Brave & Curious with Dr Lora Shahine – Détails, épisodes et analyse

How early have you done a pregnancy test? 

Are you stuck questioning the result?

In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine reviews pregnancy tests: when to test, how accurate tests can be, why testing too early can make things even more confusing, and what can cause both false negatives and false positives.

This episode is packed full of helpful information - save for reference and share!

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:22] Understanding pregnancy tests and their importance

[4:52] When should you test? 

[6:26] Information on specific tests

[7:35] False positives and false negatives

[12:56] Why do fertility clinics tell you not to test early?

[13:46] Closing thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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AshLeigh Meyer Dunham is one of five reproductive law lawyers in Alabama and the only one who has done IVF. She was front and center when IVF stopped for 3 weeks in early 2024 due to a lawsuit brought by IVF patients in front of the State Supreme Court. On this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Shahine asks AshLeigh to explain what happened in Alabama, how treatments restarted, and what the process means for access to IVF in the future.

AshLeigh explains why the way IVF restarted in Alabama is not a permanent solution and what this means for the future of IVF in Alabama and all of the United States. 

Threats, political and legal, against IVF have been all over the news lately. All the controversy and proposed legislation is downright terrifying because for some, as IVF may be the best or only option they have to build their families. 

One thing is very clear: people’s right to build their families how and when they choose — and sometimes to build them at all — is under attack. Please share this episode to educate and spread knowledge and awareness. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:35] AshLeigh’s IVF journey

[5:40] Legal context around Alabama’s IVF ban

[15:15] Legal and clinical implications of an IVF ban

[36:55] Ongoing legal challenges

[42:00] Advocacy and legislative efforts

[47:20] Future prospects with reproductive rights

Resources mentioned: 

 Find AshLeigh Meyer Dunham on IG - @magiccityfertilitylaw and her firm www.magiccityfamilylaw.com

 The Case Discussed: LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine, P.C.: hlaw.justia.com/cases/alabama/supreme-court/2024/sc-2022-0579.html

 doctorsforfertility.com: nonprofit co-founded by Dr. Shahine 

 www.fightforalabamafamilies.org

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Infertility is a deeply personal, often heart-wrenching experience. Suddenly, pregnancy and family building are completely out of your control. Fertility challenges can wreak havoc on your body, your mind, and your relationships. 

In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine talks openly with Carrie Hauskens, founder of Blooming with Care. Carrie is sharing her eight-year struggle with fertility — a journey that ultimately ended with the decision to live child-free. 

Carrie talks about what she went through, why she and her husband decided to stop fertility treatment, and the ways they both dealt (and are still dealing) with their grief. Carrie found support in the infertility community, which is why she started sharing her own story. 

Fertility treatment can be a roller coaster, and if the time comes when you need to say “enough” and step off, Carrie’s story may help you make peace with that decision.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[4:00] Carrie Hausken’s personal story: 

• trying without assistance
• IVF & stillbirth
• Surrogacy
• Considering adoption
• Becoming child-free

[7:43] Honoring the grief

[9:58] Deciding to be child-free

[15:42] What does “stopping” really mean?

[17:27] The impact of trying, and stopping, on their relationship

[25:04] Being changed by Infertility

[31:49] Life for Carrie, now, child-free

[39:06] Connecting with Carrie Hauskens

Resources mentioned: 

www.bloomingwithcare.com

IG - @bloomingwithcare

TikTok - @bloomingwithcare

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

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June 2024 is the 50th anniversary of Pride in Seattle. In honor and celebration of LGBTQ+ family building, Dr. Shahine welcomes colleagues Dr. Stephanie Rothenberg and Dr. Darcy Broughton to talk about the Center for LGBTQ+ Family Building at Pacific NW Fertility. 

Although the fertility community hasn’t always been inclusive and open to all family building options, Pacific NW Fertility (PNWF) has been proudly serving the Queer community since the organization opened its doors in 2005. In 2020, Drs. Rothenberg and Broughton co-founded the Center for LGBTQ+ Family Building at PNWF and they share what makes the Center unique. 

‘It’s more than a website; it’s creating a safe place for all family building journeys with inclusive language, trained team members, and feedback from our patients.’

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:00] LBGTQ+ Pride in Seattle, WA & at PNWF

[3:00] Meet Dr. Darcy Broughton 

[4:20] Meet Dr. Stephanie Rothenberg

[6:15] The LGBTQ Center for Family Building at PNWF

[9:59] Learning to care for LGBTQ patients from a fertility standpoint

[12:14] Benefits of having a dedicated center for LGBTQ Family Builiding 

[19:22] 50 years of Pride in Seattle

[21:42] What to look for in a clinic

Resources mentioned: 

PNWF Center for LGBTQ+ Fertility: pnwfertility.com/center-for-lgbtq-fertility 

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

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If you’ve struggled to get pregnant, grappled through multiple IVF cycles, experienced a loss, or delivered early, you know first hand that pregnancy is NOT always blissful. Unfortunately for some, the process of building a family can border on traumatic. 

If this is the case for you or someone you know, the information and insights from Parijat Deshpande could shed some light on how to work through the anxiety that lives alongside infertility and high-risk pregnancy. 

Parijat is founder of Ruvelle, bestselling author, speaker, and high-risk pregnancy consultant. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine dives deep with Parijat into anxiety before and during a high-risk pregnancy and learning how to calm your nervous system so you can move through the trauma that causes your anxiety.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[3:30] Meet Parijat Deshpande - she’s been through it all

[8:15] An evolutionary benefit of anxiety in pregnancy 

[10:41] Calming your nervous system when you’re anxious

• Learning to acknowledge your feelings
• Recognizing what’s going on in your body

[15:19] Tips for “completing the threat cycle” (calming down)

[21:33] Dr. Shahine answers a question from a YouTube listener about the HSG procedure

[25:00] Learning more about somatic trauma work

[30:04] Using somatic therapy to improve pregnancy outcomes

[32:50] Parijat’s business Ruvelle - support for high-risk pregnancy

[35:56] Leaning into hope and ways to connect with Parijat

Resources mentioned: 

ruvelle.com

IG - @healthy.highriskpregnancy

Pregnancy Brain by Parijat Deshpande

Delivering Miracles Podcast

What Women Need to Know About Pregnancy Anxiety episode on Delivering Miracles Podcast

Dr. Lora Shahine on Delivering Miracles Podcast | Episode 54

Dr. Lora Shahine on Delivering Miracles Podcast | Episode 69

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

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It's not just the big traditional holidays that can be triggering when you’re struggling with fertility. It’s the softer, sneak-up-on you days too, Father’s Day being one of those. 

So often the female partner is the focus of the fertility journey, but the male partner is on the ride too. It can be harder for men to express their feelings and take space for what they need when they are wearing the care-taker/problem-solver hat in the relationship. 

So let’s make a little space for the “other” partner today. Dr. Lora Shahine opens up the conversation with her guest Dr. Erica Bove who is an OBGYN, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Coach.   

Dr. Bove wears her doctor coat and coaching badge simultaneously, which allows her to care for the patient but also help couples navigate the impact infertility can have on their relationship.  

With Father’s Day coming up in just a few days, you will walk away from this episode with tips on how to support the partner who isn’t getting the treatments but is still emotionally invested in the process. Or you can pass this episode along to that partner, providing self-care tips for a hard day. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[2:35] Meet Dr. Erica Bove–OBGYN, Reproductive Endocrinologist, & Fertility Coach

[9:20] Complicated feelings about Father’s Day 

[10:51] How the fertility journey impacts men

[14:16] The emotions that show up during infertility

[19:19] Focusing on the relationship in the midst of it all

• Going back to the beginning
• Zooming out on the big picture
• Finding shared value

[32:42] Tips to support a loved one or to protect yourself on a hard day

Resources mentioned: 

Love and Science Fertility Coaching w/ Dr. Erica Bove www.loveandsciencefertility.com

Love and Science Fertility Podcast: Mother’s Day Episode 

Baby or Bust: The Real Cost of Fertility Episode

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

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Who should have the power to decide on your future fertility options? What becomes of frozen gametes and embryos in this new, post-Roe political climate? And if you are ready to get involved, how do you actually advocate for reproductive rights? 

This is part 2 of Dr. Lora Shahine’s discussion with Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association. In this part of the discussion, Dr. Shahine and Barbara talk about the threats to IVF, access to fertility care, and effective ways to advocate for reproductive rights. 

You’ll finish this episode more informed and ready to take action with one, two, or all three of the action steps Barbara provides. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:15] Review of part one & overview of part two

[2:30] RESOLVE’s purpose and mission

[3:54] The history of a threat to IVF

[7:25] Access to fertility care

[12:06] Advocacy for reproductive rights: Spotlighting Alabama

[17:21] Reproductive rights

[23:59] Next steps to make a difference; including federal protection for IVF

[28:11] Three actionable steps

Resources mentioned: 

resolve.org

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

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What does advocating for reproductive rights have to do with IVF? Surely people who want to have a baby wouldn’t have to fight for that right in a post-Roe world? 

Well, as it turns out, the reality is that the science behind IVF doesn’t always mesh with the idea that life begins at conception. 

This week, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Barb Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association dedicated to advocating for fertility treatments and ensuring that building a family is attainable for all.

In this episode, Barb shares her fertility journey, details the issues IVF and other reproductive rights are facing, and explains why fighting to protect IVF is necessary.

Many in the reproductive space saw the writing on the wall long ago. Here, Barb and Dr. Shahine break down how the overturning of Roe vs. Wade has threatened the process of IVF. They also discuss how Personhood Bills in various states end up impacting IVF — intentionally or unintentionally. 

There is much more to the conversation between Barb Collura and Dr. Shahine, so make sure to come back for part two on the next episode of Baby or Bust!

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:06] Is IVF under threat?

[2:44] Meet Barb Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE

[10:12] Learn about RESOLVE

[14:12] What does reproductive rights (and Roe vs. Wade) have to do with IVF?

[16:40] Personhood bills in different states

[22:06] A voice for infertility among the politics

[27:47] Stay tuned for more from Barb Collura

Resources mentioned: 

resolve.org

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Infertility changes a person, physically, mentally, and emotionally — it affects our identity, our relationships, our hopes and expectations for the future. How we manage these changes will be different for each person. 

In this unique and personal episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is a guest on the Infertility Feelings podcast with hosts Doug and Jesse. Listeners will hear her share her own fertility journey and all the emotions she experienced being simultaneously doctor and patient. 

Jesse and Doug also explain their process groups — safe spaces where members can talk about the issues and feelings that come with infertility. A great tool for managing the emotional toll that infertility takes, this form of group therapy could help members come out the other side understanding what their bodies and minds have gone through. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[:46] Meet the hosts of the Infertility Feelings Podcast

[2:35] Dr. Lora Shahine shares her fertility journey through 2 pregnancies

[7:04] Being a Fertility Doctor and Fertility patient at the same time

[10:28] The impact of fertility on other parts of your life

[13:51] Acceptance of a new reality

[16:24] Infertility as a first “real” struggle

[18:47] How infertility changes you

[23:27] The changes your body goes through during infertility

[28:24] Dealing with feelings of failure

[30:19] Doug & Jesse’s Process Groups

[36:06] Balancing patient’s dreams with best course of action

Resources mentioned: 

Uniquely Knitted www.uniquelyknitted.org

Process Groups: www.uniquelyknitted.org/programs/process-groups

Infertility Feelings Podcast: www.uniquelyknitted.org/podcast/infertility-feelings-podcast

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

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The cost of fertility treatments can be a huge stress on anyone navigating assisted reproduction. Unfortunately, those who are already dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of infertility may also be burdened with the financial challenge of fertility treatments. And it’s important that those facing IVF, IUI, egg retrieval, surrogacy or any of the many, often costly procedures have the resources they need.

 Fortunately, there is help: Angela Rastegar is the cofounder and CEO of Sunfish, a financial solutions company for family building of all kinds. and she has helped individuals and couples plan for the cost of fertility, make it affordable and accessible. 

 In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine and Angela share their own experiences and highlight the need for affordable solutions so those exploring fertility options can build the families they dream of. 

 In this episode you’ll hear:

[:59] Meet Angela Rastegar - founder and CEO of Sunfish

[3:48] Infertility is a disease; why is there such a gap between access and need?

[6:09] How much does IVF, donor egg, surrogacy, adoption really cost?

[10:34] What does Sunfish do?

[18:08] The IVF Success Program (Money Back) offered by Sunfish

[22:30] Financial Planning for building your family

[31:18] Closing

 Resources mentioned: 

www.joinsunfish.com

Follow Sunfish on IG @joinsunfish

Sunfish on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/joinsunfish

Sunfish on Twitter twitter.com/joinsunfish

 Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books