Infertile AF: Infertility and Modern Family Building
Alison Prato
Recent Episodes
Today, Ali is talking to an amazing couple: Fertility Rally member Lauren Roth and her husband, Patrick. Lauren talks about growing up in Guatemala, how she and Patrick met, and what happened when they started to build their family. The couple then shares details about why Google and WebMD are "not particularly helpful" during infertility; their chemical pregnancy; and the unsexiness of "sending a calendar invite to have timed sex." They also talk about becoming frustrated as a couple, their five IUIs; and navigating chemical pregnancies and an ectopic pregnancy. They also discuss their egg retrievals and transfers, and finally, the healthy pregnancy that brought them their son, who was born shortly after this episode was recorded.
TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:
Infertility; IVF; IUIs; timed intercourse; marriage during infertility; adenomiosis; chemical pregnancy; ectopic pregnancy; egg retrieval; embryo transfer; pregnancy after infertility
EPISODE SPONSORS:
WORK OF ART
Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology
https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request
FERTILITY RALLY
IG: @fertilityrally
No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.
Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership
SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024
EMBRYO SOLUTION
If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com
RECEPTIVA DX
ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
It's the 300th Episode!!!!! Today we are featuring clips from some of the top-rated episodes with some of Ali's favorite celeb guests. First up, Christina Perri shares her long and difficult family-building journey, including miscarriage; the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Rosie; navigating mental health; her blood-clotting disorder, and more. Then, Tara Lipinski talks about her endometriosis; IVF; miscarriage; navigating fertility treatments compared to the insanely hard work she did as an elite athlete, and pivoting to surrogacy. Finally, Michelle Buteau talks about the long road to having her twins, including IUIs, several rounds of IVF, four devastating miscarriages, exploring international adoption; facing discrimination at her doctor's appointments; and finally meeting the surrogate who would help them welcome their healthy babes. Thank you so much to all of my amazing guests and listeners since we launched in March 2019!
EPISODE SPONSORS:
WORK OF ART
Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology
https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request
FERTILITY RALLY
IG: @fertilityrally
No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.
Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership
SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024
EMBRYO SOLUTION
If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com
RECEPTIVA DX
ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
On this episode, Ali is talking to Sarah Freese about her infertility and IVF journey. Sarah shares the details on having irregular periods when she was a young woman, being on the birth control pill from age 18 to age 33, and how once she started to try to have kids, it was not as easy as she'd hoped. She talks about doing IVF, how her failed IVF transfer was "one of the worst calls" she's ever gotten, and about having implantation issues. She also talks about frozen embryo transfers versus fresh embryo transfers, and how they finally figured out the "secret sauce" to having their healthy babies through ART.
TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:
Infertility; IVF; egg retrieval; frozen embryo transfer; fresh embryo transfer; irregular periods; zero implantation; polyps; sibling cycle; modified natural cycle; IVF success; pregnancy after infertility
EPISODE SPONSORS:
WORK OF ART
Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology
https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request
FERTILITY RALLY
IG: @fertilityrally
No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.
Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership
SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024
EMBRYO SOLUTION
If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com
RECEPTIVA DX
ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today, Ali is talking to mom of four Rachel Mangahas about the long road to building her family, including going through international adoption twice and using a surrogate. Rachel talks about her infertility journey, and how it made her feel so broken and alone. She also talks about wanting a big family, doing timed intercourse and ovulation kits, male factor infertility, and IUIs. She explains how they navigated international adoption -- for two of their children -- and the sweet surprise they got when they used a surrogate, and the embryo transfer worked.
TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:
Infertility; international adoption; surrogacy; anxiety; guilt; egg retrieval; IUI; embryo transfer; frozen embryos; surrogacy pregnancy; surrogacy success; identical twins
EPISODE SPONSORS:
WORK OF ART
Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology
https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request
FERTILITY RALLY
IG: @fertilityrally
No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.
Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership
SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024
EMBRYO SOLUTION
If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com
RECEPTIVA DX
ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.
CASCADE CRYOBANK
Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.
In an industry first, Cascade Cryobank has brought it’s “Early Disclosure Program” to the market – you no longer have to wait 18 years– now you can learn the Identity of your “Early Disclosure” donor at the report of a live birth conceived from their sperm. Let Cascade Cryobank help you grow your family with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Visit their website at www.cascadecryobank.com, and find your future, today. Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today, Ali is talking to fierce infertility warrior and mama Maggie Phipps, co-founder of Larken (which means "fierce" in Gaelic), a comfy essentials brand for anyone navigating fertility treatments, postpartum, motherhood, and beyond. Maggie shares how her mom had three miscarriages; how she herself had an early miscarriage; and how conceived her first two kids naturally, but then had trouble with baby number three. She also talks about her traumatic ectopic pregnancy and how she felt brushed off by several doctors when she told them she was in pain. Maggie also shares how she navigated the devastation of losing her baby in that ectopic, going through emergency surgery; how she was just a few hours away from "bleeding out," and what happened in her family building journey after that.
For more, go to www.shoplarken.com and follow on IG: @larken_shop. Use code “InfertileAF15” for 15% your order
TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:
Infertility; miscarriage; recurrent miscarriage; ectopic pregnancy; emergency surgery; fallopian tubes; fallopian tube removal; guilt; IVF; anxiety; pregnancy after loss; pregnancy after infertility
EPISODE SPONSORS:
WORK OF ART
Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology
https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.
Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books
For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request
FERTILITY RALLY
IG: @fertilityrally
No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey.
Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership
SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024
EMBRYO SOLUTION
If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. To find out more go to embryosolution.com
RECEPTIVA DX
ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off.
CASCADE CRYOBANK
Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.
In an industry first, Cascade Cryobank has brought it’s “Early Disclosure Program” to the market – you no longer have to wait 18 years– now you can learn the Identity of your “Early Disclosure” donor at the report of a live birth conceived from their sperm. Let Cascade Cryobank help you grow your family with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Visit their website at www.cascadecryobank.com, and find your future, today!
Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase!
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy