Stork'd

Abbe Feder is the founder of InCircle Fertility and host of the Fertility Chic.  In this episode, Abbe shares her own six-year journey through unexplained infertility, including her initial reluctance to turn to assisted reproductive technology. Ultimately, Abbe and her husband tried IUI and then IVF with multiple failed transfers and loss. After a traumatic birth experience and emergency hysterectomy, Abbe is the proud mom of twins.  Abbe leans on her experience and a deep well of empathy and tools to guide hopeful parents through the infertility experience. InCircle Fertility is not just a service; it's a guiding light for anyone navigating the complex path to parenthood.   Abbe’s belief in coaching clients through this challenging process is unwavering; she holds their hearts and hands as they navigate the emotional and physical hurdles of family building. If you or someone you know resonates with this journey, join us for an insightful conversation."    IN THIS EPISODE:  [2:49] Abbe discusses why she created her company, Circle Fertility  [4:00] Abbe reflects on her 6-year journey to becoming a parent  [10:43] Abbe decides to go to a fertility doctor for IUI treatments  [14:59] Abbe admits she believed that when starting IVF treatments, you would immediately get pregnant. She explains how she dealt with the disappointment  [20:47] How do you protect your mental health through disappointments? Abbe discusses details of the IUI and IVF journey  [31:20] Abbe advises on how to navigate the complex decisions of the process, and she discusses the expense versus self-care  [38:42] When should a person seek coaching, and how does Abbe define family    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  It is unfair that a woman who did not take care of her body can quickly get pregnant, and a woman who took excellent care of her health and body can’t conceive.   It is difficult to make life decisions when going through IVF. Your hormones are raging, you are taking more, the stakes are high, and you are exhausted. That is the time when you need to be able to lean into someone you trust.   Taking IUI or IVF treatments is no guarantee that you will become pregnant.     RESOURCE LINKS:  Stork'd - Facebook  Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd - YouTube   InCircle Fertility - Website  InCircle Fertility - Instagram  InCircle Fertility - LinkedIn    BIOGRAPHY: Abbe Feder   Abbe Feder founded InCircle Fertility after emerging on the other side of her all-consuming struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss. These experiences were life-altering and when the dust settled, it quickly became evident that the only possible next step was supporting others as they navigate this turbulent terrain. Combining professional expertise, industry know-how, and an abundance of empathy and compassion, InCircle Fertility is here to meet you wherever you are in the world and wherever you are in your journey to parenthood to provide the support and guidance needed to find your resolution. 

Brittany Ross, a Los Angeles-based actor and stand up comedian opens up with refreshing authenticity about her journey into motherhood. She candidly shares her experiences of feeling like she lost her identity during her first pregnancy, as others only saw her as a mom-to-be and, after giving birth, felt defined solely by motherhood. Now pregnant again, Brittany reflects on navigating this journey differently, realizing she can embrace her role as a caring mom and her identity as a professional and individual woman. Join us as Brittany shares her insights and experiences in this honest and relatable conversation.    IN THIS EPISODE:  [2:46] Brittany shares who she is and how she brings her family into her comedic act, and she describes the unpreferred parent and gives examples  [10:59] Brittany discusses how she felt about being a mom from her identity standpoint and how people treat you differently  [18:44] Brittany is dealing with her second pregnancy differently, and how she is navigating this process  [29:00] Brittany’s advice is to remember everyone is different and can exercise whatever emotion they are feeling, and she reveals she had a miscarriage before her current pregnancy  [35:08] What triggered Brittany to decide to have a second child was what she wanted   [40:39] Brittany reminds listeners that everyone has ideas about what is right for you, but do what you think is right and what family means to Brittany    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Children possess an innate ability to push their parents' buttons, and the bond between a mother and daughter is distinct. At times, it's uniquely positive, while at other times, it is a button-pushing scenario.  Getting pregnant represents a significant life change, and it is ok to deal with it however you want to. Don’t be pressured by outside influences of how you should feel or cope.   As a mom, you love your child but don’t want to lose your identity.  Some of the feelings you have are based on hormones.    RESOURCE LINKS:  Stork'd - Facebook  Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd - YouTube   Brittany Ross - Instagram  Brittany Ross - Website    BIOGRAPHY: Brittany Ross    Brittany Ross is a Los Angeles-based Actor, Standup Comic, and writer. Originally from… well, she grew up moving around the world: Alaska, Scotland, Colombia, Venezuela, Texas, Chicago, & Hawaii. Being the “New Kid” is her special skill. Aside from the Choco Krispies commercial that not only starred a 5-year-old Brittany but probably changed ALL of your lives, you can catch her on Netflix’s New Series Huge in France, ABC’s The Rookie, and the Netflix film Like Father. Other notable credits include her long-running recurring role on ABCs The Middle, CBS’s 2 Broke Girls, TBS’s Clipped, Disney’s Bizaardvark & more. 

Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, the founders of WeNatal, join Julia on a poignant episode of the podcast to share their journeys to expand their respective families and create WeNatal. As close friends who endured miscarriages within days of each other, their bond grew even stronger. Together, they uncovered a vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. In response, they developed specialized supplements for both men and women to boost fertility before trying to conceive. They delve into the potential impact of these supplements, particularly for couples undergoing costly IVF treatments. This episode has valuable insights for couples who have had a miscarriage or are trying to conceive.    IN THIS EPISODE:  [2:32] Ronit and Vida introduce themselves and explain how WeNatal was conceived and that they had miscarriages one week apart  [7:27] The quality of a man’s sperm can be the reason for a miscarriage, and how WeNatal can transform the quality of sperm  [17:49] Encouragement for the woman/family going through a miscarriage  [21:30] The vital role gratitude plays in healing after a miscarriage and preparing for pregnancy   [27:30] Ronit and Vita describe how two friends started WeNatal, the formulation of the product and the third-party testing  [38:25] Discussion of taking vitamins through prenatal and postnatal and postpartum depression and being your own health advocate  [41:50] What is normal and what is optimal, friends who work together, and what does family mean to Ronit and Vita  [48:35] WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  It is a little-known fact that when a woman experiences a miscarriage, a man’s sperm quality can be 50% of the issue.   Creating WeNatal was a thoughtful process, including the design and usage of the packaging, not just the content of the prenatal supplements.  Women need to be their own health advocates. When you don’t feel right, express that to a doctor and get the required tests. The preconception timeframe is critical to a healthy pregnancy.     RESOURCE LINKS:  Stork'd - Facebook  Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd - YouTube   WeNatal - Website  WeNatal - Instagram  WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd    WeNatal's Story   We’ve been there. I’ll never forget the spot on the wall  I was staring at in the doctor’s office when they told me there was no heartbeat…I felt my whole world caving in. I was miscarrying.  What was even more confusing was the lack of answers I received as to WHY. I was healthy, I took a standard prenatal. Yet I still miscarried. I picked up the phone to tell my best friend, Vida, that I had lost the baby, and through her tears on the other line, I couldn’t believe what I heard: she had miscarried a week before. I hung up the phone, devastated for both of us. Later that evening, in our grief, we both realized something similar about our experiences: we were given no direction on what to do differently.  Our doctors told us it was random or could be our age, but then it dawned on us that all the conversations were only focused on what could have happened to our egg, with half of the equation being left out: the sperm.   Our partner’s health was never mentioned as part of the reason two healthy women were struggling to get pregnant. So we got to work and started searching for answers. We had no idea that what we were about to discover would change the fertility journey for everyone after us, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.    xo, Vida & Ronit 

Julia sits down with Angela Rastegar, the driving force behind Sunfish, a company committed to dismantling financial barriers for hopeful parents navigating fertility challenges. Economic constraints often force individuals to abandon their dreams of parenthood. Sunfish steps in with personalized financial planning services and complimentary consultations. They are backed by a dedicated team of data scientists who analyze medical records and statistics to forecast fertility treatments’ duration and success rates, thus anticipating associated costs.   What truly sets Sunfish apart is their groundbreaking money back guarantee: in the event of a failed treatment, they offer a partial refund through their IVF Success Program. This pioneering approach empowers individuals to concentrate fully on their fertility journey, relieving the burden of financial worries. Please share this information with anyone facing a fertility journey, as access to resources on financing could make all the difference in continuing the journey or pursuing the next round of IVF.   IN THIS EPISODE:  [0:20] Julia introduces the topic of affording your family-building journey  [3:51] Angela explains the mission of Sunfish and how and why she started the company  [10:29] Angela addresses the first steps in the family-building process, and she discusses how they can predict the exact cost of IVF and the guarantee they make to the prospective parents  [17:34] Angela explains how costs vary and states they do have loan options and how she sees the fertility space evolving in the next five to ten years  [26:03] Discussion of how lifestyle impacts results and all the other details that can be overwhelming on this fertility journey  [30:49] Discussion of the demographics of those who are looking to use Sunfish services and where the name Sunfish came about  [35:17] Angela describes what family means to her, and she tells a heartbreaking story of infertility and success stories    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Sunfish offers complimentary consultations to answer questions and provides educational material on their website.  The average IVF baby costs $70,000, but that figure can vary. Sunfish helps aspiring parents with determining their family building goals (number of kids) and then helps each prospective family create a financial roadmap.  Sunfish offers support and a money-back guarantee through its Gold IVF Success Program which includes an IVF Treatment Package, unlimited transfers, and up to one year of support and guidance. Through this program, Sunfish’s proprietary software calculates the expected financial costs for each family to achieve pregnancy based on a range of factors. If those projections underestimate the cost, Sunfish provides a partial refund. Eligible Sunfish customers can also finance this program with a loan.   Disclosures: Sunfish is not a Medical or Healthcare Provider, Insurer, or Financial Planner. Sunfish does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details, as your unique needs may vary. Tools that Sunfish provides are for informational purposes only. All products are based on eligibility, for complete Terms and Conditions, please contact Sunfish.   RESOURCE LINKS:  Stork'd - Facebook  Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd - YouTube   Sunfish - Website  Sunfish - Instagram    BIOGRAPHY: Angela Rastegar, CEO of Sunfish Sunfish offers financial support, guidance, and guarantees for family building, including IVF, egg freezing, gestational surrogacy, and egg + sperm donors. The team has offices in California and New York. Angela Rastegar, co-founder and CEO of Sunfish, has spent many years in the assisted reproductive technologies space, previously as a Director at North Star Fertility and Circle Surrogacy. Rastegar has worked with hundreds of aspiring parents. She is also an investor and mentor to early-stage health tech startups, and previously an investor at a venture capital fund in Silicon Valley. Angela holds a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University, with a focus on reproductive health, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Rastegar has spoken at numerous industry events and conferences, including on the Fruitful and Multiplying Podcast, on the Slice of Healthcare Podcast, and gave a TEDx Talk in London regarding her prior startup. 

Have you ever felt you need someone to turn to or to show up for you? This episode of Stork’d explores Stand In Pride, a heartwarming community founded by Dan Blevins in 2021.   Stand In Pride provides a vital support system for those within the LGBTQ+ community who may be estranged from their families. The show dives into the organization's mission and impact as well as what it really means to show up for someone else.   With over 250,000 members worldwide on their Facebook group alone, Stand In Pride connects people with "stand-in" family or friends. Whether it's attending a wedding, needing help with a life skill, or simply wanting a shoulder to lean on, Stand In Pride offers a powerful sense of belonging. Tune in for an inspiring story about the importance of community and the beautiful act of a chosen family.    IN THIS EPISODE:  [3:00] Dan shares his history and discusses how Stand in Pride was created, and he gives examples of how it works  [10:06] Dan talks about what contributes to the isolation of the LGBTQ population   [17:28] Discussion of the political climate contributing to isolation within and outside the LGBTQ community  [21:06] Dan’s advice on showing up for others: everyone is different  [24:24] Dan shares his personal story and his hopes for his grandchildren  [32:08] Dan talks about the app and how it came about  [37:42] Dan explains what family is to him    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  When Stand in Pride was conceived, COVID-19 had already isolated people. Stand in Pride provided a vehicle for outreach to those who needed and wanted help.  Showing up for another individual in a small way, like checking in on them, is a big way for the isolated person.  Stand in Pride will soon be available in app form.    RESOURCE LINKS:  Stork'd - Facebook  Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd - YouTube   Stand in Pride - Instagram  Stand in Pride - Tik Tok Standing in Pride - Facebook

*Trigger warning for miscarriage*    Shani Rogers, the author of the book "Blue and Pink Balloons," a narrative crafted for her daughter that addresses the sensitive topic of miscarriage. Shani shares her story of trying for a second and  healing from miscarriage. Together, Shani and Julia, who also shares her journey through miscarriage, shed light on the prevalence of this experience among women.       Often, amidst the turmoil of miscarriage within a family, the experiences of siblings can be overlooked. Yet, they, too, undergo a profound sense of loss. Collaborating with her four-year-old daughter, Shani found therapeutic value in writing this book for herself and her daughter. "Blue and Pink Balloons" serves as a valuable tool for initiating discussions about miscarriage with children. Consider sharing this episode with a friend or family member grappling with similar experiences.  IN THIS EPISODE:  [2:10] Shani shares her story about her miscarriage and how frequently it had happened among her peers  [5:16] Julia discusses her own miscarriage experience   [6:56] Shani walks through learning she has had a miscarriage  [12:14] Shani and her husband share the news with their daughter  [15:12] How her daughter dealt with the miscarriage  [19:37] Shani talks about how she walked her daughter through the loss and how the book came about  [23:19] Shani advises mothers who have lost a baby or those who are pregnant and are experiencing fear  [27:48] Shani discusses how her husband comforted her and took care of their daughter   [31:41] Trying again to have another child and how Shani defines family      KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Losing a child through miscarriage not only affects the parents but has a profound effect on children at home.  Talking about the miscarriage with their sibling is healthy. It allows them to express their feelings in a way that’s comfortable with them.  People can be insensitive to the loss of a baby through miscarriage. Better to say nothing than, “ Oh well, you can get pregnant again.”      RESOURCE LINKS:  Stork'd - Facebook  Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd - YouTube   Amazon -Blue and Pink Balloons Journey  Instagram - Blue and Pink Balloons      BIOGRAPHY:     Shani Rogers is, first and foremost, a devoted wife and mother to two incredible children. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, she spends her free time working, volunteering at her kids' school, attending her daughter's dance practices, or watching her son at the baseball field. When she gets some downtime, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with family and friends, often with an iced coffee in hand.  ​  Shani's children's book, "Blue & Pink Balloons," is a real-life story based on the miscarriage their family experienced when their daughter was on the brink of her fourth birthday. It narrates the story from the perspective of their daughter, detailing her wishes for a sibling, the excitement of becoming one, and the sadness of losing the baby. This book validates children's feelings in times of loss and assures them they are loved, regardless of the circumstances. 

Patrice Meagher, the creator of MilkMate, joins Julia to address the challenge new mothers face in the workplace: the lack of a safe and private environment for breastfeeding.  Patrice shares her journey as a working mom of four, when unsuitable pumping spaces at work forced her to end her breastfeeding journey prematurely.  We discuss the politics of feeding your child, how time inefficient and emotionally draining pumping can be, the unique challenges of pumping at work and so much more.    Are you struggling with finding a suitable place to breastfeed at work? Are you spending too much time washing pump parts and carrying supplies back and forth, affecting your productivity? MilkMate offers a groundbreaking solution for working mothers who need to pump at work. Patrice educates employers and emphasizes providing a conducive space for lactating employees. If this topic resonates with you, take advantage of this informative episode of Stork'd and share it with a friend.   IN THIS EPISODE: [2:51] Patrice shares her professional journey and how the difficulties of breastfeeding her child at work formed the concept of MilkMates [7:10] Patrice shares her breastfeeding journey with her four children [10:08] Patrice discusses the tools involved in breastfeeding and other things a new mom may not know [15:50] Discussion of MilkMate’s service, the process and the benefit to the mom and the employer [20:18] The importance of explaining to an employer what is involved in breastfeeding so that they understand the need for a private, stocked space [24:25] Patrice discusses what people don’t know about breastfeeding [28:03] What Patrice desires for the future of breastfeeding [31:42] Patrice shares what family means to her   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Many new moms feel pressure to breastfeed, but a lack of comfortable and private spaces at work can make it a real challenge. Some moms leave the workforce because they have to choose between working and breastfeeding. Don’t get discouraged or down on yourself if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you. It is difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Don’t let social media force you into something you don’t want.  MilkMate is a service that allows working moms to continue working safely and privately while breastfeeding their babies. RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  MilkMate - Website MilkMate - Instagram BIOGRAPHY:  MilkMate’s Founder and CEO, Patrice Meagher, created MilkMate out of her own lived experience, becoming a mom to her four children while also building her career as a high-powered commercial real estate executive. Her mission in creating MilkMate is simple: She wants to support and empower working moms everywhere – and it starts with her turnkey breast pumping solution purpose-built for workplace wellness rooms.   During her time representing landlords throughout Manhattan, Patrice experienced the rise of health and wellness initiatives in the workplace and began helping employers and landlords design wellness areas to comply with new laws requiring dedicated space for breast pumping. All the while, she chose to breastfeed her four children and continued to do so even after she returned to work from maternity leave. It didn’t take her long to realize that the process surrounding breast pumping at work was inefficient and inconvenient. She knew there had to be a better way.   In 2020, Patrice left her commercial real estate job to start MilkMate so that no mother would ever have to choose between her family and career due to the challenges of breast pumping in the place of work.  

Alison Prato, an acclaimed journalist, has become one of the go - to voices in the fertility world sharing her infertility story and supporting others in their fertility journey.  Ali’s experience with secondary infertility included undergoing procedures like IUIs and IVF, and grappling with depression, grief, and relationship challenges. Her message is clear: you are not alone.   This message became especially important to Ali when she lost her mother this year. Julia and Ali discuss how families evolve even beyond IF and family building and how to navigate grief and change.     In 2019, Ali initiated her podcast, "Infertile AF," to foster community and support. Additionally, she co-founded Fertility Rally, a welcoming and inclusive community accessible round the clock for those navigating infertility. Ali highlights that the virtual Fertility Rally occurs biannually, in April and October, featuring experts in the field and offering breakout sessions covering various pertinent topics in this ever-evolving domain. Join Ali and Julia as they explore the realm of IVF and discuss accessible resources for infertile couples.   IN THIS EPISODE: [3:14] Ali shares what brought her to the fertility space and relates her journey of infertility [9:09] Ali feels that moving to the East Coast delayed her starting a family, and she shares her experiences with miscarriages [16:00] Ali’s marriage was suffering through this process, and there are no guarantees when doing IVF  [22:06] Discussion of the Infertility Rally and where the infertility field is headed  [29:06] Ali discusses experiences women are having and the camaraderie between her groups [31:26] Ali shares what family means to her [35:29] Ali talks about the book she wrote for children about how they were born and what her children have been told about IVF [38:47] Ali discusses losing her mom in 2023 and their beautiful relationship   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Research indicates there's like a cohort mentality around starting a family. If everyone is doing it, you're likely to do it too. They call it a contagion, even though it's not contagious. It's a social contagion. Egg quality diminishes the older you become, making it more difficult to conceive. Going through IVF treatment doesn’t guarantee you will get pregnant. It is an evolving science requiring a little bit of magic. There is help available for couples facing infertility. Contact Ali Prato using the resource links provided.   RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  @fertilityrally - Instagram @infertileafstories - Instagram @aliprato - Instagram Fertility Rally - Website Infertile AF Group  - Buy the Book   BIOGRAPHY:  Ali Prato is an award-winning journalist and mama-of-two who went through secondary infertility, IUIs, IVF, depression, grief and relationship issues. She is here to let you know: You are not alone.    When a girlfriend who had a similar experience asked Ali to share her story to help others, she wrote an article for Health magazine and started getting feedback from women and some men, who were like, “Wow, nobody talks about infertility, IVF, or any of this!”   Ali realized quickly that there was a dearth of candid information about infertility and that there was still a stigma attached to it.    Always a storyteller at heart, Ali launched her podcast, Infertile AF, in 2019 — and today, she has published more than 250 episodes and garnered more than 1.25 million global downloads. In 2020, Ali and fellow infertility warrior Blair Nelson co-founded Fertility Rally, a safe, all-inclusive, 24/7 community for anyone and everyone navigating infertility or building their modern families through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). In 2023, she brought all her ideas together under the Infertile AF Group, which just published “Work of ART,” Ali’s children’s book about IVF — available for pre-order now!  

Michelle Yu co-founded Josie, a company designed to support new moms re-entering the workforce, using their “three pillars” to facilitate success. Josie works directly with the employer to educate and create an infrastructure of resources and policies, coaching to the new parent and, last of all, managerial training. Studies support working mothers bringing skills to the workplace such as empathy, the ability to listen and multitasking, functions they perform daily at home. Could the American culture contribute to the challenges women face when returning to the workforce after welcoming a newborn into their home? Don’t miss this enlightening episode that will educate employers, managers and new parents.  IN THIS EPISODE: [3:03] Michelle shares her career background, and she recognized when she re-entered the workforce an unmet need, so she founded Josie [6:36] There is data supporting employers appreciate mothers being in a leadership role because of the exact skills they use at home, they bring to the office and discussion regarding education needed to provide support for working moms at the business level [8:58] Michelle feels that an essential component of returning to work for a thriving transition is to decide what your values and vision are going forward and get support from family and employee support groups  [13:05] What about the mom who does not have the resources or family support, and what resources does Josie provide [18:24] Research about parenting in the US and talk about a parenting crisis [22:39] Michelle explains how the interaction between her program and clients works and what she sees for the future [27:19] What Michelle would want new parents to know and what her challenges are as a mom of a three and five-year-old  [33:06] Unmet expectations can defeat you [41:01] Michelle shares what family means to her KEY TAKEAWAYS: Moms ready to re-enter the workforce often don’t have the support they need because no program is in place at work that addresses the unique situation of working and having an infant at home.  When the transition back to work is unsuccessful, mothers can feel that they have unmet expectations and that they are failing their infant. Services like Josie can assist them through the transition. Many businesses do not offer parental leave. This can cause women to be emotionally and physically exhausted, often causing them to leave the workforce because of the cost of child care.   RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  https://myjosie.com/ MyJosie Inc. - Instagram Josie - Website   BIOGRAPHY:  Michelle Yu is the CEO at Josie, whose mission is to transform the working parent experience.  Her work focuses on cultural transformation at the organizational level and personalized support at the individual level to drive retention and engagement among the working parent population.

Many new parents share that they feel a shift in identity as they begin to care for a child in the house. It can be hard to identify what’s changed and why. If you have ever found yourself as a parent thinking, “I feel the same but also so different, why?” or “what is happening to me? Why do I feel the way I do?”, or “who am I now that I am a parent?” this episode is for you.    Chelsea Conaboy, author of Mother Brain, shares that this transformation into new parenthood has a scientific basis, affecting mothers and all individuals caring for an infant. The brain is being rewired for nurturing. She will share her scientific research on why the brain undergoes profound changes and expose the flaws perpetuated by the myth that mothering is solely a woman's domain, known as "maternal instinct." In truth, these changes occur in anyone responsible for the ongoing care of a baby. Get ready to discover the science behind the shift in all our brains, regardless of gender or parental role.   IN THIS EPISODE: [3:03] Chelsea shares what drove her to write the book Mother Brain [6:36] Chelsea discusses the concept of maternal instinct versus the science of the brain when you become a parent [13:10] Discussion of the research in this field [18:13] What advice would Chelsea give to a new parent? She describes the guilt she experienced when she had her son [23:26] Chelsea dives into when you should seek help for your feelings and what she would change in our culture [29:36] There is an impact on the entire family dynamic when a baby comes into the home, affecting even the relationships you have with other parents [35:09] Chelsea would like to see more research in the area of fathers, non gestational parents and social policy  [38:01] Chelsea stresses that when you need help, ask for it, and a discussion of solo parenting and the shame they endure [45:18] Discussion of how the human brain has developed over time, Chelsea's view of family and how her research has informed her parenting   KEY TAKEAWAYS: The maternal instinct theory has been passed down through generations trying to explain what goes on within the brain of a woman who has a child or cares for a child.  Two things shape the parental brain. One is hormones, and the other is experience. Babies are such powerful stimuli for the brain that anyone caring for them also experiences hormonal changes. The bottom line for parents is that having a newborn is a process. It is hard, and that is normal. Accept that your brain changes when you commit to caring for an infant. Don't feel guilty if you struggle with how you feel inside.      RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Chelsea Conaboy - Website Mother Brain Book Chelsea Conaboy - Instagram   BIOGRAPHY: Chelsea Conaboy I am a health and science journalist. I started my career at the small but mighty Concord Monitor in New Hampshire, where I discovered my love for narrative writing. I wrote about health care at the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Boston Globe, and I was part of the Globe staff that won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings. For three years, I led the features report at the Portland Press Herald in Maine, where I edited weekly sections on arts and entertainment, books, food, and sustainable living. My writing has also been published by The New York Times, Mother Jones, Politico, the Boston Sunday Globe magazine, National Journal, The Week, ParentMap, and WBUR. I have been a fellow with the Poynter Institute, the National Library of Medicine and the Health Coverage Fellowship led by writer Larry Tye.  Mother Brain: How Neuroscience Is Rewriting the Story of Parenthood, published by Henry Holt & Co., is my first book. The writing and reporting of Mother Brain was supported by a generous grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Public Understanding of Science and Technology Program. Parts of Mother Brain were written in the cabins of the Hewnoaks Artist Residency.

Going through a fertility journey, you need a great fertility doctor and…. a lawyer? Both intended parents and those helping them conceive by donating sperm, eggs, embryos or serving as surrogates need lawyers to protect their rights and support the intention behind the relationship.  James Mahan, a seasoned attorney and founder of The Surrogates Corner, brings his expertise to discuss putting your family-building intentions into a contractIn today’s episode Julia speaks with James to learn all the details of current fertility law practices including how and when to seek legal support, the are current political and ethical trends impacting fertility law and how the law and your emotions intersect. This episode unpacks crucial details about contracts, surrogate rights, donor selection (both egg and sperm), and the ever-evolving legal landscape of surrogacy across different states. While challenges may arise, the fulfillment of building a family outweighs the hurdles. If this topic resonates with you or someone you know, tune in for this informative episode!   IN THIS EPISODE: [2:56] James shares how he became familiar with surrogacy and his naval background [8:04] James discusses the differences between being egg, sperm and embryo donors [12:07] Anonymous donations are not guaranteed, and the trend is moving in that direction [16:32] Contracts have changed because the entire space has changed, and James discusses various clauses intended parents and surrogates want to be included in their contracts [23:09] James discusses the under-representation of specific communities looking for donors from that community and how different states have different laws regarding surrogacy [34:19] James discusses personhood rights, abortion rights and the rights of the surrogate  [39:08] Discussion of embryo donation, storage, gifting embryos and egg-freezing exchange [45:39] Financial caps for egg donors versus sperm donors and when should a lawyer be engaged [51:42] James “undefines” family   KEY TAKEAWAYS: In the past, women who had a child through surrogacy often moved to avoid the stigma of not being able to become pregnant. Surrogacy is now an accepted way of building a family today. Anonymous donations are not practical for the child for several reasons. Emotionally, they may want to know their parentage, and knowledge is power if there is a medical situation in the future.  Each state has its laws regarding surrogacy. Some states do not allow compensated surrogacy. Get informed about your state law before deciding to become a surrogate or an intended parent in your state.   RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Surrogates Corner - Website Surrogates Corner - Instagram Surrogates Corner - LinkedIn   BIOGRAPHY: James Mahan I went to graduate school at Cambridge University and found myself boxing for the Cambridge University team. I had the fortunate experience of winning my Cambridge-Oxford bout and earned my Varsity Blue (essentially a varsity letter in the sport). My experience boxing and practicing in the ring became a metaphor for this new blog and law firm, The Surrogate’s Corner.    While still on Active Duty, I was able to return to my alma mater to teach in the Economics Department. During my time teaching at the Naval Academy and throughout my three years in law school, I worked for my parents’ law firm, getting to learn the ropes of the surrogacy field and Third-Party Reproduction law (TPR), which is also referred to strangely as ART law (Assisted Reproductive Technology). That became the focus of my law career. After graduating from Stanford in 2018, I earned my license in California and started taking over the day-to-day operations of the firm’s ART practice.   My experience working with Surrogates has always been meaningful and insightful. I began to hear stories from Surrogates who felt like they were on their own when it came to disagreements or uncertainties regarding the legal aspects of the surrogacy process, especially so after their initial surrogacy contracts were signed. Surrogacy agencies tried to help the matches succeed but often had to be the neutral referee between the Gestational Carrier and Intended Parent(s) when things got challenging. Many attorneys working with Surrogates are only hired to review their contracts. After that, if a Surrogate has questions or issues, they can find themselves independently without legal assistance unless they are willing to pay for it themselves.

Curious about how to find an egg donor, sperm donor or surrogate? Gail Sexton Anderson, the visionary behind Donor Concierge, addresses all of these questions and provides insights about how  the process operates and who covers expenses.     Donor Concierge assists clients requiring third party fertility (aka donor or surrogacy support) in their family building journey. Choosing someone outside your family to enable your family to grow can be really complicated and emotional and together we explore all these nuances.  Gail and her team are dedicated to supporting clients through every step. If using a donor or a surrogate is on your mind, this episode is not to be missed—it's brimming with vital information.   IN THIS EPISODE: [2:51] Gail explains what services the Donor Concierge provides and defines language used in the field [6:36] Gail shares the details of how Donor Concierges operates, how they assist clients navigating through the donor field and what clients are looking for in their search [18:06] There are three types of searches: egg donor, sperm donor and surrogacy search. What kinds of information are shared, and what are good reasons for openness in the process rather than anonymity  [26:59] Where are surrogates found, and what are the trends [35:44] What is the future of the way fertility and third-party fertility are supported, and are there legal issues  [42:37] When should an intended parent seek the Donor Concierge [46:15] Gail shares what family means to her   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Finding the correct egg or sperm donor cannot be overstated. It does make a difference because an egg is not just an egg, and sperm is not just sperm. Every egg carries genetic information that forms who your child will be one day.  Multiple things can and do go wrong in the process of building a family through egg and sperm donation and surrogacy. Having a firm like Donor Concierge on your side is beneficial because they walk through those difficulties with you.  The process of egg and sperm donation or having a surrogate is not just a means to an end. It is your child’s story; it is your family's story. Open communication is essential, and anonymity should be a thing of the past. There is too much information lost when anonymity is a factor.    RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Donor Concierge - Website   BIOGRAPHY:  Gail Sexton Anderson has dedicated her career to helping intended parents from all walks of life build families. She founded Donor Concierge as a compassionate approach to helping intended parents sort through the gauntlet of egg donor, sperm donor and surrogacy options. Gail is a Harvard-trained counselor with 25 years of experience helping intended parents have the baby they always dreamed of.   After graduate school, Gail joined a research group in the Psychology Department at Yale University. Later, she joined a group of researchers in pediatric neurology at Yale New Haven Hospital doing developmental testing with children born prematurely of very low birth weight. Gail is also a graduate of Alice Domar’s Mind Body Fertility Program through Boston IVF and has served on a Radcliffe panel with other fertility experts. In her career in the fertility industry, Gail has been the Executive Director of one of the leading surrogacy agencies and helped start two different egg donor agencies. Gail is an empathic listener who brings a calming influence to what can often be an emotionally stressful process.

Emily Silver, co-founder of Nurture by NAPS, offers resources, support, and education to parents throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and toddlerhood. Whether expecting your first, second, or third child, Emily provides evidence-based professional insights to help you navigate a journey filled with cherished memories, even during the often stressful and sleepless period of welcoming a newborn into your home. NAPS is committed to providing genuine support and evidence-based education. Emily addresses the challenges of dealing with social media critics who may guilt-trip you for not adhering to their perceived parenting norms. If you've recently given birth or know someone who could benefit from Emily's expertise, don't miss this episode of Stork’d.   IN THIS EPISODE: [2:10] Emily shares her backstory of not having children, founding Nurture by NAPS, having three children and offering support and education to parents [6:11] Discussion regarding other countries offering institutionalized support services for new parents, which are not provided in the US and mental health needs for parents [10:25] Emily reveals her situation during pregnancy and how a program like NAPS would have made all the difference, and she discusses what NAPS offers [15:24] Emily believes parents should be able to get advice without judgment, using breastfeeding as an example [20:19] Discussion regarding sleep training, the need for support and education for new parents and what Emily would like to see in the future [30:10] Emily discusses what family means to her   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Do not let anyone, including social media, guilt you into making decisions regarding your child that do not come from your heart and how you desire to nurture and parent your baby. Our nation is woefully behind in offering services to new moms because the services are privatized.  Other countries do a much better job because it is a part of their healthcare system. Asking for support is critical when you have your new baby. So, don’t be afraid to ask and narrow down the list of who you would trust to help or to give you advice.    RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Nurture by Naps - Instagram Nurture by Naps - Website   BIOGRAPHY:   Emily’s passion for educating and supporting families stems from her personal experience dealing with loss. She lost a sister to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), has had multiple miscarriages, and has dealt with the anxiety and the stigma that comes with taking medication while pregnant and breastfeeding. You can be assured that taboo topics are just not taboo for Emily! Emily began her career in General Medicine before working as a Labor & Delivery nurse, where she met NAPS co-founder Jamie O’Day. While working in Labor & Delivery, Emily went back to school to get her master’s degree in nursing and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She practiced as a Nurse Practitioner in an OBGYN office for several years before running NAPS full time with Jamie. Emily best supports families through NAPS by pulling from her vast medical background, and her own experiences with pregnancy and parenting as a mother of three girls. After graduating from Boston College, Emily received her graduate degree from UMass Boston. Emily is a Family Nurse Practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She lives in Charlestown, MA with her husband, AJ, three daughters Grace (age 7), Madelyn (age 5), Eloise (age 1), and dog Maisey (age 9).

Gina Ballard approaches everything in life with an open heart, a willingness to stand in truth, deep compassion and a lot of humor and her family journey embodies all of those traits.  Gina is a passionate advocate for fostering. She and her husband focus on providing a safe, welcoming home for teenagers in the foster care system and have most recently adopted a teenage son.  Prior to becoming a foster parent, she and her first husband experienced setbacks to their family building due to a PCOS diagnosis.  Gina ultimately meets the love of her life and navigates complicated and imperfect family dynamics with her step children.  Eventually, Gina finds mentoring and fostering and builds a support community for other foster parents.  In this episode of Stork’d, Gina candidly shares her expert insights on these aspects of family-building, holding nothing back. With authenticity and openness, she delves into various complex topics and situations. When Gina defines her family, she beautifully refers to them as  the "Godspot" and "Opulent Threads." Gina’s life and stories will inspire you, especially for those considering foster parenting. Don't miss out on this empowering episode.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [2:21] Gina introduces herself, shares all of her roles in life and compares the dark days that she and Julia went through to when Saturn comes back to the point of your birth [4:46] Gina walks through the changes that occurred after her divorce and how a disastrous text message led to a positive outcome  [15:52] Gina discusses foster parenting and how it differs from the parenting or step-parenting roles and how becoming a step-parent evolved to mentoring and then to becoming a foster parent [25:45] How do you prepare your home for a foster child, providing respite for foster families and the foster-parenting community [36:12] Gina explains why she wanted to become a foster parent and how they decided to adopt their son [46:46] Gina discusses the myths of fostering and adopting [52:19] Gina expresses what family means to her   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Step-parenting may be one of the most challenging ways to build and define a family. The best approach when step-parenting is to express yourself on what is right and wrong. Don’t become a doormat because you may explode after holding your emotions. In some cases, you may not be able to mend the relationship.  There is an enormous need for foster parents for teens. Babies and younger children are easier to place, and teens are left to age out if not taken into a foster family. Foster parents need to be sensitive to the child's environment in their new home. Specifically, their bedrooms should reflect who they are and their interests. RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  www.ginanicole.net Gina Nicole - Website Gine Nicole - Instagram BIOGRAPHY:  Gina Nicole Ballard is an Intuitive Copywriter, Subtle Energy Medicine, and Feng Shui Practitioner by day and a Foster Mom by night. She is passionate about connecting with empaths, heart-centered entrepreneurs, and those struggling to embody who they came to be. She works with people to move out of their past and into their future and is devoted to empowering youth to come home to their gifts and live in full alignment.  

Carey Cook, a Fertility Coach and Self-Care Strategist is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community as they navigate the intricacies of building a family. Carey shares her journey with IUI, Reciprocal IVF and ultimately embryo donation.  She shares how she and her wife found their embryo donor, how they each experienced emotional reactions to the experience of sharing or not sharing a genetic relationship with your child, and how the embryo donation experience has shaped their child’s half sibling group.     In this episode, Carey shares how to pivot your expectations as your fertility path changes, and how to use your own body and intuition to make decisions that are right for you.  This episode of Stork’d is more than just a conversation—it's a valuable opportunity for a free therapeutic experience. You don't want to miss out.   IN THIS EPISODE: [3:00] Carey shares her family planning journey [6:45] Carey talks what the genetic composition of their child would look like based on the provided options  [10:12] Carey talks about the feelings surrounding being genetically connected.  [12:08] Carey walks through the decision to do a private embryo donation and the multiple ways of finding a donor [21:22] Carey discusses the type of therapy she practices, how your body gives you clues to support your decisions and how she teaches her clients to know the difference between what a yes or a no feels like [25:00] The process after the embryo donor decision is made and deciding  how much communication you want [31:37] Carey discusses the information she can share with her child when the time comes, and she talks about the differences between the  LGBTQ+ and straight communities going through this journey [34:21] Discussion surrounding society’s opinions of what is right and wrong for gays and solo parents and the questions that Carey’s clients have for her [39:00] Carey talks about her soul family; she defines what family means to her and reminds the listener there are many free sources on the internet and social media   KEY TAKEAWAYS: When a couple cannot have a child, they sometimes say, “If we don’t, it’s okay.” That statement is more than likely said to protect their emotions.” There is a lot of grief associated with failed treatments for having children. Being genetically connected to your child is an emotion that some people need to have. It troubles them when they think about it. Other people are happy to have a child and don’t emotionally deal with genetics. There are multiple ways of finding donated embryos. Each has different caveats that the recipient needs to research before deciding.   RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Embodied Pride - Website Embodied Pride - Instagram   BIOGRAPHY:  Carey Cook, Fertility Coach and Self-Care Strategist, is passionate about helping people who are spiraling into the anxious abyss of expanding their families. I have a MA in Counseling Psychology and 13+ years helping people move through trauma and transform their lives. I help people get out of their heads and into their bodies so they feel more connected to their fertility process in a trusting, confident way. During my own fertility process, I witnessed how wildly hetero the whole process is. That’s why I started Embodied Pride. This is a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ to explore our unique needs around growing their families.  I believe that the entire fertility journey goes beyond the person who wants to grow a baby in their uterus. The fertility journey is happening for all persons who are creating and welcoming a new baby. You are on a whole fertility journey if you are a partner or using a surrogate. You are on this journey whether you are using your own sperm, egg or womb or using donors. Embodied Pride is for all persons who are a part of the whole fertility journey.  

Deb Flashenberg, the founder of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC and host of the Yoga Birth Babies Podcast, brings valuable insights to the discussion on childbirth.  Together we discuss the dramatic identity shift that happens when you cross the threshold into parenthood. We also discuss the prenatal and birth experience. Emphasizing the importance of a mother's right to choose her birthing experience, she underscores the need for thorough preparation and the significance of having a well-prepared birthing team and advocate who is familiar with the mother's preferences. Additionally, she delves into the topic of pelvic floor health, highlighting the common issue of postpartum loss of bladder control and dispelling the notion that it is unavoidable.    IN THIS EPISODE: [3:13] Deb introduces herself and shares her professional background and training and how yoga inspires her life [7:30] Explains her roles as a doula and describes how the pelvic floor and the misconceptions surrounding this critical function [12:39] Deb discusses deciding what type of birthing experience you want and selecting a provider and team [16:16] Deb talks about what she would like to see in the future regarding birthing and things that need to change [22:42] Deb shares how the transition to a parent is a lifestyle, emotional and physical change  [28:14] Deb discusses her decision to have home birthing, and she outlines how socio-economics can affect the ability to choose your birthing vision [37:01] The different fears associated with the birthing experience are discussed [42:05] Deb defines what the family unit means to her   KEY TAKEAWAYS: You should never feel guilty about taking time for yoga. It isn’t just exercise. It’s a way to clear your mind so that you are present for the rest of the day.  Women who have problems with peeing when they laugh or sneeze have a weak pelvic floor, and it is false to think it’s normal, and they have to live with it. Seek a pelvic therapist.  Medical staff need education about informed consent. Being in a hospital setting does not give someone a license to touch a patient without asking and being given permission.    RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Prenatal Yoga Center - Website Prenatal Yoga Center - Instagram   BIOGRAPHY:  Deb Flashenberg is the founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC. Along with being a prenatal yoga teacher, she is also a labor support doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, mother of two and self-proclaimed "birth and anatomy geek.” For the past seven years, Deb has also greatly enjoyed hosting the podcast Yoga | Birth | Babies, where she speaks with some of the world’s leading experts in pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood. Currently, Deb is knee-deep in Dr. Sarah Duvall’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist program, pursuing the Spinning Babies Parent Educator certification and loving every minute of it!

Jenna Hermans, the author of Chaos to Calm, discusses her experiences dating a man with three young children and becoming an “instant mom”. We explore Jenna’s relationship to the idea of being a step parent from her own experiences growing up with divorced parents. We also discuss how Jenna transformed her triggers and fears of step parenting to become the best mom she can be.  Jenna delves into being courageous amid stressful situations, drawing from her experience in a blended family that consciously avoids using the term "step" for parents or children. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive feelings for children in blended families, Jenna shares her insights.  Jenna’s work focuses on helping others find calm amidst the chaos of parenting. She teaches the five essential pillars for parents to navigate the chaos: efficiency, habits, community, communication, and self-care. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with a friend who needs calm in their chaos. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:33] Jenna shares her busy life and describes what it is to be courageous and how you just need to start with one thing at a time [7:30] Jenna reflects on meeting her husband, starting as friends, getting romantically involved and breaking up [12:50] Jenna discusses the breakup and how fear was what informed her decision [16:39] Jenna discusses how journaling helped her process her feelings and what she would say to someone who feels fear is holding them back  [19:37] Jenna discusses parenting and why she doesn’t use the word step  [23:47] Jenna describes her role as a parent and describes the visitation schedule between the kids and their mom [31:49] Jenna explains how she takes care of herself and the five pillars she writes about in her book [38:50] She is surprised at how much men love the book [41:17] Jenna tells what a family is to her KEY TAKEAWAYS: The children need to feel included to succeed as a blended family parent.  If you didn’t receive good parenting, you don’t have to default and become your parent. You can intentionally choose to make other choices and parent differently. Being courageous in making decisions to eliminate chaos in your home only requires one step at a time. RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram                 Stork'd - YouTube  Jenna Hermans - Website   BIOGRAPHY:  Jenna Hermans is living proof that you can create a life of calm within chaos and overwhelm. She uses her bachelor’s degree in psychology, master’s degree in organizational management, and over fifteen years of Human Resources experience to build strong teams, both at work and at home. Jenna is the co-founder and COO of Be Courageous, a transformation agency, a busy mom of 4, a coach and an author. As seen in Forbes, The Sun, ELLE, Yahoo, Insider, and more, Jenna takes an intentional and inclusive approach to help people (especially parents) and businesses implement tools that put organization and systems around their busy lives that infuse calm and more joy, helping them go from 'Chaos to Calm,' which doubles as the title of her debut book that launched in May 2023.

The concept of the word “mother” has been a life-long journey of exploration for  Dr. Gertrude Lyons.  She is the Founder of Rewrite the Mother Code, where she encourages and inspires women to explore what mothering and motherhood can be to them. Dr. Lyons, challenges the statement that you have to have kids in your life to be a mother, and believes instead that maternal power lives in us all. She will discuss that profound statement today, along with some of her revelations when she was starting her family and more recently when she was preparing to be the mother of the bride. This episode is for every girl and woman who wants to explore the many forms of mothering and being a “mother.”   IN THIS EPISODE:   [3:42] Dr. Lyons shares details about her family and being the mother of the bride [8:45] Dr. Lyons discussed the feelings she processed anticipating her daughter's wedding, taking her back to the birth of her daughter [12:03] She accepts that even without children, she and her husband constitute a family. [15:48] Dr. Lyons thinks deeply about the patriarchal role of a wedding, being a woman, and what a family [18:57] Dr. Lyons discusses mothering in the many ways it is possible [25:59] Dr. Lyons discusses the word mother in different forms: motherhood and mothering [31:12] Dr. Lyons talks about coaching and how she supports women [36:01] She outlines how she coaches new mothers [39:27] Dr. Lyons discusses men in a mothering role   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Mothering is a nurturing quality that can apply to children, but also a project or to other people or other people's children. Family can be defined in many ways. A married couple without children is a family.  A woman doesn’t lose her identity of who she is when she becomes a mother.   RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Website Dr. Gertrude Lyons - Instagram   BIOGRAPHY:  Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a leading coach and educator in women’s leadership development, parenting, and relationship satisfaction. As the founder of Rewrite the Mother Code, LLC, she inspires women to choose their own personal transformations and has spent the last 21 years empowering individuals, couples, parents, and families to realize meaningful, successful lives. Dr. Lyons is a PCC-certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Whole Brain Living certified coach through Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. She also holds a Level 3 Breathwork Certification through the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance. Dr. Lyons received her B.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, her M.A. in Psychology from Antioch University McGregor School and her Ed. D. and M.A. in Transformational Leadership and Coaching at the Wright Graduate University.  These certifications and training empower Dr. Lyons to provide an integrative approach focused on the individual, couple or family needs. She firmly believes that we are all mothers. Together, we can support one another to be the best versions of ourselves through this creative energy we share.

Jodi Klaristenfeld shares her harrowing experience with preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome which nearly claimed her life and that of her unborn daughter. Jodi shares her experience healing emotionally from her daughter’s premature birth and how hard she fought to get her daughter the resources she needed to grow, thrive and flourish once she was home from the NICU. Jodi quickly realized how hard it is for families with premature babies to get their children the resources they need,  leading to the inception of FLRRISH. FLRRiSH serves as a platform providing NICU parent education, resources, and support, aiding families in navigating the path through premature childbirth. Jodi also shares valuable insights on recognizing the symptoms of preeclampsia. Don't miss out on the inaugural episode of season six!   IN THIS EPISODE:   [0:00] Julia introduces guest Jodi Klaristenfeld and why the topic of life-threatening preeclampsia is the first topic of season six [3:42] Jodi explains why she started Flrrish to meet the needs of parents whose child is born prematurely [6:03] Jodi describes her pregnancy journey and the signs of preeclampsia [17:17] Jodi talks about her feelings when she learned she almost died, the choice her mother had to make, and the distance she felt toward her daughter [24:13] Jodi tells about the different emotions she went through and the support given by her doctor and husband [29:25] Jodi reveals what her daughter was experiencing while hospitalized, including the frustration of a therapist not wanting to do her job [38:35] How Jodi helps others through Flrrish [43:30] Jodi describes how this situation has informed her parenting skills and what Flrrish clients are seeking [46:45] Jodi describes her definition of family   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The infant and maternal mortality rates in the U. S. are the highest of any developed nation. Nearly 15 percent of all children in the U. S. are in the NICU at some point. Kangaroo Care, or Skin-to-Skin Care, benefits the baby and the parents.   RESOURCE LINKS: Stork'd - Facebook Stork'd - Instagram Stork'd - YouTube  Flrrish - Instagram Flrrish - Website   BIOGRAPHY:  Jodi Klaristenfeld is the founder of FLRRiSH. She is a mom to an adorable little girl who was born at 28 weeks due to a rare and life-threatening form of preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. After her daughter's early birth, Jodi quickly discovered preemie moms and dads aren’t always given the support they need. As a result, she created FLRRiSH, a platform that offers NICU parent education, empowerment, support and resources to help families navigate this beautiful and challenging journey. Jodi, her husband and her family live in NYC.

Imagine being so athletically gifted that you can train your body to do almost anything…. Anything except get pregnant when you are hoping to. Meet Barbie Blank, reality star, model and formerly the youngest wrestler in the WWE.  Together we discuss the feelings she had when her athleticism didn’t translate to her fertility treatments. Now pregnant with twins, Barbie shares her experiences: ranging from the heartbreak of a miscarriage, an IVF journey under the care of Dr. Aimee, the Egg Whisperer and the joyous anticipation of becoming a mom.  We also discuss the challenge of stepping into parenthood while grieving the loss of your own parent. This episode marks the conclusion of a two-part series that commenced with Dr. Aimee. Don’t miss the finale of season five!   IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:35] Barbie introduces herself and shares her background as a wrestler, model, influencer, actress, reality star and now her pregnancy [06:11] How did Barbie navigate all the changes in her life and her expectation of having twins [09:58] Barbie talks about her miscarriage [13:37] Barbie reflects on meeting Dr. Aimee, the “egg whisperer,” and her IVF journey [19:58] The timeline, the disappointment she felt and the change in protocols [25:17] The emotions of losing her dad and how she will integrate family traditions [30:27] Barbie discusses a documentary she will be doing with Dr. Aimee [35:29] Barbie defines what family means to her   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Barbie has a positive attitude, and following her through Dr. Aimee’s documentary will be amazing. Changing protocols during IVF can make all the difference in getting pregnant. Women supporting women through IVF treatments, miscarriage and other trauma is encouraging to hear. There should not be a stigma associated with miscarriage.   RESOURCE LINKS:   Stork'd - Facebook   Stork'd - Instagram   Stork'd - YouTube    Barbie Blank - Instagram   Barbie Blank - Twitter   BIOGRAPHY:   Barbara Blank Coba, known professionally as Barbie Blank and by her ring name Kelly Kelly, is an American professional wrestler and model.