It's widely recognized that undergoing fertility treatment can be a source of significant stress, impacting not only individuals but also their relationships. Couples often find themselves surprised by the divergent feelings and opinions they encounter during their journey to build a family. This divergence can lead to tension, arguments, and feelings of anger, especially when faced with decisions like sharing information with others, financial considerations, the choice to pause treatment, donor selection, or the decision to continue treatment altogether. In this upcoming episode, I'll delve into this common challenge, exploring why fertility treatment can strain relationships and offering a path to reframe the experience. By addressing these issues, couples can begin to mend their relationship and confront the challenges of fertility treatment, family dynamics, and the road ahead with unity and resilience.   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

The TUSHY, BALLS, and ANGEL methods are just a few of the acronyms that Dr. Aime Eyvazzadeh has created to help patients understand the procedures important for them to complete to enable them to understand their diagnosis. In this week's episode, she talks about these procedures, discusses how she counsels patients about various treatments from egg freezing to ovarian aging, and explains why she recommends certain supplements and not others.   Dr. Aimee is witty, clever and so compassionate. You will see in this week's episode how much she truly cares for her patients and does her best to provide them with the best treatment possible.     If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

This week's guest, Kristin Duncan, shares her thoughts about being a single mom by choice, the difficulties for single women in fertility treatment, and much more.   Here are a few of the topics Kristin discusses in this week’s episode: • how important it is to advocate for yourself at your fertility clinic • why being a single mom is not as "difficult" as people think • how remembering that "things change" can be so helpful • not to limit your dreams, even when they do seem insurmountable • disclosure issues • connecting with donor-conceived siblings and other people who used the same donor Whether you are a fertility patient looking for community or insights, or a member of the industry curious about single motherhood, you will gain a lot from Kristin's insight in this episode. Sending warmth and good wishes your way!  Lisa   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

If you have been wondering about what's happening in the political and social landscape in the fertility field, you will appreciate this week's episode.  Barb Collura, the CEO of RESOLVE, discusses how our modern society has arrived at a time when science and so many social issues have progressed, except that our reproductive rights may erode further if we do not take action now. At RESOLVE.org, there are many ways to get involved, and Barb has led the charge in making it easy to advocate from your home computer.  We need every voice, so listen to this episode to become informed.   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

The benefits of disclosing to children about their origins, early and often, is no longer up for debate.  We know that children, and their parents, are often curious about their donor, and for medical or emotional reasons, may have an interest in connecting with them at some point in their lives. Typically, people search for their donor on 23 and Me and hope that they will be able to connect with the donor when their child becomes 18. Some donor agreements, however, stipulate that the donor never be contacted. Everie has changed all of that. They have created the first open donor egg donation program in the U.S.  In this episode, you will meet two of Everie’s Directors, Aisha Lewis and Mark Trolice, MD.  They have created a program where you choose to be matched with a donor for a fresh cycle or receive frozen eggs.  You can choose someone who also chooses you and you have the option to choose someone with similar values or background.  Their program allows for individual matches so that you can decide what is right for you, get ongoing medical information for your children, and have a warm connection with someone who you or your child may reach out to down the line.  An added benefit is that open relationships will likely cut down on the number of donor siblings created from each donor.  While no contract about family limits with a donor is enforceable, I do believe we are all more likely to maintain a commitment to someone we know rather than someone we don't know. So, take a look at their website and learn more. I think you will be as impressed as I am.  Everiedonation.com.    If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

You may know Colton Underwood as a football player or the reality TV star from The Bachelor, or from his Netflix special when he told the world that he could no longer hide and came out as a gay man.  The Colton Underwood you will meet on this week's episode is a warm, gentle man who has finally found himself, real love, and cannot wait to be a father.   If these hurdles weren't enough, he also struggled with male factor infertility.  Colton has become more accustomed to talking about the struggle of coming out and how happy he is being his true self, as a gay man, but infertility is still a struggle to discuss.  He shares how embarrassed he felt when he received the diagnosis and how he and his husband embarked on a path to rejuvenate his sperm. This process led him to create a podcast called Daddyhood, where he shares the long path to fatherhood.  His openness and sensitivity will warm your heart and the information he shares may help you or someone you love who is struggling with infertility.  The information in this podcast, like Colton himself, will intrigue you, for so many reasons.   Resources mentioned: Daddyhood on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddyhoodpodcast/ Subscribe to Colton's podcast, "Daddyhood":  https://open.spotify.com/show/2wcc9oVtUr3q4hrFTn1TEw?si=f91dd3ddb5be4a6f   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

In this podcast, we frequently delve into the realm of third-party reproduction. However, today we're taking a fresh perspective on the pregnancy journey. Donor conception isn't the perfect fit for everyone, and for some, it simply isn't an option. So, let's explore an alternative approach. Meet Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad, partners at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York. Their focus over the years has gravitated towards women categorized as having an "advanced maternal age". In this episode, they generously share insights into the strategies that have brought success to their patients. What's reassuring is their commitment to ensuring informed consent. They steer clear of empty promises and quick fixes. Instead, they lay out the reality, often modest success rates for women in their 40s, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their treatment paths. Despite embracing some unconventional methods, their research garners respect within the medical community. If you, or a loved one, want to attempt pregnancy at an advanced maternal age, you will find this episode very helpful.     If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

The good news is that we've discovered that disclosing early and regularly is most beneficial. Moreover, it's never too early nor too late to disclose. However, if you browse online comments about late disclosure, you'd doubt the validity of the latter statement. Those who struggle with early disclosure often face ridicule online, exacerbating feelings of guilt, sadness, and anxiety, making it even more challenging to disclose. This week, I delve into this issue. Many individuals find it hard to disclose for various reasons. It's essential for them to recognize that feeling uncomfortable when using someone else's genetics to build a family is natural. They also need strategies to manage these emotions, enabling them to help their child understand their origins. In this episode, I explore three reasons why disclosing may be challenging and offer solutions. Those grappling with disclosure, or those who know someone who is, should realize that it does become easier. Getting started is often the toughest step.   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Dr. Shahine and I agree that there is so much misinformation on the internet. We also agree that the fertility journey is lonely and that people need support. So, we decided to team up and create a double podcast and bust some myths! Yes, you will get support and clarity on both of our channels. Among other things, we will discuss: • Sex positions and getting pregnant • Stress and infertility • Disclosure to donor-conceived children • What to share with your fertility doctor (spoiler alert-everything!) I think you will find this week's episode useful and entertaining.   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Have you ever imagined what goes on inside the head, and home, of a single mother by choice?  I have!  I have talked to many of the people I see about how they chose their donor, how they decided to close the door on a partner (at least for now), what worried them, and how they do it all! In this week's episode you will meet Lesley Bogad. She is a professor and has dedicated a lot of time to deciding how she would manage all of these issues and more, and some of the answers she shares may surprise you.  Lesley is so interesting and thoughtful.  I just loved hearing how she sees parenthood, donor conception, and her life with her son.  I think you will too.   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Comedian, actress, author, and podcast host, Robin Hopkins, joins us this week to talk about her journey and parenting advice.  Her struggles with her donor choice took her across the country and to other countries, her discomfort with donor conception turned into love and gratitude and her fears and concerns were all resolved. She now parents her two children with the values she holds dear and the lessons she has learned through her journey to be a mom with her wife. Robin is funny and insightful and helps us understand issues like disclosure to donor-conceived children, ways to understand donor-sibling connections, resolving co-parenting concerns, and more. Even if you plan to build your family differently than Robin, you will take away a lot of wisdom from this episode, and be entertained at the same time.  She is a joy!  This podcast helps me share good information at no cost to you.  So, if you like the episode, please give it a thumbs up and press the subscribe button. Thank you.   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

In a previous episode, I discuss a wide range of fertility tips.  This week, I wanted to give you some ideas that can help you get through treatment.  After decades in the field of fertility, I have found that there are helpful ideas to consider, and actions to take, to make the journey better and easier.  The three tips presented in this video are a few of the ideas that people don't typically think about, so I wanted to share them all with you, with the hope that they will help you too.  I hope you find them useful and feel free to connect with us at www.familybuilding.net, and sign up for our newsletter so you won’t miss a beat. Xo      If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Joseph Tito is a Canadian influencer and author of the dad diaries.  He is a happy married man and the father of two beautiful twin girls.  But life was not always this way.     While going through a breakup, Joseph pursued donor conception and surrogacy alone in a foreign country. He had no idea how his story would end, but he had no other choice. He did not have the funds to pursue a surrogacy journey in the US or Canada, his home country, so he took his chances and almost did not make it back home.   Many people in a similar spot would not have taken the risks that Joseph took, but people like Joseph find a way to make their dreams happen.   Even if this is not your story, listening to Joseph is inspiring and reminds us that everyone is entitled to have the family of their dreams.      If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Oprah’s film pick, Eggs Over Easy, was directed by this week's guest, Chiquita Lockely, who is a ray of sunshine and hope.  She has created a platform for fertility treatment for women of color and has been a leader in advocacy and support in her community.  In this episode, Chiquita dove into big issues like inequality for people of color, why black men are reluctant to donate their sperm, cultural issues that the black community faces around therapy, fertility, and more. She hopes to continue to help educate and inspire the black community to get the resources they need to build their families, increase awareness, and garner support for inclusion, outreach, and improved access to fertility treatment. If you have ever been interested in any of these topics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Chiquita has amazing insights and generously shares them with us. This podcast helps me share good information at no cost to you.  So, if you like the episode, please give it a thumbs up and make sure to press the subscribe button. Thank you.     If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

I hope you enjoyed part one of this two-part series on surrogacy. If you have not yet seen part one, I urge you to watch it. It is full of useful information to help you have the best relationship with your surrogate. This is important for you, and for your surrogate, but it's also important to be able to have a beautiful journey that you can document for your future child to treasure forever.  For more information on chronicling your journey, please take a look at My Lifebook at ( https://familybuilding.net/product/).   This week’s focus is the practical and legal issues you will need to address on your surrogacy journey. I'll give you some ideas to help you separate what is important from what is not important in planning for your journey.  I will also help you understand the limits of your legal contract, and provide guidance on how to address some important issues with your surrogate so you will have an extra layer of legal protection (and why that is particularly important now).   While these two episodes will not cover my full consultation, they will give you some tips I have learned over my decades of experience.  I hope it helps. This podcast helps me share good information at no cost to you. So, if you like the episode, please give it a thumbs up and press subscribe. Thank you. Lisa     If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

For two consecutive weeks, I will be talking about surrogacy.  This first episode will cover some ways to optimize your relationship with your gestational carrier. This is incredibly important.  It is important for all involved to have a meaningful journey, and those positive experiences can be documented and used as part of your child’s narrative (for more information see My Lifebook https://familybuilding.net/product/), Last, if something goes wrong (and hopefully it won’t), everyone will have the tools in place to make decisions together more productively.    If you, or someone you care for, is considering using a gestational carrier to have a child, I suggest that you check out these episodes. They provide some of the highlights of my consultations with intended parents and although the entirety of my consultation is not covered, these short episodes will give you many helpful tools to use on your journey. And if you like the episode please give it a thumbs up and subscribe. Thank you for tuning in.     If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Nicole Gomez Fisher is the writer, director and producer of the feature film “Sleeping with the Fishes” and “The Good Egg” which was inspired by her fertility journey and decision to use donor eggs to build her family.  Her films have been featured on HBO and are available on Amazon Prime Video. Nicole has also acted and worked on many other films and television shows, but her favorite role, by far, is mom. In this week’s podcast you will hear about her many struggles and circuitous pathway to parenthood.   Sharing her feelings on social media has been difficult for Nicole.  Sadly, she has received backlash in many online communities for discussing her inner conflicts.  I applaud Nicole for her openness. Many women with infertility experience the same feelings that Nicole has felt and feel fearful about sharing them publicly. Listen to Nicole share her journey, how she finally built her family, and why she decided to turn her heartache into a full-length feature comedy.     If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Chloe Melas is a reporter for the Today Show, an author, and an advocate.  In this episode you will hear about all of her incredible pursuits and most of all, her infertility journey, which led to her two beautiful boys.  After much heartache, Chloe decided to open up about her experiences to People magazine, CNN and now to us.   Chloe recounts her treatment failures, marital struggles and battle with feelings of depression and anxiety. She has now decided to become an advocate for progress and spreading good information so more people can receive the assistance they need and feel less alone.      I am sure you will feel as moved and inspired by her story as I did.   And please don’t forget to subscribe, give it a thumbs up if you like it, and share it with someone who can use it.   If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

The gold medalist joins us on the show to share her difficulties through her five year journey to have a baby, including all of the losses and treatments she endured.  Tara reflects on how the attributes that made her an international superstar also made fertility treatment more difficult, how she and her husband Todd, struggled with their different perspectives and through their hurts, developed a greater closeness. She opens up about her fears of pregnancy and loss and how her experiences have changed her life forever.  This journey led Tara and her husband to create their podcast, called "Unexpecting", where they chronicle their journey and speak openly about feelings and experiences they never spoke about before with the wish that their story will give others hope, and comfort in knowing that they are not alone. Tara is brave, resilient, and so incredibly articulate about feelings that so many of us have, but so few share.  This is an episode not to be missed!     If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM

Most of us know that if you used a third party to help you build your family, or if you are adopting, it is essential to share this with your child. We also know that "early and often" works best for the children and the parents.  Talking to your child early and often helps your child integrate their sense of who they are from the beginning.  It has also been shown to help children have better relationships with their parents and to have a positive impact on their teen years.  When we practice things, we get better, and sharing with your child how you built your family can feel uncomfortable or even awkward at best.  Practicing your narrative, trying on different versions of your story and getting to a place where you can craft a narrative that feels like it suits your family is an important process. Practicing that story will help you get the kinks out and help your child feel more comfortable with their story as well.  By the time it becomes natural for you to tell it, your child will begin to hear the story, or even just pick up words or phrases and those words will feel natural. This in turn can help your child feel like their story is a good story, and their story is simply the way you created your family. So, what about telling others your story?  The nosy aunt for example? The neighbors who stare at you and your child back and forth, looking for some resemblance as you ride the elevator each morning?  What about the PTA president or the soccer coach who makes comments about your child having inherited your genetics?  These are all situations that are unique to each family. they are also unique to each person, which means a difference of opinion can cause conflict.  As you will hear in this week's episode, it can also cause issues that are tough to unwind.  So why not practice your story? Practicing this with your partner, if you have one, or a trusted friend can help you anticipate, and possibly prevent difficulties down the road.      If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode... Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/ Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/ Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM