Today, Ali sits down with her dear friend and Fertility Rally member, Caitlin Trabert, for a raw and powerful conversation about her long and deeply emotional path to parenthood. Caitlin opens up about the heartbreak of multiple pregnancies and subsequent losses, her husband's balanced translocation, and the toll of IVF—physically, emotionally, and mentally. From the crushing "egg winner" high to the "zero embryos" low, a surprise pregnancy that ended in miscarriage, and learning her mom had breast cancer on the same day she was miscarrying—Caitlin talks about how hard it is to trust your body after so much loss, and joining Fertility Rally—an experience she describes as the best decision she's made. She talks about welcoming her daughter, Parker, into the world, and finally, being pregnant again with a baby that's due this year.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; pregnancy loss; miscarriage; IVF; embryo transfers; egg retrievals, pregnancy after infertility; balanced translocation 

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

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership 

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

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

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

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

Today, Ali is talking to Lana Manikowski, a fellow Chicagoan, a certified life coach and the author of "So Now What?" -- a roadmap to help you create a life you love without the children you always dreamed about. Lana tells Ali about her years-long infertility journey, starting with an "unexplained infertility" diagnosis and 7 IUIs. Lana explains moving on to IVF, traveling to get treatment in Colorado, doing several rounds of IVF, and how she and her husband decided to stop treatment and embrace their lives without children. "So many women are left to navigate this alone," she says. "Here I was, left to figure out who I was gonna be in my life without motherhood. And there was no one there--not even a referral for a therapist." Lana has made it her goal to help other women navigate childlessness after infertility, from her book to her advocacy to The Other's Day brunch, which takes place each year in Chicago around Mother's Day. 

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

and follow her on IG: @lana.manikowski  

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; unexplained infertility; IUI; IVF; childless not by choice

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

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership 

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

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

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

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com

Today Ali is talking to Libby Wicks, a surrogacy mama who went through a five-plus year struggle to have her baby girl. Libby talks about her not one, but two ectopic pregnancies, her emergency tube removal, and being diagnosed (wrongly, she would find out much later) with Asherman's Syndrome. She also talks about IVF and how her infertility journey affected her mental health. "I was suffering from anxiety," she says. "There were many days I wasn't able to leave the house. I wasn't able to work, and it was absolutely devastating. I was a shell of myself. And I want other women to know that that is actually normal." Libby talks about pivoting to surrogacy and finding NewGen Families, which is known for their thoughtful matches and their empathetic and expert care when it comes to both surrogates and future parents. She talks about bonding with her surrogate, the group text she had with her husband and her surrogate; and after going through so much heartache, finally bringing home her baby girl.

For more, follow them on IG @newgenfamilies

Or go to: https://newgenfamilies.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; ectopic pregnancies; trauma; IVF; normalizing the conversation around ART; anxiety and depression; Asherman's syndrome; surrogacy

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

EPISODE SPONSORS:

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EXTEND FERTILITY 

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

Fertility shouldn’t be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you’re preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they’re here with expert support every step of theway. 

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

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

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

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com

Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive and maternal mental health. Today, Ali is talking to Jessica about her new book, "Normalize It," her first book, "I Had a Miscarriage," and Jessica's own infertility journey, including a devastating pregnancy loss at 16 weeks. "I felt like I was living in a documentary, like, How is this my life?" Jessica says. They also talk about women lifting each other up; normalizing the conversation around IVF; miscarriage and navigating pregnancy after loss; and more. 

For more, go to: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/

Order Normalize It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; D&C; trauma; IVF; normalizing the conversation around ART; pregnancy after loss

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

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EXTEND FERTILITY 

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

Fertility shouldn’t be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you’re preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they’re here with expert support every step of theway. 

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

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

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

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

* Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com

It's another Infertile AF expert minisode! On today's episode, Ali welcomes Emily Oster, a Professor of Economics at Brown University, a bestselling author, and the founder of ParentData.org. Emily has a talent for translating complex data into practical advice—an approach that has made her a trusted voice for millions of parents. Today, she and Ali talk about sex ed, fertility, birth control, secondary infertility, endometriosis, and advocating for yourself in terms of healthcare and your medical team. Emily and Ali also explore the question, What should we be teaching the next generation, and how do we better prepare them for their futures than we were prepared? 

For more, go to: https://parentdata.org/

Follow Emily @profemilyoster

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; sex education; endometriosis; birth control; fertility

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

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

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

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

On today's episode, Ali interviews Kristin Duncan, a single mom by choice, about the journey to having her 2 1/2 year old son, Blake. Kristin explains why she made the decision to have a kiddo on her own and talks us through the entire process, from having a "sperm donor choosing party" with her sisters to finding out she had stage two silent endometriosis (but no symptoms). She talks about connecting with others in the single mom by choice community, and says, "In the single mother by choice community, you don't find a lot of people who regret going ahead and having a baby on their own. The most surprising thing was just that everyone was so happy with their decision." She talks about the pros and cons of doing it solo, gaining 40 pounds from taking the fertility meds, and how everything was "insanely expensive." She also talks about having her son, and later, embarking on the journey to have another child, which has so far included two failed egg donors. Kristin is not finished building her family, so follow along on IG @mysmbclife 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; sex education; endometriosis; silent endometriosis; single moms by choice; egg retrievals; egg transfers; sperm donation 

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

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. 

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com 

Our Sponsors:

* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com

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

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

Today, Ali is talking to the "Vanderpump Rules" and "The Valley" GOAT: Kristen Doute. Kristen shares her entire family building story, starting with back in the day, when she and co-star Scheana Shay talked about freezing their eggs (although Kristen didn't do it then) to today, when she is happily engaged and expecting her first baby, a daughter, in June. Kristen talks about the sex education (or lack thereof) she got growing up in Michigan; how, when she met Luke, she was about to be 40 "and not playing around," and how she really wanted a family and stability. She talks about how she and Luke started to "not, not try" for a baby; getting pregnant naturally; and then, a devastating pregnancy loss (in her case, a "blighted ovum"). Kristen also talks about the unsexiness of sex on demand; going to see a fertility specialist, and how she felt triggered by the word, "infertile." She also talks about IUI; becoming pregnant after their loss; a bleeding scare at 12 or 13 weeks gestation; and how she and Luke are thriving today, waiting for the arrival of their baby girl -- and the second season of their hit Bravo reality show, "The Valley."

Follow Kristen on IG: @kristendoute

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; sex education; chemical pregnancy; egg freezing; blighted ovum; miscarriage; IUI; hormones; pregnancy after loss; pregnancy hematoma; threatened miscarriage; guilt

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EXTEND FERTILITY 

IG: @extendfertility

www.extendfertility.com

Fertility shouldn’t be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you’re preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they’re here with expert support every step of theway. 

BELI

IG: @belibaby

www.belibaby.com 

Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start.

Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. 

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. 

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com 

Today, Ali is talking to Roxy Earle, an entrepreneur, influencer, and star of The Real Housewives of Toronto, alongside her husband, Dr. Arnold Mahesan, a respected fertility specialist. Roxy and Arnold share their family building journey, including how Roxy was told by a few doctors, before she met and fell in love with Arnold, that in order to have children, she'd have to "lose weight and do IVF." Roxy talks about how Arnold put her on a "very robust" lifestyle program, including fitness changes, managing inflammation and taking supplements, and how she was able to successfully get pregnant and have two healthy babies at ages 38 and 39. Roxy and Arnold then share how they created the Ana app, which incorporates everything they learned during their own journey, and more. "The problem with infertility is that you don't know about it until it's too late. I wish someone had informed me about these things earlier on in life," Roxy says. For more on Ana — an app dedicated to empowering women with fertility knowledge, tools, and resources, see below. 

Follow Roxy on IG @luxuriousroxy and Arnold on IG @drarnoldmd and Ana on IG @theanaapp

For more, go to https://www.anahealth.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; IVF; weight management; supplements; fertility doctors; advocacy; fertility apps; inflammation 

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

CASCADE CRYOBANK

Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for.

In an industry first, Cascade Cryobank has brought it’s “Early Disclosure Program” to the market – you no longer have to wait 18 years– now you can learn the Identity of your “Early Disclosure” donor at the report of a live birth conceived from their sperm. Let Cascade Cryobank help you grow your family with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Visit their website at www.cascadecryobank.com, and find your future, today!

Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. 

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com 

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

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

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

Today, Ali is talking to Fertility Rally member Keren, who is still in the thick of her years-long infertility journey. Keren talks about growing up with seven siblings in "evangelical spaces," how her parents opted her out of sex ed in school; and having one of her ovaries removed, due to a cyst, at the age of 16. She talks about having a chemical pregnancy, followed by a "lot of disappointing cycles." She shares how having timed intercourse is "stressful and not sexy," what happened when they found out her husband had a low sperm count, and pivoting to IVF. She also talks about getting pregnant but receiving the devastating news that her baby was missing part of her cerebellum and measuring about 10 days behind. Keren talks about navigating this very difficult time; the pain of finding out that their baby's heart had stopped beating; and making the decision to give birth to their daughter, Iris, in Labor & Delivery. She also shares her advice on talking to parents who have lost a baby, and where she and her husband are now in their family building journey. 

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; ovarian cysts; TTC; sex education; chemical pregnancy; Hashimoto's; male factor infertility; low sperm count; miscarriage; IVF; egg retrieval; baby loss 

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. 

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com 

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

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

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

Today, Ali is catching up with Mrs. North Carolina 2018 and IVF mom of two, Nichelle Sublett. Ali and Nichelle first spoke on Infertile AF back in 2019 -- and a lot has happened since then! At the time, Nichelle was 32 weeks pregnant with her first baby, son Hudson, who is now five. Nichelle had suffered five miscarriages and felt like her body was broken before Hudson -- and she fills Ali in on the rest of her infertility journey, including navigating Covid with a toddler; feeling like she couldn't complain about motherhood after going through infertility; and their next IVF transfer, which resulted in a second baby, their daughter, Siena. Nichelle also talks about her new fertility coaching business, Start Asking Fertility. "It's my mission to help people thrive through this time versus just survive, because I feel like I just barely survived it," she says. 

For more, go to https://www.startaskingfertility.com/

Follow on IG @startaskingfertility

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; IVF; egg retrieval; IVF success; infertility community; fertility coaching; PCOS 

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. 

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com 

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

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

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

It's a very special crossover episode! Today, Ali talks to the three brilliant and badass board certified reproductive endocrinologists from Fertility Doctors Uncensored, Dr. Carrie Bedient, Dr. Abby Eblen and Dr. Susan Hudson. Ali and the Doctors talk about separating fact from fiction, why community is so important in the infertility community, and why Ali wrote her children's book about IVF, "Work of ART." Ali shares some of her infertility story, the doctors talk about their own fertility challenges and share some frequently asked questions, and then they all talk about their respective news books coming out.

For more info, go to https://www.fertilitydocsuncensored.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; IUI; IVF; egg retrieval; IVF success; infertility community; secondary infertility; talking to kids about IVF

EPISODE SPONSORS: 

WORK OF ART

Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology

https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini.

Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books

For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request

FERTILITY RALLY

IG: @fertilityrally

www.fertilityrally.com

No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three 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.

Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership

EMBRYO SOLUTION

If you’re navigating infertility, have you ever thought about embryo donation as a family building solution? Embryo donation is when one family that has gone through IVF donates their embryos to support the family-building efforts of another family. Embryo Solution is an agency with an important mission: to fill the gap between infertility and excess embryos by connecting all parties involved. Whether you’re looking to build your family or you've gone through IVF and you have embryos in storage that you're not sure what to do with, Embryo Solution can help. 

To find out more go to www.embryosolution.com 

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

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

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