Fertility Ain't Fair
By Fertility Ain't Fair
Fertility Ain’t Fair is a community that acknowledges that all fertility is not created equal. Our mission is to normalize the conversations around infertility, reproductive health and parenthood for all.
Real. Raw. Unfiltered. This is Fertility Ain’t Fair, the Podcast.
Follow us on IG: @fertilityaintfair
Fertility Ain't FairApr 12, 2022
EP. 308: The Fives Stages of Hope
In this episode, we normalize the conversations around miscarriage, grief, and finding active hope again. Guest: Rachel Lohman (@hopeagaincollective | @rachel.lohman)
Rachel Lohman is the author of Miscarried Hope: Journeying with Jesus through Pregnancy and Infant Loss and founder of Hope Again Collective, a handmade jewelry line that shares the stories of loss moms and has donated over $12,000 in practical grief resources to women going through miscarriage or stillbirth. She holds a Masters in Theology and Ministry and is a mother to two living children and one in Heaven. Rachel and her husband Mark currently pastor a bilingual church in Southern California.
EP. 307: Life After Baby Loss
In this episode, we normalize the conversations around finding purpose after infertility, IVF, and the loss of a child.
Guest: Jelissa Umpierre (@rainbowmanifestations)
Jelissa, a devoted mother who experienced the profound loss of her beloved daughter, Yvette. Yvette was conceived through IVF after a six-year struggle to conceive. Tragically, Yvette passed on May 18th, 2021. Since that heart-wrenching moment, Jelissa has committed herself to establishing a nurturing and empathetic haven for those who have experienced baby loss.
As a compassionate baby loss coach and support group facilitator, Jelissa offers comfort and guidance to others navigating the challenging path of grief. In addition, she channels her creativity as a content creator, using her platform to raise awareness and foster understanding around the profound impact of baby loss, infertility, and IVF. Simultaneously, Jelissa is pursuing her master's degree to fulfill her dream of becoming a therapist, where she aims to provide professional support and healing for those in need.
FAF Meditation: Don't Look Back
In this guided meditation we will challenge ourselves to only look forward and create a vision of possibilities. Stay hopeful!
FAF Meditation: Celebrate Your Body
In this guided meditation we will focus on celebrating our body for all that it has done for us on this journey so far. Stay hopeful!
EP. 306: No Woman Left Behind
In this episode we normalize the conversations around preserving your fertility, Black women & infertility and leaving no one woman behind or alone on their journey.
Guest: Dr. Maya McCarthy (@thedoctorswomb)
Dr. Maya is a fertility coach who helps African American women navigate the sometimes uncertain waters of assisted reproduction and fertility challenges. She is also a practicing, board-certified physician, a dedicated wife, and a proud mother to their 2-year-old daughter. Dr. Maya’s holds a unique position in that she is also a woman who has experienced fertility challenges and because of her own experience, she is committed to leaving no woman (especially a woman of color), behind or alone. With her signature program, T.H.R.I.V.E. Fertility Coaching, she helps women to overcome infertility despite the odds they may face.
EP. 305: No More Destination Addiction
In this episode, we normalize the conversations around destination addiction, becoming an IVF warrior, and turning her journey into a new business.
Guest: Brittany Snape (@b.holisticfertility)
B. Holistic Fertility uses a holistic - mind, body, and spirit approach, focusing on the whole person beyond their reproductive organs. With this method, Brittany helps women to navigate their fertility journey with clarity and find their shortest path to baby.
EP. 304: Black Boy Doula Joy
In this episode we normalize the conversations around diversity in birth work, misandry, and doulas for all.
Guest: Jessie Spivey (@thedoudad)
Jessie Ray Spivey is the creator of The Doudad. In addition to his Doula work, Jessie Ray serves as the Operations Manager at The Oakland LGBTQ Center and Facilitator of The Black Men Connect support group. The Doudad was created to end misandry and amplify the voices of masculine-identified persons involved in birth and birth work.
EP. 303: IVF Got This!
In this episode we are normalizing the conversations around the entire IVF process with Embryologist & Creator of 'Explaining IVF', Jessica Manns. No matter where you are in your IVF jouney, there is always something new to learn and Jessica breaks it down in a way we can all understand.
About Explaining IVF: Did you know that there are over 175 million results if you Google "IVF?" Yep, there's a lot of stuff out there! So, how do you know which page to click on first? Welcome to "Explaining IVF," a blog that helps answer questions like:
- How do I know if I'm infertile? When is it time to seek help? And where do I begin?
- What's the difference between a hysterosalpinogram (HSG) and a hysteroscopy?
- Why did my friend get 7 embryos from her IVF cycle and I only got 1?
- What the heck is "mosaicism" and why should I care about it?
So if you or someone you know is considering, beginning, currently going through, or has previously done IVF, visit https://www.explainingivf.com/.
EP. 302: No Heartbeat
In this episode we normalize the conversations around pregnancy & infant loss, radical healing and an inherited blood-clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden. October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and we thank our guest Kali Miller-Cox (@glamgal83) for sharing her story of loss and her road to healing and awareness through it all.
EP 301: The Skin You're In
In this episode we normalize the conversations around endocrine blockers & endometriosis, clean beauty, and the ugly truths about everyday toxins and our overall health. Happy Skincare Awareness Month!
Guest: Kaytie Nicole (@kaytienicole), CEO in|harmony skincare (@stay_inharmony)About in|harmony: in|harmony is a company that is committed to keeping your skin healthy. Our mission is to provide you with great skincare products that are handmade in small batches from the highest quality sources that will make your skin say thank you! Our initial product collection is handmade, 100% organic, vegan, natural and cruelty free. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so you should treat it with care. What you put on the outside can have an effect on the inside. That is why we believe in using quality ingredients and all of our products are handmade, with love.
SEASON 3 Trailer
Welcome back to Fertility Ain't Fair, the Podcast! We covered a lot in Season 2, here's quick recap.
Are you ready for Season 3? New guests. New stories. Same mission.
Follow us on social media @fertilityaintfair
EP. 214: My Womb. My Business.
In this episode we normalize the conversations around self advocacy, fighting fibroids & hysterectomy hysteria, and reminding people to mind their own womb (and to stop checking yours).
Guest: Carmen Davis (@mindyourownwomb) Activist & Founder of Mind Your Own WombAbout MYOW: Your body. Your say. Starting the conversation the right way. It has become so cliché to question women on when, where, and what to do with their bodies. The Mind Your Own Womb movement was created to provide a safe space where women of color and can discuss and share their stories of bias, expectations, stereotypes, infertility, and recovery. I welcome you all to join this journey with me. All allies are welcomed, we truly appreciate your business and support.
EP. 213: For Almost Barren Women...
In this episode we normalize the conversations around putting your medical providers to work, the hurt associated with this journey (physically & emotionally) and feeling resentment towards the IVF process.
Guest: Tanerra Willis, Owner & Author: Amazing Family Enterprises, LLC (www.theamazingcorner.com)
EP. 212: It's Our 1 Year Anniversary!
EP. 211: Until Further Notice, Celebrate Everything.
In this episode we normalize the conversations around our 1st IVF cycle, celebrating all the small wins, and bringing awareness to Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28th).
About Menstrual Hygiene Day: Today, millions of women and girls around the world are stigmatized, excluded and discriminated against simply because they menstruate. It’s not acceptable that because of a natural bodily function women and girls continue to be prevented from getting an education, earning an income and fully and equally participating in everyday life. For more, visit https://menstrualhygieneday.org/
EP. 210: The Eggs Are On Ice
In this episode we normalize the conversations around making the choice to freeze your eggs, discussing the process, and why it's such an important decision to make for YOU. If you have considered freezing your eggs and need an extra push, this chat is for you.
Guest: Ashley Freeman
BONUS EP. 209: We Are 1 in 8
On this bonus episode we are normalizing the conversations around National Infertility Awareness Week by sharing some key facts on infertility and giving an update on our journey.
Guest: Bo Jackson (aka my Hubby and show Producer)
About NIAW: National Infertility Awareness Week®, (NIAW) is a movement, founded in 1989 by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Its mission is to empower you and change the conversation around infertility. All too often myths and misinformation appear in media stories or influence lawmakers and companies to enforce policies that create barriers for people who need help building their family. And still people feel isolated when they struggle to build a family, so we want to empower them to share their story and find a community that cares. Find more information here.
EP. 208: It's Already Done.
In this episode we normalize the conversations around the transition from infertility to fertility through IVF, loss, and relentless faith.
Guest: Penelope McCown, Creator of Cocoa Baby Love LLC (@cocoababylove).
About Cocoa Baby Love LLC: Cocoa Baby Love LLC is a high-end, luxury brand of infant and toddler products and apparel dedicated to the celebration of an individual and unique representation of African American infants and toddlers. Shop at https://cocoababylove.com/.
Please note, this episode was originally recorded in Dec. 2021.
EP. 207: Only Child?
Today is National Only Child Day.
In this episode we normalize the conversations around international women's health care, pregnancy & fibroids, secondary infertility, and more.
Guest: Kyla Saphir (@kyla_saphir_books)
Kyla Saphir is a mother, yoga instructor, early childhood educator, and now the author of the new children’s book On Brighter Days. The inspiration for the book, On Brighter Days, came from Kyla's personal experience with secondary infertility. Kyla is the youngest of five children and wanted her daughter to have siblings as well but was not able to make that happen. When she looked for books for her daughter to read about their experience, the bookshelves were empty. Kyla is passionate about high quality children's literature and so she and her daughter decided to write their own book addressing these feelings for other parents and only children. Find more information and purchase her book at: https://www.kylasaphirbooks.com/
EP. 206: Birth In Color
Happy World Doula Day!
In this episode we normalize the conversations around reproductive & maternal justice, community based doulas, and how to create your individual birth story.
Guest: Kenda Sutton-EL, Executive Director of Birth in Color RVA (@birthincolorrva) & Ambrosia Food for Thought (@ambrosiafoodforthought).
Kenda’s greatest pleasure as a reproductive healthcare worker has been watching women become confident and excited about the birth and early parenting of their children. She firmly believes in the power of redirecting your fears and anxieties into finding new, empowering ways to experience birth and parenting.
EP. 205: Endo What?!
March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month.
On this episode we normalize the conversations around endometriosis, an arch nemesis of myself and our guest. Endometriosis is a chronic, painful, and tricky medical disease with no known cure. We talk symptoms, diagnoses, and ways to cope, all while trying to start a family.
Guest: Ashlei Stevens (@ashlei_stevens) : Media Professional & Board Member for Endo Black (@endo_black).
About Endo Black: Endo Black, Inc. is a black-women-led organization advocating for African American women and women of color affected by endometriosis. For more info go to their website.
EP. 204: The Broken Brown Egg
In this episode we normalize the conversations around black women & infertility, the trauma that is infertility, and the transition from infertile to motherhood.
Guest: Regina Townsend, Founder, The Broken Brown Egg. Follow on IG @brokenbrownegg or FB @thebrokenbrownegg.
About The Broken Brown Egg: The Broken Brown Egg exists to empower, inform, and advocate for those questioning or experiencing the impact of infertility, with an emphasis on the Black experience of it. Infertility is bigger than babies. It’s time to talk about it.
EP. 203: The Caffeinated Mama
EP. 202: Fertility, Pregnancy & Motherhood Coaching
EP. 201: Eggs Over Easy
SEASON 2 Trailer
Welcome to Fertility Ain't Fair, Season 2!
New guests. New stories. Same mission.
Follow us on social media @fertilityaintfair
EP 13: Infertility Myths & Facts
I cannot believe this is the last episode of 2021 and Season 1.
In this episode I normalize the conversations around common infertility myths and the facts to back them up! There are a few things we need to clarify before the end of this year, so get ready to bust these myths together.
Cheers to the new year. Join us in January for Season 2!
EP 12: Two Terms: What Have We Learned?
Happy Anniversary to my husband! Cheers to 8 years in, with many more to go! to In this episode we normalize the conversations around common fertility relationship problems, how to navigate around them, and how to cope. We may not have all the answers, but we sure have learned a lot in the process.
Guest: Bo Jackson (@pinkyringplaya)
EP 11: FRIENDS... How Many of Us Have Them?
A few months back a friend of mine asked "How can I be a better friend to you and others in your community?" I was amazed by his genuine concern to find ways to support and be a better friend while myself and others in his life continue on our various journeys.
In this episode we normalize the conversations around quarantine & kids, amazing fatherhood, and some top resources on the "Do's and Don'ts" of being a friend to the infertility community & fertility challenged.
Special Guest: Big Redd (@BigReddRadio)
Featured Resource: https://resolve.org/
EP. 10: It's The Faith For Me
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. We honor and support all of those in our community who have suffered such tragic loss.
After you've done it all, tried it all, and felt like you've seen it all, you're left with your faith, two onesies, and a Bible. In this episode we normalize the conversations around secondary infertility, loss, and affirmations with our special guest, Taneshia Yerby (Founder of @ceoforwomen).
Connect with Taneshia and her dope organization on social and the web!
EP. 09: 23andMe + You
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. We honor and support all of those in our community who have suffered such tragic loss.
17 years together, 14 years married, 10 years of trying, multiple miscarriages, and 1 live birth. The odds were against them and the answers were in the genetics. How did they stay committed to their journey to parenthood and each other? I welcome our amazing friends to the show to share their journey from the beginning!
Guests: Nate & Tory Watkins
EP. 08: God Bless These 20 Somethings...
EP. 07: The Unicorn Uterus
The girl with the "Unicorn Uterus" that was anything but magical. We are talking all things Unicornuate Uterus, IVF and how this soon to be first time mommy did conceive her unicorn baby. This is a story of faith, advocacy, and baby dust!
Guest: Lindsay (@lindsaybfulton619)
EP. 06: Grief Isn't Linear
Today is National Grief Awareness Day.
Grief is complex. Grief is real. Grief is complicated. So I had to grab my spiritual sensei, Kristen Crockett, to walk us through it! Light a candle and bring a notebook.
Guest: Kristen Crockett, transformational speaker, coach and host of The Plastic Couch Podcast.
Connect with Kristen:
Social: @thekristencrockett
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristencrockett/
Podcast: https://kristencrockett.com/the-plastic-couch-podcast
Web: https://kristencrockett.com/
Shop: https://loveandaffirmation.com/
EP. 05: Why Me?!
When life gives you lemons... you find the strength to make lemonade! I am telling you a quick story about my very first blog post, before Fertility Ain't Fair was anything more than my personal mantra. How do you move from Why Me to What's Next? Glad you asked...
EP. 04: The Bonus Mom's Club
Bonus parenting ain't easy, but it's better with friends! Join me and my girl, fellow bonus mom Janna Hall, as we break down our paths to bonus mom life. We may not have all the answers, but we've learned some lessons!
Connect with Janna Hall:
@jannamhall
@leapinnovativegroup
EP. 03: F*@k Fibroids!
July is Fibroid Awareness Month and are we aren’t holding anything back! We share our intimate details below the belt and encourage you to get checked this month.
Guest: Chelsea LeMore, Radio Broadcaster, Podcaster, Entrepreneur, and a fellow fibroid girl.
EP. 02: Get Out My Uterus
This is a Public Service Announcement from the good people at Fertility Ain't Fair. For every probing question, insensitive comment or unsolicited advice, we are cancelling this culture today! @fertilityaintfair
Fertility Ain't Fair Promo
Fertility and Fair do not coexist, which is why it's time to talk about it! As an infertility advocate and sufferer my goal is to share and connect with honest conversations around infertility, reproductive health, and motherhood. I welcome you to join the Fertility Ain't Fair community as a fellow warrior or as a supporter as we break down the barriers and stigmas regarding our journeys. Real. Raw. Unfiltered. This is Fertility Ain't Fair, the Podcast.
EP. 01: I'm Coming Out
You are cordially invited to my infertility coming out party! No need to bring a gift, just bring yourself and an open mind. Welcome to the first episode of Fertility Ain't Fair, the Podcast. @fertilityaintfair