Explore every episode of the podcast The Backup Plan
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49: IVF Emotions | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:10:18 | |
I’ve finally had an emotional breakdown about my IVF journey. GRATEFUL for the mental health work I’ve done along the way to keep me afloat. Progesterone in oil shots start soon and I’m hoping that I’m nearing the end of my journey! ---
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| 48: Trump's "Free IVF" Plan | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:18:25 | |
Donald Trump is promising free IVF if he gets elected. As someone who is deep int he middle of an IVF journey myself, I share thoughts and feelings about how I think it'd work (spoiler alert: I don't think it will).
ALSO MENTIONED ---
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| 39: I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:17:36 | |
Meredith has embryo news!! Aside from sharing which zygotes made it to blastocyst status, she's going over best practices for checking in on a friend who is undergoing IVF. ---
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| 38: A Tale of Two Egg Retrievals | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:15:13 | |
Meredith came out of her most recent egg retrieval with very different results! What were the differences in treatment? Did she keep calm, cool, and collected this time? Will this be her last retrieval? ---
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| 37: Perinatal Psychiatry | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:37:41 | |
Mental health is muy importante, so Meredith is sharing her journey from sad little girl to a healthy medicated lady. In preparation for pregnancy (and because of the influx of hormones in her system thanks to the second round of egg retrieval), she decided to get in touch with a perinatal psychiatrist early. Here's how she found one and how her first appointment went. --- ---
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| 36: PGT-A Results | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:20:04 | |
Meredith discusses the results from the PGT-A tests her embryos underwent, explains what a segmented mosaic embryo means, and discusses next steps in her IVF journey. ---
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| 35: Chick-Pickin' (with Nana) | 29 May 2024 | 00:45:57 | |
Nana is back in California! They’re discussing Meredith’s Day 5 4BB and Day 7 4BA embryos (better known at Chip & Dale); the nail-biting wait on genetic test results, whether or not to learn the sex, and if so, WHEN? TOPICS COVERED
ARTICLES DISCUSSED
PLACES MENTIONED ---
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| 34: Blastocysts | 15 May 2024 | 00:26:41 | |
After a week of waiting, Meredith learns how many of her fertilized eggs have become full fledged embryos. She shares how she found out, how she's feeling, and what's up next. ---
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| 33: Egg Retrieval Surgery | 08 May 2024 | 00:33:08 | |
What’s it like to have an egg retrieval for IVF at KindBody? Meredith just had hers and she’s here to share the results - how many eggs were retrieved, how many were mature, and how many were fertilized with her gay best friend’s sperm. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE. OTHER EPISODES REFERENCED:
Read the full blog post for this episode - https://backupplanpod.com/33-egg-retrieval-surgery/ ---
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| 32: Egg Retrieval Injections, Week 2 | 01 May 2024 | 00:17:25 | |
When your follicles don't respond to hormones, you pump up the volume and keep injecting. Meredith has to keep up the routine this week in anticipation of the egg retrieval and symptoms have really started kicking in! Belly bruising, foggy brain, and increasing shot pain...oh my. ---
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| 31: Egg Retrieval Injections | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:26:08 | |
We've moved into the injection phase! Meredith is 22 injections in and reporting on all of the wild side effects: vivid dreams, unsupportive family members, and an incredible amount of trash. Truth be told, it's a lot easier than she anticipated and way more enjoyable than the estrogen priming. ---
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| 30: Estrogen Priming | 10 Apr 2024 | 00:11:55 | |
Bare with Meredith this week, she was in a lot of pain when she recorded and edited this episode! ---
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| 47: Unboxing Meds | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:11:43 | |
Progesterone in oil has arrived! I’m prepping for my frozen embryo transfer as a single mom by choice, and the first step is receiving medication. ---
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| 29: Starting IVF | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:21:10 | |
Meredith is starting IVF this week! She's taking Estradiol (Estrace) in before shots start next week. Despite some confusion with the Family Building Team at Kindbody, Meredith prepared with IVF organization tips and answers some listener questions. ---
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| 28: Fertile Myrtle (w/ Ariana Madix) | 27 Mar 2024 | 00:55:13 | |
Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules) and Meredith go WAY back - they’ve known each other longer than they haven’t at this point. Ariana has some hot tips for Meredith on the egg retrieval process, talks about why she decided to freeze her eggs, and reproductive panic. ---
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| 27: Navigating Family Leave (w/ Diane Gatza) | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:40:17 | |
Meredith is joined by Diane Gatza to discuss family leave (or maternity leave, or paternity leave...whatever floats your boat). Diane is revolutionizing the way parents-to-be approach the maze of benefits available to them. Whether you're in California or beyond, her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to strategically plan and secure the support they deserve as they embark on the journey of starting a family. This episode has actionable advice for expecting parents who want to arm themselves with knowledge and achieve financial ease during this life-changing experience. In this episode, we cover: 01:36 - Personal IVF Updates 09:28 - Helping Diverse Families 12:00 - Negotiating for Better Benefits 19:00 - Working with Human Resources 26:39 - Avoiding Pitfalls in Planning 32:48 - 3 Steps to Maximize Family Leave 38:29 - Freelance Benefits Products Mentioned: Buzzy Vibrating Ice Pack - https://amzn.to/3vqhoXl Pineapple-Shaped Bandages - https://amzn.to/48WxwO8 Silicone Mats - https://amzn.to/4ajjBTw Read the full blog post for this episode - https://backupplanpod.com/27-navigating-family-leave-w-diane-gatza/ ---
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| 26: Money & Drugs | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:18:48 | |
Meredith doesn't like talking finances, but she's going to for your benefit! This week is all about the frustration of not being as prepared as she'd like to be, the privileged position she's in because she's raising this baby with her mother, the cost of each medication prescribed for the upcoming egg retrieval, and a quick rant about the state of the entertainment industry (her given profession). ---
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| 25: Short but Sweet! | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:05:21 | |
In this episode, Meredith quickly shares that she made it through Morton's neuroma surgery! Prepping for IVF is imminent...
Created, produced and hosted by Meredith Kate, co-produced by Julian Hagins. backupplanpod.com for show notes, transcripts, partner links, and our newsletter. ---
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| 24: Sweet Home Alabama | 28 Feb 2024 | 00:24:33 | |
It’s a wild time to start IVF right now, so Meredith’s got a stream of consciousness for y’all this week, from rage about Tommy Tuberville’s thoughtlessness to Backup Plan listener reactions.
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| 23: You Can Keep Your Underwear On (w/ Baby Daddy Michael) | 21 Feb 2024 | 00:19:24 | |
Michael has officially frozen sperm for Meredith's impending IVF! The two pals talk about the donation process and the litany of doctor's appointments they had across Los Angeles this week while he was in town. ---
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| 22: Community Kids (w/ Gabi Garland) | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:51:56 | |
Gabi Garland joins this week to share her single mother journey - from being in an abusive relationship, to losing her partner, to ultimately finding the best version of herself. Gabi is an authenticity coach and podcast producer who provides incredible advice to Meredith as she prepares to start IVF.
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| 21: January Was Wild | 07 Feb 2024 | 00:19:59 | |
I didn't mean to take another hiatus, but curveballs were thrown! This week you'll hear about my birthday, an attempted break-in, triangulated travel from LA to Orlando to NYC, and my latest fertility updates: revised sperm results, fluctuating AMH levels, and a timeline for cryopreservation and egg retrieval. ---
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| 20: My Improv Banker Husband (w/ Mom) | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:49:57 | |
Meredith's Mom joins this week to talk about her previous and current ideas about IVF, and how she's feeling about Meredith's decision. Talk turns to what could be happening in other multiverses, including the career and passions of Meredith's would-be Orlando spouse.
20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 46: One Year of THE BACKUP PLAN | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:19:38 | |
Becoming a single mother by choice is difficult! I've been preparing for a baby for two years and making content about the process for a year, so I figured it was worth doing a recap video to catch y'all up on where we've been together. ---
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| 19: Don't be a Trevor (w/ Carla Furey) | 10 Jan 2024 | 01:09:46 | |
Meredith is making a big choice about IVF and is turning to her friend (and artist extraordinaire) Carla Furey for advice and guidance. They recap meeting under the dark shadow of Scandoval and how their friendship has blossomed since then. ---
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| 18: Whoop, Swoop, and Pull (w/ Whitney) | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:47:17 | |
WE'RE BACK! Whitney joins this week to ring in 2024 and make sure that Meredith adequately recounts everything that happened in December. This episode has it all: genetic test results, learning the origins of cuckoo clocks, and shifting ideology regarding fertility treatments. What more could you ask for?? ---
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| 17: What About Surrogacy? (w/ Joy Millan) | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:36:09 | |
Joy of Life Surrogacy founder Joy Millan joins Meredith this week to explain the role a surrogacy agency can play in a conception journey. ---
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| 16: Fertility Testing Results | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:22:56 | |
Meredith shares the results of her fertility assessments, specifically AFC and AMH levels, from her first round of appointments with Kindbody. Hello Bello20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 15: First Kindbody Appointment | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:18:13 | |
Let's hear it for Kindbody - a company that performs fertility and wellness services in modern, tech-enabled clinics. Meredith had a fantastic call with one of their doctors in the Newport Beach office and made some choices about her fertility journey moving forward - including full diagnostic testing. Hello Bello20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 14: The Prego Expo | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:23:33 | |
Meredith attended CreateHer this week, an exclusive event for creators hosted by The Prego Expo. She got to walk the floor of The Prego Expo before it opened to the public, got to speak with entrepreneurial brands, and received support on the fertility journey from folks who have been there.
20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 13: Test Results, Positive & Negative | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:12:33 | |
DID SHE GET PREGNANT? Will she survive Covid? Answers to these questions and more in this week's episode. Meredith also lays out plans for the next few months, including partaking in Prego Expo/CreateHer this coming week in Los Angeles. Hello Bello20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 12: DIY ICI, Round 2! | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:23:18 | |
PSA: Mere hours after I recorded this, I started experiencing symptoms of Covid and tested positive. Get your boosters! 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 11: This is Our Halloween Episode (w/ Baby Daddy Michael) | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:57:35 | |
As Meredith heads off to Washington to meet Michael for a turkey bastering, we answer audience questions about our situation. We also indulge in a trip down memory lane, reminiscing on the eerie tales of haunted St. Augustine, our outrageous Halloween costumes, and the wild parties that filled 42 Sanford Street. Hello Bello20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 10: Guess Who Bought a Ticket to Washington? | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:12:58 | |
Meredith's had technical difficulties this week, so it's a shorty episode! The big news? She's going to Washington in less than a week for another DIY-ICI. She covers the fears and concerns that she has as well as her excitement. ---
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| 45: Suddenly Surgery | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:14:02 | |
My IVF journey was abruptly halted last month when a breast cancer scare got in the way. In the last part of my cancer scare series (YAY), I share how a surgery consult turned into a lumpectomy in less than 24 hours. RELATED VIDEOS:
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| 9: To Breed, or Not to Breed (w/ Krystina Arielle & Whitney Warren) | 04 Oct 2023 | 01:26:14 | |
LET'S KEEP THIS ENERGY GOING! Krystina Arielle and Whitney Warren join this week to talk about The Cut's article, "Why Can't Our Friendship Survive Your Baby?". Not only do we get into sociological stereotypes about motherhood and the changing nature of friendship as we age, but we even manage to squeeze in some Twilight talk. (The Backup Plan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.) Hello Bello20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 8: Don't Be a Kevin (w/ Whitney Warren) | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:43:13 | |
Whitney has been a real one since 2003 proving that some of the weirdos you meet in the Theatre Department are truly worth keeping around. As Meredith is deep enough in her own story to sometimes gloss over details, Whitney plays host and asks some of the questions that the audience might have. 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 7: It's So Sci-Fi (w/ Austin Fremont) | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:55:51 | |
You know that feeling when you meet someone on the road of life who's just a *little* bit further down the boulevard than you? Austin Fremont is that for Meredith - her son Felix is nearly a year old and was conceived with the help of Austin's friend, Stephen. The gals chat about their decision to go this route and how sci-fi it feels to be choosing their own motherhood destiny. 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 6: Baby's First Vanderpump Rules Binge (w/ Shaina Goelman) | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:40:50 | |
Meet Shaina Goelman, a brand new solo mom and licensed marriage and family therapist living in the suburbs of Los Angeles. The gals chat about dating in LA, how they each came to the decision to have kids on their own, and Shaina shares tips with Meredith on conception, pregnancy, and how to overcome the hurdles of postpartum with the assistance of Vanderpump Rules. 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 5: Sperm Procurement | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:24:07 | |
We're focusing on obtaining sperm, y'all. This is where Meredith is currently at in trying to figure out how to get Michael's bodily fluids from one corner of the country to another. 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| BONUS - 4.5: gnerdle, nerdle, knurdle | 02 Sep 2023 | 00:14:14 | |
Meredith takes a break from hosting to do an Urban Dictionary deep dive with Michael. Hello Bello20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 4: Meet the Baby Daddy | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:48:28 | |
It's about time you meet the GBF, huh? Michael joins Meredith this week to take a trip down memory lane, talk about the big decision they made together, and highlight the importance of chosen family in the queer community. 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 3: Meet Nana | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:49:32 | |
Meredith's mom, Janey, joins this week's conversation to discuss the way they're reshaping their family, their co-parenting plans, and how they're growing together in this new chapter. 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 2: First Steps Towards Solo Mommyhood | 14 Aug 2023 | 00:28:00 | |
Travel back in time to MARCH 2023, the month that Meredith got serious about having a baby on her own. This week tackles her first OBGYN appointment, exploring acupuncture for fertility, and an unexpected message from her future baby's daddy. Hello Bello20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 1: An Introduction | 13 Aug 2023 | 00:09:12 | |
Picture this: college pals, a heartening bond, and an unusual dream that leads to an extraordinary journey. Meredith is your guide through this delightful adventure. Learn about her friendship with Michael, her gay best friend, and how his dream about the two of them having a baby together became a real-life decision. This episode sets the stage for future chats with experts, individuals who’ve treaded similar paths, and folks thrilled to initiate their families on their terms. Welcome to The Backup Plan. 20% off for new customers with code “MEREDITHB“ Kegg Fertility Tracker Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Kegg Trackers at the above link. Kindred Bravely 15% off nursing and maternity wear with code “Meredith15“. Mosie Baby Support The Backup Plan by purchasing Mosie kits at the above link. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ---
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| 44: Breast Biopsy | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:15:51 | |
Sharing my stereotactic breast biopsy in chair experience at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. ---
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| 43: WE INTERRUPT THIS IVF ALREADY IN PROGRESS | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:09:01 | |
IVF as a single mom by choice is hard enough, I don't need a cancer scare! Fears of breast cancer are looming as I get a radial scar checked out at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. Having a mammogram under 40 wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024. ---
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| 42: Embryo Reveal | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:26:05 | |
IVF success isn’t just getting pregnant - it’s a lot of steps along the way. In her journey to becoming a single mom by choice, Meredith decided to celebrate her embryos after they passed preimplantation genetic screening with an EMBRYO REVEAL PARTY - a modern twist on a traditional gender reveal party. ---
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| 41: Frozen Embryo Transfer Plans | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:13:16 | |
Meredith is sharing news from her fertility doctors at Kindbody this week - her frozen embryo transfer (FET) has been scheduled! She goes over the process, why her and her doctor chose a controlled FET and plans for her BLASTOSHOWER - an embryo sex reveal. ---
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| 40: Two Euploid Embryos | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:13:53 | |
Meredith got her PGT-A test results a week early! Watch as she shares the news with family and friends, talks about next steps, and shares tips for maintaining sanity during the process. Frozen embryo implantation comes next…stay tuned! ---
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