Stork'd: Recent Episodes
Julia Karol
Stork'd is one woman’s exploration to discover the many modern ways people define and create family. What is family? Emotional, Complex, Loving, Challenging. For many of us, how we define what “family” means can be a personal and complicated question. Julia is building a family. She's opening up an honest, funny, raw and earnest conversation looking at what creating a family really means and how it might show up differently than expected. Join Julia as she explores the concept of today’s modern family. Episodes feature every day friends, family, neighbors and experts sharing their own journey to define and create a family.
In this bonus episode, Julia took a moment on the 4th of July to reflect on the importance of reproductive freedom. She appreciates living in Massachusetts, where mandatory insurance coverage allowed her to undergo IVF treatments. However, she expresses concerns about potential changes to these laws due to the current political climate, noting that some states already have restrictions. Julia emphasizes the need to cherish our freedoms to build families in ways that feel right to us. She also reflectes on the diverse stories shared on the Stork'd podcast—some heartbreaking, others showcasing resilience and determination as individuals navigated various options to build their families. Julia will bring more content and stories for her listeners to learn from and celebrate the creation of new families in future podcasts.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [0:44] Julia talks about freedom and shares her solo parenting journey
- [3:40] Julia shares she is going through fertility treatments to have her second child
- [5:27] Julia is concerned for the next generation and what fertility treatment will look like for them going forward and discusses Project 2025
- [7:35] Julia talks about the different journeys discussed on the podcast of how families were created and the decisions she made along the way to create her family
- [10:36] Julia shares her concerns and fears about the political climate and how that affects fertility treatments and building a family
- [15:05] Appreciating having the right to contraception and the fear that the political climate will result in laws being changed
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Julia is pausing the podcast for a short time while she is going through fertility treatments to have her second child.
- Julia is working on content to share on future podcasts regarding our freedoms in this country protecting fertility procedures.
- Julia fears that legislation will eliminate the ability to choose how to build the family you want rather than following someone else's idea of what you should have.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork'd - Website
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Abbe Feder shares how she found peace after six years of infertility treatment and still has no answers to why IVF didn’t work for her.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
InCircle Fertility - Website
InCircle Fertility - Instagram
InCircle Fertility - LinkedIn
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Abbe Feder shares that when she started IVF, she automatically thought that it would work and she would have a baby. Listen as she shares the emotional rollercoaster she felt when she started IVF and it didn’t work.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
InCircle Fertility - Website
InCircle Fertility - Instagram
InCircle Fertility - LinkedIn
Abbe Feder is the founder of InCircle Fertility and host of the Fertility Chic. In this episode, Abbe shares her own six-year journey through unexplained infertility, including her initial reluctance to turn to assisted reproductive technology. Ultimately, Abbe and her husband tried IUI and then IVF with multiple failed transfers and loss. After a traumatic birth experience and emergency hysterectomy, Abbe is the proud mom of twins. Abbe leans on her experience and a deep well of empathy and tools to guide hopeful parents through the infertility experience. InCircle Fertility is not just a service; it's a guiding light for anyone navigating the complex path to parenthood.
Abbe’s belief in coaching clients through this challenging process is unwavering; she holds their hearts and hands as they navigate the emotional and physical hurdles of family building. If you or someone you know resonates with this journey, join us for an insightful conversation."
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:49] Abbe discusses why she created her company, Circle Fertility
- [4:00] Abbe reflects on her 6-year journey to becoming a parent
- [10:43] Abbe decides to go to a fertility doctor for IUI treatments
- [14:59] Abbe admits she believed that when starting IVF treatments, you would immediately get pregnant. She explains how she dealt with the disappointment
- [20:47] How do you protect your mental health through disappointments? Abbe discusses details of the IUI and IVF journey
- [31:20] Abbe advises on how to navigate the complex decisions of the process, and she discusses the expense versus self-care
- [38:42] When should a person seek coaching, and how does Abbe define family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-
It is unfair that a woman who did not take care of her body can quickly get pregnant, and a woman who took excellent care of her health and body can’t conceive.
-
It is difficult to make life decisions when going through IVF. Your hormones are raging, you are taking more, the stakes are high, and you are exhausted. That is the time when you need to be able to lean into someone you trust.
- Taking IUI or IVF treatments is no guarantee that you will become pregnant.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
InCircle Fertility - Website
InCircle Fertility - Instagram
InCircle Fertility - LinkedIn
BIOGRAPHY: Abbe Feder
Abbe Feder founded InCircle Fertility after emerging on the other side of her all-consuming struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss. These experiences were life-altering and when the dust settled, it quickly became evident that the only possible next step was supporting others as they navigate this turbulent terrain. Combining professional expertise, industry know-how, and an abundance of empathy and compassion, InCircle Fertility is here to meet you wherever you are in the world and wherever you are in your journey to parenthood to provide the support and guidance needed to find your resolution.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Brittany Ross discusses how during her first pregnancy she didn’t want to lose her identity and become “just a mom.”
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Brittany Ross - Instagram
Brittany Ross - Website
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Brittany Ross shares advice to those who find out they are pregnant and may not feel the expected emotional reaction to finding out you are and that you are allowed to feel however you want to feel.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Brittany Ross - Instagram
Brittany Ross - Website
Brittany Ross, a Los Angeles-based actor and stand up comedian opens up with refreshing authenticity about her journey into motherhood. She candidly shares her experiences of feeling like she lost her identity during her first pregnancy, as others only saw her as a mom-to-be and, after giving birth, felt defined solely by motherhood. Now pregnant again, Brittany reflects on navigating this journey differently, realizing she can embrace her role as a caring mom and her identity as a professional and individual woman. Join us as Brittany shares her insights and experiences in this honest and relatable conversation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:46] Brittany shares who she is and how she brings her family into her comedic act, and she describes the unpreferred parent and gives examples
- [10:59] Brittany discusses how she felt about being a mom from her identity standpoint and how people treat you differently
- [18:44] Brittany is dealing with her second pregnancy differently, and how she is navigating this process
- [29:00] Brittany’s advice is to remember everyone is different and can exercise whatever emotion they are feeling, and she reveals she had a miscarriage before her current pregnancy
- [35:08] What triggered Brittany to decide to have a second child was what she wanted
- [40:39] Brittany reminds listeners that everyone has ideas about what is right for you, but do what you think is right and what family means to Brittany
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Children possess an innate ability to push their parents' buttons, and the bond between a mother and daughter is distinct. At times, it's uniquely positive, while at other times, it is a button-pushing scenario.
- Getting pregnant represents a significant life change, and it is ok to deal with it however you want to. Don’t be pressured by outside influences of how you should feel or cope.
- As a mom, you love your child but don’t want to lose your identity.
Some of the feelings you have are based on hormones.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Brittany Ross - Instagram
Brittany Ross - Website
BIOGRAPHY: Brittany Ross
Brittany Ross is a Los Angeles-based Actor, Standup Comic, and writer. Originally from… well, she grew up moving around the world: Alaska, Scotland, Colombia, Venezuela, Texas, Chicago, & Hawaii. Being the “New Kid” is her special skill. Aside from the Choco Krispies commercial that not only starred a 5-year-old Brittany but probably changed ALL of your lives, you can catch her on Netflix’s New Series Huge in France, ABC’s The Rookie, and the Netflix film Like Father. Other notable credits include her long-running recurring role on ABCs The Middle, CBS’s 2 Broke Girls, TBS’s Clipped, Disney’s Bizaardvark & more.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, co-founders of WeNatal, give advice to those who are experiencing a miscarriage. They emphasize leaning on your “village” and encourage listeners that it’s not the end of the story.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
WeNatal - Website
WeNatal - Instagram
WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, co-founders of WeNatal, discuss this shocking vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. They banded together to address this and created a men’s prenatal vitamin.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
WeNatal - Website
WeNatal - Instagram
WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, the founders of WeNatal, join Julia on a poignant episode of the podcast to share their journeys to expand their respective families and create WeNatal. As close friends who endured miscarriages within days of each other, their bond grew even stronger. Together, they uncovered a vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. In response, they developed specialized supplements for both men and women to boost fertility before trying to conceive. They delve into the potential impact of these supplements, particularly for couples undergoing costly IVF treatments. This episode has valuable insights for couples who have had a miscarriage or are trying to conceive.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:32] Ronit and Vida introduce themselves and explain how WeNatal was conceived and that they had miscarriages one week apart
- [7:27] The quality of a man’s sperm can be the reason for a miscarriage, and how WeNatal can transform the quality of sperm
- [17:49] Encouragement for the woman/family going through a miscarriage
- [21:30] The vital role gratitude plays in healing after a miscarriage and preparing for pregnancy
- [27:30] Ronit and Vita describe how two friends started WeNatal, the formulation of the product and the third-party testing
- [38:25] Discussion of taking vitamins through prenatal and postnatal and postpartum depression and being your own health advocate
- [41:50] What is normal and what is optimal, friends who work together, and what does family mean to Ronit and Vita
- [48:35] WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is a little-known fact that when a woman experiences a miscarriage, a man’s sperm quality can be 50% of the issue.
- Creating WeNatal was a thoughtful process, including the design and usage of the packaging, not just the content of the prenatal supplements.
- Women need to be their own health advocates. When you don’t feel right, express that to a doctor and get the required tests. The preconception timeframe is critical to a healthy pregnancy.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
WeNatal - Website
WeNatal - Instagram
WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
WeNatal's Story
We’ve been there. I’ll never forget the spot on the wall I was staring at in the doctor’s office when they told me there was no heartbeat…I felt my whole world caving in. I was miscarrying.
What was even more confusing was the lack of answers I received as to WHY. I was healthy, I took a standard prenatal. Yet I still miscarried. I picked up the phone to tell my best friend, Vida, that I had lost the baby, and through her tears on the other line, I couldn’t believe what I heard: she had miscarried a week before. I hung up the phone, devastated for both of us. Later that evening, in our grief, we both realized something similar about our experiences: we were given no direction on what to do differently.
Our doctors told us it was random or could be our age, but then it dawned on us that all the conversations were only focused on what could have happened to our egg, with half of the equation being left out: the sperm.
Our partner’s health was never mentioned as part of the reason two healthy women were struggling to get pregnant. So we got to work and started searching for answers. We had no idea that what we were about to discover would change the fertility journey for everyone after us, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
xo, Vida & Ronit
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Angela Rastegar discusses her key demographic seeking Sunfish and how trends are showing that younger individuals are looking into IVF. She then discusses how her company, Sunfish can help provide financial support to those who need it.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Sunfish - Website
Sunfish - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Angela Rastegar discusses the shocking average amount it costs individuals to invest in IVF. She then discusses how her company, Sunfish can help provide financial support to those who need it.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Sunfish - Website
Sunfish - Instagram
Julia sits down with Angela Rastegar, the driving force behind Sunfish, a company committed to dismantling financial barriers for hopeful parents navigating fertility challenges. Economic constraints often force individuals to abandon their dreams of parenthood. Sunfish steps in with personalized financial planning services and complimentary consultations. They are backed by a dedicated team of data scientists who analyze medical records and statistics to forecast fertility treatments’ duration and success rates, thus anticipating associated costs.
What truly sets Sunfish apart is their groundbreaking money back guarantee: in the event of a failed treatment, they offer a partial refund through their IVF Success Program. This pioneering approach empowers individuals to concentrate fully on their fertility journey, relieving the burden of financial worries. Please share this information with anyone facing a fertility journey, as access to resources on financing could make all the difference in continuing the journey or pursuing the next round of IVF.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [0:20] Julia introduces the topic of affording your family-building journey
- [3:51] Angela explains the mission of Sunfish and how and why she started the company
- [10:29] Angela addresses the first steps in the family-building process, and she discusses how they can predict the exact cost of IVF and the guarantee they make to the prospective parents
- [17:34] Angela explains how costs vary and states they do have loan options and how she sees the fertility space evolving in the next five to ten years
- [26:03] Discussion of how lifestyle impacts results and all the other details that can be overwhelming on this fertility journey
- [30:49] Discussion of the demographics of those who are looking to use Sunfish services and where the name Sunfish came about
- [35:17] Angela describes what family means to her, and she tells a heartbreaking story of infertility and success stories
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Sunfish offers complimentary consultations to answer questions and provides educational material on their website.
- The average IVF baby costs $70,000, but that figure can vary. Sunfish helps aspiring parents with determining their family building goals (number of kids) and then helps each prospective family create a financial roadmap.
- Sunfish offers support and a money-back guarantee through its Gold IVF Success Program which includes an IVF Treatment Package, unlimited transfers, and up to one year of support and guidance. Through this program, Sunfish’s proprietary software calculates the expected financial costs for each family to achieve pregnancy based on a range of factors. If those projections underestimate the cost, Sunfish provides a partial refund. Eligible Sunfish customers can also finance this program with a loan.
Disclosures: Sunfish is not a Medical or Healthcare Provider, Insurer, or Financial Planner. Sunfish does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details, as your unique needs may vary. Tools that Sunfish provides are for informational purposes only. All products are based on eligibility, for complete Terms and Conditions, please contact Sunfish.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Sunfish - Website
Sunfish - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY: Angela Rastegar, CEO of Sunfish
Sunfish offers financial support, guidance, and guarantees for family building, including IVF, egg freezing, gestational surrogacy, and egg + sperm donors. The team has offices in California and New York.
Angela Rastegar, co-founder and CEO of Sunfish, has spent many years in the assisted reproductive technologies space, previously as a Director at North Star Fertility and Circle Surrogacy. Rastegar has worked with hundreds of aspiring parents. She is also an investor and mentor to early-stage health tech startups, and previously an investor at a venture capital fund in Silicon Valley. Angela holds a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University, with a focus on reproductive health, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Rastegar has spoken at numerous industry events and conferences, including on the Fruitful and Multiplying Podcast, on the Slice of Healthcare Podcast, and gave a TEDx Talk in London regarding her prior startup.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Dan Blevins discusses that he feels the loneliness or isolation that can be present in the LGBTQ+ community stems from a lack of trust. People in the LGBTQ+ community can have a hard time finding people they can wholeheartedly trust, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. Stand In Pride is a great resource for those who may be feeling that way.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Stand in Pride - Instagram
Stand in Pride - Tik Tok
Standing in Pride - Facebook
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Dan Blevins discusses the journey to creating “Stand In Pride”, an organization that connects people with "stand-in" family or friends. Whether it's attending a wedding, needing help with a life skill, or simply wanting a shoulder to lean on, Stand In Pride offers a powerful sense of belonging.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Stand in Pride - Instagram
Stand in Pride - Tik Tok
Standing in Pride - Facebook
Have you ever felt you need someone to turn to or to show up for you? This episode of Stork’d explores Stand In Pride, a heartwarming community founded by Dan Blevins in 2021.
Stand In Pride provides a vital support system for those within the LGBTQ+ community who may be estranged from their families. The show dives into the organization's mission and impact as well as what it really means to show up for someone else.
With over 250,000 members worldwide on their Facebook group alone, Stand In Pride connects people with "stand-in" family or friends. Whether it's attending a wedding, needing help with a life skill, or simply wanting a shoulder to lean on, Stand In Pride offers a powerful sense of belonging. Tune in for an inspiring story about the importance of community and the beautiful act of a chosen family.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:00] Dan shares his history and discusses how Stand in Pride was created, and he gives examples of how it works
- [10:06] Dan talks about what contributes to the isolation of the LGBTQ population
- [17:28] Discussion of the political climate contributing to isolation within and outside the LGBTQ community
- [21:06] Dan’s advice on showing up for others: everyone is different
- [24:24] Dan shares his personal story and his hopes for his grandchildren
- [32:08] Dan talks about the app and how it came about
- [37:42] Dan explains what family is to him
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- When Stand in Pride was conceived, COVID-19 had already isolated people. Stand in Pride provided a vehicle for outreach to those who needed and wanted help.
- Showing up for another individual in a small way, like checking in on them, is a big way for the isolated person.
- Stand in Pride will soon be available in app form.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stand in Pride - Instagram
Stand in Pride - Tik Tok
Standing in Pride - Facebook
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Shani Rogers how her daughter coped with her mother, Shani’s, miscarriage and Shani shares an interesting story about what her daughter drew a week before her miscarriage.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Amazon -Blue and Pink Balloons Journey
Instagram - Blue and Pink Balloons
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Shani Rogers discusses the story of pregnancy and miscarriage with her second child and how she had what doctor’s call a “missed miscarriage.”
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/
Stork'd - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/storkd.podcast/?view_public_for=114673517053586
Stork'd - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/storkd_podcast/
Stork'd - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiDe7PEo6Bl3Mz862H-7nHw/featured
Stork’d Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/02O6MVj3g3DV7vhcTbh72H?si=SZotaP-mQ1-NKfmMshoW_A&nd=1&dlsi=499ca244140e4da9
Amazon -Blue and Pink Balloons Journey - https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Pink-Balloons-Journey-through/dp/1956769609
Instagram - Blue and Pink Balloons - https://www.instagram.com/blueandpinkballoons/
Trigger warning for miscarriage
Shani Rogers, the author of the book "Blue and Pink Balloons," a narrative crafted for her daughter that addresses the sensitive topic of miscarriage. Shani shares her story of trying for a second and healing from miscarriage. Together, Shani and Julia, who also shares her journey through miscarriage, shed light on the prevalence of this experience among women.
Often, amidst the turmoil of miscarriage within a family, the experiences of siblings can be overlooked. Yet, they, too, undergo a profound sense of loss. Collaborating with her four-year-old daughter, Shani found therapeutic value in writing this book for herself and her daughter. "Blue and Pink Balloons" serves as a valuable tool for initiating discussions about miscarriage with children. Consider sharing this episode with a friend or family member grappling with similar experiences.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:10] Shani shares her story about her miscarriage and how frequently it had happened among her peers
- [5:16] Julia discusses her own miscarriage experience
- [6:56] Shani walks through learning she has had a miscarriage
- [12:14] Shani and her husband share the news with their daughter
- [15:12] How her daughter dealt with the miscarriage
- [19:37] Shani talks about how she walked her daughter through the loss and how the book came about
- [23:19] Shani advises mothers who have lost a baby or those who are pregnant and are experiencing fear
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[27:48] Shani discusses how her husband comforted her and took care of their daughter
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[31:41] Trying again to have another child and how Shani defines family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Losing a child through miscarriage not only affects the parents but has a profound effect on children at home.
- Talking about the miscarriage with their sibling is healthy. It allows them to express their feelings in a way that’s comfortable with them.
- People can be insensitive to the loss of a baby through miscarriage. Better to say nothing than, “ Oh well, you can get pregnant again.”
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Amazon -Blue and Pink Balloons Journey
Instagram - Blue and Pink Balloons
BIOGRAPHY:
Shani Rogers is, first and foremost, a devoted wife and mother to two incredible children. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, she spends her free time working, volunteering at her kids' school, attending her daughter's dance practices, or watching her son at the baseball field. When she gets some downtime, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with family and friends, often with an iced coffee in hand.
Shani's children's book, "Blue & Pink Balloons," is a real-life story based on the miscarriage their family experienced when their daughter was on the brink of her fourth birthday. It narrates the story from the perspective of their daughter, detailing her wishes for a sibling, the excitement of becoming one, and the sadness of losing the baby. This book validates children's feelings in times of loss and assures them they are loved, regardless of the circumstances.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Patrice Meagher discusses the unspoken mental load of breastfeeding and pumping that takes a toll on breastfeeding parents.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
MilkMate - Website
MilkMate - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Patrice Meagher discusses her struggle with breastfeeding at work which ultimately led to her decision to create MilkMate with her husband, so other working breastfeeding individuals can breastfeed at work without the struggle.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
MilkMate - Website
MilkMate - Instagram
Patrice Meagher, the creator of MilkMate, joins Julia to address the challenge new mothers face in the workplace: the lack of a safe and private environment for breastfeeding. Patrice shares her journey as a working mom of four, when unsuitable pumping spaces at work forced her to end her breastfeeding journey prematurely. We discuss the politics of feeding your child, how time inefficient and emotionally draining pumping can be, the unique challenges of pumping at work and so much more.
Are you struggling with finding a suitable place to breastfeed at work? Are you spending too much time washing pump parts and carrying supplies back and forth, affecting your productivity? MilkMate offers a groundbreaking solution for working mothers who need to pump at work. Patrice educates employers and emphasizes providing a conducive space for lactating employees. If this topic resonates with you, take advantage of this informative episode of Stork'd and share it with a friend.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:51] Patrice shares her professional journey and how the difficulties of breastfeeding her child at work formed the concept of MilkMates
- [7:10] Patrice shares her breastfeeding journey with her four children
- [10:08] Patrice discusses the tools involved in breastfeeding and other things a new mom may not know
- [15:50] Discussion of MilkMate’s service, the process and the benefit to the mom and the employer
- [20:18] The importance of explaining to an employer what is involved in breastfeeding so that they understand the need for a private, stocked space
- [24:25] Patrice discusses what people don’t know about breastfeeding
- [28:03] What Patrice desires for the future of breastfeeding
- [31:42] Patrice shares what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Many new moms feel pressure to breastfeed, but a lack of comfortable and private spaces at work can make it a real challenge. Some moms leave the workforce because they have to choose between working and breastfeeding.
- Don’t get discouraged or down on yourself if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you. It is difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Don’t let social media force you into something you don’t want.
- MilkMate is a service that allows working moms to continue working safely and privately while breastfeeding their babies.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
MilkMate - Website
MilkMate - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY:
MilkMate’s Founder and CEO, Patrice Meagher, created MilkMate out of her own lived experience, becoming a mom to her four children while also building her career as a high-powered commercial real estate executive. Her mission in creating MilkMate is simple: She wants to support and empower working moms everywhere – and it starts with her turnkey breast pumping solution purpose-built for workplace wellness rooms.
During her time representing landlords throughout Manhattan, Patrice experienced the rise of health and wellness initiatives in the workplace and began helping employers and landlords design wellness areas to comply with new laws requiring dedicated space for breast pumping. All the while, she chose to breastfeed her four children and continued to do so even after she returned to work from maternity leave. It didn’t take her long to realize that the process surrounding breast pumping at work was inefficient and inconvenient. She knew there had to be a better way.
In 2020, Patrice left her commercial real estate job to start MilkMate so that no mother would ever have to choose between her family and career due to the challenges of breast pumping in the place of work.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Alison Prato discusses how she defines family and how she felt her family unit wasn’t complete without her second child. There was a yearning in her heart to complete her family.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
@fertilityrally - Instagram
@infertileafstories - Instagram
@aliprato - Instagram
Fertility Rally - Website
Infertile AF Group - Buy the Book
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Alison Prato discusses how misinformation and poor sex education can impact your fertility and her fertility journey.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
@fertilityrally - Instagram
@infertileafstories - Instagram
@aliprato - Instagram
Fertility Rally - Website
Infertile AF Group - Buy the Book
Alison Prato, an acclaimed journalist, has become one of the go - to voices in the fertility world sharing her infertility story and supporting others in their fertility journey. Ali’s experience with secondary infertility included undergoing procedures like IUIs and IVF, and grappling with depression, grief, and relationship challenges. Her message is clear: you are not alone.
This message became especially important to Ali when she lost her mother this year. Julia and Ali discuss how families evolve even beyond IF and family building and how to navigate grief and change.
In 2019, Ali initiated her podcast, "Infertile AF," to foster community and support. Additionally, she co-founded Fertility Rally, a welcoming and inclusive community accessible round the clock for those navigating infertility. Ali highlights that the virtual Fertility Rally occurs biannually, in April and October, featuring experts in the field and offering breakout sessions covering various pertinent topics in this ever-evolving domain. Join Ali and Julia as they explore the realm of IVF and discuss accessible resources for infertile couples.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:14] Ali shares what brought her to the fertility space and relates her journey of infertility
- [9:09] Ali feels that moving to the East Coast delayed her starting a family, and she shares her experiences with miscarriages
- [16:00] Ali’s marriage was suffering through this process, and there are no guarantees when doing IVF
- [22:06] Discussion of the Infertility Rally and where the infertility field is headed
- [29:06] Ali discusses experiences women are having and the camaraderie between her groups
- [31:26] Ali shares what family means to her
- [35:29] Ali talks about the book she wrote for children about how they were born and what her children have been told about IVF
- [38:47] Ali discusses losing her mom in 2023 and their beautiful relationship
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Research indicates there's like a cohort mentality around starting a family. If everyone is doing it, you're likely to do it too. They call it a contagion, even though it's not contagious. It's a social contagion.
- Egg quality diminishes the older you become, making it more difficult to conceive. Going through IVF treatment doesn’t guarantee you will get pregnant. It is an evolving science requiring a little bit of magic.
- There is help available for couples facing infertility. Contact Ali Prato using the resource links provided.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
@fertilityrally - Instagram
@infertileafstories - Instagram
@aliprato - Instagram
Fertility Rally - Website
Infertile AF Group - Buy the Book
BIOGRAPHY:
Ali Prato is an award-winning journalist and mama-of-two who went through secondary infertility, IUIs, IVF, depression, grief and relationship issues. She is here to let you know: You are not alone.
When a girlfriend who had a similar experience asked Ali to share her story to help others, she wrote an article for Health magazine and started getting feedback from women and some men, who were like, “Wow, nobody talks about infertility, IVF, or any of this!”
Ali realized quickly that there was a dearth of candid information about infertility and that there was still a stigma attached to it.
Always a storyteller at heart, Ali launched her podcast, Infertile AF, in 2019 — and today, she has published more than 250 episodes and garnered more than 1.25 million global downloads. In 2020, Ali and fellow infertility warrior Blair Nelson co-founded Fertility Rally, a safe, all-inclusive, 24/7 community for anyone and everyone navigating infertility or building their modern families through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). In 2023, she brought all her ideas together under the Infertile AF Group, which just published “Work of ART,” Ali’s children’s book about IVF — available for pre-order now!
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Michelle Yu discusses how Josie assists new parents in transitioning back to work with Michelle Yu.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
MyJosie Inc. - Instagram
Josie - Website
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Michelle Yu discusses how companies are starting to recognize the value of working mothers and providing the right support to those working parents to help them thrive
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
MyJosie Inc. - Instagram
Josie - Website
Michelle Yu co-founded Josie, a company designed to support new moms re-entering the workforce, using their “three pillars” to facilitate success. Josie works directly with the employer to educate and create an infrastructure of resources and policies, coaching to the new parent and, last of all, managerial training. Studies support working mothers bringing skills to the workplace such as empathy, the ability to listen and multitasking, functions they perform daily at home. Could the American culture contribute to the challenges women face when returning to the workforce after welcoming a newborn into their home? Don’t miss this enlightening episode that will educate employers, managers and new parents.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:03] Michelle shares her career background, and she recognized when she re-entered the workforce an unmet need, so she founded Josie
- [6:36] There is data supporting employers appreciate mothers being in a leadership role because of the exact skills they use at home, they bring to the office and discussion regarding education needed to provide support for working moms at the business level
- [8:58] Michelle feels that an essential component of returning to work for a thriving transition is to decide what your values and vision are going forward and get support from family and employee support groups
- [13:05] What about the mom who does not have the resources or family support, and what resources does Josie provide
- [18:24] Research about parenting in the US and talk about a parenting crisis
- [22:39] Michelle explains how the interaction between her program and clients works and what she sees for the future
- [27:19] What Michelle would want new parents to know and what her challenges are as a mom of a three and five-year-old
- [33:06] Unmet expectations can defeat you
- [41:01] Michelle shares what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Moms ready to re-enter the workforce often don’t have the support they need because no program is in place at work that addresses the unique situation of working and having an infant at home.
- When the transition back to work is unsuccessful, mothers can feel that they have unmet expectations and that they are failing their infant. Services like Josie can assist them through the transition.
- Many businesses do not offer parental leave. This can cause women to be emotionally and physically exhausted, often causing them to leave the workforce because of the cost of child care.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
https://myjosie.com/
MyJosie Inc. - Instagram
Josie - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Michelle Yu is the CEO at Josie, whose mission is to transform the working parent experience. Her work focuses on cultural transformation at the organizational level and personalized support at the individual level to drive retention and engagement among the working parent population.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Chelsea Conaboy discusses scientific research about the changes that occur in your brain in anyone responsible for the ongoing care of a baby, not just birthing mothers.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Chelsea Conaboy - Website
Mother Brain Book
Chelsea Conaboy - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Chelsea Conaboy discusses scientific research on why the brain undergoes profound changes and expose the flaws perpetuated by the myth that mothering is solely a woman's domain, known as "maternal instinct."
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Chelsea Conaboy - Website
Mother Brain Book
Chelsea Conaboy - Instagram
Many new parents share that they feel a shift in identity as they begin to care for a child in the house. It can be hard to identify what’s changed and why. If you have ever found yourself as a parent thinking, “I feel the same but also so different, why?” or “what is happening to me? Why do I feel the way I do?”, or “who am I now that I am a parent?” this episode is for you.
Chelsea Conaboy, author of Mother Brain, shares that this transformation into new parenthood has a scientific basis, affecting mothers and all individuals caring for an infant. The brain is being rewired for nurturing. She will share her scientific research on why the brain undergoes profound changes and expose the flaws perpetuated by the myth that mothering is solely a woman's domain, known as "maternal instinct." In truth, these changes occur in anyone responsible for the ongoing care of a baby. Get ready to discover the science behind the shift in all our brains, regardless of gender or parental role.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:03] Chelsea shares what drove her to write the book Mother Brain
- [6:36] Chelsea discusses the concept of maternal instinct versus the science of the brain when you become a parent
- [13:10] Discussion of the research in this field
- [18:13] What advice would Chelsea give to a new parent? She describes the guilt she experienced when she had her son
- [23:26] Chelsea dives into when you should seek help for your feelings and what she would change in our culture
- [29:36] There is an impact on the entire family dynamic when a baby comes into the home, affecting even the relationships you have with other parents
- [35:09] Chelsea would like to see more research in the area of fathers, non gestational parents and social policy
- [38:01] Chelsea stresses that when you need help, ask for it, and a discussion of solo parenting and the shame they endure
- [45:18] Discussion of how the human brain has developed over time, Chelsea's view of family and how her research has informed her parenting
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The maternal instinct theory has been passed down through generations trying to explain what goes on within the brain of a woman who has a child or cares for a child.
- Two things shape the parental brain. One is hormones, and the other is experience. Babies are such powerful stimuli for the brain that anyone caring for them also experiences hormonal changes.
- The bottom line for parents is that having a newborn is a process. It is hard, and that is normal. Accept that your brain changes when you commit to caring for an infant. Don't feel guilty if you struggle with how you feel inside.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Chelsea Conaboy - Website
Mother Brain Book
Chelsea Conaboy - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY: Chelsea Conaboy
I am a health and science journalist. I started my career at the small but mighty Concord Monitor in New Hampshire, where I discovered my love for narrative writing. I wrote about health care at the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Boston Globe, and I was part of the Globe staff that won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings. For three years, I led the features report at the Portland Press Herald in Maine, where I edited weekly sections on arts and entertainment, books, food, and sustainable living. My writing has also been published by The New York Times, Mother Jones, Politico, the Boston Sunday Globe magazine, National Journal, The Week, ParentMap, and WBUR. I have been a fellow with the Poynter Institute, the National Library of Medicine and the Health Coverage Fellowship led by writer Larry Tye.
Mother Brain: How Neuroscience Is Rewriting the Story of Parenthood, published by Henry Holt & Co., is my first book. The writing and reporting of Mother Brain was supported by a generous grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Public Understanding of Science and Technology Program. Parts of Mother Brain were written in the cabins of the Hewnoaks Artist Residency.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, James Mahan discusses anonymity of sperm donors and how some states are moving away from complete anonymity to European models that allow children of sperm donors to know where they came from.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Surrogates Corner - Website
Surrogates Corner - Instagram
Surrogates Corner - LinkedIn
In this Stork’d Munchkin, James Mahan discusses how surrogacy law differs in each state and what you need to know in terms of contracts and such.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Surrogates Corner - Website
Surrogates Corner - Instagram
Surrogates Corner - LinkedIn
Going through a fertility journey, you need a great fertility doctor and…. a lawyer? Both intended parents and those helping them conceive by donating sperm, eggs, embryos or serving as surrogates need lawyers to protect their rights and support the intention behind the relationship. James Mahan, a seasoned attorney and founder of The Surrogates Corner, brings his expertise to discuss putting your family-building intentions into a contractIn today’s episode Julia speaks with James to learn all the details of current fertility law practices including how and when to seek legal support, the are current political and ethical trends impacting fertility law and how the law and your emotions intersect. This episode unpacks crucial details about contracts, surrogate rights, donor selection (both egg and sperm), and the ever-evolving legal landscape of surrogacy across different states. While challenges may arise, the fulfillment of building a family outweighs the hurdles. If this topic resonates with you or someone you know, tune in for this informative episode!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:56] James shares how he became familiar with surrogacy and his naval background
- [8:04] James discusses the differences between being egg, sperm and embryo donors
- [12:07] Anonymous donations are not guaranteed, and the trend is moving in that direction
- [16:32] Contracts have changed because the entire space has changed, and James discusses various clauses intended parents and surrogates want to be included in their contracts
- [23:09] James discusses the under-representation of specific communities looking for donors from that community and how different states have different laws regarding surrogacy
- [34:19] James discusses personhood rights, abortion rights and the rights of the surrogate
- [39:08] Discussion of embryo donation, storage, gifting embryos and egg-freezing exchange
- [45:39] Financial caps for egg donors versus sperm donors and when should a lawyer be engaged
- [51:42] James “undefines” family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- In the past, women who had a child through surrogacy often moved to avoid the stigma of not being able to become pregnant. Surrogacy is now an accepted way of building a family today.
- Anonymous donations are not practical for the child for several reasons. Emotionally, they may want to know their parentage, and knowledge is power if there is a medical situation in the future.
- Each state has its laws regarding surrogacy. Some states do not allow compensated surrogacy. Get informed about your state law before deciding to become a surrogate or an intended parent in your state.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Surrogates Corner - Website
Surrogates Corner - Instagram
Surrogates Corner - LinkedIn
BIOGRAPHY: James Mahan
I went to graduate school at Cambridge University and found myself boxing for the Cambridge University team. I had the fortunate experience of winning my Cambridge-Oxford bout and earned my Varsity Blue (essentially a varsity letter in the sport). My experience boxing and practicing in the ring became a metaphor for this new blog and law firm, The Surrogate’s Corner.
While still on Active Duty, I was able to return to my alma mater to teach in the Economics Department. During my time teaching at the Naval Academy and throughout my three years in law school, I worked for my parents’ law firm, getting to learn the ropes of the surrogacy field and Third-Party Reproduction law (TPR), which is also referred to strangely as ART law (Assisted Reproductive Technology). That became the focus of my law career. After graduating from Stanford in 2018, I earned my license in California and started taking over the day-to-day operations of the firm’s ART practice.
My experience working with Surrogates has always been meaningful and insightful. I began to hear stories from Surrogates who felt like they were on their own when it came to disagreements or uncertainties regarding the legal aspects of the surrogacy process, especially so after their initial surrogacy contracts were signed. Surrogacy agencies tried to help the matches succeed but often had to be the neutral referee between the Gestational Carrier and Intended Parent(s) when things got challenging. Many attorneys working with Surrogates are only hired to review their contracts. After that, if a Surrogate has questions or issues, they can find themselves independently without legal assistance unless they are willing to pay for it themselves.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Gail Sexton Anderson discusses the role Donor Concierge plays in finding their clients' surrogates and the process around that.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Donor Concierge - Website
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Gail Sexton Anderson discusses the role of characteristics and DNA in finding a donor and potential complexities and tips when choosing a donor.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Donor Concierge - Website
Curious about how to find an egg donor, sperm donor or surrogate? Gail Sexton Anderson, the visionary behind Donor Concierge, addresses all of these questions and provides insights about how the process operates and who covers expenses.
Donor Concierge assists clients requiring third party fertility (aka donor or surrogacy support) in their family building journey. Choosing someone outside your family to enable your family to grow can be really complicated and emotional and together we explore all these nuances. Gail and her team are dedicated to supporting clients through every step. If using a donor or a surrogate is on your mind, this episode is not to be missed—it's brimming with vital information.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:51] Gail explains what services the Donor Concierge provides and defines language used in the field
- [6:36] Gail shares the details of how Donor Concierges operates, how they assist clients navigating through the donor field and what clients are looking for in their search
- [18:06] There are three types of searches: egg donor, sperm donor and surrogacy search. What kinds of information are shared, and what are good reasons for openness in the process rather than anonymity
- [26:59] Where are surrogates found, and what are the trends
- [35:44] What is the future of the way fertility and third-party fertility are supported, and are there legal issues
- [42:37] When should an intended parent seek the Donor Concierge
- [46:15] Gail shares what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Finding the correct egg or sperm donor cannot be overstated. It does make a difference because an egg is not just an egg, and sperm is not just sperm. Every egg carries genetic information that forms who your child will be one day.
- Multiple things can and do go wrong in the process of building a family through egg and sperm donation and surrogacy. Having a firm like Donor Concierge on your side is beneficial because they walk through those difficulties with you.
- The process of egg and sperm donation or having a surrogate is not just a means to an end. It is your child’s story; it is your family's story. Open communication is essential, and anonymity should be a thing of the past. There is too much information lost when anonymity is a factor.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Donor Concierge - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Gail Sexton Anderson has dedicated her career to helping intended parents from all walks of life build families. She founded Donor Concierge as a compassionate approach to helping intended parents sort through the gauntlet of egg donor, sperm donor and surrogacy options. Gail is a Harvard-trained counselor with 25 years of experience helping intended parents have the baby they always dreamed of.
After graduate school, Gail joined a research group in the Psychology Department at Yale University. Later, she joined a group of researchers in pediatric neurology at Yale New Haven Hospital doing developmental testing with children born prematurely of very low birth weight. Gail is also a graduate of Alice Domar’s Mind Body Fertility Program through Boston IVF and has served on a Radcliffe panel with other fertility experts. In her career in the fertility industry, Gail has been the Executive Director of one of the leading surrogacy agencies and helped start two different egg donor agencies. Gail is an empathic listener who brings a calming influence to what can often be an emotionally stressful process.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Emily Silver discusses the mission of Nurture by NAPS to provide clients with individualized care backed by medical research and her own experiences as a mother.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Nurture by Naps - Instagram
Nurture by Naps - Website
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Emily Silver discusses her experiences as a first time mom trying to “do it all” and how those experiences have translated to her work in Nurture by NAPS.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Nurture by Naps - Instagram
Nurture by Naps - Website
Emily Silver, co-founder of Nurture by NAPS, offers resources, support, and education to parents throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and toddlerhood. Whether expecting your first, second, or third child, Emily provides evidence-based professional insights to help you navigate a journey filled with cherished memories, even during the often stressful and sleepless period of welcoming a newborn into your home. NAPS is committed to providing genuine support and evidence-based education. Emily addresses the challenges of dealing with social media critics who may guilt-trip you for not adhering to their perceived parenting norms. If you've recently given birth or know someone who could benefit from Emily's expertise, don't miss this episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:10] Emily shares her backstory of not having children, founding Nurture by NAPS, having three children and offering support and education to parents
- [6:11] Discussion regarding other countries offering institutionalized support services for new parents, which are not provided in the US and mental health needs for parents
- [10:25] Emily reveals her situation during pregnancy and how a program like NAPS would have made all the difference, and she discusses what NAPS offers
- [15:24] Emily believes parents should be able to get advice without judgment, using breastfeeding as an example
- [20:19] Discussion regarding sleep training, the need for support and education for new parents and what Emily would like to see in the future
- [30:10] Emily discusses what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Do not let anyone, including social media, guilt you into making decisions regarding your child that do not come from your heart and how you desire to nurture and parent your baby.
- Our nation is woefully behind in offering services to new moms because the services are privatized. Other countries do a much better job because it is a part of their healthcare system.
- Asking for support is critical when you have your new baby. So, don’t be afraid to ask and narrow down the list of who you would trust to help or to give you advice.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Nurture by Naps - Instagram
Nurture by Naps - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Emily’s passion for educating and supporting families stems from her personal experience dealing with loss. She lost a sister to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), has had multiple miscarriages, and has dealt with the anxiety and the stigma that comes with taking medication while pregnant and breastfeeding. You can be assured that taboo topics are just not taboo for Emily! Emily began her career in General Medicine before working as a Labor & Delivery nurse, where she met NAPS co-founder Jamie O’Day. While working in Labor & Delivery, Emily went back to school to get her master’s degree in nursing and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She practiced as a Nurse Practitioner in an OBGYN office for several years before running NAPS full time with Jamie. Emily best supports families through NAPS by pulling from her vast medical background, and her own experiences with pregnancy and parenting as a mother of three girls. After graduating from Boston College, Emily received her graduate degree from UMass Boston. Emily is a Family Nurse Practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She lives in Charlestown, MA with her husband, AJ, three daughters Grace (age 7), Madelyn (age 5), Eloise (age 1), and dog Maisey (age 9).
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Gina Ballard discusses why she fosters teens instead of young children and the difference that that makes in the lives of those teens and for society as a whole.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Gina Nicole - Website
Gine Nicole - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Gina Ballard discusses a time she spoke up about a suspected foster neglect situation and how that situation was a catalyst to shift from mentoring teens to fostering teens.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Gina Nicole - Website
Gine Nicole - Instagram
Gina Ballard approaches everything in life with an open heart, a willingness to stand in truth, deep compassion and a lot of humor and her family journey embodies all of those traits.
Gina is a passionate advocate for fostering. She and her husband focus on providing a safe, welcoming home for teenagers in the foster care system and have most recently adopted a teenage son. Prior to becoming a foster parent, she and her first husband experienced setbacks to their family building due to a PCOS diagnosis. Gina ultimately meets the love of her life and navigates complicated and imperfect family dynamics with her step children. Eventually, Gina finds mentoring and fostering and builds a support community for other foster parents.
In this episode of Stork’d, Gina candidly shares her expert insights on these aspects of family-building, holding nothing back. With authenticity and openness, she delves into various complex topics and situations. When Gina defines her family, she beautifully refers to them as the "Godspot" and "Opulent Threads." Gina’s life and stories will inspire you, especially for those considering foster parenting. Don't miss out on this empowering episode.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:21] Gina introduces herself, shares all of her roles in life and compares the dark days that she and Julia went through to when Saturn comes back to the point of your birth
- [4:46] Gina walks through the changes that occurred after her divorce and how a disastrous text message led to a positive outcome
- [15:52] Gina discusses foster parenting and how it differs from the parenting or step-parenting roles and how becoming a step-parent evolved to mentoring and then to becoming a foster parent
- [25:45] How do you prepare your home for a foster child, providing respite for foster families and the foster-parenting community
- [36:12] Gina explains why she wanted to become a foster parent and how they decided to adopt their son
- [46:46] Gina discusses the myths of fostering and adopting
- [52:19] Gina expresses what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Step-parenting may be one of the most challenging ways to build and define a family. The best approach when step-parenting is to express yourself on what is right and wrong. Don’t become a doormat because you may explode after holding your emotions. In some cases, you may not be able to mend the relationship.
- There is an enormous need for foster parents for teens. Babies and younger children are easier to place, and teens are left to age out if not taken into a foster family.
- Foster parents need to be sensitive to the child's environment in their new home. Specifically, their bedrooms should reflect who they are and their interests.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
www.ginanicole.net
Gina Nicole - Website
Gine Nicole - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY:
Gina Nicole Ballard is an Intuitive Copywriter, Subtle Energy Medicine, and Feng Shui Practitioner by day and a Foster Mom by night. She is passionate about connecting with empaths, heart-centered entrepreneurs, and those struggling to embody who they came to be. She works with people to move out of their past and into their future and is devoted to empowering youth to come home to their gifts and live in full alignment.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Carey Cook discusses the hard decisions she made in her fertility journey and learning how to trust your body’s signals. Learning what a “yes” and “no” feel like in your body.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Embodied Pride - Website
Embodied Pride - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Carey Cook discusses her personal experience when somebody chose her to be the recipient of their embryos. She explains her thoughts and feelings around the process and trusting her intuition.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Embodied Pride - Website
Embodied Pride - Instagram
Carey Cook, a Fertility Coach and Self-Care Strategist is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community as they navigate the intricacies of building a family. Carey shares her journey with IUI, Reciprocal IVF and ultimately embryo donation. She shares how she and her wife found their embryo donor, how they each experienced emotional reactions to the experience of sharing or not sharing a genetic relationship with your child, and how the embryo donation experience has shaped their child’s half sibling group.
In this episode, Carey shares how to pivot your expectations as your fertility path changes, and how to use your own body and intuition to make decisions that are right for you. This episode of Stork’d is more than just a conversation—it's a valuable opportunity for a free therapeutic experience. You don't want to miss out.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:00] Carey shares her family planning journey
- [6:45] Carey talks what the genetic composition of their child would look like based on the provided options
- [10:12] Carey talks about the feelings surrounding being genetically connected.
- [12:08] Carey walks through the decision to do a private embryo donation and the multiple ways of finding a donor
- [21:22] Carey discusses the type of therapy she practices, how your body gives you clues to support your decisions and how she teaches her clients to know the difference between what a yes or a no feels like
- [25:00] The process after the embryo donor decision is made and deciding how much communication you want
- [31:37] Carey discusses the information she can share with her child when the time comes, and she talks about the differences between the LGBTQ+ and straight communities going through this journey
- [34:21] Discussion surrounding society’s opinions of what is right and wrong for gays and solo parents and the questions that Carey’s clients have for her
- [39:00] Carey talks about her soul family; she defines what family means to her and reminds the listener there are many free sources on the internet and social media
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- When a couple cannot have a child, they sometimes say, “If we don’t, it’s okay.” That statement is more than likely said to protect their emotions.” There is a lot of grief associated with failed treatments for having children.
- Being genetically connected to your child is an emotion that some people need to have. It troubles them when they think about it. Other people are happy to have a child and don’t emotionally deal with genetics.
- There are multiple ways of finding donated embryos. Each has different caveats that the recipient needs to research before deciding.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Embodied Pride - Website
Embodied Pride - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY:
Carey Cook, Fertility Coach and Self-Care Strategist, is passionate about helping people who are spiraling into the anxious abyss of expanding their families. I have a MA in Counseling Psychology and 13+ years helping people move through trauma and transform their lives. I help people get out of their heads and into their bodies so they feel more connected to their fertility process in a trusting, confident way. During my own fertility process, I witnessed how wildly hetero the whole process is. That’s why I started Embodied Pride. This is a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ to explore our unique needs around growing their families.
I believe that the entire fertility journey goes beyond the person who wants to grow a baby in their uterus. The fertility journey is happening for all persons who are creating and welcoming a new baby. You are on a whole fertility journey if you are a partner or using a surrogate. You are on this journey whether you are using your own sperm, egg or womb or using donors. Embodied Pride is for all persons who are a part of the whole fertility journey.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Deb Flashenberg discusses the big internal change that happens after becoming a parent and how to navigate your new identity. How you can match your authenticity from the old you to the new you.
If you loved this Stork’d Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Prenatal Yoga Center - Website
Prenatal Yoga Center - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Deb Flashenberg delves into the topic of pelvic floor health, indicating when it is time to see a Pelvic Floor Therapist and highlighting the common issue of postpartum loss of bladder control and dispelling the notion that it is unavoidable.
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork’d - Spotify
Prenatal Yoga Center - Website
Prenatal Yoga Center - Instagram
Deb Flashenberg, the founder of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC and host of the Yoga Birth Babies Podcast, brings valuable insights to the discussion on childbirth. Together we discuss the dramatic identity shift that happens when you cross the threshold into parenthood. We also discuss the prenatal and birth experience. Emphasizing the importance of a mother's right to choose her birthing experience, she underscores the need for thorough preparation and the significance of having a well-prepared birthing team and advocate who is familiar with the mother's preferences. Additionally, she delves into the topic of pelvic floor health, highlighting the common issue of postpartum loss of bladder control and dispelling the notion that it is unavoidable.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:13] Deb introduces herself and shares her professional background and training and how yoga inspires her life
- [7:30] Explains her roles as a doula and describes how the pelvic floor and the misconceptions surrounding this critical function
- [12:39] Deb discusses deciding what type of birthing experience you want and selecting a provider and team
- [16:16] Deb talks about what she would like to see in the future regarding birthing and things that need to change
- [22:42] Deb shares how the transition to a parent is a lifestyle, emotional and physical change
- [28:14] Deb discusses her decision to have home birthing, and she outlines how socio-economics can affect the ability to choose your birthing vision
- [37:01] The different fears associated with the birthing experience are discussed
- [42:05] Deb defines what the family unit means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You should never feel guilty about taking time for yoga. It isn’t just exercise. It’s a way to clear your mind so that you are present for the rest of the day.
- Women who have problems with peeing when they laugh or sneeze have a weak pelvic floor, and it is false to think it’s normal, and they have to live with it. Seek a pelvic therapist.
- Medical staff need education about informed consent. Being in a hospital setting does not give someone a license to touch a patient without asking and being given permission.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Prenatal Yoga Center - Website
Prenatal Yoga Center - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY:
Deb Flashenberg is the founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC. Along with being a prenatal yoga teacher, she is also a labor support doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, mother of two and self-proclaimed "birth and anatomy geek.” For the past seven years, Deb has also greatly enjoyed hosting the podcast Yoga | Birth | Babies, where she speaks with some of the world’s leading experts in pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood. Currently, Deb is knee-deep in Dr. Sarah Duvall’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist program, pursuing the Spinning Babies Parent Educator certification and loving every minute of it!
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Jenna Hermans shares the questions to ask yourself when facing your fears. Jenna also shares the experiences she is having being a step-mom and the experiences she faces with her own step-parents.
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Jenna Hermans - Website
Jenna Hermans - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Jenna Hermans shares her journey to meeting her husband and becoming a step-mom. She describes her concerns and fears of becoming a step-parent from her experience with her own step-parents. She also tells us about her boundaries she makes in the decision making process around her step-kids.
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Jenna Hermans - Website
Jenna Hermans - Instagram
Jenna Hermans, the author of Chaos to Calm, discusses her experiences dating a man with three young children and becoming an “instant mom”. We explore Jenna’s relationship to the idea of being a step parent from her own experiences growing up with divorced parents. We also discuss how Jenna transformed her triggers and fears of step parenting to become the best mom she can be.
Jenna delves into being courageous amid stressful situations, drawing from her experience in a blended family that consciously avoids using the term "step" for parents or children. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive feelings for children in blended families, Jenna shares her insights.
Jenna’s work focuses on helping others find calm amidst the chaos of parenting. She teaches the five essential pillars for parents to navigate the chaos: efficiency, habits, community, communication, and self-care. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with a friend who needs calm in their chaos.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:33] Jenna shares her busy life and describes what it is to be courageous and how you just need to start with one thing at a time [7:30] Jenna reflects on meeting her husband, starting as friends, getting romantically involved and breaking up [12:50] Jenna discusses the breakup and how fear was what informed her decision [16:39] Jenna discusses how journaling helped her process her feelings and what she would say to someone who feels fear is holding them back [19:37] Jenna discusses parenting and why she doesn’t use the word step [23:47] Jenna describes her role as a parent and describes the visitation schedule between the kids and their mom [31:49] Jenna explains how she takes care of herself and the five pillars she writes about in her book [38:50] She is surprised at how much men love the book [41:17] Jenna tells what a family is to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The children need to feel included to succeed as a blended family parent. If you didn’t receive good parenting, you don’t have to default and become your parent. You can intentionally choose to make other choices and parent differently. Being courageous in making decisions to eliminate chaos in your home only requires one step at a time.
RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube Jenna Hermans - Website
BIOGRAPHY: Jenna Hermans is living proof that you can create a life of calm within chaos and overwhelm. She uses her bachelor’s degree in psychology, master’s degree in organizational management, and over fifteen years of Human Resources experience to build strong teams, both at work and at home. Jenna is the co-founder and COO of Be Courageous, a transformation agency, a busy mom of 4, a coach and an author. As seen in Forbes, The Sun, ELLE, Yahoo, Insider, and more, Jenna takes an intentional and inclusive approach to help people (especially parents) and businesses implement tools that put organization and systems around their busy lives that infuse calm and more joy, helping them go from 'Chaos to Calm,' which doubles as the title of her debut book that launched in May 2023.
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Dr. Gertrude Lyons shares the profound moment she had in Ireland when she experienced a voice speaking to her that reassured her that she and her husband have a family, regardless if they have a child or not. This led her to take the pressure off conceiving a child and open “space.” One month later, she conceived her child.
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Website
Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Instagram
In this Stork’d Munchkin, Dr. Gertrude Lyons shares how she's taken the word “mother” and is rewriting what it means on an individual level and on a bigger picture level. Listen to how she defines “motherhood” and “mothering” to become more inclusive and life-giving.
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Website
Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Instagram
The concept of the word “mother” has been a life-long journey of exploration for
Dr. Gertrude Lyons. She is the Founder of Rewrite the Mother Code, where she encourages and inspires women to explore what mothering and motherhood can be to them. Dr. Lyons, challenges the statement that you have to have kids in your life to be a mother, and believes instead that maternal power lives in us all. She will discuss that profound statement today, along with some of her revelations when she was starting her family and more recently when she was preparing to be the mother of the bride. This episode is for every girl and woman who wants to explore the many forms of mothering and being a “mother.”
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:42] Dr. Lyons shares details about her family and being the mother of the bride
- [8:45] Dr. Lyons discussed the feelings she processed anticipating her daughter's wedding, taking her back to the birth of her daughter
- [12:03] She accepts that even without children, she and her husband constitute a family.
- [15:48] Dr. Lyons thinks deeply about the patriarchal role of a wedding, being a woman, and what a family
- [18:57] Dr. Lyons discusses mothering in the many ways it is possible
- [25:59] Dr. Lyons discusses the word mother in different forms: motherhood and mothering
- [31:12] Dr. Lyons talks about coaching and how she supports women
- [36:01] She outlines how she coaches new mothers
- [39:27] Dr. Lyons discusses men in a mothering role
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Mothering is a nurturing quality that can apply to children, but also a project or to other people or other people's children.
- Family can be defined in many ways. A married couple without children is a family.
- A woman doesn’t lose her identity of who she is when she becomes a mother.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Website
Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a leading coach and educator in women’s leadership development, parenting, and relationship satisfaction. As the founder of Rewrite the Mother Code, LLC, she inspires women to choose their own personal transformations and has spent the last 21 years empowering individuals, couples, parents, and families to realize meaningful, successful lives. Dr. Lyons is a PCC-certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Whole Brain Living certified coach through Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. She also holds a Level 3 Breathwork Certification through the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance. Dr. Lyons received her B.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, her M.A. in Psychology from Antioch University McGregor School and her Ed. D. and M.A. in Transformational Leadership and Coaching at the Wright Graduate University. These certifications and training empower Dr. Lyons to provide an integrative approach focused on the individual, couple or family needs. She firmly believes that we are all mothers. Together, we can support one another to be the best versions of ourselves through this creative energy we share.
Jodi Klaristenfeld shares her harrowing experience with preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome which nearly claimed her life and that of her unborn daughter. Jodi shares the signs and symptoms of what to look out for to help prevent preeclampsia.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Flrrish - Instagram
Flrrish - Website
Jodi Klaristenfeld shares her harrowing experience with preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome which nearly claimed her life and that of her unborn daughter. Jodi shares her experience healing emotionally from her daughter’s premature birth and how hard she fought to get her daughter the resources she needed to grow, thrive and flourish once she was home from the NICU. Jodi quickly realized how hard it is for families with premature babies to get their children the resources they need, leading to the inception of FLRRISH. FLRRiSH serves as a platform providing NICU parent education, resources, and support, aiding families in navigating the path through premature childbirth. Jodi also shares valuable insights on recognizing the symptoms of preeclampsia. Don't miss out on the inaugural episode of season six!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [0:00] Julia introduces guest Jodi Klaristenfeld and why the topic of life-threatening preeclampsia is the first topic of season six
- [3:42] Jodi explains why she started Flrrish to meet the needs of parents whose child is born prematurely
- [6:03] Jodi describes her pregnancy journey and the signs of preeclampsia
- [17:17] Jodi talks about her feelings when she learned she almost died, the choice her mother had to make, and the distance she felt toward her daughter
- [24:13] Jodi tells about the different emotions she went through and the support given by her doctor and husband
- [29:25] Jodi reveals what her daughter was experiencing while hospitalized, including the frustration of a therapist not wanting to do her job
- [38:35] How Jodi helps others through Flrrish
- [43:30] Jodi describes how this situation has informed her parenting skills and what Flrrish clients are seeking
- [46:45] Jodi describes her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The infant and maternal mortality rates in the U. S. are the highest of any developed nation.
- Nearly 15 percent of all children in the U. S. are in the NICU at some point.
- Kangaroo Care, or Skin-to-Skin Care, benefits the baby and the parents.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Flrrish - Instagram
Flrrish - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Jodi Klaristenfeld is the founder of FLRRiSH. She is a mom to an adorable little girl who was born at 28 weeks due to a rare and life-threatening form of preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. After her daughter's early birth, Jodi quickly discovered preemie moms and dads aren’t always given the support they need. As a result, she created FLRRiSH, a platform that offers NICU parent education, empowerment, support and resources to help families navigate this beautiful and challenging journey. Jodi, her husband and her family live in NYC.
Welcome to Season 6! In this Stork'd Munchkin episode, I will preview what to expect in Season 6 of Stork'd. Season 6 explores evolution - how do we grow and change as our family lives evolve? You will find the guests of Season 6 to be open hearted, relatable, candid and real about their family building journeys as together we explore disappointment, change, joy, new identities, and our relationship to how we think our lives should look.
Resources: Stork'd Website Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Welcome to a special mini episode of Stork'd! How do you show up for people? This week, I offer you a compilation of podcast episodes about showing up for others, from the voices of Stork’d guests, offering their best nuggets of wisdom. You will hear directly from previous guests about how we show up for the people we love and how we like to be supported during the really murky emotional times -such as the loss of a loved one, when a child is in the NICU, during a divorce, a health crisis or anything that feels especially HEAVY. Listen to Alona, Aaron, Chelsea, Tracy, Brooke, Amanda and Tara share how they show up for people in their life.
Links:
Alona Episode - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season5podcast/episode18
Aaron Episode - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season3podcast/episode5
Chelsea Episode - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season4podcast/episode6
Tracy Episode - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season4podcast/episode17
Brooke Episode - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast/7
Amanda Episode - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season5podcast/episode4
Tara Episode - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season3podcast/episode6
Stork'd Website - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/
Stork's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/storkd_podcast/
Imagine being so athletically gifted that you can train your body to do almost anything…. Anything except get pregnant when you are hoping to. Meet Barbie Blank, reality star, model and formerly the youngest wrestler in the WWE. Together we discuss the feelings she had when her athleticism didn’t translate to her fertility treatments. Now pregnant with twins, Barbie shares her experiences: ranging from the heartbreak of a miscarriage, an IVF journey under the care of Dr. Aimee, the Egg Whisperer and the joyous anticipation of becoming a mom. We also discuss the challenge of stepping into parenthood while grieving the loss of your own parent. This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series that commenced with Dr. Aimee. Don’t miss the finale of season five!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:35] Barbie introduces herself and shares her background as a wrestler, model, influencer, actress, reality star and now her pregnancy
- [06:11] How did Barbie navigate all the changes in her life and her expectation of having twins
- [09:58] Barbie talks about her miscarriage
- [13:37] Barbie reflects on meeting Dr. Aimee, the “egg whisperer,” and her IVF journey
- [19:58] The timeline, the disappointment she felt and the change in protocols
- [25:17] The emotions of losing her dad and how she will integrate family traditions
- [30:27] Barbie discusses a documentary she will be doing with Dr. Aimee
- [35:29] Barbie defines what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Barbie has a positive attitude, and following her through Dr. Aimee’s documentary will be amazing.
- Changing protocols during IVF can make all the difference in getting pregnant.
- Women supporting women through IVF treatments, miscarriage and other trauma is encouraging to hear. There should not be a stigma associated with miscarriage.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Barbie Blank - Instagram
Barbie Blank - Twitter
BIOGRAPHY:
Barbara Blank Coba, known professionally as Barbie Blank and by her ring name Kelly Kelly, is an American professional wrestler and model.
In today's episode, Julia talks with Dr. Aimee, a renowned fertility specialist recognized as the "egg whisperer." Together, Julia and Dr. Aimee delve into her complete “obsession to bring more love into this world” by helping more intended parents conceive. They also discuss the many ways she is changing the patient experience by shifting the mindset around fertility treatment - from one of a battle to one of glitter, hope, and magic.
Dr. Aimee distinguishes her approach to in vitro fertilization (IVF) from that of her peers, emphasizing her focus on "OLS (Ovarian Life Support)" and her unwavering dedication to retrieving every viable egg from her patients. While she exudes enthusiasm for IVF, Dr. Aimee remains pragmatic, acknowledging that not every woman will achieve pregnancy, and she candidly reveals how she navigates such circumstances. Don’t miss this captivating two-part series.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:48] Dr. Aimee shares her love of being a fertility doctor, knowing that was her calling from an early age
- [05:05] Why is she called ‘the egg whisperer’ and getting through the hard stuff
- [10:15] Dr. Aimee’s advice to someone who is discouraged. Who is her typical patient
- [13:24] How her process is different than other specialists and how she is committed to treating women in all 50 states
- [21:55] How she advises someone who loses a baby
- [25:55] Dealing with the cost of IVF and Dr. Aimee’s hope for the future
- [30:30] Dr. Aimee encourages patients to know their medical history and the procedures they have had to prevent mistakes
- [33:28] Dr. Aimee defines family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Dr. Aimee provides online IVF classes available to anyone. They are similar to getting a full consultation.
- Learn about IVF. Remember your treatment history. Don’t expect every doctor to remember the details about your medical treatments. Be your advocate.
- After many treatments and discouragements trying to get pregnant, you might need to stop and take a break to see if going through more treatment is right for you. Be realistic.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Dr. Aimee - Facebook
Dr. Aimee - Website
Egg Whisperer - Instagram
Egg Whisperer School - Website
BIO
Dr. Aimee graduated from UCLA School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Harvard Medical School. She also completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility and holds a Master's in Public Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan.
She has presented her research at the national meetings of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, The Endocrine Society and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Her research has been published in several journals, including Fertility and Sterility, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Menopause. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and continues to contribute to research in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She has co-authored book chapters on ultrasonography and male infertility with national leaders in the field of reproductive endocrinology.
In her off-time, Dr. Aimee is a mom to four rambunctious kids aged ten and under. You can email her directly at email@draimee.org
Join Julia and Brooke Cates, CEO and founder of The Bloom Method fitness program, for your motherhood journey. The Bloom Method keeps you active during pregnancy and postpartum. Brooke shares how the system was conceived and encourages women to listen to their bodies. In today’s world, the culture can guilt women into strenuous exercise programs, and Brooke says that’s not OK. Over 60,000 women have experienced this method, which prepares you for birth and is perfect as you chase your toddler. Brooke also shares her non-traditional journey into entrepreneurship, carving her own path and following her intuition. We discuss her personal family building story, her postpartum experience and her relationship with her mother. Invite your friends to listen to this episode and join the Bloom Method. They will thank you.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia gives an overview of the dilemma of getting back in shape postpartum
- [03:39] Brooke shares who she was ten years ago and the woman she is now
- [10:07] How the Bloom Method was conceived and why it fights against the “bounce-back” culture of postpartum
- [15:07] Brooke describes the Bloom Method and talks about a judgment-free way of seeing yourself
- [22:12] Brooke’s belief is “movement” rather than “exercise,” and she encourages women to stop taking exercise so seriously
- [31:29] Brooke responds to Julia's experience 18 months after birth and says workouts should feed us and turn motherhood into mom-movement
- [34:07] Brooke reflects on her journey as a path less traveled and not letting discouraging comments hold her back
- [43:00] Brooke shares her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- What is right for one mom may not be right for another mom. That’s ok. Don’t let society dissuade you from listening to your intuition.
- If you are having a battle within yourself about your fitness program, you have the wrong fitness program. Movement doesn’t hurt. Movement should bring you joy and remind you who you are.
- Mainstream exercise programs make a woman feel negative about her body.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
The Bloom Method - Instagram
Brooke Cates - Website
The Bloom Method - Website 30% Off Coupon - Use code - STORKED30
BIOGRAPHY: Brooke Cates
Brooke is the CEO and Founder of The Bloom Method—a pioneer in the pre + postnatal fitness industry. Aside from being the creator of The Bloom Method, Brookee is a Pre and Postnatal Corrective Exercise Specialist, Core Rehabilitation Specialist and Pre and Postnatal Holistic Health Coach. Brookee believes that the transformation into motherhood is where we truly ignite our real strength and that in this, all women deserve to have access to safe + effective workouts geared towards whichever stage of motherhood they're in.
In 2018, The Bloom Method introduced its innovative concept to thousands of women worldwide with the first virtual pre + postnatal online studio. Today, with over 500+ fitness classes, ten fitness styles, empowering education, and a community of 50k moms, Studio Bloom is helping women step back into their power through smart + empowering embodiment practices.
Can an astrologer predict the best time to do IVF? In the latest episode of Stork'd, Julia and Nicola Smuts Allsop delve into her journey as a fertility astrologer and how she predicts the “lucky time” for conception. Nicola's personal experiences with infertility lend a captivating touch to her narrative. She discusses the influence of diverse planetary alignments on a couple's fertility prospects and also addresses the naysayers. In addition, Nicola expresses her conviction in the impact of the "placebo effect." Enjoy this enlightening installment of Stork'd.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:39] Nicola shares the story of her early career and how she became a fertility astrologer
- [09:38] Nicola feels it's important to have a “witness” or someone to walk with you through your infertility journey, and she discusses her research
- [16:28] Nicola addresses the naysayers of astrology and what one would expect who used her services
- [25:35] Nicola shares various client stories, the trends she sees in who comes to her and the patterns that are presenting
- [38:30] Nicola discusses how society has affected fertility and what circumstances need to exist for her to give up on a client
- [44:28] What does Nicola tell a couple who most likely will not get pregnant
- [49:51] What is Nicola’s family situation currently, and how does she define family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- There are questions or concerns a woman would not tell a doctor but would discuss with a fertility astrologer.
- A fertility astrologer listens to clients and does not project their ideas onto them.
- Knowing when bad times are coming and when they will be over is helpful for a person to deal with the situation.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Fertility Astrology - Website
Nicola Smuts Allsop - Instagram
Fertility Astrology: A Modern Medieval Textbook
BIOGRAPHY:
Nicola Smuts Allsop is a consulting astrologer living in the United Kingdom. Originally from South Africa, she completed her first studies at the Rod Suskin School of Astrology in Cape Town and completed a Diploma in Medieval Astrology with Astro Logos (Bernadette Brady) in the UK. Nicola has recently graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a Master’s Degree in Myth, Cosmology and The Sacred.
Author of the newly published FERTILITY ASTROLOGY, A Modern Medieval Textbook, Nicola has specialized in this field and has undergone fertility treatment herself. She is a mother of two adult children and can empathize and understand the pain and desperation of trying to conceive.
Nicola lectures internationally on her fertility work, and her research and methods in this field are pioneering and unique.
Her success in diagnosing fertility issues in charts and finding potentially fertile times to try In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and other reproductive treatments has been published in The Sunday Times (London), The London Times, and the Daily Mail. Her work has also been featured on national television (Free Spirit, Top Billing) in South Africa.
Many couples are extremely grateful to her for the valuable, time-saving advice and recommendations she can provide to maximize the potential for conception. Her practical knowledge of the process of IVF and other reproductive treatments is extensive, and her personal experience of infertility makes her a compassionate and caring professional.
Join Julia and Alona Shaked as they delve into her remarkable story. She was a 28-year-old lawyer who embarked on a challenging journey of fighting breast cancer and also discovered the heartbreaking truth that cancer treatments can significantly impact fertility. Explore the highs and lows of Alona's international path to building a family as she pursues fertility treatment in both Israel and the US. . Witness how Alona has transformed the setbacks she experienced into a coaching business catering to professional women who have undergone profound life changes.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:25] Alona shares what her different roles are and how she discovered she had cancer
- [07:12] What did Alona do the night before she found she had cancer, and how she evaluates her life and makes priorities
- [18:38] Alona’s Egg retrieval was subpar, and how others reacted to her cancer and desire to have a family
- [20:15] Alona received international fertility treatments while living Israel
- [27:53] Alona and her husband may not be on the same page
- [31:50] Who is to blame for infertility
- [40:04] Alona gives an example of a positive outlook on the journey of building a family, and she shares starting IUI and IVF, and the result
- [47:52] What kept Alona going on the journey and what is driving her today
- [52:22] Alona defines her definition of family and recommends tools she used during her path to pregnancy, and she discusses her coaching business
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Having cancer can affect your fertility.
- Life’s WTF moments are an opportunity to get clear on what you really want
- Family and friends are essential to help you get through a cancer diagnosis.
- There is a stigma that it is the mother's fault when a couple cannot get pregnant.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Alona Shaked - Website
Alona Shaked - Instagram
Alona Shaked - Facebook
Alona Shaked - Linkedin
BIOGRAPHY: Alona Shaked
I am an executive and lifestyle coach who shows women how to turn significant life challenges into purposeful, fulfilling careers and lives. I started my career as a lawyer at a big firm. When I was 28 years old, I was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer, completely changing my perspective on what I wanted out of life and how I wanted to spend my time. After beating breast cancer and traveling the world, I transitioned into nonprofit management. I founded my non-profit, Thrivacious, an international community dedicated to helping women touched by cancer thrive and fulfill their dreams. I am also an IVF mama, writer, & women’s health activist. While taking a sabbatical from nonprofit management to undergo fertility treatments and build my family, I trained to become a coach. I’ve now helped dozens of clients across the globe thrive through life’s challenges, find their purpose, and succeed and grow in their careers and personal lives.
I received my B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and my J.D. from UCLA School of Law. I live in Philadelphia with my husband Oren, Labradoodle Franklin and miracle baby Ella.
Today, Julia and Dr. Rebekah Diamond, author of Parent Like a Pediatrician, focus on parenting newborns and children. Where do you turn when you have questions? When seeking guidance, do you rely on friends, family, or social media input to glean insights from "expert" influencers? Julia and Rebekah discuss how to filter through the well-intentioned relatives and the mistruths on social media to find your own voice and inner wisdom as a parent. This book, and this episode, focus on empowering parents to make data driven choices that suit your own individual goals for how you want to parent. We also discuss Rebekah’s experience as a first time parent and pediatrician, particularly her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety has changed how Rebekah practices and teaches medicine. Discover valuable insights in this episode as you decide what is best for you and your child.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:24] Rebekah explains she wrote the book because of her experience as a new parent
- [05:23] Rebekah discusses all the information available, but the impracticability of achieving all of those goals
- [08:29] Operating in the “safe range of options” and giving advice regarding parenting
- [18:30] Why the book was helpful for Julia. The book is based on science and not influencers
- [20:40]Rebekah explains why she doesn’t tell a parent what to do and her feelings about the path the medical profession has taken
- [25:48] Rebekah discusses her anxiety and depression and her advice for others
- [30:27] What would Rebekah change in the medical system if she could regarding supporting parents and empowering them
- [37:02] Discussing the breastfeeding concept
- [45:00] Rebekah explains her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- There is information on social media about everything you should do as a new parent. However, it is not humanly possible to wrap your mind around all of it, let alone put all those ideas into practice.
- Don’t let social media and influencers set the schedule and do’s and don’ts for your baby or yourself.
- The medical institution needs to do more to support parents. One size does not fit all.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Rebekah Diamond - Twitter
Parent Like a Pediatrician - Website
Parent Like a Pediatrician - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Rebekah Diamond
I was born in New York City but spent most of my childhood in Connecticut. After high school, I stayed local and received my undergraduate degree from Yale University and my M.D. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Following completion of my pediatrics residency training at the University of Michigan, I accepted a position as a pediatric hospitalist in New York City and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University, where I still work today.
My training and practice mean that it is literally my job to stay up to date on all of the data behind what experts say are the safest and best choices for parents to make for their children.
I’m also a mother of a young daughter and know firsthand the challenge of sorting through conflicting pediatrician and internet recommendations. It’s why I’m here to explain how pediatrician parents actually raise their own kids so you can make the safest, sanest choices for your little ones.
Julia and Christina Bailey engage in a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and triumphs of healing from divorce, falling in love, fertility and creating a family in a same-sex relationship. We discuss her first fertility journey using reciprocal IVF with her ex wife - she used her eggs and her ex carried. We discuss Christina’s heartbreak over her divorce and her experience parenting through the pain and how she slowly re-emerged and started dating again. In a brand new relationship, she communicated to her girlfriend, “I am expanding my family, are you on board?”. A conversation which resulted in a set of twins.
Drawing strength from Glennon Doyle's words, "You Can Do the Hard Things," Christina's openness highlights her resilience and the transformative power of her experiences.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia introduces Christina Bailey and discusses her journey with infertility
- [03:51] Christina shares why she decided to share her fertility journey publicly and the difficulty in creating a family in a same-sex relationship
- [12:04] Christian reflects on how she thought her life would unfold as a young adult and the shock she felt when served with divorce papers
- [16:55] How divorce affects your mental state and the resources you can lean on
- [22:25] Christina discusses starting to date after a ten-year marriage and what she has learned about herself in that process
- [33:21] Christian talks about her new partner and being authentic about wanting to have more children
- [40:20] The ups and downs of getting pregnant and the path Christian took to have twins
- [50:26] What happens to embryos post-divorce, and what advice Christina has regarding that process
- [56:34] Christian explains her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A lawyer should be involved when you venture into embryo retrieval and dispensing those embryos in case of divorce.
- Dating after a divorce may clarify who you are and what you want in a partner.
- It is critical to have the support of family and friends when going through a divorce and an infertility journey.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Christina Bailey - Instagram
Jacqui shares her experience as an egg donor to a family experiencing infertility. We discuss Jacqui’s decision to donate, her experience through multiple donations (for a sibling later on) and her relationship to the recipient family. As time passed, Jacqui reached her forties, remarried, and, together with her husband, embarked on a journey to start their own family. Join us as Jacqui shares her remarkable account of undergoing fertility treatments and giving birth to their son. Jacqui’s story is a compelling journey evidenced by the virtues of patience, perseverance, and triumph.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[02:34] Jacqui shares her life journey and why she decided to become an egg donor
[08:00] Jacqui explains how she met the donor-recipient and what she and the recipient experienced
[17:57] The recipient wants another child, but the procedure is not successful, and they attempt a third time
[23:03] What is the relationship between Jacqui, the birth parents and the children
[29:02] What do you tell the children about their parentage and Jacqui’s fertility journey
[36:47] Jacqui explains her shift in perspective from initially desiring no children to eventually wanting a child and how a fertility specialist exploited her vulnerability
[41:29] Jacqui has advice on how the fertility industry should change
[44:03] Jacqui shares how she and her husband dealt with the miscarriages and how pregnancy affects your job as a female chef in a man’s world
[50:07] Jacqui explains her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Women who face infertility and opt for any treatment to achieve pregnancy should expect to be treated with dignity. Similarly, egg donors who generously contribute their eggs should also be supported in the same manner.
Choosing to tell children of egg donors requires forethought and should be talked about before agreeing to the treatment.
If you experience disrespect from any medical professional, they are unprofessional, and you need to stand up for your rights and dignity.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Journalist Maressa Brown joins Julia to discuss her new book, Raising Baby by the Stars. She explains how astrology can teach you about your child and support your parenting. Maressa also made a few major life pivots that found her restructuring her life as a married woman employed in sports journalism in NYC to a single woman freelance writing for women’s magazines in LA. Now engaged, Maressa and her fiancé are currently going through IVF, and Maressa shares the raw emotions of being in the midst of a fertility journey. Don’t miss this episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:07] Maressa shares who she is and how astrology framed her life from infancy. She also discusses moving from one form of journalism to another
- [11:56] Maressa outlines how a child's natal chart will reflect what they become and what characteristics they will have
- [14:13] Discussion of the north and south nodes and how they connect with the planets. She talks about Gemini, Mercury and Aquarius
- [17:01] Maressa shares that there are connections between a child’s planetary placement and the parents and how astrology becomes another tool in your toolkit of parenting
- [25:12] Maressa discusses how she met her fiance and how she created the life she dreamed of, and the most significant challenge she faced moving from New York to LA
- [34:42] Maressa discusses her infertility journey and how she and her fiance handle the discouragement and encourage one another
- [42:22] Maressa tells how you need to stand up for yourself going through the IVF process, and she expresses what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Maressa’s book discusses how astrology predicts your child's emotional well-being and how they grow, learn, and develop.
- A parent can clash with their child because of their signs
- A person needs to stand up for themselves when seeing a doctor. Self-advocacy is critical.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Maressa Brown - Website
Maressa Brown - Facebook
Maressa Brown - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY:
I’m a Los Angeles-based journalist, author, and astrologer with nearly two decades of professional experience covering lifestyle, astrology, parenting, and pop culture. Whether I’m delivering expert-voiced astrology writing, doing one-on-one interviews with celebrities like Jane Fonda, Channing Tatum, Serena Williams, Jimmy Fallon, or Mindy Kaling, developing and penning my signature monthly horoscopes for publications like InStyle or brands like Geico or Neutrogena, or tackling in-depth features on buzzworthy trends, my copy is conversational and substantive. I have appeared in live and taped-to-air video segments as a commentator on WGN-TV and Good Morning America. My content area specialties include Health, Love & Sex, Astrology, Parenting, Pop Culture, News & Politics, Beauty & Style, On Camera, and Branded Content. A graduate of Emerson College, I’m also a member of the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR) and the Authors Guild.
HeHe Stewart, advocate, educator and founder of Maternity Concierge and The Birth Lounge, joins Julia to discuss pregnancy, informed consent and the education of the birthing process. HeHe is passionate about helping people prepare for a pregnancy and birth experience. She educates women on their rights, the role of the hospital and physician and topics you may have yet to consider. This episode is for anyone who has childbirth in the future, along with your support team. You don’t want to miss this educational episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
● [00:00] Julia shares who HeHe Stewart is and the many educational resources she has made available
[02:25] HeHe explains the services she provides and how she came to start her business
[08:21] The critical need to bridge the gap between patients and providers
[13:18] Julia outlines the changes within the system that need to change and four takeaways from the education she provides
[18:44] How do you know what you don’t know medically, and what if your doctor/hospital is not following your plan
[28:06] Six decisions from HeHe’s list of 175 decisions you could make
[32:54] HeHe discusses how she works with clients and how to overcome fear and trauma and the percentages involved
[42:30] What is the ambiance of the labor room
[44:16] HeHe defines her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The policy of a hospital is not a law. Therefore, you can say no thank you. Also, find a doctor who honors your plan for birthing or change doctors until you find a doctor who is on the same page.
Women in the past felt they had no say or control over their bodies. That is a fallacy. Informed consent is your right, and women need to champion that concept.
Educate yourself before the pregnancy so you know the options, the process, and the what-ifs so you can make an informed decision.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
HeHe Stewart - Facebook
HeHe Stewart - Website
HeHe Stewart - Instagram
Birth Lounge/Tranquility - Podcast
Birth Lounge - TicTok
Birth Lounge - Instagram
Birth Lounge - App
ABOUT: HeHe Stewart
As a doula, I view my role as the guardian of the energy of your birth experience. I want you to be informed, in control, and supported. I believe in you and your body. I believe you are strong and courageous. I believe in trusting the process and surrounding yourself with love, warmth, encouragement, kindness, and serenity. I believe birth is a magical and transformative time in your life, your partner's life, and your baby’s life. I want you to feel respected and relaxed at your birth. I want your birth to be a pleasant memory that you carry with you for the rest of your life and are happy to share with others.
There is no right or wrong; there is only what’s right for you. I’m here to help you explore, discover, and advocate your wants and needs to have the birth experience you’ve always wanted. I believe there is a need for self-care and compassion in the care of expectant parents. It is important that every parent feels supported in their choices after discussing all possible options. It's imperative that parents have access to judgment-free spaces, educators, and support. That's what I want to be for all my clients and their partners.
Fiona Kong, an author and a single parent, joins Julia for a conversation about her book titled Home Sweet Homes Journal. Fiona's life underwent significant changes with divorce, a job loss, and the impact of the COVID pandemic. During this transformative period, Fiona took the opportunity to contemplate her upbringing and the kind of co-parent she aspired to become. During this period, the idea for the Home Sweet Homes Journal and Planner came to be. Fiona has devised a valuable resource that enables parents to support their children's transition between homes as well as to gain insight into their child's experiences while they spend time with the other parent. This episode is for any parent, no matter how you build your family.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:31] Fiona separates from her husband and loses her job in 2019, and she describes the grieving process
- [05:57] Instagram and co-parenting books helped Fiona transition through this challenging time
- [07:44] How to tell a two ½-year-old they will be spending time with mom and then time with dad and how a visual schedule helped
- [11:28] How Fiona and her ex-husband determined how they would co-parent, and after time, they admitted their contribution to the divorce
- [15:31] What drove Fiona to take responsibility for her part in their divorce and how her father fostered an unhealthy atmosphere when she was growing up
- [20:22] Fiona describes how she developed a planner to become a part of her son’s life when he was not with her and how it evolved, and she shares different features of the book and tells about her next venture
- [32:13] What do you experience going from time with a child and partner 50 percent of the time to time alone with no child and no partner 50 percent of the time
- [36:28] Fiona discusses how mediation has helped her, and she discusses what family means to her
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It’s important to have a visual aide, like a schedule, to explain to a child how their week will unfold concerning visitation between parents.
- A divorced single parent should be aware of their child’s mental health but should also take time for self-care.
- When divorced parents decide to work in the child's best interest, that contributes to a more regular upbringing for that child.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Home Sweet Home Journal and Planner - Website
Home Sweet Home Journal and Planner - Facebook
Home Sweet Home Journal - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY:
I'm Fiona Kong, founder of the Home Sweet Homes journal and planner for co-parents and children.
I'm a single mom to a 5-year-old boy. I'm a former analyst turned dreamer turned creator and small business owner after finding a lack of resources and tools available to support young children after a separation or divorce.
After my son's dad and I separated, I remember feeling so many things. I was stressed, anxious, and worried about my son adjusting to the constant back and forth between homes. I felt sad to miss out on my son's day-to-day life. And I also felt guilty for putting my son through this situation.
And so, I looked for tools or products that could help those who co-parented but found few existing solutions - especially something geared toward young children.
My mission through Home Sweet Homes is to help co-parents and their children stay connected while bringing a child comfort and joy across their two homes.
By combining the benefits of a journal and planner into a tool that stays with your child, I hope to bring positivity out of a stressful and hard event.
Artist and painter Michelle Armas joins Julia on Stork'd to discuss her unbelievable journey to adopt her daughter. Michelle shares a little about her experience with discomfort, pain, and medical gaslighting due to endometriosis. After very uncomfortable fertility treatments, Michelle and her husband follow their hearts (and an original vision Michelle had of herself with a daughter) to begin the adoption process. Surprisingly (fate? Luck?) Michelle and her husband have an unbelievable adoption process. Where most prospective parents can wait months or even years to be approved and matched with a child, for Michelle it only took 4 days.
Julia and Michelle discuss the idea that love is expansive and that adoption is one way of expressing that love. They discuss the complicated but open relationship Michelle has with her daughter’s birth mother and they discuss how love, and family inform the energetics and aesthetics of Michelle’s stunning (and highly coveted) art. They discuss creating your family as a rebellious act that requires radical self love to believe you deserve the family of your dreams. Listen to these and other interesting concepts in this episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:24] Michelle introduces herself and what motivates her. She describes her family circle
- [04:15] What Michelle’s fertility experience looked like and the trauma caused by the medical community
- [08:13] Her husband's thoughts about a world family - “if there's a child who needs a home and you have a home to offer and you have love in your heart to give a child, then that's, you know, a match made in heaven.”
- [10:29] Michelle shares her unusual 4-day adoption journey and the emotional meeting with the birth mom
- [18:04] What is the relationship between Michelle and the birth mom, Alba? What is the relationship between her daughter and her birth mother?
- [23:17] Michelle talks about the boundaries she has set for her daughter and the values she hopes her daughter will have as as she grows up
- [28:34] Michelle reflects on how reading articles about adoption in Self magazine as a teenager first inspired her to consider adoption
- [33:19]Julia and Michelle discuss how it’s hard to say “everything worked out” because with adoption, everything has a little twinge of pain: the joy of adoption comes with the pain of relinquishing a child
- [37:41] Michelle explains her meaning of family, and how capturing the essence of family and motherhood informs and shapes her art
- [42:05] Michelle teaches art classes and shares how she loves to do commissions
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The world would be a better place if parents were open to adoption.
- Adoptive and birth parents can have various contact schedules set up during adoption. In some ways, it’s like negotiating after a divorce.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Michelle Armas - Website
Michelle Armas Art - Facebook
https://www.instagram.com/michellearmas007/
BIOGRAPHY:
Michelle Armas is an abstractionist painter working mostly on canvas and linen with acrylics, oils, and pastels. She has a graduate degree in Graphic Design from the Portfolio Center in Atlanta. After school, she was thrilled to land her dream job at Landor in New York. After a short time, though, she realized she needed more spontaneous creativity in my life, so she began creating intricate oil paintings in the evenings and weekends. Soon those paintings started to sell and gain attention, and once she moved back to Atlanta, she began to work full-time as an artist.
Majka Burhardt, the author of the book More, joins Julia on Stork'd to explore the joys and challenges of early parenthood. They delve into the transformative effect of having a child on one's sense of self and discuss whether it necessitates letting go of activities you love. What are some strategies for carving out time in a busy schedule? How do you maintain relationships with your partner? What does it mean to want “more”? This is a raw look at navigating early childhood. Listen as Julia and Majka discuss creating a family and how to maintain your identity.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:29] Majka shares who she is and her beliefs about the whole person that can do many things well
- [07:23] The book is the real-time story of Majka’s life, how it all came about and the realization that “Oh, I’m pregnant with twins.”
- [15:07] Majka talks about not having to give things up but making space
- [19:52] What is the blurry timeline to achieve all the things we want to accomplish along with parenting
- [22:35] Getting away from the role models of what women do and what men do and dividing up responsibilities among the parents
- [25:19] Discussion of allowing to feel the “feelings” when things are hard and how different parenting is in each generation
- [30:44] Raising resilient kids
- [33:26] How did Majka’s relationship with her husband change after the birth of the twins
- [40:19] Parenting with privilege and who is this book written for
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is a fallacy that if you aren’t at a certain percentage of achievement in whatever topic you are debating regarding parenting, you aren’t authentic.
- You can feel successful in parenting by giving yourself grace and changing the due date of when things need to be done. Give yourself a break.
- We must remember that we discuss little humans with feelings, emotions and ideas when discussing parenting.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Majka Burhardt - Website
Majka Burhardt - Facebook
Majka Burhardt - Linkedin
Majka Burhardt - Instagram
More - The Book - Available on Amazon
BIOGRAPHY:
Majka Burhardt has a passion for creating unusual connections. As a professional climber, social entrepreneur, author, mother of twins, and filmmaker Majka has spent more than two decades leading multi-stage international ventures focused on current issues of environmental and cultural significance spanning Africa, Europe, South, and North America.
Majka is the Founder and Executive Director of Legado, an international organization that helps secure Thriving Futures for people and the places they call home. Legado originated in 2011 during a pioneering climbing and conservation research expedition to Mozambique and is supported today by some of the world’s most influential social change funders and decision-makers.
Majka is the author of More: Life at the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood (Pegasus Books '23), a Next Big Idea Club Must Read. More is an intense and emotional journey born at the confluence of motherhood, adventure, career, and marriage. Raw, candid, and galvanizing, the book is a passionate and poignant testament to the enduring power of love and our lifelong journey to understand ourselves as we strive to always pursue more.
Elizabeth Carr, author and advocate, is the first IVF baby born in the United States and the first medicated IVF Baby in the world. She joins Julia to discuss her journey from conception through her 41 years of an IVF advocate. Elizabeth’s parent's story is impressive, particularly regarding the lack of general knowledge about IVF, yet they pioneered this journey of building their family. She will discuss how IVF has affected who she is, the ups and downs of naysayers, and why she continues to be the voice of advocacy for IVF - especially now that it is facing increased public political opposition. Don’t miss this information-packed episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia shares who Elizabeth Carr is; the first IVF baby
- [06:51] Elizabeth reflects on her parent's journey through infertility up through her birth
- [14:41] What does it mean to grow up as the ‘miracle baby’ and how it affected her teens, and even young adulthood
- [21:49] What some of the most challenging and hurtful conversations are regarding her birth
- [27:04] Legislation that would ban IVF and why she still carries that advocacy torch
- [34:30] Elizabeth comments on a few top changes she would make if given the opportunity
- [38:05] Couples should be encouraged to ask questions and be told about all the different ways of building a family as a second opinion. The industry would be better for it
- [45:05] Elizabeth comments on studies regarding risks for the mother and deviations between an IVF child from other children, and she explains genetic testing available
- [53:29] Elizabeth gives her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Feeling safe about the doctor you are working with makes all the difference. Don’t settle. Find that doctor who makes you feel secure.
- The child born of IVF knows how much they are loved and wanted.
- Couples walking through the infertility journey should have all options presented to them.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Elizabeth Carr - Instagram
Elizabeth Carr - Podcast
Elizabeth Carr - Website
Elizabeth Carr - Twitter
ABOUT ELIZABETH CARR:
I’m a seasoned journalist, podcast host, event host, on-air expert, and keynote speaker. From my industry-insider view as a patient advocate and the first in vitro baby born in the United States back in 1981, let me help you frame the reproductive discussions you need to have with your friends, family, and at a corporate level.
Julietta Skoog, co-founder of Be Sproutable, joins Julia to discuss positive discipline. You don’t get training for how to be a parent. Suddenly you just are one and you then have to develop your identity as a parent even as you are caring for a child. So what does parenting mean for you and how will you parent your child?
This episode is packed with information on the definition of being a positive discipline parent and how to achieve that goal. The tagline of Be Sproutable is: “Raising Kids, Growing Ourselves.” Hear examples of positive discipline and the three steps of learning this amazing way of raising a child. Tell your friends about this podcast. It will be one of your favorites.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:56] Julietta begins by telling about her professional journey.
- [07:14] What is the definition of positive disciplining parenting?
- [11:42] Julietta talks about finding the fun in parenting and the language of connection and firmness.
- [19:46] What are the three steps to learning positive parenting?
- [27:27] Positive parenting across culture, religion and parenting styles.
- [31:29] The example of a picky eater.
- [34:28] Julietta shares how she built her family, including mentioning her miscarriage and how that has framed her thinking about children.
- [42:54] Can you have the same “relationship” with a non-biological child as a biological child?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Children are remarkable and deserve respect. But, as parents, we need to look through their eyes at the world as they see it.
- Positive discipline doesn’t mean children go wild. It’s connection and firmness. It means means connecting with “I see you, and I love you. I can see your perspective”. Then follow through with firmness of safety, limits, and routine. Kids expect that.
- Kids learn through play, and parents need to lean into their world of imagination.
- Positive discipline transcends culture and nationality and can be applied within the context of your cultural heritage, value system, belief system or background.
RESOURCE LINKS:
“How to Teach Your Children that All Families are Beautiful” FREE Resource
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Ways to Celebrate Your Family - Free Download
Be Sproutable - Instagram
Be Sproutable - YouTube
BIO:
Julietta Skoog is a Certified Positive Discipline Advanced Trainer with an Ed.S Degree in School Psychology and a Master's Degree in School Counseling with over 20 years of experience helping families in schools and homes. She draws from her real-life practical experience working with thousands of students with a variety of needs and her own three children to parent coaching, bringing a unique ability to translate research, child development and Positive Discipline principles into everyday parenting solutions. Her popular keynote speeches, classes, and workshops have been described as rejuvenating, motivating, and inspiring.
Keegan Prue, the author of The IVF Dad, joins Julia to share the story of infertility he and his wife Olivia experienced. Keegan wrote this book from a man’s perspective, and he puts pen to paper to help other men as well as couples to deal with this disappointment and to help them work through the feelings and the process. You will hear the details of this couple's journey through infertility with nothing held back. Today's conversation is authentic and encouraging. Don’t miss this episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia shares facts regarding men being silent on the subject of infertility
- [04:02] Keegan shares his personal and professional background, how he and Olivia met and what their goals were for a family before realizing they weren’t getting pregnant
- [12:29] The disappointment of not getting pregnant and their journey to get educated on infertility. Olivia’s regular OBGYN gives inaccurate information. Next step – Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) and IVF treatments were recommended
- [20:01] Regular conversations between the couple, education and exploring options before the diagnosis prepared them to step into IVF more readily, as well as clarifying why they wanted to have a family
- [24:30] Keegan shares the experience of becoming pregnant twice and the miscarriages. Other means of having children are explored
- [34:55] As a couple, they discussed nurturing one another and recognizing that self-care is needed. They decided to advocate more strongly for themselves when meeting with the RE doctor. Welcoming their first child, Eliza
- [42:51] Keegan tells what prompted him to write the book, The IVF Dad, and he shares his definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- To become pregnant, don’t rely on a general OB GYN to determine hormone levels, etc. Instead, when there is a problem, go to the experts in the field of infertility.
- It is critical to discuss what you need from your partner during difficulties. Everyone’s needs are different; sometimes, a person just needs space.
- There are many resources available to educate oneself about infertility. Avail yourself of the social media community as well as seek professional help.
RESOURCE LINKS:
FREE RESOURCE for Stork’d listeners - Becoming a Team When Family Planning Gets Hard: Conversation Starters for Partners Doing Fertility Treatments.
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Keegan Prue - Instagram
Keegan Prue - Website
The IVF Dad Book
BIO
Keegan E. Prue is an author and educator from Upstate New York. He and his wife struggled with infertility, going through two rounds of IVF, two miscarriages, and three embryo transfers before the birth of their first daughter. That experience inspired him to write "The IVF Dad: What I Learned on My Infertility Journey, and How it Can Help You," to help other men and couples going through fertility issues feel more informed, empowered, and equipped to support themselves and each other. In his spare time, Keegan enjoys cooking (grilled greek chicken and veggies are a current favorite), traveling (on the bucket list: the Scottish highlands, Tuscany, and New Zealand), and spending time with his family.
On this episode of Stork'd, Julia talks with Eve Wiley, a proponent and champion of legislation to prevent fertility fraud in the unregulated reproductive medicine industry. Eve’s mother was the victim of artificial insemination by her fertility doctor using his sperm without her consent. Eve’s story takes her on a roller coaster journey of learning that neither her mother’s husband, her dad, nor the sperm donor of record was her father. You will hear the shocking truths about what is allowed in this industry and why legislation is necessary. You don’t want to miss this dramatic story.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:14] Eve tells her genetic identity background, and when she finally had access to her medical history
- [07:51] Eve was 16 years old when she discovered she was a donor-conceived offspring and how that affected her family dynamic
- [15:52] The bio dad comes into the picture
- [21:40] The bombshell is dropped. Eve’s mom’s fertility doctor is her donor dad without her mother’s consent
- [33:04] Eve describes the psychological impact she felt and the community members who supported what the doctor did
- [39:31] Eve explains the grief she experiences and reflects on the history of why she is the face of fertility fraud legislation
- [45:45] Reproductive medicine is not regulated and is not held accountable for their actions
- [49:20] Eve lists many much-needed legislative changes she wants to see in this industry
- [53:31] Legislative changes lead to price increases for sperm
- [56:00] Eve discusses the definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is unfair to the donor-conceived person that they must manage everyone else's feelings connected in this relationship.
- The doctor in question essentially medically raped Eve’s mother.
- More states need to create legislation governing the reproductive medical industry.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Eve Wiley - Instagram
Eve Wiley - Website
Eve Wiley - Twitter
ABOUT: Eve Wiley
My name is Eve Wiley, and I'm the product of fertility fraud.
My parents struggled with infertility and carefully selected an anonymous sperm donor (donor 106 from California Cryobank) to conceive me. When I was 18, I found Donor 106 and developed a wonderful father-daughter relationship. In 2018, through commercial DNA testing, I learned that my mother's fertility doctors used his own sperm instead of the donor my parents selected and consented to. He is my biological father.
I was even more shocked to learn that in 2019, this fact pattern was a crime in only ONE STATE: California. I set out to change the laws in Texas and other states creating civil and criminal causes of action for victims. As of 2022, 8 states have passed some sort of fertility fraud bill.
Monique Farook, the host of the award-winning Infertility and Me podcast, joins Julia to discuss her journey through infertility. Monique faced a multi-year battle with infertility in which she grappled with feelings of shame and anger, experienced racial discrimination by her doctors, navigated a tubal blockage, hypothyroidism, surgery, and natural cycle IVF. We discuss her decision to return to the medical system following a loss of trust in the medical community following experiencing racial bias in her fertility treatment. We laugh about the challenges of raising toddler boys and celebrate that her podcast reaches the unseen and underserved communities facing infertility. In addition, she candidly reveals her story about her marriage, her medical diagnosis, and the premature birth of their son. Don’t miss this honest and sometimes emotional episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia shares Monique’s accomplishments
- [05:09] Monique discusses why she started her podcast and the difficulty of finding podcasts created by women of color
- [12:02] The journey of navigating infertility and the discrimination Monique felt, and how this situation affected her marriage
- [23:25] Monique finally accepted that God wasn’t punishing her; it was a medical problem
- [28:32] Making the analytical decision of why you want to be a mother
- [30:17] Raising children to become decent human beings that will have an impact on the world
- [34:41] The process Monique and her husband went through to become pregnant
- [39:12] A son is born and is in the NICU for 129 days
- [45:12] Monique speaks about listeners of her podcast. Women need to discuss their grief
- [46:31] Monique shares her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Anger, denial, and even jealousy of another woman who can become pregnant are all natural emotions when going through infertility.
- Blaming the inability to become pregnant is not a punishment from God. It takes time to see the issue as a medical problem, not a punishment.
- It is critical to decide why you want a baby. Just wanting a cuddly baby isn’t reason enough. Being a mom becomes a job for a lifetime.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Monique Farook - Website
Monique Farook - Instagram
Infertility and Me Podcast
BIO: Monique Farouk is a wife, mom, women's health, and infertility advocate. She has been an entrepreneur for more than ten years and likes to give full credit to her husband, Omar Sr., for helping her stretch her entrepreneurial wings.
When she isn't obsessing over the home and work life, you can find her on Instagram creating content for her award-winning podcast, "Infertility And Me." She started the podcast after her path to motherhood was disrupted by female-factor infertility. Through the podcast, Monique has reached thousands of men and women from all over the world—passing the mic to other survivors to share their stories authentically. Monique's podcast was featured in Apple iTune's "New & Noteworthy" editor's picks in March, April, and May of 2022.
Amanda Makulec, a medical statistical researcher, joins Julia to share her heartbreaking story of losing her 3-month-old son. As a researcher, Amanda had written an article regarding the advocacy of Covid vaccines during pregnancy. When her son passed during Covid, there was an instantaneous response on social media blaming Amanda for his death due to taking the Covid vaccine. This episode will make you mad, and it will make you cry, and it will make you see the subjects of social media posts with new compassion. Don’t miss the story of the Makulec family.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia shares an overview of Amanda Makulec’s story
- [03:16] Amanda gives background on her family, career, the articles that got her noticed as a person qualified to discuss Covid data, and the research she read concerning vaccination and pregnancy
- [08:12] Julia and Amanda discuss the right and wrong way to approach the topic of losing a child with a grieving parent
- [13:26] Amanda is about to give birth to a daughter. She shares a variety of feelings
- [18:46] How do you tell your older child what happened to their little brother
- [22:28] Grieving is different for everyone. When you should expect support and when you shouldn’t ask
- [29:20] The misinformation spread on social media, the suffering it caused, and the timeline of events the week of Zander’s death
- [39:42] Publishing the truth in the New York Times
- [46.57] Re-posting the lies on social media, but defending it, and how others reading the posts or hearing the story apply it to their own lives
- [53:43] Amanda discusses how she answers the complex question of how many children you have
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Be very thoughtful when asking questions of someone who has experienced a loss. Of course, there is no good answer, but ‘How are you?’ isn’t the right question unless you qualify it with ‘How are you today.?’
- Passing gossip on social media under the guise that you are being helpful is harmful. Social media can be a dangerous medium when you can remain nameless and faceless.
- When a child asks about the death of someone, don’t use metaphors as they went to sleep and didn’t wake up. It is better to be honest with a statement like their body stopped working, they died, and they aren’t coming back.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
Amanda Makulec - Website
Amanda Makulec - LinkedIn
Amanda Makulec - Twitter
Amanda Makulec - New York Times Article
ABOUT :
Amanda Makulec is the Senior Data Visualization Lead at Excella, where she coaches teams and develops user-centered data visualization products for federal, non-profit, and private sector clients. Before joining Excella in 2017, Amanda spent eight years working with data in global health programs in more than a dozen countries. She is a founding board member and current Executive Director for the Data Visualization Society and writes about responsible visualization of health data.
Ruby Warrington, author, book doula founder of The Numinous, and movement maker joins Julia to discuss her newest book, Women Without Kids. Ruby uniquely has her finger on the pulse of social revolutions and her latest book explores the growing phenomenon of women living childfree by choice or circumstance.
Together Ruby and Julia discuss some of the many reasons more women are choosing to be childfree including feminist history, financial independence, environmentalism, and social norms. Ruby opens up candidly about her personal decision not to have kids and the many expectations others had for her and we explore conflicting feelings of shame, self questioning, intuition, and certainty.
Why do some women feel shame when deciding not to have a child? What is motherhood? Why is not wanting children still so taboo to talk about? What does a “normal” family look like? Ruby and Julia dive into these questions and more.
Women Without Kids”will hit the book stands on March 28, 2023. Take advantage of Ruby's free gift when you pre-order the book!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia introduces Ruby Warrington and defines the mission of Stork’d
- [04:00] Ruby describes her career and why she came up with the term “book doula”
- [09:06] Women Without Kids addresses fundamental stereotypes as to why women make their decisions about having a child
- [16:06] Ruby reflected on the time of her life when she questioned having children, which morphed into is there something wrong
- [25:07] Why is there shame involved in not having children, and are there rising numbers of women without kids
- [33:54] Is there a trend or movement afoot to reduce the number of children you have
- [37:53] The political choices surrounding women's rights
- [43:49] What was the impetus for writing the book, and how is the word being spread
- [46:21] Ruby discusses her journey of emotions leading to accepting her decision regarding children
- [53:52] Ruby defines her meaning of “found family” and discusses the inscription to her family in her book, and she shares her definition of family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Writing a book can be compared to having a baby in that you spend time and energy on both, and the result can be called “your baby.”
- Acknowledging that your career takes such focus and leaves you no time for children is a decision women should be able to make without shame.
- Why are women the hardest on other women who choose not to have a family?
RESOURCE LINKS:
Ruby Warrington - Website
Ruby Warrington - Instagram
Ruby Warrington - Facebook
Women Without Kids Book
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
ABOUT RUBY WARRINGTON:
Ruby Warrington is the creator of the term Sober Curious. Author of the 2018 book and million download podcast of the same title, her work has spearheaded a global movement to reevaluate our relationship to alcohol. Other works include Material Girl, Mystical World (2017), The Numinous Astro Deck (2019), and The Sober Curious Reset (2020). With 20+ years’ experience as a lifestyle journalist and editor, Ruby is known as an astute cultural commentator and true thought leader. She is also the founder of self-publishing incubator Numinous Books. Her new book, Women Without Kids, will be out spring 2023.
Chrysta Bilton, author of Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met My 35 Siblings, joins Julia to discuss her book. Get ready for an exhilarating story. Chrysta shares what life was like for a child born of a lesbian mother and her father, who donated sperm for a living. Her family was bold, sometimes dysfunctional, and anything but traditional. Chrysta tells her story in a truthful, enlightening, engaging, and sometimes funny way. You’ll hear about alcoholism, shame, lies, schizophrenia, cryobanks, self-perception, nurture versus nature, and how Chrysta navigated through it all to become a successful wife, parent, sibling, adult, and an author worth reading. Don’t miss this captivating episode of Stork’d.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:52] Chrysta Bilton provides an overview of her book
- [05:25] Chrysta’s sperm donor was misled by her mother and became a serial sperm donor for many children
- [07:03] All of the players in this book come from different perspectives on their truth
- [11:54] Chrysta discovers her father struggled with schizophrenia and discovers she has many siblings. She has developed compassion for her father
- [16:41] Chrysta struggled for ten years, dealing with her upbringing. She worked hard to analyze her circumstances, the mistakes she was making, and how to walk away from destructive behaviors
- [19:51] How her siblings relate to their “father” and each other
- [23:28] Advice on what to tell a child conceived by a donor. Nurture versus nature and how her parents' backgrounds form who they became
- [31.25] Chrysta shares her views on the pros and cons of cryobanks and the obligation they have to women
- [35:39] Chrysta tells how the book came about, how she parented her sister, and her self-evaluation
- [45:30] What is the definition of a family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Avoid emotional pain for a child conceived by a donor. Instead, tell them the truth about their conception.
- Be emotionally healed before starting a family, whether it be traditional, single parenting, or a sperm donation. Children deserve your best self.
- Change and heal and make better choices. Forgive your parents and stop blaming them for everything wrong that happens in your life.
RESOURCE LINKS:
The Book: Normal Family
Chrysta Bilton - LinkedIn
Chrysta Bilton - Instagram
Chrysta Bilton - Twitter
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd- YouTube
About Chrysta Bilton:
Chrysta Bilton is an American author who lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband and two children. Normal Family is her first book.
Host, Julia Karol, launches the fifth season of Stork’d! She walks us through some exciting topics coming up in this fifth season. Episodes include experiencing shame for not wanting to have children, losing a child and being blamed and trolled on social media, navigating IVF as a couple, fertility fraud, consent during your birth experience, fertility astrology, parenting approaches and so much more.
Today, Julia shares her parenting journey and how becoming a parent has transformed her. She explores the Gray Flamingo analogy and asks the question: is it ok to lose yourself in your parenting? Julia also opens up about the experience of dating while becoming a solo parent by choice.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:00] Julia explains why she originally started the Skork’d podcast
- [02:00] Season five brings new authors and experiences to share
- [03:32] The theme of consent to a variety of life issues will be a focus for various podcasts in season five
- [08:00] Julia is focusing on a new concept called the family positivity movement which celebrates families of all types and images
- [10:00] Julia shares her parenting journey and discusses does it change you (i.e., reference the title of this episode the “Gray Flamingo”), and if it does change you, then what
- [17:46] Julia discusses her romantic relationship and how it evolved, and how pregnancy affected the relationship
- [22:00] Julia expresses vulnerability to this listening audience regarding the family she has built
- [25:34] Follow this podcast on social media. Here is season five.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Every episode of season five of Stork’d will be exciting and enjoyable. There will be so much to learn from these guests.
- Julia’s story of her journey to be a solo parent is brave. She is a great role model for anyone walking through infertility.
- Your life changes when you have a family. It doesn’t mean you are fundamentally better as a person, but you are fundamentally different.
RESOURCE LINKS:
- Stork’d Facebook
- Stork’d YouTube
- Stork’d Instagram
About Julia Karol:
When she is not hosting Stork'd®, Julia runs a private investment firm that acquires, operates, and improves businesses at a crossroads. She loves supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Passionate about social change, Julia also supports several non-profit organizations.
Julia's passions outside work include hiking, skiing, yoga, and reading. She lives in Boston with her dog and son.
In this week's season 4 finale episode of Stork’d, we are joined by Tracy Weiss. Tracy is a cancer survivor who lost her chance of having biological children and in so doing, she gives up on the vision she has of a future daughter to be named Moxie. Tracy’s journey is full of surprises and tough decisions that she had to make at the young age of 30. One of the biggest surprises is that her insurance company considered her egg and embryo freezing treatment prior to surgery and chemo to be “elective” which led her to her mission now to help other women facing cancer to access fertility preservation treatments. Tracy discusses what it was like jumping back into the “real world” post-cancer, and how her mindset changed as she went through the healing process mentally and physically. She also discusses dating in your early 40’s post cancer. Tune in this outstanding season finale episode to hear Tracy discuss how her journey has led her to the company Chick Mission, and their dedication to helping other women with a cancer diagnosis preserve their fertility.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:34] Introduction to Tracy Weiss.
- [4:00] Information about The Chick Mission.
- [5:41] What was Tracy’s life before she was diagnosed with cancer?
- [9:22] Tracy talks about the journey of discovering she had cancer.
- [16:24] How did Tracy tell her friends and family and handle the information about her diagnosis?
- [22:15] How many different doctors did Tracy see throughout this journey without hearing that she should preserve her fertility?
- [25:43] Did Tracy always appreciate her amazing set of friends and community?
- [29:26] What is fertility preservation?
- [32:12] Tracy tells us more about freezing embryos.
- [34:32] How did it feel for Tracy to re-enter life post-cancer?
- [39:15] What happened to Tracy’s embryo’s when she got divorced? What was her grieving process?
- [42:10] What is the dating experience after cancer?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Your reality isn’t a fact for everyone. Something you may have, someone else may be longing for.
- Each person in your life can offer you different experiences in your life. Someone around you has likely experienced something that you are going through or knows someone who has gone through it.
- Insurance providers don’t consider Cancer an eligible diagnosis for fertility preservation, the Chick Mission is working to change that.
- The flexibility you don’t have with embryos you have with eggs. An embryo has to be owned by two people, which has legal implications.
RESOURCE LINKS
North Forkd Instagram
The Chick Mission Website
Chick Mission Instagram
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
About Tracy Weiss
Tracy Weiss is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 30. She definitely knew what the cervix did, no matter what anyone tells you. Tracy was pretty annoyed when her insurance company denied her claim to preserve her fertility under it being ‘elective’ -- as if having a tumor was something anyone would choose. She remained pretty pissed until The Chick Mission was founded to help women standing in her shoes -- now she gets her revenge every time another woman receives assistance from the organization. Tracy serves as our Executive Director and Chief Creative Officer with her magical blend of Email Inbox Management and OddBall Ideas.
In this week’s episode, we are joined by journalist and podcast host, Louise McLoughlin.. Louise tells us the story of finding out she was donor-conceived, how she found her biological father and sister, and the feelings she experienced throughout the process. We also talk about what it was like for her family to accept that she wanted to search for her biological father. Louise discusses her work on her podcast, You Look Like Me, where she interviews donor-conceived people and has become a leader giving voice to the donor-conceived community. We explore the trends and themes of donor conception, including the potential to have a large number of biological siblings, discovering your bio family, medical risks to having limited access to your medical history, and other experiences in the donor conceived community. Louise advocates for listening to the donor-conceived people’s stories, being honest with donor-conceived children and helping walk them through uncovering the qualities that came from their bio-parent. Tune in today to hear the impacts and story of a donor-conceived person.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:00] Louise introduces herself and tells her story.
- [5:41] Louise shares with us the moment she learned she was donor conceived.
- [12:10] What was it like for Louise to find out her father wasn’t her biological father?
- [15:53] If Louise could write the laws, what would she want to put into place?
- [19:25] What is the story about Louise finding a sister and her biological father?
- [29:45] How has the relationship changed with Louise’s dad since finding her bio-dad?
- [36:20] What does “enough” mean to Louise regarding finding her bio-sister?
- [37:06] What themes does Louise hear through her work?
- [39:20] How does it feel to be going on the journey of uncovering who you are as a donor-conceived child?
- [43:50] Relationships & Honesty are two things Louise is an advocate for.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Knowing the information about genetic medical issues is so important that people can be aware of any genetic illnesses early—knowledge of power from so many perspectives.
- Wanting to know where these things come from - a sense of humor, nose, personality traits, etc. It doesn’t have to be wanting to replace a non-bio parent, but it can just be wanting to learn more about who you are.
- Donor conceived children and the story are really just a part of what a modern family looks like now. There shouldn’t be shame carried with going on this journey of donor conceived children.
RESOURCE LINKS
You Look Like Me Instagram
You Look Like Me Podcast
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
About Louise McLoughlin:
Louise McLoughlin is host of ‘You Look Like Me’, a podcast which explores the secrets and discoveries of donor conceived people, to explore issues around identity, honesty, and why knowing the truth about yourself matters. The podcast reached number 1 in the Irish documentary charts, 10 in the UK, and 69 in the U.S, and was a Guardian podcast of the week in 2021
In this week’s episode, we are joined by Lauren Isley, a genetic counselor at California Cryobank. Have you ever wondered how a sperm bank selects and evaluates its donors? Lauren walks us through what genetics counseling is and how it supports clients in their fertility needs. She shares with us the process of selecting sperm donors, supporting clients in selecting the right donor or in making major decisions based on genetics.She lifts the veil of what goes on behind the scenes and helps reveal the mystery that goes on to create a successful program. Lauren also gives excellent advice for those getting started choosing a donor. Tune in today to get a great understanding of how cryobanks work!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:35] Welcome, Lauren Isley! Learning about Lauren’s work.
- [7:39] Under what circumstances might someone need genetic counseling?
- [10:15] What occurs behind the scenes to ensure sperm meets guidelines?
- [13:50] What conditions make someone eligible to be an egg or sperm donor?
- [16:14] How does California Cryobank look at the risk a potential donor might have vs. the number of donors needed?
- [22:55] What percentage of egg or sperm donors are eligible, and what might make donors unqualified?
- [25:38] How does California Cryobank keep up with new genetic information? If there is a new genetic mutation, do they go back and remove those donors?
- [28:28] What happens when new medical information is received after a child is born or the donor uncovers information?
- [36:37] How has technology like 23&Me shifted the number of donors?
- [43:48] What filters and mechanisms does California Cryobank use regarding the number of families who can use a particular donor?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- When starting your search, start with 2 or 3 items that are your primary criteria. Do you want ethnicity? Height, Education? Whatever it is, start small and narrow down.
- The cryobank goes through a lot behind the scenes to screen donors. They have a lot of guidelines for donors, including genetics. Some genetic testing will be discussed to see if a recipient will want to move forward with the donor, while others will need testing from the recipient to see if they also care about the genetic mutation.
- Donors are providing people with the gift of life! The process is long for them, so they deserve much love and appreciation for making the gift a reality.
RESOURCE LINKS
California Cryobank
California Cryobank Instagram
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
About Lauren:
Lauren is a genetic counselor by training and after graduating with a Master’s of Science in Genetic Counseling degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, she began her career in the field of assisted reproductive technology, where she has practiced for the past decade. Her various roles include preimplantation genetic testing, gamete donor screening, and reproductive genetic testing. Across these multiple roles, Lauren has focused on educating both patients and healthcare providers about reproductive genetics. Lauren has published several papers and abstracts related to genetic testing and gamete donors and spoken at multiple national conferences on these topics. Lauren previously served as Chair for the Genetic Counseling Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and Co-Chair of the Assisted Reproductive Technology and Infertility Special Interest Group of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. She is currently a Medical Science Liaison at Generate Life Sciences, the parent company for California Cryobank, Donor Egg Bank USA, and Cord Blood Registry
In this week’s episode, we are joined by journalist Meg St-Esprit. Meg is a parent of 4 children: 2 different sets of siblings, all through adoption. She shares her journey through adoption and the dynamic and interwoven way in which her family has integrated loved ones through open adoption. We talk about the nuances of weaving a family together through open adoption including holding space for your children’s emotions and having your own emotional self awareness. We also discuss adopting children with special needs and the best way to support them. Lastly, we discuss what family means to her. Meg is an incredible storyteller with a gift for articulating the complexities inherent in adoption and an ability to hold the full spectrum of emotions for herself and on behalf of her children. Tune in today to hear Meg’s beautiful story about open adoption.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:05] Meg shares a little overview of who she is.
- [4:00] We learn the tapestry about how Meg’s family was created.
- [8:02] Understanding the difference between glorification and celebration regarding adoption.
- [9:35] The show A Baby Story from TLC and what the show portrayed.
- [11:30] Meg shares her journey throughout their adoptions and the options of choice.
- [14:13] Meg tells us what open adoption means in her family: "I didn't realize that we would all just become family.”
- [16:45] What does it look like to partner in an open adoption?
- [20:54] What terminology would a close friend use when asking about Meg’s family?
- [23:33] How did Meg end up adopting two sets of siblings?
- [30:32] What does it mean to be equipped to take on adopted children or children with special needs?
- [32:44] How should someone prepare themselves for adding a child to the family who has special needs?
- [35:50] How does Meg advocate for her children?
- [38:47] What are the key messages that Meg wants people to walk away with after hearing her story?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Adoption isn't about a family wanting a child; it’s about finding a family for a child. Most of the time, the birth mother simply wants what is best for her baby, which may look like another family parenting the child, and that's ok! The child’s needs need to be considered first.
- The kids can choose how and who they define as family. Allow the children to decide who they want as their family and what they call them. In Meg’s case, she has four children, each with a biological sibling, but they still consider each other brothers and sisters (no discussion around bio or not). For some families, it might be more comfortable to split who is biological and who isn't. Let the children decide.
- It takes deep self-awareness to go into adoption. Be honest with yourself on what needs you can meet for a child, what kind of adoption you are open to, and what feels the best for your family. Adopting parents shouldn’t think they have to take the first child available for adoption; it's if you can genuinely love and care for that child.
- Don't make a child feel like they are a second option. Many adopt after being unable to conceive, and children feel like they are the second choice. Build our children to know they are loved and everything you want.
RESOURCE LINKS
Meg St-Esprit’s Website
Meg St-Esprit’s Instagram
A Blog Meg wrote about Open Adoption and What to Expect
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
BIO:
Meg St-Esprit, M. Ed. is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh, PA. She’s a mom to four kids via adoption, as well as a twin mom. She loves to write about parenting, education, trends, and the general hilarity of raising little people. Find more of Meg's work at www.megstesprit.com.
Today’s conversation with Emily Green is all about the importance of women taking control of their financial destiny as it relates to family planning. Emily and I chat about balancing the trade-offs between your career and personal goals. We talk about the pressures of corporate culture on moms, gender salary gaps, and maternity leave. Money is never easy to talk about but it's a lot less overwhelming when you can make a plan and prioritize the things that are most important to you.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [04:32] Pressures women face in the financial industry.
- [08:06] How to plan for financial goals in every season and earning gaps among women and men.
- [16:20] Mom guilt and financial decisions that come after you have a child.
- [23:44] Cultural expectations for working moms.
- [25:58] Emily’s wake up call to motherhood during the Pandemic.
- [34:07] How Emily viewed motherhood and her career before pregnancy versus now.
- [37:55] How Emily defines family.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Too many corporate cultures view women starting families as a cost to business. However, if you look at the research, the cost to the business is the fact that they do not support women through these times and then women end up leaving. Then you have a cost to hire and train someone new.
- Women's salaries peak earlier than men's because women take career breaks for their families. Women tend to have kids and take a possible short career break so their salaries peak in their forties, which versus men's peak in their fifties.
- In a survey by Everlast, a majority of women said that thinking about money made them anxious and physically ill. It is vital to have those hard conversations about finances and financial goals.
Resources:
Ellevest Website
BIO:
With more than a decade of experience in private and corporate investment banking, most recently at J.P. Morgan, Emily is dedicated to helping women achieve financial strength and independence. Emily is on the board of Plan International USA and a steering committee member of Alvin Ailey’s Young Patron Circle.
Emily on LinkedIn
Instagram | @Ellevest
In this week’s episode, we are joined by Michele Katz. Michele is the founder of the Plus One Adoption Foundation and a mother of 4, two adopted, and two biological children. Michele shares her story about the adoption process and how she is blending cultures in their family. She also discusses many aspects of adoption, such as the differences between agencies and orphanages, what to consider when adopting, and how processes differ across companies and countries. Tune in today to hear Michele’s story and her mission with her foundation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:07] What does Michele’s family life currently look like?
- [2:37] How did Michele’s family come to be?
- [6:25] Fertility and adoption process at the same time. Which process seemed easier?
- [9:10] Michele tells us about her journey of adoption.
- [13:00] How did Michele incorporate the culture of origin of her adopted children into their lives?
- [19:56] What are the differences between agencies and orphanages?
- [21:28] What was the matching process between the two children Michele adopted, and what was it like meeting the children for the first time?
- [23:15] Michele tells us about the Plus One Adoption foundation and how it came to be.
- [25:42] Are there different parenting ways with the kids Michele carried vs. her adopted children?
- [30:00] What does adoption trauma look like?
- [32:47] How does one go into the decision to adopt an infant vs. an older child?
- [35:54] What does the conversation look like for a blended family of adoption vs. biological?
- [39:10] What does family mean to Michele?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Sometimes it’s just important to have another person to share your journey with, another person to listen to, someone to share the options and allow your family to decide which is right for you.
- There will be unknowns, but as a parent, you parent the best you can. Whether adopted or biological, there will be unknowns in what you will get with your children.
- Weighing out the pros and cons is essential. Do you want to adopt an older child? Do you want to adopt a younger child? What country do you want to adopt from? What age do you want to be when your child graduates? Do you want an open or closed adoption?
RESOURCE LINKS
Plus One Foundation Website
Plus One Foundation Instagram
Michele’s LinkedIn
Email: mkatz@plusoneadoption.org
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
BIO:
Michele Katz is not only the Founder of Plus One Adoption Foundation, Inc. but also the Founder of the intellectual property law firm Advitam IP, LLC. Passionate about giving back, she (in collaboration with her firm and her family) started a scholarship fund in the name of her beloved father, an icon in the IP field, and annually funds a master’s scholarship in the innovative sciences at The Hebrew University (Israel). As a servant leader, Michele served as the President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Chicago Chapter, propelling women business owners into social, economic, and political spheres of influence.
Today we talk with Samantha Diamond, founder of Bird & Be about PCOS, infertility, miscarriage and loss. Samantha shares her journey with secondary infertility, trying to have her third baby and how she would advise her younger self to grieve and heal differently than she did at the time. We discuss supplements and hormone testing as tools to support fertility and the many ways that Bird & Be is intentionally non-triggering and inclusive to those who are going through very complicated, emotional journeys with family building. This conversation centers on how we can better feel heard, seen, safe and lighter in our journeys to creating our families.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:18] Samantha’s PCOS diagnosis and why she started Bird & Be
- [12:05] Triggering elements of reproductive products and Bird & Be’s focus on all partners in the creation process
- [20:33] Product formulation and the creation of Bird & Be
- [24:43] Does naturopathic medicine actually work
- [28:27] Samantha’s infertility journey and advice would give to others
- [36:00] How to respond and support others experiencing infertility or loss
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- If you're having pain or if there is anything that is slightly abnormal in your cycle or with your partner, do not wait to see a doctor and start testing.
- One of the best things that people can do to optimize their fertility is to get educated from a reproductive health perspective, but also from a testing perspective. The more you know about your body, the better you are positioned to make certain decisions.
- The CDC and Health Canada guidelines suggest you should be on a prenatal supplement at least three months before you start trying to conceive. In addition to your standard prenatal vitamin our naturopathic doctors suggest you should also be taking a high quality antioxidant.
Resources:
@birdbeco - https://instagram.com/birdbeco
https://birdandbe.com/
BIO:
Samantha is the Co-Founder and CEO of Bird & Be, a company designed to grow families through science backed, at-home products that are personalized to each customer’s journey to and through parenthood.
She remains on a mission to create a brand reflective of the modern person's fertility journey, that will ultimately optimize the route to conception. She is a champion of self-advocacy and aims to educate people with eggs AND sperm on their own reproductive health and options.
Before launching The Bird & Be Co., Sam co-founded a PR Agency in 2011, which she sold after a decade in business. She is a mom of three and lives in Toronto, Canada.
In this week’s episode, we are joined by Yvette Anderson, co-founder of Anderson’s Meet The Need, a nonprofit she and her husband felt called to create after the loss of their newborn son. In today’s episode, we will learn more about the son that inspired her work. We hear the heartbreaking story of Yvette’s difficulties getting pregnant, her journey with preeclampsia, and the loss of her son RJ. Her story is raw and emotional; we learn of her strength and struggles during this difficult time. Tune in today to hear how Yvette turned her tragedy into triumph with her organization.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [3:59] What are the “Project of Promise” missions?
- [8:20] Yvette talks about what it was like growing up in a family in need.
- [14:24] Yvette discusses her emergency hospitalization due to life threatening preeclampsia.
- [25:10] The story of her child’s delivery.
- [30:29] Yvette shares her feelings as she watched her son pass away
- [32:56] Her preeclampsia had turned into a pulmonary embolism.
- [38:20] Yvette tells us about going home after her loss and medical difficulties.
- [41:46] What was Yvette’s relationship with God and herself during grieving?
- [49:56] Advice Yvette shares to help someone who might be going through a similar situation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You don’t have to stay in a dark place. The enemy would love for us to stay in that place, but you don’t have to. You will smile again; you will laugh again.
- Utilize the support around you. You don’t have to endure the pain alone; lean on those around you. Having someone there with you lets you know that you are not alone.
- Yvette turned her tragedy of losing her son into triumph when she created MTN Organization, a non-discriminatory, non-profit that serves various communities throughout NJ with free food pantry that promotes a healthier way of eating and living.
RESOURCE LINKS
Meet The Need Website
Meet The Need Instagram
"About Preeclampsia"
BIO:
Yvette Anderson has been active in various communities throughout NJ for almost 20 years before co-founding MTN in 2010. Helping others has always been a huge passion of hers. As a child she was a family in need and her grandparents instilled in her to always help anyone she could. Their influence never left her and Yvette dedicated her life to mentoring, coaching, being instrumental in computer donations to low budget schools and churches, starting a free cheer clinic for inner city girls who couldn’t afford gymnastic or cheer camps, directing a girls book club and now founding a non profit that brings 9 projects of promise and free food pantry each week.
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
One would think that being on the birth certificate of your newly born child would be enough to deem you their parent, it is…..if you’re a straight couple.
For gay couples, one parent often has to legally adopt their child even if it’s that child shares their DNA. This is a process called second parent adoption and is a common but frequently misunderstood process that many gay couples experience when growing their families. Today, I’m talking with Genevieve Jaffe about her and her wife’s personal experience with creating their family through reciprocal IVF.
Gena is a lawyer and founder of Connecting Rainbows and she now advocates for others going through this process and provides legal support for the LGBTQA+ community. We talk about the legal complexities for reciprocal IVF, technical things to consider before starting the donor process, and look at the unique perspective of the donor conceived community. This conversation opened my eyes to second parent adoption which I had no clue about - and apparently I am not alone, few couples know it's something they should do to protect their families. I highly encourage you to take a listen!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:42] Genevieve’s story of meeting her partner.
- [07:25] Learning the legal implications for reciprocal IVF and navigating the complexities of creating children in the gay community.
- [13:29] Gena’s and her partner’s fertility journey.
- [19:29] The decision process of choosing a sperm donor and parenting based on things learned from the donor conceived community.
- [27:55] Technical things to consider before starting the donor process and how to include the donor in the part of your narrative.
- [32:57] How donor conception has changed what family means to Gena.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Second parent adoption is a very complicated and frustrating legal thing that some parents have to face due to their sexual orientation. Some states require home tests, look at financials, or interview couples - it can be very invasive.
- There is a misconception that a birth certificate is an administrative document of government laws of the state. But it is not a legal document.
- It’s recommended to do hormone testing before you start the donor process. There are at-home tests that you can do to start tracking your cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels. It’s best to have as much information as possible before you go to your first appointment.
Resources:
https://instagram.com/genajaffe
https://instagram.com/connectingrainbowsorg
https://connectingrainbows.org/
BIO:
I’m Gena Jaffe (she / her), founder of connecting rainbows.
We connect LGBTQ+ families with attorneys and fertility specialists all over the US and Canada to make it easy to start, expand, and protect your family.
Our experts are all selected for their knowledge, advocacy, and compassion, so you can feel comfortable starting these – sometimes challenging – conversations in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
We also provide you with a dynamic, ever-growing library of resources, interviews, and blogs to help you understand and navigate these complicated and important topics.
Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community comes with enough hurdles – keeping your family together and safe shouldn’t be one of them.
I found an incredible community on Instagram where I was able to connect with other families going to RIVF. I felt like I was part of something sacred. It can be scary going through this process alone – so we have an ever-growing blog featuring real LGBTQ+ families who share their coming out stories, fertility, pregnancy + parenting experiences so you can feel connected as well.
Dr. Bendikson is an OB/GYN and a nationally recognized leader in the fertility field. She has gone through fertility testing herself and now counsels clients about family planning decisions like egg freezing and other fertility treatment options. This conversation demystifies the scary and overwhelming aspects of egg freezing and fertility testing. We talk about all the things - fertility age ranges, the quality and number of your eggs, and the technology behind testing. Join us as we talk about how we can become more educated and proactive with our fertility and family planning!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:56] About Dr. Bendikson and her passion for fertility awareness.
- [07:11] The intersection of fertility and culture and navigating difficult conversations around fertility testing.
- [13:48] The egg freezing process explained and answers to common questions.
- [27:11] Technological improvements in egg freezing and the difference of embryo freezing.
- [33:00] Clarifying what fertility testing means for family planning.
- [39:29] Dr. Bendikson’s own experience with fertility testing and making decisions based on outliers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Women in their twenties are encouraged to start thinking about their long-term family planning goals. You don’t have to make any decisions but it’s helpful to consider fertility testing as a way to learn and understand what your options are as you think about having kids in the future.
- In the last 15 years, there have been advancements that have made the egg freezing experience easier. Improvements to medications have decreased the length of time that women experience being uncomfortable and it’s also limited the amount of days of taking shots.
- You can’t change the number or quality of your eggs. However, the number thing you can do is choose to freeze your eggs earlier rather than later. If you freeze your eggs in your late 20s and then wait to get pregnant in your late 30s, your chances of getting pregnant are that of your late 20 year old self - so that’s really important to remember.
Resources:
https://kindbody.com/
Dr. Bendikson Website
https://instagram.com/drkristinbendikson
https://instagram.com/kindbody
BIO:
Dr. Bendikson did her residency training in OB/GYN at Harvard and completed her reproductive endocrine and infertility fellowship training at Cornell. She is a California native, having graduated from UCLA with honors. After first leaving Los Angeles for NYU Medical School, she finally returned after training to become an assistant professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine.
Dr. Bendikson was a leader at USC Fertility for over a decade. Dr. Bendikson founded the Center for Pregnancy Loss for patients who have suffered from pregnancy loss and miscarriage. Dr. Bendikson also founded the Fertility Diagnostics Program at USC, to provide a way for young adults to better understand their reproductive potential to help them make educated choices for their future.
She is a nationally recognized leader in the fertility field. She has been the Chair of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Patient Education Committee since 2016 and serves as a member of the ASRM Practice Committee. She is on the board of the ASRM Early Pregnancy Loss Special Interest group and served as President in 2020. She has been recognized for many years as one of LA’s Top Doctors by Los Angeles Magazine.
Today’s wonderful guest is Cameron Rogers! Cam has built her career advising high net-worth clients on professional investing and wealth management, and recently made the decision to invest in her future through egg freezing. First off, she shares her thought process behind her choice and the social components that she has faced as a single, career-minded woman. She explains the emotional, physical, and financial investment that fertility preservation requires and talks about how meaningful community was during the process. PS - this is a great episode to listen to if, like me, you have ever felt pressure from others to start a family!
- [04:32] About Cam Rogers and her process leading up to freezing her eggs.
- [16:12] Cultural pressures related to dating, career success and other life choices.
- [19:49] Cameron’s egg freezing experience.
- [24:33] Julia’s experience with freezing her eggs.
- [26:20] The emotional and financial components of egg freezing.
- [39:00] What does family mean to Cam?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Egg freezing is a physical, financial, and emotional investment in a possible future – one that isn’t even defined or a promised future.
- Women often experience hurtful societal pressures from family and friends to be in a relationship or start a family by a certain age. This pressure is usually compounded by a woman's own personal desires for a family which can make egg freezing deeply personal and isolating. In Cameron’s experience, she was privileged to have felt and found a supportive community during the process.
- In a perfect world, every young woman in her early twenties would start saving for egg freezing. In a more perfect world, we wouldn't have to because insurance programs would cover it.
Resources:
@camrogers33
https://www.ellevest.com/private-wealth-management/how-were-different
https://instagram.com/ellevest
BIO:
Cameron has built her career advising both high net worth individuals and some of the country’s largest institutional investors. At Ellevest, she advises clients around matters including generational transitions of wealth, investing for financial and social impact, and institutional investment strategy. She has more than a decade of professional investing and wealth management experience, most recently at J.P. Morgan. Cameron has degrees in finance and international business from Georgetown University, and is a CFA charterholder. She is a board member for the Beyond Sport Foundation, an organization that celebrates, supports, and provides funding for organizations using sport to help make the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality. She is also involved with Women for Women International.
Chelsea London Lloyd, a comedian, actress and self proclaimed “grief gal” and I chat about her unique relationship with humor and grief. As a child, she grew up with two sick parents and after a long 15 year journey with ALS, her father passed away. His passing has informed her life’s purpose, her art and her podcast, Dying of Laughter. Now as an adult, she has a beautiful, dynamic relationship with grief and helps others who are experiencing loss. In today’s episode, we talk about the importance of volunteerism and practical ways to show up for people when they’re grieving. We discuss a very important relationship Chelsea has mentoring a child her mother’s battle with breast cancer and after her mother passes. We process through the unique challenges that anticipatory grief brings and Chelsea shares some ways that we can better show up for people in the midst of suffering.
- [02:37] Chelsea’s introduction.
- [03:55] What is grief and how to find the humor in it?
- [10:15] How children process grief and death and how community plays a part.
- [15:14] How Chelsea and her family navigated the day-to-day of having an illness.
- [19:31] How to show up for a child who needs support.
- [27:41] How and when to show up for someone who is grieving.
- [32:30] Anticipatory grief versus grief that has recently happened.
- [36:19] Chelsea’s identity in relation to grief and definition of family.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Grief is the deep emotional response to a circumstance, primarily the loss of someone close to you in the context of death. However, that can be expanded to many other things that you lose in your life, like a loss of relationship, loss of identity, loss of your physical, or in COVID, a loss of connection to human beings.
- I think it's really important for all of us to step into our power in some way in a volunteer space. Most people have the time, but don't realize the value in showing up for others through volunteering.
- Mark the calendar of the anniversary of the loss so that you can reach out one, three, five years later. It can be as simple as checking in and letting that person know you’re thinking about them.
Resources:
Kudoboard
The Power of Now by Eckhart Toley
Modern Loss Resources
Experience Camps - Support for Grieving Children
@_ChelsWhoElse_
@dyingoflaughter_podcast
www.ChelsWhoElse.com
BIO:
Chelsea London Lloyd is a comedian & grief activist who uses humor to help people cope with their pain. Lloyd grew up with two sick parents; at age 8 her parents were diagnosed with ALS and breast cancer. Her dad died of ALS when she was 19 and her mom -- who lost her own mother to leukemia at 19 -- currently combats stage 4 metastatic breast cancer which returned after 17 years in remission.
Lloyd volunteers / hosts peer-lead grief groups via The Dinner Party, mentors a 9 year-old girl (whose mom has stage 4 BC) via Walk With Sally, and volunteers at OUR HOUSE: Grief Support via their grief camps and groups.
She spent 2020-2021 producing viral short-form comedic & grief content for BuzzFeed.
Nearly 50% of infertility is a male factor, meaning it’s related to men not women. Even with this shocking percentage, it’s not openly discussed. In this week's episode, we are speaking with TJ Peyten who has become an advocate for male factor infertility after she and her husband experienced it first hand. TJ shares about her deep longing for motherhood and the differences in how men and women process and grieve in the midst of male infertility. Listen as Julia and TJ have a beautiful conversation about disappointment, infertility awareness, and the miracle of building a family through adoption.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:14] Introduction to TJ and her advocacy for male infertility
- [08:21] Receiving the news of their infertility and their response
- [18:12] How infertility affected their relationship with each other and God
- [25:22] Searching for alternative family building options and choosing adoption
- [35:55] TJ’s perspective of being a mommy without having given birth
- [38:09] TJ’s heart for better advocacy and understanding of male infertility
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- 40-50% of infertility is a male factor and yet there is so little awareness or conversations around this topic. There also aren't routine healthcare options for male fertility.
- Men may appear strong or even indifferent to male factor infertility, but they are grieving and experiencing similar feelings of loss and failure that women face during female infertility.
- Reading books about adoption to your child is a great way to have conversations that help them process the news of their adoption so it’s not hurtful later on in life.
BIO:
TJ Peyten is a Georgia native with a mission to raise awareness about Male Factor Infertility. TJ currently works as a health scientist focused on public health policy and workforce training. TJ holds a bachelors in English and Communication, a masters in Communication and Social Work, and a Doctorate in Health Education. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, traveling, journaling, eating great food, and watching college football.
TJ's infertility journey started in 2013, when, after five years of marriage, it was discovered that her husband was the factor in their inability to conceive. Frustrated at the lack of support and resources available for those struggling with male infertility, TJ used her journal as an outlet to deal with the pain. After several years of coping with their infertility through her journal, TJ finally got the courage to share her story with the world through her book Semen Secrets: Truths and Confessions of a Wife's Journey Through Male Infertility. TJ's journey to parenthood was not easy, but in 2019, TJ and her husband were blessed to finally realize their dream of becoming parents to a beautiful baby girl.
TJ Peyten on Instagram
TJ's Book: Semen Secrets: Truths and Confessions of a Wife’s Journey Through Male Infertility
Semen Secrets Website
TJ Peyten on Facebook
In this episode, I speak with Chicago blogger and social media influencer, Jen Worman about divorce, dating and solo parenting! We cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time – like owning your actions in any relationship, showing up for yourself, and unapologetically reaching for your dreams. Jen opens up about her divorce, her experience dating with kids, and how she has learned the important truth that you can only control yourself. Grab a glass of wine and listen to this fun conversation as we talk about celebrating where you are in your life and creating your own beautiful family.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:59] Solo parenting, lessons learned after divorce, and learning to be complete without a relationship
- [13:45] Traditional views around single parenting and embracing the freedom of singleness
- [17:09] Dating and friendships in light of being a single mom
- [25:30] Pursuing your dreams and pushing past limitations
- [29:19] What led to Jen’s decision to get a divorce
- [35:26] How to get to a better place with your ex-husband and how to work on yourself
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Being single isn't something to be fixed. Stop trying to fix that. It is okay to be single.
- It’s important to celebrate the important and hard decisions that have been made while also accepting those things that you can’t control and focusing on what you can control.
- Oftentimes the best things in life come from the hardest things you've ever had to experience.
BIO:
Jen Worman on Instagram
Jen Worman Website
In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Lauren Wynn about her 8 miscarriages, emergency surgery and ultimately building her family through IVF. What’s more, Lauren’s husband EJ sold much of his prized and valuable sneaker collection to cover the cost of their fertility treatments. After experiencing her 8 miscarriages, Lauren has become a women’s and fertility health advocate and their story shows just how complicated, expensive and painful the family building journey can be for some. Lauren has a significant amount of medical information and relationship advice to share - we joke that she’s gotten a medical degree through her fertility journey. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and know you will, too!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:08] Introduction to Lauren and how she has navigated experiencing multiple miscarriages in a short amount of time.
- [07:44] How to get a doctor to pay attention when you're having physical and emotional pain and advocate for your medical needs.
- [15:15] How to navigate emotions through multiple losses as an individual and as a couple.
- [22:05] The decision to pursue IVF and become her own medical advocate.
- [28:08] An unconventional way to pay for IVF.
- [35:13] How Lauren’s definition of family has changed and the community she has found during her fertility journey.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- If your doctor is not listening to your physical or emotional needs, don’t waste your time with them. Find another doctor who will put your health needs first.
- After women have a miscarriage, they need to be aware of their HCG levels. If HCG levels go up, or remain high, that can be a sign of disease or carcinoma.
- When experiencing loss in a relationship, be honest and open with your partner. Those emotions will not go away. So work through it together and really lean on each other through the hard times.
BIO:
Lauren and and her husband went through eight miscarriages and two failed IUIs with little to no explanation for why she was experiencing recurring pregnacy loss. After their second miscarrieage, she was diagnosed with a septum but wasn't able to find a doctor to remove it until her fourth miscarriage. After their seventh miscarriage, she learned of Reproductive Immunology which led to a diagnosis of high NK cells and Cytokins. After this new diagnosis, they experienced their seventh miscarriage before deciding to try IVF as a last resort. They are now blessed with carrying our rainbow baby boy.
Lauren Wynn on Instagram
Julia Karol is a creative leader, warm friend, animal lover, notable clutz. When she is not hosting Stork'd, Julia runs a private investment firm which acquires, operates, and improves businesses at a crossroads. She loves supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Passionate about social change, Julia also supports a number of non-profit organizations.
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
In this week’s episode, I am joined by Sydney Sharon, who discusses the topic of donor-conception. Sydney is one of the rare people who has experienced donor conception from all angles: she has used donor sperm, is raising donor conceived children, has a father who was a donor and is building relationships with her newly expanded “BioFam” of siblings. In this episode, Sydney discusses her upbringing, meeting her lovely wife Britt, their Jewish beliefs, and how they have worked through their decisions regarding selecting a donor for their children. She also talks about how she learned she has six siblings through donor conception from her father, referring to her siblings as BioSibs, who was a sperm donor before having his children. We dive into identity after becoming a mother and how to help donor-conceived children determine their identity as they grow up. This episode is packed full of advice and storytelling of The Sharon Mom’s journey to creating a family of their own.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:23] Introduction to Sydney.
- [5:58] Journey of becoming a mom and her relationship with her wife Britt.
- [11:05] We discuss Sydney's roles in life: motherhood, being a wife, Judaism, and more.
- [17:21] How did Sydney and Britt choose a donor?
- [28:35] How many vials should the donor have for future children's decisions?
- [34:04] How does Sydney think about helping kids form their identity and donor conception history?
- [39:33] Your life sounds too good to be true; is it really this filled with joy and happy circumstances?
- [42:16] Issues that are coming up and data that is becoming more aware surrounding male factor infertility.
- [44:30] Anonymity and privacy around sperm donors with technology like 23 and Me and ancestry.com.
- [47:20] How has being in a donor-conceived family shaped Sydney’s definition of family?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Every person will look at their donor's information differently and prioritize how they choose a donor differently. There is no one size fits all way to selecting the right donor. Sydney and Britt chose based on blood type, hair color, and height.
- Family is what you make of it. Being related through blood isn’t what makes you a family; instead, choosing who your family is and creating supportive people is what makes a family.
- Knowing your identity and who you helped you feel confident in your decisions. Sydney and Britt are Jewish and gay, but there were never any other options because it’s just who they are.
RESOURCE LINKS
TheSharonMoms Instagram
TheSharonMoms Blog
BIO:
Nearly 10 years ago the two of us began dating. In that time, we have traveled to dozens of places around the world, both near and far, adopted our little pup, Chloe, married, and most recently, welcomed our baby girl into this great big world.
We have chosen to document our journey with all its trials and tribulations, in all its glory, for several reasons. The first of which is to hopefully create a sort of capsule that we can one day share with our children. Another reason is to provide us both with an outlet to write, which for us, gives us some peace of mind and comfort. And thirdly, for community.
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
Welcome to Season 4 of Stork’d! This introduction episode kicks off with the concept of “Choose Your Hard”, assuming that you have access to those choices. Throughout this episode, you will hear snippets of Julia and several of her guests from this upcoming season discussing their family building stories. This episode focuses on a compilation of choices, tradeoffs and experiences guests encounter in building their families including: choosing divorce, to freeze eggs, to do one more round of IVF after many miscarriages, or to not have kids. The episode also features stories from families facing circumstances outside of their control such as illness, discovering you are donor conceived and loss. In this episode, Julia touches on her feelings about Roe v. Wade and the impacts on future families with the choices they may no longer have. Finally, we are excited for our first sponsor, California Cryobank. Tune in this season to weekly episodes celebrating all families and we hope you enjoy season 4!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [1:36] How do you choose your tradeoffs?
- [2:25] “Choose Your Hard” poem. How Julia interprets this poem from the perspective of our family lives.
- [4:38] What is Julia’s “hard?” The difficulties she has faced when she chose to be a single parent.
- [6:36] How “Choosing Hard” applies to guests you will hear on future season 4 episodes.
- [7:00] A clip of future season 4 guest, Jen, expressing her emotions around choosing divorce.
- [8:10] Future season 4 guest, Cam, and her choice to freeze her eggs.
- [9:36] Meg’s choice to build a family solely through adoption.
- [11:45] Chelsea watched as her parent deteriorated due to a terminal illness. How was she able to cope with those things that were thrust upon her and out of her control?
- [12:45] Discovering your father was a sperm donor and you have donor conceived siblings. How Sydney connected with her BioSibs
- [13:50] Discovering you are donor conceived at age 13. How Louise experienced this stunning revelation.
- [15:30] Faced with the unthinkable: Yvette’s heartbreaking story of her son's death days after he was born.
- [17:30] Dealing with 8 miscarriages: Lauren’s choice to find another doctor who ulitmalely saved her life.
- [19:14] Overturn of Roe v. Wade - the potential implications for women to access life saving medical treatments.
- [22:38] What to expect for Season 4!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- No matter what decision you make, it is going to be hard. There will be things that come up that create complications, but regardless of the decision, there will be challenges that arise.
- Sometimes we don’t get to choose our circumstances. Instead, choosing your hard can be navigating things that happen TO us.
- In every episode, we end up hearing a pivot point, where someone’s life goes through a change in which they had to make a decision; they had to choose which direction their life was going to go.
- Season 4’s new sponsor, California Cryobank, holds a special place in Julia’s family. She chose her sperm donor from California Cryobank.
RESOURCE LINKS
Stork'd Facebook Page
Stork'd on Instagram
Stork'd YouTube Channel
Stork’d Website
California Cryobank
In this week’s episode, we get to hear from Jordana Kier, the founder of LOLA, which is a feminine and reproductive health products company. Jordana talks about how becoming a dog mom for the first time primed her for motherhood in a variety of ways. She speaks to the process of embracing new roles like CEO and Mom and how she balances the two. Jordana shares her own maternity leave experience and how LOLA’s parental leave differs from other companies and benefits parents and families. Listen in as Julia and Jordana talk about identity, personal and professional growth, and how LOLA supports women in more ways than one.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:07] About Jordana, how her family has evolved, and how their dog, Lucy, played a role
- [09:11] Reflecting on Jordana’s evolving identities
- [13:01] Parental leave and the reentry process
- [22:00] What about other women in companies that don’t support new moms
- [25:30] How LOLA came to be
- [35:18] Jordana’s journey to motherhood
- [41:10] What does family mean to Jordana
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Research indicates that when you bring animals into your home it can prime your brain and help prepare you biologically and emotionally to move forward in the next part of your family-building process.
- At LOLA, the on-boarding process following parental leave is just as important as the off-boarding process. It’s also mutually beneficial for the business as well as the new parent and can help businesses continue to grow and thrive.
- As we try new things or step into new identities and roles it's all about learning to be more comfortable in moments that don't have a natural resolution. It’s about learning to be okay in the highs and lows.
RESOURCE LINKS
LOLA Website - https://mylola.com/
Stork'd Website - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/
BIO
Jordana Kier is the co-founder and Co-CEO of LOLA, the first lifelong brand for reproductive health. In her role, Jordana is responsible for overseeing the marketing and sales teams, leading the brand’s efforts to provide an ever-expanding portfolio of trusted products and reproductive health resources for every stage of life. Jordana was responsible for overseeing LOLA’s omnichannel expansion into Walmart, marking the retailer’s largest investment in the natural feminine care category to date. Before co-founding LOLA, Jordana received her MBA from Columbia Business School. She graduated from Dartmouth College and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016 and Crain’s 40 under 40 in 2019. Jordana also serves on the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network Advisory Board. She loves Hans Zimmer movie scores, competitive sports, and road trips in foreign countries.
Trigger warning for anyone who has experienced miscarriage or loss. In this week’s episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Ashley Sondergaard. Ashley is the host of the “Yoga Magic” podcast where she explores the depths of self care, something that touches every component of our lives – spiritual, physical, and emotional. Ashley shares her own story of how her self care toolkit has evolved after stepping into parenthood and in the midst of a painful experience with miscarriage. Ashley reminds us what self care truly means and how it ultimately boils down to the absence of “should” from our lives. We can nurture ourselves, like she has done, by showing up first for yourself and then showing up for others out of the overflow of energy and capacity that self care creates.
In This Episode:
[ 3:27 ] Ashley’s introduction
[ 4:32 ] What does self-care mean to you
[ 6:03 ] How self-care and family rhythms work together
[ 8:54 ] Self-care in practice when things don’t go as planned
[ 11:22 ] How Ashley’s self-care practices have changed
[ 13:00 ] Is self care the absence of “shoulds” and guilt
[ 14:07 ] Where Ashley’s hesitation to be a mom originated and when the desire changed
[ 16:45 ] Decision making based on intuition
[ 18:13 ] Ashley shares about her painful experience with miscarriage
[ 30:44 ] How miscarriage changed Ashley’s relationships with her two daughters
[ 35:10 ] How best to support someone after miscarriage
[ 38:20 ] How miscarriage changed Ashley’s view of family and family planning
[ 43:11 ] How Ashley defines family
Takeaways:
- Self-care is more than just filling your own cup. It’s being so filled up that you have the energy, space and capacity to care for other people.
- Self-care and caring for others go hand in hand. You can’t care for others long term if you aren’t taking care of yourself first.
- Self-care at its best is the absence of “should'' from your vocabulary. It’s releasing the guilt associated with expectations and making space for what’s best for your spiritual, mental, and physical health.
- Even with a well stocked “tool kit” of self care knowledge, miscarriage and grief will still be all consuming and at times debilitating. Give yourself the space to grieve and heal.
- Women often experience postpartum symptoms (like emotional and hormonal changes) after a miscarriage. It’s important to recognize this and allow your body to heal as if you are postpartum.
Links:
Ashleysondergaard.com - Website
Podcast
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
What do you do when the two things that you want most in life are in conflict with one another? When Tammy had to decide between staying married or not having a family, she chose divorce and received an embryo donation from her friend, Michael. Although her heart-wrenching situation was unique to her, it’s something we can universally relate to. It’s the harsh reality that we rarely get everything we want. Tammy’s story highlights the difficult trade-offs we often make but also reveals the beautiful experience of becoming a mom – something she had dreamed of for decades.
This is the second part of our two-part episode where we look at the complicated, interwoven and beautifully connected nature of family through Michael and Tammy’s stories. If you haven’t listened to Michael's story, go check it out in Episode 8.
In This Episode:
- [ 1:50 ] Tammy's introduction
- [ 3:03 ] Roadblocks of being gay in the 70s - 80s
- [ 5:05] What is it like to have a deep desire to have a child without any way to achieve it
- [ 7:50 ] Tammy’s overwhelming joy when she learned that gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts
- [ 13:46 ] Choosing between her marriage and her desire for children
- [ 19:11] Tammy’s path to surrogacy
- [ 24:14 ] The legal and emotional process of surrogacy
- [ 29:52 ] Pre-birth orders and the risk of surrogacy
- [ 31:35 ] Becoming a parent at 53
- [ 34:32 ] The complicated connection between her daughter’s biological siblings
- [ 38:34 ] Tammy’s definition of family
Takeaways:
- Tammy faced an unbelievable ethical conundrum when having to choose between becoming a mom, which she had dreamed of for years and staying married to her partner whom she deeply loved and cared for.
- When gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts
in 2004 where Tammy lived, it was a momentous day for her. In one day, the possibility of marriage and children went from a far-off dream to reality! - Tammy’s motto, “Live your life and don’t stop for anyone;” means that although life will rarely turn out like we pictured, when you are true to yourself it will turn out exactly how it should be.
- The science and options in which we are able to build families is changing more rapidly than our language can keep up with. Even our ability to articulate and imagine the possibilities for ourselves is oftentimes held back by how we were raised. Tammy’s story inspires us to refrain from letting original constructs determine what we could be doing or what we should be doing.
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, we speak with Michael Mills about how he and his partner pioneered the path for gay people in the UK to grow their families. They did so during a time when family building options were fairly limited in the US and almost non-existent in the UK. As a gay man, Michael always believed that having a family or children was beyond the realm of possibility. It wasn’t until the early 2000s after meeting his now husband, did he hear about surrogacy and gestational carrier options for same-sex couples. After a few setbacks, some great leaps forward, and a chance encounter with an egg donor, Michael and his partner now have two beautiful children. Later, Michael makes the decision to give two remaining embryos to a friend.
Michael shares about their family building experience, the unique connections his children have with their other half siblings, and Michael’s own story of being an egg donor for a close friend.
This is a 2-part episode featuring Micheal and Tammy’s stories which demonstrate just how complicated, interwoven and connected our families can be.
In This Episode:
- [ 2:50 ] Michael’s introduction
- [ 3:25 ] Michael and his partner’s family building story
- [ 4:29 ] Pursuing family building in US in the early 2000s
- [ 5:14 ] Examining old and new family “templates”
- [ 12:10 ] As a gay married couple with children, what happens with the children if there is a divorce?
- [ 14:04 ] Family building through egg donors
- [ 23:25 ] Choosing a gestational carrier
- [ 24:49 ] Michael’s advice to help couples with similar family building paths in the UK
- [ 29:45 ] Family building process for gay couples in the UK
- [ 33:46 ] Michael and Tammy’s connection and the connection between their children
- [ 38:18 ] How to feels to watch your biological child raised by another person
- [ 43:37 ] Fears in parenting Michael has experienced
- [ 46:14] Nature vs nurture between Michael’s two biological children
- [ 48:35 ] Michael’s definition of family
Takeaways:
- In the mid 90s and early 2000s, the US was just starting to legalize gay marriage and there was a small uptick in agencies and medical treatments available to support gay couples in growing their family. Up until this time, many gay people, like Michael, never dreamed that having a family was possible.
- At the same time, in the UK there was even less opportunities for gay people to get married and non-traditional family building options were almost non-existent.
- After growing their family through an egg donor and gestational carriers, Michael and his partner were trailblazers in the UK and provided vital information and resources for gay people who wanted to grow their family in the UK.
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, we have the pleasure of talking with spiritual coach and healer, Gwen Dittmar. Gwen shares the incredible journey of healing her body and soul through holistic medicine and how despite being told she would never have children because of PCOS, is now a mom of two. She teaches us that sobriety can be a tool to find an access to who you are at your core. She illustrates the complexities of co-parenting children with two different fathers, and talks about her experience of rediscovering her femininity through creative expression. Her story is one of healing, community, and finding clarity and surrender within yourself.
In This Episode:
- [ 1:57 ] Gwen’s introduction
- [ 4:25 ] Gwen shares dynamics of how her family is composed and how community became a part her family
- [ 8:57 ] How to create community outside of family
- [ 10:27 ] Gwen’s journey to sobriety and spiritual healing
- [ 11:57 ] Embracing her femininity, creativity, and healing her body
- [ 20:47 ] Gwen’s unexpected pregnancy
- [ 26:38 ] Recognizing miracles and being okay when they don’t come to fruition
- [ 28:52] The power of clarity and surrender
- [ 33:07 ] Balancing being a single mom and co-parenting
- [ 41:00 ] Advice for introducing new partners or parental relationships to your child
- [ 43:09 ] Final thoughts on Gwen’s healing, parenting, and enjoying simple pleasures
Takeaways:
- Family, whether it's something we’re born into or something we choose to create ourselves, is a powerful incubator for learning and growth.
- Gwen experienced a miraculous healing of PCOS through her own pursuit of intellectual and emotional well-being.
- Even if you have clarity, you can't control the form in which it comes. The miracle may arrive on different paths than what you envision.
- Gwen’s whole mission in life is to use everything for her learning, for her healing, for her growth and for her expansion. So however that shows up in life, she is learning to accept it with grace and with ease.
- Co-parenting and bringing new partners or relationships into your children’s lives takes a lot of courage and a lot of self-awareness to navigate.
Links:
GwenDitmar.com
The Beautiful Grit Podcast
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, I speak with Tara Krueger about building a family and making a meaningful life in the context of having a long-term health condition. Tara has epilepsy and shares how that has impacted the way in which she is raising her children and the family structure they have created around her epilepsy. This is an important episode because there are not enough conversations about health conditions and how they impact ourselves, our self identity and our family building. Tara is passionate about educating people about epilepsy, silencing the shame around the illness and proving that just because you have a health condition doesn't mean that you're less of a person or can’t accomplish what you want to accomplish. You can do anything that you want to.
In This Episode:
- [ 2:40 ] Tara Krueger’s introduction.
- [ 4:20 ] How Tara built her family.
- [ 8:10 ] What is epilepsy?
- [ 10:29 ] Why Tara is inspired to share her story.
- [ 11:13 ] Tara’s diagnosis and first experience with epilepsy.
- [ 15:04 ] Hiding her diagnosis.
- [ 15:35 ] What Tara would tell her own kids if they had this type of a health issue.
- [ 16:45 ] The path to openness about her condition.
- [ 18:50 ] How epilepsy plays a role in family building.
- [ 20:23 ] Medication while being pregnant.
- [ 25:46 ] Medication and other forms of healing.
- [ 26:37 ] How epilepsy and parenting have shaped Tara’s family.
- [ 29:00 ] Structuring family life around health conditions.
- [ 33:54 ] Why Tara is sharing her story now.
- [ 35:20 ] What to say to someone who recently has been diagnosed with a health condition .
- [ 37:29 ] How Tara defines family.
- [ 38:18 ] Resources and tools for people who have epilepsy or know someone with epilepsy.
Takeaways:
- Epilepsy affects over 3 million people in the US, that means 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
- There are different forms of epilepsy, with the frequency and intensity of seizures differing for everyone.
- People with epilepsy often hide their illness or feel ashamed to share with others. Tara shares her own story to educate people about the illness and to end the stigma and silence around epilepsy.
- If you have a health condition it does not mean that you are less of a person. You can accomplish anything that you want to accomplish. You can do anything that you want.
- Step into your worthiness. Decide you’re worth it and decide you’re worthy of having whatever it is you want – whether that’s a certain job or family, or children.
- It's important if you are in a relationship and you have epilepsy, for example, to be able to have strong communication about what to do, if you're having a day where you're off. Having a support system in place is crucial.
Links:
https://tarakruegerhealing.com
@tarakruegerhealing
www.epilepsy.com
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, we talk with Aaron Kartchner about fatherhood and what it’s like to be a non-stereotypical stay at home dad. Aaron’s first daughter was born extremely premature at 27 weeks resulting in a 135-day stay in the NICU. She was born weighing just one point 5.5 ounces. As a result, Aaron chose to step into the role of primary caretaker. Aaron discusses how parenting impacts self-identity, how he approaches gender roles and how much of the world is set up to support moms who are often the primary caretaker. We discuss the experience of parenting a child in the NICU and with special medical needs in her early months and Aaron gives us a lot of insights through his own stories about not just what it's like to be a NICU parent, but also how to show up and support those who are going through it.
In This Episode:
- [ 2:24 ] Aaron’s introduction
- [ 4:26 ] Aaron and his wife’s decision for him to become a stay at home dad
- [ 6:05 ] Transitioning from corporate America to being a stay at home parent
- [ 8:10 ] Aaron’s woodworking business
- [ 9:18 ] Highs and lows of stay at home parenting
- [ 10:46 ] Finding purpose and self-identity outside of parenting
- [ 12:27 ] Aaron defines what fatherhood means to him
- [ 14:38 ] Stereotypes of gender roles with parenting
- [ 18:05 ] Aaron shares his wife’s perspective and journey to step into parenting
- [ 21:29] How parenthood impacts self-identity
- [ 24:30 ] How his daughter being in the NICU changed Aaron’s perception of family planning
- [ 31:00 ] How being a ‘NICU parent’ shapes you as a parent
- [ 36:41 ] Aaron shares his wife’s traumatic birth story
- [ 45:15 ] Growing their family after the traumatic birth of their first child
- [ 46:26 ] Aaron defines family
Takeaways:
- Our culture still has a long way to go with breaking down stereotypes related to gender roles and parenthood.
- A person’s identity is often shaken when they become a parent. It can be really important to find things to enjoy outside of parenting to help give new purpose and identity.
- Everyone’s journey in parenting and family-planning is different. Because of this it requires a great amount of sympathy, understanding, and respecting one’s privacy.
- Having a child in the NICU – whether for a few hours or several months – changes your entire perspective on life. It gives a new appreciation to life and finding the beauty within it.
- One of the best ways to support and help a parent with a child in the NICU is simply ask, “What do you need now?”
Links
http://www.stayathomewoodworks.com/
@stayathomewoodworks
https://www.facebook.com/StayAtHomeWoodworks/
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, we chat with Annie Compton, a mom, storyteller, and Emmy nominated writer and producer. Annie shares a beautiful narrative of choosing adoption as her first priority in her family building. We hear of her experience with private domestic adoption and the joy of becoming an adoptive parent. We discuss the experience of having an open adoption and a relationship with her daughter’s biological family as well as address some of the myths and misconceptions about adoption, specifically the myth that an adopted child should feel “lucky” to have been adopted, when it is the parents who are lucky. We also discuss Annie’s efforts to parent with intention and activism in a multi-racial family.
Annie’s company, Cuore Mio, which she runs with her cousin, Julia, helps prospective families write adoption profiles. We discuss the important work they provide in helping babies and families connect and using her storytelling skills to support families to grow through adoption.
In This Episode:
[ 4:55 ] What it means to be storyteller to Annie
[ 6:42 ] Annie’s journey to adoption
[ 8:40 ] Why Annie and her husband chose adoption first
[ 14:21 ] Surprising moments Annie’s adoption process and raising an adopted child
[ 17:43 ] How do you raise a child to know how to claim their adoption story, and what to communicate and to whom and how?
[ 19:15 ] How to raise a child who looks a little different from you
[ 20:51 ] How Annie is intentional about her daughter surrounded by a diverse community and opportunities
[ 22:26 ] Annie’s advice for others parenting in a similar way or places to reach out for resources
[ 24:00 ] How to translate understanding and education around adoption and put it into parenting action
[ 25:05 ] Misconceptions about the adoption community or the adoption process
[ 27:35 ] Dispelling the negative narrative about birth mothers and birth families
[ 30:28 ] How Annie’s daughter came into her and her husband and she reflects on when they were officially matched with their daughter
[ 39:20 ] “Placing” vs “Giving Up:” The history of adoption
[ 42:11 ] Storytelling for prospective adoptive families’ adopting profiles
[ 44:05] Annie’s definition of family
[ 45:38 ] Information for Annie’s storytelling services for families looking to adopt
Takeaways:
- When couples choose adoption as their first choice for growing their family it goes a long way in communicating to their child that they are not “second best.”
- The importance of education within the adoption journey; educating yourself by listening and learning from others in the adoption community.
- There is a misconception that adopted children are“ lucky” to have been adopted. That’s wrong. Adoptive parents are the lucky ones, not the child. Every child has the right to be born and loved.
- It’s important to dispel the negative narrative surrounding birth families and their choice to participate in adoption. Many birth mothers show incredible strength, courage, bravery and unconditional love when they choose to place their children with an adoptive family.
- Understanding the correct use and history of terms associated with adoption.
Links
Cuoremioc.com
Instagram @Cuoremio.co
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, we talk with Paige Pieroni about Turner Syndrome and the incredible family building journey she and her husband are on. Turner Syndrome is a genetic condition which affects female chromosomes at birth, and one of the main ways it impacts Paige is that she is unable to have children as a result of underdeveloped ovaries. Knowing this at a young age, Paige was very open about her inability to have children and she and her husband always planned to pursue non-traditional means of family building. However, they never imagined that two separate women who knew Paige and her dream to have a family would step up to support their family building with selfless gifts of egg donation and surrogacy. It’s an amazing story of selflessness and community.
The symbol for Turner’s Syndrome is a butterfly and a group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope, which describes Paige’s story in such a beautiful way. A kaleidoscope has a myriad of different colors coming together to make something really amazing - much as Paige and her husband are putting together the pieces to build their beautiful family.
In This Episode:
- [ 2:40 ] Paige’s introduction of this interim season of family building
- [ 4:52 ] What is Turner’s Syndrome and what are the symptoms or indicators
- [ 9:50 ] How Turner’s Syndrome impacts identity
- [ 12:40 ] Discovering your infertility at a young age
- [ 17:37 ] Paige’s amazing story with family building
- [ 25:10 ] Paige’s experience using a know fertility donor
- [ 28:12 ] Paige’s indescribable gratitude for her donors
- [ 30:55 ] The medical, financial and legal components using a fertility donor
- [ 33:55] Deciding how involved the donor will be in the child’s life
- [ 35:36 ] What is the next steps in their family building journey
- [ 37:52 ] Surrogacy or gestational carrier agencies
- [ 40:27 ] Managing the overwhelming details and emotions of family building
- [ 45:14 ] Paige defines what family means to her
Takeaways:
- Turner Syndrome is a women’s medical condition with a wide array of symptoms that impacts women in many different ways. One consistent symptom is infertility.
- The legal component for gestational carriers and egg donors is one of the most important components to get in place first, before beginning any of the other medical treatments.
- Medical insurance will not cover a majority of the medical or legal expenses associated with family building like this.
- In Paige’s experience, the egg donation process and embryo creation was more expensive than the carrier implantation.
- In order to balance the emotions associated with their complex family building journey, Paige and her husband keep gratitude at the center of their conversations as they dream and plan for a child.
Links:
@themurderdiariespod
@paige_919
https://turnersyndromefoundation.org/
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this episode, I speak with Saundra and Susan who have built a community which they lovingly call their village family. Filled with friends, family and neighbors, the village family was composed to create a diverse and rich environment for their daughter to grow and thrive in. We talk about community as family and how to build your community. We also explore a fertility journey including considering adoption and using a known sperm donor. This episode highlights the joys and value in having a community to reach out to in order to navigate the highs and lows of parenthood.
In This Episode:
- [ 2:18 ] Saundra’s introduction.
- [ 3:30 ] Susan’s introduction.
- [ 5:11 ] The Village Community.
- [ 7:20 ] Diversity in community.
- [ 13:34 ] How their community looks now.
- [ 15:47 ] Is it harder to build community now?
- [ 20:27 ] How to curate a community?
- [ 22:11 ] Family building for Susan and Saundra.
- [ 29:59 ] Their relationship with the sperm donor.
- [ 32:47 ] Legalities of sperm donors.
- [ 34:48 ] Complexities of same-sex family building in the 90s.
- [ 36:21 ] Values of community and parenting.
- [ 42:38 ] Pursuing family building and knowing when to stop.
- [ 47:44 ] How Saundra and Susan define family.
Takeaways:
- Saundra and Susan have been together for around 28 years and have one daughter who is now in her early 20s.
- Creating a community now is not any more difficult than it was in the 90s when Susan and Saundra were building their “village,” but it takes intentionality, love and commitment.
- Building a community usually takes one person who is willing to make it happen.
- Susan and Saundra’s parenting has shifted since their daughter has become a young adult. This means giving one hundred percent support, even if you don't understand or agree with some of the decisions. It also means not to tell them to do things differently, but simply ask the questions and try to understand the decision.
- Age or careers don’t matter so much when choosing your community – it’s more important to find people with the same values as you.
- There were certain legalities that Saundra and Susan had to navigate in the 90s during their family building process – like Saundra having to adopt their daughter in order for her parental rights to be recognized officially.
- The process of family building – whether through adoption, pregnancy, or sperm donation – is extremely personal and can also be painful.
- It’s not about the quantity of relationships in your life. It’s about the quality.
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
Welcome to season 3! Today, we discuss the upcoming Season 3 and I share an important life update. In many ways, the start of Stork’d and my own family building journey have run parallel to each other. I share my journey behind choosing to become a single mom through sperm donation and how Stork’d began from my own exploration of different family building experiences. I share about single parenting, community, self-care, and how this is just the beginning of my story. I’m so excited for you to listen to Season 3 and I’m thrilled to share the special and unique stories we have lined up with our amazing guests.
In This Episode:
[00:40] Starting Stork’d and building a family
[03:49] The otherside: Being a new mom
[05:24] The challenge of self care
[07:00] How this podcast can validate your family building choices
[08:20] Finding your purpose and applying it to your family building journey
[11:50] Relationship to community evolving
[15:00] The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, a book by Charlie Mackesy
[17:19] A turning point and crossroads in life right now
[19:41] Season 3 sneak peek
Takeaways:
- Julia reflects back on the timeline of starting Stork’d and her parallel journey of becoming a mom.
- Stork’d began from Julia’s investigatory personality and her desire to build a family. As she began asking friends and family about their family building stories, she started to record their conversations.
- After becoming a new mom, Julia is learning that practicing self care is a challenge, and something that will be discussed in Season 3.
- At the core of family building decisions, is identifying your values and who you are at a core level.
- Julia’s family building journey started with a lot of introspection through therapy, life coaches, a purpose coach, various healing sessions, acupuncture, Reiki and a lot of difficult conversations with family and friends.
- Her fertility journey was just as complicated and included multiple doctors, two surgeries, selecting a sperm donor, trying at home insemination and ultimately having an IUI in a medical facility.
- Julia shares a sneak peek of what’s to come in Season 3 episodes.
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
This special edition episode is a compilation of 13 special guests from Season 2 answering the question, “how do you define family?” This compilation is pulled from informative interviews with a range of everyday friends, family, neighbors, and experts sharing their own journey to define and create a family. This episode features Emily Westerfield, Drunk Aunt Overseas, Carmela, Laney, Jorge, Jenna Guadagni, Caroline, Dara Kurtz, Ambi Kavanagh, Ali Vander Baan, Tom Webb, Kelly Fay and Ashe Hornsby.
In this episode:
- [00:18] Emily Westerfield
- [00:48] Drunk Aunt Overseas
- [01:42] Carmela
- [02:23] Laney
- [03:49] Jorge
- [04:08] Jenna Guadagni
- [05:17] Caroline
- [06:00] Dara Kurtz
- [07:14] Ambi Kavanagh
- [07:25] Ali Vander Baan
- [08:33] Tom Webb
- [09:00] Kelly Fay
- [09:17] Ashe Hornsby
www.storkdpodcast.com
Quotes
"Family is where life begins and love should never end." - Jorge
The thing I can say is it's just love and connection. I mean, that's what family is to me. It's just that unconditional love and it's really that commitment and that connection. - Ambi Kavanagh
I've always called my friends “Framily”. So we're like friends and family put together. I think family is what you make it and it doesn't need to be blood. It just needs to be connection. - Ashe Hornsby
They were the perfect family of four. Their life was full of love and Ash and her husband were reaching all of their goals. After the unexpected passing of her husband, Ashe was suddenly a young widow and single mom. In this episode, Ashe Hornsby joins Julia, as she shares her interesting tale about loss, growth and family blending. Ashe candidly shares her journey through grief and healing and how losing her husband reshaped her family life, challenged her business, allowed her to grow and find love again.
Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [2:30] Ashe discusses her own podcast, Flawed and Fabulous
- [3:38] Ashe begins her journey of grief and loss
- [10:00] Beginning to navigate after losing her husband
- [11:00] Discussing loss with her children
- [14:25] Creating boundaries around death when children are present
- [17:11] Ashe discusses seeing a therapist
- [18:15] Financial worries
- [25:29] Ashe shares her experience with more unconventional ways of healing
- [30:18] Evolving family life since the passing of her husband
- [33:00] Different parenting styles and challenges
- [44:00] Starting new family traditions
- [46:25] What Ashe misses about her old life
- [48:27] Growing together as a blended family
- [53:20] Ashe shares her definition of family
Key Takeaways:
- When one half of a partnership is missing there is an added burden of trying to fill that gap.
- The grieving process is one that is never fully healed.
- Blending two families can be challenging and rewarding.
- Don’t give up easily. If it is hard, it will be worth it.
- Have important conversations with children when they lose a parent that allows a safe space to be able to grieve and feel the emotions of that loss.
- It’s okay to reach out to friends, families, and/or mental health professionals for help if you’ve lost a spouse. Properly reaching out to the right channels can positively aid in the process of grief.
- Learn to blend a family when both partners have previously lost their spouses
- Keep the spirit of a lost parent alive in that child’s life through new traditions and routines
- Find healthy, creative ways to work through grieving the loss of a spouse and former life
Links Mentioned:
https://www.instagram.com/withloveashe/
https://www.instagram.com/flawedandfabulous_podcast/
Flawed and Fabulous Podcast - Spotify
Flawed and Fabulous Podcast - Apple
Instagram - Ashe’s Personal
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, we are joined by Kelly Fay. In this episode, Kelly shares her experience as an adoptee and her journey to explore her own self-identity. She will share her experience discovering her adoption as a child, her personal evolution, her relationship with her adoptive parents, and her experience reconnecting with her biological family. This episode, digs deep into the crevices and corners of her soul, exploring her relationship and feelings about adoption. Enjoy a Stork’d first, as our guest shares with us a poem she wrote about the emotions surrounding adoption. This poem is so powerful and raw and will leave you with chills!
Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 2:20 ] Hear Kelly’s powerful poem about herself as an adoptee.
- [ 6:48 ] Emotions Kelly felt while writing her poem.
- [ 9:07 ] The news that rocked Kelly’s world when she was eight years old.
- [ 11:42 ] How the adult relationships in Kelly’s life played out as she grew into her teenage years and then into adulthood.
- [ 15:21 ] Recognizing the powerful first moment of experiencing self love.
- [ 16:35 ] Kelly’s feelings around the word adoption and how those feelings have evolved over time.
- [ 20:38 ] After going through deep, transformational work, what is now opening up to Kelly in this part of her life?
- [ 22:11 ] Delving into Kelly’s birth parents and family.
- [ 26:41 ] Was the adoption path that Kelly was put on the right path for her?
- [ 29:19 ] Kelly’s relationship with her adoptive parents.
- [ 33:20 ] The emotions Kelly feels today about her adoption.
- [ 35:07 ] What Kelly would like other people to know about adoption from sharing her story.
- [ 38:59 ] How Kelly defines family.
- [ 41:52 ] Where to find Kelly on social media.
Takeaways:
- The turbulent emotions Kelly felt after finding out she was adopted from a friend when she was eight years old.
- Understanding the mix of valid emotions adoptees feel in their life and needing adoptive parents who can be empathetic and understanding towards those emotions.
- Kelly channels her potent thoughts and feelings into a dynamic poem about her life and her adoption.
- Going through deep, transformational work in Kelly’s life to finally learn how to unapologetically love herself.
- Knowing that the path Kelly was put on as an adoptee was ultimately the right path for her life.
Links:
- Poem https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4smlos9jjhca8k/Poem_a%20work%20by%20kelly%20fay_untitled_10152020.pdf?dl=0
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thekellyfay/
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host, and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
When we hear about fertility issues, we often hear stories from the female’s perspective. In the middle of his own family building process, Director Tom Webb realized that he didn’t often hear the male’s point of view as a couple battles infertility. Because of this, Tom set out to make a documentary, The Easy Bit, that focused on some of the physical aspects, but mostly the emotional journey a male goes through as he supports his partner and they navigate the challenge together.
The Easy Bit explores the lives of six men who tell their stories openly and honestly about the male perspective of fertility treatment—looking through the camera lens, examining maleness through society’s perception, and how fertility impacts maleness.
Tom shares the experience of creating the Easy Bit along with his difficult personal fertility journey with his wife, addressing the difference between the United States and United Kingdom’s healthcare systems when trying to have a baby and the extreme process his wife needed to meet to qualify for paid IVF treatment in the UK. Tom also addresses the experience of being a partner who is going through a physically and emotionally painful fertility journey with a positive surprise result. Finally, Tom describes in one word what family means to him.
Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 1:27 ] Tom’s introduction
- [ 3:17 ] Tom’s fertility journey with his partner
- [ 5:08 ] Differences between US and UK healthcare systems and navagitating different requirements of the UK system when trying to have a baby
- [ 9:17 ] Gastric Bypass Surgery, the extreme process Tom’s wife went through to meet the UK’s healthcare system to qualify for IVF treatment
- [ 13:17 ] Tom’s wife starts the IVF process
- [ 14:50 ] The trauma that unfolded from the IVF process
- [ 17:06 ] Addressing the topic of toxic masculinity and how to support your partner during the fertility process
- [ 19:07 ] How Tom’s documentary came to fruition
- [21:31] The start of the documentary and getting men’s perspective going through the infertility treatments
- [ 24:15 ] Points of similarity between the men’s fertility experiences in the documentary
- [ 26:49 ] What surprises Tom learned from making the documentary
- [30:26] Giving the male perspective on infertility to clinical and medical staff community
- [ 31:03 ] Why the medical community was shocked when they first saw the documentary
- [ 33:09 ] Circling back to find out the outcome of Tom’s fertility journey
- [ 38:49 ] Tom’s playlist that would describe his fertility journey
- [ 40:36] The word that defines family for Tom
- [ 41:26] Where to watch The Easy Bit and how to find Tom
Takeaways:
- Men feel like it’s all on them to provide the best emotional and physical support to their partner going through the fertility journey together. However, this can lead to men overlooking their own emotional and physical needs. By providing adequate mental health care to men during fertility journeys, they are better equipped to care for their partner's needs, leading to both parties having their needs adequately met.
- Tackling the concept of “toxic masculinity,” which is exceedingly prevalent in today’s society, needs to be addressed. By taking the first steps to dismantle it and provide mental health support to men, the emotional burden is processed more productively which is beneficial to both partners in the fertility journey.
- While facing fertility issues- finding a supportive community can be a helpful tool as you manage through treatments.
- Infertility affects both men and women, however you generally know the female’s perspective. Helping men also have a voice during this time can be helpful for the couple as they experience it together.
- People who haven’t faced infertility will probably not understand what you’re going through. Connecting them to some resources on how to help family and friends cope through this time is important and helpful for all.
- Providing more support to men in a fertility journey can be beneficial to women
- Fertility treatments including IVF are not a guarantee for success and even though it may not work out for you and your partner, you may come out with a stronger relationship.
Links
- Facebook: Facebook.com/theeasybit
- Tom on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomwebbdirector/
- Website: https://www.tomwebbfilms.com
- “The Easy Bit” Documentary - Watch on Amazon Prime
- “The Easy Bit” Documentary - Watch on Vimeo
- Instagram - The Easy Bit
- Instagram - Tom’s Personal
- Twitter - The Easy Bit
- Twitter - Tom’s Personal
- Facebook - The Easy Bit
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this episode, we talk about the tools and resources one can use to support family building, starting from the journey of fertility and conceiving. Ali Vadber Baan, a master acupuncturist whose passion for whole health, provides an integrative style of care to help her patients achieve their unique wellness and fertility goals. After years of unexplained medical symptoms from stress and hormone imbalance, she set out to resolve her issues through integrative medicine. She is here to share her knowledge about how acupuncture can support and nourish the fertility and pregnancy process.
Ali provides the tools and resources to help navigate the stressors of fertility, conceiving, and family building through holistically healing and aligning our bodies. By implementing customized plans based on individual needs, and by offering online coursework to empower individuals to support their own wellness and fertility, Ali incorporates acupuncture and important lifestyle changes, to increase the success of fertility goals. Lastly, Ali emphasizes the significance of finding a community of supporters, to share the highs and lows of the fertility journey, discovering a new meaning to the question “what is family?” https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 2:17 ] Ali shares her story about acupuncture and launching her business, Yintuition
- [ 4:10 ] The medical community is changing its perception around acupuncture in how it relates to fertility
- [ 5:16 ] How do acupuncture and fertility go together?
- [ 7:15 ] How Ali supports clients who want to build a family during the stress of a pandemic
- [ 8:42 ] The difference between acupuncture and acupressure
- [ 14:05] Determine your fertility type from Ali’s online quiz
- [ 17:56] Using your fertility type to implement a customized plan
- [ 23:21] Providing support mechanisms for anyone undergoing medical assistance with fertility.
- [24:00] Conceiving Zen Program during the IVF Process
- [33:15] How participating in family building has changed the way Ali thinks about family
- [35:13] Finding your tribe/community during the process of conceiving
- [36:00] The importance of finding your tribe and empowering resources and tribe during the fertility process.
- [37:20] How Ali defines the term family
- [38:59] Where to find Ali and her program
Takeaways:
- Using acupuncture and implementing lifestyle changes to align yourself with what your body needs during the fertility process
- Different fertility types outlined in Ali’s online program offerings
- Defining the term “family” as it relates to community
- Knowing your body and your cycle and body can help you with a deeper sense of understanding as you go through the phases. Acupuncture can support your body through each of these phases.
- Using acupuncture and acupressure can help give you a valuable tool to help you in your family planning & fertility journey. With the Conceiving Zen course, you can even choose to use it at home or in a clinic.
- Finding your tribe of people during your fertility treatment can help you not feel so alone and can actually empower you along the way.
Meet Ali Vadber Baan
Ali graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Psychology. After working in psychiatric research at Brown University, she decided to pursue a career in which she could have a more direct impact on the health and well-being of her patients. She received her Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest accredited institution for Oriental Medicine in the United States. She completed over 700 hours of clinical internship in Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine with renowned Chinese medical practitioners, Winnie Chow and Yan Ping Jin.
Ali continues to enhance her practice with extensive post-graduate continuing education training in Women's Health, Infertility, Pregnancy, and Pain Management.
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
Could you be happy in life without finding love and having a family? This was the question that Ambi Kavanah was asking herself in her mid 30’s. She did indeed find love in the coming years, only to be faced with fertility issues after marriage. Several failed IUI attempts, surgeries and about to move forward with IVF, Ambi was tired of the pressure to get pregnant and the anxious energy she felt. Ambi, a Lawyer, turned modern day Alchemist, healer and author, allowed modern medicine and intuitive wisdom to shape her journey into motherhood. Tune in and listen to Ambi’s story of her struggles with fertility, and listening to her deep intuition. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
Key Takeaways:
- Sometimes, taking the pressure off of yourself will help you relax and in turn, may help with your fertility.
- There is no right or wrong age to become a mother. Each person's situation is unique when it comes to conceiving.
- Respect the facts and statistics of science and modern medicine, but also understand and believe in your body.
- Have hope and faith, but ensure to back it up with action and be accountable
Links Mentioned:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemyambi/
Website/Podcast info: https://alchemywithambi.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Chakras-Self-Care-Activate-Healing-Everyday/dp/0593196686/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ambi+kavanah&qid=1619120006&s=books&sr=1-1-spell
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this week’s episode, we are joined with Dara Kurtz, a mother, author, and cancer survivor. Dara navigates the depths of difficult and complicated questions, and the question she is exploring today deals with the dynamics of intergenerational mother-daughter relationships. Twenty years after her mother’s passing, Dara unexpectedly found several letters written to her from her mother and grandmother.
While reading these letters, Dara went through a self-exploration journey and gained priceless wisdom that she now shares with her own daughters. This special episode is focused on the way mothers and daughters connect, the challenges of raising a daughter, and the importance of sharing wisdom across generations. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 1:30 ] The start of Dara’s story, the pain of losing a mother and the joys of gaining a daughter
- [ 5:11 ] Navigating becoming a mom for the first time without the guidance and support of her own mother
- [ 9:07 ] How Dara tried to convey her mother to her children to create a connection
- [ 10:36 ] The biggest gift the letters from her mother gave to Dara
- [ 16:01 ] Using mother/daughter journals to connect with each other
- [ 18:31 ] Different activities to connect past generations with future generations in family
- [ 21:28 ] How the relationship with her daughters has evolved over time
- [ 24:21 ] Advice for parents who are currently in a difficult season of parenting
- [ 27:43 ] What Dara has learned from her mother/daughter relationships
- [ 31:04 ] Dara’s definition of family
- [ 32:47 ] Speaking out about guilt and how to work on feeling guilt
- [ 37:46 ] Tools Dara has used in her journey to personal development
- [ 40:02 ] How to approach the world with new eyes after a difficult period in life
- [ 41:32 ] Where to find resources written by Dara
Takeaways:
- The importance of connecting the past with the present and how it can impact the future of a family. Being connected from one generation to the next, mother to daughter.
- Trying to navigate the challenges of becoming a new mom without the guidance and support from your own mother.
- Embracing each “season” as a parent and understanding the role the parent needs to play for their child in each of those seasons.
- Learning how to recognize and deal with guilt as a parent.
- Different ways of being intentional with connecting past generations with future generations of family.
Links:
- Crazy Perfect Life Website - https://crazyperfectlife.com
- Book: https://bookshop.org/books/i-am-my-mother-s-daughter-wisdom-on-life-loss-and-love/9781942134657
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
Caroline Priebe’s journey to Motherhood is what some would consider unconventional. Living in New York City and not feeling confident she would meet someone, Caroline made the decision to pursue motherhood without a partner. After feeling resentful towards the fertility clinics and processes in the United States, Caroline researched clinics overseas, and in the end decided to celebrate her 40th birthday in Denmark, with an intrauterine insemination. Caroline joins Julia in this episode to discuss her journey in becoming a single mother by choice, the challenges the process brings, the benefits of travelling abroad for fertility treatments and how her life has changed since welcoming her daughter into her life. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [1:49] Introduction to Caroline Priebe
- [2:55] Single mother, by choice
- [5:00] Choosing the medical process of building a family
- [7:00] Caroline is first introduced to the idea of travelling to Denmark for treatment
- [9:11] Caroline begins the preliminary IUI process
- [14:09] Caroline’s experience with IUI in Denmark
- [19:17] A journey into single motherhood
- [25:00] Caroline is raising her daughter in the midwest, but misses New York
- [25:58] What is it like to date now?
- [31:44] Caroline’s experience with loneliness
- [34:05] Communicating the sperm donor process
- [36:06] Caroline’s definition of family
- [36:49] What it means to show up for somebody
- [40:30] Information about Caroline’s coaching business
Key Takeaways:
- You do not have to wait for a partner to become a parent.
- Denmark seems to offer a very pleasant experience for those pursuing Intrauterine insemination via a sperm donor.
- Intrauterine insemination is a cheaper venture in Denmark than in the United States.
- Becoming a single mother comes with its challenges, but it is also very fulfilling.
Links Mentioned:
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_priebe_life_coach/
Website: https://www.carolineskeltonpriebe.com/links
CAGM insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_cagm/
CUT interview: https://www.thecut.com/2018/05/how-i-got-this-baby-the-mom-who-went-abroad-to-make-a-baby.html
CAGM web: https://www.thecenterfortheadvancementofgarmentmaking.com/
Bio:
Caroline is a sustainable fashion design pioneer and the founder of The Center for the Advancement of Garment Making; a consultancy working to educate and inspire a new guard of fashion leadership that channels the same energy and creativity poured into the design of a garment, into designing business models characterized by their beauty, ethics and ability to create net-positive impact. Caroline is also a Martha Beck certified Life Coach who coaches women through challenging professional and personal transitions and supports them in manifesting a life of their own design.
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
As Jenna Guadagni walked away with her three month old daughter from a relationship that was no longer serving her, she knew she was making the best decision for herself and her child. In this week’s episode, we talk with Jenna, a multi hyphenated woman exploring all levels of what strikes her passion in life. She is a trained Shaman, master yoga instructor, meditation teacher, student in Ayurvedic doctor school, and a proud mom. Jenna takes us on her family journey and embraces the ever changing definition of the term “family”; balancing single parenthood, empowering her daughter through spirituality, and how her race and ethnicity affected her as an adopted child and how that has influenced the way in which she raises her daughter.
Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jduhnnie/
Show notes: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 2:01 ] Jenna’s introduction
- [ 5:40 ] What Jenna’s path to parenthood looked like
- [ 6:52 ] How becoming a mom changed her perspective on her relationship of eight years
- [ 8:41 ] The values she wanted her daughter to be brought up with
- [ 10:04 ] How Jenna walked away from an eight year relationship
- [ 11:51 ] What co-parenting looks like looks like with her daughter’s father
- [ 14:43 ] How Jenna fosters her daughter’s spiritual development
- [ 18:00 ] How Jenna’s adoptive upbring has shaped how she parents her daughter
- [ 24:53 ] What dating as a single parent looked like for Jenna
- [ 30:48 ] Insights for single parents as they explore their journey forward into dating and to integrating families
- [34:26] How she navigates raising a child of color in an upbringing similar to her own in a predominantly white community
- [37:54] Jenna’s definition of family
- [39:42 ] Where Jenna thinks the direction of her family dynamic and journey is heading
Takeaways:
- Knowing when to walk away from a relationship that is no longer serving you
- Leaning in and nurturing spirituality in the development and growth of her daughter
- Dating as a single parent and being valued as an individual first, not as a parent. Having a child shouldn’t be the defining factor in establishing a relationship as a single parent.
- How communication for single parents as they explore their journey forward into dating and to integrating families is very important
- Fostering heritage and race in parenting while asking questions and keeping an open dialogue
- The ever growing and evolving concept of family
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content that may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
In this episode, Jorge shares his perspective and experience of going through a divorce and blending two families. He reveals to us his journey in love, relationships, and spirituality. I once opened up to Jorge about a complicated relationship I was going through. He gave me an interesting perspective on what to understand and how to think about that relationship. I’m glad he’s here today to share his wisdom about the dynamics of relationships and how to honor each other in a respectful, cherishing way that equally builds each other up. Jorge makes a comment about love that is truly intriguing and how one becomes “lovely” when they’re in love, which leads to showing your best self to the world and being adored in the eyes of our partners. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 2:07 ] Jorge’s introduction to his life and family
- [ 4:52 ] Integrating his children with his second marriage
- [ 7:09 ] The guilt Jorge felt blending his families
- [ 12:01 ] How Jorge acted in his relationship during his youth
- [ 15:51 ] The dynamics of giving and receiving in relationships
- [ 21:29 ] How Jorge wants to receive love from his partner to feel like a King while treating his woman as a Queen
- [ 25:22 ] Did Jorge change his dynamics to approach his second marriage differently?
- [ 29:50 ] What Jorge’s blended family life looks like now
- [ 34:10 ] Jorge opened up capacity for love by moving his thoughts from his head to his heart
- [ 35:28 ] The advice Jorge wants others to know who are blending families
- [ 43:13 ] How Jorge defines family for himself
Takeaways:
- Finding ways in a relationship to treat each other like a King and a Queen and honoring those roles in the relationship
- The pain of being in a relationship where you are being treated like a thing that is there to only provide, rather than a loving partner
- Feeling resentment after ending a toxic relationship and finding a new relationship where you feel love for the first time
- Maneuvering the tough dynamics of blending families
- Jorge had feelings of guilt when integrating a new family together because he could not save his previous marriage.
- Spoiling a partner in a relationship and asking for nothing in return can lead to feelings of entitlement from one partner and worthlessness in another. It is essential for partners to show up on equal terms in order to satisfy each other's wants and needs in a healthy, balanced, reciprocal manner.
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
For this episode, we are joined by an incredible woman named Laney, who is here to talk about her important journey as a transracial and transnational adoptee. We get a glimpse of her life as she shares her resiliency in trying to find her biological family, yearning to experience that moment of reunification. As a Chinese national adopted by an American family, Laney was determined to follow a path of meaningful exploration of cultural and self identity, digging deep to decipher who she was at her core. Laney offers insightful information for reframing and reshaping the way we think about adoption- to stop looking at adoption through the lens of the adopter but to change the focus to the more important perspective of the adoptee. Today, Laney takes on a key leadership role in supporting other people who are adopted from China. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 3:00 ] Laney’s introduction about herself and what her family composition currently looks like
- [ 6:29 ] Laney’s experiences growing up as a transracial and transnational adoptee
- [ 9:44 ] Laney’s cultural reclamation
- [13:26 ] Where Laney currently is in her reflection around her self identity
- [ 15:40 ] Steps Laney took to learn her more about her culture
- [ 17:54 ] The relationship with her adoptive mom
- [ 19:46 ] The fear of hurting or letting down your adoptive parent as an adoptee
- [ 23:54 ] How she pulled herself out of a deep depression she struggled with as a teenager
- [ 25:45 ] Potentially having a reunion with a family who could be Laney’s biological family
- [ 30:36 ] Laney’s emotional resilience to continue going through the searching process
- [ 34:32 ] The beautiful and not so beautiful parts of Laney’s adoption
- [ 35:55 ] What she wants others to hear about the adoptive experience
- [ 40:43 ] If Laney could go back and tell her younger self something she’s learned, what would she want her to know?
- [ 41:38 ] How Laney’s adoptive experiences shape her definition of family
- [ 43:35 ] What she hopes people listening will get from hearing her story
- [ 47:18] Where to find Laney
- [ 47:48] What the China’s Children International organization Laney co-founded does
Takeaways:
- When looking into the adoption process, it’s important to look at the perspective of the adoptee who may hold a different perspective from the adopter
- The struggles and trauma of self and cultural identity being a transracial and transnational adoptee
- As an adoptee, not having the permission to experience your own full range of emotions around your own adoption
- Laney’s work with China’s Children International, empowering Chinese adoptees from all over the world by providing an inclusive and supportive community for all who share this common beginning.
- Moving away from society’s “savior” narrative in relation to adoptions
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
1 in 8 Americans struggle with infertility. Of those, 75% simply cannot afford the financial burden that comes with infertility treatments. The truth is when it costs this much for fertility treatment, building a family by carrying a child is not a given. In this episode of Stork’d, Julia is joined by Carmela Rea, founder and CEO of EggFund, a company helping more people afford a baby, no matter their path to parenthood. EggFund is America’s largest network of lenders specializing in fertility loans. Carmela knows first hand what the challenges of infertility can bring. She shares her own story of infertility and how the struggles she faced in her journey to build a family left her wanting to help others and create meaning in her life. Stay tuned to the end when Carmela shares her own twist ending. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [2:20] An introduction to Carmela Rea
- [3:00] The start of Carmela’s journey with infertility is discussed
- [7:00] Carmela seeks advice from friends regarding the process of fertility treatments
- [8:05] Carmela discusses the costs that can be associated with fertility treatments
- [13:35] The process of surrogacy becomes an option for Carmela and her husband
- [15:40] Carmela’s husband gives her “permission to fail”
- [20:27] How the idea for EggFund was born
- [28:25] How is EggFund different from anything else out there?
- [33:00] Carmela’s commitment to health and the wonderful surprise of pregnancy
- [37:20] Looking back at her journey, Carmela shares what she wants listeners to learn about the fertility process
- [38:40] Carmella shares her thoughts about having a baby later in life
- [40:00] Carmela’s definition of family
Key Takeaways:
- Having a biological baby is not a given. There can be infertility challenges when they are not expected.
- Fertility treatments in America are extremely expensive, leading many people to not attempt the processes.
- EggFund is America’s largest network of lenders specializing in fertility loans, helping many people afford their dream of having a baby.
- EggFund is patient focused, allowing borrowers freedom and flexibility in their journey in starting a family.
Links:
https://www.myeggfund.com/
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
Childfree by choice is a growing community of people whose definition of family does not include having children. In this episode, we are joined by a woman who runs an Instagram account called Drunk Aunt Overseas. Her mission is to normalize and create a community of people who are choosing to be childfree. It is important to include all definitions of family building and today we are focusing our attention on the people who are defining their lives and definitions of a family outside of children. This episode aims to share one woman’s decision to remain childfree. In this podcast, we debunk the stigma, address some of the misunderstandings, and validate the decision many make to be child-free. Drunk Aunt Overseas chose to remain anonymous because when she is voicing the thoughts of so many, it goes beyond her own name, to a collective voice of a community.
https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
[ 2:42 ] The creation of Drunk Aunt Overseas Instagram account
[ 4:03 ] Drunk Aunt’s journey to be childfree
[ 7:11 ] Ending a relationship because of their different perspectives on family building
[ 11:22 ] Who are the childfree community and what types of people engage with The Drunk Aunt on her Instagram page
[ 14:42 ] How she gives advice to people whose family members are not supportive of their childfree life
[ 16:22 ] Why there tends to be hostility towards people who do not want children
[ 22:02 ] Addressing myths around being childfree
[ 28:38 ] Dating when you’ve declared yourself childfree
[ 32:10 ] Her family's reaction to choosing to not have children
[ 34:56 ] How Drunk Aunt shows up as an aunt and what that means for her
[ 38:27 ] Navigating friendships who are choosing to have children when you’re childfree
[ 41:44 ] Drunk Aunt’s definition of family
[ 46:45 ] Where to find Drunk Aunt
Takeaways:
- Breaking away from the old-fashioned traditions that women are put on this earth to birth and take care of children
- Addressing myths that are directed to individuals who choose to be childless
- Dealing with hostility from others who do not understand the decision to live without children
- Creating a community for like-minded individuals who need a place to talk and feel included in their childfree decisions
- Finding peace and certainty in your decision to not have children
Links:
Instagram - Drunk Aunt Overseas
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
After seeing a close relative go through infertility, Emily Westerfield discovered that surrogacy was her calling. Not only has Emily been a gestational surrogate three times, but she is also a Director of a surrogacy agency helping match families with surrogates and helping to facilitate the process before, during, and after the birth of a child. The perspective Emily offers as a mother, as a surrogate, and as a facilitator really sheds a light on the fertility options that are available now. Emily talks about what the families might be feeling as they work with their surrogate, what it’s like for her own family as she carries another couple's child, and how this affects all of their lives. In this episode, Emily takes us through the science and process of gestational surrogacy and how this offers a couple the chance at a family they’ve been on a journey to build. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 7:50 ] The IVF Process for the surrogate
- [10:50] How taking on the role as a surrogate impacts your own family and the other people in your life
- [15:55] Talking about the surrogacy journey with your own kids and how the process might affect them
- [23:00] Creating connections with the family you surrogate for and the process of choosing to work with them
- [25:30] Facilitating special lifestyle requests intended families may have of their surrogates
- [33:30] Emily’s work as the Directory of a Surrogacy Agency, gift of life, and what supporting intended parents looks like
- [39:30] Walking intended parents though the surrogacy process
- [42:30] The process of interviewing to be a surrogate and what the agency looks for in a candidate.
- [45:05] One thing Emily wants others to understand surrounding the stigma of surrogacy. Educating yourself and understanding why people choose this route as either the surrogate or the intended family is important in this process.
Takeaways:
- Choosing to be a surrogate is a calling to some people to help others create the family they’ve always dreamed of. Surrogacy is quite the commitment and requires a lot of your time and adds restrictions in order to complete the process.
- Becoming a surrogate includes a lot of science, strict medication regime, and timing in order to create a healthy baby to carry. The process takes at least a full year, if not more.
- As a surrogate, you not only need to be physically prepared for carrying a pregnancy, but also mentally prepared with your role in the process of carrying a child for another family. Before beginning your journey, you need to be in it for the right reasons.
- Choosing a good match for families and surrogates requires a detailed screening process. A surrogate will generally want the intended family to be involved in the process and pregnancy as much as possible.
- The definition of family does not need to be blood. It’s love, support, care, and putting others needs before your own. Surrogacy is just one way that helps people build the families they’ve dreamed of when traditional ways did not work out as planned.
Links
- Instagram Emily Westerfield : https://www.instagram.com/emilywesterfield
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/emwesterfield
- Website: https://giftoflifesurrogacy.com
- Instagram Gift of Life: https://www.instagram.com/giftoflifeohio/
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
Welcome to Season Two of the Stork’d Podcast! In this episode, we revisit host Julia Karol’s family-building journey and learn more about what has transpired in her story since the last season. This episode will also introduce Season 2 and provide an overview as to the purpose of the podcast and why it was created. I’m thrilled to take you on this exciting season two journey, exploring the many different ways in which people build and define family. https://www.storkdpodcast.com/season2
In This Episode:
- [ 0:51 ] What Stork’s podcast is all about.
- [ 4:11 ] My family building journey.
- [7:58] Navigating fertility clinic closures due to the COVID -19 pandemic
- [ 9:20 ] Standing up for myself in my own fertility journey.
- [ 12:06 ] What my chances of intrauterine insemination (IUI) working for me were.
- [ 15:09 ] The emotions I had going into a solo parent journey.
- [ 17:45 ] How I am getting the support and love I need on this family building journey.
- [ 20:35 ] Everyone deserves to have a family.
Takeaways:
- An introduction to host Julia Karol and what to expect from season two of Stork’d
- “Find out who you are and do it on purpose” - Dolly Parton
- “Live life for the story value” - a motto which underscores the importance of our personal stories
- An update of the twists and turns in my own family building journey.
- The range of emotions I felt when I embarked on a solo parent journey.
- The calmness and certainty that one can feel when making the right choice for yourself
- Feeling the love and support from an amazing community of people who have my back in family building journey.
- Encouragement to rush in and show love to others
- “Someone once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me a while to realize that this too was a gift” - Mary Oliver
Links
- Instagram - Stork’d Podcast Instagram
- Facebook - Stork’d Podcast Facebook
- Twitter - Stork’d Podcast Twitter
Disclaimer:
The podcasts available on this website have been produced for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. The stories and experiences contained within reflect the experiences and opinions of the guest and may contain content found to be triggering by listeners. Listeners should take care to avoid program content which may not be suited to them.
The contents of any podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, do not reflect the opinions of the podcast or its host and do not create any type of professional relationship between the audience and presenters. No person listening to and/or viewing any podcast from this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content of a podcast without first seeking appropriate professional advice and/or counseling, nor shall the information be used as a substitute for professional advice and/or counseling. Stork'd Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all contents of this site.
This special edition episode is a compilation of 11 special guests from Season 1 answering the question, “What Does Family Mean To You?” This compilation is pulled from informative interviews with a range of everyday friends, family, neighbors, and experts sharing their own journey to define and create a family. This episode features Molly, Arden O’Connor, Christian & Jamie, Suman, Brooke James, David Vendetti, Keren Eldad, Ashon Avent, Raven, Mia, and Maureen Brown.
Keep up with Stork'd at https://www.storkdpodcast.com/
Follow on Instagram @storkd_podcast
Mia is 39 and pregnant with her first child after becoming diagnosed with PCOS and having a few miscarriages along her fertility journey. She joins Julia on this episode of Stork’d to speak on the challenges of being divorced in her mid-thirties and not letting her biological clock stop her from making her dreams of becoming a mother a reality. Mia describes the transformation she has undergone in the past few years before becoming pregnant, detailing the roles of emotional intuition and logic in her journey to accepting her past, letting go of old dating patterns, and finding her current partner.
She shares her experience with emotionally exploring alternative paths to parenthood, the struggles of dating people who don’t want to have kids with you, and having two consecutive miscarriages. Please tune in to hear powerful, yet comforting words from Mia as she shares a message about the challenges, anxiety, and fear during the fertility journey and how pregnancy has helped her overcome those fears and build trust.
For show notes & more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Raven and her wife are expecting their first child, due any day now! In this episode,we follow Raven through her fertility journey, including the decision to try for a baby, creative ways of finding and choosing a sperm donor, and how she and her wife, Brittany, decided at home-insemination was right for them.
Raven shares the anxieties they experienced as well as how Brittany was able to be physically and emotionally involved in the process. We also talk about the influence of her wife’s upbringing in an adopted family and the closeness of their families on how they want to create and build their family. You’ll hear what it meant to have a DNA connection between Raven’s wife, Brittany, and their child, as well as how they felt after her brother-in-law’s sperm was not successful in getting her pregnant.
For show notes & more: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Maureen and her husband experienced unexplained infertility as they were trying to conceive their first born. With fewer support groups and products on the Internet to ease their experience, they felt extremely frustrated and isolated. They created a product, the Mosie syringe, to add a low risk, low intervention option to the market for people experiencing the same thing. Their first child was the inspiration for that product and their second child was the result of that product. In this episode, we discuss removing the shame around artificial insemination and empowering people to embrace this path. Maureen speaks on getting familiar with your body, the power of words, and how their company, Mosie Baby, works to create a space that talks about artificial insemination in an honest, respectful, educational, and supportive way.
For many people, there’s a desire to love something that we haven’t met yet, and there’s many different journeys we can choose to pursue in an effort to find that. Tune in to hear Maureen’s hope for the future and ways we can destigmatize this love-filled method of conception.
For show notes & more: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Ashon Avent’s family building journey started at the age of 16. Now, at 41, with five children, he is the Owner of Main Event Sports & Apparel, as well as I 2 Can Be Healthy LLC, where he helps people who have diabetes and obesity make healthy choices.
In this episode, Ashon shares the story of his journey from a high school athlete and dad to businessman and family man. Detailing monumental moments of growth and learning, he describes what it’s like to feel the pressure to provide for his child and figure out what to do with his life as a teenager, as well as navigate adulthood with an unconventional family dynamic. Ashon shares powerful lessons he’s learned from his time as an athlete, his college brotherhood, and his own parents. He also emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining bonds with family members and apologizing when you know you’ve made a mistake.
For show notes & more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Are you ready to get clear on your vision? Keren Eldad is here to help us get over our mental roadblocks.
Keren Eldad encourages us to let go of the template, stop thinking that your life needs to look a certain way, and accept the many different varieties in which families come. A family may look one way to you, or you may think it should look one way, but everyone has a different path. Keren invites us to ask the question, “what am I afraid of?”
You will hear Keren describe her coaching philosophy and why we all need to be the master of our destiny. Stay tuned as Keren speaks about the exploration points that we should all discover, how to enter the realm of self-love, and the importance of kindness.
For show notes & more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
David Vendetti has learned to be resilient and reflective through transitions, having been adopted, married twice, and the owner of a yoga studio that recently closed its doors due to COVID-19. As an adopted child, David lacked a sense of belonging. While he has always felt loved and supported by his adoptive family, this missing piece resulted in a strong desire to create relationships and communities that foster belonging for others—from supporting his classmates in a new grade school; to choreographing dance classes based on kindness rather than perfection; to his leadership in establishing a yoga community widely known for creating a sense of family.
This episode is about building and rebuilding family outside of the construct of the family that you’re born into, as well as thinking of the way in which we build and create ourselves for our family or on behalf of our family. David has questioned what the elements of a family are, discovering that anyone can be family, as long as the relationship is built off of unconditional love, support, and transparency. Plus, we talk about handling difficult transitions, walking away from blood family, and the concept of birthing and parenting yourself. A consummate learner and educator, David shares his journey and his wisdom with our listeners.
For show notes & more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
After Brooke's father's death, she realized that no one knew how to speak to her about grief. Most people are uncomfortable with the topic, which is why she started The Grief Coach Podcast. Grief, love, and pain can be hard to talk about and articulate in words with family members. With this loss, Brooke had to reformulate her own expectations around what a family life looked like. Luckily, her family came together despite losing their gravitational center.
We discuss how traditions are less than ideal when you don't fit into the standard box and why Brooke felt pressure to have kids on a timeline. Stay tuned as Brooke speaks about the pressure of having kids, finding emotional endurance, and feeling lighter after the grieving process.
For show notes & more: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Suman and his wife’s family building journey started in 2012 and they’re finally expecting twins! Having gone through 8 years of trying to conceive, including experiencing three IVF processes, his wife’s fibroid surgery, and deep consideration around adoption, Suman rode waves of hope and a rollercoaster of emotions. Suman wrestles with the disappointment of not hitting the milestones expected of him by his Indian heritage. As the journey progresses and Suman confronts the growing unlikelihood of conceiving, he and his wife consider a life without children. His perspective is heavily rooted in statistics, but he also has real emotions to share.
Stories of fertility journeys often focus on the person bearing the physical weight of trying to get pregnant and they don’t often highlight the supporting partner. In this episode, we dive into Suman’s experiences during the last 8 years, detailing his vision for a family, the difficulty of seeing his wife go through multiple medical procedures, and the other paths they considered to build a family.
For show notes and more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Jamie and Christian are a polyamorous couple. Together, they share what polyamory means to them and confront common misconceptions about their relationship. They discuss defining their rules according to what makes them happy as a couple, rather than conforming to cultural norms. And, they describe ways in which polyamorous relationships require the same core elements of communication, respect, and foundational trust as successful monogamous relationships—perhaps even more so since they involve more than one person.
The story in this episode provides a model for giving yourself permission to define or redefine your family according to your own true north. Listen as Jamie and Christian explain how they navigate jealousy and build trust, practice naming and identifying their emotions, and what they believe are the essential ingredients for creating any lasting relationship.
For show notes & more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Arden O’Connor learned early on in her adult life that she wasn’t going to be taking a traditional path towards having children. In her twenties, Arden had leukemia, which left her unable to conceive a baby naturally. Now 42 and single, she is putting the puzzle pieces together with a sperm donor, an egg donor and a surrogate. In this episode, Arden answers the big questions for herself about how she defines family and how she wants to build hers. Her choices are influenced by her health risks, a tragic loss in her family, her Catholic upbringing, and a lot of deep introspection.
Arden is the Founder of O’Connor Professional Group, a mental health consulting company that addresses the needs of individuals and families struggling with an array of behavioral health issues, including addiction and mental health disorders. We talk about preparing to be a single mom while being an entrepreneur, picking sperm and egg donors, having a surrogate as a Catholic, and overcoming the obstacles that have held her back. This is a very insightful and inspiring discussion, you won’t want to miss it!
For show notes & more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
This episode is about shaping and reshaping our families. Sometimes the paths that we forge result from external constraints. For Cristin Marona, that constraint was posed by the global COVID 19 Pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, Cristin’s first major decision as a new mom was to move to the United States, leaving her husband in Africa for an undefined period. As a public health professional, Cristin shares how her maternal instincts and risk assessment led her to leave their Tanzanian home, and the population she serves, to ensure better health care for her baby. Cristin returns to the place she grew up, Savannah, Georgia and parents her newborn from her childhood bedroom.
Cristin shares her relationship with her mother before and after having a baby, and how her mother steps in to co-parent and help with the overwhelm of raising a baby without her husband. Plus, we talk about parenting remotely, how Cristin approaches blending cultures with her husband, and her vision for raising a global citizen.
For show notes & more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
After having two kids with her first husband, Molly realized she wasn’t in a fulfilling relationship. In this episode, we discuss the process of self-reflection that led her to this realization, how she stepped away from her first marriage and met her current husband, and the dynamics of their large, six child blended family. She discusses dealing with the guilt around the impacts of divorce on her children, her flexible co-parenting arrangement and continued friendship with her ex-husband, and the ways in which she has incorporated more fun and magic into the blending process.
Molly shares that blending families is a work in progress and is always changing. There is no perfect way to blend families and co-parent, yet Molly makes it work and loves the life she’s created. She shares why you shouldn’t be afraid to “take the detour” and how her kids are more resilient as a result of being part of a blending family. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and insight into the lessons she’s learned on her journey.
For show notes and more visit: www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast
Julia has been exploring new ways of building a family since her last relationship ended when she was 34. Grieving the loss of a relationship and the loss of the path she expected for herself drove her into a period of healing and self-discovery. She started asking anyone and everyone about how they came to make the decisions they did regarding family life and she reflected on whether that resonated with her or not. She was in awe of the various ways in which someone can create a family, many of which aren’t explicitly shared with the world.
There aren’t many ways to hear those stories, so Julia found those stories and created a mechanism that would enable her to share them. This episode introduces the inspiration behind Stork’d and the intentions for it, posing the question that’s begging to be answered: What is family?
For show notes & more visit: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/podcast