools, so he sits at the intersection of ethics, economics, and genetics.
In this episode, we cover:
– Why it's especially important, when you're choosing a donor, to look beyond photos and understand their medical and family history.
– What to pay attention to in a donor’s medical and family history (and what matters less than you might think)
– How donor screening and embryo testing can work together – and where it’s overkill
– Common decision traps: getting stuck on looks, “vibe,” or minor traits while ignoring long‑term implications
– A high‑level framework for choosing a donor that looks beyond photos
Our goal is not to tell you which donor to pick, but to give you a clearer framework so you feel less lost and more grounded in what really matters for your family.
⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team.
🎓 Donor Conception Masterclass – Walk Through the Full 5‑Step Process
In this conversation I share parts of my 5‑step framework for choosing a donor. If you’re in the middle of donor selection (or know you’ll be there soon) and want to walk through all 5 steps with worksheets, examples, and support, that’s exactly what I do in my Donor Conception Masterclass.
👉 Learn more and join here: https://familybuilding.net/donor-conception-masterclass/
Learn more about Jonathan & Herasight
Jonathan Anomaly: https://jonathan-anomaly.com/
Herasight: https://www.herasight.com/
About Lisa
Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is the founder of the Building Your Family community, an expert‑led platform that provides evidence‑based education and support for people using fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy – including LGBTQ+ families and single parents by choice. She is also the Director of The Center for Family Building, where she and her team provide counseling and screening for intended parents, gestational carriers, and donors.
Join the Building Your Family Community:
https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
Community Events: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
The Center For Family Building: https://familybuilding.net/
Order Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/buildin...
Follow on Instagram: @thecenterforfamilybuilding
The Building Your Family Podcast and content posted by Lisa Schuman is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes.
DonorConception #EggDonation #SpermDonation
EmbryoDonation #IVF #EmbryoTesting
FertilityTreatment #GeneticTesting
InfertilitySupport #BuildingYourFamily
If you’re in IVF and being offered a menu of embryo tests – PGT‑A, PGT‑M, PGT‑P – it can feel overwhelming. What do they actually tell you? How much is genetics vs environment? And how do you think about ethics, money, and risk for your family?
In this two‑part series, I’m joined by Jonathan Anomaly, a social scientist and philosopher who works with a company developing and researching embryo testing tools, including PGT‑P.
In Part 1, we cover:
– What PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P are (in plain language)
– What kinds of conditions these tests can screen for – and what they can’t
– How to think about risk, family history, and the role of environment
– The real‑world pros and cons: cost, access, equity, and ethics
– Guardrails for deciding whether embryo testing makes sense for you
You’ll leave with a clearer framework for talking to your doctor or genetics team, without being told what you “should” do.
⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team.
🎁 Free IVF “Zoom Out” Decision Guide
If this episode left you feeling pulled in many directions about embryo testing, I created a short Zoom Out guide to help you:
– Step back from the pressure of the moment
– Get clear on your own priorities and values
– Walk into appointments more prepared to ask questions and make decisions that fit you
👉 Get it free here: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter/
📅 Upcoming free workshops
If you’d like more free support on decisions, donor conception, or surrogacy, you can see all of my upcoming workshops here:
👉 https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
Learn more about Dr. Anomaly: https://jonathan-anomaly.com/
Learn more about Herasight: https://www.herasight.com/
About Lisa
Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is the founder of the Building Your Family community, an expert‑led platform that provides evidence‑based education and support for people using fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy – including LGBTQ+ families and single parents by choice.
IVF #EmbryoTesting #PGTA #PGTM #PGTP
FertilityTreatment #GeneticTesting #DonorConception
Surrogacy #InfertilitySupport #BuildingYourFamily
Journalist Pedro Andrade joins me to talk about his new documentary series Somewhat Familiar – a global journey through surrogacy, adoption, foster care and modern LGBTQ+ families, including his own path to fatherhood with his husband and their daughter via surrogacy.
From “illegal” same‑sex parenthood in Italy to adoption in Korea and foster families in the U.S., we explore how love, law and culture shape who gets to be a family.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why Pedro created Somewhat Familiar and how it changed his view of becoming a parent
What he learned from same‑sex parents whose families are not legally recognized
The emotional reality of surrogacy, adoption, foster care and independent parenting
How legal systems and social norms can make some families invisible or “illegal”
What really matters most in building strong family relationships across cultures
This conversation is for anyone building a family through IVF, donor conception, surrogacy, adoption, foster care or on their own – and wondering where they fit.
📺 Watch Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade
(Streaming details may vary by region.)
📩 Free support for your journey
If you want a simple 10‑minute reset for the hardest days of treatment, DM me “ZOOM” on Instagram or leave a comment here, and I’ll send you my free Zoom Out Theory ebook + guided meditation.
Follow Pedro Andrade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedroandradetv/
This special Best of 2025 Learn episode brings together the most powerful insights on IVF, donor conception, and surrogacy to help you feel more prepared, informed, and less alone in your 2026 fertility journey.
Inside this episode, we revisit key moments from conversations with leading voices in reproductive medicine, psychology, and lived experience. Using my Zoom Theory (regulate vs learn), this is the Learn episode:
Part 1 – New Insights
• IVF: how to think about your cycle and when to pursue treatment
• Donor conception: talking about donors, identity, and long‑term implications for you and your future child
• Surrogacy: the experience of a surrogate
Part 2 – What You Need To Remember
• Core truths to hold onto when you feel discouraged or behind
• Frameworks to use on your journey
• How to keep learning without overwhelming yourself
This episode is for anyone using IVF, donor conception, or surrogacy to build their family, and for professionals who support them.
🔍 Resources mentioned:
• My free “Zoom Out” ebook on regulating first, then learning in manageable steps: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2qiyompkg6cowwk18waj6/Year-End-e-book.pdf?rlkey=hrz9uan0c87pnobh3qm1w2scv&st=5bvv3zpx&dl=0
• Workshops on [DONOR CHOICE / PARENTING / SURROGACY] and ongoing support: https://familybuilding.net/
• Listen to the full podcast on audio platforms: https://familybuilding.net/podcast/
If this helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone on this path. No one should have to navigate third‑party reproduction and fertility treatment alone.
IVFjourney #DonorConception #SurrogacyJourney
Struggling with PCOS and trying to understand your fertility options – and all the talk about PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P?
In this episode, fertility specialist Dr Steven Palter walks through how he approaches PCOS treatment and lifestyle, then explains the differences between PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P in IVF embryo genetic testing.
I frame this as a kind of “second opinion” conversation – not to replace your own doctor, but to give you another way of hearing the information so you can ask clearer questions at your own clinic.
Learn more about Dr. Steven Palter: https://www.goldcoastivf.com/
Follow Dr. Steven Palter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpaltermd/
In this episode I share The Zoom Out Theory: a 30‑minute reset to calm your nervous system and regain perspective during IVF, donor conception, or surrogacy. You’ll learn why your brain spirals during treatment, how to “zoom out” in the hardest moments, and a simple way to come back to yourself when it all feels like too much.
Free companion ebook + guided meditation: DM me “ZOOM” on Instagram and I’ll send it to you.
Many people using donor conception or surrogacy feel “different” and quietly wonder what family really means when genetics aren’t shared in the way they expected.
In this episode, I talk about chosen family in the context of donor conception and surrogacy: how to see yourself not as “other,” but as part of a growing, very real type of family.
We’ll explore:
• How the concept of family has changed – and where you fit in
• Why grief about not using your or your partner’s genetics is natural
• How grief about genetics and your bond with your child often get conflated (and why they’re different)
• How to think about who is in your “inner circle”
• How to decide what to share with close family and friends, and what to keep private
• Why doing both the inner work (your own feelings) and the external work (how you talk to others) can help you feel more prepared for the future
If you’re building your family with donor sperm, donor eggs, embryos, or surrogacy, you are not alone – and you are not less of a family. There are ways to navigate grief, boundaries, and conversations that honor you, your partner, and your child.
💬 Want more support?
Inside my membership, I offer:
• Weekly live workshops on choosing donors, talking to donor‑conceived kids, and navigating surrogacy relationships
• A growing library of replays, including topics like this one
• A community of people building families through reproductive medicine
Learn more or join here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
🔔 New episodes every week on donor conception, surrogacy, and parenting in these families. Subscribe so you don’t miss them.
donorconception #donorconceived #surrogacy #chosenfamily #modernfamily #infertilitysupport #thirdpartyreproduction #intendedparents #lgbtqfamily #fertilityjourney
If you’ve been reassured that your donor will only create a “small number” of families, or even that they’re effectively “just for you,” this episode is important.
In this conversation, I unpack:
– What clinics and banks usually mean when they talk about “family limits”
– Why those limits often don’t work the way intended in real life
– How donor siblings can appear over time, even when you were told the donor wouldn’t donate again
– Why spending a fortune trying to secure an “exclusive” donor is rarely the best way to protect your child
– What is in your control: planning to tell your child about their donor conception so they understand there may be donor siblings now or in the future
I also talk about openness: when having more access to a donor can be helpful for medical or emotional reasons, and why it’s still possible to raise a healthy, secure child with a non‑open donor. The goal is to replace scary myths with realistic expectations and practical steps you can take as a parent.
If this brought up questions for you, there are two free workshops that can help:
Choosing a Donor: What Clinics & Websites Don’t Teach You – for people still in the donor decision or selection process
Talking To Your Donor‑Conceived Child: Where & How To Begin – for parents thinking about how to start these conversations
You can see dates and register for both at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976369301784?aff=oddtdtcreator, or via the links in the show notes.
donorconception #donoreggs #donorsperm
donorsiblings #familylimits #thirdpartyreproduction
fertilitytreatment #fertilitysupport #fertilitypodcast
If you’re in IVF and quietly wondering, “How many more rounds can we do before we have to think about donor eggs?” this conversation with Dr. Moomjy is for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
– Why IVF fails for some people even when everything looks “normal”
– How many tries – at different ages – actually make sense before you seriously consider donor eggs
– When donor eggs are one option vs when they’re realistically the only path to a baby
This is not vague reassurance. We walk through what the research and real‑world data actually say, so you can have a more informed discussion with your own doctor and feel more grounded in whatever you decide next.
If you’re considering donor conception and want structured, research‑based guidance, you can learn more in our community. https://familybuilding.net/services/donor-conception-explained/
Learn more about Dr. Maureen Moomjy: https://www.drmoomjy.com/
ivf #ivfjourney #donoreggs #donorconception #fertilitytreatment #fertilitysupport #ttccommunity #fertilitypodcast #reproductivemedicine
Luteal phase defect is one of the most hotly debated topics in fertility right now. Do you actually have it? And do you really need progesterone support… or not?
In this episode, I sit down with reproductive endocrinologist and researcher Dr. Parry to unpack what the science actually says about luteal phase defects, progesterone supplementation, and fertility treatment.
We cover: what a luteal phase defect is (and what it isn’t), when a short luteal phase or low progesterone is worth taking seriously, and when adding more progesterone doesn’t change outcomes. We also talk through the differences between progesterone support in natural cycles, IUI, IVF, and early pregnancy.
If you’ve been told you might have a luteal phase defect, are wondering whether to push for progesterone, or just want a clear, calm breakdown of the research… this episode is for you.
Next steps & support:
If you’re using reproductive medicine, donor conception, or surrogacy to build your family and want expert‑led education and emotional support, you can learn more about my platform here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
Subscribe for more evidence‑based conversations on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy.
This episode is for information and education only and is not individual medical advice. Always discuss your own situation and treatment options with your doctor or fertility specialist.
lutealphasedefect #progesterone #fertility #ttccommunity #ivfjourney #iui #recurrentmiscarriage #infertility #fertilitysupport #reproductivemedicine
Intimacy and sperm health made clear—Dr. Rena Malik, MD explains sex and intimacy while you're trying to conceive, evidence‑based lifestyle factors, timing, when to seek urology care, and how to think about next steps across IVF, IUI, and at‑home TTC.
Confusion around intimacy and “sperm quality” stalls a lot of TTC journeys. In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik, MD (urology and sexual health) breaks down:
What “sperm health” actually means and how poor sperm quality can be an indication of poor health
Evidence‑based habits and treatment paths (when to consider a urology consult)
How intimacy challenges show up while TTC—and practical ways to handle them
A stepwise way to reignite your desire and performance while TTC
Free Fertility Intimacy Toolkit (PDF). Tap the link, enter email, download instantly.
Disclaimer: Educational only, not medical advice. Confirm with your clinician.
Learn more about Dr. Rena Malik: https://www.renamalikmd.com/
Follow Dr. Rena Malik on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD
TTC #SpermHealth #RenaMalik #SexualHealth #FertilityEducation #IVF #IUI #MaleFertility #Intimacy #ReproductiveMedicine
In this episode, we make legalese usable. You’ll get the operating rules to protect your surrogacy/donor journey when things get messy, so decisions are fast, fair, and aligned.
What you’ll learn fast:
- Alignment vs Agreement: principles first, everything else second, so contracts don’t crumble under stress.
- The Two Buckets: value essentials vs detail clauses, and why mixing them derails deals.
- Contract Decoder: translate dense terms into “if X, then we do Y” rules your team can follow.
- Scripts for agencies/clinics: “We’re aligned on X and Y; here’s how we’ll handle Z.”
- Red flags + escalation: exactly when to pause matching and how to restart clean.
Surrogacy #DonorConception #Fertility #IntendedParents #LGBTQFamily #SingleParentByChoice #IVF #SurrogacyContract #WomenHealthcare
There’s a lot of strong advice about nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. This episode shows how to make it work for your season of life—without “doing it all.” Dietitian and intuitive eating specialist Sam Previte explains gentle nutrition for TTC and pregnancy, so you can make steady improvements with less all‑or‑nothing pressure.
You’ll learn:
Intuitive eating: what it is (and isn’t) for TTC/pregnancy
Gentle nutrition basics—how to prioritize without overwhelm
When to modify
PCOS/IVF context, and how to spot under‑fuel/over‑do signals (sleep/eating/hydration)
First steps this week and how to talk with your care team
Learn more about Sam Previte: https://find-foodfreedom.com/
Follow Sam Previte on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/find.food.freedom
Fertility #IntuitiveEating #FertilityDiet #IVF #PCOS #WomensHealth #TryingToConceive #NutritionMyths
The most‑asked question: “If I don’t use my genetics, will the baby be mine?” Lauren Tassi (Your IVF BFF) shares her three‑year journey—how she moved from repeated IVF to choosing donor embryos—and what finally made the decision feel 100% hers.
Practical insights on identity, language, epigenetics (carrying/parenting), hidden costs/expectations, and what to consider if you’re weighing donor embryos vs more IVF or donor eggs.
You’ll hear:
- The turning point from IVF/donor eggs to donor embryos
- “Is it still my baby?”—belonging, language, and epigenetics
- Surprises: money, timelines, emotions, and partner dynamics
- Scripts that helped (family/friends and self‑talk)
- Advice if you’re considering donor embryos now
Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefullykidding/
Follow Lauren on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hopefullykidding
DonorEmbryos #DonorConception #Fertility #IVF #TTC #PatientStory #YourIVFBFF #WomensHealth #ThirdPartyReproduction
Cut through fertility misinformation. Dr. Lowell Ku (REI; leads ASRM’s technology professional group) separates myths from facts so you know what to trust online, from influencers, and in clinic—plus how to think about supplements and opinion vs evidence.
We cover TTC with IUI/IVF and decisions using donor conception or surrogacy—what matters most and where to find reliable guidance.
- What to trust online: source hierarchy (guidelines/studies - summaries - opinions)
- Red flags vs green flags (absolute claims, miracle fixes, cherry‑picked “proof”)
- Supplements: evidence vs hype; how to sanity‑check a claim
- Influencers vs doctors: personal stories vs clinical guidance (how to weigh both)
- Questions to ask your clinic about protocols, testing, and add‑ons
- Where to get reliable info for IVF/IUI, donor conception, and surrogacy
Learn more about Dr. Lowell Ku: https://dallasivf.com/
Follow Dr. Lowell Ku on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drknockedup/
#Fertility #IVF #IUI #FertilityMyths #EvidenceBased #ASRM #WomensHealth #TryingToConceive #DonorConception #Surrogacy
You don’t need to stop exercising before or during fertility treatment—pause near the end of the cycle and right after retrieval. Here’s how to train smart, read your body, and know when it’s too much (or not enough)—plus high‑level pregnancy guidance.
Dr. Sheeva Talebian (REI and competitive athlete) breaks down what’s safe, when to modify, and the signs you need more fuel, sleep, or hydration.
- You’ll learn
- What’s safe around IUI/IVF (and why you pause near trigger/retrieval)
- New understanding: don’t stop entirely—train smart, then resume
- Body signals: sleep, eating, hydration—signs of over/under‑doing it
- Two‑week wait mindset + movement
- Pregnancy: high‑level modifications and red flags
Learn more about Dr. Sheeva Talebian: https://www.ccrmivf.com/
Follow Dr. Sheeva Talebian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stalebian/
Get evidence‑based answers on endometriosis—what it is (and isn’t), how it’s diagnosed, and what actually helps, so you know where to start today.
Dr. Jessica Ryniec explains symptoms, diagnosis (what to expect from imaging vs surgical confirmation), treatment options (medical vs surgical), pain management, and fertility considerations—practical steps you can use now.
You’ll learn:
What endometriosis is (and common misconceptions)
How doctors think about diagnosis and when to escalate care
Treatment paths that actually help (meds, surgery, lifestyle)
Fertility implications and decision points
First steps this week and questions to ask your clinic
Want live workshops and expert Q&A? Join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
Learn more about Dr. Ryniec: https://www.ccrmivf.com/boston/jessica-ryniec-md/
Follow Dr. Ryniec on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaryniecmd/
Endometriosis
What genetic tests actually do—and what they don’t—so you know when to use them (and when not to). Practical next steps.
Chapters below. For step-by-step guides + live Q&A, join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
You’ll learn:
Screening vs diagnostic: what each actually tells you
Carrier testing, NIPT, and embryo testing (PGT‑A/M): when it helps vs overkill
Limits: false positives/negatives, VUS, and context (why “a result” ≠ a decision)
Donor gametes: brief considerations for donor sperm/egg
Questions to ask your clinic + first steps this week
📚 Learn more about Dr. Thakur: https://www.genomeally.com/
GeneticTesting #CarrierTesting #NIPT #PGT #Preconception #FamilyPlanning #WomensHealth #Fertility #TryingToConceive
If you could reduce medical risks for your future child, would you? A reproductive medicine doctor + geneticist explains what actually helps before pregnancy—so you know where to start today.
You’ll learn: what genetic screening covers (and doesn’t), how to think about carrier testing and embryo testing, practical preconception steps to lower risk, and how to talk with your care team.
Want live workshops and Q&A? Join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
Guest: Dr. Mili Thakur, MD/Geneticist • Host: Lisa Schuman, LCSW
📚 Learn more about Dr. Thakur: https://www.genomeally.com/
0:00 What you’ll learn
1:12 Who is Dr. Mili Thakur
3:15 Understanding the basics of genetics
8:43 Screening vs diagnostic (what each does)
11:52 How to approach genetic testing in a family building journey
15:23 How to assess genetic risk in family building
19:50 Carrier testing (how to use results)
25:45 Questions to ask your clinic + first steps
GeneticTesting #CarrierTesting #NIPT #PGT #Preconception #FamilyPlanning #WomensHealth #Fertility
A fertility doctor who also has PCOS shares exactly what she does herself—and what she recommends to patients. Dr. Roohi Jeelani (MD, PhD) also breaks down ovarian aging, environmental toxin exposure, and the emotional/practical tools that actually help when you’re trying to conceive.
You’ll learn: how to recognize symptoms and pursue diagnosis, what really helps (lifestyle, meds, support), how to think about toxins and ovarian aging, and first steps to start with confidence.
Want live support and replays? Join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
Guest: Dr. Roohi Jelani (MD, PhD) • Host: Lisa Schuman, LCSW
Follow Dr. Roohi Jeelani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roohijeelanimd/
Ashley “PCOSgurl” Levinson shares her PCOS journey—from diagnosis to national advocacy—and what actually helps when you’re overwhelmed.
You’ll learn: how to recognize symptoms and pursue diagnosis, evidence‑aligned lifestyle and medical steps, advocacy lessons, and where to start if you think you might have PCOS.
Want live support and workshops? Join our community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
Guest: Ashley Levinson (PCOSgurl) • Host: Lisa Schuman, LCSW
Follow Ashley Levinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcosgurl/
Why watch now: clear next steps and practical guidance you can use immediately—no fluff.
PCOS Awareness Month is coming—get the facts from a veteran reproductive endocrinologist. Dr. Kristen Cain shares evidence‑based steps that actually help PCOS patients improve fertility and overall health.
Want live support? Meet Dr. Cain in our workshop and get expert guidance, stress‑reduction strategies, and community support. Join here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
📚 Learn more about Dr. Kristen Cain: https://www.drkristencain.com/
Follow Dr. Kristen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkcain/
Emily Patel, founder of Hopeful Mama Foundation and a mother through donor eggs, joins me to share a not-so-typical path to parenthood, one that reveals the stress, doubt, and decision-making traps families face during donor conception. Emily discusses why family is more than genetics, what she’s learned from the many women who seek support through her foundation, and how to find clarity when the stakes feel sky-high.
You’ll learn
How stress can derail good decisions—and practical ways to slow down and choose well
What “family beyond genetics” looks like in real life
Themes Emily hears from women at Hopeful Mama
Resources & Links
Hopeful Mama Foundation: https://hopefulmamafoundation.org/
Follow Emily Patel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilympatel/
Building Your Family Community (courses, workshops, community):https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
10 Things Donor Conceived Children Want Their Parents To Understand (free):https://familybuilding.net/new-newsletter-page/
Contact Lisa: www.familybuilding.net
About the show
The Building Your Family podcast is a free service of the Building Your Family Community. Building Your Family Community is the only expert-created educational & support community for people using donor conception, surrogacy, or fertility treatment to build their families. Educational content only; not medical or therapy advice.
In this episode of Building Your Family, we explore a bold and different approach to IVF — one focused on streamlining treatment to make it more affordable while still maintaining quality care.
Our guest explains why, for many patients, a standard IVF protocol can deliver the same results as highly customized treatments — in less time and at a lower cost. While a personalized approach that considers nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness is valuable for some, others could start treatment sooner and still achieve success without added complexity.
If you or someone you care for is considering IVF, this episode is essential viewing. It’s a powerful reminder of why it’s so important to arm yourself with the right information and understand all of your choices.
📌 What You’ll Learn:
When streamlined IVF is an effective option
How standard protocols can save time and money
Why not every patient needs an extensive customized plan
How to talk with your doctor about your treatment choices
🎧 Listen on the Building Your Family podcast or watch here to get expert insights and help you make informed decisions.
📚 Learn more about Dr. Arredondo: https://pozitivf.com/
Follow Dr. Arredondo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pozitivfertility/
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how strongly I believe in giving people evidence-based, trustworthy information — not myths or marketing.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, I introduce you to someone you probably haven’t heard of — but should. She’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in reproductive medicine who will walk you through what really happens in a fertility clinic lab.
🎧 You'll learn:
How decisions are made
What new technologies are promising — and what still needs evidence
The difference between hype and help when it comes to treatment success
Whether you’re going through fertility treatment or just curious how it all works, this episode is packed with insights from someone who has built many labs and is driving advances in reproductive medicine and science..
👉 Subscribe for more expert-led content: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingyourfamily
💬 Let me know in the comments — what surprised you most?
📚 Learn more about Cynthia Hudson:
Tomorrow Lab Sciences: https://www.tmrwlifesciences.com/
NOVA Genomics: https://www.novagenomics.org/
Perch Fertility: https://perchfertility.com/
Are you thinking about becoming a single mom by choice?
Whether you're planning, questioning, or already on the path — this episode is for you.
We’ve pulled together the most powerful moments from past interviews with:
An experienced fertility doctor and single mom by choice
Several single moms by choice
Adults raised by single mothers
Together, they answer the biggest questions we hear all the time:
✔ Can I do this on my own?
✔ What does the research say?
✔ How do kids raised by single moms feel?
✔ What are the real-life challenges — and joys?
This is your must-watch guide to single motherhood, donor conception, and building your family with confidence and clarity.
🎧 Full episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms
📌 Visit https://familybuilding.net/ to learn more about expert-led support
What is it really like to be a surrogate?
This week on Building Your Family, we’re breaking down the myths and misconceptions about surrogacy with someone who’s lived it all. Our guest has been both an egg donor and a surrogate, and now runs her own surrogacy and egg donor agency. She shares her deeply personal story—including how it affected her husband, children, and relationship with intended parents—and the emotional and practical realities of every stage.
Whether you're considering surrogacy, donor conception, or are simply curious, this episode will give you honest, first-hand insight you won’t find anywhere else.
👂 Tune in to learn:
Why she chose to become a surrogate
What she wishes more people understood
How surrogacy can be a positive and life-changing journey for all involved
📌 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if this episode helped you or someone you love.
🔗 Watch more episodes or learn more at: https://familybuilding.net/
📚 Learn more about Katy Encalade: https://createahappyfamily.com/
Follow Katy Encalade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/
Want to boost your fertility and take control of your reproductive health? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, The Fertility Formula, to help you understand your body and make informed choices that support conception and overall health.
We talk about the basics you may not have been taught in school, the impact of diet, toxins, and exercise, and what really moves the needle when you're trying to conceive. Whether you're just beginning to think about parenthood or deep into your fertility journey, this is a must-listen.
Dr. Crawford empowers people to take back their reproductive future—and this episode will help you do the same.
👍 Like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who’s trying to conceive.
🔔 Subscribe for expert fertility and family-building advice every week!
Learn more about Dr. Natalie Crawford: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/
Pre Order Dr. Crawford's new book: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Follow Dr. Natalie Crawford on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/
Learn more about Pinnacle: https://learnatpinnacle.com/
Learn more about Fora Fertility: https://www.forafertility.com/
FertilityFormula #DrNatalieCrawford #ReproductiveHealth #FertilityTips #TryingToConceive #WomensHealth #EggQuality #PregnancyPlanning #FertilitySupport #FertilityPodcast
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Dr. Mari Mitrani—physician, researcher, and expert in regenerative health—joins us to explore the connection between lifestyle and reproductive health.
We dive into questions people often ask:
– Why do doctors talk about diet and exercise during fertility treatment?
– What does the research say about food, movement, and reproductive well-being?
– Can healthy habits support you before, during, or after trying to conceive?
Dr. Mitrani brings her expertise in disease repair and health optimization into the fertility space, helping us understand how evidence-based choices around nutrition and exercise can contribute to overall wellness—through treatment and beyond.
📅 Subscribe for weekly expert interviews
🎙️ Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
📚 Learn more about Dr. Mari Mitrani : Website
Follow Dr. Mari Mitrani on Instagram
Did you ever wonder what matters most for a donor-conceived child’s self-esteem or for a child born with the help of a gestational carrier to feel truly connected to their parents?
In this episode of Building Your Family, we speak with world-renowned researcher Dr. Vasanti Jadva, who shares findings from some of the most important long-term studies on families built through third-party reproduction. Dr. Jadva, a leading voice in the field, explains what really helps children thrive, emotionally, psychologically, and relationally.
Whether you’re planning to use donor conception or surrogacy, or are already parenting a child born through these paths, this episode is filled with facts, practical tips, and reassurance to help you make confident, informed decisions and support your child’s identity and well-being.
Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and evidence-based guidance from one of the best in the field.
👉 If you want to take a deeper dive into managing conversations with your children as they grow, take a look at our Developmental Milestones video course inside the membership platform. We look forward to seeing you inside.
📚 Learn more about Dr. Vasanti Jadva: https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/academics/vasanti-jadva
DonorConceived #DonorConception #Surrogacy
LGBTQParenting #FertilitySupport #FamilyBuilding
ParentingTips #TalkingToKids #InfertilityJourney
Get the truth about IVF from one of the world’s most respected fertility doctors.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, we talk with Dr. Richard Paulson, former president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a global leader in reproductive medicine. Dr. Paulson busts common fertility myths and offers practical, evidence-based suggestions on how to approach treatment, including what really matters when it comes to nutrition, supplements, and exercise.
If you're trying to conceive or considering IVF, this episode is packed with expert insight you won’t find on social media.
🎧 Watch now and subscribe for more expert fertility advice.
IVF #FertilityExpert #FertilityFacts #IVFSupport #DrPaulson #FertilityPodcast
Learn more about Dr. Richard Paulson: https://uscfertility.org/
We’re wrapping up Pride Month with warmth, wisdom, and laughter. In this episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with educator, advocate, and beloved social voice Jere Chang (aka @MsChangGifted) and her wife OG Chang.
The couple shares their thoughtful insights about LGBTQ+ family building, raising donor-conceived children, and the power of inclusive education. You’ll hear real talk, get useful tips, and maybe even laugh out loud. Whether you're exploring donor conception, parenting in a queer family, or just need a little heartwarming inspiration, this one's for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert-led conversations on surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, LGBTQ+ family building, and parenting after infertility.
📲 Learn more here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
📚 Learn more about Jere Ghang: https://mschanggifted.com/
Follow Jere Chang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mschanggifted/
Follow Jere Chang on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mschanggifted
Thinking about surrogacy or donor conception? 🌈 In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Julian Escobar — fertility expert, LGBTQ+ advocate, influencer, and dad — joins Lisa Schuman to explore the real questions hopeful parents face when building a family through assisted reproduction.
💬 What you'll learn in this episode:
The emotional and financial realities of surrogacy
How to think about donor selection from a medical and psychological perspective
Common mistakes hopeful parents make (and how to avoid them)
Advice for LGBTQ+ couples pursuing parenthood
Why openness and long-term thinking matter in donor conception
🎧 Whether you're planning your path to parenthood or supporting someone who is, this warm and informative conversation will help you feel more grounded and confident in your decisions.
🧠 Hosted by Lisa Schuman, LCSW — award-winning reproductive therapist, author, and founder of the Building Your Family platform.
Follow Dr. Julian Escobar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjulianescobar/
As part of our Pride Month celebration, we’re honored to welcome Richard Westoby and Julio Gaggia — better known as the IVF Daddies and hosts of the popular podcast by the same name.
In this episode, they share their personal family-building stories — from Richard's surrogacy journey over a decade ago with his then-partner, to Julio’s experience becoming a parent through step-parenting. Together, they model a beautiful and honest version of gay fatherhood that embraces advocacy, growth, and breaking traditional norms.
🎧 You'll hear:
What the IVF process looked like for gay dads a decade ago
How Julio navigated his step-parenting journey with care and love
Why they use their platform to advocate for women’s rights and broader family equity
Their advice for anyone building a family in a way that defies expectations
These two dads are proof that love and family come in many forms — and that being true to your path matters most.
📺 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
🔗 Learn more at: https://familybuilding.net/
Follow the IVFDaddies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivfdaddies/
Start Pride Month with love, hope, and a heartwarming story. In this episode, Jove Meyer and Kyle Torrence—two dads-to-be and beloved LGBTQ+ influencers—share their family-building journey.
From choosing a donor and surrogate to deciding how much to share online, Jove and Kyle bring humor, heart, and intention to every step. If you're curious about surrogacy, donor conception, or simply love a powerful family story, this episode is for you.
Family Building community Events and webinars: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
Learn more about Jove Meyer: https://jovemeyer.com/
Follow Jove Meyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovemeyer/
Follow Kyle Torrence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyletorrence/
Considering surrogacy or supporting someone who is? In this expert-led episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with one of the country’s top surrogacy specialists, Dr. Susanna Park, to get answers to the questions intended parents ask most.
Dr. Park sees hundreds of surrogacy cases each year and brings clarity to some of the most important (and often misunderstood) parts of the process. We discuss:
🔹 Why using a surrogacy agency may be safer than going independent
🔹 Key medical issues when screening a surrogate
🔹 What can — and can’t — be medically corrected
🔹 Why BMI matters more than people realize
🔹 Twin pregnancies and what hopeful parents often get wrong
Whether you're just beginning your surrogacy journey or supporting someone else through it, this episode is your go-to expert guide.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert-led content on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy.
💡 Want more support?
Join the Building Your Family Community — an expert-led membership filled with tools, meditations, workshops, and full courses, including our popular Surrogacy Steps program.
👉 https://familybuilding.net/surrogacy-steps/
📚 Learn more about Dr. Susanna Park: https://www.sdfertility.com/
The Hidden Formula Behind Your Family-Building Choices
One simple mindset shift that can change how you approach donor conception and life.
Why do we make the choices we do—especially when it comes to something as personal and complex as building a family through donor conception or surrogacy?
In this solo episode of Building Your Family, I share a powerful decision-making concept I’ve developed over nearly 30 years of working with thousands of people navigating third-party reproduction. While attending a recent conference, my conversations with attendees brought this idea back to the forefront—and reminded me how essential it is to share it with you.
Whether you're choosing a donor, thinking about surrogacy, choosing a clinic, or feeling stuck in your decision-making process, this episode offers a new way to reflect on your choices—and can help guide you toward decisions that truly support your values and your future family.
💬 Leave a comment with your questions or challenges—I’m here to help.
What truly drives fertility success? Dr. Eric Widra, Chief Medical Officer at US Fertility, shares what patients need to know about IVF, success rates, and the role of lab quality in getting pregnant.
In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Widra offers clear, evidence-based insight into:
How success rates are calculated (and what to watch out for)
Why your clinic’s lab may be the most important factor in your outcome
The biggest shifts in the fertility field over the last two decades
What patients often overlook when choosing a fertility provider
Whether you're just starting treatment or evaluating your options, this conversation will help you make informed, confident decisions on your path to parenthood.
Useful links from this episode:
https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/
https://www.asrm.org/
https://www.sart.org/
What is it really like to meet your donor—or your donor siblings—as an adult, after your values and worldview are already in place? In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Freya Lyon shares her journey as a donor-conceived person who felt confident in her identity, only to experience a major shift when she met genetic relatives later in life.
Freya opens up about what surprised her, how these relationships shaped her views on family, and how they influenced her own approach to building a family. If you’ve ever wondered about late-in-life donor connections, identity, or the complexities of modern family-building, this episode offers rare insight and heart.
📌 Subscribe for more real-life stories and expert guidance on donor conception, surrogacy, and modern parenthood.
🔔 New episodes weekly on the Building Your Family podcast.
Follow Freya on Instagram: @thequeermama
Follow Freya on TikTok: @thequeermama
Two gay dads share their surrogacy journey and lessons on LGBTQ+ parenting, visibility, and love. Discover how they built their family—and a community—along the way.
In this heartfelt episode of Building Your Family, Mike and George open up about the joys and challenges of becoming parents through surrogacy. From navigating the process to raising two beautiful children, they offer honest insight and hope for others on similar paths.
Now advocates for inclusion and education, they’re helping more LGBTQ+ families feel seen and supported.
📚 Learn more about Families Out Loud: https://www.familiesoutloudevents.com/
Follow Families Out Loud on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/families_out_loud
Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msnaric/
Follow George on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porgiemoore/
🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!
This week’s episode may feel like listening in on a heartwarming chat between two fertility professionals — because it is. But it’s also full of meaningful insight on how to navigate some of the most complex and personal parts of family building.
My guest, Dr. Danielle Lane, is not only a brilliant fertility specialist — she’s also someone setting high standards for inclusion, diversity, access, and patient success. In this conversation, we talk openly about:
- Donor conception
- Surrogacy
- Agency models and success rates
- How to make empowered, informed decisions
- What true inclusion in fertility care should look like
Whether you’re early in your journey or deep in decision-making, Dr. Lane offers wisdom that can help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Tune in, take what you need, and share with someone who could benefit from this powerful conversation.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Building Your Family podcast for more expert-led episodes.
📚 Learn more about Dr. Danielle Lane: https://lanefertilityinstitute.com
Follow Dr. Danielle Lane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaniellelane
What happens when two donor-conceived women, raised in different families, discover they're genetic half-sisters?
In this powerful episode, we sit down with two women whose paths crossed thanks to DNA — not childhood. Raised by single parents in separate homes, they reflect on the moment they connected, what it was like growing up with questions, and why they chose to search as adults.
They open up about bonding more with donor siblings than with their donor, and how their own experience of family is influencing how they build their future families. With honest stories and surprising insights, they explore what it means to share DNA — and how genetic connections can reveal both deep similarities and unexpected differences.
📚 Learn more about Kiara Rae Schuh: Website
Follow Kiara on Instagram
📚 Learn more about Johnna Palic: Website
Follow Johnna on Instagram
🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!
This week on the podcast, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Janelle Luk—fertility expert, Ivy League-trained physician, and co-founder of Generation Next Fertility. Though classically trained, Dr. Luk takes a deeply personalized approach to fertility care. She shares how she helps patients make deeply personal decisions—like using donor conception, freezing eggs or embryos, or even stepping back for a break—by truly listening to their stories. Together, we explore how honoring patient autonomy can sometimes mean going against the expected medical path to create a future that truly fits the individual or couple. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating fertility or supporting others on that journey.
📚 Learn more about Dr.Luk: Generation next fertility
Follow Dr.Luk on Instagram: @goodluckluk
Author Kate Davies, known for her novel Nuclear Family, joins us to share her personal and literary journey through donor conception. As a donor-conceived person who pursued donor conception with her wife, Kate reflects on the evolving meaning of family, identity, and connection. Her experiences offer a powerful perspective on the complexities and beauty of modern family-building.
Whether you're curious about donor conception, LGBTQ+ family building, or how personal stories inspire fiction, this conversation is a must-listen.
📚 Learn more about Kate's book on her website
Follow Kate on Instagram
🎧 Subscribe for more stories on family and parenthood!
Thinking about choosing donor conception to build your family? Today’s episode is a must-watch! Dr. Melnick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Cornell Fertility Center, shares expert insights on selecting a donor, making crucial fertility decisions, and balancing medical recommendations with personal values.
But this isn’t just a clinical perspective—Dr. Melnick used donor conception herself to become a single mother by choice. Her unique experience as both a fertility doctor and a parent through donor conception makes this conversation incredibly valuable.
In this episode, we cover:
Choosing the right sperm or egg donor
Should you use a known donor? Pros & cons
Key medical & ethical considerations in donor conception
Why patient autonomy matters in fertility decisions
Dr. Melnick’s personal journey to parenthood
Whether you're considering donor conception, in fertility treatment, or just exploring options, this episode will give you essential insights from a leading expert who truly understands the process—both professionally and personally.
Subscribe for more expert fertility insights!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments!
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Alexis Melnick
Website
How do two dads navigate the journey to parenthood through surrogacy and egg donation? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Levin, a therapist and proud dad, to hear the real story behind his path to fatherhood. From choosing an egg donor and surrogate to overcoming unexpected challenges, Jeff shares the highs, the hurdles, and the heartfelt moments that led him and his husband to the family of their dreams.
If you’re a same-sex couple considering parenthood—or simply curious about the process—this episode is packed with honest insights, expert advice, and inspiration for anyone on their own family-building journey.
Useful links from this episode:
Jeff Levin:
Website
Struggling with stress and fertility challenges? 🌱 Acupuncturist Dr. Susan Fox brings decades of experience blending Eastern and Western medicine to help you feel better. In this episode, she shares insights on managing stress, improving reproductive health, and finding balance on your fertility journey.
🔹 How Eastern medicine views fertility & well-being
🔹 Practical stress management techniques
🔹 The role of acupuncture in reproductive health
Don't miss these expert tips to support your journey to parenthood!
Subscribe for more fertility insights!
Useful links from this episode:
Resolve website
ASRM
Dr Susan Fox
Website
Health Youniversity
Fertility Quiz
Event
Ever wondered what really happens when fertility clinics screen egg donors? Dr. Rudick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Columbia University Fertility Center, shares the essential steps she takes to protect the emotional and physical well-being of both donors and recipients. With complex decisions and sometimes conflicting interests, she reveals how she balances ethics, science, and care. If you or someone you know is considering egg donation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Useful links from this episode:
Dr. Briana Rudick
Website
Want to boost fertility? Sperm health plays a critical role, yet it’s often overlooked. In this episode of Building Your Family, we sit down with Dr. Justine Witzke, a Cornell-trained fertility expert and founder of Aligneage Fertility, to discuss sperm testing, preservation, and proactive fertility planning.
Why should you test sperm?
How can you improve sperm health?
Who should consider sperm freezing and why?
With more people preserving sperm for future family-building, understanding fertility preservation is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning ahead, this episode gives you expert insights on sperm quality, reproductive health, and fertility options.
Listen now and take control of your fertility journey!
Subscribe for expert fertility advice & family-building tips!
Useful links from this episode:
Justine Witzke
Website
Instagram
Before starting cancer treatment, fertility preservation can give patients the chance to have a family in the future. While many know this is possible, few understand what happens inside fertility clinics, how to navigate the process, or what questions to ask.
In this episode, I talk with a leading mental health professional—also a cancer survivor—who shares what really goes on behind the scenes, the emotional challenges, and how to get the support you need. Whether you're facing a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this conversation can help.
Useful links from this episode.
Jennifer Gamper
Website
SART
Struggling to keep the spark alive while navigating family building? In this Valentine’s Day special, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Grill to talk about sex, intimacy, and recalibrating your expectations when life gets overwhelming. Whether you're trying to conceive, in fertility treatment, or just looking for ways to reconnect, this episode will give you real strategies to help you sustain love, desire, and emotional connection—even in the toughest moments.
What You’ll Learn:
How to shift your mindset from “performance” to true intimacy
Practical ways to stay connected when life feels overwhelming
How to navigate emotional and physical barriers to intimacy
Long-term strategies to keep passion alive in your relationship
Don’t miss these expert insights—subscribe and share with someone who needs this today!
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Elizabeth Grill
Instagram
Are you overwhelmed by social media advice on fertility and health? Dr. Camille Hammond joins Building Your Family to break down the basics of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices when trying to conceive. She exposes false claims, shares science-backed insights, and helps you focus on real, effective ways to support your fertility. If you’re tired of the noise and looking for expert guidance, this episode is for you!
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Camille Hammond
Cade Foundation
ASRM
Article
In this heartfelt episode, Trisha Cornwell, also known as the Solo Mama, opens up about her journey into solo parenthood with one child. She shares her experiences navigating fertility treatments, the emotional and practical realities of raising a child on her own, and how she balances it all with grace. Whether you're considering solo parenthood or are already on the journey, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for those walking a similar path. Tune in for a genuine and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to raise a child solo, from fertility to daily life.
Useful links from this episode
Trisha Cornwell
Instagram
In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg, Medical Director of the ART Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, professor at Harvard Medical School, and President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), takes us behind the scenes of the ethical decision-making that shapes assisted reproductive technology (ART). Learn why it’s crucial to listen to organizations like ASRM, which work to ensure your safety, reproductive rights, and the best possible outcomes for your family-building journey. Dr. Ginsburg shares insights into how guidelines are established, the balance of cost, access, and care, and how ASRM advocates for policies that protect your interests. Whether you're exploring fertility treatments or curious about reproductive ethics, this conversation will help you understand what really goes into creating safe, effective guidelines for ART.
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg
ASRM
Resolve
Reproductive Facts
In this episode of Building Your Family, Alease Daniel Barnes, aka Alease the Embryologist, shares her expertise as an embryologist and educator. Alease talks about her personal journey to freeze her eggs as a married woman and answers common questions she hears about the lab. Whether you’re going through fertility treatment or navigating your own reproductive journey, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt advice.
Useful links from this episode:
Alease Daniel Barnes
Instagram
In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby in the United States, whose story is not only fascinating but also filled with valuable lessons about hope, managing expectations, and diminishing the shame often associated with fertility struggles. As a trailblazer in the world of assisted reproduction, Elizabeth shares her personal journey and how the IVF process has shaped the way we view fertility today.
But beyond the science and history, this episode dives deep into the emotional side of the fertility journey. Elizabeth’s story highlights the importance of shedding shame and stigma surrounding infertility and assisted reproduction. We discuss how managing your expectations, doing your research, and being open about the challenges can help diminish the feelings of isolation that many face when TTC (trying to conceive).
Whether you’re struggling with infertility, undergoing IVF, or just learning about reproductive health, Elizabeth’s insights are a powerful reminder that fertility journeys don’t have to be filled with shame. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for hope, clarity, and strength on their path to parenthood.
Useful Links from this episode
Elizabeth Carr
Instagram
Website
Sign up for our new membership community 👉 https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ 👈 It will educate and support you so you can achieve your family-building goals and more. It is the only community platform created by a family-building expert and designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your future family.
In this episode, you’ll learn the most essential tips from our guests this year. These are the breakthrough ideas that can change your family-building journey and your life. Hear from world-class leaders in their field and people with lived experiences as they reveal how to 1. be true to yourself and get the support you need, 2. make sure the advice you follow is evidenced based and comes from a true expert and 3. appreciate that everyone’s path is different. I can't highlight this one enough.
These three keys can help you, not just in the short term but for your lifetime with your future family. This is not just a podcast episode. It is your step-by-step guide to real change.
In this inspiring episode, we hear the story of a courageous actress, Kellee, Stewart, who took control of her fertility journey by freezing her eggs. Unmarried and full of hope for the future, she shares her empowering perspective on planning for possibilities, breaking societal norms, and embracing her own timeline. Her journey is a testament to self-empowerment and the beauty of carving a path that’s uniquely your own. Don’t miss this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation!"
Useful links from this episode
Kellee Stewart
Instagram
Website
Discover expert guidance on fertility and family building with Dr. Justin Houman, a leading urologist and fertility specialist. In this episode, Dr. Houman explores key topics like male infertility, optimizing sperm health, and navigating paths like IVF and IUI. He also shares practical tips for heterosexual couples, lesbian couples, and single moms-to-be. Whether you're just starting your family-building journey or seeking medical help, this episode is packed with valuable insights tailored to your needs.
Topics Discussed:
- Causes and treatments for male infertility
- Sperm health optimization tips
- IVF and IUI explained
- Family-building advice for diverse pathways
IVF #IUI #MaleInfertility #FertilityHelp #FamilyBuildingJourney #SpermHealthTips #FertilityDoctorAdvice #DrJustinHouman
Tune in for actionable advice and real solutions for your fertility journey!
Useful links from this episode:
Justin Houman MD
Instagram
Welcome to “Overcoming Fertility Challenges with Jay Palumbo | Tips & Advocacy”
This week, we’re joined by Jay Palumbo — an award-winning blogger, sought-after writer, and dedicated fertility advocate. Jay has personally faced fertility challenges and has supported thousands on their journeys to building families.
In this heartfelt conversation, Jay shares her unique insights into the emotional roller coaster of fertility treatments, managing relationships with family, friends, and partners during the process, and how to find hope and strength through it all. Whether you're navigating fertility challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and actionable advice.
🌟 What You'll Learn:
Jay's personal fertility journey and what inspired her advocacy.
Tips for navigating the emotional ups and downs of treatments.
Common challenges with relationships during family building.
How Jay has helped thousands find hope and guidance.
💬 Join the Conversation:
Have questions or experiences to share about fertility challenges? Let us know in the comments!
Useful links from this episode:
Jennifer Jay Palumbo
Instagram
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebeckah Diamond, a pediatrician and author of "Parent Like a Pediatrician." Join us as we explore how to take the shame out of parenting and embrace evidence-based strategies for raising children. While Dr. Diamond's insights are invaluable for all parents, we’ll also discuss the unique challenges faced by those who have gone through fertility treatments. Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt conversations that will empower you on your family-building journey!
Useful links from this Episode
Rebekah Diamond, MD
Welcome to "The Ultimate Guide to IVF, Genetic Testing, and Crafting a Fertility Plan" episode.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fertility, focusing on the IVF process, the role of genetic testing, and how to create a personalized fertility plan. Whether starting your fertility journey or looking for more insights, this podcast will guide you through essential steps and expert advice from Dr. Sheeva Talebian.
We’ll explore:
· Understanding IVF: What it involves, how it works, and what to expect during the process.
· Genetic Testing in Fertility: Why genetic testing is a game-changer in identifying potential risks and creating an effective fertility plan.
· Crafting a Fertility Plan: Expert tips on tailoring your fertility strategy to increase your chances of success.
If you're considering IVF or exploring your fertility options, this episode will provide valuable knowledge to help you make informed decisions.
𝐈 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐔𝐘𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒! If you enjoy this video, please like it and share it. Don't forget to subscribe to this channel for more updates. Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingyourfamily 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 ME: Join our community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Family Building: https://familybuilding.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
If you’ve used reproductive medicine to build your family, you may feel an added weight of guilt or self-doubt as a parent. Are you tired of constantly feeling like you're not doing enough? It’s time to let go of the guilt and focus on raising happy, confident children and caring for yourself, too.
In this video, we’ll explore the common pitfalls of guilt-ridden parenting and provide you with practical strategies to break free. Learn how to ditch perfectionism, build stronger relationships with your children, and create a positive, supportive environment that nurtures growth for both you and your kids. Let go of shame and embrace a parenting style rooted in self-compassion and confidence.
Useful Links from this episode
Tina Cartwright
Instagram
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Discover the amazing story of a social media influencer who is one of 40 siblings born from the same donor! This incredible true story takes you on a journey of self-discovery, family, and identity. From finding out the truth about his conception to connecting with his donor siblings, this video shares an unforgettable experience that may help you think about donor conception differently. If you're curious about donor-conceived families, sperm donation, or just want to hear an amazing story, then this video is for you!
Useful Links from this episode
Ben Sanderson
Instagram
TikTok
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the inspiring story of a single author who faced the challenges of seeking love, stability, and happiness in a world that often feels overwhelming. After years of navigating emotional ups and downs, she discovers that her true calling lies in becoming a single mother. Join us as she shares her candid experiences, from the struggles of finding the right sperm donor to the quest for a supportive community. Along the way, she learns to embrace the unconventional life she was meant to lead, proving that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we never expected. Tune in for a journey of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of motherhood.
Useful links from this episode
Valerie Bauman
Instagram
X/Twitter
Book
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this emotional and inspiring video, a brave mom shares her personal donor egg journey to help others who may be going through a similar experience. From the struggles of infertility to the joys of parenthood, she opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, providing a unique insight into the world of donor egg conception. If you're considering donor egg IVF or have already started your journey, this video is a must-watch.
Useful links from this episode
Becky Kearns
@definingmum: Instagram
@paths_to_parenthub: Instagram
Website: https://pathstoparenthub.com/
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Join us this week as we dive into the complex world of donor conception with Leah Gilman, a researcher at the University of Sheffield. Leah’s groundbreaking work explores the perspectives of donors, recipients, and donor-conceived children.
In this episode, we discuss:
The emotional landscape of donors and their feelings toward recipients and offspring
The unique experiences of egg donors vs. sperm donors
The significance of allowing donors and families to connect for medical or emotional reasons
While this conversation is just a piece of the puzzle—amid evolving laws and personal experiences—it sheds light on the diverse narratives in donor conception. Discover the importance of understanding individual stories and fostering connections beyond labels. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of a topic that impacts many lives!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you.
Useful Links from this episode
Leah Gilman socials
Twitter/X: @Leahgilman84Instagram:@leah.gilman84
Linked In: Leah Gilman | LinkedIn
Here are some links to resources that might be helpful:Leah's University of Sheffield profile page (has linked to all nearly all open-access, publications and resources) including:The Curious Connections project website (links to short films, research-inspired short stories about egg donation and downloadable leaflets) and details of our Donors book based on this research with donors.ConnecteDNA project website (links to the Preparing for Contact resources aimed at donors preparing for possibility of being contacted by DCP or recipient families)The Digital Donor Conception project website
Join us on an inspiring journey with José Rolón, the man behind the popular Instagram account @nycgaydad. In this heartfelt episode, we explore how José transformed his life from the depths of heartbreak to becoming a beacon of hope and love.
After losing his partner, José faced the challenges of single parenthood with resilience and grace. Discover how he navigated grief, found love again, and made pivotal decisions to build a beautiful family. His story is not just about personal triumph; it's a testament to the power of community, support, and living authentically.
We'll dive deep into his experiences, from lecturing across the country to meeting the President and other dignitaries, turning his pain into purpose. Whether you're part of the queer community or simply seeking an uplifting tale, this episode is bound to resonate with you.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more heartwarming stories that celebrate love, resilience, and the journey to finding happiness!
Useful links from this episode
José Rolón
Instagram:
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Join us for an inspiring episode of IVF and Loss: Finding Resilience on the Journey to Motherhood. Meet Andrea León, a social media influencer and advocate who shares her deeply personal journey through IVF, loss, and ultimately, the joys of motherhood.
In this episode, Andrea opens up about the challenges she faced and how her resilience and persistence led her to become a mother. You'll gain valuable insights on:
Navigating the emotional landscape of IVF and pregnancy loss
Seeking support and resources during your fertility journey
Strengthening your relationship with your partner amid struggles
Finding hope and motivation when the path to parenthood feels impossible
Despite the heartache, Andrea’s story is one of triumph and inspiration, culminating in the arrival of her beautiful baby girl. Tune in anytime you need a boost of strength, hope, or encouragement on your own journey to motherhood.
You can find Andrea León here:
Instagram
TikTok
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Edmonds who specializes in helping individuals regulate their mood and emotions during fertility treatment. Discover how yoga can be a powerful tool for stress relief, emotional balance, and self-care during one of life's most challenging journeys. Learn practical techniques and insights to incorporate mindfulness and movement into your fertility experience, helping you feel more grounded and in control.
Useful links from this episode:
Jennifer Edmonds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.elementpilatesyoga/
Website: https://www.elementpilatesyoga.com/
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, we explore why fall is the perfect time for goal setting, especially if you're undergoing fertility treatment. Discover how setting goals now can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, and help you feel more in control when life feels overwhelming. Tune in for practical tips on making the most of this season to take charge of your journey!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode of Building Your Family, Marea Goodman, a midwife and expert in LGBTQ+ fertility, shares insights on fertility and pregnancy for queer parents-to-be. Marea also talks about her Pregnant Together platform, offering support to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. In this episode we discuss topics such as:
• Challenges for queer family building
• Fertility and pregnancy insights
• Normalizing all types of families
Watch now to empower your family-building journey! Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes on fertility, surrogacy, and parenting!
QueerBabyMaking #LGBTQParenting #FertilitySupport #InclusiveCare #FamilyBuilding
Useful links from this episode:
California Cryobank:
Use code PREGTOG for a free level 2 subscription to their donor catalog.
Website: https://www.cryobank.com/
Pregnant Together
Website: https://www.pregnanttogether.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pregnanttogether.community/
Book: https://www.babymakingforeverybody.com/
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, we sit down with a fashion model who’s not just breaking stereotypes on the runway but also in fatherhood. As a dad himself, he opens up about the insecurities and nervousness many men face when it comes to caring for their children or stepping into fatherhood. Through his personal journey, he’s become a passionate advocate, helping other dads embrace their roles with confidence. Whether you're a parent, expecting, or just curious about the challenges and triumphs of modern fatherhood, this conversation offers powerful insights into the emotional side of being a dad.
Useful links from this episode:
Miles Garber
https://www.instagram.com/milesgarber/
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this eye-opening interview, we sit down with renowned reproductive health expert, Dr. Serena Chen, to discuss everything you need to know about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). From understanding the symptoms and causes to exploring the latest treatments and lifestyle changes, Dr. Chen provides invaluable insights that could be life-changing. Whether you're personally affected by PCOS or just curious about reproductive health, this video offers expert advice and answers to the most pressing questions. Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with knowledge!
Subscribe for more in-depth interviews and tips on reproductive health and wellness.
Useful links from this episode:
Doctors for fertility:
Website: https://www.doctorsforfertility.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorsforfertility
Serena H Chen, MD.
Website: https://drserenahchen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drserenahchen/
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Join us as Nelly Joy, a beloved country music star, courageously shares her intimate and emotional battle with infertility. In this candid conversation, she reveals the highs and lows of her journey, offering hope and inspiration to those facing similar challenges. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of music in healing. Whether you're struggling with infertility or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-watch. Don't miss this touching and empowering story—like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected with more real-life stories of strength and hope!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt episode as we dive into the extraordinary life of Corey Allen, a former Secret Service agent who has protected everyone from the Obamas to the Pope. Corey’s journey is one of self-discovery, surrogacy, donor conception, gay marriage, and above all, love.
In his newly released memoir, Breaking Free: A Saga of Self-Discovery by a Gay Secret Service Agent, Corey shares the challenges he faced as a gay man in a traditionally heterosexual and masculine profession. Despite these obstacles, he rose to the top of his field, all while maintaining the sensitivity and care that define him as a husband and father.
Corey’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the courage to be true to oneself. Tune in to be moved, inspired, and reminded of the strength it takes to break free and build the life you truly want.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Paula Amato, president of ASRM, to bring you the latest advances in fertility treatments, how ethical choices guide these advancements, and why advocacy is more important than ever.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a hopeful parent, or simply curious about the evolution of reproductive science, this video is a must-watch!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all things related to fertility and reproductive health. Share your thoughts in the comments below – we want to hear your opinions.
Fertility #ReproductiveHealth #ASRM #FertilityTech #InfertilityAwareness #AssistedReproduction #FutureOfFertility
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Alex from @pursuingfatherhood to discuss his incredible journey of bonding after male infertility and choosing sperm donation. Alex opens up about his personal story, sharing both the challenges and triumphs he faced on his path to parenthood.
In this episode, we dive into:
The process of grieving vs. trying to remain positive.
How Alex resolved his shock and made peace with male infertility.
The role of therapy in helping him make informed decisions when choosing a donor.
The benefits Alex and his family gained through sperm donation.
His thoughtful approach to talking to his daughter about her origins.
Alex's heartfelt experience of bonding with his daughter.
Join us as we explore the importance of openness, resilience, and love in building a nurturing family environment. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking for support along the way, this episode offers valuable guidance and insights to inspire and inform.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
For those of you who do not work in the fertility field, or if you are new to infertility treatment, you may not be aware that this week's guest is an icon in our industry.
People often talk about the research demonstrating that fertility patients can experience the same levels of depression as those diagnosed with cancer, or that stress is a reason for many people dropping out of fertility treatment. These studies were the brainchild of Ali Domar, PhD. She is a health psychologist who has devoted decades to helping people manage their fertility-related stress so they can live better lives and stay in treatment.
Ali has published many research studies and books and has traveled the world talking about this important issue. Today, she will talk to us about what we need to know about stress and fertility, accessing the best care, and some of her upcoming projects.
If you have been up and down the fertility rollercoaster, this episode is for you. If you know someone who has struggled, forward this to them. They will thank you.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Sid Karger is an author transforming our perception of relationships and family through his captivating books. His debut novel, Best Men, was a massive success, and his follow-up, The Bump, is poised to achieve similar acclaim. Through his writing and personal life, Karger vividly portrays the highs and lows of being a gay man in a committed relationship and the journey toward parenthood. His rom-com style and engaging narrative offer relatable and heartwarming experiences for all readers.
In this episode, Karger shares his life as an author, his sources of inspiration, and his personal journey. He delves into how his understanding of issues like fertility treatment and disclosure has evolved. Join me for a delightful interview with this fantastic author and soon-to-be dad.
You can follow him on Instagram @sidkny and you can find his books anywhere books are sold.
Our wonderful sponsor, Futura Egg Donation can be found at https://www.futuraeggdonation.com/
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Join us as we share a beautiful journey from a plan to become a single mom to becoming a family of four. This story is about hope, perseverance, and navigating the challenging road of infertility. Our guest, Lauren, made difficult decisions along the way and faced many treatments, including options she had never formally considered. Ultimately, she succeeded in her dream of building a family. From the emotional highs and lows to the moments of triumph, we hope her experience can offer support and inspiration to others facing similar struggles.
Subscribe and follow our channel for more personal stories, tips, and advice on family, parenting, and overcoming challenges.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
The name Candace Wohl may not be widely recognized, but in the world of infertility advocacy, she is a superstar. Candace's journey to building her family was fraught with challenges. Her experiences could easily be mistaken for a plot from a television drama, but her story is all too real. Despite the hardships, she remained steadfast in her determination to create the family she and her husband had always dreamed of. Along the way, Candace learned invaluable lessons about resilience, communication in marriage, navigating conflicting emotions, and being a devoted mother even when life felt overwhelming.
Candace shares her insights on fertility treatment, surrogacy, adoption, and her role as a fertility advocate, helping others navigate their often turbulent paths to parenthood.
This is a beautiful story, and one not to be missed.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Family building for lesbian couples using donor sperm has increased in recent years. However, many couples still struggle with the basic "how-tos." If you've been following me for a while, you know that I love to ease stress, provide factual information, and help people think ahead about their options so they can realize their dreams. Lesbian family building is one of those subjects that needs addressing.
In this episode, I break down the basics of what to consider, from starting the process of trying at home with an insemination kit to using IUI or InVoCell and moving to IVF. I also cover issues to consider regardless of which treatment you choose.
There is a lot to think about. If you are part of a lesbian couple or know someone who could use this information, I hope it serves you well.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
When you meet Brit and Sydney, I am sure you will love them as much as I do. This episode was such a pleasure to record.
They are grounded, insightful, altruistic, and funny. In this episode, they will break down issues such as::
- Tips for fertility treatment as lesbian moms-to-be
- How to collaborate on tough issues and recognize each person's strengths in the relationship
- Stressors faced by people who feel scared to have donor-conceived children
- How to be positive and grounded, especially when it is easier not to be
They also talked about coming out, how their relationship has evolved, and their children. I feel like I could have talked to them for hours. I’m sure you will feel the same when you hear this episode!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
This week, my co-author, Dr. Leondires, and I are thrilled to answer your Top 10 questions! Since releasing our book, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, we've been inundated with inquiries about fertility treatment and third-party reproduction. Many of these questions reflect what we encounter in our daily practices, so we've compiled a top ten list that we hope will be incredibly helpful for you.
In this episode:
Pre-Insemination Tests: What should you consider before trying home insemination?
Post-IUI/IVF Activity: Is it safe to exercise after these procedures?
Choosing a Donor: What is most important?
Open Donor Contracts: What essential information should you know?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with infertility, this episode is packed with valuable information.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Want to make a positive impact on LGBT equality but not sure where to start? In this video, James Black, CEO of Family Equality, will educate us on the difficulties each of us faces on both a micro and macro level. You will be surprised to hear about issues that are not widely publicized but are crucial to our freedoms. These issues affect our loved ones and neighbors, as well as IVF and single parenthood.
Fortunately, James will also provide some simple steps we can take to make a difference in the world and in our communities.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
To kick off Pride, we are airing a special episode. Lauren Brown made her debut on our podcast
some time ago when she talked about her family-building journey with her wife Amanda. Since
then, she has become a gestational carrier for a lovely couple, Matt and Stephen. Together, they
are a winning team!
The couples have become very close and consider each other extended family. For those of you
who have doubts about surrogacy, watch this episode and you will quickly see how wonderful a
surrogacy journey can be.
In a world where fear and anxiety often take center stage, I encourage you to remain open to
stories like these. Sometimes the scary voices are louder, so it may take a bit of time or effort to
find another point of view, but I encourage you to do so.
We can easily see what is in front of us. This is true for politics, reproduction, and even our
emotions. Looking a bit further can help you open your eyes and your heart.
I think this episode will do just that. Enjoy, and happy Pride!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Maureen Brown, the co-founder and CEO of Moisie Baby. Maureen shares her fertility journey and the path to developing the first FDA-cleared intravaginal insemination kit for over-the-counter use. She also delves into why her innovative tools are more effective and better suited for a woman's body, shedding light on the common challenges faced during home insemination.
This episode is interesting and inspiring. Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
People are often confused about why surrogates need certain tests that aren't required for women carrying their own pregnancies. They wonder why surrogates are held to a higher medical standard. Today, Dr. Gago, a fertility expert based in Michigan, will explain everything you need to know about surrogacy and the screening process. Dr. Gago is the ideal person to educate us, especially since Michigan recently became the last state to decriminalize compensated surrogacy. As Dr. Gago will discuss, Michigan's new law incorporates the best surrogacy requirements from across the country.
If you've ever wondered about surrogacy screening and why certain criteria are important, you'll find this episode very helpful.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
It's widely recognized that undergoing fertility treatment can be a source of significant stress, impacting not only individuals but also their relationships. Couples often find themselves surprised by the divergent feelings and opinions they encounter during their journey to build a family. This divergence can lead to tension, arguments, and feelings of anger, especially when faced with decisions like sharing information with others, financial considerations, the choice to pause treatment, donor selection, or the decision to continue treatment altogether.
In this upcoming episode, I'll delve into this common challenge, exploring why fertility treatment can strain relationships and offering a path to reframe the experience. By addressing these issues, couples can begin to mend their relationship and confront the challenges of fertility treatment, family dynamics, and the road ahead with unity and resilience.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
The TUSHY, BALLS, and ANGEL methods are just a few of the acronyms that Dr. Aime Eyvazzadeh has created to help patients understand the procedures important for them to complete to enable them to understand their diagnosis.
In this week's episode, she talks about these procedures, discusses how she counsels patients about various treatments from egg freezing to ovarian aging, and explains why she recommends certain supplements and not others.
Dr. Aimee is witty, clever and so compassionate. You will see in this week's episode how much she truly cares for her patients and does her best to provide them with the best treatment possible.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
This week's guest, Kristin Duncan, shares her thoughts about being a single mom by choice, the difficulties for single women in fertility treatment, and much more.
Here are a few of the topics Kristin discusses in this week’s episode:
• how important it is to advocate for yourself at your fertility clinic
• why being a single mom is not as "difficult" as people think
• how remembering that "things change" can be so helpful
• not to limit your dreams, even when they do seem insurmountable
• disclosure issues
• connecting with donor-conceived siblings and other people who used the same donor
Whether you are a fertility patient looking for community or insights, or a member of the industry curious about single motherhood, you will gain a lot from Kristin's insight in this episode.
Sending warmth and good wishes your way!
Lisa
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
If you have been wondering about what's happening in the political and social landscape in the fertility field, you will appreciate this week's episode. Barb Collura, the CEO of RESOLVE, discusses how our modern society has arrived at a time when science and so many social issues have progressed, except that our reproductive rights may erode further if we do not take action now.
At RESOLVE.org, there are many ways to get involved, and Barb has led the charge in making it easy to advocate from your home computer. We need every voice, so listen to this episode to become informed.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
The benefits of disclosing to children about their origins, early and often, is no longer up for debate. We know that children, and their parents, are often curious about their donor, and for medical or emotional reasons, may have an interest in connecting with them at some point in their lives. Typically, people search for their donor on 23 and Me and hope that they will be able to connect with the donor when their child becomes 18. Some donor agreements, however, stipulate that the donor never be contacted.
Everie has changed all of that. They have created the first open donor egg donation program in the U.S.
In this episode, you will meet two of Everie’s Directors, Aisha Lewis and Mark Trolice, MD. They have created a program where you choose to be matched with a donor for a fresh cycle or receive frozen eggs. You can choose someone who also chooses you and you have the option to choose someone with similar values or background. Their program allows for individual matches so that you can decide what is right for you, get ongoing medical information for your children, and have a warm connection with someone who you or your child may reach out to down the line.
An added benefit is that open relationships will likely cut down on the number of donor siblings created from each donor. While no contract about family limits with a donor is enforceable, I do believe we are all more likely to maintain a commitment to someone we know rather than someone we don't know.
So, take a look at their website and learn more. I think you will be as impressed as I am. Everiedonation.com.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
You may know Colton Underwood as a football player or the reality TV star from The Bachelor, or from his Netflix special when he told the world that he could no longer hide and came out as a gay man. The Colton Underwood you will meet on this week's episode is a warm, gentle man who has finally found himself, real love, and cannot wait to be a father.
If these hurdles weren't enough, he also struggled with male factor infertility. Colton has become more accustomed to talking about the struggle of coming out and how happy he is being his true self, as a gay man, but infertility is still a struggle to discuss. He shares how embarrassed he felt when he received the diagnosis and how he and his husband embarked on a path to rejuvenate his sperm.
This process led him to create a podcast called Daddyhood, where he shares the long path to fatherhood. His openness and sensitivity will warm your heart and the information he shares may help you or someone you love who is struggling with infertility. The information in this podcast, like Colton himself, will intrigue you, for so many reasons.
Resources mentioned:
Daddyhood on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/daddyhoodpodcast/
Subscribe to Colton's podcast, "Daddyhood":
https://open.spotify.com/show/2wcc9oVtUr3q4hrFTn1TEw?si=f91dd3ddb5be4a6f
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this podcast, we frequently delve into the realm of third-party reproduction. However, today we're taking a fresh perspective on the pregnancy journey. Donor conception isn't the perfect fit for everyone, and for some, it simply isn't an option. So, let's explore an alternative approach.
Meet Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad, partners at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York. Their focus over the years has gravitated towards women categorized as having an "advanced maternal age". In this episode, they generously share insights into the strategies that have brought success to their patients.
What's reassuring is their commitment to ensuring informed consent. They steer clear of empty promises and quick fixes. Instead, they lay out the reality, often modest success rates for women in their 40s, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their treatment paths. Despite embracing some unconventional methods, their research garners respect within the medical community.
If you, or a loved one, want to attempt pregnancy at an advanced maternal age, you will find this episode very helpful.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
The good news is that we've discovered that disclosing early and regularly is most beneficial. Moreover, it's never too early nor too late to disclose. However, if you browse online comments about late disclosure, you'd doubt the validity of the latter statement. Those who struggle with early disclosure often face ridicule online, exacerbating feelings of guilt, sadness, and anxiety, making it even more challenging to disclose.
This week, I delve into this issue. Many individuals find it hard to disclose for various reasons. It's essential for them to recognize that feeling uncomfortable when using someone else's genetics to build a family is natural. They also need strategies to manage these emotions, enabling them to help their child understand their origins.
In this episode, I explore three reasons why disclosing may be challenging and offer solutions. Those grappling with disclosure, or those who know someone who is, should realize that it does become easier. Getting started is often the toughest step.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Dr. Shahine and I agree that there is so much misinformation on the internet. We also agree that the fertility journey is lonely and that people need support. So, we decided to team up and create a double podcast and bust some myths! Yes, you will get support and clarity on both of our channels.
Among other things, we will discuss:
• Sex positions and getting pregnant
• Stress and infertility
• Disclosure to donor-conceived children
• What to share with your fertility doctor (spoiler alert-everything!)
I think you will find this week's episode useful and entertaining.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Have you ever imagined what goes on inside the head, and home, of a single mother by choice? I have! I have talked to many of the people I see about how they chose their donor, how they decided to close the door on a partner (at least for now), what worried them, and how they do it all!
In this week's episode you will meet Lesley Bogad. She is a professor and has dedicated a lot of time to deciding how she would manage all of these issues and more, and some of the answers she shares may surprise you. Lesley is so interesting and thoughtful. I just loved hearing how she sees parenthood, donor conception, and her life with her son. I think you will too.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Comedian, actress, author, and podcast host, Robin Hopkins, joins us this week to talk about her journey and parenting advice. Her struggles with her donor choice took her across the country and to other countries, her discomfort with donor conception turned into love and gratitude and her fears and concerns were all resolved. She now parents her two children with the values she holds dear and the lessons she has learned through her journey to be a mom with her wife.
Robin is funny and insightful and helps us understand issues like disclosure to donor-conceived children, ways to understand donor-sibling connections, resolving co-parenting concerns, and more. Even if you plan to build your family differently than Robin, you will take away a lot of wisdom from this episode, and be entertained at the same time. She is a joy!
This podcast helps me share good information at no cost to you. So, if you like the episode, please give it a thumbs up and press the subscribe button.
Thank you.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In a previous episode, I discuss a wide range of fertility tips. This week, I wanted to give you some ideas that can help you get through treatment.
After decades in the field of fertility, I have found that there are helpful ideas to consider, and actions to take, to make the journey better and easier. The three tips presented in this video are a few of the ideas that people don't typically think about, so I wanted to share them all with you, with the hope that they will help you too.
I hope you find them useful and feel free to connect with us at www.familybuilding.net, and sign up for our newsletter so you won’t miss a beat.
Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Joseph Tito is a Canadian influencer and author of the dad diaries. He is a happy married man and the father of two beautiful twin girls. But life was not always this way.
While going through a breakup, Joseph pursued donor conception and surrogacy alone in a foreign country. He had no idea how his story would end, but he had no other choice. He did not have the funds to pursue a surrogacy journey in the US or Canada, his home country, so he took his chances and almost did not make it back home.
Many people in a similar spot would not have taken the risks that Joseph took, but people like Joseph find a way to make their dreams happen.
Even if this is not your story, listening to Joseph is inspiring and reminds us that everyone is entitled to have the family of their dreams.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Oprah’s film pick, Eggs Over Easy, was directed by this week's guest, Chiquita Lockely, who is a ray of sunshine and hope. She has created a platform for fertility treatment for women of color and has been a leader in advocacy and support in her community.
In this episode, Chiquita dove into big issues like inequality for people of color, why black men are reluctant to donate their sperm, cultural issues that the black community faces around therapy, fertility, and more.
She hopes to continue to help educate and inspire the black community to get the resources they need to build their families, increase awareness, and garner support for inclusion, outreach, and improved access to fertility treatment.
If you have ever been interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Chiquita has amazing insights and generously shares them with us.
This podcast helps me share good information at no cost to you. So, if you like the episode, please give it a thumbs up and make sure to press the subscribe button.
Thank you.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
I hope you enjoyed part one of this two-part series on surrogacy. If you have not yet seen part one, I urge you to watch it. It is full of useful information to help you have the best relationship with your surrogate. This is important for you, and for your surrogate, but it's also important to be able to have a beautiful journey that you can document for your future child to treasure forever. For more information on chronicling your journey, please take a look at My Lifebook at ( https://familybuilding.net/product/).
This week’s focus is the practical and legal issues you will need to address on your surrogacy journey. I'll give you some ideas to help you separate what is important from what is not important in planning for your journey. I will also help you understand the limits of your legal contract, and provide guidance on how to address some important issues with your surrogate so you will have an extra layer of legal protection (and why that is particularly important now).
While these two episodes will not cover my full consultation, they will give you some tips I have learned over my decades of experience. I hope it helps.
This podcast helps me share good information at no cost to you. So, if you like the episode, please give it a thumbs up and press subscribe.
Thank you.
Lisa
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
For two consecutive weeks, I will be talking about surrogacy. This first episode will cover some ways to optimize your relationship with your gestational carrier. This is incredibly important. It is important for all involved to have a meaningful journey, and those positive experiences can be documented and used as part of your child’s narrative (for more information see My Lifebook https://familybuilding.net/product/), Last, if something goes wrong (and hopefully it won’t), everyone will have the tools in place to make decisions together more productively.
If you, or someone you care for, is considering using a gestational carrier to have a child, I suggest that you check out these episodes. They provide some of the highlights of my consultations with intended parents and although the entirety of my consultation is not covered, these short episodes will give you many helpful tools to use on your journey.
And if you like the episode please give it a thumbs up and subscribe.
Thank you for tuning in.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Nicole Gomez Fisher is the writer, director and producer of the feature film “Sleeping with the Fishes” and “The Good Egg” which was inspired by her fertility journey and decision to use donor eggs to build her family. Her films have been featured on HBO and are available on Amazon Prime Video. Nicole has also acted and worked on many other films and television shows, but her favorite role, by far, is mom.
In this week’s podcast you will hear about her many struggles and circuitous pathway to parenthood.
Sharing her feelings on social media has been difficult for Nicole. Sadly, she has received backlash in many online communities for discussing her inner conflicts. I applaud Nicole for her openness. Many women with infertility experience the same feelings that Nicole has felt and feel fearful about sharing them publicly.
Listen to Nicole share her journey, how she finally built her family, and why she decided to turn her heartache into a full-length feature comedy.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Chloe Melas is a reporter for the Today Show, an author, and an advocate. In this episode you will hear about all of her incredible pursuits and most of all, her infertility journey, which led to her two beautiful boys. After much heartache, Chloe decided to open up about her experiences to People magazine, CNN and now to us.
Chloe recounts her treatment failures, marital struggles and battle with feelings of depression and anxiety. She has now decided to become an advocate for progress and spreading good information so more people can receive the assistance they need and feel less alone.
I am sure you will feel as moved and inspired by her story as I did.
And please don’t forget to subscribe, give it a thumbs up if you like it, and share it with someone who can use it.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
The gold medalist joins us on the show to share her difficulties through her five year journey to have a baby, including all of the losses and treatments she endured. Tara reflects on how the attributes that made her an international superstar also made fertility treatment more difficult, how she and her husband Todd, struggled with their different perspectives and through their hurts, developed a greater closeness.
She opens up about her fears of pregnancy and loss and how her experiences have changed her life forever. This journey led Tara and her husband to create their podcast, called "Unexpecting", where they chronicle their journey and speak openly about feelings and experiences they never spoke about before with the wish that their story will give others hope, and comfort in knowing that they are not alone.
Tara is brave, resilient, and so incredibly articulate about feelings that so many of us have, but so few share. This is an episode not to be missed!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Most of us know that if you used a third party to help you build your family, or if you are adopting, it is essential to share this with your child. We also know that "early and often" works best for the children and the parents. Talking to your child early and often helps your child integrate their sense of who they are from the beginning. It has also been shown to help children have better relationships with their parents and to have a positive impact on their teen years.
When we practice things, we get better, and sharing with your child how you built your family can feel uncomfortable or even awkward at best. Practicing your narrative, trying on different versions of your story and getting to a place where you can craft a narrative that feels like it suits your family is an important process. Practicing that story will help you get the kinks out and help your child feel more comfortable with their story as well. By the time it becomes natural for you to tell it, your child will begin to hear the story, or even just pick up words or phrases and those words will feel natural. This in turn can help your child feel like their story is a good story, and their story is simply the way you created your family.
So, what about telling others your story? The nosy aunt for example? The neighbors who stare at you and your child back and forth, looking for some resemblance as you ride the elevator each morning? What about the PTA president or the soccer coach who makes comments about your child having inherited your genetics? These are all situations that are unique to each family. they are also unique to each person, which means a difference of opinion can cause conflict. As you will hear in this week's episode, it can also cause issues that are tough to unwind.
So why not practice your story? Practicing this with your partner, if you have one, or a trusted friend can help you anticipate, and possibly prevent difficulties down the road.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Peter Boni was donor conceived long before 23 and Me was even an idea. So you can imagine how difficult it was, especially when there was even more shame around donor conception, to come to terms with it and then search for genetic relatives. As with most people, there were other issues in his life that made making peace with being donor conceived even more difficult.
Peter has written a book about his experiences and has become an advocate of rights for the donor conceived community. In this episode, he will share his journey to discovery.
Peter will also discuss some ways to fix the problems in the industry and will offer some suggestions for putting guard rails on the process to minimize the number of people who can donate multiple times and create tens, and even hundreds of donor related siblings.
This episode is a little different from previous episodes because it focuses on the donor conception industry, rather than conceiving or parenting, but is also very important for us to understand.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
If you have been up and down the fertility roller-coaster, you have spent a great deal of time, effort and money trying to have a baby, but have likely had little time to think about the pregnancy.
Or, if you are like me, you may feel too nervous to think about the pregnancy for fear of jinxing it or setting yourself up for possible disappointment.
However, at some point, you need to turn your thoughts to the pregnancy. Whether you are getting pregnant, or working with someone who will be carrying the pregnancy for you, there is much to learn.
In this episode, Aimee Raupp will tell us what we need to know about supporting the pregnancy and the baby. She is a nutritionist and an acupuncturist and has taught hundreds of people how make changes, big and small, to support the pregnancy and have a better delivery.
She talks about helpful foods, how to remove toxins from your environment, the benefits of acupuncture, and how to decipher what is most important from the issues that are not as important. Her advice is invaluable.
Aimee will teach us not to be so hard on ourselves and provide us with simple and easy to implement tips that can be beneficial for everyone.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
I hope you were able to watch or listen to Camille Guaty's interview last week. She is an American film and television actress, and can currently be seen on the HBO Max series, Duster.
In this first part of the interview, we learned about her infertility discovery, the struggle to keep it secret, juggling life and work on the set, suffering inside, and ultimately coming to terms with the idea of donor conception and more.
In the second episode you will learn how Camille navigated treatment and the donor conception process, which was not simple. You will also hear how she and her husband came to a better understanding of each other, and how she feels about her donor and parenthood now...with a new lens.
Camille gives us a window into her world, and her transformation to parenthood.
She is the first celebrity to be fully open about her donor conception story, and hopefully not the last. Camille is a trailblazer, and we are so appreciative she has shared her story with us.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Camille Guaty-Kaye is an American film and television actress, and can currently be seen on the HBO Max series, Duster. By far, Camille’s favorite role is being a Mom. Unfortunately, this was the most difficult part for her to get.
In this two-part interview, we explore Camille’s fertility journey, preconceived thoughts about her cultural background, her fears about donor conception, the rollercoaster of treatment, and her determination to get pregnant.
This is such an inspiring and heartfelt episode. Camille generously shares her life struggles, and reveals experiences that many have, but rarely discuss.
She is the first celebrity to be fully open about her donor conception story and we are so grateful she shared it with us. Her generosity and warm heart are truly extraordinary.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Dr. Loree Johnson is a mental health professional, a former fertility patient, and an advocate for visibility, representation and for helping people who want to have a child have an easier journey.
After her own experience of fertility treatments, losses, and nearly deciding to live child free, Loree decided to help others for whom getting and staying pregnant is not easy.
As a black woman, she understands the cultural pressure to be fertile, the reality of struggling to have a child when your career or lack of a partner has left you with "old eggs", the maternal health risks for black women and the importance for representation at your doctor's office.
In this episode, she digs into these issues and more. I found her perspective to be illuminating. I am sure you will agree.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Megan was a fertility nurse who works for an egg donor agency, and...is a donor!
On this podcast, Megan shares her experience as a fertility nurse. She understands, first hand, how painful the process of moving to donor conception can be, and talks about how she doesn't want her recipients to feel any pressure.
At the same time, she is keenly aware of the importance of openness and is glad to be in touch with future offspring if they desire.
Megan may sound too good to believe, but through my experience creating an open donor program, I have found that many donors have big hearts and rational minds like Megan.
Megan doesn't know if she will ever have children of her own, but she is glad to help others build the families they desire.
So many people worry about what donors are thinking. Tune in this week to hear from a lovely one!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
My book is finally here! After decades of personal and professional experience, I have created a book to help you have an easier journey to parenthood. My hope is that the book will make the path to parenthood easier, provide you with easy to digest medical and genetic information and provide you with helpful tools to talk to your children about their origins and reduce your stress. I wish I had a book like this when I was trying to build my family. My hope is it serves you well and feel free to reach out to me anytime.
xo Lisa
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
Order the book today athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, you will get a sneak peek into a part of my book that is helpful for everyone, stress reduction.
At the end of my upcoming book, Building Your Family, The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, I share helpful ways to think about stress reduction. You can pre-order the book here, https://a.co/d/eAWe35c,
Family building is often difficult, especially when you need assistance. Reducing your stress is the best way to reach clarity on the decisions you'll need to make, manage the rollercoaster of the process, and the accompanying emotions, and to maintain strong connections with the people who matter most to you.
In this week’s podcast, I will give you an abbreviated version of how to plan out your stress reduction strategies based on your current situation.
We often try strategies that are popular, seem easy or appealing in some way, or we take guidance from friends and family. While this may sometimes lead to good outcomes, finding the best way to manage stress may necessitate using a variety of techniques, or trying things in a different way.
This video is pretty short so it wont take long to check it out. It may help you manage your stress so that you can achieve any goal that is important to you.
And, as always, feel free to reach out to me. I am here for you.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Kat Curtin is the incoming President for Single Mother's By Choice. She has big shoes to fill, but she will fill those shoes perfectly because Kat understands the journey personally and professionally. She runs a coaching practice, and has been a member of Single Mother's by Choice for years. In her own life, she has undergone every kind of treatment you can imagine, including surrogacy and donor conception. She has suffered through loss and has had to work multiple jobs to pay for her treatment. Now she is the happy mom of a beautiful little girl.
Why do I say Kat "was" a single mom? Because she is now happy in a committed relationship. She can dispel lots of myths about men not being interested in women who have children who were created with donor sperm, or that it's impossible to date when one has a toddler.
Kat has been thorough a lot, but she will tell you why it is all worth it. So, if you are considering single parenthood, know someone who is considering single parenthood, or just need some inspiration for your journey, this will be a great episode for you.
Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Amber Gamma is the lead genetic counselor for IVI RMA and the incoming Chair for the Genetics Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. She is the perfect person to tell us how to understand genetics when using donor conception to have a child.
There is so much to know, and so much you can do to increase the odds of having a healthy child. Amber walks us through many issues to consider when using donor conception to build your family. Here are a few:
• What to do when your clinic does not have an in-house genetic counselor
• How to understand dominant and recessive carrier screening
• The importance of weighing genetic risk with a known donor
• Information to consider when you are matching your genetics with your donors’ genetics
• Why it is helpful to continue to attempt to get medical information from your donor or related relatives over time
To learn about these subjects, and more, tune into this episode. Whether you are choosing a donor, or have already used donor conception to build your family, you will be glad you did.
Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
I have known Dee Svedberg for decades, so I can tell you that she's smart, thoughtful, and truly cares about the well-being of each patient and donor. She attends industry meetings, even when she doesn't need to go, and always tries to make the donor conception experience better for the donor and recipient while also maintaining FDA and ASRM guidelines and requirements. Not an easy feat. That is why I thought she'd be a perfect guest for the show.
If you are considering donor conception, it's important to go to a reliable source. The process necessitates that the basic rules are followed but there is so much that is also left up to each professional’s discretion.
Our doctors should be kind, thoughtful, ethical, forward thinking, skilled and experienced, right? Yet, a doctor who is only thoughtful about his work, and skilled enough to become licensed, can become a doctor. In previous episodes, I have stressed that you should look for all of these qualities in your therapist and lawyer as well. In this episode, you will hear from an excellent professional who possesses all of these qualities.
Dee will take you through her process, from the moment a donor first contacts the clinic through the egg retrieval. She will share the issues she considers when donors want to be candidates, but may not be the best donors. She will talk about the FDA requirements and why we have them, and how she shepherds the donor through the process, with multiple appointments, procedures and professionals, and holds her hand every step of the way.
For any of you who are not familiar with this process, you will find it fascinating. If you happen to be choosing a donor, having greater knowledge about the screening process will give you reassurance that more than you may know goes into screening. Hearing Dee share her experiences may also help you feel more connected to the process your donor will undergo.
I hope you find this episode helpful and, of course, feel free to reach out any time. I am here to make your journey easier. Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Jen Vesbit was a guest on the show previously to discuss Empower with Moxi. Empower is comprised of a group of three women who have all been embryo donors or have donated embryos themselves. They decided years ago that in addition to their families and current jobs, they wanted to help others build their families with the assistance of embryo donation.
From the time I met them years ago at the annual conference for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, I knew they were going to do great things, and they have. In addition to their support programs, they have just launched a matching program called, Moxie Matching. You can find them at https://www.empowerwithmoxi.com/moxi-matching. These three lovely ladies bring their intellect, passion and value system to this one-of-a-kind program.
So, what is embryo donation? How do people find each other? What does it feel like to watch a child grow in another family who is a full genetic sibling to your child? How do you maintain a good relationship with the person you donate to, or who donates to you? And what about the kids? There is so much to consider.
In this episode we dive into some of these questions and more. I'm confident that you'll be amazed by the answers. Jen shares her story of donating an embryo to a single woman. She tells us why she chose this person, how they created plans for their relationship, and so much more.
If you are considering embryo donation, you will want to listen to this episode. It's full of life lessons and new ways to think about donor conception.
Enjoy.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Another podcast about psychological screening? Yes. Why? Because I want you to be fully informed. In a previous episode, we spoke about psychological testing.
We have also met with reproductive endocronologists, and will soon meet with a genetics counselor, so we have covered a lot of donor screening basics. But since mental health is so important and we have never reviewed the whole psychological sceening process, I don't feel you have the whole picture, and you deserve the whole picture so you can make informed choices.
As you may have seen, there have been several cases in the news about children who have mental illness, whose donor had the same mental illness. There is no perfect system, but if you follow the right steps with a seasoned mental health professional, you can give yourself the best possible chance to reduce the risk of your child ineriting a mental illness.
Many people are in a rush to get pregnant and want to skip over the screening process, or choose a therapist by their fee rather than their experience. Choosing a donor is a lifetime decision that you can not unwind later. Find a seasoned professional who has been appropriately trained, and get all of the screening completed before you move forward with your donor.
Your donor may feel like “the right one”, or have the right background or looks to fit nicely into your family, but these problems can be life changing for everyone.
In my upcoming book, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, detailed steps are explained in a progressive fashion.
You can pre-order here: https://a.co/d/eAWe35c
I also discuss this process in my Donor Conception Masterclass which can be found on my website, www.familybuilding.net
In this episode I outline the mental health screening process so you will know what to ask for from your bank, clinic or agency.
I hope this episode is helpful. Please feel free to reach out to me any time.
I am here to make your journey easier.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
This week, Stef Koza, also known as The Donor Conceived Queen, on Instagram, shares her difficult story. On our podcast we feature a lot of uplifting stories. This is not one of those stories, but it is a good story to tell because Stef shows us how secrets, untruths and the refusal to support a child can lead to significant pain.
Stef has had many traumatic experiences, including sexual assault, and yet she has managed to build a life for herself and her family. She now speaks out about assault, family struggles and donor conception disclosure issues.
As a child, Stef said she always knew she was donor conceived and yet her parents denied it for years. They were embarrassed and ashamed and were not able to be honest with Stef and were unable to put away their religious beliefs in order to have a relationship with their daughter.
Stef created her Instagram profile to share her truths and help others who were denied theirs. She shares all of this and more on this podcast.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Charlotte Holmes is a yoga instructor, former model, Ms. England, and…. an egg donor! She donated in the UK, no less, where there is no significant compensation. Donors are compensated for basic expenses only.
But this lovely person has a beautiful story to share. She donated to help a couple or individual have children because she never wanted children of her own. And that’s not all. Charlotte wanted to heal her feelings about not giving great grandchildren to her grandmother (who has now passed) and to give back to the world, since she will not be doing so with children of her own.
It’s an incredible story and I think you will find this lovely woman as beautiful in the inside as she is on the outside.
Enjoy
X0
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Anna is a lawyer, a bioethicist, and a donor conceived person. In this episode, she shares how these different roles and her Jewish identity, and current perspectives are all intertwined in how she perceives her origins as well as how she feels about her family, her donor and her donor siblings.
Anna discusses the bioethics concept of retrospective moral judgment and what it means to her personally. She also talks about other donor conceived people and donor recipients she has spoken with, and what she shares with them.
Anna is thoughtful, and has a very warm heart, qualities that certainly help her be so good at her profession as well as a mother, partner and daughter.
I really enjoyed meeting with Anna and I think you will too.
Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this weeks podcast, Dr. Anate Brauer shows us how she helps her patients by having them focus on their end goal, and then working their way backwards. She understands how difficult the fertility process can be, and how often people become confused or stressed, and may not think through all of their family building goals on their first appointment. That's why Dr. Brauer helps people by having them begin by visualizing their future family.
This is only one of the insightful ideas you will hear Dr. Brauer share in this episode. As the IVF Director at Shady Grove Fertility in NYC, she leads her team in a compassionate and thoughtful manner, and provides state of the art treatment for all of her patients.
Dr. Brauer has published multiple papers and lectures on all aspects of fertility treatment. She is also involved in many professional organizations and cancer survivor’s programs.
In this podcast, you will see how Dr. Brauer uses her sharp mind and warm heart to help her patients have the best journey possible on the road to building the family of their dreams.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Before you move ahead with your donor conception process, I'd like you to consider the things that I discuss in this solo episode. I rarely create solo episodes, but when I do, you should know that they are particularly important. You may think, “I have heard it all”, and maybe you have, but maybe you haven’t, so why not just take a few minutes to listen to my latest podcast and consider some of the issues that I discuss.
If you are in love with your donor, or you feel very fragile right now, you may want to ignore this episode, or bookmark it for another time.
For some people, my question may feel challenging and upsetting, but I've recorded this solo episode because the issues that I discuss need to be considered. Since my goal is to make your journey easier, I created this episode to shed some light on a common phenomenon that you may not even know you are struggling with.
In this episode, I will explain:
-why you may reflexively choose qualities in your donor over which you have little control
-which qualities you have some control over
-how to order your priorities in your donor selection process
I review this in detail in my Donor Conception Masterclass
https://familybuilding.net/donor-conception-masterclass/
and LGBTQIA+ Donor Conception Masterclass
https://familybuilding.net/new/lgbtqia-donor-conception-masterclass/
and in my new book https://a.co/d/eAWe35c
You can get a short synopsis here and gain an understanding why, so often, when choosing a donor, your body will fight reality.
I hope it helps. And feel free to reach out anytime! Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
We may not think about it often, but as more people pursue donor conception and surrogacy, the greater the need for qualified lawyers with experience with these complicated contracts. My guest today, Richard Vaughn, Esq., has been practicing for decades and has seen all of the changes in law that relate to reproductive medicine. Richard has tremendous insight into the social and emotional issues too. That is because he has been there. He and his husband are proud parents of two boys. Having been through surrogacy and donor conception himself, he has learned the value of openness in donor conception, he understands the importance of talking to your children early about their origins, and he knows that the fears that many parents have about their donor or surrogate are never realized. In this episode, Richard takes us through the evolution of his practice and his family. So pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy. It’s a great episode.
xo
Lisa
Today, I am pleased to introduce you to a lovely young Danish woman named Emma Groenbaek. She's on our show to share her experience of being donor conceived.
I know a lot of you are curious about how children feel growing up being donor conceived, how they go through life’s ups and downs, and if being donor conceived affects their normal developmental milestones. If you are like most of the people I see in my practice, you may also be curious about the relationship a donor conceived child has with their parents.
In this episode, we discuss these topics and more. Emma will share so much with us and, spoiler alert, it’s good news! On top of that, she manages the whole interview in English beautifully! Thank you, Emma!
I hope you enjoy this episode, and I hope that it allays some of your worries
xo Lisa
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
This week my guest provided a beautiful example of how to tolerate homophobia and racism, and instead of getting derailed, educate others and keep pursuing your dream.
It's remarkable.
Listen to the way they use solidarity as a key to this success. That make sense. We know that isolation can lead to depression and increase the risks of medical issues like diabetes and heart disease.
We also know that building community and letting your voice be heard is the best way to shore up support for equality and justice.
We need to believe that kindness and community are the answers to so many troubles. It's a lesson I need to learn over and over.
Listen, or watch this episode, I think it will be inspiring for you too.
Thank you @twomom_browns!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
If you are considering donor conception, have donor conceived children, or you care for a donor conceived person, this episode is for you! My guest this week is Rosanna Hertz, the co-author of the book, Random Families: Genetic Strangers, Sperm Donor Siblings and the Creation of New Kin.
In this episode, we discuss her research with donor conceived people and their genetic and legal relatives.
She explores topics such as:
-what it means to have genetic relatives and how feelings can change over time
-how children's ages have can affect what type of relationship they want to have with genetic siblings
-whether or not it is preferable for parents to connect with donor siblings or allow the children to eventually make that choice for themselves
And that's only the tip of the iceberg! This is an episode not to be missed!
Xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Dana, and her partner Helen, started their family building journey three decades ago, when building a family as a lesbian couple was even more difficult than it is now.
You will be amazed to hear about their journey and the lengths they had to go through to have a child. Fortunately, they were focused on their goals and values and Helen supported Dana in her part time hobby which is now largest queer family resource hub I know of.
Their story, and Dana’s organization, Mombian, is a wonderful and inspirational example of how, even when obstacles get in your way, you can put one foot in front of the other and make amazing things happen.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
What happens when two experienced fertility medical professionals are nearing retirement but are constantly distressed by the cost of fertility treatment? The answer: open your own clinic and find a way to make fertility treatment cost effective for everyone. In this episode, you will learn about this and how Dr. Karen Hammond and Dr. Nicholas Cataldo have similar success rates to conventional IVF clinics and help their patients save money on treatment. Hard to believe, I know, but it is true. What’s more, they are caring, sensitive and thoughtful about each patient's journey. This is a fascinating episode, and not to be missed!
Enjoy :)
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Today you are in for a treat that you won’t find anywhere else.
In this week’s episode, Dr. Kathryn Go will give us a little show-and-tell. So, if you are able to also watch it on YouTube, I would recommend it. She will show you the instruments she uses and things that people who don’t work in a clinic, don’t typically see. Even if you are familiar with IVF, there is nothing like someone taking you step by step through the process, hearing what embryologists think about and seeing the instruments they use.
In this episode, Dr. Go will discuss:
- the elements important to have a good lab
- how embryologists decide which embryos are the best for transfer
- the embryologist’s perspectives about new technologies, including AI in the lab
- how procedures like ISCI and PGT-A are done
And…she will also give you some insight into the future. Yes, you will learn about discoveries that are coming one day, and some that are right around the corner.
It is fascinating! I think you will agree.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
There are some things we share on the podcast that are objective. As a researcher, I have tremendous regard for focusing on what is proven and making well educated choices. As a therapist, I also understand that choosing a donor is a very personal, and often emotionally charged experience. Even the most academically oriented people I see often make decisions based on emotion. There is no right and wrong here. What's most important is that you are educated about your options, and then make a choice that's right for you.
In this episode, you will meet Jarret Zafran. He is a lawyer and runs a surrogacy agency which he built from the bricks of knowledge he gleaned on his way to becoming a father.
It was not always easy for Jarret and his husband Elliot, but they learned how to navigate the surrogacy and egg donor process, make decisions as a team and in the end, trust their gut, which may sound surprising coming from two academically oriented men.
I'm sure you will get some great “take away’s” for yourself or someone you care about. Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Advances in medicine have improved success rates and the opportunity to have the healthiest child possible. Yet, the alphabet soup of terms for genetic testing can be confusing to decipher. Then add donor conception to the mix, and most people are left feeling bewildered and nervous, wondering if they are making the right choices.
In this episode, Dr. Eric Forman will break down genetic testing and help you understand how it works, how it has changed over time, and what you need to know about genetic testing and donor conception.
If you want a class on how to understand the process of genetic testing and get some great recommendations about how to decide if it is right for you, listen to this episode. I think you will be glad you did.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Christina Bailey (babybaileymamadrama on Instagram) joins us with her partner, Heather for this great episode on almost every family building subject you can imagine.
Christina takes us through family decision making as a lesbian woman, getting married, having children, getting divorced, struggles over remaining embryos, pursuing single motherhood, finding love again and more babies!
It is an amazing story. If you are going through any of these experiences, you will gain a lot hearing from someone who has been through it all. And they still have time to educate us all through social media and hold down jobs!
Amazing women, amazing story.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
This episode will cover the legal and the practical. You'll learn about Vicki’s road to parenthood with her wife Michelle, and how she has a closer relationship to her child who is not genetically connected to her, than to her child who is genetically connected.
She'll tell you why it's so important to follow legal guidelines, even when they don’t seem to make sense. She'll also discuss how you can set yourself up for success (and your future child too) by ensuring that you have sound legal information and guidance.
The episode is engaging and informative. Vicki knows a lot about reproduction law, life, relationships, and the practical and psychological mile markers on your way to building a family.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Dr. Mark Leondires is the Founder, Medical Director and Partner in reproductive endocrinology at Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be. He has won awards, recognition from professional organizations and has been a leader for change in the LGBTQIA+ community for decades.
He is also my co-author for the soon to be released book, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception.
In this episode, Dr. Leondires gives us a tutorial on donor conception and IVF, talks about important medical issues to consider on your family building journey and shares his personal feelings about how to approach everything from choosing a donor to grieving the loss of using your genetics to have a child.
Dr. Leondires was once also a patient. He and his husband are now raising two beautiful boys after lots of time in the trenches and lessons learned. He feels strongly about helping others have an easier path to parenthood. You will hear his passion in this interview, and will learn a lot. Enjoy.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Today’s guest is Stacey Stevenson (she/they) joined Family Equality as the first Black Chief Executive Officer in 2021. With a background in the corporate sector, they decided to turn their business acumen, lived experience, and passion to work for LGBTQIA+ families and those who wish to form them.
In this episode you will learn about the bills that are threatening to erode at the freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community, and all of us. You will learn about the ways that the Family Equality is combating those threats and helping people stay safe. In the midst of hate and chaos, Family Equality is a positive and powerful presence and Stacey is an amazing leader.
You will also learn about Stacey’s family building journey and her thoughtful point of view (and trips to the White House!). This is an enlightening and engaging episode. Enjoy.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
On this episode, we talk to Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna. Together they are dad’s to a beautiful boy, Maverick. So, although they are famous on social media as the Broadway Husbands, they are now, the Broadway Dads!
They had a long road to parenthood but feel it turned out the way it was supposed to be. We hear the story of how they chose their donor, found a surrogacy agency, handle tough questions from others, managed the huge financial bills as two performers and more. It is a lovely story filled with warmth and joy. I’m sure you will love listening to them as much as I did.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, you will meet Dr. Frederick Licciardi. He is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU School of Medicine and practicing reproductive endocrinologist at NYU Langone Fertility Center, where he is the Director of the Fellowship Program in Reproductive Endocrinology.
Dr. Licciardi has published numerous clinical articles and has seen thousands of donors and recipients in his decades of practice. Today, he will share valuable insights from his years in the field.
He will talk about the antral follicle count and why it is important in egg donor screening, how to investigate fertility treatment statistics, why PGT testing is more important if you are using a gestational carrier than if you are carrying the pregnancy yourself, and more.
If you want to learn more about how donors are screened and how to do your own research along the way, this episode is for you.
Enjoy.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
I met Alexis Cirel, Esq. some years ago when she decided to expand her matrimonial practice to include third-party reproduction. At one time Alexis was herself a patient and needed many of the services she now helps her clients navigate. This experience gives her a unique perspective on the struggles her clients face and inspires her to help.
In this podcast, you can easily see how much Alexis cares, and how sound her advice is. She talks about several issues to think about when using donor conception and zeros in on how important it is to understand the legal differences between a donor and a parent. In this episode, we see how many problems can easily be avoided with a little legal assistance.
Tune in. I think you will find it very helpful.
xo
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Melissa Lindsey discovered that she was donor-conceived when she was an adult. After putting together the pieces of her identity, she wanted to help others facing similar experiences and founded the Donor Conceived Community (DCC). They provide emotional and social support to donor conceived people (DCP) facing identity discoveries.
Through her personal experience and her conversations with donors, other DCP’s and parents of donor conceived children, her view of donor conception and what makes a family has changed. After listening to her, your views may change as well. She talks about nature vs. nurture, loss, disclosure, discovery and so much more.
If you are interested in hearing about the wide range of experiences that are possible for donor conceived people, and learning some tips that are commonly helpful to donor conceived children, this will be the podcast for you.
Enjoy!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Our latest episode is for the mother (or parent), or mother (or parent) to be.
Mother’s Day can be difficult for many people on their journey to have a child. For people who have already become parents, it can be a great day. Either way, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I answer the most frequently asked question that we hear at the Center for Family Building every day: “How do I talk to my donor conceived child about their origins?"
Before I go any further, it is important to know that in this short video, I could not possibly cover everything, but I do give you a place to start. If you are listening to this episode, I urge you to watch it too because I provide many visual examples to help you create your narrative. Discussions with your child about their origin should be like dropping seeds during their childhood, and this episode describes how to begin doing it.
You will learn:
•A simple framework to use to think about starting your narrative
•The background and research behind why it’s helpful, if possible, to start early
•How to create a story that is right for you and your family
•Examples of books you can use to share what is most important to you
•Ways to chronicle your family journey
I hope you find this useful, and feel free to reach out to us with questions anytime.
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Wow! If you want an episode jam-packed with donor conception information, this is it! Allison Rodgers, MD, is the Director of Education at Fertility Centers of Illinois and board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
She has been published in several medical journals, and has won several awards for her amazing work.
On our show, Dr. Rodgers shares valuable donor conception information in a way that is easy to understand. She talks about sperm donation, egg donation and gives us tips (from a medical perspective) on what to look for in a donor. She will help you understand what is important, and what is not, and why.
Dr. Rodger's experience with both secondary infertility and pregnancy loss have given her unique insight into reproductive medicine because she was once a patient too. It is clear that she understands the roller-coaster rider of infertility and how much she truly cares.
You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube!
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
After many years of working at egg donor agencies and helping people find matches outside of the agency she was working for, Gail Sexton Anderson decided to formalize the process and become a donor concierge full time. That is when Donor Concierge was born.
After receiving her master’s degree in counseling from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Gail worked in research and developmental testing. She also has two children of her own and loves parenthood.
In this podcast, you will see how Gail’s personal and professional experiences have helped her bring insight and sensitivity to the needs of people who want to build their families. She, and her team, clearly go the extra mile to help people find what they are looking for and educate them when they need guidance.
If you are looking for a donor or a surrogate and need help finding “the right one”, Gail Sexton Anderson and her team at Donor Concierge are a great resource.
Hope you enjoy the episode
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
As we enter National Infertility Awareness week, we are grateful to share the wisdom of two wonderful guests, Elizabeth Grill, PsyD, the incoming Chair of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Organization, and Barbara Collura, RESOLVE’s President and CEO.
In this episode (2 of 2), we meet with Barbara Collura. Barbara is a nationally recognized expert on infertility and the family building journey with a special emphasis on the personal experience of those struggling to build their family. Barbara has worked with the World Health Organization on infertility definitions and clinical guidelines, ACOG on their clinical definitions for infertility, and served a four-year term on the Advisory Council of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at NIH.
We are so fortunate to speak with Barbara today. She is a leader in our field and someone upon whom we all depend to guide us in our fight to maintain reproductive freedom for everyone.
If you want a high-level view of the subjects that are most pressing today and what you can easily do to help, make sure you listen to this episode. It is full of valuable information distilled from hundreds of bills, tons of policy information, medical summaries and legal documents. Barbara is truly a voice of calm and focus at a time when there is so much at stake and so much to do to protect our families and families-to-be.
If you didn’t know much about Barbara before you will certainly see why she is the leader of RESOLVE, and why we all appreciate her so much.
NIAW #NIAW2023 #IFAwareness #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek #FindYourVoice
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
NIAW-Double Episode Week!
As we enter National Infertility Awareness week, we are grateful to share the wisdom of two wonderful guests, Elizabeth Grill, PsyD who is incoming Chair of RESOLVE, the national infertility organization, and Barb Collura, RESOLVE’s President and CEO.
In this episode (1 of 2), we meet with Elizabeth Grill, PsyD. She is the Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine and is Associate Professor of Psychology in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, and Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. She is experienced as a counseling psychologist and medical researcher with a special focus on the emotional aspects of infertility, IVF treatment, third party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, sexual dysfunction, and stress and infertility. She is the President for the Society for Sex Therapy and Research and Secretary and Chair for RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association. Dr. Grill is also the co-owner of FertiCalm and FertiStrong, the first digital apps developed to treat the daily stressors faced by individuals and couples experiencing infertility, using research proven modalities.
In this episode, Dr. Grill and I discuss the transition from infertility to donor conception, the shame faced by so many who use donor conception, the differences between men and women using donor conception, isolation and how to treat it and more. We address many of the issues that are at the heart of what can make using donor conception to build your family so stressful.
Take these words of wisdom to heart, replay when you need a reminder you are not alone and join RESOLVE, if you haven’t already.
And…tune in for our second episode in two days. See you there!
NIAW #NIAW2023 #IFAwareness #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, we meet Kiara Schuh. She is a Donor Conceived Person who was raised by a Single Mom by Choice. She recently published her memoir, Chosen Family, and is trying to redefine society's notion of the traditional family.
She is an accountant by trade but felt that she had to tell her story to the world and enlighten people about the many ways people feel about being donor conceived. Her story is different, and also and the same as many others, which sheds light on the fact that we can no longer make assumptions about how anyone defines family.
Kiara shares amazing insights on the importance of openness in donor conception and why she does not want to call her genetic father “dad”. She opens our eyes and helps us see biology, and friendships, in a different way.
Enjoy!
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode, I welcome three guests, Gina Davis, Jennifer Vesbit and Maya Grobel. These three amazing women joined forces in 2019 to create a company called Empower with Moxi!
Their mission was, and is, to transform the landscape of embryo donation. They have different stories and took different career paths, but were all touched by embryo donation, either as a donor or a recipient.
All three of these ladies share the perspective that there is not enough support and guidance in embryo donation. They also believe that there is too much emphasis on getting pregnant and not enough on planning for a lifetime as a family touched by embryo donation.
These perspectives, and more, will be shared with you in this episode. You will learn about how embryo donation works, the difference between embryo donation and embryo adoption and why having an open relationship with your donor or recipient does not need to be scary.
Even if you are not planning to use embryo donation to build your family, this episode will give you insight on openness, disclosure and more.
I hope you enjoy it.
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Today’s episode is so important. All of our guests are important, but if you are considering donor conception to build your family this episode is a must.
Few people understand what should go into donor screening or why. Several elements are important, including psychological testing. It is essential to ensure your donor has not only had a psychological interview, but an objective personality test before you consider them as a genetic contributor for your future child. This test, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), is currently the most widely accepted and utilized in our industry.
You have little control over this process. Why not do the best you can to help prevent mental health issues for your future child?
John Kurtz, PhD is one of the people who worked on the original crafting of this test and has published research and taught many professionals (like me) about its importance and how to use it. He is a professor at Villanova University and a PAI specialist.
In today’s episode, he will share some of the reasons why the right type of psychological testing is important, and some of the problems that can be prevented by ensuring that this important step is part of your criteria in choosing a donor.
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Melissa B. Brisman graduated Valedictorian from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. If that is not impressive enough, Melissa first started helping couples become parents in 1996 when she was her own first client when she and her husband, Dan, became parents of twin boys carried by a gestational carrier. A few years later, they had a daughter who was also carried by a gestational carrier.
Melissa is considered a true pioneer in this field who advocates for changes in the law in this area and lectures to physicians, potential parents, and other lawyers around the world. She has argued and won landmark gestational carrier cases before the Supreme Court of Massachusetts in 2001 and the State Supreme Court of New York in 2004.
Melissa has been the recipient several awards and is the author of numerous articles on the subject of gestational carriers and reproductive law.
In this episode she will give us insight on some of the difficulties people face when they don’t have proper legal counsel. She will talk about some of the key things to know when embarking on a known donor arrangement, why it’s important to get counsel on things you may have not thought of when meeting someone on line and how, over the years she has seen problems that could have been avoided with the right contracts. Her advice sheds light on many important topics. I’m sure you will find it valuable.
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Today I welcome Eric Garcia and Artemio Gaza. They are two men who I counseled years ago to help them on their journey to have a family. Eric and Art have a beautiful son and another one is on the way! They love to help others on their journeys because they know how tough it can be to be a same sex couple and navigate family building.
From struggling to figure out how the process works, to choosing a donor, a doctor, an agency and a surrogate to dealing with a pandemic in the middle of their process, I would say they have had their fair share of trial by fire! And they want to share their story with you so you can feel supported and helped with your journey. Eric has gone so far as to create a story book for children who are donor conceived.
They will tell you about the process, about managing relationships with family members who don’t share the same values, and about the benefit of learning all you can before you start your journey.
Enjoy!
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Ivan Fatovic is the founder and CEO of Modamily, an on line website that helps people build their families through donor conception. Modamily provides three services, a dating service, a co-parenting matchmaking service and a known sperm donor matching service. In this episode, Ivan will share a perspective that is different from many of my guests as he sees clients that are different than many of the clients we see at clinics, agencies and banks. And as we know, when it comes to donor conception, it is important to hear as many perspectives as possible.
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
Jane Mattes: Therapist, single mother by choice and the founder of Single Mothers by Choice. For over 40 years, Jane’s on-line and in-person groups have been providing a welcoming community for single women around the world who are considering single motherhood, pursuing single motherhood or are actively parenting. When Jane was pursuing single motherhood and wanted support but couldn’t find any, she decided to form her own support group. Since that time, more than 30, 000 women have been helped by her program. Jane Mattes is an icon and a warm and thoughtful person and I am so glad to have her on the show.
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode of #donorconceptionconversations, our guest, Jaimie Kelton talks about the struggles to find support in the queer community, her desire to have a genetic connection to her child (and why it “didn’t matter” in the end) and so much about what she has learned interviewing hundreds of queer families.
Jaimie’s openness and thoughtful perspectives can be helpful to anyone considering donor conception.
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/Follow me here::Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode of #donorconceptionconversations, our guest, Elana Frank, the founder of the Jewish Fertility Foundation takes us on her personal journey to become a mom, learn how to pay for treatment and eventually to accept her desire for a third child, and use donor embryos to conceive.
She tells us how she broke the mold of her traditions by considering adoption, which paved the way for donor conception. She learned how to build the family of her dreams and now is helping others do the same. An amazing story!
----more----
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources athttps://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/Follow me here::Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
In this episode of #donorconceptionconversations, our guest, Michael Greene, a psychologist who was a sperm donor, and is an adoptive parent, shares his stories and deep feelings about his daughter, bio children, and insights on non-genetic connections. Michael shares his experiences of heartwarming reunions, and also, the relationships that could not be.
This is an informative and touching podcast that will shed light on several important topics.
----more----
You can also find me and lots of great resources at www.familybuilding.net
And Join our community. We would love to have you. Mailiing List
- Follow us on Instagram @thecenterforfamilybuilding
- on Twitter @familybuild
- on Tic Tok @familybuildingcenter
- on YouTube @thecenterforfamilybuilding3696
- Looking for My Lifebook? Here it is on Amazon
In this episode of donor conception conversations, our guest, Danielle Roberts, or @Dani_Respsch on Instagram, opens up about her journey to become a proud donor egg mama. But it was not always that way. Dani shares her journey, where she stumbled, and what she learned along the way. She tells us what she would do differently if she could do it all over again and gives us insights on her personal struggle.
This episode will really hit home for anyone who has struggled with the idea of using #donor conception to build your family.
----more----
You can also find me and lots of great resources at www.familybuilding.net
And Join our community. We would love to have you. Mailiing List
- Follow us on Instagram @thecenterforfamilybuilding
- on Twitter @familybuild
- on Tic Tok @familybuildingcenter
- on YouTube @thecenterforfamilybuilding3696
- Looking for My Lifebook? Here it is on Amazon
In this episode of donor conception conversations, our guest, Hayley Darknell-King shares her unique insight into what it feels to be donor conceived and to raise donor conceived children because she has experienced both! Hayley will share how she discovered she was #donorconceived and how she uses the lessons she has learned to teach her children, and her social media audience, important insights about disclosure, choosing a donor, and searching for, and connecting to donor siblings.
Hayley speaks her truth, breaks boundaries, and helps people every day. Take a listen.
----more----
You can also find me and lots of great resources at www.familybuilding.net
And Join our community. We would love to have you. Mailiing List
- Follow us on Instagram @thecenterforfamilybuilding
- on Twitter @familybuild
- on Tic Tok @familybuildingcenter
- on YouTube @thecenterforfamilybuilding3696
- Looking for My Lifebook? Here it is on Amazon
The Donor Conception Conversations Podcast is here! Watch every Monday on YouTube or listen, subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
In this episode of donor conception conversations, our guest, Wendy Kramer, will bust donor conception myths and teach you about connecting with donors and donor siblings (and how it doesn’t have to be scary).
She is the founder of the Donor Sibling Registry and has single-handedly moved the needle on disclosure and donor conception openness.
If you are interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
----more----
You can also find me and lots of great resources at www.familybuilding.net
And Join our community. We would love to have you. Mailiing List
- Follow us on Instagram @thecenterforfamilybuilding
- on Twitter @familybuild
- on Tic Tok @familybuildingcenter
- on YouTube @thecenterforfamilybuilding3696
- Looking for My Lifebook? Here it is on Amazon