Candles can be romantic, even sexy. But ironically, some can make it harder for you to get pregnant. Many common candles can have an impact on fertility, so if you’re trying to build your family, you may want to reconsider how you set the mood.

Candles and scents may impact fertility, but never fear: information is power. On this episode of Baby or Bust, you will learn what you need to know about fertility and candles. 

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is chatting with Tristan Weholt, founder of Rox Hill Candle Co. Tristan is here to share her insight on parabens, paraffin wax, and the harmful chemicals that are present in some candles. 

Dr. Shahine and Tristan also discuss the differences between store-bought, mass-produced candles and those that are purchased through smaller companies – like knowing what ingredients are in the products you purchase. 

Protecting reproductive rights is more important now than ever. For National Infertility Awareness Week, here’s how you can help:

This pineapple candle (citrus scent) was created in honor of infertility and reproductive rights.

Proceeds for candles purchased this week (April 21-27, 2024) will be donated to three non-profit organizations working hard to educate, advocate, and protect reproductive rights:

• ASRM (The American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
• Resolve 
• Doctors for Fertility

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:40] Meet Tristan Weholt, founder of Rox Hill Candle Co.

[5:11] What you need to know about the wax that goes into candles

[8:57] The importance of the wick for candles

[10:47] Considering the scent of your candle choices

[14:02] How to know if a candle is safe

[17:30] A candle for fertility 

21:31] Closing 

Resources mentioned: 

www.roxhillcandleco.com

The Pineapple Candle: roxhillcandleco.com/products/roxhill-candle-co-x-dr-lora-shahine

Rox Hill Candle Co on IG: @roxhillcandleco

Fragrance & Oils from  makesy.com

National Library of Medicine - Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health

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For many struggling with infertility, building a family may take more than two people. Egg donation, sperm donation, surrogacy or using a gestational carrier can be a beautiful way to build a family, but the process can be full of many questions and misconceptions along the way. 

Why do egg and sperm donors donate? Can third-party donors really be anonymous in this age of in-home genetic testing? Should parents be open with their children about their biological origins? If so, when is the right time to share or disclose this? Finally, is it possible a parent won’t bond with their baby if there’s no biological connection between them?

In Part Two of their discussion on the myths and misconceptions around fertility, Dr Shahine and licensed therapist Lisa Schuman tackle questions about third-party family building.

Lisa Schuman is an award-winning researcher, therapist, author, and expert in donor conception, surrogacy and fertility treatment. Her organization, The Center for Family Building, is dedicated to helping people have an easier journey to becoming parents.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is “third-party reproduction”?

• Why do egg and sperm donors donate?
• The healing power of donation, a patient story
• Lisa discusses the growing trend of knowing gamete donors

[6:24] Do you disclose to your children that they are the result of donation?

• Is anonymity even possible any more?
• Should you disclose to your child? Why and when?
• Practice the conversation to make it easier for parent and child
• Why it’s a good and powerful thing to “own your story” 

[13:50] Bonding with your child

• Dealing with the continuing stigma of infertility
• Understanding parents’ concerns over bonding with donor-conceived children
• Where does that bond truly come from?
• Developing trust between parents and children

[20:29] Myths around third party family building

• The role of genetics
• How family bonds happen

Resources mentioned: 

Center for Family Building

familybuilding.net/author/lisa-schuman-lcsw

Subscribe to Lisa’s podcast, “Building Your Family”: spotify.com/show/1iPTI62w2fANnkOLaSjsCe

Pacific Northwest Fertility Center Egg Donation Program: 

httpnwfertility.com/donor-egg-program/

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Trying is supposed to be the fun part, right? Ask anyone struggling with infertility and they may share that intimacy can start to feel like a job after a while. Many fertility patients have found that at-home inseminations can be an option for trying to conceive at home.

At-home inseminations are not the same as intrauterine inseminations in a fertility clinic and cannot substitute for consults, testing, and guidance from a reproductive endocrinologist. However, they can be an option to consider as a first-line treatment, for those who have difficulty with intimacy, and for some people using frozen donor sperm from a sperm bank.

On this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking all about at-home inseminations with Mauren Brown, founder of Mosie Baby. The Mosie Baby Kit for At-Home Insemination is the first FDA-cleared insemination syringe kit, and it has helped over 100,000 people access a fertility option that can take place in the comfort of their own home. 

Dr. Shahine and Maureen discuss the inspiration of Mosie Baby, how the syringe is designed, who might benefit from this option, and the future of at-home insemination. 

This episode of Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast was not sponsored by Mosie Baby. 

You can learn more at the Mosie Baby website and by watching Dr. Shahine’s YouTube video on at-home inseminations. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:02] Meet Maureen Brown – founder of Mosie Baby

• The inspiration for Mosie Baby 

• Frank, Maureen’s son is the first Mosie Baby

[5:42] Mosie Baby vs. IUI in the clinic 

[8:03] The Mosie Baby design

[10:20] FDA clearance of Mosie Baby

[15:10] Is Mosie Baby right for you?

[19:27] When is a good time to try Mosie Baby?

[22:51] A few basics about conceiving

[25:49] The future of at-home insemination

[27:07] Other groups that could benefit from Mosie Baby

[29:08] Closing 

Resources mentioned: 

Mosie Baby: At Home Insemination Kit by Mosie Baby FSA/HSA approved 

Dr. Shahine’s YouTube Video on at-home inseminations: youtu.be/vQF1EL7u96I?si=LCnCiSg-4b7kDgXw 

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There are many fertility misconceptions, but when you’re trying to conceive, it is tough to tell the truth from the myths.

What really will help you get pregnant?

Stay pregnant? 

And have a healthy baby? 

Your friends can be convinced that certain positions helped them. Instagram can make you feel you are to blame for your miscarriage.

In this episode, first shared on Lisa Schuman’s podcast, Building Your Family, Dr. Lora Shahine and host Lisa debunk some common fertility myths. 

You’ll finish this valuable episode knowing not only more about 5 common fertility assumptions but the why and rationale about why people can get so confused.

Host Lisa Schuman is an award-winning researcher, therapist, author, and expert in donor conception, surrogacy and fertility treatment. Her organization, The Center for Family Building, is dedicated to helping people have an easier journey to becoming parents.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Meet Lisa, founder of The Center for Family Building and host of Building Your Family

[3:25] Myth #1 - Positions matter for getting pregnant and determining the baby’s sex

[8:40] Myth #2 - Myths around miscarriage, including the biggie: “It’s the pregnant person’s fault.”

[12:12-15:35]  Myth #4 Stress and Infertility 

[16:36] Myth #4 - The body is “just an oven,” and if it’s not your egg, even though you’re carrying it, you have no influence on the baby.

[16:36- 21:21] Myth #5 "Women Using Donor Egg Aren’t Really Mothers"   [22:04] Dr. Shahine reflects on how humbling infertility can be and why she loves educating on the topic

Resources mentioned: 

familybuilding.net/author/lisa-schuman-lcsw

Subscribe to Lisa’s podcast, “Building Your Family”: spotify.com/show/1iPTI62w2fANnkOLaSjsCe

Pacific Northwest Fertility Center: pnwfertility.com

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Endometriosis is a common yet often misdiagnosed chronic inflammatory disease associated with pain and infertility..

Never heard of endometriosis? You’re not alone. Despite it being a painful condition, it can take, on average 7 - 8 years to get a correct diagnosis. 

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and given the often debilitating pain this condition can cause — and how hard it can be for people in pain to be HEARD by medical professionals — we think it’s really important for everyone to be aware of it.

If you know someone who experiences excessive pain during their period, please share this episode. And if that person is you, please continue to advocate for yourself and your health care — find a doctor who will listen and conduct the necessary tests. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is endometriosis, and how common is it?

[3:38] What are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed?

[7:23] What is the connection between hormonal contraception and endometriosis?

[10:02] Signals that endometriosis may be present

[14:46] The importance of advocating for yourself 

Resources mentioned: 

American Society of Reproductive Medicine: 

www.asrm.org/news-and-events/asrm-news/latest-news/resource-roundup-endometriosis

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis

National Institutes of Health:

medlineplus.gov/endometriosis.html

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In the wake of the Dobbs decision that effectively ended federal abortion rights protection under Roe v Wade, the fate of IVF and fertility treatments has been hanging in the balance.

In Alabama in February/March of 2024, a decision on the rights of a fetus brought IVF to a halt. Was this was the “pro-life” movement had in mind? To prohibit people from building the families they envision?

Fortunately, that outcome was “patched,” thanks to activism by reproductive rights’ advocates, among others. One of the most important voices in this ongoing conversation (and spoiler: this conversation didn’t start when Roe v Wade ended) is that of Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby in the United States.

Elizabeth Carr, who has been “in the media since three cells old,” chose a career in journalism, and she is now fully in as an advocate for fertility treatments like IVF. She has a podcast called The First, does public speaking, hosts events, and speaks out when needed to protect the rights of people to create their families as they choose. Learn more about Elizabeth on her website: https://ejordancarr.com/.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Introducing Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby in the United States.

[2:22] The timeline up and through the Alabama Supreme Court decision

• Impacts of the AL Supreme Court decision
• Governor Ivey’s bill to protect IVF

[8:26] Impact of the AL decision on IVF access

[13:23] “Personhood” bills and their impacts on IVF and embryo freezing

• Alabama shows the need for education around fertility treatments
• Fertility treatments are not discussed accurately by media and politicians

[19:08] The truths of IVF

• IVF helps those with infertility, cancer survivors, those who’ve suffered missed miscarriages, etc.
• IVF stigma can cause pharmacists to refuse to provide needed medication for fear of repercussions

[24:14] Attending the President’s State of the Union address

[26.18] Why is IVF so polarizing?

[33:30] Infertility advocacy and reproductive rights

[43:04] Calls to action

Resources mentioned: 

doctorsforfertility.com

fightforfamilies.resolve.org

ASRM Advocacy

Find Elizabeth Carr

The First podcast

Elizabeth Carr on Instagram @ejordan12

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Learn about a different kind of support resource for miscarriage and pregnancy loss on this week’s episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast.

Dr. Shahine interviews Emily Carrington, founder of the Early Pregnancy Loss Association. Emily has turned her own story of confusion and payment plans for her miscarriages into a support system to educate women on the realities of miscarriage and navigate the medical bills that can pile up.  

Learn about the unique miscarriage care kits that Emily’s team ships anywhere in the US for FREE. These kits include self care items, education information, and real life needs for a pregnancy loss at home you didn’t know you need - until you do.

Listen now - see links below to more resources.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is “early pregnancy loss”?

• Who are the EPLA and what do they provide?

[2:37] Early pregnancy loss and the financial burdens that come with it

• Emily shares her personal story of loss and how the lack of resources convinced her to start an organization to help others. 

[7:31] The toll of miscarriage

• Dr. Shahine shares her own story of the emotional toll of miscarriage
• Emily talks about why her organization focuses on early pregnancy loss

[12:32] Miscarriage care kits

• How EPLA’s miscarriage care kits differ from others in their contents
• The necessity of more education to deal with miscarriage

[18:42] Financial support for miscarriage-related medical bills

• EPLA has a program that offers financial support
• Available in Michigan, but can be copied globally
• Care kits can be shipped to anywhere in the US, overnight

Resources mentioned: 

If you are experiencing pregnancy loss or know someone else who is, you can order a miscarriage care kit here: www.miscarriagecare.com/care-kit-request.

Early Pregnancy Loss Association: www.miscarriagecare.com 

Dr. Shahine’s books on miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss: drlorashahine.com/books 

Episode 60: “There is no Heartbeat” What’s Next and Options after a Diagnosis of Missed Miscarriage

Parent Support of Puget Sound: Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant loss support in Seattle and surrounding areas in Washington State: psofpugetsound.org

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Secondary infertility — difficulty conceiving or carrying a subsequent pregnancy — comes with a unique set of challenges. Being a parent with infertility can create tension between feeling grateful for the family you have yet grieving the family you desire. 

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine talks with Allie Karagozian, occupational therapist, business owner, and podcaster. Allie shares her own fertility journey and why she created a special way to support those suffering with secondary infertility. Through her podcast, Secondary Infertility, and her support groups, Holding Both, Allie provides support for mothers struggling with secondary infertility. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is secondary infertility?

[3:20] What are the unique challenges of secondary infertility?

• Guilt for wanting “more” 
• Providing a sibling for an existing child
• Age gaps between children and societal pressure to have more

[11:18] Secondary infertility support groups

• Lack of support for those experiencing secondary infertility
• The need for a safe space to discuss the challenges
• The importance of emotional support and community

[20:07] Secondary infertility support for men

• Men are often sidelined during fertility challenges
• Men also need emotional support

Resources mentioned: 

One and Only by Lauren Sandler: https://www.laurenosandler.com/the-book

Episode with Miscarriage Doula Arden Cartrette: drlorashahine.com/podcast/arden-cartrette-on-pregnancy-loss

 

Finding Allie Karagozian:

Allie on Instagram: @holdingboth 

Allie’s Website: www.holdingbothllc.com 

Allie’s Podcast on Instagram: @secondaryinfertility.pod

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“I am so sorry, but the baby has stopped developing.”

A  “missed” or “silent” miscarriage is when the fetus has stopped developing, but the body hasn’t gotten the message to end the pregnancy yet. It can be devastating, and unfortunately, there are often decisions that the pregnant person will need to make.

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine talks about what a missed miscarriage is, what actions you may need to take if diagnosed with a missed miscarriage, and what the pros, cons, and risks are of the different options.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is a missed miscarriage?

• What questions might you have for your doctor?
• What are the symptoms that a missed miscarriage may be occuring?
• Why is it sometimes referred to as an “abortion”?

[4:54] What are the medical options for proceeding after a diagnosis?

• There are options to pursue, with pros and cons.
• Will the body naturally miscarry the fetus? Is there a risk of infection?
• What are the emotional impacts?

[10:22] Medical management of missed miscarriages

[13:22] Surgical management of missed miscarriages

• Who might need surgical intervention?
• What does it entail?
• Diagnosing chromosomal imbalances

[20:22] Advocating for care

• How to talk to your care team about interventions
• Dr. Shahine’s book Not Broken: drlorashahine.com/books
• Understanding it’s not the pregnant person’s fault and how to advocate for care
• Resources for support and healing

Resources mentioned: 

Dr. Shahine’s books: drlorashahine.com/books

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How much does what we eat impact our fertility?

Certainly food influences pregnancy and fertility much more than most of us know, possibly more than our doctors know! Fortunately, a book is coming that can change all that, and in this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking with the authors about fertility, food, nutrition, the science of food and fertility, the myths surrounding nutrition and reproduction (hint: it’s NOT all about BMI), and so much more.

Dr. Angela Thyer is a reproductive endocrinologist and Judy Simon is a registered dietitian and reproductive health nutritionist in Seattle, and together they’ve written Getting to Baby: A Food-First Fertility Plan to Improve Your Odds and Shorten Your Time to Pregnancy. 

Getting to Baby is a deep dive into choosing the right foods to reduce inflammation and support a healthy body; eating to support conception, healthy pregnancy, and IVF treatments; and actually enjoying shopping, cooking, and eating.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] Introducing the idea of fertility nutrition with a focus on plant-based foods

[0:51] Nutrition's impact on fertility with medical doctor and registered dietitian

[2:31] Nutrition and fertility with a focus on evidence-based information

[3:55] Creating a supportive community for people with fertility issues

[5:03] Fertility, nutrition, and cooking with guidance from a reproductive endocrinologist and a dietitian

[9:55] The importance of plant-based foods and limiting processed foods

[15:33] What does a “holistic approach” to nutrition and fertility look like?

[21:11] Avoiding restrictive dieting

[22:56] Nutrition accessibility

[31:03] Lifestyle tips for better health

Resources mentioned: 

Getting to Baby by Angela Thyer, MD and Judy Simon, RDN (find at Penguin Random House Books)

Judy Simon, RD on Instagram - @fertilenutrition

Angela Thyer, MD on Instagram @angelathyermd

More education on nutrition and fertility:

Improving Fertility with Diet and Nutrition with Dr. Lora Shahine

https://youtu.be/Lxwv0VLZyEk

Foods that Improve Your Fertility with Dr. Lora Shahine

https://youtu.be/tBJo9ggmdzA

Foods to Avoid When You’re Trying to Conceive with Dr. Lora Shahine

https://youtu.be/Ch86VS6yxPE

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Whether you’re convinced of their medicinal properties or not, the pineapple is a wonderful and long-lived symbol of hope and strength in the fertility community. 

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine explains a little about where the symbol comes from, a couple myths to watch out for, and how the pineapple symbol can help you on your fertility journey, 

In this episode you’ll hear:

• [1:14] Pineapples are everywhere in the fertility community!
• [2:37] The medical connection to the pineapple
• [5:09] The symbolic connection the the pineapple
• [6:02] Summary

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