Today, Ali is talking to Darlene, a woman who emailed Infertile AF asking to share her family building story. Darlene is a self-described "kindergarten teacher who spends all day with kids but is yet to have kids of her own." She and her husband have been trying for a baby since 2020, including 4 failed IUI's, 2 cancelled IVF cycles and a tragic pregnancy that was diagnosed as cornual ectopic. On this episode, Darlene explains how her journey continues, and how infertility is "so humbling." "I'm a shell of a human I was 3 years ago and there's no end in sight," she says. You can follow her story at  @making_baby_oh 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; IUIs; failed IUIs; cornual ectopic pregnancy; anxiety; cancelled cycles; 

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 to 5 support groups per week, 4 private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. 

To celebrate the Rally's 3rd Birthday, we are offering $30 off our annual memberships (normally $199) with code RALLYBDAY 

Join now at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Michelle Buteau is a brilliant and real AF comedian, actress and host best known for appearing on Netflix's "The Circle" and in the movies "Isn't it Romantic" and "Always be My Maybe." She's also a fierce infertility and surrogacy advocate, who Ali first met in early 2020 when they were both in Albany, NY for Surrogacy Lobby Day. Today, Michelle tells Ali all about the long road to having her twins, Hazel and Otis, including IUIs, several rounds of IVF, four devastating miscarriages, prolactinoma (a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland) and why exploring international adoption didn't go how they'd planned. She also talks about facing discrimination at her doctor's appointments (and how, when her white husband was with her, she was treated completely differently)—and finally meeting the surrogate who would help them welcome their healthy babes. 

For advertising or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men.

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's episode, Ali talks to Katy Seppi, creator of @childlesscollective, and Alisha, creator of @twobechildfree, about living -- and thriving -- without children after infertility. Katy, who told her full infertility story on Ali's podcast in 2020, talks about all the work she is doing to support those in the community who have pivoted from their family building journeys and are now living childless not by choice. Alisha, another strong voice and bright light in the #embracechildless community, tells Ali about her struggles with infertility, her two chemical pregnancies, why she walked away when IVF was brought to the table, and everything she is doing now to raise awareness, blast stigmas and support her and Katy's childless after infertility sisters. Ali, Katy and Alisha also talk about how "childless" vs. "childfree,"; how they all really dislike the term "giving up," how infertility and treatment can lead to depression and anxiety; how they both decided to pivot from their family building journeys; and their advice to listeners for creating a beautiful, full, childless life.

You can listen to Katy's previous episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/katy/id1457516002?i=1000464004013

Topics covered in this episode:

Infertility; chemical pregnancies; integrative medicine; IVF; embracing childlessness; childless not by choice

For advertising or partnership inquiries, please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men.

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Kelli Burroughs is a board certified OB/Gyn who has been practicing in Texas with Sweetwater OB/Gyn since 2009. Dr. Burroughs graduated from Spellman College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She currently serves as Department Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Memorial Hermann in Sugar Land, Texas. Today, she tells Ali all about her two and a half year battle with infertility, including going through IVF -- and what it was like seeing her patients while she was struggling with her own infertility journey. She also talks about finally getting pregnant, and the anxieties that came with it. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; infertility as a doctor; the anxieties of pregnancy after infertility and loss

For advertising inquiries please email infertileafstories@gmail.com

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men.

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mary Leah and Rodney Miller spent 10 long years trying to build their family. Today, Ali talks to the couple about how they met, how Mary Leah was told that her eggs were not viable and that she’d likely never be able to get pregnant; and their ultimate decision to pursue embryo adoption. Mary Leah and Rodney talk about the effect infertility had on their marriage, how at certain points they had different paths in mind, but how they both felt excited when it was suggested that they connect with Snowflakes Embryo Adoptions to adopt one family's embryos. They also talk about getting matched with a family, why using donor eggs was not the correct path for them, how their faith came into play, and how twins Dalton and Mary Elizabeth were born in December 2022. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; IUIs; IVF; egg viability; poor quality eggs; the donor egg path; embryo adoption; embryo transfers; pregnancy with twins

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men.

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sonia Iwanek-Chesley is a proud donor egg mama to Taya, her sweet daughter who was born in January 2023. She is also one of Ali's dearest friends, after Sonia joined the Fertility Rally fam and became one of their support group leaders. Today, Sonia tells Ali all of the details of her family building journey, including meeting her husband, doing several IUIs, a chemical pregnancy, a miscarriage, and what happened when they decided to shift to donor eggs. Sonia talks about how they chose a donor (and then another one) -- and why it was important to include her bonus kids; about finally getting pregnant; and all about her severe preeclampsia and Taya's early birth, leading to a long and traumatic NICU stay. Follow Sonia @donor.egg.mama.cheetah 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; IUIs; IVF; donor eggs; chemical pregnancy; miscarriage; advocacy; finding your support groups; embryo transfer; preeclampsia; NICU

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kirsten McLennan is the author of "This is Infertility," which tells the story of her six year journey through IVF and surrogacy. Kirsten's son Spencer was born through gestational surrogacy in 2019 in Utah. On this episode, she and Ali talk about all of the significant challenges and setbacks they went through, as well as their very real experiences with IVF and surrogacy. Says Kirsten: "I'm passionate about raising awareness about infertility through my book and also through my instagram page @straight.up.inferitlity"  

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC; IVF; surrogacy; international surrogacy; advocacy; pregnancy of unknown location; thin lining; embryo transfer; embryo loss

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kirsten Jordan is the first woman ever cast on Bravo's Million Dollar Listing New York. In college, she was diagnosed with PCOS, and later, when she was told she was going to need IVF to conceive, she decided she did not want to go down that road. Kirsten soon started working with Dr. Christina Burns, a previous Infertile AF podcast guest, and they started changing Kirsten's lifestyle and taking a naturopathic approach to fertility. They focused on balanced hormones, improved egg quality, and lowered inflammation, managing her PCOS with natural methods. "I was like, I'm never gonna do IVF," Kirsten says.  Today, she is the mother of three, all born without assisted reproductive technology. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

PCOS; TTC; forgoing IVF and ART; anti-inflammatory diet; herbal medicine; acupuncture; pregnancy without IVF and ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, talks to Chris Jackson, CEO and President of Cicero Diagnostics. Chris has been in diagnostic lab testing for over 30 years, focusing on health care sales and marketing. He has launched more than 35 products during his career, with the majority in the field of women's health & reproductive medicine. Ali and Chris talk about how Cicero Diagnostics is 

Giving a Voice to Silent Endometriosis, Why this so important right now, How the Receptiva DX test, which is for unexplained infertility, failed implantation and recurrent pregnancy loss, works, and so much more. Chris shares some success stories from some of the women he's worked with over the years, and also shares some very exciting new generation testing that's on the horizon. 

For more, go to https://receptivadx.com/

USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; TTC; endometriosis; silent endo; Receptiva DX; failed implantation; recurrent pregnancy loss

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's episode, Ali interviews Rosanne Austin, Master Mindset Coach, Fertility Fairy Godmother, and "Am I The Reason I'm Not Getting Pregnant?" author, about going through seven years of failed fertility treatments. Rosanne explains how she did treatment after treatment, also trying everything from acupuncture to boiling black chickens, before having her son without assisted reproductive technology at 43 years old. Rosanne. a former prosecutor, is now passionate about teaching other high-achieving women across the globe to do the same through her Fearlessly Fertile Method, helping them work on their mindset and also reduce stress on their fertility journeys.

More info on Rosanne: 

Website: https://www.frommaybetobaby.com

nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosanneaustinfertility

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosanneaustincoach

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fearlesslyfertiletv

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosanneaustin

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; acupuncture; fertility herbs; forgoing ART; changing one's mindset; pregnancy without ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test.

Support this podcast at: https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donation

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is talking to Dr. Christina Burns, a doctor of Chinese Medicine and a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She is also the founder of Naturna, an integrative fertility clinic in NYC, dedicated to the comprehensive fusion of Eastern medicine and Western science. Christina explains why and how she got into a healing profession, how she was diagnosed with PCOS and low ovarian reserve, and how, when it came time to build her family, she chose not to go through IVF or any ART, even though her OB-GYN recommended it. Christina is also the author of The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook, which just hit shelves, and includes proven tactics to help women tune into their body's natural "language" and increase their chances of conceiving. "I've just seen so many miracles with natural medicine and lifestyle changes that that is what I stick to. I very rarely take a more modern Western approach, although I do see there is absolutely a place for it and I'm a big fan of integrative medicine," Christina says. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

PCOS; low ovarian reserve; integrative medicine; acupuncture; fertility herbs; chemical pregnancy; forgoing ART

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Huge episode today! Ali is talking to "Jar of Hearts" and "A Thousand Years" singer Christina Perri about her long and difficult family-building journey. Christina and Ali get deep about how Christina met her husband (a legit "meet cute,"), when she found out she was pregnant with her now-five-year-old daughter, Carmella, and how "A Thousands Years" is hands down one of the biggest anthems of Ali's (and so many others') infertility journey. Christina shares her experience with miscarriage; the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Rosie; navigating mental health; mold poisoning; the effects of loss and fertility issues on marriage, how they told Carmella about Rosie's death, and so much more. Christina is passionate about raising awareness for pregnant women with blood-clotting disorders, and she talks about her own disorder, and the test that could have detected her disorder and possibly prevented her losses. Christina is such a badass, she’s a woman’s woman, she is a cheerleader for this community, and Ali can’t thank her enough for going there like she never has before. 

Follow Christina on IG @christinaperri and check out her new album, "A Lighter Shade of Blue" 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; mold poisoning; mental health; therapy; pregnancy after loss; stillbirth; blood clotting disorders; anxiety; grief

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

MYVITRO

Since launching the company in 2020, MyVitro has helped thousands of people feel confident during treatment. From their Fertility Caddy and Fridge Box to the Injection Trainer and TTC Bandages, customers rave that MyVitro products are a game changer. 

MyVitro has everything you need to get your meds stored safely and organized so you feel confident and in control of your IVF cycle. Go to myvitro.com and use code INFERTILEAF at checkout to receive 10% off of your order.

PINK STORK  www.pinkstork.com 

For PinkStork, wellness is personal. As The Wellness Brand for Women®, they feel called to support all women on their wellness journeys. Our bodies are wonderful and complex, but they don’t always act the way they should. Whatever your ailment, Pink Stork is here to support you⁠—physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

 

Founded by CEO Amy Suzanne after her own health struggles, Pink Stork is women-owned and women-run with over 80% female employees. Their diverse team cares deeply about offering clean, natural products and the women who trust them every day.

The best part? Infertile AF listeners get a special discount. All you have to do is go to pinkstork.com and use CODE XXXXXX (NEW CODE COMING SOON) for an exclusive discount on your purchase 

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Today Ali is talking to singer-songwriter Lauren Kelley, who is still in the midst of her years-long infertility journey. Lauren says she "had a feeling" she'd have trouble getting pregnant. And unfortunately, she was not wrong. Lauren explains what happened when she and her husband started to try for kids, and what happened when they discovered that one of her tubes was blocked and the other was non-functional. She talks about rounds of IVF, finding a "grapefruit-sized cyst" on her right ovary, why she distrusts doctors, and why she started sharing her story on social media. Make sure to listen to the end so you can hear the beautiful song Lauren wrote about her journey, "New Life." 

Follow Lauren here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queenevelyine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenevelyine

Website: https://www.evelyine.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evelyinesings

New Life on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAbOPpuW9TA

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; ovarian cysts; the effects of IVF on marriage; fallopian tubes; fallopian tube surgery

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

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Ali's guest today, Pam Schumann, is CEO of SMP Pharmacy, a groundbreaking fertility and specialty pharmacy that is dedicated to empowering patients and clinics throughout their fertility journeys. Pam talks about how she joined the fertility community from a professional perspective before enduring her own infertility struggles. She talks about her low ovarian reserve, going through IVF more than 20 years ago, how IVF took a toll on her marriage, her "really bad quantity but really good quality" results, having her son, and how, later, he found out he was an IVF baby. She also talks about the extraordinary things SMP Pharmacy is doing, the importance of decision support, and the personalized, on-demand trackable injection training that SMP is offering, which has completely transformed the process for patients and nurses alike. "I think anything that gives people control of their decision making is very useful," Pam says. "We are a women-run pharmacy and so we understand both the emotional and physical side of fertility."

For $200 off your next order through SMP Pharmacy, go to SMPPharmacy.com and use code FERTILITYRALLY

 

Connect with SMP and Pam Schumann:

SMPPharmacy.com

IG: @smppharmacy

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF; embryos; low ovarian reserve; IVF pregnancy; the effects of IVF on marriage; injection training; fertility pharmacies; women-run businesses

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex Kornswiet is an infertility advocate, a mental health advocate, a miscarriage survivor and a surrogacy warrior, and today, she and Ali are getting into all of her family building deets. Alex talks about marrying her high school sweetheart, finding out they had infertility issues, doing a fresh IVF transfer with her first son (it worked!), and why, at one point, she felt like a  "fraud" in the infertility community. She also talks about her devastating miscarriage and how she navigated the grief, realizing her doctor wasn't the right fit for her and switching clinics, using a courier service to transport her embryos, the crush of a cancelled cycle, and being diagnosed with Asherman's syndrome. Alex also discusses her surrogacy journey, including how they matched quickly with a surrogate, the surprise pregnancy that rocked their world, and how today, she is a proud mama of three boys. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; IVF: Asherman's Syndrome; miscarriage; embryos; cancelled cycles; lining issues; mental health; surrogacy; intralipid infusions; pregnancy after loss; IVF surrogacy. 

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" -- and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Ali is talking to her friend and one of the Fertility Rally founding members, Michelle G. Michelle is a full spectrum doula, a yoga teacher, a reiki healer, an IVF warrior, a pregnancy loss survivor and a foster parent, and on this episode, they're getting into all of it. What Michelle and her husband, Lucas, thought was a simple Male factor diagnosis turned into multiple surgeries, IVF miscarriages, IUI miscarriages, donor sperm and three egg retrievals. The silver lining is that Michelle and Lucas became foster parents at the end of 2022. But their family building story is not over yet. As Michelle says, "Our story is still not over and we hope to continue 'finding forever' in 2023." 

Follow her or connect @via.mirabella on Instagram. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Male factor infertility; microtese; vericocele; IVF; IUI; donor sperm; miscarriage; Covid; adoption; chemical pregnancy; trauma-informed therapy; foster parenting

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" --and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's been two and a half years, and lot has happened since Ali last talked to her friend, Victoria Nino @expectinganything. Today, Victoria brings us up to speed on where she is now (spoiler alert: 8 and a half months pregnant!). She talks about what she did when her doctor said, "Don't get your hopes up, Victoria, because it's not that great of an embryo," another transfer that didn't work, and then a surprise pregnancy of "an unknown location." She also gets into what happened next, including some very cool messages from an intuitive friend, being "all in with gypsy magic," and why they call their next baby, "Star Baby." 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Failed IVF transfers; donor eggs; gypsy magic; IVF; pregnancy after loss; surprise pregnancy; pregnancy of unknown location; IVF success; epigenetics. 

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" --and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jenna Cuccionilli has one of the biggest hearts Ali has encountered in this community, and today, Jenna and Ali are talking about Jenna's 5-plus year infertility journey, including being diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 16, five miscarriages, one stillbirth and how now, they have five embryos left. Jenna gets into the details of her first miscarriage, one week before she and her husband Pete's wedding, why she calls herself "half crunchy," starting with IUIs and moving onto IVF, and why she turned her household into a non-toxic household. She also talks about the devastating loss of their baby, Graham, who was stillborn when she was around 20 weeks pregnant. Jenna gives advice to anyone navigating stillbirth, where they are now on their family building journey, and why her word for 2023 is "breakthrough." 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Miscarriage; IUI; IVF; pregnancy after loss; still birth; non-toxic environment; infertility and weight loss. 

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments. ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" --and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ali's guest today is the incredible interior designer, photographer, mom of two, and wife of magician and "Magic for Humans" star Justin Willman. Jill shares all the details of her family building journey, from being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 18 to her first miscarriage, to finally getting pregnant with her son -- although it was far from an easy pregnancy. Jill talks about how she and Justin met, how they made a list of baby names the night they got engaged, and what happened when her first pregnancy ended after eight weeks. She also talks about how, when she finally got pregnant with her son, she "bled the whole time," the anxiety of pregnancy after loss, and how Justin, who was doing a show across the country, almost missed Jack's birth. Jill also discusses how, after her body had been through so much with her pregnancy with Jack, they were advised to use a surrogate if they wanted to have any more children, how they found the perfect surrogate for them (shoutout to Katie!) and what happened when their daughter, Rosie, was finally born. Sidenote pro tip: After listening to this episode, check out Jill and Justin's two hilarious YouTube Drunk History videos, about how they met and about Jack's birth. You won't regret it. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Type 1 diabetes; miscarriage; pregnancy after loss; anxiety; surrogacy; IVF; surrogacy success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

CIRCLE SURROGACY

Having an experienced agency by your side to guide you and manage your journey means you can focus on what’s important: the arrival of your baby. Intended parents and surrogates recommend Circle Surrogacy because of the company’s 27 year history of bringing over 2,800 babies into the world. And with a 99.3% success rate for parents, Circle also delivers peace of mind. If you’d like to see what surrogacy is all about, visit circlesurrogacy.com or follow them on social media @circlesurrogacy

RECEPTIVA DX

ReceptivaDx is the only test that can identify endometriosis, progesterone resistance and endometritis in a single sample, all causes for unexplained infertility and thus success rates of IVF treatments.  ReceptivaDx includes BCL6, a marker that identifies uterine inflammation most often associated with asymptomatic (silent) endometriosis. BCL6 is found in more than 50% of women with unexplained infertility and over 65% of women with two or more IVF failures. If positive for the ReceptivaDx test, treatment options can improve the chances for a successful live birth 5 fold! Learn more at receptivadx.com or download our app “Receptivadx" --and USE CODE INFERTILEAF23 for $75 off the test

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ali's guest today is Kristin Marsoli, a loyal Target shopper, an aspiring novelist, and a cancer survivor. Knowing she couldn’t carry a baby because of her medical history, when Kristin and her husband were ready to start their family, they turned to surrogacy. After a long journey with many bumps in the road, they finally welcomed their beautiful son into the world in 2014. Kristin then turned her personal experience with surrogacy into her profession, taking the role as the Marketing Director at Circle Surrogacy. Kristin educates intended parents, surrogates and egg donors about surrogacy and egg donation through Circle’s marketing efforts, and is passionate about helping make parenthood possible for others. On this episode, Ali and Kristin get into allll of it — as well as what song was number one in 2004. (Can you guess?) 

For more info on Circle Surrogacy, check out circlesurrogacy.com 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cervical cancer; cancer survival; infertility; radical hysterectomy; surrogacy; IVF; surrogacy success

EPISODE SPONSORS:

FERTILITY RALLY @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. GET ONE MONTH FREE THROUGH 1/7/23 with code INFERTILEAF. (Go to fertilityrally.com, purchase the monthy membership and use the code--your first month is free!) We offer 4 support groups per week, 3 private Facebook groups, tons of curated events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Doors open the 1st of every month! Join at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at fertilityrally.com

BELI @beli.baby

Beli is formulated with the right nutrients to help boost your fertility, increase egg quality and support IVF to increase your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. To get started with Beli, go to belibaby.com and use code ALI15 for 15% off your first month of either Beli Women or Beli Men.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy