Ep 114 The Emotional Shift from Fertility Patient to Parent
Eloise Drane, host of Fertility Café and a seasoned fertility industry expert with over two decades of experience, explores the emotional transition from fertility treatments to parenthood in this insightful episode. Drawing from personal experience and professional knowledge, Eloise addresses the complex emotions that arise when the focus shifts from trying to conceive to actually becoming a parent.
The episode delves into letting go of the infertility mindset, releasing control, identity shifts after fertility journeys, and the realities of early parenthood after treatments. Eloise offers compassionate guidance for navigating feelings of uncertainty, addressing anxieties, building bonds with your baby, and embracing the messy, beautiful process of becoming a parent—however you arrived there.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Introduction to the mental shift from fertility treatments to parenthood
(04:32) Letting go of the infertility mindset and processing mixed emotions
(09:45) Releasing control and learning to trust your parenting instincts
(15:20) Reclaiming identity after the fertility journey ends
(20:48) Sponsor: The Family Blueprint event in Atlanta
(22:17) What no one tells you about early parenthood after infertility
(28:03) When bonding doesn't feel instant: normalizing gradual connections
(31:45) How relationships and friendships transform after becoming a parent
(36:30) Embracing the growth process of parenthood after fertility struggles
Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!
Resources: Book a Free Consultation
Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/
Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/
Stay Connected
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/
Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com
More Resources
Learn more about surrogacy & fertility:
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Ep 113 The Fertility Timeline: Dr Susanna Park on When to Get Tested
What if freezing your eggs as a college graduation gift could be the most important investment in your future family? - Dr. Susanna Park
Dr. Susanna Park, a fertility specialist from San Diego Fertility Center, joins host Eloise Drane to share her expertise on fertility testing. Board-certified in both obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology, Dr. Park brings a global perspective shaped by her journey from South Korea to Argentina to the United States. With five-time recognition as a top fertility doctor by San Diego Magazine, she offers invaluable insights on proactive fertility assessment.
This episode explores the critical timing of fertility testing, examining why women shouldn't wait for obvious signs before understanding their reproductive health. Dr. Park breaks down key fertility tests for both women and men, optimal ages to start testing, how to interpret results, and the various treatment options available when challenges arise. Listeners will gain practical knowledge on taking control of their fertility journey before problems develop.
Dr. Susanna Park is a renowned fertility specialist from the San Diego Fertility Center. Dr. Park is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She brings a unique global perspective to fertility care, with an impressive background that spans from Seoul to Buenos Aires to New York City, and now San Diego. She's been recognized as a "Top Fertility Doctor" by San Diego Magazine five times, most recently in 2023.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Eloise introduces the importance of proactive fertility testing
(01:35) Dr. Park shares her journey to specializing in fertility medicine
(02:53) Dr. Park's international background and global perspective on fertility care
(06:51) At what age should people start considering fertility testing
(09:54) Understanding key fertility tests and normal ranges for women
(15:11) How age impacts fertility for both men and women
(21:13) What constitutes a normal menstrual cycle and warning signs
(26:11) Four essential components needed for natural conception
(29:38) Best approaches for timing intercourse when trying to conceive
(33:26) Understanding natural cycle treatments versus medicated approaches
(38:34) The IVF process explained for women and egg donors
(45:55) Testing approaches for same-sex couples planning families
(51:28) How technology advancements have transformed fertility treatments
Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!
Resources:
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Ep 112 Surrogate Logistics: Travel, Timelines, and Support
“It's viably gonna be one of the most intimate journeys you'll ever be on, just like your marriage, your relationship with your children. It's this infinite entanglement between you and them…” - April Whitford
Today on The Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drane is joined by April Whitford, Journey Manager at Family Inceptions with a decade of experience at the company and 25 years in family building. April, who holds an LMSW from Florida State University, shares her extensive knowledge of guiding hundreds of surrogates through their journeys, emphasizing the importance of patience in what she describes as an 18-month marathon rather than a sprint.
The episode breaks down the practical aspects of surrogacy, from initial screening and matching to medical protocols and travel expectations. They discuss the comprehensive support surrogates receive, the importance of having family and employer backing, insurance considerations, and the legal process of establishing parentage. April and Eloise provide valuable insights into the logistical realities of surrogacy, including medication schedules, appointment frequency, and hospital birth plans.
April Whitford, Journey Manager for Family Inceptions. April has been in the family-building space since 2000, and her passion for helping others shows in every interaction. She's committed to providing the highest level of support to surrogates and intended parents, ensuring that every journey is handled with care and compassion. With over two decades of experience, April has guided hundreds of surrogates through every step of their journeys and has invaluable insights to share about the logistical realities of surrogacy.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Importance of understanding surrogate logistics
(04:18) April explains why surrogacy is a marathon requiring patience, not a sprint
(05:37) The detailed screening and matching process for surrogates
(11:06) Timeline expectations from match to embryo transfer
(12:59) Travel logistics and arrangements during the surrogate journey
(16:04) Understanding medication protocols and appointment schedules
(19:33) Building a strong support system throughout your surrogate journey
(24:06) Preparing family, children, and employers for your surrogacy process
(31:26) Insurance coverage and protective policies for surrogates
(34:08) Birth plans and hospital preparation for surrogate deliveries
Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!
Resources:April Whitford LinkedIn
Family Inceptions<...
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Ep 111 The Patient Experience in Fertility Care: Advocating for Better Support
In this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain discusses the complexities of the fertility journey with Dr. Camille Hammond.
They explore the overwhelming nature of fertility issues, the importance of accurate information, and the myths surrounding infertility. Dr. Hammond emphasizes the need for patients to advocate for themselves, seek community support, and communicate effectively with their healthcare providers.
The conversation highlights the emotional challenges faced by intended parents and the significance of balancing hope with realistic expectations throughout the fertility process.
It emphasizes the significance of education in reproductive health, addressing the gaps in fertility education, and exploring financial resources available for fertility treatment. The discussion also highlights the emotional challenges faced by individuals dealing with fertility issues, including shame and fear, and encourages open dialogue and support.
Learn more about Camille Hammond & The Cade Foundation : https://cadefoundation.org/about
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Fertility Journey
01:41 Understanding Fertility Myths
12:26 Balancing Hope and Realistic Expectations
17:46 Communication Barriers in Fertility Care
26:13 Understanding Family Health History
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Ep 110 Why Not Just Adopt?
In this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain delves into the complexities of family building through adoption and fertility treatments. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of adoption, including domestic, international, and foster care options, while also addressing the realities of fertility treatments like IVF and surrogacy. With insights from over two decades in the fertility industry, the episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional, legal, and financial aspects of each path. Listeners are encouraged to consider their personal values and circumstances when making decisions about family building. Book a Free Consultation Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Speak with our expert team today! https://familyinceptions.com/schedule-a-consultation/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social Curious about the cost of surrogacy? Use our Surrogacy Cost Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/cost-of-surrogacy-calculator/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/intended-parents Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources All information shared is for educational purposes and subject to change. Always consult with a medical or legal professional for personalized advice.
Who knew making a baby could be so hard?! Luckily, the fertility journey isn’t meant to be traveled alone. So grab a seat and let’s talk fertility and alternative family building with leading industry expert Eloise Drane here at Fertility Café!
Fertility Café is here to support, encourage, and educate, anyone seeking to start or complete their family and the selfless women willing to help . This bi-weekly podcast discusses all aspects of the fertility journey experience, emphasizing alternative family forming methods. Explore modern family building through IVF, surrogacy, and egg donation, sperm donation and embryo donation . Whether you’re a straight couple, LGBTQIA+, single individual or anything in between, considering egg donation, thinking of becoming a surrogate, or dealing with infertility, you'll receive insider information.
Join in-depth conversations that explore these methods from medical, legal, and financial standpoints. Learn how to empower yourselves when dealing with infertility and the unknowns of how to complete your family building. Gain understanding on how to become a surrogate or an egg donor and what you need to consider when you make your decision.
In addition to finding the best third-party providers and appropriate fertility solutions for you, learn about fertility awareness, the questions to ask and what steps you need to take to make the right decisions for you. There is so much information out there. How do you know what is fertility fact versus fiction. You’ll receive advice and tips on how to navigate the world of fertility options.
Listen to fertility experts and medical practitioners as they impart valuable wisdom about all kinds of issues related to your fertility to include unexplained infertility, fertility preservation, PCOS, and fibroids to name a few. Their professional guidance is your best bet in increasing the likelihood of getting pregnant without fearing for your health or breaking the bank.
This show is also for fertility professionals who want to widen their knowledge and expertise. By listening to fellow experts, discover brand-new information to share with your patients and improve your practice.
Host Eloise has helped hundreds of people build (and grow) their families over the last 20 years. She always speaks candidly about the processes involved in making the dream of a baby a reality right now. Eloise helps individuals become surrogates and egg donors through Family Inceptions, an agency she founded in 2008. She highlights the importance of ethical and transparent practices.
Above all, Eloise makes sure that young women who donate eggs or become surrogates are properly educated and empowered. Her reputation makes Eloise a top speaker and guest in many assisted reproduction technology events and shows. Her story and agency were even featured by OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.
Eloise is not only a guide to surrogates and donors; she has been an egg donor six times and a gestational surrogate three times. She is a happily married mother of five who spends most of her free time with family.
Failing to get pregnant should never lead to a life of regret, self-pity, and hopelessness. With egg donation, surrogacy, and medical advancements focused on fertility, your fight is far from over. You are not a lost cause. What you need is proper information, practical tips, and valuable insights on addressing your reproductive issues. Explore all this and more on the Fertility Café.
Listen to the podcast right now at www.thefertilitycafe.com
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