Building your family

Journalist and TV anchor Jenna Wolfe joins therapist Lisa Schuman to share how she built a two‑mom family through fertility treatment and donor conception, came out on the Today Show, navigated a double mastectomy after a BRCA diagnosis, divorced, and is now co‑parenting two daughters. This episode is for anyone using reproductive medicine, or donor conception and worries, “Will my family really be OK?” We walk step‑by‑step through Jenna’s story: • Coming out publicly while pregnant and what she was most afraid of • Meeting her wife, deciding to have kids, and whose genetics to use • Fertility treatment in the public eye and choosing a sperm donor • Facing a double mastectomy as a new mom and talking to her kids about it • Divorce, building a healthy co‑parenting relationship, and focusing forward on the children • Small, doable changes that helped her get through fertility, surgery, and starting over If you’re building your family with fertility treatment, or donor conception, and want more structured support, you can learn about the Building Your Family education and support platform here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ This episode is sponsored by Seattle Sperm Bank, a donor sperm bank focused on rigorous screening, a wide donor selection, and thoughtful support for LGBTQ+ and solo parents. Learn more here: https://www.seattlespermbank.com/building-your-family/  

When you’re going through fertility treatment, donor conception, or surrogacy, it’s completely normal to hit a point where you think, “Ugh… screw it.” In this solo episode, Lisa Schuman names and explains the “Screw It Principle”: the quiet ways stress, exhaustion, jealousy, and resentment slip into big decisions about clinics, donors, and agencies. She breaks down the two versions of “screw it” moments, why they feel so good in the moment, and how they can slowly pull you away from your deepest values for yourself and your future child. You’ll learn: The two types of “screw it” decisions and how they show up in fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy How decision fatigue, jealousy, and burnout push you toward what feels comforting instead of what matches your long-term values A simple two-question checkpoint to catch “screw it” moments in real time How to gently redirect that “I’m done” energy into safer places, without judging yourself Lisa also shares a free Stress Tools Guide to help you calm your nervous system when you feel burned out, angry, or jealous, so you can return to big choices with more clarity and self-compassion. She also points you to SART, a resource for looking up official U.S. IVF clinic data so you can better align clinic choices with your values, not just your stress level. You are not weak for having “screw it” moments. You’re human. This episode helps you notice them before they quietly steer the parts of your family-building journey that matter most. Episode resources Grab your free ebook here: https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/ Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) - https://www.sart.org/  Fertility and Sterility: https://www.fertstert.org/

Most patients never see what actually happens to their eggs and embryos once they disappear “into the lab.” In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Dr. Eduardo Hariton to unpack what safety really looks like in modern IVF: barcodes, double-checks, lab standards, and how AI is starting to support better decisions. Dr. Hariton earned his MD from Harvard Medical School and MBA from Harvard Business School, has published over 70 papers and presentations, and leads innovation across a large fertility network. He brings a rare perspective that combines hands-on patient care with systems-level insight into how labs actually run day to day. We cover: How eggs and embryos are labeled, tracked, and verified at every step Why lab conditions and protocols can quietly impact success rates How clinics use redundancies, checklists, and technology to prevent errors Where AI is already being used in IVF (and what is still early hype) What “good” answers sound like when you ask your clinic about safety How donor eggs, sperm, and embryos are handled and safeguarded Practical questions you can take to your own clinic without feeling adversarial If you’re using IVF, donor gametes, or surrogacy to build your family, this conversation is designed to give you clarity and better questions, not fear. Guest resources Dr. Hariton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haritonmd/ Dr. Hariton’s website: https://rscbayarea.com/doctors/hariton/ AutoIVF Technology: https://autoivf.com My resources Building Your Family Podcast: https://familybuilding.net/podcast/ If you want help turning this episode into specific questions and checklists for your own journey, you’ll find guides and tools in our community.

Trans people don’t want “special” families. They want what every parent wants: to tuck their kids in at night and know they’re safe. In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman, LCSW, sits down with educator and advocate Trystan Reese to talk about trans family building: what’s the same, what’s different, and what trans parents need from clinics, communities, and allies right now. They cover: • Trystan’s journey as a pregnant trans man and becoming a parent • Why trans people’s desire to parent is the same as anyone’s • How fertility, pregnancy, and adoption can be more complex for trans individuals • The role of supportive communities and affirming medical care • How providers can build real trust with humility and curiosity • Legal protections like second‑parent adoption and why they matter • What non‑trans patients using donor conception or surrogacy can learn from trans families about “difference and belonging” Whether you’re trans, cis, a fertility patient, or a clinician, this conversation will help you better understand and support trans families in a world where family building is increasingly politicized. Resources & Links – Learn more about Trystan Reese: https://www.trystanreese.com/ – Building Your Family community, workshops, and newsletter: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ – Learn more about Collaborate Consulting: https://collaborate.consulting/ – Learn more about Transfertility: https://transfertility.co/ Building Your Family is hosted by Lisa Schuman, LCSW, a leading expert in fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy, helping parents and professionals support children growing up in “different” families. #TransFamilyBuilding #TransParents #TransPregnancy #LGBTQFamily #QueerParenting #FertilityJourney #DonorConception #Surrogacy #InclusiveCare #AffirmingCare #LGBTQHealth #BuildingYourFamilyPodcast #TrystanReese #InfertilitySupport #FamilyBuilding

How do you make smart, grounded choices about egg freezing today that support whatever comes next – IVF, donor conception, or deciding not to pursue treatment at all? In this episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Jaime Knopman joins Lisa to unpack the real numbers, timing, and trade‑offs so you can feel more empowered and less sold to. We talk honestly about when egg freezing makes sense, what “ideal before 35” actually means in real life, and why success rates are never higher than about 75% – no matter what the brochure says. Dr. Knopman explains how to think about lab quality, age, and medical factors, while Lisa brings in the emotional side of planning for the possibility of future IVF or donor conception. In this conversation, we cover: How to think about fertility planning in your 20s and 30s When to consider egg freezing or embryos – and when it may not be worth it The truth behind egg freezing success rates and “control is an illusion” Common myths about egg quality and what actually matters How today’s decisions can shape later choices, including donor conception Why your lab and team are so important Chapters: 00:00 Empowering Fertility Planning 06:02 Navigating the Decision to Freeze Eggs or Embryos 11:56 Addressing Concerns About Egg Quality 17:57 Debunking Myths Around Egg Quality 23:44 Grieving and Acceptance in Fertility 29:39 The Importance of the Lab in Fertility Treatments If you’re in fertility treatment, thinking about egg freezing, or considering donor conception and want more emotional support and education, you can find my workshops and membership at https://familybuilding.net/ Learn more about Dr. Jaime Knopman: https://drjaimeknopman.com/ Follow Dr. Jaime Knopman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaimeknopman/ #fertilityjourney #eggfreezing #fertilityplanning #fertilityawareness #reproductivehealth #ivfjourney #donorconception #infertilitysupport #womenshealth #fertilityclinic

Many intended parents secretly ask themselves: “How can I have such negative feelings about donor conception and still love my child?” In this episode, Lisa talks directly to that fear. She explains why you don’t have to “feel good” about donor conception to be a deeply loving, attuned parent – and how the part of you that’s grieving and the part of you that loves your child are not the same part. We explore: • How guilt, grief, and ambivalence can show up during and after treatment • The “two parts of you” that get intertwined during fertility treatment – and how to start gently separating them • What Lisa has seen in younger donor‑conceived people who are doing well emotionally • Why the extent to which parents are comfortable with their family story shapes how safely their children can talk about it • Small, practical steps you can take if you can’t imagine feeling fully “okay” about donor conception, but you still want to move forward If you’re building your family with donor eggs, sperm, or embryos and carrying a lot of complicated feelings, this conversation is for you. For more support and education around donor conception, visit Building Your Family: familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ #donorconception #donoreggs #donorsperm #donorconceived #intendedparents #fertilitysupport #ivfjourney #ivfcommunity #infertilitysupport #familybuilding #reproductivemedicine #mentalhealth

Leaking when you laugh, rushing to the bathroom “just in case,” constipation, or painful sex after birth… common, yes. Normal, no. In this episode, pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon (aka The Vagina Whisperer), joins me to break the silence on peeing, pooping, pregnancy, postpartum, and sex. We talk about what your pelvic floor actually is, why it matters during fertility treatment, pregnancy, birth and menopause, and how small changes can make a huge difference in daily life. Dr. Sara shares practical guidance from her app and new book Floored, including how to breathe, move, poop, and have sex in ways that support your pelvic floor instead of fighting it. We also cover C‑section recovery, scar tissue, back pain, and why “adult diapers are not your destiny.” In this episode, you’ll learn: What the pelvic floor does and how it affects peeing, pooping, sex, and core strength Why pregnancy, birth, and C‑sections change your pelvic floor (and what to do about it) How stress and tension show up in your pelvic floor during fertility treatments Simple relaxation, breathing, and bowel movement techniques you can start today The truth about Kegels and when they help vs. when they make things worse How to navigate dryness, pain with sex, and shame around “down there” When to see a pelvic floor PT and how apps and books like Floored can help Whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, in perimenopause, or just tired of wondering what’s “normal,” this conversation will give you clear, compassionate education and next steps. Learn more about Dr. Sara Reardon: https://thevagwhisperer.com/ Follow Dr. Sara Reardon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer/

When you’re building your family with donor conception, one huge decision often gets skipped: Are we setting this person up as “Dad” (or “Mom”)… or as a “Donor”? This episode is not about what your child might eventually choose to call them. It’s about the role you intentionally create at the beginning and how that choice shapes expectations, time, money, relationships, and logistics for everyone involved. It can be beautiful, or it can become very complicated, depending on how it’s set up. In this solo episode, I walk you through six key topics to think about before you decide: • Legal realities and responsibilities • Emotional expectations for you, your co-parent / donor, and your child • Family and societal expectations • Occupational and lifestyle implications • Time and financial commitments • How your own story and history shape the relationship I also share three practical ways to process your responses, so you’re not just spinning in worry, but actually moving toward a more grounded, thoughtful decision for you and your future child. This episode is not legal advice and cannot replace personalized medical, legal, or mental health support. It’s meant to offer ideas, language, and frameworks as you navigate donor conception and modern family building. 👉 Want more support as you make donor-related decisions? Attend our free donor considerations workshops for people using reproductive medicine to build their families. Get your ticket here: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ #donorconception #donorconceived #familybuilding #fertilityjourney #IVFcommunity #singlemotherbychoice #LGBTQfamily #thirdpartyreproduction #surrogacyjourney #modernfamily #donorissues #knownDonor #intendedparents #reproductivemedicine #chosenfamily

What if you’re told you’re in premature menopause at 34 – and your only path to pregnancy is IVF with donor eggs? In this episode, I’m joined by fitness coach Kyla Burke, who shares her personal journey with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), IVF, and ultimately pregnancy using donor eggs from a friend. Kyla talks honestly about: – Mistaking her early POI symptoms for lingering COVID effects – Learning what AMH actually means and how it changed her plans – Moving from her own eggs to donor eggs – emotionally and practically – The loss of control that comes with IVF and donor conception – How she prepared her body and mind for pregnancy after treatment – Staying active during pregnancy to support her mental health – The realities of postpartum recovery (and how pelvic floor therapy helped) – The pressure of “bouncing back” and unrealistic social media expectations – Aging, fitness, and maintaining health while building a family Throughout the conversation, Kyla comes back to one core message: You’re not failing if treatment is hard, if transfers fail, or if you need donor eggs. Your body is not broken – and you deserve support for your mental health and recovery just as much as for your lab results. This episode is for anyone facing POI, IVF, donor eggs, or simply trying to hold onto their physical and emotional wellbeing through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team or therapist. 🌱 Ongoing support for donor conception & surrogacy families If you want more than one‑off episodes and would like ongoing workshops, courses, and community around donor conception, surrogacy, and talking to your child, you can learn about the Building Your Family community here: 👉 https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ To receive free resources and updates about future workshops and episodes, you can also join my newsletter here: 👉 https://familybuilding.net/newsletter/

If you’re using or considering donor conception and wondering, “Will I feel like the real parent?” or “Will I love this baby as much?” you are not alone. In this solo episode, I talk about genetic loss – what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s different from lifelong “genetic grief.” I share findings from my own research and years of clinical work, and explain why the distress you feel about needing a donor (even during pregnancy) has no correlation with how much you will love your child. We’ll cover: – What “genetic loss” means in the context of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos – Why people experience genetic loss so differently – and why your way is valid – The difference between genetic loss and genetic grief (and why you don’t have to “finish grieving” before starting your family) – Why being upset about needing a donor does not predict whether you’ll bond with your child – What my research and real‑life stories show about love and attachment in donor‑conceived families – Practical tips for working with these feelings instead of judging yourself for them At the heart of it, most people just want to know: “Will I have a real bond with my child?” This episode is here to reassure you that a strong bond is possible, and to give you language and tools to support yourself along the way. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team or therapist.

Most people naturally focus on photos and eye color when choosing a donor. It’s the first thing you see and it feels concrete. But if that’s all you focus on, it’s easy to overlook some of the genetics and long‑term implications that may matter even more for your family. In Part 2 of my conversation with social scientist and philosopher Jonathan Anomaly, we talk about how to think about donor eggs, donor sperm, and genetics in a way that actually helps you choose a donor. Jonathan works with a company developing and researching embryo testing tools, so he sits at the intersection of ethics, economics, and genetics. In this episode, we cover: – Why it's especially important, when you're choosing a donor, to look beyond photos and understand their medical and family history. – What to pay attention to in a donor’s medical and family history (and what matters less than you might think) – How donor screening and embryo testing can work together – and where it’s overkill – Common decision traps: getting stuck on looks, “vibe,” or minor traits while ignoring long‑term implications – A high‑level framework for choosing a donor that looks beyond photos Our goal is not to tell you which donor to pick, but to give you a clearer framework so you feel less lost and more grounded in what really matters for your family. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team. 🎓 Donor Conception Masterclass – Walk Through the Full 5‑Step Process In this conversation I share parts of my 5‑step framework for choosing a donor. If you’re in the middle of donor selection (or know you’ll be there soon) and want to walk through all 5 steps with worksheets, examples, and support, that’s exactly what I do in my Donor Conception Masterclass. 👉 Learn more and join here: https://familybuilding.net/donor-conception-masterclass/ Learn more about Jonathan & Herasight Jonathan Anomaly: https://jonathan-anomaly.com/ Herasight: https://www.herasight.com/ About Lisa Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is the founder of the Building Your Family community, an expert‑led platform that provides evidence‑based education and support for people using fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy – including LGBTQ+ families and single parents by choice. She is also the Director of The Center for Family Building, where she and her team provide counseling and screening for intended parents, gestational carriers, and donors. Join the Building Your Family Community:  https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Community Events: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ The Center For Family Building: https://familybuilding.net/ Order Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/buildin... Follow on Instagram: @thecenterforfamilybuilding The Building Your Family Podcast and content posted by Lisa Schuman is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. #DonorConception #EggDonation #SpermDonation #EmbryoDonation #IVF #EmbryoTesting #FertilityTreatment #GeneticTesting #InfertilitySupport #BuildingYourFamily

If you’re in IVF and being offered a menu of embryo tests – PGT‑A, PGT‑M, PGT‑P – it can feel overwhelming. What do they actually tell you? How much is genetics vs environment? And how do you think about ethics, money, and risk for your family? In this two‑part series, I’m joined by Jonathan Anomaly, a social scientist and philosopher who works with a company developing and researching embryo testing tools, including PGT‑P. In Part 1, we cover: – What PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P are (in plain language) – What kinds of conditions these tests can screen for – and what they can’t – How to think about risk, family history, and the role of environment – The real‑world pros and cons: cost, access, equity, and ethics – Guardrails for deciding whether embryo testing makes sense for you You’ll leave with a clearer framework for talking to your doctor or genetics team, without being told what you “should” do. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team. 🎁 Free IVF “Zoom Out” Decision Guide If this episode left you feeling pulled in many directions about embryo testing, I created a short Zoom Out guide to help you: – Step back from the pressure of the moment – Get clear on your own priorities and values – Walk into appointments more prepared to ask questions and make decisions that fit you 👉 Get it free here: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter/ 📅 Upcoming free workshops If you’d like more free support on decisions, donor conception, or surrogacy, you can see all of my upcoming workshops here: 👉 https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ Learn more about Dr. Anomaly: https://jonathan-anomaly.com/ Learn more about Herasight: https://www.herasight.com/ About Lisa Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is the founder of the Building Your Family community, an expert‑led platform that provides evidence‑based education and support for people using fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy – including LGBTQ+ families and single parents by choice. #IVF #EmbryoTesting #PGTA #PGTM #PGTP #FertilityTreatment #GeneticTesting #DonorConception #Surrogacy #InfertilitySupport #BuildingYourFamily

Journalist Pedro Andrade joins me to talk about his new documentary series Somewhat Familiar – a global journey through surrogacy, adoption, foster care and modern LGBTQ+ families, including his own path to fatherhood with his husband and their daughter via surrogacy. From “illegal” same‑sex parenthood in Italy to adoption in Korea and foster families in the U.S., we explore how love, law and culture shape who gets to be a family. In this episode, we talk about: Why Pedro created Somewhat Familiar and how it changed his view of becoming a parent What he learned from same‑sex parents whose families are not legally recognized The emotional reality of surrogacy, adoption, foster care and independent parenting How legal systems and social norms can make some families invisible or “illegal” What really matters most in building strong family relationships across cultures This conversation is for anyone building a family through IVF, donor conception, surrogacy, adoption, foster care or on their own – and wondering where they fit. 📺 Watch Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade (Streaming details may vary by region.) 📩 Free support for your journey If you want a simple 10‑minute reset for the hardest days of treatment, DM me “ZOOM” on Instagram or leave a comment here, and I’ll send you my free Zoom Out Theory ebook + guided meditation. Follow Pedro Andrade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedroandradetv/

This special Best of 2025 Learn episode brings together the most powerful insights on IVF, donor conception, and surrogacy to help you feel more prepared, informed, and less alone in your 2026 fertility journey. Inside this episode, we revisit key moments from conversations with leading voices in reproductive medicine, psychology, and lived experience. Using my Zoom Theory (regulate vs learn), this is the Learn episode: Part 1 – New Insights • IVF: how to think about your cycle and when to pursue treatment • Donor conception: talking about donors, identity, and long‑term implications for you and your future child • Surrogacy: the experience of a surrogate Part 2 – What You Need To Remember • Core truths to hold onto when you feel discouraged or behind • Frameworks to use on your journey • How to keep learning without overwhelming yourself This episode is for anyone using IVF, donor conception, or surrogacy to build their family, and for professionals who support them. 🔍 Resources mentioned: • My free “Zoom Out” ebook on regulating first, then learning in manageable steps: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2qiyompkg6cowwk18waj6/Year-End-e-book.pdf?rlkey=hrz9uan0c87pnobh3qm1w2scv&st=5bvv3zpx&dl=0 • Workshops on [DONOR CHOICE / PARENTING / SURROGACY] and ongoing support: https://familybuilding.net/ • Listen to the full podcast on audio platforms: https://familybuilding.net/podcast/ If this helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone on this path. No one should have to navigate third‑party reproduction and fertility treatment alone. #IVFjourney #DonorConception #SurrogacyJourney

Struggling with PCOS and trying to understand your fertility options – and all the talk about PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P? In this episode, fertility specialist Dr Steven Palter walks through how he approaches PCOS treatment and lifestyle, then explains the differences between PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P in IVF embryo genetic testing. I frame this as a kind of “second opinion” conversation – not to replace your own doctor, but to give you another way of hearing the information so you can ask clearer questions at your own clinic. Learn more about Dr. Steven Palter: https://www.goldcoastivf.com/ Follow Dr. Steven Palter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpaltermd/

In this episode I share The Zoom Out Theory: a 30‑minute reset to calm your nervous system and regain perspective during IVF, donor conception, or surrogacy. You’ll learn why your brain spirals during treatment, how to “zoom out” in the hardest moments, and a simple way to come back to yourself when it all feels like too much. Free companion ebook + guided meditation: DM me “ZOOM” on Instagram and I’ll send it to you.

Many people using donor conception or surrogacy feel “different” and quietly wonder what family really means when genetics aren’t shared in the way they expected. In this episode, I talk about chosen family in the context of donor conception and surrogacy: how to see yourself not as “other,” but as part of a growing, very real type of family. We’ll explore: • How the concept of family has changed – and where you fit in • Why grief about not using your or your partner’s genetics is natural • How grief about genetics and your bond with your child often get conflated (and why they’re different) • How to think about who is in your “inner circle”  • How to decide what to share with close family and friends, and what to keep private • Why doing both the inner work (your own feelings) and the external work (how you talk to others) can help you feel more prepared for the future If you’re building your family with donor sperm, donor eggs, embryos, or surrogacy, you are not alone – and you are not less of a family. There are ways to navigate grief, boundaries, and conversations that honor you, your partner, and your child. 💬 Want more support? Inside my membership, I offer: • Weekly live workshops on choosing donors, talking to donor‑conceived kids, and navigating surrogacy relationships • A growing library of replays, including topics like this one • A community of people building families through reproductive medicine Learn more or join here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ 🔔 New episodes every week on donor conception, surrogacy, and parenting in these families. Subscribe so you don’t miss them. #donorconception #donorconceived #surrogacy #chosenfamily #modernfamily #infertilitysupport #thirdpartyreproduction #intendedparents #lgbtqfamily #fertilityjourney

If you’ve been reassured that your donor will only create a “small number” of families, or even that they’re effectively “just for you,” this episode is important. In this conversation, I unpack: – What clinics and banks usually mean when they talk about “family limits” – Why those limits often don’t work the way intended in real life – How donor siblings can appear over time, even when you were told the donor wouldn’t donate again – Why spending a fortune trying to secure an “exclusive” donor is rarely the best way to protect your child – What is in your control: planning to tell your child about their donor conception so they understand there may be donor siblings now or in the future I also talk about openness: when having more access to a donor can be helpful for medical or emotional reasons, and why it’s still possible to raise a healthy, secure child with a non‑open donor. The goal is to replace scary myths with realistic expectations and practical steps you can take as a parent. If this brought up questions for you, there are two free workshops that can help:     Choosing a Donor: What Clinics & Websites Don’t Teach You – for people still in the donor decision or selection process     Talking To Your Donor‑Conceived Child: Where & How To Begin – for parents thinking about how to start these conversations You can see dates and register for both at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976369301784?aff=oddtdtcreator, or via the links in the show notes. #donorconception #donoreggs #donorsperm #donorsiblings #familylimits #thirdpartyreproduction #fertilitytreatment #fertilitysupport #fertilitypodcast

If you’re in IVF and quietly wondering, “How many more rounds can we do before we have to think about donor eggs?” this conversation with Dr. Moomjy is for you. In this episode, we talk about: – Why IVF fails for some people even when everything looks “normal” – How many tries – at different ages – actually make sense before you seriously consider donor eggs – When donor eggs are one option vs when they’re realistically the only path to a baby This is not vague reassurance. We walk through what the research and real‑world data actually say, so you can have a more informed discussion with your own doctor and feel more grounded in whatever you decide next. If you’re considering donor conception and want structured, research‑based guidance, you can learn more in our community. https://familybuilding.net/services/donor-conception-explained/ Learn more about Dr. Maureen Moomjy: https://www.drmoomjy.com/   #ivf #ivfjourney #donoreggs #donorconception #fertilitytreatment #fertilitysupport #ttccommunity #fertilitypodcast #reproductivemedicine

Luteal phase defect is one of the most hotly debated topics in fertility right now. Do you actually have it? And do you really need progesterone support… or not? In this episode, I sit down with reproductive endocrinologist and researcher Dr. Parry to unpack what the science actually says about luteal phase defects, progesterone supplementation, and fertility treatment. We cover: what a luteal phase defect is (and what it isn’t), when a short luteal phase or low progesterone is worth taking seriously, and when adding more progesterone doesn’t change outcomes. We also talk through the differences between progesterone support in natural cycles, IUI, IVF, and early pregnancy. If you’ve been told you might have a luteal phase defect, are wondering whether to push for progesterone, or just want a clear, calm breakdown of the research… this episode is for you. Next steps & support: If you’re using reproductive medicine, donor conception, or surrogacy to build your family and want expert‑led education and emotional support, you can learn more about my platform here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Subscribe for more evidence‑based conversations on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy. This episode is for information and education only and is not individual medical advice. Always discuss your own situation and treatment options with your doctor or fertility specialist. #lutealphasedefect #progesterone #fertility #ttccommunity #ivfjourney #iui #recurrentmiscarriage #infertility #fertilitysupport #reproductivemedicine