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

www.fertilityrally.com

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

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

SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024

EMBRYO SOLUTION

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

RECEPTIVA DX

https://receptivadx.com/

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