Skip to main content
Infertility Crossroads

Infertility Crossroads

By Meta Getman

Infertility Crossroads is a podcast all about the decision points you make as you try to become a parent. Whether you are just starting out on your TTC journey, have been through IUIs, IVF cycles, and are exploring alternative paths to becoming a parent like donor conception (donor egg, donor sperm, donor embryo, double donor), adoption or living child free this podcast will help you answer the question of "what's next" in a way that allows you to feel good about your decisions. Your host, Meta Getman, is a donor conception coach and mom to twin girls conceived via donor egg.
Available on
Amazon Music Logo
Apple Podcasts Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

02. Five Things I'd Do Differently On My Infertility Journey

Infertility CrossroadsOct 11, 2022

00:00
17:23
55. As a Parent to Donor Conceived Kids, This Is Why It Is Vital You Tell Them Early and Often
Mar 11, 202411:20
54. Surrogacy Simplified with Jessie Jaskulsky
Mar 04, 202429:58
53. Everyone With Feelings About the Alabama Supreme Court Ruling Needs To Hear This
Feb 26, 202424:49
52. 4 Things to Consider When Switching Fertility Clinics
Feb 19, 202413:10
51. 9 Things To Say When Friends and Family Ask How They Can Help You
Feb 12, 202415:22
50. Why I'll Never Wonder Why It's Important To Know Who Your Donor Is
Feb 05, 202411:21
49. Turn Your Pain Into Healing Through Infertility Advocacy
Jan 29, 202412:04
48. Four Things To Do When You Are Feeling Left Out
Jan 22, 202410:47
47. How to Navigate Secondary Infertility and Donor Conception
Jan 15, 202416:04
46. The Urgent Need for Infertility Insurance Mandates in Minnesota with Miraya Gran
Jan 08, 202457:36
45. The Best Thing I've Done For Myself and How It's A Game Changer for You Too
Jan 01, 202410:37
43. 5 Ways to Improve Egg Quality with Claire Innes
Oct 16, 202348:03
42. Genetic Grief with Sara Reece
Oct 09, 202345:29
41. What You Think Self Advocacy Is vs. What it Actually Is with Lucy Lines

41. What You Think Self Advocacy Is vs. What it Actually Is with Lucy Lines

So often we think that self advocacy is finding a different doctor or speaking up when we have questions and those are true but there is SO much more to being able to advocate for yourself during your infertility journey.

On today’s episode I’m joined by Lucy Lines, a clinically experienced embryologist and award winning IVF coach. Through her 17 years working in the fertility industry and her passion for helping people through IVF, Lucy has seen it all when it comes to labs, embryo grading, IVF protocols, you name it.

She shares with us the importance of having an independent review of your personal results, shares how to find the information specific to your story and journey (hint…not everything is for everyone!), and talks about what it really looks like to advocate for yourself as you navigate becoming a parent.

Lucy is someone I wish I had in my corner during my journey to becoming a parent and I’m thrilled to share her with you today.


About Lucy:

As a fully trained and clinically experienced embryologist Lucy has had the good fortune to travel the world practicing her craft in IVF labs in Australia, Sweden, Ireland and the UK.

Over her first 17 years in the fertility ‘industry’ she became increasingly frustrated over the ‘business’ aspect that was creeping in to the large IVF companies and the huge gaps that was creating for patients accessing those services.

After a redundancy at 37 weeks pregnant, (and at 44 years of age) Lucy saw an opportunity to fill those gaps - with education, care, support, guidance and space for women and couples experiencing difficulties with their fertility - totally independent of the big businesses!

She now offer my services as an independent embryologist through Two Lines Fertility - with her signature program ‘IVFWTF’, her website and blog, e-courses and, of course, 1:1 support. She now helps women and couples to feel empowered, and more importantly EDUCATED and in control of their fertility, whether they are right at the beginning of considering growing their families, in the depths of IVF treatment, or anywhere in between.

Website: https://www.twolinesfertility.com.au/

Instagram

Facebook


Did your doctor just tell you that you need to use a donor?

Or, you think donor might be on the horizon but you are not sure yet?

Or, you already know you need to use a donor but you want some more help processing the idea.

Go to https://metagetman.com/crossroadsto get a free copy of my guide "My Doctor Just Said Donor, Now What?"


Connect with me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Oct 02, 202345:43
40. 6 Ways to Take Control of Your Fertility with Laura Watson

40. 6 Ways to Take Control of Your Fertility with Laura Watson

If you’ve been trying for a baby and you feel like life has thrown some tough punches at you, you are not alone. Infertility is heartbreaking and frustrating especially when you keep trying with no success.

Through each of these failures, each doctor’s appointment, and as time ticks on it can feel like you are losing control. Control over what is happening to your body, how you spend your time, how you spend your money, and even how you relate to your partner. The truth is there are ways for you to regain some of that control to help you navigate your path to becoming a parent in the best way for you.

On the episode today, I’m joined by Laura Watson. Laura is a fertility coach and fellow donor egg mama who supports women who are suffering for infertility. Using mind body techniques and connecting to who you are as a person, she gives us six great ways to take back control of your life and your fertility.

Laura Watson is a fertility coach and mom to her two donor conceived children. Her personal journey included failed fertility treatments, several unsuccessful rounds of IVF, and three heartbreaking pregnancy losses before completing her family with donor egg IVF.  She now supports women pursuing fertility treatments to build their families and helps them find control, confidence and joy in a complicated process.


Connect with Laura:

Instagram

Website: www.positivefertilitycoaching.com

Laura's article: My Journey from Infertility to Motherhood


Did your doctor just tell you that you need to use a donor?

Or, you think donor might be on the horizon but you are not sure yet?

Or, you already know you need to use a donor but you want some more help processing the idea.

Go tohttps://metagetman.com/crossroads to get a free copy of my guide "My Doctor Just Said Donor, Now What?"


Connect with me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Sep 25, 202347:58
39. Pregnancy After Infertility and Loss with Jennifer Robertson

39. Pregnancy After Infertility and Loss with Jennifer Robertson

Today is part 2 of my two part series with Jennifer Robertson. If you missed part 1, make sure to go back and check it out 39. Jennifer’s Story: Two Paths to Parenthood Through Surrogacy and Pregnancy.

In our conversation on this episode we are switching gears away from Jennifer’s personal story and talking about the work Jennifer does with her coaching clients, specifically around pregnancy after infertility and loss.

So often when we are struggling to have a baby we feel like all our problems will go away when we finally achieve pregnancy. The reality is that once you become pregnant post-infertility or post-pregnancy loss, a whole new set of feelings, fears, pain, and grief starts to show up.

Jennifer is an expert in this area and she dives into the most common struggles women face after becoming pregnant post-infertility or pregnancy loss, how to navigate miscarriage and loss, the importance of finding a community of people who get it, and what resources are available to you.

This is a tough episode as we touch on some hard and painful topics but I’m so grateful to Jennifer for her willingness to step into the hard and provide support for those who need it.

Connect with Jennifer:

Your Pregnancy Haven https://www.yourpregnancyhaven.co/

Website: https://www.jenniferrobertson.co/

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


Did your doctor just tell you that you need to use a donor?

Or, you think donor might be on the horizon but you are not sure yet?

Or, you already know you need to use a donor but you want some more help processing the idea.

Go to https://metagetman.com/crossroadsto get a free copy of my guide "My Doctor Just Said Donor, Now What?"


Connect with me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Sep 18, 202332:57
38. Jennifer's Story: Two Paths To Parenthood Through Surrogacy and Pregnancy

38. Jennifer's Story: Two Paths To Parenthood Through Surrogacy and Pregnancy

In this heartfelt episode Meta delves into Jennifer Robertson's inspiring journey of resilience and determination in her quest to build her dream family. Just when she least expected it, Jennifer found herself facing the challenging reality of infertility, longing to experience the joy of carrying a pregnancy while simultaneously exploring the possibilities of surrogacy.

Jennifer openly shares the highs and lows, twists and turns she encountered along the way. Through her candid narrative, you will gain insight into the rollercoaster of emotions, the decisions, and the love that propelled her forward on this extraordinary path to motherhood.

Discover how Jennifer overcame obstacles and embraced hope when she decided to use a surrogate to bring her cherished son into the world. Her account of the surrogate journey is one of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that forms between a mother and her child, regardless of who carries the pregnancy.

Jennifer will leave you in awe as she reveals how, against all odds, she welcomed her second child, a beautiful daughter, through conceiving on her own and carrying the pregnancy herself. It's a testament to the power of hope and the inexplicable wonders life can bestow upon us.

Whether you are facing infertility, considering surrogacy, or yearning to carry a pregnancy, this episode will touch your heart and leave you inspired.

This is part one of a a two part series. Stay tuned next week for part 2 where we dive more into Jen’s coaching work and how she now works with women at all different stages of their fertility and pregnancy journeys.

Connect with Jennifer Robertson:

Website:  https://www.yourfertilityhaven.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/425418404879458


Did your doctor just tell you that you need to use a donor?

Or, you think donor might be on the horizon but you are not sure yet?

Or, you already know you need to use a donor but you want some more help processing the idea.

Go to https://metagetman.com/crossroadsto get a free copy of my guide "My Doctor Just Said Donor, Now What?"


Connect with me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Sep 11, 202345:30
Season 2 Coming Soon

Season 2 Coming Soon

Season 2 of Infertility Crossroads is coming next week and I'm so excited to start sharing new episodes with you! Join me as I continue to bring you information about infertility, alternative paths to becoming a parent, help with your mindset and more.

Sep 04, 202308:06
[Encore] 29. I Got It Wrong. You Don't Have to Jump When There Are Stairs
Aug 28, 202309:49
[Encore] 15. 10 Tips To Help You Move Forward When You Are Feeling Stuck

[Encore] 15. 10 Tips To Help You Move Forward When You Are Feeling Stuck

I recently did a poll on my instagram and I wanted to share the results with you.  I've personally been feeling tired.  Burnt out.  And I asked if others were feeling the same thing.  I got an overwhelming response of YES! You are feeling burnt out just like me. 

It got me thinking...when we are feeling tired, burned out, or are forced to take a pause on our fertility journey it can feel so frustrating.  It can make us feel stuck when really what we have is an opportunity. 

On today's episode I'm sharing 10 tips to help you keep moving forward when you feel stuck.  This episode is great for anyone who is forced to take a break (a canceled cycle, a clinic closure for maintenance, etc.) or anyone who is just generally feeling tired and not sure how to move forward.  

Want an easy to reference free PDF download of these ideas? Go to ⁠https://metagetman.com/fertilityforward ⁠and download your free copy! 


Resources from this Episode: 

⁠https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm⁠

⁠https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-recover-from-burnout⁠

⁠5 Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life⁠

⁠Insight Timer App


Did your doctor just tell you that you need to use a donor?

Or, you think donor might be on the horizon but you are not sure yet?

Or, you already know you need to use a donor but you want some more help processing the idea.

Go to https://metagetman.com/crossroadsto get a free copy of my guide "My Doctor Just Said Donor, Now What?"


Connect with me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Aug 21, 202318:40
[Encore] 30. Cultivating a Mindset of Possibility with Kirstin Dillensnyder
Aug 14, 202341:26
[Encore] 19. 5 Reasons Why IVF With Your Own Eggs Isnt' Working
Aug 07, 202312:46
[Encore] 9. 6 Tips For Building Connection With Your Partner During Infertility
Jul 31, 202313:53
[Encore] 21. My Best Advice for Navigating the Fertility Unknowns
Jul 24, 202318:41
[Encore] 14. Hayley's Story: From Donor Conceived to Recipient Parent

[Encore] 14. Hayley's Story: From Donor Conceived to Recipient Parent

Hayley is an amazing human who is not only donor conceived but is also a mom to donor conceived twins.  In today's episode, Hayley and I talk about her story of learning she was donor conceived, how her own experiences have shaped the way her and her wife approach parenting their children, and our shared thoughts on how, as recipient parents, we have to do our own work in navigating our feelings around using a donor.   

This episode is packed with personal stories, shared experiences, lots of great tips and tricks and a little fun along the way.  


About Hayley Darknell-King

Hayley Darknell-King (she/her) currently lives in the UK with her wife. They've been together for over 12 years and have two beautiful children via donor sperm IVF. Her wife carried and they used her wife's eggs. In a twist of fate, Hayley is also a donor conceived person. Her parents used an anonymous (sperm) donor to have her as part of pioneering IVF treatment in the 1980s, however she didn’t find this out until much later in life. In 2019 she DNA tested herself and has located her biological father and 3 other donor siblings. It’s been something of a journey!

She recently started speaking openly about her story and taking part in some educational and advocacy work around donor conception. Her hope is to raise awareness and help others on their parenting journeys. 

You can find Hayley on Instagram ⁠@dcp_journey_2_rp⁠ where she has been documenting her journey and connecting with others in the donor conception community.

Grab a copy of Hayley's free download, which is a collection of resources for parents of donor conceived people.  ⁠Click here to download it! ⁠ 


Resources Discussed During the Show 

⁠Donor Sibling Registry⁠ 

⁠What Makes A Baby Book (on Amazon) ⁠

⁠Donor Conception Network Books ⁠

⁠Happy Together Children's Book ⁠

⁠Dr. Patricia Hershberger/Tell Tool ⁠


Did your doctor just tell you that you need to use a donor?

Or, you think donor might be on the horizon but you are not sure yet?

Or, you already know you need to use a donor but you want some more help processing the idea.

Go to https://metagetman.com/crossroadsto get a free copy of my guide "My Doctor Just Said Donor, Now What?"


Connect with me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Jul 17, 202355:30
[Encore] 18. How to Instantly Open Up the Feelings Conversation with Your Parnter
Jul 10, 202319:09
Season 1 Wrap Up
Jun 05, 202305:45
37. 5 Things You Can Do To Support someone Going Through Infertility
May 29, 202316:21
36. Lindsay's Story: Being Donor Conceived and an Advocate for Donor Conceived People

36. Lindsay's Story: Being Donor Conceived and an Advocate for Donor Conceived People

In this episode, I’m chatting with Lindsay Blount. Lindsay learned that she was donor conceived as an adult.  Through this information, Lindsay has been learning what it means for her, her children and her family.   Through her experience, Lindsay has become an advocate for the rights of donor conceived people and has worked hard to help educate recipient parents about the donor conceived experience (through her lens). 

Lindsay is one of those people who offers her viewpoints and life stories in a way that makes it easier for you to comprehend her perspective and story. She is approachable, straight forward and is a donor conceived person who I’ve learned a lot from. 

While Lindsay shares her own, personal perspective and does not speak for all DCP, she shares a lot about her own story, sharing with your child that they are DCP, discusses terminology that she uses and uses with her own children, talks about the rights of DCP and how when we are centered and focused on the DCP experience we all win. 

Covered in this episode:

  • The importance of sharing with your children that they are donor conceived
  • How Lindsay learned she was donor conceived and how that has impacted her life and the life of her family. 
  • Her relationship with her siblings
  • Terms to describe the donor / biological parent 
  • Rights of donor conceived people and why they are important
  • Focusing on what is best for your child is how we are all on the same team 


Lindsay shares a mix of personal and donor conceived content on her Instagram page.  In addition, she has two really great posts on her page to check out:


Connect with Meta on Instagram 

Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide https://www.metagetman.com/podcast


May 22, 202301:35:05
35. Clearing the Emotional Clutter so that You Can Find Clarity on Your Fertility Journey with Elaine Bogard

35. Clearing the Emotional Clutter so that You Can Find Clarity on Your Fertility Journey with Elaine Bogard

In this episode, we are joined by Elaine Bogard. Elaine is a soul midwife and a fertility shaman who helps women overcome fertility obstacles, heal from pregnancy loss and sexual trauma, and become the mothers they have always been meant to be. She's located in the beautiful state of Hawaii.

We discussed ways to help women recover from pregnancy loss, and overcome challenges to conception, including all of the feelings and pain related to it. It's fascinating to learn how our emotions can impact our physical bodies. It can occasionally be difficult to understand.

This is a bit of a woo woo episode but one that I think you will really enjoy if you listen with an open mind, an open heart, and a spirit of curiosity.  I find everything Elaine mentions fascinating! 

Covered in this episode:

  • The evolution of fertility work
  • What is the root of stress and anxiety?
  • The connection with the spirit of the child
  • Connecting with the souls of women and babies,
  • Getting messages from the souls
  • The importance of being present in the moment
  • Having the space and awareness
  • The process of grief and loss
  • The importance of being open to different aspects of love


Connect with Elaine:


Connect with Meta on Instagram 

Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide https://www.metagetman.com/podcast

May 15, 202336:58
34. Once I Realized This...Everything Changed For Me
May 08, 202318:10
33. Living Child Free After Infertility with Lana Manikowski

33. Living Child Free After Infertility with Lana Manikowski

Lana is a driven and focused woman who didn't have a plan for how she was going to have a family until she met her husband. But their journey towards parenthood wasn't as smooth as they hoped. After 7 long years of trying different things and taking breaks to navigate their next steps, Lana found herself with only one genetically abnormal embryo that they couldn't transfer.

But Lana's story doesn't end there. She's sharing her experience of navigating the tough decision of choosing to live child free after infertility.

It's not an easy decision to make, and we'll be diving into the tough topics around choosing to live child free vs using an egg donor or adopting. We'll also talk about the shame, guilt, and grief that often comes with deciding not to have kids when there were other options available.

But it's not all doom and gloom. We'll also explore what life is like now that Lana's decision has been made to live child free. We'll discuss the challenges she still faces and how she's shaped her purpose in life without kids. It's a conversation that's sure to be thought-provoking and insightful. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and let's dive into Lana's story together.


Join Lana for Other's Day Brunch on May 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Learn more here and grab your ticket!


Connect with Lana Manikowski

Connect with Meta on Instagram 

Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide https://www.metagetman.com/podcast

May 01, 202338:54
32. 6 Things I Learned About Infertility Advocacy

32. 6 Things I Learned About Infertility Advocacy

Advocacy Day is an annual event that takes place in Minnesota, other states across the US and at the federal level.  The effort is led by RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association in the United States.  

This is an event and opportunity for people to gather at the state capital to advocate for families who are suffering from infertility, have limited to no access to infertility care, and to support equity for all to access the medical care they need when diagnosed with infertility.  

It was so great that I've put together this podcast episode to share my experience with you and encourage you to join us next year.  Whether you are in Minnesota, are in another state that has an advocacy day or you join the federal advocacy day (it's virtual so you don't have to travel to Washington D.C. to participate!).  

Connect with me on Instagram 

Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide. 


Become a RESOLVE Advocate: https://resolve.org/take-action/become-an-advocate/

Follow RESOLVE on Social Media:

Apr 24, 202320:28
31. Thinking About Plan B Doesn't Jinx Plan A with Naomi Woolfson
Apr 17, 202349:49
30. Cultivating a Mindset of Possibility with Kristin Dillensnyder
Apr 10, 202341:26
29. I Got It Wrong. You Don't Have To Jump When There Are Stairs
Apr 03, 202309:49
28. I'm a Non-Genetic Uncle: What It's Really Like with My Brother, Kenny Anderson
Mar 27, 202320:25
27. What do Lemons, Our Minds, Our Bodies, and our Thoughts Have To Do With Our Decisions with Naomi Woolfson

27. What do Lemons, Our Minds, Our Bodies, and our Thoughts Have To Do With Our Decisions with Naomi Woolfson

Lemons? The Mind? The Body? Infertility? What does it all mean?

On the episode today, Naomi Woolfson from Embrace Fertility joins me as we explore the surprising connections between our minds, our bodies, and our thoughts when it comes to making fertility decisions.  Spoiler alert - she uses an example with a lemon that will make you go "whoah! I totally get it!"

Our minds and bodies are deeply interconnected, and our thoughts and beliefs can have a huge impact on our fertility journey.  Naomi is a hypnotherapist and she breaks down what is the mind body connection and challenges you to examine the stories you tell yourself about your fertility and consider how they may be limiting your options and holding you back from reaching your goals.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and there is always hope. Let's take a step forward together and explore the power of our minds, bodies, and thoughts when it comes to making fertility decisions.


About Naomi Woolfson:

Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, is a therapist specializing in supporting women through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility. She and her partner went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI’s, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before they went on to conceive both of their ginger children naturally.

On her podcast she offers emotional support and shares mind-body techniques to help you feel calm and confident and ultimately find yourself again while waiting for your baby. Search for Embrace Fertility on your favorite podcast player to listen.

Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions she offers hypnosis and meditation MP3s and runs a 12 week mind-body program guiding women through the 5 steps of her unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating.

Visit www.embracefertility.co.uk for more details and to set up a free video call to answer any questions you have about working with Naomi.


Resources Mentioned:

How to Decide When To Start or Continue Fertility Treatment

EFT Tapping for Coping with Infertility and Enhancing Fertility

Follow Naomi on Instagram

www.embracefertility.co.uk


Mar 20, 202354:00
26. Rewriting Egg Donation and Egg Freezing with Lauren Makler from CoFertility

26. Rewriting Egg Donation and Egg Freezing with Lauren Makler from CoFertility

In today's podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Makler from Cofertility. As someone who has personally experienced a unique road to her fertility, Lauren understands the emotional rollercoaster that we can go through to build our family. That's why she's on a mission to revolutionize the egg donor and egg freezing process. 

During our chat, Lauren shares her own medical journey to having her daughter and how that experience, combined with her passion for healthcare start-ups, led her to co-found Cofertility, a platform that connects families with high-quality egg donors. But what sets Cofertility apart is that while helping families who need egg donors find diverse and high quality donors, they are also educating and supporting women in preserving their fertility through egg freezing.  They take a personalized approach, provide education to intended parents and egg donors and are advocates for making the egg freezing and egg donation process simple, easy, and accessible.

Lauren's story is inspiring, and Cofertility's approach is truly revolutionary.


About Lauren Makler

Lauren Makler is the Co-founder and CEO of Cofertility. She previously founded Uber Health, a product that enables healthcare organizations to leverage Uber’s massive driver network in improving healthcare outcomes through patient transportation and healthcare delivery.  Lauren’s winding road of a fertility journey led her to believe that everyone should have the opportunity to freeze their eggs –and that there should be better access to egg donors. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their miracle baby girl.


Resources:

Infertility Crossroads Episode 7. We Used an Anonymous Donor. I'd Do it Differently If I Could

Anonymous Egg Donation, What Does The Research Say 

How Do Individuals Who Were Conceived Through the Use of Donor Technologies Feel About The Nature of their Conception? 

cofertility.com/family

Cofertility, Family by Co on Instagram 

Lauren Makler on Instagram 


Mar 13, 202344:15
25. My Doctor Said "Donor", Now What?
Mar 06, 202317:28
24. Emily's Story: Egg Donor, Gestational Carrier and Fertility Therapist

24. Emily's Story: Egg Donor, Gestational Carrier and Fertility Therapist

Emily Derrick is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is also a six time egg donor and gestational carrier.  She has had personal experience with many aspects of third party reproduction, both personally and professionally.

During the episode, we talk about Emily’s experience becoming an egg donor, why she chose to be an egg donor, what the egg donor process was like for her, the outcomes of her donor cycles and her thoughts on connecting with the children that she is the biological mother of.

We dive into the importance of having accessibility to your donor going forward in the future for medical history, giving the kids the ability to get from their donor information, to know who they are and where they came from.

Emily and I also talk about her work as a therapist working with recipient parents and what you can expect during your psycho-social evaluation and we get into the meat of why it is SO important to unpack the feelings surrounding being a recipient parent and the personal emotional work it takes to get comfortable and excited about going down this path.

Emily Derrick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in infertility and 3rd party reproduction, raising two children with her husband, a 6x egg donor and 1x gestational carrier. She works with clients who are seeking emotional support, skill building and education on their journey to family, whether through 1:1 therapy or clinic required psychoeducational consultations. Visit her website at www.emilyderricktherapy.com to learn more.


Resources from the Show:

Inheritance by Dani Shapiro

Brave new Humans by Sarah Dingle 

Children’s book resource on Emily’s website 

Emily's Instagram @emily.derrick.therapy

Feb 27, 202301:06:13
23. How to Find a Fertility Coach That is Right For Me

23. How to Find a Fertility Coach That is Right For Me

Today's episode is part 2 of a series I'm doing on fertility coaching.  If you haven't listened to Episode 22 - What is a Fertility Coach and Why Should I Invest in One I highly recommend checking out that episode first.  In that episode I talk all about what a fertility coach is, why it is good to have one, the difference between a coach and a therapist and what how to decide if having one is right for you.

Today we are diving into how to find a fertility coach that is right for you.  There are so many amazing coaches out there specializing in all kinds of support: from miscarriage to endometriosis to mind/body connections you can really find help for anything you are looking for.  But before you jump into a program, it’s important to know what you are struggling with the most right now so you can focus and to know how you best learn.  This will help you get the most out of your time and investment.

Below you will find some coaches who I personally recommend to get you started.

Mind Body Fertility Reset / Robyn Birkin - Mind Body Connection during Fertility 

Jen Robertson - IVF, Pregnancy after Loss / Infertility 

Studio Fertility / Bella Hilton - Unexplained Infertility

Ebony Hibbert - Solo Motherhood 

Embrace Fertility / Naomi Woolfson  - Fertility Hypnotherapy 

Feel Fully / Simone  - Endometriosis and Mindfulness 

Meta Getman  - Donor Conception (that's me!) 


Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide 

Feb 20, 202315:33
22. What is a Fertility Coach and Why Should I Invest In One
Feb 13, 202315:12
21. My Best Advice for Navigating Fertility Unknows
Feb 06, 202318:41
20. Are Toxins the Reason Why I'm Not Getting Pregnant?

20. Are Toxins the Reason Why I'm Not Getting Pregnant?

I have a confession...sometimes I wonder if my exposure to toxins in my environment impacted my ability to get pregnant using my own eggs.  I will never know the answer to that question but it is something I've become more aware of over the last 10 years.  

We hear it all the time...contaminates in the air, water, food, skin care, make-up, etc are causing issues in our bodies.  It can get overwhelming.  And it can be hard to know what is real vs what is data being twisted to scare us into doing something or trying some new product. 

But I do think there is enough data now to show that certain chemicals can be harmful to our health both short and long term.  And I do think that being mindful of what we put in and on our bodies along with the environments we are in can make a difference when it comes to our reproductive health.  

Today's episode is about those different toxins, my own experience, and some suggestions you can try if you are interested in reducing your exposure to environmental toxins. 


Products I Recommend 

(note, I may receive a commission from a purchase you make using this link or my code). 

Primally Pure

Use code META10 to get 10% off your first purchase 

BeautyCounter

Branch Basics


Resources:

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm

https://www.epa.gov/endocrine-disruption/what-endocrine-disruption

What are Endocrine Disruptors and Examples by Dr. Lora Shahine 

https://joe.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/joe/233/3/R109.xml

Environmental Working Group (EWG)



Jan 30, 202313:45
19. 5 Reasons why IVF With Your Own Eggs Isn't Working
Jan 23, 202312:46
18. How to Instantly Open Up The Feelings Conversation With Your Partner
Jan 16, 202319:09
17. Why You Are Struggling to Make a Decision
Jan 09, 202316:11
16. Should I Use an Anonymous, Known or Open ID Egg Donor?
Jan 02, 202314:59
15. 10 Tips to Help You Move Forward When you Feel Stuck
Dec 19, 202218:40