FertiliTEA with Dr. D

Navigating fertility challenges can be one of the most emotionally taxing experiences in a person’s life — filled with uncertainty, hope, and heartbreak. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Oreck, reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavida Health, to explore the often-overlooked mental health aspects of fertility. Dr. Oreck shares her expert insights on how stress, anxiety, and depression can impact both individuals and couples during the fertility journey. We dive into practical strategies for coping, how to recognize when to seek professional support, and why emotional well-being is just as critical as physical health during this time. Whether you're currently undergoing fertility treatments, supporting a partner, or working with patients in this space, this conversation offers compassionate guidance, evidence-based tools, and a reminder that you're not alone.   For more information about Mavida Health, click HERE

In this episode, Dr. D sits down with Cheri Bergeron, author, life coach, and founder of Cheri’s Choice which explores what it truly means to build a family on your own terms. From navigating fertility treatments and foster care to winning a landmark Texas case that reshaped laws around assisted reproduction, Cheri’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and redefining what motherhood looks like in today’s world. She shares how her book, Mission: Motherhood, was born from her own challenges and triumphs, proving that there’s more than one path to creating the family of your dreams. This episode is for every woman who’s ever questioned the “fairy tale” version of motherhood and is ready to write her own story. ✨ Topics covered: Overcoming societal expectations around motherhood Finding strength through IVF, foster care, and legal battles Building community and confidence as a single mom by choice How to reclaim your story and pursue motherhood with purpose 💜 Listen now and be inspired to rewrite your own version of “happily ever after.” Purchase Cheri’s book: https://www.cheribergeron.com/book Learn more about her mission: https://www.cheribergeron.com/

Today we’re joined by the legendary Esther Vergeer — widely regarded as one of the greatest wheelchair tennis players of all time. A seven-time Paralympic gold medalist, 48-time Grand Slam champion, and former world number one who held her title for over a decade with an astonishing 470 consecutive match wins, Esther’s greatest win was her journey to parenthood. Beyond her extraordinary career, Esther is the founder of the Esther Vergeer Foundation, empowering children with disabilities through sports, and the author of Fierce and Vulnerable. But today, she’s opening up about a deeply personal journey: becoming a mother through IVF and surrogacy. In this episode, Esther shares: ✨ What led her to pursue IVF ✨ How she began the process of finding a surrogate and agency ✨ The biggest misconceptions about surrogacy ✨ Her best advice for those just starting their IVF journey   Link to The Esther Vergeer Foundation HERE

When patients say, “My body is rejecting my embryos,” … what do they really mean? This week on FertiliTEA with Dr. D, we’re diving into the fascinating (and often misunderstood) role of immunology in fertility and IVF. Dr. D breaks down: How the immune system protects the body, yet must “tolerate” an embryo during pregnancy The role of uterine NK cells, T-regulatory cells, and inflammation in implantation What autoimmune conditions (like lupus, Hashimoto’s, or rheumatoid arthritis) may mean for fertility outcomes Which tests and treatments are evidence-based vs. still experimental How lifestyle and disease management factor into reproductive immunology 🎙️ No “Spill the Tea” this week, but you can always send your questions to fertiliteawithdrd@gmail.com, they might be featured in a future episode!

Amy Weinblum has spent her career working alongside some of the most influential leaders and brands in the world, including serving as Oprah Winfrey’s Chief of Staff, producing with Harpo Productions, and leading the sold-out Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour. But behind her incredible career, Amy was on another journey: her path to parenthood. In this episode of FertiliTEA with Dr. D, Amy opens up about her fertility story.. Spanning from egg freezing, single parenting, IVF, to surrogacy. Now serving as Senior Vice President at Growing Generations, the very agency that helped her become a mom, Amy shares wisdom, resilience, and hope for anyone navigating their own fertility journey. 💜 Topics we spill the tea on: What led Amy to freeze her eggs and how that shaped her path The toughest moments of IVF and how she found strength Choosing surrogacy and building her family What she wishes she had known earlier in her journey Her advice for others just starting fertility treatment ✨ Plus, our Spill the Tea segment where Dr. D answers listener questions! 👉 To learn more about the surrogacy and family-building services Amy now helps lead, visit growinggenerations.com 📩 Got a question for Dr. D? Email us at fertiliteawithdrd@gmail.com.  

IVF expert Dr. Natalie Crawford shares fertility tips, hormone health insights, and lifestyle strategies from her new book The Fertility Formula.   This week on FertiliTEA with Dr. D, we welcome world-renowned IVF and fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD — co-founder of Fora Fertility and author of the brand-new book The Fertility Formula. In this episode, Dr. Crawford and Dr. D explore the science of fertility and the real factors that impact your journey to conception. Together, they dive into: 💜 How hormones shift throughout the menstrual cycle — and how to support each phase 💜 The most common hormone imbalances that affect fertility 💜 The role of sleep, nutrition, gut health, and stress in reproductive health 💜 Powerful lifestyle changes to naturally support hormones while TTC 💜 Practical strategies for self-advocacy when labs look “normal” but something still feels off 📖 Learn how The Fertility Formula can help cut through the noise and give you the tools you need to support your fertility. >>> https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Learn more about Natalie Crawford: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/ Listen to her podcast: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/podcast

Considering IVF outside the U.S.? You're not alone. Fertility tourism is growing, with patients traveling to places like Mexico, Greece, and Spain for more affordable fertility care. But is it safe—and is it right for you? In this episode, Dr. D breaks down what you need to know before you book that flight. You’ll learn: ✈️ Which countries are most popular for IVF 💰 How international costs compare to U.S. clinics ⚖️ Whether clinics abroad follow the same standards 🧬 Key considerations for egg freezing, surrogacy, and embryo transfer ❓ What questions to ask before committing 💡 This episode is your travel guide for making informed, empowered decisions about doing IVF abroad—whether you’re exploring options or just curious about global fertility care.   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Ever wonder what your fertility labs actually mean? In this episode, Dr. D breaks down every major hormone test you’re likely to see on your fertility journey—LH, Estradiol, AMH, Progesterone, TSH, and more. He explains what number ranges are ideal, what high or low levels might signal, and why the timing of your lab work matters. You’ll also get answers to common follow-up questions like: Does low AMH mean I’m infertile? Can I change my levels? Are at-home tests reliable? Plus, learn why your labs are only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to treatments like IVF and IUI.  As always, we aim to empower you to ask better questions, understand your body, and make informed decisions on your fertility journey.     Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

IVF is no longer a whispered acronym—it's a mainstream fertility option that seems to be everywhere in 2025. But why is it suddenly so common? In this episode, we dig into the cultural, medical, and social shifts that have made IVF feel like a more common path to parenthood. We explore rising infertility rates, delayed family planning, improved technology, and the cultural shift of normalizing IVF treatment.   Follow us on all social media platforms @fertiliteawithdrd   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola  

In this episode of FertiliTEA with Dr. D, we’re diving into IVF, surrogacy, and the power of community with special guest Richard Westoby; co-host of the IVF Daddies podcast and author of Our Journey: One Couple's Guide to U.S. Surrogacy. Richard shares his personal experience navigating international surrogacy and offers insight into the most common challenges intended parents face while building their families through IVF and surrogacy. We discuss: The emotional and logistical hurdles intended parents face How online communities and peer support networks provide connection across borders Navigating varying laws, medical systems, and cultural norms around surrogacy and IVF Success stories from around the world that highlight the power of connection Key advice for intended parents seeking a strong, supportive community If you’re navigating IVF, surrogacy, or family-building—and looking for support—you won’t want to miss this conversation. To submit a question for Dr. D, email us at fertiliteawithdrd@gmail.com to be featured in a future episode. This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice.   Listen to IVF Daddies HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

In Part 2 of this episode, Dr. D continues speaking with Professor Joyce Harper about all things menopause.  She is a Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London.  She has an extensive background as an embryologist, a research scientist, and is especially known for her groundbreaking work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).  With over three decades in the field, Joyce has not only shaped academic programs but also spearheaded global efforts in reproductive health education.  She is the co-founder of InTune: the UK Menopause Education and Support Programme.  She is the host of the podcast, Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This?  She also wrote the book, Your Fertile Years, which explores women’s health from puberty to menopause.   More from Professor Joyce Harper HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, we have the honor of talking to Professor Joyce Harper about all things menopause.  She is a Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London.  She has an extensive background as an embryologist, a research scientist, and is especially known for her groundbreaking work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).  With over three decades in the field, Joyce has not only shaped academic programs but also spearheaded global efforts in reproductive health education.  She is the co-founder of InTune: the UK Menopause Education and Support Programme.  She is the host of the podcast, Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? She also wrote the book, Your Fertile Years, which explores women’s health from puberty to menopause.   Listen in as her and Dr. D discuss what menopause is, how symptoms can be different for everyone, and why it's important for women of all age to have an understanding of menopause.  This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode!   More from Professor Joyce Harper HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Dr. D sits down with a two-time surrogate who shares her perspective on what it’s really like to be a surrogate. Having completed one surrogacy journey and currently in the middle of her second, Heather opens up about why she chose to become a surrogate, how each experience has been different, and the emotional and physical realities that often go unseen. If you've always wanted to become a surrogate but had some questions about the true journey of surrogacy, this episode is for you!   More from Heather at The Connection Hive HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

In this episode, Dr. D sits down with Sarah Paige, a seasoned expert in third-party insurance, to unpack the often confusing world of insurance coverage for IVF. Sarah shares her insights into how third-party insurance works in fertility treatments, common misconceptions, and what intended parents and surrogates need to know when planning their journeys.    More Information about the IAE Alliance HERE Link to Art Risk Solutions HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

This week, we’re sipping on the science behind mini stim cycles —a low-dose, less invasive alternative to conventional IVF. Dr. D breaks down what mini stim is, who it's best suited for, and how it compares to traditional protocols in terms of cost, success rates, and side effects. Whether you're looking to reduce medication or explore IVF options with a lighter touch, this episode is a must listen for those looking for alternative plans for their IVF journey.   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

In this episode, Dr. D sits down with Mukti, a former patient whose resilience and determination redefined what it means to persevere through infertility. Mukti opens up about her extraordinary journey—11 egg retrievals, 7 embryo transfers, 4 biochemical pregnancies, and 2 miscarriages—and how she made it through the end to have 2 children.    Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

Your Beta hCG is positive. Now what? In this episode, Dr. D walks you through some of the medical milestones that follow a successful IVF cycle. From the first blood test to early ultrasounds, he chats about what to expect after you leave the fertility clinic.  We encourage you to be cautiously optimistic when listening to this episode in preparation for a positive outcome post embryo transfer!   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. D sits down with Jen Rachman, a cancer survivor who opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood. Jen is the Manager of Intended Parent Support for Circle Surrogacy and has used her own personal story to assist many intended parents on their path to parenthood.  Through the help of an egg donor and a surrogate, Jen found her path to parenthood after her cancer treatment.    Jen Rachman's article in Elephants & Tea referenced in the episode is linked HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola    

This week, Dr. D is sitting down with Dr. Hugh Taylor to spill the tea on all things uterine-factor infertiity.  Dr. Taylor is the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Dr. Taylor specializes in some of the most complex uterine factors of infertility, including endometriosis, fibroids, uterine anomalies and Asherman's syndrome.  From ERA to stem cell therapy research, they cover it all!  This is a must-listen for anyone struggling with uterine-factor infertility.   More from Dr. Hugh Taylor HERE Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola

We are chatting with a long-time friend and colleague of Dr. D's, Ron Poole-Dayan.  He is the executive director and founder of the Men Having Babies organization, which helps LGBTQ+ families all over the world access education and resources while going through the egg donation and surrogacy process.  Ron and his husband, Greg, were among the first same-sex couples worldwide to father children through the help of a surrogate in 2001.  Men Having Babies holds conferences all over the world that have been instrumental in supporting men creating their families.   More from Ron and 'Men Having Babies' HERE   Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola