Building your family
- Folgen
- 202
- Erscheint
- wöchentlich
- Letzte Folge
- 8. Nov. 2026
Über den Podcast
Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future. At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make these life-changing decisions with greater clarity, resulting in better outcomes and fewer regrets. We understand that many of the decisions you make along this journey can’t be undone, and that’s why our approach is all about offering you practical, actionable steps that you can start applying right now. Our educational components are tailored to help you think differently, make more informed choices, and take control of your experience—from fertility treatments to parenting strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your journey, Building Your Family is here to guide you with expert advice, specialized education, stress-reduction strategies, and the community support you need to make the best choices for you and your family. For more information, sign up for our newsletter, you will be able to stay up to date with the episodes, get information about our programs and most of all join our warm community. And follow us on social.// Monthly email: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Watch the podcast on YouTube http://bit.ly/3E49Z1k Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Folgen 202
8 Hours of Sleep and Still Exhausted? A Neurologist on Sleep, Vitamin D and Fertility Treatment
Fertility treatment can make you feel like almost nothing is in your control. Sleep is one thing you may be able to work on. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa sits down with neurologist …
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Fertility treatment can make you feel like almost nothing is in your control. Sleep is one thing you may be able to work on.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa sits down with neurologist turned sleep expert Dr. Stasha Gominak to talk about why eight hours of sleep is not always restorative sleep, why "just relax" is not a strategy, and what she says about vitamin D, B vitamins and sleep. Sleep is not a guarantee of any fertility outcome, but it is connected to your overall health and how your body recovers.
What you will learn in this episode:
Why you can sleep eight hours and still not wake up rested
Sleep disorders beyond sleep apnea, and signs people often miss
Why Dr. Gominak calls poor sleep a hidden epidemic
What she says about vitamin D and B vitamins and their role in sleep
Why sleep may be when the body does much of its repair, including the science of sleep paralysis
How sleep connects to chronic illness, the microbiome and epigenetics, in her view
Why outdoor exposure matters, especially for children
Practical steps people can take right awayThis episode is for education only and is not medical advice. Dr. Gominak shares her own clinical views. Please talk with your doctor before starting or changing any supplement, especially during fertility treatment or pregnancy.
Chapters:
0:00 Why sleep matters when treatment feels out of control
2:53 Dr. Gominak's path from neurology to sleep
6:09 Sleep disorders beyond sleep apnea
8:58 The hidden epidemic of sleep disorders
11:49 Vitamin D, sleep and fertility
14:47 Sleep and reproductive health
18:09 Sleep and chronic illness
20:59 Sleep paralysis and how the body repairs
23:56 Addressing sleep problems
35:23 Sleep and the family building journey
37:41 The role of vitamin D
40:06 B vitamins and sleep
44:27 Nutrient deficiencies and chronic illness
49:18 The microbiome
52:41 Epigenetics and health
56:16 Practical steps to try
1:01:17 Outdoor exposure
1:07:03 Resources for ongoing supportLearn more about Dr. Gominak's RightSleep program: https://drgominak.com/
Resources:
Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizLisa is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
#sleep #restorativesleep #vitamind #bvitamins #sleepdisorders #fertilityjourney #fertilitytreatment #ivf #ivfjourney #infertility #reproductivetherapist #familybuilding #sleeptips #wellness #familybuildingjourney
She Interviewed Celebrities About Pregnancy While Hiding Her Own IVF Journey
She was interviewing Gabrielle Union, Anne Hathaway and Lady Gaga on camera. Off camera, she was doing fertility shots in a broom closet. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa sits down with …
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She was interviewing Gabrielle Union, Anne Hathaway and Lady Gaga on camera. Off camera, she was doing fertility shots in a broom closet.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa sits down with entertainment journalist Emily Orozco to talk about her long fertility journey. She shares how a breakup at 32 led her to freeze her eggs, why she advocated for a second retrieval, how she created embryos after meeting her husband, and the heartbreak of a failed transfer. She also opens up about the shame, grief and isolation she carried while staying composed in a highly visible media career.
What you will learn in this episode:
Why Emily pushed for a second egg retrieval at 33 and what self advocacy looks like with your clinic
What it was like to freeze eggs after a breakup and then create embryos later
Why a failed transfer can hurt more than you expect, even when you have multiple embryos
How switching clinics and getting a second opinion led to a successful transfer
What it was like to work in entertainment news while bloated, exhausted and overwhelmed by hormones
How conversations with women like Gabrielle Union, Anne Hathaway and Lady Gaga helped her feel less alone
The pressure to appear graceful when fertility treatment makes baby showers and casual conversations painful
Why not everyone deserves access to your vulnerability and how to find the right people
How jealousy, gratitude, fear and love can all be true at the same time
What pregnancy after infertility feels like, including the fear that followsIf you are in the middle of treatment and putting on a brave face, this conversation is for you.
Chapters:
00:00 From secrecy to pregnancy
02:27 Freezing eggs after a breakup
03:24 Advocating for a second retrieval at 33
04:50 Creating embryos and the clinic wait list
06:13 The heartbreak of a failed transfer
07:48 Switching clinics and a successful transfer
09:40 Working in TV during retrievals and hormones
12:50 Anne Hathaway's empathy and advice
16:32 The pressure to be graceful
22:35 Shame, secrecy and choosing who knows your story
26:43 Pregnancy after infertility and the fear that follows
34:46 Emily's message to others still in treatmentFollow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emorozcoo/
Resources:
Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizLisa is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
#ivfjourney #eggfreezing #fertilityjourney #infertility #ivf #fertilitytreatment #failedtransfer #fertilitypreservation #pregnancyafterinfertility #reproductivetherapist #familybuilding #fertilitysupport #ivfsupport #youarenotalone #familybuildingjourney
She Was Widowed in Her Twenties. At 52 She Became a First Time Mom Through Donor Eggs and Surrogacy.
Shanthi was widowed in her twenties. By the time she was ready to build a family she was 44 — and the path forward looked very different from what she had imagined. In this episode of the Building Your Family …
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Shanthi was widowed in her twenties. By the time she was ready to build a family she was 44 — and the path forward looked very different from what she had imagined.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa sits down with Shanthi to talk through her journey from grief and uncertainty to becoming a first time mother at 52 through donor eggs and a surrogate. This is one of the most honest and grounded conversations about third party reproduction you will find anywhere.
What you will learn in this episode:
How being widowed young affected Shanthi's family building timeline and how she eventually found her path
Why donor eggs became the right choice at 44 and what that decision felt like emotionally
What she learned after a difficult first donor cycle that resulted in no embryos
How she researched donors more carefully the second time — including AMH, genetics and previous outcomes
How she balanced practical criteria with a personal sense of connection when choosing a donor
How her feelings about surrogacy evolved and what she considered when choosing a surrogate
The legal protections, communication expectations and birth preferences she thought through carefully
How she created meaning for her future child through a hibiscus flower, a life book and personal details
What she wants to say to anyone who feels stuck or wonders if it is too lateIf you are facing donor conception, surrogacy or wondering whether your family building path is still possible — Shanthi's story will give you something real to hold onto.
Resources:
Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizLisa is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
#donoreggs #surrogacy #familybuilding #reproductivetherapist #fertilityafter40 #eggdonation #gestationalcarrier #donorconception #firsttimemom #familybuildingjourney #ivf #fertilityjourney #motherhoodlater #intendedparents #youarenotalone
Two Dads, Two Surrogates, Two Kids: One Gay Couple's Complete Surrogacy Journey
What does it actually take to build a family through surrogacy as a gay couple, from choosing an egg donor to navigating failed transfers, COVID era matching, and doing it all twice? In this episode of the …
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What does it actually take to build a family through surrogacy as a gay couple, from choosing an egg donor to navigating failed transfers, COVID era matching, and doing it all twice?
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa sits down with Alexander Paykin to talk through every stage of the surrogacy journey he and his husband Ricky took to become fathers of two children. This is one of the most honest and practical conversations about gay surrogacy you will find anywhere.
What you will learn in this episode:
How Alexander and Ricky got on the same page about timing when one was ready and one was not
How they chose their egg donor from a smaller pool and what made her feel like the right match
Why they were surprised to learn the surrogate matching process was completely separate from embryo creation
What COVID did to their timeline and how early interviews happened by phone and Zoom
The difference between their first surrogate Ashley who became like a sister and later surrogate experiences
Why repeated failed transfers and matching setbacks did not stop them
How family reactions changed once the babies arrived
If you are a gay couple considering surrogacy, or anyone navigating this path, Alexander's story will give you something real to hold onto.
Resources:
Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizLisa Schuman LCSW is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
What Every Single Woman and Lesbian Couple Needs to Know Before Donor Insemination: A Harvard Expert Explains
Donor sperm can cost over a thousand dollars a vial. Sometimes over two thousand. And most people start spending that money before they have asked the most important questions. In this episode of the Building …
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Donor sperm can cost over a thousand dollars a vial. Sometimes over two thousand. And most people start spending that money before they have asked the most important questions.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg, past president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, to walk through everything you need to know before starting donor insemination.
This episode is especially valuable for single women, lesbian couples and clinicians who want a clearer framework for donor selection, fertility workup and when to move from IUI to IVF.
What you will learn in this episode:
Considering carrier screening before choosing a donor so you do not miss a shared recessive mutation
Why psychological screening matters for single women, lesbian couples and known donors
What a known donor agreement actually needs to cover and why a legal agreement is essential
What fertility testing should happen before you spend thousands on sperm
What AMH does and does not tell you about your chances with donor insemination
When to consider moving from IUI to IVF and how cost and geography affect that decision
Why donor inventory matters if you want a second child with the same donor
What clinicians should be discussing proactively that most patients never hearIf you are using donor sperm to build your family, or thinking about it, this episode will give you a framework you will not find anywhere else.
Resources:
Article: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(26)00565-0/abstract
Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizLisa Schuman LCSW is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
Single Mom by Choice: How Donor Sperm, IVF and Donor Eggs Helped Her Complete Her Family
How many times would you try before you gave up? Kristin Duncan already knew what it took to become a single mother by choice. Her son Blake was conceived with donor sperm. But trying for her second child …
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How many times would you try before you gave up?
Kristin Duncan already knew what it took to become a single mother by choice. Her son Blake was conceived with donor sperm. But trying for her second child brought a whole new level of heartbreak, repeated IVF rounds with her own eggs, ovarian PRP, multiple clinic changes, a backup donor who fell through, and a journey that tested everything she had.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Kristin sits down with Lisa to share the full story of how she finally conceived her daughter Brianna using both donor sperm and donor eggs, including how she found her donor through Instagram, why she preferred a known donor over a bank donor, and what it actually felt like to keep going when everything kept failing.
What you will learn in this episode:
What it is really like to pursue IVF with low ovarian reserve and endometriosis as a single mom
How Kristin navigated multiple clinic changes, ovarian PRP and round after round of unsuccessful transfers
The emotional toll of parenting one child while desperately trying to give him a sibling
Why her first backup donor did not work out and how devastating that was
How she found her egg donor through Instagram
Why she preferred a known donor and what that relationship looks like
The mental shift from repeated disappointment to trusting that this child was the one she was meant to have
What she wants every single mother by choice to know about fertility testing and planning aheadThis is one of the most honest and moving conversations about persistence, donor eggs and single motherhood you will hear.
Resources:
Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizLisa Schuman LCSW is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
Guest Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysmbclife/What To Do When You Are Told There Is No Sperm: The STAR System Explained
If you or someone you love has been told there is no sperm, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa talks with Dr. Eric Forman of Columbia University Fertility Center …
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If you or someone you love has been told there is no sperm, this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa talks with Dr. Eric Forman of Columbia University Fertility Center about STAR, Sperm Tracking and Recovery, an AI powered system that can find ultra rare sperm that human embryologists may miss entirely.
What you will learn in this episode:
What STAR is and how it works — scanning millions of images in under two hours to find sperm hidden among debris and other cells
The difference between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia and why it matters for your treatment path
What STAR can and cannot do — it finds sperm that are nearly impossible to see, but it does not create sperm or improve sperm quality
How STAR works alongside surgery, IVF and ICSI rather than replacing them
The Klinefelter syndrome case where STAR helped find sperm after surgery and led to a healthy birth
Why a reproductive urology consultation still matters even when your clinic is focused on IVF
What causes sperm problems — testosterone use, anatomical issues, genetic conditions and more
How available STAR is today and how to access itThis is one of the most important conversations about male infertility and what is now possible for men who have been told they have no sperm.
Free Resources:
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizLisa Schuman LCSW is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
Episode Resources:
Time article: https://time.com/collections/best-inventions-2025/7318439/columbia-university-star-method/
Website: https://www.columbiadoctors.org/specialties/obstetrics-gynecology/our-services/columbia-university-fertility-center/our-services/sperm-tracking-and-recovery-star
Donor Siblings: What Every Parent of a Donor Conceived Child Needs to Know
Your donor conceived child almost certainly has donor siblings. That is not a maybe — it is one of the realities of donor conception that every family needs to understand. In this episode Lisa Schuman, LCSW …
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Your donor conceived child almost certainly has donor siblings. That is not a maybe — it is one of the realities of donor conception that every family needs to understand.
In this episode Lisa Schuman, LCSW covers the three realities of donor siblings, what the research actually shows about donor conceived children and sibling relationships, why families connect with sibling pods and what they are looking for, how these relationships evolve over time, and how to use the Zoom Out framework to make this decision with clarity rather than panic.
Whether you are just starting to think about this or you are already navigating a pod — this episode will help you think it through.
Resources mentioned in this episode: Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net Take the free quiz: https://familybuilding.net/welcome-quiz/ Privacy vs Secrecy episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg1sLYzkvWo&t=239s
Male Infertility, Donor Conception and the Family They Built Together: Dana and Ben's Story
When Dana and Ben received a diagnosis of zero sperm count they had no idea what came next. Donor sperm? Adoption? And how do you make that decision together as a couple when everything feels impossible? In …
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When Dana and Ben received a diagnosis of zero sperm count they had no idea what came next. Donor sperm? Adoption? And how do you make that decision together as a couple when everything feels impossible?
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa Schuman LCSW sits down with Dana and Ben to talk about their journey through male infertility. They cover the diagnosis, the emotions, the decision to use donor sperm, the process of choosing a donor, and what it has been like to build their family and share their story with their children and the people around them.
What you will learn in this episode:
What it actually feels like to receive a zero sperm count diagnosis as a couple, how Dana and Ben navigated the decision to use donor sperm, how they chose their donor and what that process was really like. They also talk about how open communication and humor helped them get through the hardest moments, how they prepared to share their story with their children from the very beginning and what they want other couples navigating male infertility to know.
This is one of the most honest and generous conversations about male infertility and donor conception you will hear. It is one that could change everything for someone navigating this right now.
Resources: Building Your Family Community: familybuilding.net
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net/welcome-quizPMOS: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Diagnosis, Fertility and Her Long Term Health
Could you have PMOS and not know it? For many women the answer is yes, and the wait for a proper diagnosis can take up to ten years. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa Schuman, LCSW talks …
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Could you have PMOS and not know it? For many women the answer is yes, and the wait for a proper diagnosis can take up to ten years.
In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Lisa Schuman, LCSW talks with Dr. Elizabeth Gardner about PMOS, formerly known as PCOS, a complex hormonal disorder that affects millions of women and goes far beyond fertility.
What you will learn in this episode:
What PMOS actually is, and why it starts as a communication problem in the brain Why diagnosis can take up to ten years and what to do if you suspect you have it The biggest misconceptions about PMOS that are still causing harm The role of genetics and environment in PMOS. Also discussed are serious health risks beyond fertility, including uterine cancer and metabolic issues, current treatment options and what is on the horizon including KIS peptin How to advocate for yourself with your doctor and get the individualized care you deserve.
Whether you have been diagnosed with PMOS or PCOS, are struggling with irregular cycles, or are navigating fertility treatment, this episode will give you information and tools you can use immediately.
Take the free quiz: familybuilding.net
Lisa Schuman, LCSW is the founder of The Center for Family Building, author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, and host of the Building Your Family podcast.
Your feelings deserve attention. And your decisions deserve clarity.
#PMOS #PCOS #fertility #womenshealth #reproductivehealth #hormonalhealth #reproductivetherapist #ivf #fertilityjourney #endocrinology #donorconception #buildingafamily
How To Talk To Your Donor‑Conceived Child (Zoom Out, Don’t Panic)
Talking to your child about donor conception can feel terrifying. What do you say? When do you say it? And how do you do it without creating shame or confusion? In this episode, reproductive therapist Lisa …
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Talking to your child about donor conception can feel terrifying. What do you say? When do you say it? And how do you do it without creating shame or confusion?
In this episode, reproductive therapist Lisa Schuman, LCSW, shares her Zoom Out Theory for talking to donor‑conceived children about their story. Instead of getting stuck in today’s anxiety, Lisa helps you think about your child’s long‑term emotional health and sense of self.
You’ll learn how to acknowledge your own feelings, and start (or continue) the conversation in a way that builds connection rather than fear.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why talking to your donor‑conceived child can feel so stressful and lonely
What it means to “zoom out” and think about who your child is becoming over time
How to balance your emotions with what your child actually needs to hear
Why “waiting until they’re older” often makes conversations harder, not easier
Practical steps to move from feeling stuck to feeling clearer and more confident
Episode Resources:
https://familybuilding.net/events-page/Will IVF Lab Technology Beat Human Embryologists? | Dr Richard Paulson (Former ASRM President)
If you’re doing IVF or thinking about it, will more technology in the lab actually be better than a human embryologist handling your eggs and embryos – and what do two new breakthroughs mean for your chances? …
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If you’re doing IVF or thinking about it, will more technology in the lab actually be better than a human embryologist handling your eggs and embryos – and what do two new breakthroughs mean for your chances?
In this episode of Building Your Family, I’m joined by Dr Richard Paulson, former president of ASRM and early IVF pioneer, to unpack what’s really happening behind the lab door: automation, AI, robotics, and why the lab may matter more than almost anything else for your IVF success rates and safety.
We cover:
How IVF labs have evolved since the 1980s and why embryology is so sensitive
Where technology, AI and automation are already helping embryologists
A new system that finds extra oocytes humans miss in follicular fluid
What “automated day‑0” actually means and why it could be a turning point
How these advances might change success rates, safety and standardization
2–3 smart questions to ask your clinic about their lab and technology
What an IVF lab could look like 10–15 years from now
Whether you’re in the middle of IVF or just starting to research fertility treatment, this episode is designed to translate complex lab science into clear, humane decisions about your reproductive health and reproductive freedom.Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to IVF and Technological Advances
02:15 Historical Context of IVF
04:50 The Role of the Laboratory in IVF
07:21 Automation and Future of IVF
10:55 Recent Advances in IVF Technology
20:04 Finding More Oocytes in Follicular Fluid
25:47 Implications for Success Rates in IVF
26:16 Practical Applications for Patients
31:27 Safety and Reliability in IVF Technology
33:36 Conclusion and Future OutlookSubscribe to Building Your Family for more expert‑led conversations that turn IVF science into real‑world guidance you can actually use.
Episode resources
School USC: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/richard-j-paulson/
Medicine USC: https://www.keckmedicine.org/provider/richard-j-paulson/
F&S Reports: https://www.fertstertreports.org/Before You Choose a Donor: The ‘Zoom Out’ Guide to Donor Conception for Future Parents
If you’re considering donor conception and feel like you “can’t see the forest for the trees,” this is your zoom‑out episode. Before you choose a donor, sign with a clinic, or pay an agency, you need the big …
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If you’re considering donor conception and feel like you “can’t see the forest for the trees,” this is your zoom‑out episode. Before you choose a donor, sign with a clinic, or pay an agency, you need the big picture.
In this video, we step back from the overwhelm and walk through the full donor conception landscape:
• How your decisions affect your child long‑term (identity, mental health, relationships)
• Common mistakes parents make when they’re rushed, exhausted, or only hearing the clinic’s side
• How to think about psychological screeningMy goal with this episode is simple: to help you feel calmer, clearer, and better equipped to lead your family through donor conception without feeling lost or alone.
If you found this helpful, you might also like my workshops on
• How to tell your child their donor conception story: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
• Donor Conception 101 for new and future parents: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/#donorconception #ivf #eggdonor #spermdonor #lgbtqfamily #familybuilding
Tampons, Toxins & Fertility: What The FDA Hasn’t Updated Since 2005
Are your tampons quietly exposing you to toxic metals and chemicals that could affect your hormones and fertility? In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Nancy Reame breaks down what the FDA has (and …
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Are your tampons quietly exposing you to toxic metals and chemicals that could affect your hormones and fertility?
In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Nancy Reame breaks down what the FDA has (and hasn’t) done on tampon safety since 2005 and how that compares to Europe.
We cover the real story behind tampon safety, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and what the science actually says about toxins in period products. You’ll learn how chemicals are absorbed through the vagina, what we know about toxic metals like lead and cadmium in tampons, and how all of this may impact menstrual health and fertility.Dr. Reame explains:
The history of tampon safety and how Toxic Shock Syndrome changed regulations
Why US tampon regulations haven’t been updated since 2005, and how Europe handles toxic materials differently
How and why the vagina is so absorbent, and what that means for chemical exposure
What current research suggests about toxic metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in period products
The real risks of long-term exposure vs what’s been overhyped
Pros and cons of alternatives like menstrual cups and pads (including how to use them safely)
How to read labels, evaluate brands, and find reliable, science-based resources
How to stay appropriately concerned without spiraling into panicWe also talk about advocacy: how to push for better testing, transparency in ingredients, and stronger public health guidance for women’s health products.
If you care about menstrual health, fertility, and safer period products, hit subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and check the links in the description for the research and resources mentioned.
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32382713/
Consumer reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/
Made Safe: https://madesafe.org/
Mamavation: https://mamavation.com/#tamponsafety #toxicshocksyndrome #periodproducts #womenshealth #menstrualhealth #fertility #toxins #endocrinedisruptors #reproductivehealth #periodtalk #buildingyourfamilypodcast
Zooming Out in Surrogacy: Keys to a Successful Journey
Your clinic and agency help you with the medical and legal parts of surrogacy. But who helps you zoom out and see the bigger picture for you, your surrogate, and your future child? In this Zoom Out Theory …
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Your clinic and agency help you with the medical and legal parts of surrogacy. But who helps you zoom out and see the bigger picture for you, your surrogate, and your future child?
In this Zoom Out Theory episode, reproductive therapist Lisa Schuman, LCSW, talks about how to step back from the day‑to‑day stress of surrogacy so you can make clearer decisions and set your journey up for long‑term success. We explore how most surrogates are caring, altruistic people, how to build a healthy relationship and communication rhythm with your surrogate, and how to keep your future child in mind without getting overwhelmed.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What the Zoom Out Theory is and how it applies to surrogacy
How emotions and stress can quietly shape decisions during your journey
Keys to the most helpful communication strategy with your surrogate
Why regular check‑ins and clear expectations matter over time
How to think about the long‑term impact on your relationships and your future child
Why documenting your surrogacy experience can support your child later
How to balance emotional awareness with rational clarity when you’re making big choices
If you’re using surrogacy to build your family and want a calmer, more thoughtful journey, this episode will give you tools to zoom out and see the whole picture.#surrogacy #familybuilding #donorconception
No “Normal” Embryos? You May Still Have Choices
“No normal embryos” doesn’t always mean the end. Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for tough cases, especially older patients. They …
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“No normal embryos” doesn’t always mean the end.
Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for tough cases, especially older patients. They discuss PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, immunology, inflammation, and why individualized, evidence‑based treatment can open options many patients don’t realize they have.Have you been told you have “no normal embryos” and feel like you’re out of options?
In this episode of the Building Your Family Podcast, Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for some of the toughest cases: older patients, “no normal embryos,” and cycles where many people are told there’s nothing else to try.
They discuss why careful diagnosis and truly individualized treatment matter so much, especially for older patients; how they think about embryos other clinics might not consider; and what current evidence actually shows about PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, and implantation. They also explore the role of immunology, inflammation, toxins like microplastics, supplements, and AI in embryo selection.
In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
What “no normal embryos” really means (and what it doesn’t)
Why one‑size‑fits‑all IVF protocols often fail older patients
The controversy around PGTA and how it affects real‑world outcomes
When aneuploid and mosaic embryos may still be part of a thoughtful plan
How immunology, inflammation, and sensitivities can impact implantation
Personalized ovulation induction for older patients
Why evidence‑based, individualized care matters more than trends or hypeIf you’ve been told there are no options left, this episode can help you ask better questions and understand what might still be possible for your family.
Subscribe to the Building Your Family Podcast for more evidence‑based conversations on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy.
Episode resources
Website: https://centerforhumanreprod.com/Zoom Out: The One Egg Freezing Question No One Asks
In this first episode of the Zoom Out series, reproductive therapist, researcher, and author Lisa Schuman, LCSW unpacks the most important question almost no one asks about egg freezing. Lisa explains why “How …
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In this first episode of the Zoom Out series, reproductive therapist, researcher, and author Lisa Schuman, LCSW unpacks the most important question almost no one asks about egg freezing.
Lisa explains why “How many eggs can I freeze?” is only part of the story, and why you also need to understand how many cycles and eggs you’re likely to need for the kind of family you actually want in the future. She introduces her Zoom Out Theory – a simple framework to help you step back from panic, manage stress, and make clearer decisions about your fertility.
Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, Lisa also shares surprising data about non‑genetic parenthood options: how many egg freezing patients are open to donor eggs, embryos, or other paths if needed, and why that matters for how aggressively you pursue more cycles now.
You’ll learn:
The critical egg freezing question almost no one thinks to ask
Why freezing “as many eggs as possible” isn’t always necessary – or helpful
How your emotional state can quietly distort your fertility decisions
What Lisa’s research reveals about patients’ real openness to non‑genetic options
A practical way to zoom out and plan for your long‑term family, not just the next cycle
If you’re considering egg freezing – or you’ve already frozen eggs and are wondering what comes next – this episode will help you balance facts and feelings so you can move forward with more confidence.#eggfreezing #fertility #ivfjourney #fertilitypreservation
#reproductivehealth #ttc #familybuilding #donorconceptionFrom Infertility to Motherhood: Dr. Jessica Gray on Resilience, Miscarriage & Finding Control
In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman, LCSW sits down with Dr. Jessica Gray, a physician who has lived through infertility, miscarriage, and the intense pressures of medical training on her way …
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In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman, LCSW sits down with Dr. Jessica Gray, a physician who has lived through infertility, miscarriage, and the intense pressures of medical training on her way to motherhood.
Jessica shares how a stressful childhood shaped her resilience, what it was like to face endometriosis and IVF as both a doctor and a patient, and how she coped when a long‑hoped‑for pregnancy ended in miscarriage. She talks candidly about binders of notes, hours of research, and the feeling of “doing everything right” and still not getting the outcome she hoped for.
Together, Lisa and Jessica explore the emotional burden of infertility on both partners, the importance of support systems, and the small planning behaviors that can create a sense of control in an uncertain journey. Jessica reflects on how she now gives back to the infertility and parenting community, and what she would say to her younger self who was just starting down this road.
If you’ve felt isolated, overwhelmed, or “not like yourself” during infertility or pregnancy, this conversation offers validation, practical coping ideas, and hope.
Dr. Jessica Gray resources:
Website: https://www.drjessicagraymd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessicagraymd#infertility #miscarriage #IVFjourney #endometriosis #ttccommunity #infertilitysupport #pregnancyloss #mentalhealth
#familybuilding #fertilitytreatment #resilience
#motherhood #medicaltraining #emotionalhealth #buildyourfamilypodcastSingle Motherhood by Choice: 5 Steps Before You Decide (with Alexis Melnick, MD)
If you’re single or in a relationship that isn’t working and you’re quietly Googling “single motherhood by choice,” this episode is for you. In this conversation with SMBC fertility doctor Alexis Melnick, MD …
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If you’re single or in a relationship that isn’t working and you’re quietly Googling “single motherhood by choice,” this episode is for you. In this conversation with SMBC fertility doctor Alexis Melnick, MD, we walk through 5 clear steps to help you decide before your back is against the wall.
We cover both paths: staying on the relationship track and exploring single motherhood by choice on your own timeline. You’ll hear about the emotional, practical, financial, and support‑system questions to ask yourself so you can move from spiraling alone at 2 a.m. to making a grounded plan.
Inside this episode:
• Who this is really for (single, dating, or in a shaky relationship)
• The 5‑step framework Alexis uses with clients considering SMBC
• Grief, stigma, and the “mourning period” for the life you imagined
• Why so many people say they wish they’d decided earlier
• How to know you didn’t “fail” if you choose this pathIf you’re considering donor conception or surrogacy as a single parent, this will help you feel less alone, more informed, and better prepared.
Work with Alexis: [[email protected]]
Get my free family‑building resources: 10 Things Donor Conceived Children Want Their Parents To Understand: https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/#singlemotherbychoice #singlemotherhood #donorconception #fertilityjourney #queerfamily
Queer Family Pride Special: Donor Conception, Talking To Kids, and Embracing Your Family
In honor of Pride, this episode is a love letter to queer family building. I’ve pulled my favorite moments from conversations with LGBTQ+ parents, a fertility doctor, a midwife, a donor‑conceived person, and …
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In honor of Pride, this episode is a love letter to queer family building.
I’ve pulled my favorite moments from conversations with LGBTQ+ parents, a fertility doctor, a midwife, a donor‑conceived person, and queer influencers who’ve built their families through donor conception and surrogacy. Together, they share how they answer intrusive questions, how they talk to their kids about donors and surrogates, and how they’ve learned to fully embrace the families they fought so hard to create.
We talk about:
• Navigating fertility clinics, donor conception, and surrogacy as queer intended parents
• What to actually say when people ask, “But who’s the real mom/dad?”
• Age‑appropriate language for talking to children about donors and surrogates
• Grief, joy, and pride on the path to queer parenthood
• How our families feel now that their children are hereIf you’re using reproductive medicine, donor conception, or surrogacy to build your family, you are not alone. This episode is meant to sit beside you in the messy middle, give you words when you’re tongue‑tied, and remind you that your family is real, valid, and worthy of celebration.
Please join us on the anniversary of Stonewall for a free Queer Family Building workshop. Register here: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/
#QueerFamily #DonorConception #QueerFertility #FamilyBuilding
#DonorConceived #PrideBroadway Husbands: Their Road to Maverick (Pride Tribute) Re-Released for Pride in Bret’s Honor
Re-released for Pride 2026 — In loving memory of Bret Hanna-Shuford (1979–2026) In this beloved episode, I sit down with Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna — the Broadway Dads — to talk about one of the most …
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Re-released for Pride 2026 — In loving memory of Bret Hanna-Shuford (1979–2026)
In this beloved episode, I sit down with Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna — the Broadway Dads — to talk about one of the most heartfelt and hard-won family-building journeys I’ve ever witnessed. Together, these two Broadway performers navigated egg donation, surrogacy, financial challenges, a lost match, a miscarriage, and a global pandemic before welcoming their son, Maverick, in 2022.
Bret passed away in January 2026 after a sudden and devastating illness. He was 46 years old.
Stephen is now raising Maverick on his own — and remains a fierce, loving advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in their pursuit of parenthood. I re-release this episode with a full heart, because Bret’s spirit, humor, and generosity shine through every minute of it.In this episode we cover:
• How Bret and Stephen chose their egg donor — and why the first profile felt right
• The surrogacy process as two performers managing a major financial investment
• How they handled the hard questions from others
• What they wish they had known going in
• The moment they knew it was “supposed to be this way”This one is for every queer person who has ever dreamed of becoming a parent — and for Bret, who never stopped believing it was possible.
Episode resources
Buy the new book "Goodnight Break a Leg": https://bit.ly/GoodNightBreakALegBook#DonorConceptionConversations #Pride2026 #BroadwayDads #LGBTQFamily
#BroadwayHusbands #Surrogacy #QueerParenting #DonorConception #EggDonation
#GayDads #InMemoriam #FamilyBuilding #BretShuford #BuildingYourFamily
#RepresentationMatters #LGBTQQueer Families & Donor Conception: Building Strong Bonds Beyond Biology with Jaimie Kelton
What does it really look like to build a queer family today – with donor conception, infertility, and non‑biological parenting in the mix? In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa sits down with long‑time …
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What does it really look like to build a queer family today – with donor conception, infertility, and non‑biological parenting in the mix?
In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa sits down with long‑time queer family advocate and podcast host of the Queer Family Podcast, Jaimie Kelton to talk honestly about infertility, the emotional weight of genetics, and the many paths LGBTQ+ families take to build their families. They explore how advocacy and resources for queer families have evolved, why non‑biological connections can be just as deep as genetic ones, and how humor helps normalize complex family dynamics.
You’ll hear candid stories about slow bonding, the myth of the “instant magical moment,” and why accepting your unique path changes everything. Lisa and Jamie also dig into the importance of intentional parenting, open communication about donor conception, and how to create safety for kids to ask questions about their origins.
If you’re a queer parent, planning a family, or supporting LGBTQIA families, this conversation will give you language, perspective, and community for the journey.
You’ll learn:
How advocacy and resources for queer families have changed
Why infertility and emotional struggles are universal and important to acknowledge
How to navigate feelings about genetics and non‑biological parenting
Practical ways to talk with kids about donor conception
Why community support and openness matter so much for LGBTQ+ family buildingGuest resources
Website: https://www.thequeerfamilypodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcastAsk the Experts: Everything You Need to Know About Donor Conception — with Dr. Mark Leondires
Re-released for Pride 2026 — Because this conversation never gets old What does it actually feel like to need a donor to build your family? How do you choose the right one? What does the medical process look …
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Re-released for Pride 2026 — Because this conversation never gets old
What does it actually feel like to need a donor to build your family? How do you choose the right one? What does the medical process look like — and what does the emotional process look like? In this rare co-author conversation, I put these questions to Dr. Mark Leondires, Founder and Medical Director of Illume Fertility and Gay Parents To Be — and he turns them right back on me.
Together, Dr. Leondires and I wrote Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception. In this episode, we give you the condensed, honest version — the medical clarity, the practical steps, and the emotional truth — all in one place.
You’ll walk away knowing:
• The key medical steps in egg, sperm, and embryo donation
• How to think about choosing a donor — and what really matters
• The emotional landscape most people don’t expect
• What to tell your children — and when
• Why donor conception is more mainstream than ever, and what that means for your family
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or are already in the process, this episode gives
you clear, actionable guidance from two of the leading voices in the field. No fluff. No
overwhelm. Just answers.#DonorConceptionConversations #Pride2026 #DonorConception #LGBTQFamily
#EggDonation #SpermDonation #IVF #FertilityDoctor #BuildingYourFamily
#DrMarkLeondires #IllumeFertility #GayParentsToBe #FamilyBuilding #QueerFamily
#FertilityPodcast #ListenNowCo-authors Lisa Schuman &; Dr. Mark Leondires answer your biggest donor conception
questions — medical, emotional &; practical. 50+ years of expertise in one episode.
ABOUT THE GUESTS
Dr. Mark Leondires, MD — Founder and Medical Director, Illume Fertility; Founder, Gay Parents
To Be; co-author, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception. Father through donor conception and surrogacy.
Lisa Schuman, LCSW — Founding Director, The Center for Family Building; host, Donor Conception Conversations podcast; co-author, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception; award-winning researcher, ASRM.Secondary Infertility & PCOS: What To Do When Doctors Say “Just Keep Trying”
She was only 25 and already knew something was wrong. If you have one child and are secretly struggling to have another, this episode is for you. Margarita’s story of secondary infertility and PCOS shows what …
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She was only 25 and already knew something was wrong.
If you have one child and are secretly struggling to have another, this episode is for you.
Margarita’s story of secondary infertility and PCOS shows what happens when “just keep trying” isn’t good enough.In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman sits down with Margarita Lainez to talk about the often overlooked reality of secondary infertility and PCOS. After having her first child with ease, Margarita assumed a second would come naturally. Instead, she faced month after month of negative tests, dismissive “just keep trying” advice, and the heavy guilt of not giving her son a sibling.
Margarita shares what it was like to live this while working inside the fertility world, how she finally pushed for a real workup and received a PCOS diagnosis, and the grief, shame, and loneliness that came with that season. Together, Lisa and Margarita explore self‑advocacy, setting boundaries, protecting your mental health, and finding the right support when friends, family, or even doctors don’t fully understand.
If you’re in the middle of your own fertility journey, especially secondary infertility, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more equipped to ask for what you need.
Inside this episode:
What secondary infertility can feel like day‑to‑day
Being told “just keep trying” when you know something is wrong
Getting to a PCOS diagnosis and what self‑advocacy really looked like
Shame, blame, and the pressure to “give a sibling”
Setting boundaries, finding community, and caring for your mental health
What grounded, realistic hope can look like after grief
If you’re in secondary infertility or on a donor conception path and want help with the emotional and decision‑making side, that’s exactly what we do inside Building Your Family.
👉 Learn more and get support here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/Guest resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margarita-lainez-950a2860/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaritalainez100/#secondaryinfertility #PCOS #fertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #buildingyourfamily #donorconception #ttccommunity
When Standard IVF Isn’t Enough: How One Fertility Doctor Thinks Differently
If you’ve been told “this is just your protocol,” “we’ll just try again,” or “everything looks fine” while IVF keeps failing, this episode is for you. Standard IVF works for many people, but not for everyone …
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If you’ve been told “this is just your protocol,” “we’ll just try again,” or “everything looks fine” while IVF keeps failing, this episode is for you. Standard IVF works for many people, but not for everyone. So what happens when you don’t fit the usual box?
In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Pietro Bortoletto, reproductive endocrinologist at Terra Fertility. He trained at Northwestern, Brigham & Women’s / Mass General, and Weill Cornell, and now focuses on the hard cases: diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, fibroids, and Müllerian anomalies.
We talk about:
Why he stepped out of the traditional IVF system
How real experts think “outside the box” without going fringe
When surgery actually helps (and when it’s just more trauma)
The role of endometriosis, inflammation, and the immune system in fertility
What thoughtful immunologic workups look like (and when they’re not useful)
When to seek a second opinion and how to do it respectfully
Mindset tools for staying sane when the road is long and uncertain
This is not personal medical advice. It is a window into how a well‑trained REI thinks when standard IVF isn’t working, so you can have better, deeper conversations with your own team.🔗 If you’re in treatment, using donors, or considering surrogacy and want more support with the emotional and decision‑making side of this journey, that’s exactly what we do inside The Building Your Family Community. You’ll find the link in the description.
Guest resources:
Website: https://www.terrafertility.com/#IVF #Fertility #Infertility #FertilityTreatment #DiminishedOvarianReserve
#RecurrentImplantationFailure #RecurrentPregnancyLoss #Endometriosis
#FertilityDoctor #FertilitySupport #FertilityJourney #IVFSupport
#TryingToConceive #FertilityClinic #FamilyBuildingToxins & Fertility How to Think About Chemicals with the Co‑Founder of Green Chemistry
Unexplained infertility. Failed cycles. Constant “what ifs” about plastics, products, and the environments we live in. We’re surrounded by headlines about “toxins” and especially worried about how they might …
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Unexplained infertility. Failed cycles. Constant “what ifs” about plastics, products, and the environments we live in.
We’re surrounded by headlines about “toxins” and especially worried about how they might affect fertility, but almost no one teaches us how to think clearly about any of it. In this episode, Lisa Schuman, LCSW, talks with Dr. John Warner, a founder of Green Chemistry, about how everyday materials may influence fertility and health, and how to think about risk without spiraling into fear. Dr. Warner shares the personal tragedy that pushed him to re‑invent how chemistry is taught and practiced, and together they explore what realistic, informed choices look like for people in fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy.
You’ll hear about:
How environmental exposures intersect with fertility and overall health
The “devastating realization” that changed Dr. Warner’s career
What Green Chemistry is and why it matters for future parents
Why testing chemicals is so complex (and why “no data” ≠ “safe”)
How to ask better questions instead of panicking about “toxins”
The four pillars of chemistry education and “intellectual ecology”
How consumer choices quietly shape what companies create next
Why fear itself can become toxic and block clear decision‑making
If you’re going through IVF, using donor conception, working with a surrogate, or pregnant after infertility, this conversation offers a calmer, clearer way to think about your environment, without chasing perfection or drowning in guilt.Guest resources
Website: https://johnwarner.org/Chapters
00:00 The Impact of Environment on Fertility
03:42 John Warner's Journey to Green Chemistry
08:33 The Birth of Green Chemistry
15:43 Practical Steps for a Healthier Life
19:31 The Challenge of Testing and Regulation
25:58 Finding Reliable Information on Toxicity
27:51 The Four Pillars of Chemistry Education
29:00 Intellectual Ecology in Chemistry
30:08 Navigating Public Skepticism
32:55 Finding Balance in Information
34:54 Making Informed Choices
36:27 Embracing Chemistry in Daily Life
39:22 Consumer Responsibility and Market Influence
42:20 Understanding Marketing and Product Labels
45:45 Overcoming Chemophobia and Embracing Chemistry
49:39 The Role of Fear in Consumer Choices#fertility #IVF #donorconception #greenchemistry #environmentaltoxins #infertility #womenshealth #familybuilding #eggdonation #surrogacy
When You’re Not the Genetic Parent: Staying Connected as a Couple
If you’re building your family through donor conception and one of you is not genetically related to your child, this episode is for you. Lisa Schuman, LCSW, unpacks the real emotional challenges …
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If you’re building your family through donor conception and one of you is not genetically related to your child, this episode is for you.
Lisa Schuman, LCSW, unpacks the real emotional challenges non-genetically related parents face: jealousy, insecurity, fear of being “less than,” and the quiet worry about connection and bonding. She walks you through five key suggestions for navigating these feelings together, so you can protect your relationship and your future family.
You’ll learn:
Why the non-genetic parent often gets overlooked, and how to change that
How to talk openly about jealousy, insecurity, and grief
The critical difference between privacy and secrecy in donor conception
How to stay flexible as roles and feelings shift over time
What the genetically linked parent needs emotionally, and how to support each other as a teamThis conversation is about intention, compassion, and clear communication so both parents feel seen, secure, and fully “real” in their role. If you want a strong relationship and a healthy environment for your donor-conceived child, start here.
Get free resources on donor conception here: https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/
00:00 Introduction to Donor Conception and Parenting Dynamics
01:44 Challenges for Non-Genetically Related Parents
02:59 Navigating Emotional Complexities
06:05 Five Key Suggestions for Couples
08:18 The Importance of Open Communication
10:16 Privacy vs. Secrecy in Family Building
12:04 Creating a Supportive Environment
14:36 Flexibility in Parenting Roles
15:06 Recognizing the Genetically Linked Parent's Role
17:16 Normalizing Feelings in Parenting
18:46 The Importance of Intention and CommunicationProactive Fertility: When To Get Checked, Freeze Eggs & Plan Ahead | Dr. Shefali Shastri, RMA NJ
Most people only meet a fertility specialist in crisis mode. In this episode, Dr. Shefali Shastri, Clinical Director and Physician Partner at RMA New Jersey, explains what proactive fertility actually looks …
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Most people only meet a fertility specialist in crisis mode.
In this episode, Dr. Shefali Shastri, Clinical Director and Physician Partner at RMA New Jersey, explains what proactive fertility actually looks like.Dr. Shastri is a board‑certified reproductive endocrinologist who has helped bring thousands of babies into the world since joining RMA New Jersey in 2009. Inspired by her OB/GYN mother, she now combines cutting‑edge science with deeply personal, patient‑centered care.
We cover:
• Who should consider a fertility workup before trying
• How to understand your “fertility age” vs your birthday age
• What a proactive fertility checkup actually includes (hormones, AMH, ultrasound, semen analysis, basic genetic screening, etc.)
• Red flags where you should not “wait a year”
• Egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, and underlying genetic causes of infertility
• Exercise, weight, stress and movement for fertility
• Specific guidance for single parents by choice, queer couples, and people planning for donor conception or surrogacy
• How to turn fear of “bad news” into informed, empowered decisionsIf you’re not trying yet but want options later, or you’re already in treatment and feeling stuck, this conversation will give you a clear, compassionate roadmap.
Connect:
• Learn more about Dr. Shastri and RMA New Jersey: https://rmanetwork.com/staff/shefali-mavani-shastri/
• Follor Dr. Shastri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shefalishastrimd/
• Get my proactive fertility & family‑building resources:https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/National Infertility Awareness Week: RESOLVE, Queer & Solo Parents, and How Your Story Changes Policy
National Infertility Awareness Week is about more than awareness posts. It is about whose stories get heard, who gets left out, and how we turn lived experience into better policy for everyone building their …
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National Infertility Awareness Week is about more than awareness posts. It is about whose stories get heard, who gets left out, and how we turn lived experience into better policy for everyone building their family.
In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle, the new CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. We talk about what RESOLVE is really doing behind the scenes, how they’re supporting single parents by choice and queer families, and why telling your story is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy you have.
We also get practical: how to advocate for yourself at work, how to approach HR about fertility benefits, and how to find common ground in a divided moment so we can actually move legislation forward.
We cover:
What RESOLVE does for patients beyond social media during NIAW
How current policies help some groups and still miss singles and LGBTQ+ families
Concrete RESOLVE resources for talking to HR about fertility coverage
Advocating for yourself at work without risking everything
Using your story to build empathy, shift culture, and influence lawmakers
Finding common ground across differences as a path to better legislation
If you’re a single parent by choice, part of a queer couple, or anyone navigating reproductive medicine who has ever felt invisible, this conversation is for you.Episode resources
Resolve: https://resolve.org/
National Infertility Awareness week: https://www.infertilityawareness.org/What To Do With Unused Embryos: Options, Big Feelings & A 3‑Step Path Forward
Deciding what to do with unused embryos after IVF can feel overwhelming, lonely, and loaded with grief. In this episode, we talk honestly about the emotional weight of unused embryos and why so many people get …
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Deciding what to do with unused embryos after IVF can feel overwhelming, lonely, and loaded with grief.
In this episode, we talk honestly about the emotional weight of unused embryos and why so many people get stuck here for years. I walk through the most common options clinics offer, explain what each one actually means, and introduce additional paths like compassionate transfer and using ritual when none of the standard choices feel right for you.
Then I share a simple 3‑step system to help you move forward when you feel completely stuck, so you can make decisions that align with your values and find some peace with whatever you choose.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why unused embryos bring up such big and conflicting feelings
What your clinic’s standard options really involve (storage, donation, research, disposal, and more)
What a compassionate transfer is and when it may be offered
How ritual and meaning‑making can help with grief around unused embryos
A practical 3‑step process to move from paralysis to the next right decision for you
If you’re facing decisions about unused embryos and feel torn, this conversation is for you. You are not alone, and there is a way through.For more support around IVF, donor conception, and surrogacy, check the links in the show notes.
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