AllPaths Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Lana Manikowski, an author and certified life coach who navigated a seven-year infertility journey that ended at age 44 after multiple rounds of IUIs and IVFs left her without a baby. Lana candidly discusses her decision to forgo further routes like adoption to avoid additional heartache, reframing the choice to stop treatment not as a failure, but as a courageous act of choosing oneself and one’s partnership. Lana opens up about the isolation, self-judgment, and "tiered grief" she experienced when her body didn't work as expected, and how she eventually found the strength to move forward with intention.Lana shares how she transformed her struggle into a mission to help others rediscover their purpose beyond parenthood. The conversation explores practical strategies for reclaiming joy and relevance when the dream of motherhood does not come to fruition and the ways that Lana introduces a roadmap for life beyond infertility through her coaching program, Thrive After Infertility, her own podcast, and book, So Now What?. We also dive into her creation of The Other’s Day Brunch, an annual event in Chicago designed to provide a supportive community for childless women during Mother’s Day weekend, and her advocacy work with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to improve the continuum of care for patients whose treatments do not result in a baby and tips for people tackling the broader social challenges of being childless.Connect with Lana at https://lanamanikowski.com/.And get your ticket to the Other’s Day Brunch, May 8-9 2026 at https://lanamanikowski.com/othersday/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Unexplained infertility, IUI, IVF, childfree, childless after infertility, childless, resources, stories, meaningful lives without children, fertility treatment, So Now What?, Lana Manikowski, ASRM, fertility clinic, guilt, grief, shame, failure, fertility journey, childless not by choice, family building support, infertility resources, navigating infertility, emotional support for infertility, adoption discussions, couples without children, life after infertility, coping with childlessness, infertility treatment options, community for childless individuals, grief and infertility, celebrating motherhood alternatives, connecting during infertility, life coaching for infertility, fertility treatment insights, infertility awareness, support for childless couples, understanding unexplained infertilityCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode, we welcome Rijon Charne, the founding attorney of Sunray Fertility Law. Rijon’s specialization in reproductive health law was a direct result of her personal experience as a cancer survivor and the educational and financial hurdles she faced during her own fertility journey. Just two days after graduating from law school, Rijon was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. During this time, she encountered significant resistance and a lack of information regarding fertility preservation from her medical providers. Her initial oncologists failed to discuss the impact of chemotherapy on her fertility, and one even dismissed the idea of egg freezing because of the cost and time involved.This struggle was compounded by insurance obstacles when her insurance company refused to cover her fertility preservation, claiming it was "not medically necessary". Rijon realized the inequity of this situation, noting that while her initial treatment carried a 20% risk of infertility, a potential relapse would require chemotherapy with a nearly 100% infertility rate. These experiences sparked a "fire" in her to address these inequities through legal advocacy.Although she originally trained to be a litigator and had ignored earlier "signs" pointing toward reproductive law during law school, Rijon ultimately felt that her cancer journey was the catalyst that put her on her destined professional path. She has since collaborated with the Alliance for Fertility Preservation to advocate for and successfully pass a House bill in Texas that requires insurance companies to cover fertility preservation for cancer patients, and now helps others navigate the legal complexities of assisted reproduction, domestic and international surrogacy, and establishing legal parentage.Connect with Rijon at https://sunrayfertility.com/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:fertility preservation, cancer, fertility treatment, infertility, family building, Sunray Fertility Law, family building, fertility preservation, surrogacy journey, reproductive law, Hodgkin's lymphoma, cancer and fertility, egg freezing, IVF options, LGBTQ family planning, fertility advocacy, emotional support for infertility, navigating fertility treatments, nonprofit family building resources, legal rights for parents, fertility clinic support, surrogacy laws, building diverse families, family formation law, fertility education, support for cancer patients, intended parents, egg donation, sperm donation, gestational carrier, assisted reproduction, legal parentage rights, surrogacy, step-parent adoption, second parent adoption, LGBTQ+, confirmatory adoption, twiblings, gestational surrogacy, traditional surrogacy, international surrogacy, education, reproductive healthcare, reproductive educationCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode, Kristy Koser, a licensed professional clinical counselor specializing in reproductive mental health, shares her family building journey. After years of struggling with infertility and experiencing multiple miscarriages during IUI and IVF cycles, Kristy and her husband eventually welcomed their daughter via surrogacy in 2017. Because Kristy and their gestational carrier lived close to one another in rural Virginia, she was able to be intimately involved in the process, attending every doctor's appointment and "vicariously living" for nine months. Kristy describes the experience as beautiful, but acknowledges the emotional and financial complexities she had to navigate. She struggled with the "mental load" of asking for help from a busy working mother and figuring out where she fit into the equation of her own child's birth. Financially, the couple relied on personal savings, "side hustles"- including a TTC greeting card company Kristy started - and a GoFundMe supported by their extended family. After the birth of her daughter, their family moved back to Ohio and began considering a second child. Kristy reached out to her original carrier to see if she was available, but learned the woman was already preparing to carry for another family. Because they were unsure if they wanted to use a different gestational carrier, the couple began exploring the foster-to-adopt process. Shortly after, Kristy had a "wild, vivid dream" that her carrier was pregnant with another one of her children, but she soon discovered that she was actually the one who was pregnant. This came as a major surprise, as she had previously been told she likely could not carry a pregnancy herself.Kristy’s pregnancy occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant she experienced much of it at home with limited medical contact as appointments were scaled back. In August 2020, she gave birth to her son via an emergency C-section. Despite a difficult recovery, she valued the experience because it was something she never thought she would get to have. She now uses this experience with many different family building pathways to inform her work. From her PhD research, which examined how fertility treatments impact couple satisfaction, to training other mental health professionals on how to navigate the complexities of the fertility world, Kristy is dedicated to helping others navigate the challenges of family building with resilience.Connect with Kristy at https://aporiacounseling.com/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Mental health, Ohio, Virginia, therapist, couples therapist, Pennsylvania, LIC, infertility, reproductive mental health, fertility treatment, medicated cycle, clomid, letrozole, IUI, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, IVF, genetic testing, surrogacy, gestational carrier, grief, loss, intended parents, insurance coverage, PhD program, greeting card company, TTC Greeting Cards, couples, partners, relationships, couples therapy, resilience, parenting, new parenthood, newborn, pregnancy, expecting after infertility, expecting after loss, parenting after, professional development for mental health providers, coaching, McDonalds french fries, pomegranate juice, infertility support, family building journey, surrogacy process, emotional support for parents, navigating IVF, reproductive health counseling, coping with infertility, family planning resources, mental health in fertility treatment, building a family through surrogacy, personal stories of infertility, understanding IVF treatments, psychological support for fertility, infertility awareness, family building options, fertility clinic resources, emotional challenges in surrogacy, understanding reproductive endocrinology, counseling for intended parents, community support for infertility CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we welcome Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, who offers the rare perspective of being both a seasoned IVF nurse with over 15 years of experience and a former IVF patient. Jacqueline shares the candid details of her family building journey, which was complicated by a pituitary gland cyst that prevented her from ovulating. She discusses the clinical challenges she faced, including failing the Clomid challenge and struggling as a "terrible patient" whose hormones were nearly impossible to regulate during IVF cycles.Our conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy and listening to one's body, especially when clinical data and personal experience don't align. Jacqueline details her unconventional decision to pivot from IVF back to IUI, a move her doctors hadn't seen before, which eventually led to the birth of her two sons. She humorously recalls the "small victories" along the way, including the time she successfully administered a trigger shot in a bar bathroom in Newport while finally allowing herself to relax and "live her life". This episode also sheds light on contrasting experiences within families; despite sharing the same DNA, Jacqueline and her sister had “completely different experiences with fertility treatments,” reinforcing that there is no "cookie-cutter" path to parenthood.Finally, Jacqueline discusses her passion project, Chasing Babies, a coaching service she founded to provide fertility coaching and postpartum guidance that clinical settings often lack. She provides insights into current fertility research and explains the medical basis behind popular rituals, such as eating McDonald's french fries after an egg retrieval to help prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Whether discussing the depths of postpartum depression or the "superstitions" that provide hope, Jacqueline’s story serves as a reminder that while the journey may have twists and turns, every unique track is valid.Connect with Jacqueline at https://chasingbabiesfertility.com/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Fertility RN, pre-op, PACU nurse, nursing, clomid challenge, IUI, IVF, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, false positive, PCOS, infertility, parenting after IVF, fertility research, Boston IVF, fertility clinic, clinical research, family building, IVF journey, infertility support, fertility treatments, IVF nurse, IUI success stories, emotional support fertility, fertility coaching, navigating infertility, personal fertility journey, reproductive health, coping with infertility, patient advocacy in IVF, postpartum support, infertility awareness, assisted reproductive technology, fertility clinics, fertility resources, family planning, overcoming infertility challenges, PMAD, postpartum depression, postpartum support, fertility support, self-advocacy, support, fertility coachCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the AllPaths podcast, host Emily is joined by her husband, Andy, for a candid conversation about the impact of fertility and family building challenges on relationships. Now 20 years into their marriage and parents to 13-year-old triplets via IVF, they draw on their own experience to answer a series of questions submitted by the community regarding the strain family building can place on a partnership. They tackle the difficult realities of the process, which they describe as a "0 out of 10" experience that fundamentally redefines one's understanding of being a partner and forces couples to reckon with constant, high-stakes stress. By addressing these listener concerns, they hope to help others navigating the "utter grind" of treatments feel less isolated in their struggle.The discussion dives deep into the impact of medicalized family building on communication, intimacy, and grief. Emily and Andy address community-submitted queries regarding the "profound sense of powerlessness" often felt by non-carrying partners and the frustration of receiving a diagnosis of "unexplained infertility". They offer unflinchingly honest reflections on the pressure of "scheduled sex," the self-consciousness that arises when a partner feels their body is "failing," and the friction caused by different grieving styles. The couple shares practical strategies for maintaining connection, such as carving out intentional time to enjoy being with each other without talking about family building and using long walks to facilitate difficult conversations. Ultimately, Emily and Andy emphasize the necessity of approaching your partner with curiosity rather than assumptions and treating each other with grace throughout a process that can fundamentally change you as a person. Wherever you are on your journey, this episode provides validation and offers an honest perspective on prioritizing connection.Resources for navigating family building with a partner:The Arc of Sex and Intimacy During Family BuildingWe’re Not on the Same PageFind a mental health providerTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Relationships, infertility, fertility, sex, intimacy, sex and infertility, Valentine’s Day, fertility treatment, grief, family building, IVF journey, infertility support, relationship challenges, couples communication, emotional support during IVF, navigating fertility treatments, mental health support, couples counseling, infertility and men, masculinity, mental health and infertility, family growth options, coping with pregnancy loss, intimate relationships during IVF, understanding infertility struggles, grief in family building, support for partners in IVF, communication tips for couples, emotional toll of fertility treatments, family planning discussions, overcoming infertility challenges, building a family togetherCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we sit down with Dr. Carmel Wiseman, a fertility optimization specialist who acts as a "detective" to uncover the hidden barriers preventing people from growing their families. Dr. Carmel shares her eight-year journey, which began at age 41 and included multiple miscarriages, IUIs, and IVF cycles in both the United States and Israel. She details the unique challenges she faced, including a significant childhood medical error where her thyroid was accidentally removed, and her eventual discovery that mycotoxin illness (mold exposure) was a primary factor in her own fertility struggles. Ultimately, her journey was resolved through an empowered choice rather than a medical success. She reached a point where she felt she could either continue trying to have a baby at age 50 or use her experience to help others avoid the same lengthy, confusing struggle. She chose the latter, becoming the guide she wished she had during her own journey. Today, she shares that “95% of the time, I'm just 100% at peace with it,” finding joy and fulfillment as an "auntie" and by contributing to the successful family-building stories of her clients.The discussion explores Dr. Carmel’s comprehensive approach to fertility, which utilizes functional medicine and genomic testing to evaluate the health of both partners. She emphasizes the importance of looking beyond hormones to investigate environmental toxins, metabolic health, and male-factor issues such as sperm DNA fragmentation. Dr. Carmel advocates for couples to "get curious" and begin optimizing their health ideally a year or two before trying to conceive, as addressing issues like heavy metal toxicity or epigenetic risk factors requires time. She explains that while the goal is often a healthy baby, the process of functional optimization provides couples with health management tools that last a lifetime, regardless of the outcome.Get in touch with Dr. Carmel:WEBSITE: www.doctorcarmel.comLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarmeldc/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorCarmelHPHCINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.carmel/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/DoctorCarmel/TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:IUI, fertility over 40, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, TTC over 40, international fertility treatment, IVF, thyroid, donor egg, egg donor IVF, cost of IVF, cost of fertility treatment, twin loss, miscarriage, functional medicine, environmental toxins, micotoxin exposure, micotoxin illness, childless after infertility, childless after family building challenges, integrative medicine, male factor infertility, sperm fragmentation, semen analysis, Israel, Australia, oxidative stress testing, first-trimester miscarriages, fertility optimization, GrowBaby, genetic testingCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Malcolm "Kip" McKenzie, a retired OBGYN with 35 years of experience with 20 years of focus on treatment of endometriosis, particularly complex surgical management. We discuss the complex and often misunderstood reality of living with endometriosis, which can impact many people’s ability to conceive. Reflecting on the misconceptions surrounding the condition, Kip acknowledges his own past errors in understanding and treatment, highlighting the need for better education and advocacy.The conversation touches on the relationship between endometriosis and fertility, discussing how outdated views can hinder proper diagnosis and treatment. Kip emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins of endometriosis, moving away from myths and towards a more empowering and scientifically grounded paradigm. Kip explains that endometriosis is likely a single embryologic event occurring at six weeks gestation rather than the result of "retrograde menstruation” as doctors have incorrectly hypothesized for the past century. He candidly addresses his past clinical mistakes to highlight how inadequate provider training and medical gaslighting often leave patients feeling traumatized and ignored. To combat these issues, his clinical focus in semi-retirement is on a specialized surgical fellowship designed to teach doctors effective excision techniques for removing the disease entirely.Beyond training surgeons, Kip is working to elevate patient voices, advocating for improved care and a greater understanding of the condition as a co-founder of The Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts (TEAM). TEAM is currently fighting for state legislation that will create a dedicated task force to address the lack of funding, public awareness, and research surrounding this serious condition. This episode serves as both a scientific deep-dive into endometriosis and a call to action for "EndoWarriors" and providers to continue pushing for systemic change in healthcare.Visit https://allpathsfb.org/ma-advocacy/ to learn how you can advocate for improved care and understanding and find endometriosis resources and patient stories here.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Endometriosis, retrograde menstruation, advocacy, The Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts (TEAM), endowarriors, psycho-emotional trauma, medical gaslighting, infertility, fertility, excision surgery, self-advocacy, validation, specialized surgical fellowship, patient advocacy, hysterectomy, fertility struggles, family building, women's health, reproductive health, infertility awareness, endo advocacy, chronic pain, gynecological health, emotional support, patient empowerment, surgical treatment, endometriosis education, healthcare provider training, patient experiences, advocacy tools, mental health, hormonal health, pelvic pain, endometriosis communityCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode, we talk with Nancy Weatherby, the Intended Parent Outreach Manager at Circle Surrogacy, about her personal and professional experience with family building through surrogacy. Nancy shares her story of being diagnosed at age 17 with MRKH syndrome, a rare birth defect that typically means a person is born with ovaries but without a uterus. She details the medical complexities of this condition, which for her included having only one kidney and facing significant hurdles during IVF. Despite these challenges, Nancy was encouraged by a forward-thinking doctor who "planted the seed" of hope by predicting that future advancements in IVF and surrogacy would one day allow her to become a parent.Nancy’s path to parenthood involved two different surrogacy journeys that highlight the different ways to navigate the process. Her first child was born through an independent match after an initial agency experience proved to be a poor fit; however, Nancy notes that managing the legal, financial, and insurance aspects herself was like a "part-time job.” For her "sibling journey," she turned to her sister-in-law, who offered to be their surrogate after their previous gestational carrier was unable to move forward due to a medical complication. These experiences eventually led Nancy to a 22-year career at Circle Surrogacy, where she now uses her personal background to educate and advocate for intended parents. She strongly recommends working with an agency to ensure legal security and to allow parents to focus on building a bond with their surrogate rather than managing logistical "moving parts."The conversation also provides valuable advice for those struggling with fertility, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and peer support. Nancy discusses the "grieving process" of realizing one cannot carry a pregnancy and suggests that connecting with a therapist or a support group can be vital for emotional health. She also highlights the success of normalizing birth stories with her now-adult children, who grew up knowing they were "special deliveries" made possible by the kindness of others. Ultimately, Nancy encourages intended parents to be open about their needs and to find a path that feels right for their specific family goals.Are you looking for support as an intended parent? Get in touch with Nancy and Circle Surrogacy at nancy@circlesurrogacy.com and learn more about AllPaths support group and resources for intended parents at https://allpathsfb.org/resource-library/surrogacy-resources/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Surrogacy, gestational carrier, Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, congenital disorder, fertility treatment, IVF, intended parent, surrogacy agency, independent match, Circle Surrogacy, peer groups, therapy, mental health support, grief, talking about surrogacy with children, family building, surrogacy journey, MRKH syndrome, IVF success, parenting options, emotional support, surrogacy agency, adoption process, intended parents, surrogacy stories, peer support groups, surrogacy laws, family growth, navigating infertility, building a family, surrogacy resources, surrogacy benefits, support for intended parents, surrogacy misconceptions, journey to parenthoodCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

This episode features Emma Berens, the Federal Government Affairs Manager for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) who brings a unique perspective to her work as an IVF baby herself. Growing up in Massachusetts, Emma and her sister were born through IVF after their mother, Patrice, navigated unexplained infertility with the help of the state’s historic insurance coverage mandate. Emma shares how her family's open and positive framing of her "petri dish" origins instilled a deep appreciation for medical science and innovation from a young age, leading her to a career dedicated to protecting reproductive healthcare.The conversation explores Emma’s transition into reproductive health advocacy, a path solidified by the overturning of Roe v. Wade and her mother's prescient warning that IVF access would eventually face opposition. Emma highlights her professional efforts to change policies and perspectives on the federal and state levels, emphasizing the power of patient stories to move the needle even among skeptical or religious lawmakers. She offers practical advice for those looking to get involved in the movement, suggesting that plugging into local coalitions is the most effective way to find community while protecting access to treatment.A major portion of the discussion focuses on the rise of Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM), which Emma describes as an ideologically driven rebranding of diagnostics used to exclude or limit access to evidence-based treatments like IVF. She warns that RRM legislation can be deceptive by framing itself as "holistic" or "patient-centered" while it actually removes choices and can lead to detrimental delays in care. Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the ongoing need for nonpartisan advocacy to ensure the right to build a family remains a protected, fundamental priority.Visit https://allpathsfb.org/advocacy-work/ to get involved!Today’s episode is brought to you by The Herbal Fertility Handbook by Liane Moccia. For a trusted, holistic resource to support your path to pregnancy, The Herbal Fertility Handbook is available wherever books are sold.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:IVF, insurance coverage, IVF baby, conceived through IVF, insurance coverage mandate, Massachusetts, ASRM, federal advocacy, advocacy, healthcare, infertility, unexplained infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, science, patient journey, patient advocate, Catholicism, religion, state-level advocacy, South Carolina, personhood, insurance mandate, California, Tennessee, regulate IVF clinics, pro-family, patient stories, restorative reproductive medicine, RRM, AMA, protecting access to care, patient-centered care, evidence-based treatment, reproductive health advocacy, infertility resources, patient advocacy in fertility, IVF experiences, reproductive endocrinology, mental health in fertility treatment, infertility awareness, community support for infertility, reproductive technology, advocacy for reproductive rights, fertility treatment options CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this first episode of 2026, we talk with Vermont State Representative Ashley Bartley, 2025 AllPaths Advocacy Award winner, about her intertwined journey of family building and political service. Ashley, a fourth-generation Vermonter, recounts her personal experience with pregnancy loss and how the desire to grow her family eventually led her to seek public office, in fact making the decision to run for office while she was in labor. Now a champion for legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of growing Vermont families, Ashley emphasizes how housing, workforce retention, and healthcare are interconnected issues that affect the state’s ability to support young families. Our conversation highlights Rep. Bartley's advocacy for bill H.302, which would require private and public insurance in Vermont to provide coverage for fertility care. Ashley explains how this legislation is vital for the state's economy and workforce, as it will help retain younger residents who might otherwise relocate to neighboring states for better reproductive health benefits, as Vermont is the only remaining state in the Northeast that does not have a fertility insurance law. She urges listeners, both Vermonters and those who live outside of the state, to become "squeaky wheels" in the effort to ensure these family building supports move off the "wall" and into law. Together our persistence and shared effort can help support the collective "family that is Vermont".For the latest on Vermont Fertility Advocacy efforts, visit https://allpathsfb.org/vt-advocacy/ and join the Vermont Fertility Advocacy group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/vtfertilityadvocacy/.To share your story and support of H.302 with Rep. Bartley directly, you can email her at abartley@leg.state.vt.us. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Pregnancy loss, miscarriage, fertility healthcare, insurance coverage, Vermont, fertility insurance coverage, Vermont health care, VT, Vermont families, H.302, Noah Kahan, family building, fertility advocacy, Vermont family support, miscarriage support, child care crisis, maternal health, reproductive health, blended families, emotional support for families, family growth journey, navigating pregnancy loss, family planning resources, community support for families, infertility awareness, Vermont legislation, family building stories, emotional resilience in family growth, family planning challenges, supportive friendships in parenting, Vermont reproductive policiesCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to demystifying the advocacy process for those who want to support family-building issues, but are nervous or don’t know where to start. Hosts Kate and Emily share their own early anxieties about testifying and understanding policy to reassure listeners that even seasoned advocates started with the same fears. They emphasize that you do not need to be a policy expert or a professional lobbyist to be effective; in fact, your personal story is your "most powerful currency" because it provides a human frame of reference that can change a legislator's mind more effectively than statistics alone.To help you get started, the episode outlines practical steps such as identifying your state-level elected officials and building relationships with them at your local coffee shop, a friendly chance encounter at a sunflower field, and community office hours. And while personal connections with legislators can lead to significant policy wins, it’s important to remember that advocacy is a team sport. Organizations like AllPaths provide resources for tracking bills and preparing testimony, whether you choose to participate in person, virtually, or through written submissions. From the powerful impact of a physical "preemie diaper" held up during a Senate debate to the simple act of sending a thank-you note during the "off-season," every authentic relationship with officials and story shared helps advance the collective goals of our community.Visit https://allpathsfb.org/advocacy-work/ or reach out to us at admin@allpathsfb.org to get started on your advocacy journey!TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:family building, fertility advocacy, infertility support, share your story, personal advocacy, advocacy resources, family growth journey, advocate for change, family building community, fertility preservation, legislative advocacy, grassroots advocacy, emotional support for families, navigating infertility, state legislatures, writing to your representative, personal experiences in advocacy, infertility legislation, community support for families, becoming an advocate, advocacy 101CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, hosts Kate and Emily sit down with Maya and Jen, the founders of EM•POWER with Moxi, to explore their experiences with embryo donation. Maya, a psychotherapist and creator of the documentary One More Shot, shares her four-and-a-half-year struggle with infertility that, after multiple unsuccessful rounds of IVF and egg donation, culminated with the birth of her daughter conceived via embryo donation. Jen offers the perspective of a donor, recounting her experience as a former IVF patient with a complete family and single remaining embryo that she chose to donate to a recipient who now has an eight-year-old son. Together, they highlight how their personal histories informed the creation of Moxie Matching, a platform designed to provide the education and logistical support they found lacking during their own journeys.The discussion delves into the critical distinctions between directed donation and anonymous clinic programs when considering donor conception. Jen and Maya explain that "directed" donation allows for transparency regarding genetic origins, which they believe is essential for a child’s welfare as they grow. They also clarify the importance of terminology throughout the process, from why they prefer the term embryo donation over embryo adoption for important legal reasons, to how donor and recipient parents can normalize conversations about genetic origins and support children as they navigate their own definitions of family and connection. Ultimately, Maya and Jen’s own stories and work in this space, provide guidance into a unique and celebrated expansion of family while prioritizing the long-term well-being of the children involved.Learn more about Talking to Kids about Embryo Donation (webinar).Connect with Maya, Jen, and EM•POWER with Moxi at https://www.empowerwithmoxi.com/.Watch One More Shot, Maya’s film chronicling her family building journey https://www.onemoreshotfilm.com/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Fertility treatment, fertility clinic, IUI, IVF, diminished ovarian reserve, Clomid, donor egg, known donor, directed donor, embryo donation, embryo adoption, unsuccessful cycle, failed IVF cycle, insurance coverage, assisted reproduction, donor conception, genetic testing, DNA testing, genetics, One More Shot documentary, therapist, reproductive therapist, embryo donor, male factor infertility, ICSI, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, viable embryos, twin pregnancy, EM•POWER with Moxi, Moxi Matching, embryo disposition, donate to science, recipient, embryo donor support, emotional support, Embryo Donation Support, remaining embryos, family building, embryo donation, fertility journey, IVF experience, reproductive medicine, assisted reproduction, donor conception, parenting paths, support groups for infertility, emotional support for parents, family growth options, All Paths podcast, navigating fertility challenges, genetic counseling, embryo matching, donor egg cycles, community for fertility patients, parenting through IVF, connecting with embryo donors, family narratives in assisted reproduction, education, counseling, directed embryo donation, genetic counseling, mental health, legal counseling, donor conceived child, genetic connections, It’s Not the Stork book series, personhood rights CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

This episode features Karalyn Connolly, a longtime New Englander, parent of three, and professional in the fertility space. Over the course of the conversation, Karalyn recounts the unexpected challenge of facing unexplained secondary infertility after her first pregnancy was achieved easily. She describes the process as scary and isolating, leading to feelings of self-blame, immense pressure, and guilt. After initial conversations with her OBGYN and waiting the mandated 12 months of trying (as she was under 35), Karalyn moved through medicated cycles, timed intercourse, and eventually four unsuccessful IUI cycles. The lack of spousal agreement on continuing treatment added an additional layer of complication, forcing Karalyn to question if she should be satisfied with the family she already had.Karalyn’s eventual IVF journey was extensive and emotionally draining, involving travel outside of New Hampshire due to insurance mandates. She underwent four retrievals and seven transfers, four of which ended in chemical pregnancies. At her breaking point, she tried one last retrieval, and though the fresh transfer failed, she transferred her final two frozen embryos, which resulted in the birth of her healthy boy/girl twins. She notes that the worry and fear associated with the losses never fully disappeared until she held her babies. After the delivery of her twins, Karalyn felt closure and knew her family building journey was finally complete.Her personal journey came full circle when, years later, she joined Femasys, a biomedical company dedicated to women's health and fertility. Karalyn found this move fulfilling, giving her the opportunity to help families achieve their parenting goals. Learn more about Femasys and their work at https://femasys.com/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Femasys, secondary infertility, trying for another, unexplained infertility, infertility, self-blame, fertility treatment, medicated cycles, timed intercourse, IUI, unsuccessful cycles, fertility benefits, IVF, guilt, insurance mandate, not on the same page, reproductive endocrinologist, egg retrieval, transfer, chemical pregnancy, frozen embryo transfer, twin pregnancy, multiples, full-term twin, medical sales, women’s healthcare company, insemination, FemVue, Sono-HSG, FemaSeed, intratubal insemination, ITI, family building, secondary infertility, fertility journey, fertility challenges, emotional support, family growth options, infertility resources, reproductive health, women's health, fertility treatments, parenting multiples, IUI procedures, IVF alternatives, pregnancy loss, family planning, support for infertility, personal stories of infertility, overcoming infertility, fertility awareness, infertility advocacyCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Natalie Crawford, a board-certified OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist who practices in Austin, Texas, and who many will recognize as being one of the most well-known fertility doctors on social media. She has been active on social media for over a decade, hosting the As a Woman podcast and maintaining a YouTube channel, alongside her debut book, The Fertility Formula, scheduled for spring 2026. Her efforts are driven by a passion to provide fundamental knowledge to patients who she felt were seeing her too late and lacked basic understanding of their reproductive health.Dr. Crawford opens up about her own family building story, which began during her residency and included multiple pregnancy losses and an ectopic pregnancy. Noting that she felt dismissed by her own doctor despite being an OB/GYN herself, this experience profoundly changed how she approaches patients, emphasizing compassion and the power of a physician's words. When conventional testing came back normal, leading to an unexplained infertility diagnosis, she decided to use her REI fellowship research to investigate natural fertility, focusing on topics like inflammation, vitamin D, ovarian reserve, and environmental toxins. Her personal "n of one study" involved anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes which, combined with Clomid, resulted in her pregnancy. Her later diagnosis of celiac disease served as a profound example of how autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, which are often overlooked, can impact fertility. Considered an "OG of fertility doctors on social media" for having pioneered this space, when Dr. Crawford first started sharing her personal story and professional insights online, she received "so much hate from our field and my colleagues" who believed physicians should maintain separation between their personal and professional lives. However, she stood firm, believing that being open about her experiences with pregnancy loss and infertility was crucial for building trust and connection with her patients, emphasizing that she is a person first. Ultimately, her commitment to transparency and education has significantly influenced how fertility expertise is shared and received in the public domain.The conversation also touches on the debate surrounding Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM), with Dr. Crawford advocating for comprehensive care that includes conventional treatments like IVF, stressing that while root cause evaluation is crucial, it should not eliminate the option of IVF and that any method that seeks to eliminate or severely restrict standard fertility treatments should be concerning to patients and providers.Connect with Dr. Crawford at nataliecrawfordmd.com or on social media @nataliecrawfordmd.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Reproductive Endocrinologist, OB/GYN, Fora Fertility, Dr. Natalie Crawford, pregnancy loss, infertility, unexplained infertility, ectopic pregnancy, fertility education, fertility treatment, IVF, restorative reproductive medicine, RRM, Celiac Disease, inflammation,  autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, fertility support, family building journey, pregnancy loss, infertility awareness, reproductive health education, natural fertility, hormone health, IVF process, cycle tracking, emotional support for infertility, lifestyle changes for fertility, fertility doctor insights, fertility and inflammation, understanding ovarian reserve, couples fertility health, patient advocacy in fertility, fertility resources, women’s health education, male fertility factors, compassionate care in fertilityCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode we welcome Carrie Van Steen, a parent through IVF and professional in the fertility field. Carrie details her personal family building journey, which began more than two decades ago and was not the straightforward path she had always envisioned. After initial testing failed to find issues, Carrie’s gut instinct prompted her to push for more comprehensive testing, revealing that she and her husband had a less than 5% chance of achieving pregnancy even with IUI, meaning IVF was their only option. Following an unsuccessful first IVF cycle which depleted their savings, she experienced a devastating chemical pregnancy that triggered anxiety and depression. Success finally came with her last two embryos, only after a polypectomy and D&C treated polyps that had previously gone undetected. Carrie notes that she did not truly exhale and release the worry and stress until her daughters were actually in her arms.Carrie’s own fertility journey started about a year after she entered the industry, initially working as an executive assistant for the president of a fertility company. Her professional role gave her close insight into the field, leading her to quickly advocate for more testing when her early attempts to conceive were unsuccessful. Driven by a desire to pay it forward every single day, Carrie found herself embedded in the fertility world even after her own family was complete, watching the industry "explode" in the early 2000s. Carrie now works daily to pay it forward as the Manager of Patient Experience & Clinic Success of BUNDL Fertility, a multi-cycle IVF refund guarantee program that she helped launch. The program allows patients who qualify to purchase a money-back guarantee, returning 100% of their money if they are not successful. Carrie stresses that this option provides patients with financial control in a journey where they often feel they have none over their bodies or outcomes. She offers critical advice to listeners: advocate for yourself, understand that no two IVF cycles are alike, and be kind to yourself regardless of your emotional state during treatment, offering her own story as an example of the importance of community, communication, and self-advocacy in family-building journeys.Learn more about BUNDL at https://www.bundlfertility.com/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:patient advocate, IVF mom, fertility treatment, twin pregnancy, TTC, trying to conceive, diagnostic testing, clomid, IUI, insurance coverage, relationships, IVF, ICSI, grief, saline sonogram, failed cycles, medical debt, out-of-pocket expenses, anxiety, depression, uterine polyps, polypectomy, D&C, frozen transfer, pregnancy after infertility, community support, support groups, peer support, IVF journey, infertility support, emotional support for infertility, reproductive health, fertility clinic advice, parenting after IVF, fertility treatment options, patient advocacy in fertility, financial assistance for IVF, fertility community support, coping with infertility, egg freezing, fertility awareness, IUI cycles, mental health and infertility, navigating IVF, fertility resources, healthcare, Inception Fertility, BUNDL Fertility, multi-cycle IVF refund program, for friends and family, setting boundaries, family building CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Fallon Durant, a Laboratory Supervisor in the embryology lab at Boston IVF. Dr. Durant shares the seven-year journey that she and her husband endured while trying to grow their family, a path marked by recurrent pregnancy losses. As a scientist with a PhD and a subspecialty in Molecular Cell Biology and Development, she found herself becoming her own case study as she searched for answers regarding her unexplained recurrent loss, which she theorized was linked to her rare autoimmune diseases. Through it all, she turned to creative outlets like teaching yoga and using aerial circus arts to express the "unfathomable grief" she carried, even performing an entire act centered on the hurtful things people say to those experiencing loss.Driven by her personal experience, Dr. Durant decided to shift her research focus to fertility science, specifically studying regeneration and how it applies to fibrotic diseases like endometriosis and uterine scarring. She eventually moved into the clinic, wanting to apply her technical skills to help patients daily. Describing embryologists as the "unseen warriors" and the "beating heart of the clinic," Dr. Durant offers a glimpse inside the lab, from sharing the personal mantra she repeats during ICSI (injecting sperm into an egg) to remind herself and the team of the significance of the work to demystifying the complex process of embryo grading, clarifying that it is a snapshot in time based on expansion, the inner cell mass, and the trophectoderm, rather than a guarantee of success. And most importantly, Dr. Durant wants fertility patients to know that even if they never talk to or see the embryologists, their cases are never treated as "just another number" and that she hopes each patient feels “the positive vibes and all the love and care” that's coming from everyone in the embryology lab.If you are experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss and are looking for support, and/or are a professional looking for research opportunities, we recommend connecting with the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:Embryology, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, IVF, embryologist, immunology, reproductive immunology, infertility, taboo, RPLA, aerial, circus, community, finding peace, science, medicine, hope, grief, vulnerability, holding space, family building, recurrent pregnancy loss, IVF journey, fertility support, emotional support, pregnancy loss experiences, fertility treatments, infertility journey, community support for infertility, embryo grading, IVF success stories, coping with miscarriage, fertility clinic insights, personal fertility journeys, Dr. Fallon Durant, All Paths podcast, navigating infertility, compassionate care in fertility, fertility science, support groups for lossCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

This episode features a conversation with Rachel Wilson, a therapist, yoga and meditation instructor, coach, and most recently, a postpartum doula and intended parent support coach. Rachel shares the difficult journey she and her husband undertook to welcome their son, Remiel, the "archangel of hope." After struggling with disappointment for a year, and facing financial limitations that closed the door on IUI/IVF, the couple chose international surrogacy in the country of Georgia in their early 40s.Rachel recounts the myriad of emotional and logistical roadblocks they faced, difficulties finding an egg donor, navigating bureaucracy and cultural differences, and the stress of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacting the region. She describes how she maintained resilience and connection—bonding with her baby and the gestational carrier from thousands of miles away by sending music, recordings of her and her husband reading stories like Goodnight Moon, and knitting baby items. She leaned heavily on her husband’s solid support and her daily yoga and meditation practice, which helped her hold the paradoxical balance of having hope while being willing to surrender control and expectations. The journey culminated in a rush to a Georgian hospital where they met their surrogate for the first time during the birth. While her family is now complete, Rachel also shares the final chapter of her journey, donating her remaining embryo.This experience led Rachel to embark on a new mission as an intended parent support coach, offering what she felt she lacked during her own process. She now hopes to help others prepare mentally and emotionally for their child’s arrival, assisting in creating necessary support “villages,” and focusing on supporting the critical transfer moment between the carrier and the intended parents. Rachel is particularly passionate about helping intended parents bond with their babies, sharing more about her journey, practical suggestions, and a bonding meditation in a recent article on our blog:  https://allpathsfb.org/bonding-with-your-unborn-child-during-surrogacy/.Connect with Rachel at https://www.intendedparentssupportcoach.com/.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:TTC over 40, surrogacy, gestational carrier, international surrogacy, donor conception, egg donation, embryo donation, postpartum, postpartum support, parenting after infertility, parenting support, family building, surrogacy journey, intended parents support, postpartum doula, egg donation, infertility support, family growth, emotional rollercoaster of parenting, navigating family building challenges, bonding with unborn child, international surrogacy, personal journey to parenthood, overcoming obstacles in parenthood, connecting with gestational carrier, support for intended parents, coping with disappointment in family building, bonding from afar, yoga and meditation for parents, emotional support during pregnancy, building a family through surrogacyCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode we welcome Kristin Dillensnyder to discuss her family building journey and her subsequent work in the fertility space. Kristin, a former military spouse now living in South Carolina, navigated the complicated, messy, and lonely process of IVF and infertility while living in a new city (Montgomery, Alabama) where social supports were scarce. She pursued several IUIs without success before moving on to three rounds of IVF, which ultimately resulted in the birth of her daughter, but also included experiencing a miscarriage. A significant challenge during her experience was having to pay 100% out of pocket for care, a realization that shaped her future advocacy efforts.Feeling a profound desire to stay in the fertility space and be the person she needed during her own struggle, Kristin developed the Two Week Wait Challenge, a free resource designed to help people stay busy, positive, and hopeful until they receive the results of their pregnancy test. Kristin’s business grew from there, becoming a self-proclaimed "Fairy God-Sister" who understands the specific lingo and emotional rollercoaster of IVF. In addition to her work as an IVF mindset coach through her business, Empowered Infertility, Kristin also hosts her own podcast, More Than Your Infertility, which focuses on reminding listeners that their fertility journey is not their only identity. The conversation culminates in a discussion of Kristin's passionate advocacy work, which started by fighting against the limited access to care for those without insurance coverage or the ability to pay out of pocket. Her efforts have evolved into actively fighting to keep medical care available for everyone, regardless of where they live or what their family looks like. Currently, she is actively fighting against the dangerous South Carolina Senate Bill S.323, an extreme total abortion ban that threatens to criminally charge women and those who assist them, and if passed, could be used as an example for other states to follow. While acknowledging the need to start small and develop your “advocacy muscles,” Kristin encourages people everywhere to get involved, emphasizing that action is key to regaining a sense of control when everything else, like infertility, feels out of control. Small actions, such as contacting their legislators, sharing social media posts, and spreading awareness, can add up to make a big impact, and importantly reminds us all to keep having joy in our lives, describing joy as a form of resistance.Connect with Kristin at www.empoweredinfertilitycoaching.com or @kristindillensnyder on Instagram. And to get easy action items to help fight against SB. 323, join the SC Fertility Advocates Facebook Group. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:family building, infertility support, IVF journey, trying to conceive, reproductive health, family growth, assisted reproductive technology, emotional support for infertility, IVF coaching, military spouse infertility, parenting after infertility, infertility advocacy, two week wait support, coping with infertility, community support for parents, family planning resources, infertility awareness, mental health during IVF, navigating infertility, parenting stories, Military spouse, TriCare, TTC, IVF, coaching, life coach, infertility, Empowered Infertility, advocate, fertility advocate, IUI, HSG, support group, finsta account, church, religion and IVF, prayer warriors, fear, judgement, worry, two-week wait, two-week wait challenge, pee on a stick, positive pregnancy test, hopeful, infertility community, IVF mindset coach, fertility advocacy, access to care, pay-out-of-pocket, South Carolina, abortion ban, total abortion ban, S.323, Wren (SC), RESOLVE, State Strong, ASRM, ACOG, disappointmentCONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

This episode features Kerri Bicskei, an active duty military spouse, psychotherapist, and founder of the nonprofit organization Mindful Warrior Alliance. Kerri shares her ongoing family building journey, taking both holistic and Western medical approaches before being diagnosed with unexplained infertility, later complicated by endometriosis. Kerri and her husband ultimately decided to travel out of state for IVF, since as an active duty military family, lack of insurance coverage for treatment made cost a major barrier, fertility support at their local military installation had a several year waitlist, and they wanted to be closer to family for support during treatment. Throughout their journey, Kerri has experienced firsthand the unique and massive challenges military families face. Kerri explains how Tricare fails to cover most fertility expenses and how seeking mental health care through the military system is "truly not confidential," potentially flagging the service member's record and jeopardizing their career. She started Mindful Warrior Alliance to directly address these gaps, providing $5,000 financial scholarships to military members, spouses, Guard, Reserve, and veterans and offering six free mental health counseling sessions using a 100% confidential, HIPAA compliant platform, ensuring client information is not shared with command or insurance. Throughout the episode, Kerri highlights the importance of support systems, emphasizing the power of community, resilience, and the importance of seeking help and support during a complicated family building journey.Connect with Kerri at Mindful Warrior Alliance at https://www.mindfulwarrioralliance.org/. Need additional support as a military-connected person navigating family building challenges? Check out AllPaths’ monthly free/virtual Building Military Families Support Group.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:family building, infertility, IVF journey, military families, military family, military member, military spouse, military veteran, emotional support, holistic fertility, mental health counseling, adoption, unexplained infertility, endometriosis, fertility scholarships, nonprofit organization, Mindful Warrior Alliance, military spouse support, reproductive health, mental health support, IVF success stories, fertility awareness, peer support groups, family planning, IVF, tricare, unexplained infertility, endometriosis, holistic fertility care, sibling, mental health, military families, support system, advocacy, patient advocacy, access to care, therapy, self-care, mindful warrior alliance, financial scholarships, grants CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In our latest episode, we welcome Maria and Elizabeth, the co-founders and co-directors of The ART of Infertility, to share their personal experiences with infertility and their collaborative advocacy work. Though their individual family building journeys took different paths, both Elizabeth and Maria emphasize the importance of the supportive communities they found as they navigated infertility diagnoses and their subsequent experiences with fertility treatment, loss, adoption, and step-parenting. They both also found that creative outlets like visual art and writing were immensely helpful for processing their journeys. Together Maria and Elizabeth founded The ART of Infertility, a national arts organization that challenges perceptions of infertility through visual art and storytelling and advocates for creativity to be incorporated as a therapeutic outlet for fertility patients as part of broader mental health support in clinical settings. Through exhibits, workshops, and their book Infertilities, A Curation, Elizabeth and Maria stress the need for open discussions about infertility to foster understanding and connection, and hope to inspire anyone feeling overwhelmed by their family building journey to explore creativity as a step towards healing.Connect with Maria and Elizabeth at https://www.artofinfertility.org/ or reach out to them directly at elizabeth@artofinfertility.org and maria@artofinfertility.org.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:family building, infertility support, reproductive health, IVF experiences, adoption journeys, community support for infertility, coping with infertility, emotional impact of infertility, creative expression in fertility, infertility advocacy, peer support groups, family planning challenges, mental health and infertility, navigating infertility, stories of infertility, infertility awareness, support for couples, coping strategies for infertility, personal experiences with IVF, art and infertility, Infertility, clomid, timed intercourse, IUI, endometriosis, assisted reproductive technology, ART of Infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, DOR, IVF, male-factor infertility, grief, loss, reproductive loss, boundaries, visual art, egg retrieval, ovarian torsion, medical complications, medical trauma, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, embryo transfer, divorce after infertility, step-parent, step-parenting after infertility, community support, support group, peer support, RESOLVE the National Infertility Association, Progeny, fertility testing, couples support group, healing, fertility treatment, adoption, domestic infant adoption, open adoption, adoptive parent, parenting after infertility, advocacy, advocacy work, RESOLVE Advocacy Day, family building, family making, creative outlets, writing, art exhibit, identity and infertility, creative practices, mental health and creativity, creating awareness, reproductive rights, Infertiles, A Curation, blackout poetry, mixed media, painting, art exhibit, CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.orgFollow us on social media @allpathsfbWant to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!