Explore every episode of the podcast Donor Egg Mama
Dive into the complete episode list for Donor Egg Mama. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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70. Finding Peace After Donor Egg IVF: A Conversation With Lynn Masino
In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Lynn to discuss her journey through donor egg IVF, her anxieties before becoming a mom, and how those fears melted away once her son arrived. Lynn shares the surprising and beautiful reality of how strong her bond is with her son and how genetics never even crossed her mind once he was born.
Lynn offers reassurance to anyone currently navigating the donor egg path, reminding us that the love you’ll feel for your child far outweighs any initial doubts. From navigating family questions about "who the baby looks like" to opening up about her child's conception story, Lynn shows us the power of owning and celebrating your unique path to motherhood.
We also dive into how she talks to her son about his conception, why being honest is key, and how she’s handling the possibility of future connections with donor siblings. Lynn’s story is a beacon of hope for any woman still in the thick of the journey, offering a glimpse of the peace, pride, and overwhelming love that lies on the other side.
Key Takeaways:
Genetics don’t define your bond with your child.
Letting go of fears about the future can lead to unexpected joy.
Being open about your donor conception story takes practice but can be incredibly healing.
Children are more receptive to their conception story than you think—start the conversation early and keep it ongoing.
In this episode, host Adele interviews Dr. Daniel Potter, a leading reproductive endocrinologist from HRC Fertility in Newport Beach, California, and a specialist at DonorNexus. Together, they explore the emotional and medical aspects of donor egg IVF, offering hope and guidance to those embarking on this unique journey. Dr. Potter shares insights on the challenges of delivering the news that donor egg IVF is the best option for some couples, the common emotions couples experience, and the importance of providing patients with the truth and viable options.
Adele and Dr. Potter discuss the complexities of autoimmune issues in fertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and how treatment approaches can help overcome these hurdles. They also delve into the emotional journey of accepting donor eggs and how the donor egg IVF process can ultimately bring joy, even after a long road of infertility struggles. Whether you're new to the donor egg journey or seeking reassurance, this episode offers a wealth of information and compassion.
Key Takeaways:
The donor egg IVF journey is often a turning point for couples, evoking a range of emotions from shock and disbelief to relief and hope.
Dr. Potter emphasizes the importance of truth and honesty in guiding patients through their fertility options.
Exploring donor egg agencies and hearing others’ stories can humanize the process and alleviate fears.
Autoimmunity can complicate pregnancy even with donor eggs, but there are treatment options to address this issue.
The joy of holding your baby far outweighs any fears or concerns about using donor eggs, with the bond between parent and child remaining strong and profound.
In this episode we hear about Steph's journey from her initial connection with the coaching service Donor Egg Mama to joining the Donor Egg Pathway membership program and preparing to give birth to twin babies.
Steph shares the emotional and mental challenges faced, including fears around weight stigma and BMI in the medical field.
Importance of finding supportive and inclusive medical professionals.
Steph's transition from IVF with her own eggs to donor egg IVF after an unsuccessful first round.
How coaching and support helped Steph navigate her donor egg journey, build resilience, and maintain a positive mindset.
The significance of connecting with the spiritual and emotional aspects of motherhood through visualization and meditation practices.
Steph's experience with the donor egg journey, overcoming initial fears, and embracing the reality of becoming a mother.
Importance of advocacy and finding the right support system, including joining groups and building connections with others on the same journey.
Steph's personal breakthrough moments and the role of specific strategies like journaling and the "calm, confident, and in control" meditation.
Final thoughts and advice for other women considering donor egg IVF, emphasizing the importance of support, coaching, and the belief in one's deservingness to visualize a future as a mother.
In this episode Adele discusses the importance of disconnecting from work and the fertility journey to prioritize mental well-being.
Adele shares a recording excerpt from one of her live webinars that she hosts in the Donor Egg Mama Community Membership, focusing on the topic of taking a break from fertility treatments. The webinar features insights from Adele, Elouise Cloete, and a coaching client, discussing the emotional and psychological benefits of pausing fertility treatments.
You will gain real life insights on:
the importance of setting boundaries,
prioritizing self-care,
developing emotional resilience during the fertility journey.
the value of seeking support and professional guidance to navigate the emotional challenges of infertility.
Please feel free to connect with Adele here to find out more about how she can support you. You don't have to walk this journey alone xox
In this podcast episode, I speak to the incredible Edwina Taylor, a highly experienced fertility massage therapist from Perth, Australia to discuss the profound impact of fertility massage and holistic therapies on women's fertility journeys.
Edwina shares her personal journey into the world of fertility massage, sparked by a friend's miscarriage and the search for alternative therapies, leading her to specialize in supporting women with fertility challenges.
She explains the significance of creating a safe, nurturing environment for women to heal emotionally and physically, emphasizing the importance of addressing emotional traumas and stress as key factors in fertility.
Edwina also explore how fertility massage works, its benefits for women facing fertility issues, including those on a donor egg journey, and the importance of regulating the nervous system for conception. Additionally, Edwina shares techniques for managing stress and anxiety, illustrating how emotional and physical safety is crucial for successful pregnancies.
In this episode, I speak to an incredible guest Gina Mundy, a U.S. attorney specializing in childbirth cases. Gina shares insights from her book 'A Parent's Guide to Safer Childbirth', aimed at empowering expecting parents to prevent common mistakes during labour and delivery.
The conversation covers topics like;
Addressing Childbirth Fears with Knowledge
The Power of Being Informed
Understanding Pitocin: Risks and Safe Use
Choosing the Right Obstetrician for a Safe Birth
The Unique Journey of Donor Egg IVF Patients
Exploring Birth Options: C-Section, Induction, and Natural Birth
The Impact of Gina's Work on Healthcare Professionals and so much more.
In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Sheila V, an ex-corporate executive turned author, spiritual coach and motivational speaker, who found herself being featured in 'Big Miracles' the tv series, and sharing her vulnerable yet heartfelt journey to motherhood.
At 47, Sheila embarked on a path she never envisioned, one that led her to become a donor egg mother. Her journey was not easy, there were complications and challenges, multiple IVF attempts before opting for donor eggs, but despite these hurdles, Sheila's narrative is one of extraordinary resilience and gratitude, which remained her guiding light.
As Sheila stands on the brink of becoming a mother as we record this, her thoughts on preparing to share her child’s unique conception story highlight the significance of honesty, love and building a foundation of trust. Her story goes beyond the experience of becoming a mother; it's about a woman's metamorphosis through embracing every aspect of her journey with courage.
In this episode, I speak to Marie from California to discuss the complexities and emotional journey of using surrogacy to achieve parenthood after experiencing infertility and multiple miscarriages.
Marie shares her extensive six-year battle with infertility, including failed IVF attempts, a natural pregnancy followed by miscarriage, and ultimately the decision to pursue egg donation and surrogacy.
The story delves into the challenges and mindset shifts required throughout the process, the intricacies of working with an egg donor and a surrogate, and the deep emotional impacts of each step. Marie's story is one of resilience, the importance of support and letting go of control, and the joy of finally becoming a mother.
In this episode, I speak to an Australian embryologist, fertility educator and IVF coach, Lucy Lines the Founder of Two Lines Fertility.
This conversation dives into Lucy's background, starting from her fascination with animal breeding and genetics, to her pivotal role in human fertility and embryology.
We discuss the emotional and technical aspects of the donor egg pathway, the science behind embryo development and the significance of preconception health for both egg and sperm.
We also explore the dark side of the IVF industry, highlighting the importance of independent fertility advice and support. Lucy shares her personal journey through fertility challenges, culminating in the miracle of her pregnancy at 43 after multiple miscarriages, and stresses the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on fertility.
This episode features Karen, a former egg donor who now serves as the lead donor coordinator for Global Egg Donors. Karen discusses her experience as an egg donor, the process of egg donation at Global Egg Donors, and the rewarding experiences she has had while being part of many people's fertility journeys.
She also acknowledges the emotional challenges faced by women on this path and shares some heart-warming stories of egg donation. Karen's insights provide valuable information and reassurance to those considering or embarking on the journey of egg donation.
In this episode, I had the honour of speaking to Natalie Hart, a children's book author and fellow donor egg mama herself, who wrote the beautiful series for donor egg intended parents, called 'The Journey To You.'
Natalie, openly shares her journey through discovering her perimenopausal status at 41, leading her to pursue donor egg IVF in South Africa. Facing challenges such as a low egg reserve and failed IVF cycles and then finally the successful conception of her child through donor egg IVF.
Her personal journey is what inspired her to create a children's books on donor conception to support others who also just could not find the language or resources to be able to lightly introduce this concept to her child from a young age.
The episode was a heart felt conversation that really emphasizes the power of community support, and the transformative impact of turning personal challenges into creative and supportive resources for others.
In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking to Corinne Leach, a Brisbane-based clinical naturopath and nutritionist who specializes in fertility and reproductive health.
We delve into the MTHFR genetic mutation, its implications for fertility, and how to support the body in preparation for embryo transfer. Corinne also provides insights into dietary recommendations, the importance of selecting the right supplements, and the impact of lifestyle changes on fertility.
This conversation covers topics ranging from the Mediterranean diet to managing hormonal weight gain and supporting uterine lining health and so much more.
See Corinne's links below and as mention int he episode, she will also be our guest expert speaker in the Community Membership in May.
In this episode, we sit down with Jazmine Corona, a dedicated IP Case Manager at Donor Nexus, a boutique egg and embryo donation agency based in California. Jazmine shares her unique journey from being an egg donor herself to guiding intended parents through the emotional and practical aspects of selecting a donor.
Jazmine discusses the motivations behind her decision to become an egg donor, the physical and emotional experiences she encountered during her donations, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to supporting intended parents. She also offers invaluable advice on balancing the emotional and financial aspects of choosing a donor, the importance of communication, and how to navigate the challenges that can arise during the donor egg journey.
Whether you are considering egg donation, currently navigating the donor egg process, or simply interested in the complexities of fertility journeys, Jazmine’s insights provide a compassionate and informative perspective on this life-changing experience.
Key Topics Discussed:
Jazmine's personal journey as an egg donor and what inspired her to help others in their fertility journeys.
The role of an intended parent case manager and the day-to-day responsibilities involved.
Common concerns and fears faced by intended parents when starting their donor egg journey.
The process of selecting a donor and how to navigate the emotional and practical aspects.
Success stories and challenges in working with intended parents.
Jazmine’s thoughts on her future family and how her work in fertility has influenced her own hopes and dreams.
This episode features a special guest Saoirse Connolly, an author, womb activator, alchemist, leader and founder of House of Wild Media, who empowers women to embrace their feminine superpowers through the art of storytelling and connection.
Saoirse delves into her work in supporting women to narrate their stories and live authentically, the transformational aspects of pregnancy, birth, motherhood and the significance of creating a supportive community for women.
Together we discuss our own personal journeys to motherhood, the healing power of sharing stories, and the importance of embracing the various phases of womanhood, as we all embark on this beautiful but challenging journey that is life.
In this incredible episode, we have Hema Sarna, a senior embryologist at IVF Advice with over 10 years of experience in the fertility field. She shares her mission of simplifying IVF, debunking myths, and answering questions related to egg donation and IVF.
In this episode, I speak to Robin Newman, the founder of Global Egg Donors. Robin shares her incredible personal journey of transforming her battle with unexplained infertility into a global cause, helping prospective parents around the world. Robin's insights are especially beneficial for those struggling with secondary infertility and those residing in Australia which faces unique egg donation challenges.
This discussion touches on many aspects of the egg donation process, including:
choosing the right donor,
the impact of the donor's location,
the considerations of using fresh or frozen embryos,
the role of PGT testing,
her process of the donor traveling to your country,
how her Global Egg Donor process works,
And much more, so be sure to check this one out and get in touch with Robin for more information via her links below:
In this episode, we have a deep discussion with Lisa Schuman, a licensed clinical social worker and an expert in donor conception and surrogacy.
Lisa, an author and host of the 'Building Your Family' podcast, touches upon her journey to parenthood, her experiences in the fertility field, and her passion for educating people about the process.
We discuss the importance of open conversations about donor conception, tips to cope with the emotional challenges, and the significance of genetic screening. Lisa also talks about the importance of understanding one's own path to parenting, and shares resources to support and aid in this journey, including her book and a life book she designed for donor-conceived children.
Tune in to hear this enlightening conversation filled with advice and emotional support for those considering or in the process of building their families.
In this episode Kelly, a guest from California, shares the story of her unique and heart warming journey to motherhood and her decision to use a donor egg after unsuccessful rounds of IVF with her own eggs.
She used an agency, Global Egg Donors, and explores the emotional, financial, and logistical aspects of the process. Kelly emphasizes how open and honest conversations about donor conception have been vital in her parenting approach.
Kelly also expresses her unique experience around meeting the donor and her willingness to establish an open relationship with Kelly moving forward. We hope you enjoy the episode.
This episode is a recording of a live webinar workshop and guided meditation about creating vision boards and planning for the future, with an incredible guest and yoga expert Debbie Lewis.
The episode focuses on helping you gain clarity in your journey of egg donation and find balance in your life during the IVF process. The process of creating a vision board is also discussed in detail, to inspire you in your personal fertility journey, career or other life areas and just how simple it can truly be to align with the future version of your life that you are edging towards.
In this episode, Adele reflects on the accomplishments of her podcast in 2023 and shares her goals for 2024. She recaps some of the incredible conversations that have been held over 2023 with variety of guests who shared their unique experiences with donor eggs, overseas IVF, health challenges, the emotional turmoil and so much more.
Adele guides and supports women at every stage of the donor egg journey, from considering the donor egg pathway, whether you are choosing your egg donor, whether you're about to transfer your embryo, whether you are having experiencing setbacks, whether you're experiencing miscarriage, whether you are in pregnancy or motherhood, she has got your covered in her incredible membership designed to help guide you on every stage of the donor egg journey - Learn more about her Community Membershiphere
In this episode, Adele discusses the journey of what it is like to be an egg donor with IVF nurse and fertility coach, Lauren Haring. The discussion covers aspects such as Lauren's personal journey as an egg donor, her experiences as an IVF nurse, and her current role as an IVF coach an how she supports her clients through all aspects of the journey, especially around understanding protocol and medications used throughout the journey.
They take a deep dive into the emotions and fears often associated with the use of donor eggs including feelings of insecurity, fear of the unknown, and Lauren also shares her own journey as to why she became an anonymous egg donor and her thoughts on connecting with a child that came from one of her eggs.
If you have ever wondered about the egg donor and their journey and expectations, this episodes will give you very valuable insights to support you and your journey.
In this episode, Adele introduces her own business mentor, Carla Townsend, who is a Money Mindset & Success Coach who empowers women to eliminate their money blocks and heal their relationship with money.
Carla gives insight into money as energy and how it affects people's decision-making, particularly when dealing with major life events such as IVF treatment. She introduces concepts like Money Archetypes, providing tools to understand and better manage one's financial behaviours. She highlights the importance of accepting and controlling one's frequencies or emotions which manifest into real-world experiences.
In this episode, Clare shares the transformative journey she and her partner took on the donor route to parenthood. The couple had undergone significant healing work, preparing themselves mentally and emotionally for the unique path they were about to embark on.
Opting for a clinic in Prague, Czech Republic, Clare discusses the diagnostic and testing phase, along with the emotional challenges they encountered. She sheds light on the criteria they considered while choosing an egg donor, emphasizing the importance of likeness and following her intuition.
Clare's journey is a story of hope and faith that the then turned into a beautiful book, 'Flowering' - A tale of two who fell in love and their journey to parenthood.
In this episode of the Donor Egg Mama Podcast, Adele is joined by Amity Herrera, founder of Plum Egg Donor Agency, to discuss her extensive experience in the field of infertility and third-party reproduction. Key points include:
Key Learnings:
Empowerment Through Education: Understanding the importance of breaking the stigma around egg donation and encouraging young women to consider preserving their fertility.
Personal and Professional Insight: Gaining from Amity Herrera's unique perspective as both a professional in infertility and a parent through egg donation.
Support and Reliability: Recognizing the thorough screening and psychological evaluation process for egg donors to ensure reliability and responsibility.
Transparency and Future Considerations: Learning about the significance of open donations and the sibling registry for the well-being of donor-conceived children.
Comparing Options: Evaluating the differences between personalized agency services and egg banks, and understanding the potential implications of political changes on these options.
In this episode, Adele welcomes guest Kristi who shares her emotional journey of dealing with infertility for nine years, undergoing multiple unsuccessful IVF treatments, and her decision to opt for a donor egg. Kristi is moments away from giving birth to her beautiful baby girl and has the most beautiful words of encouragement for you, if you are considering the donor egg journey.
She discusses the strain this journey put on her relationship, the importance of seeking support, as well as the importance of personal growth and overcoming her own fears around her age, not using her own DNA to reproduce and letting go of the control and trusting her baby would come to her when it was divine timing.
I am delighted to let you know that Kristi safely and magically birthed her daughter and is utterly in love with her beautiful baby xox
This episode is a beautiful Affirmation Track to prepare you mentally, emotionally and spiritually for your Embryo Transfer.
Adele wanted to share with you, her gorgeous podcast community in case there is anyone who is preparing for their embryo transfer and really searching for some more support to embrace the journey they are on.
If you know anyone who is on their own fertility journey and you believe they might benefit from listening to this beautiful track, please share this with them.
In this episode, Adelle engages in an enriching conversation with Louise Siwicki, a Fertility Empowerment Coach & Workplace Advocate. Louise explains her journey with unexplained infertility, the importance of mental and physical health and her unwavering belief in the mind-body connection.
As Head of Australian Development at the European Fertility Society, she values education, interpersonal connection and fostering a supportive environment. She discusses her strategies for client support, focusing on psychological well-being and assisting those navigating fertility journeys within the corporate environment.
The conversation highlights the challenges faced by women dealing with fertility issues in a highly stressful workplace setting and the need for workplaces to provide vital psychological support to transform these struggles into growth and healing opportunities for better productivity and well-being.
In this episode, Adele introduces a remarkable guest Leanne, The Barefoot Medium, and discuss the concept of connecting to spirit babies. Leanne highlights the importance of mindfulness, intuition and emotional awareness to break free from overwhelm on the donor egg journey.
Leanne shares how spirit babies communicate through intuition and emotions and encourages embracing both the masculine and feminine energies. She also highlights the importance of self-care and listening to one's intuition in order to find fertility solutions.
Leanne offers services such as spirit baby sessions and coaching to further assist you in your journey to parenthood. Please visit her website for details on how to book: https://www.thebarefootmedium.com.au/
In this episode, host Adele speaks to a renowned fertility coach, Sarah Clark, who shares her own extraordinary journey of conceiving using donor eggs at a young age. Sarah, now a mother of two grown-up kids and the founder of a successful fertility coaching business, emphasizes the importance of nutritional health and adopting a functional medicine approach to increase chances of conception. Both Adele and Sarah stress the importance of mindset, emotional well-being, and building a trusted support system throughout the journey. Sarah also shares her practical guide for women with low AMH and high PSH to get pregnant.
In this episode, we follow Nicole's incredible eight-year journey to motherhood, which began in 2008, navigating the challenges of fertility treatments and emotional turmoil.
Nicole shares her candid experience of a pivotal moment when she unexpectedly bumped into her anonymous egg donor, igniting a rollercoaster of emotions. Her journey led to the decision to embrace surrogacy after multiple IVF attempts with her own eggs and donor eggs. She candidly discusses the legal complexities and the remarkable bond she formed with her surrogate.
Nicole's story is a testament to resilience, humour, and the enduring bonds formed through surrogacy. Please be sure to check out her blockbuster movie, ' Good Egg' which she explains was like a love letter for her twin daughters.
In this insightful episode, our guest Tori delves into her unique journey of twin motherhood, where her children's appearance doesn't resemble her own due to using an egg donor.
She shares the complex emotions she experienced and how she grappled with postpartum feelings, the struggle to fit in as a mother when others comment on her children's different appearance, often asking about their blonde hair and blue eyes.
Ultimately, she reflects on her journey of self-acceptance, the power of strong women, and embracing the uniqueness of her family. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating complex emotions in motherhood and emphasizes the importance of understanding and finding support when considering this journey to parenthood.
In this episode we have a remarkable guest joining us from Johannesburg, South Africa – Elouise Cloete. Elouise, a successful business owner who found herself on a complex journey to motherhood. Life often takes unexpected turns, and her experience, although not unique, offers valuable lessons for those navigating the challenging path of fertility and business building.
Elouise shares how she learned to let go of preconceived plans, embraced new ways of thinking, and ultimately found success with a known donor. Her journey reveals the power of connecting your thinking patterns with the outcomes you desire.
She shares how she connected with the process, accepted her journey, and gave herself self-compassion and forgiveness, ultimately affirming her daughter's unique personality through a letter to her future child.
Elouise's journey from endometriosis to motherhood is a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and acceptance. It's a must-listen for anyone on a similar path, offering insights into embracing unexpected outcomes and finding beauty in the journey itself. Tune in to learn from Elouise's inspiring experiences and wisdom.
In this episode, Adele welcomes back Mikki from London. They discuss Mikki's journey through IVF, her decision to use a donor egg, and her experiences during pregnancy. Mikki shares her thoughts on questions about her child's appearance and navigating the emotions and opinions of others.
She talks about the financial aspects of IVF and the challenges she faced, as well as the support she received from her clinic in Spain. Mikki also reflects on the loss of one twin during her pregnancy and her journey towards motherhood as she approaches the end of her pregnancy.
The episode highlights the importance of self-care and provides insights into sharing donor conception stories with children and to connect with the supportive community of women going through similar journeys.
In this heartfelt episode, we join Manda, Co- Director of a gorgeous line of organic cotton baby soft toys, comforters and gift sets called MaudnLIil, on her unique journey to motherhood as a solo parent in Australia.
Manda's candid conversation takes us through her decision to undergo fertility treatment in South Africa, highlighting her experiences, both positive and challenging. She shares insights into the importance of releasing emotional barriers and embracing the unexpected twists on the path to parenthood with twins.
Manda opens up about the joy and struggles of being an older mom, navigating health issues with MTFHR and the search for solutions.
Join us as we delve into Manda's inspiring story, offering support, understanding, and a glimpse into the life of a dedicated single mother. Plus, find out how you can contribute to her mission through the provided GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-with-problem-jaw-growth-breathing
In this episode I get to talk to one of my Podcast Listeners from the UK, Lisa from Dorset.
You will learn: - About her decision to use donor eggs: Lisa moves to a Czech clinic to avoid local donor complications, highlighting her thought process behind selecting anonymous donors abroad. - Emotional challenges and support: Lisa discusses overcoming emotional hurdles, including genetic loss and the fear of child resentment, and emphasizes the importance of support networks like the Donor Conception Network UK
If you would also like to share your story please get in touch here
In this episode, we have Ashley from Florida, who has a 10-month-old daughter after an eight-year fertility journey. Ashley is a licensed counselor.
Ashley and her husband decided to start trying when she was around 25 years old. They thought it was the right time, given that many of their friends were starting the same journey. They assumed it would be easy, like sharing a glass of wine and having a romantic night that would lead to a surprise pregnancy.
However, it didn't work out that way. They tried conceiving naturally for about a year, and then Ashley sought help from her OBGYN.
Feeling unheard and frustrated, Ashley made the decision to change doctors. She was then referred to a fertility specialist. At the fertility clinic, a diagnosis of endometriosis was promptly confirmed.
Various tests also revealed other reproductive issues, such as low ovarian reserve and poor egg quality. Despite attempts with timed relations and IUIs that didn't succeed, they decided to try IVF. However, in the first two attempts, they didn't retrieve many eggs, and the resulting embryos weren't very healthy.
Ashley's doctor recommended considering a donor egg due to the urgency of the situation. This suggestion led Ashley and her husband to take a pause and carefully consider this option. During this period, they also became involved in fostering a boy, though the potential adoption didn't happen. It was at this point that Ashley realized her strong desire to become a mother, regardless of the path taken.
During the time they were already prepared to continue with the process of getting an egg from a donor, another obstacle arose: the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their plans were further affected. Despite the challenges, they still managed to build their home and ultimately proceeded with the egg donor process, resulting in a successful pregnancy.
However, Ashley had a miscarriage during her first pregnancy. Despite the pain and difficulties, they didn't lose hope. They persisted, and their determination led to the eventual birth of their 10-month-old daughter.
Ashley encourages others not to give up, emphasizing that the fertility journey isn't sugar coated to be fun or easy. She acknowledges the challenging and sometimes treacherous nature of the experience. It's a tough path filled with expenses and pain, especially when it's expected to be a natural process.
In this episode we feature Lynn, sharing her story of battling endometriosis and navigating through infertility. Lynn's journey began when she and her husband decided to start a family after getting married in their mid-30s. They faced challenges with conception and visited a doctor after six months of trying. Lynn's husband, who had survived childhood cancer, went through testing. After several tests, it became clear that the issue did not come from his side. They later found out that it was due to her age, and the doctors recommended seeking more professional support. During one of her doctors appointments, Lynns situation took an unexpected turn when several tests were conducted. The results of these tests revealed that she had a low AMH, blockages in her tubes, and fibroids. As part of the diagnostic process, a fibroid removal surgery uncovered a significant detail: Lynn was also suffering with severe endometriosis.
She expressed that discovering her endometriosis was validating. She saw it as an explanation for the pain she had endured for years. Subsequently, she had surgeries to deal with her endometriosis, remove fibroids, and address blockages.
Lynn talks about her inner struggle with considering donor eggs. At first, she was hesitant, but she eventually became more receptive after a friend mentioned an organization called Keeping Hope Alive.
This organization provides Infertility support grants for local couples and she said: “you know what? Thats not a bad idea. And I put it in the universes hands. And I said, you know what? If we win this grant, then thats our sign. Thats a sign that we need to move forward with this.” After receiving an infertility support grant that assisted with expenses, Lynn found comfort in a group called Resolve, focused on infertility support. She talks about forming strong bonds with other women who openly shared their infertility experiences, emotions, and struggles. This group gave her essential support and a sense of connection.
26. Rebecca's Story: Family Completion Using Donor Eggs After A Long Fertility Journey Dealing With Blocked Fallopian Tubes And Premature Diminished Ovarian Reserve.
In this episode, I chat with Rebecca, a mother from Alabama who is a 41-year-old preschool director. She's happily married and a mother of two: a daughter from her own egg and a son conceived through a donor egg. She found out at 28 that her fallopian tubes were blocked, and that IVF would be her only way of getting pregnant, thus beginning her journey.
After 18 months of trying to conceive naturally, Rebecca was recommended to a clinic in Colorado known for successfully helping women with diminished ovarian reserve. With the IVF treatment framed as a holiday and an opportunity to relax and explore another part of the States, Rebecca and her husband embarked on the journey.
She credits the vacation environment as a contributing factor to successfully conceiving her daughter. Taking a five-year break to prepare financially and emotionally for a donor egg cycle, Rebecca aimed to complete her family of three. Desiring a sibling for her daughter, she recognized that using a donor egg was the way forward. The couple once again embarked on an IVF adventure, this time choosing San Diego Fertility Centre for the donor egg transfer. Despite a heart-wrenching setback with her initial donor selection, they eventually experienced a successful transfer, welcoming their son into the family. Rebecca shares with us how she explained the egg donation concept and the dynamics within their family to her children. Rebecca’s children are well-aware of the process that led to their conception, and this transparency has nurtured a strong and trusting family relationship. For her, a family's essence is defined more by the love, care, and dedication shared among its members than by genetics. Rebecca’s story offers valuable advice to others on a similar path. She encourages parents to trust their instincts, embrace the uniqueness of their family dynamic, and maintain open communication with their children. A common concern voiced by many women seeking to complete their family via egg donation is the fear that they might not bond with their donor-conceived child or love them as much as their biological child. Rebecca says, “When my son was born prematurely, I struggled initially due to the birth circumstances, but the bond grew strong as we spent time together. He's my son in every sense, and genetics don't define our connection.” Rebecca’s story helps ease worries and doubts for those concerned about their feelings toward their donor egg child. Tune in to episode 26 to hear Rebecca’s personal account of her fertility journey and how she overcame common donor egg mindset hurdles along the way.
In this episode, we are joined by Jessica, a wife, mother, and mental health therapist from Oklahoma, USA. Jessica’s path to motherhood was rough from the very start, as she received the devastating diagnosis of premature ovarian failure at age 24.
The fairy tale that we all take for granted of natural conception was shattered and she struggled with her mental health. The irony that she should be at the peak of her fertility in her 20’s was hard to bear and she sank into a deep depression.
After knowing about her condition, Jessica sought help from two doctors regarding her situation, and they provided contrasting advice. One convinced her that she can't conceive naturally, while the second one told her that she can still try for at least a month to see if it works. Jessica was not convinced that she could get pregnant naturally and made a courageous decision at 29 to embrace the donor egg pathway to parenthood.
Dedicated to being a mother, Jessica embarked on six trips over nine months, opting for donor egg IVF at CNY in New York.
It took her four transfers, and then she finally achieved pregnancy with her son, who is approaching his third birthday.
Jessica shared that the biggest help came from her husband and family's support. She said:
“ I think the biggest thing for me was I relied on my husband and my family for support. I talked to them about how I was feeling. And I think that was a big thing. I knew from my past that I don't want to talk about the things I'm struggling with and I found that it was best for me to reach out and talk about how I was feeling.”
Leaning on her faith also played a pivotal role in her journey. She found solace in being prepared for different outcomes, regardless of whether the path led to success or further challenges.
Jessica's journey ignited her passion for raising awareness about the donor egg pathway. She emphasizes the value of sharing stories, destigmatizing emotions, and helping others navigate their emotional complexities more efficiently.
Through her trials, Jessica found her inner strength and resilience. Shifting her mindset, she recognized her journey as a source of strength rather than brokenness, transforming her feelings of isolation into growth and healing.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Tracie, a 43-years-old woman from the Midwest USA who shares her experience with infertility and her decision to use donor eggs to conceive her daughter.
At the age of 34, Tracie and her husband began a determined quest for a baby hoping to conceive naturally. After a year and a half of trying, they sought medical help and tried various treatments, such as: acupuncture, IUIs, and IVF.
Tracie tried everything, including 'bee sting' therapy!
However, she had to face multiple unsuccessful attempts and many miscarriages. A doctor recommended using donor eggs, but Tracie initially resisted the idea, determined to conceive with her own eggs.
Eventually, Tracie found another fertility clinic with a great doctor who was able to retrieve eggs from her successfully. But the journey was still tough, again with many failed attempts along the way. It was not easy for her to stay positive in her journey as her problems were inclining every step.
However, Tracie shares that her turning point came when she was listening to a podcast where a woman discussed her own challenges and posed the question: 'What's more important to you - having your own genetics or having a baby?
She explained, 'That's when it just clicked for me. I realized, Oh my gosh, I just want a baby. So, I thought, okay, if this next attempt doesn't work, we're going to try donor eggs. At that point, I completely embraced the idea and felt an immense relief once I made that decision.' From then on Tracie decided to move forward with using donor eggs. They found a suitable donor, and the first transfer was successful, leading her to a healthy pregnancy and the birth of a beautiful and healthy daughter.
Tracie's path was marked by challenges. One of them was showing up day to day in a job she disliked for years, yet the outstanding insurance package meant she could continue with her fertility journey. She wouldn't quit until she got the baby in arms, that was on her heart.
She hopes that by sharing her story, others can find hope and strength on their own paths to parenthood.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about her inspiring journey!
In this episode, Heather's journey towards parenthood took an unexpected turn, filled with challenges and self-discovery.
In her own words, Heather reflects on her earlier naivety when it came to conception and pregnancy. Having effortlessly conceived her first born in her twenties, Heather believed that expanding her family would not pose any difficulties. Little did she know that this next chapter of her life would prove to be challenging.
Before Heather could even consider having another child, she and her husband faced a significant hurdle—his vasectomy. Initially, her husband was hesitant about the idea, and they found themselves on different pages.
However, Heather's determination prevailed, and together, they decided to pursue a reversal procedure. While many professionals cautioned against it, they proceeded with a TESI procedure (Testicular Sperm Extraction). It wasn't an easy decision, and it took time for Heather to convince her husband that it was the right path to take.
Following the TESI procedure, Heather dove headfirst into her first cycle of trying to conceive. However, she soon faced a setback. Her doctors expressed doubt about the process, given her age and underlying perimenopause symptoms. Although she initially remained optimistic, the truth was eventually revealed—premature menopause. It was a harsh reality to accept.
Nevertheless, Heather's spirit refused to be defeated. She swiftly redirected her focus to exploring the option of using donor eggs. Even before her own cycle was canceled, she had already begun researching and considering this alternative path. Deep down, Heather felt a profound calling to pursue this route. It was as if her dreams and intuitions were guiding her towards this pathway to motherhood.
One fascinating aspect that Heather shared was the vivid dreams she experienced, where she envisioned herself holding her future baby. “there was a calling of my heart that this was something that we wanted to do. It seemed a little bit supernatural. I kept having really vivid dreams about having the baby in my dream.”
It was as if an unexplainable force was urging her to embark on this journey. The energy and determination she felt resonated with the belief that these unborn souls choose their parents and guide them on their path. This realization brought Heather solace, confirming that her calling was not in vain. To witness Heather’s incredible journey of hope.
In this episode, we hear the incredible journey of Lily, who was diagnosed with Turner's syndrome at the age of 15. Turner's syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects one in 2,500 female births, characterised by the absence of part or all of one X chromosome. This condition leads to various health issues, including heart problems, hearing loss, short stature, and most importantly, fertility challenges.
Lily always dreamt of becoming a mother and took on a nurturing role early in life, caring for her younger sister. After a few failed relationships and considering her fertility challenges, Lily decided to pursue motherhood through either adoption or a donation process. Given the complexities of her condition, she had to undergo hormone treatments and growth hormone injections to help her grow physically and prepare for fertility treatments.
She embarked on her journey to parenthood by using both egg and sperm donors. Her first attempt at IVF was successful, and she gave birth to her son. However, her second attempt resulted in a failed transfer, which brought its own set of challenges. Lily later learned that her son also had a genetic condition, and she had to focus on getting him diagnosed and receiving proper support.
Determined to have another child, Lily saved up money for a third attempt at IVF. She traveled to Barcelona, Spain, for the treatment, and this time, the process went more smoothly. Lily underwent acupuncture and followed various rituals, including eating pineapple and wearing warm socks, as per popular beliefs to enhance IVF success.
Through perseverance and the support of her friends, Lily successfully completed her third IVF transfer. Currently, she is seven weeks pregnant and experiencing all the emotions that come with early pregnancy. She is hopeful and excited about the journey ahead.
Throughout her journey, Lily faced challenges, but she never let her condition hinder her dreams of motherhood. Her story highlights the resilience, determination, and love that can lead to fulfilling dreams and creating a beautiful family, despite the obstacles life throws our way. We wish Lily the best in her pregnancy and celebrate her courage in sharing her amazing journey with us. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and heartwarming account of determination to become a mother despite the challenges of Turners.
In this episode we had the pleasure of hearing from Becky Morrison, also known as Nurse Becky, a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Alberta, Canada, who has experienced incredible resilience and strength throughout her journey. She has faced six miscarriages, one ectopic pregnancy, and to her shock had a stroke whilst holidaying in Hawaii. Despite these challenges, Becky successfully had a son through egg donation and went on to write a series of children's books to address and reduce stigma surrounding fertility issues.
Becky's fertility struggles began in her early 30s, and she initially believed she would easily conceive. However, she faced difficulties and went through failed IUIs and a miscarriage. She then experienced an ectopic pregnancy, resulting in the removal of one of her fallopian tubes. To relax before starting IVF, Becky and her husband traveled to Hawaii, where she unexpectedly had a stroke.
Returning to Canada, Becky discovered she had suffered a stroke and feared it would hinder her chances of trying to conceive. After a year of recovery, including heart surgery, she received approval to undergo IVF with certain limitations. However, despite multiple attempts with her own eggs and her husband's sperm, Becky faced more miscarriages, causing her mental health to deteriorate. In her lowest moment, Becky was struggling despite her background as a mental health nurse practitioner. On the day of her final IVF attempt, she rushed home to take a pregnancy test, hoping for a positive result. However, the ongoing challenges took a toll on her mental well-being. “You have to take care of your holistic self. It's not just not drinking alcohol, eating healthy. You have to also work on your mental health because your mind and your brain controls the rest of your body. So it comes down to ‘what can I control’? Because a lot of the things we lose control of when we go through fertility treatment, however, we can take control of our holistic health. That’s what we can do and be okay with.”
Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and heartwarming account that will leave you inspired.
Becky offers all of our listeners some great resources. Please contact her via her website for her free CBT course: Ninja Mind F$&@ therapy Her book The Search for the Magical Egg Www.beckymorrison.ca Instagram @infertility_ninja
In today's episode, we have the honor of sharing Sam's extraordinary journey from battling lymphoma to embracing motherhood. Get ready to be inspired by her resilience, hope, and unwavering love. Sam's life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with lymphoma. Knowing that chemotherapy could make her infertile, she faced a difficult decision. Determined to preserve her dream of becoming a mother, Sam chose to undergo egg collection before starting treatment. This decision was the first step on her path to motherhood.
Finding the right egg donor was a complex and emotional process for Sam. Initially hesitant about using donor eggs, she explored various options, including offers from friends and online communities. Eventually, she discovered Reprofit, a clinic in the Czech Republic, known for its high success rates and strict embryo transfer criteria. Embarking on the journey to the Czech Republic was both exciting and nerve-wracking for Sam. With the support of the clinic and available resources, she felt confident in her decision. Despite encountering obstacles and setbacks, Sam held onto hope and embraced the unknown.
Finally, the most beautiful part of Sam's journey arrived—motherhood. Holding her child for the first time, Sam experienced indescribable joy and fulfillment. Despite the challenges she faced, her love for her child knows no bounds.
Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey of hope and triumph. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our upcoming episodes.
In this episode, we delve into the critical considerations for selecting an egg donor and understanding genetics.
Reflecting on my own journey, I share practical advice and offer reframes on common fears about donor selection and genetic traits.
The conversation also covers the influence of epigenetics and the impact of the intended parent's environment on the baby's development.
Key Learnings:
Genetics Uncertainty: Understanding that genetics are unpredictable and choosing a donor with similar traits doesn't guarantee your child will resemble you.
Epigenetics Impact: The unique chemistry of the intended parent carrying the child plays a significant role in the baby's development.
Child-Centered Approach: Emphasizing the importance of selecting a donor with young age and good health, and considering the benefits of an open ID or known donor.
In this episode, I had a heartfelt conversation with Tara and Katherine, where they shared their incredible story of friendship and the journey to motherhood.
Tara began by recounting her experience with IVF, describing it as an immensely stressful process. She underwent three retrievals, but unfortunately, she didn't have much success. Being slightly older, she humorously said her eggs had retired. Despite their best efforts, including the three retrievals and even enduring a devastating miscarriage, Tara and her husband realized they needed to explore other options if they still wanted to become parents.
Although her husband strongly desired a child genetically related to him, Tara knew they had to consider alternative paths. Interestingly, Katie had casually mentioned to Tara before that she was willing to donate her eggs. Tara had never imagined having to ask her friend for something so significant, but as they faced the reality of their situation, she decided to broach the subject with Katie.
So, Tara asked Katie, "When you mentioned giving me your eggs, how serious were you?" To her surprise, Katie replied, "I'm completely serious. I would gladly do this for you." Tara was taken aback by how easy the conversation was, as it's not something one expects to ask of a friend.
Tara underwent three egg retrievals, endured two miscarriages, and ultimately embarked on an egg donor cycle that resulted in eight embryos. Despite the challenges, Tara's first embryo transfer proved successful, and now she joyfully celebrates her beautiful one-year-old daughter.
To truly witness the strength of friendship and the power of love and determination on the path to motherhood, don't miss out on Tara and Katherine's incredible story. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring and heartwarming account that will leave you inspired.
Be supported on your donor egg journey with the Community Membership (insert link https://www.donoreggmama.com/membership)
In this episode, I had an amazing conversation with Anna, who proudly calls herself an "advanced maternal age Mama." She earned this title through her unwavering determination and a challenging six-year journey of struggling with infertility.
Anna's story was filled with obstacles, including a big financial burden that left her feeling trapped and overwhelmed in her quest to have a baby. She found it really hard to get her head around using donor eggs, but after experiencing multiple failures and running out of money, she had to consider new options that lead her to a fantastic clinic in Mexico and the baby that she desired with all of her heart.
Despite feeling discouraged and thinking about giving up, Anna's determination never wavered. She refused to let go of her dream of becoming a mother and kept pushing forward. While exploring more affordable options within the US, they came across fertility programs at universities. However, it was through a lucky encounter on a Facebook group that they discovered a clinic in Mexico, opening up a whole new possibility of affordable IVF treatment and the chance to make their dream of parenthood a reality.
Unfortunately, after her first transfer, Anna experienced a devastating miscarriage. It was during the subsequent medical examinations that doctors made a significant discovery—she was diagnosed with chronic endometritis, which is an inflammation of the endometrium. However, there was hope on the horizon thanks to the intervention of Dr. Mack. She prescribed a targeted course of antibiotics to address the chronic endometritis, and her treatment proved successful. This renewed Anna's optimism and set her back on track towards her journey of becoming a mother once again.
Anna experienced an outpouring of support from her family, friends, co-workers, and medical team when she finally conceived. Her doctor provided exceptional emotional support, offering reassurance by saying, "I know you're worried. You can come in anytime you want and listen to the baby's heartbeat to make sure that they're okay." The unwavering presence of her loved ones and the dedication of her medical team made a profound impact on Anna's journey towards motherhood.
Note: Dr. Brean is no longer accepting new patients. Anna advises researching a reputable medical team that is willing to support overseas IVF donor egg IVF. For those interested, an excellent facility and clinic in Mexico that offers a live birth guarantee can be found at https://www.ingenes.com.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Lea, a licensed therapist and IVF Coach with a remarkable journey. Seven years ago, at the age of 30, she began experiencing unusual symptoms like night hot flashes and irregular, heavier periods. Concerned about her health, she visited her gynecologist who conducted tests revealing alarmingly low levels of anti-malarial hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for someone her age. This news hit her hard, especially since she was already facing the challenges of a failing relationship.
The diagnosis left Lea questioning her suitability as a partner due to her perceived inability to conceive. However, fate smiled upon her when she found an incredibly supportive partner who understood her situation. They got married and gathered the courage to pursue their shared dream of starting a family. Their path was far from easy, though. After careful consideration, they made the difficult decision to use donor eggs to fulfill their parenthood aspirations.
Lea eventually found peace in choosing an egg from a donor, someone she felt a deep connection with.
“I found somebody that I loved, it was interesting because I felt like she seemed almost like my little sister in a weird way. Like she had a lot of very similar experiences in life.”
However, their journey still had its struggles. Despite getting pregnant after the first transfer, Lea unfortunately experienced a miscarriage. This took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. Despite the challenges, she found solace in journaling, using it as an outlet to express her thoughts and emotions. After making positive adjustments in her life, her body eventually became capable of conceiving again.
If you want to delve deeper into Lea's journey, be sure to listen to this episode.
In this episode, I have an amazing conversation with Cassandra, a bereavement doula who shares my passion for helping others. Cassandra has supported women who have reached out to her, providing them with companionship and helping them navigate their own unique paths.
Cassandra's own journey towards parenthood was filled with challenges. She experienced multiple pregnancy losses and, at the age of 36, was introduced to the idea of using an egg donor by her OB. Despite trying various methods to improve her fertility, including adjusting their exercise routine and following a specific plan, they didn't achieve the desired results. This led Cassandra and her family to consider using donor eggs.
They had a consultation with a donor coordinator and eventually found a suitable donor who had children of her own and a genuine desire to help others. Cassandra connected with her donor through a match page and sent her a heartfelt letter expressing gratitude. Their relationship blossomed, and they stayed in touch throughout Cassandra's pregnancy.
Cassandra recalls the support she received from her donor:
“The day that I went for my transfer, she was texting me like, I really hope this goes well. And I've been praying for you. It was really nice. And all my OB appointments, she would ask me how it went and like that she was so happy.”
If you want to learn more about Cassandra's journey, make sure to listen to this episode. It's filled with inspiring stories and valuable insights. And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more engaging conversations. Thank you for joining us and being a part of our community.
If you would like to find out more about Cassandra check out her website: www.donoreggdoula.com