Lemons? The Mind? The Body? Infertility? What does it all mean? On the episode today, Naomi Woolfson from Embrace Fertility joins me as we explore the surprising connections between our minds, our bodies, and our thoughts when it comes to making fertility decisions.  Spoiler alert - she uses an example with a lemon that will make you go "whoah! I totally get it!" Our minds and bodies are deeply interconnected, and our thoughts and beliefs can have a huge impact on our fertility journey.  Naomi is a hypnotherapist and she breaks down what is the mind body connection and challenges you to examine the stories you tell yourself about your fertility and consider how they may be limiting your options and holding you back from reaching your goals. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and there is always hope. Let's take a step forward together and explore the power of our minds, bodies, and thoughts when it comes to making fertility decisions. About Naomi Woolfson: Naomi Woolfson, of Embrace Fertility, is a therapist specializing in supporting women through trying to conceive, fertility treatments and then pregnancy and birth following infertility. She and her partner went through almost 4 years of infertility, IUI’s, IVF, anxiety, surgery and a miscarriage before they went on to conceive both of their ginger children naturally. On her podcast she offers emotional support and shares mind-body techniques to help you feel calm and confident and ultimately find yourself again while waiting for your baby. Search for Embrace Fertility on your favorite podcast player to listen. Alongside supporting clients globally in one to one therapy and coaching sessions she offers hypnosis and meditation MP3s and runs a 12 week mind-body program guiding women through the 5 steps of her unique Embrace Fertility Method; Comfort, Coping, Connection, Clearing and finally Creating. Visit www.embracefertility.co.uk for more details and to set up a free video call to answer any questions you have about working with Naomi. Resources Mentioned: How to Decide When To Start or Continue Fertility Treatment EFT Tapping for Coping with Infertility and Enhancing Fertility Follow Naomi on Instagram www.embracefertility.co.uk

In today's podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Makler from Cofertility. As someone who has personally experienced a unique road to her fertility, Lauren understands the emotional rollercoaster that we can go through to build our family. That's why she's on a mission to revolutionize the egg donor and egg freezing process.  During our chat, Lauren shares her own medical journey to having her daughter and how that experience, combined with her passion for healthcare start-ups, led her to co-found Cofertility, a platform that connects families with high-quality egg donors. But what sets Cofertility apart is that while helping families who need egg donors find diverse and high quality donors, they are also educating and supporting women in preserving their fertility through egg freezing.  They take a personalized approach, provide education to intended parents and egg donors and are advocates for making the egg freezing and egg donation process simple, easy, and accessible. Lauren's story is inspiring, and Cofertility's approach is truly revolutionary. About Lauren Makler Lauren Makler is the Co-founder and CEO of Cofertility. She previously founded Uber Health, a product that enables healthcare organizations to leverage Uber’s massive driver network in improving healthcare outcomes through patient transportation and healthcare delivery.  Lauren’s winding road of a fertility journey led her to believe that everyone should have the opportunity to freeze their eggs –and that there should be better access to egg donors. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their miracle baby girl. Resources: Infertility Crossroads Episode 7. We Used an Anonymous Donor. I'd Do it Differently If I Could Anonymous Egg Donation, What Does The Research Say  How Do Individuals Who Were Conceived Through the Use of Donor Technologies Feel About The Nature of their Conception?  cofertility.com/family Cofertility, Family by Co on Instagram  Lauren Makler on Instagram

I didn't grow up dreaming of using a donor to have my children. After our second failed IVF cycle, my doctor brought up the idea of using a donor and I was a hard no. I would NEVER use someone else’s genetics to create a child. My whole world came crashing down when the doctor told me donor might be my only chance at being a parent and experiencing pregnancy.  On the episode today, I am diving deep into the beginning of my story and sharing with you three things I wish I had known and had access to right after that conversation with my doctor.   Want to dive deeper into this topic? Download my free PDF, My Doctor Said Donor, Now What? Your Next 3 Steps Forward.   Connect with me on Instagram

Emily Derrick is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is also a six time egg donor and gestational carrier.  She has had personal experience with many aspects of third party reproduction, both personally and professionally. During the episode, we talk about Emily’s experience becoming an egg donor, why she chose to be an egg donor, what the egg donor process was like for her, the outcomes of her donor cycles and her thoughts on connecting with the children that she is the biological mother of. We dive into the importance of having accessibility to your donor going forward in the future for medical history, giving the kids the ability to get from their donor information, to know who they are and where they came from. Emily and I also talk about her work as a therapist working with recipient parents and what you can expect during your psycho-social evaluation and we get into the meat of why it is SO important to unpack the feelings surrounding being a recipient parent and the personal emotional work it takes to get comfortable and excited about going down this path. Emily Derrick is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in infertility and 3rd party reproduction, raising two children with her husband, a 6x egg donor and 1x gestational carrier. She works with clients who are seeking emotional support, skill building and education on their journey to family, whether through 1:1 therapy or clinic required psychoeducational consultations. Visit her website at www.emilyderricktherapy.com to learn more. Resources from the Show: Inheritance by Dani Shapiro Brave new Humans by Sarah Dingle  Children’s book resource on Emily’s website  Emily's Instagram @emily.derrick.therapy

Today's episode is part 2 of a series I'm doing on fertility coaching.  If you haven't listened to Episode 22 - What is a Fertility Coach and Why Should I Invest in One I highly recommend checking out that episode first.  In that episode I talk all about what a fertility coach is, why it is good to have one, the difference between a coach and a therapist and what how to decide if having one is right for you. Today we are diving into how to find a fertility coach that is right for you.  There are so many amazing coaches out there specializing in all kinds of support: from miscarriage to endometriosis to mind/body connections you can really find help for anything you are looking for.  But before you jump into a program, it’s important to know what you are struggling with the most right now so you can focus and to know how you best learn.  This will help you get the most out of your time and investment. Below you will find some coaches who I personally recommend to get you started. Mind Body Fertility Reset / Robyn Birkin - Mind Body Connection during Fertility  Jen Robertson - IVF, Pregnancy after Loss / Infertility  Studio Fertility / Bella Hilton - Unexplained Infertility Ebony Hibbert - Solo Motherhood  Embrace Fertility / Naomi Woolfson  - Fertility Hypnotherapy  Feel Fully / Simone  - Endometriosis and Mindfulness  Meta Getman  - Donor Conception (that's me!)  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide

What the heck is a fertility coach and why should you invest in one? If you've ever asked this question or wondered this, today is the episode for you!  This is part 1 of a 2 part series.  Join me next week for Part 2!  A fertility coach is a professional who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate the challenges of infertility and reproductive health. They provide emotional support, guidance on medical options, and practical tools to increase the chances of conception. This episode explains the role of a fertility coach, the benefits of working with one, and real-life stories from those who have benefitted from this type of support. Whether you're just starting your journey to parenthood or have been struggling for a while, this podcast is for anyone looking to better understand the fertility journey and what options are available. Sign up to join me at my free training on Friday, February 17th at 11:00 am CST called the Five Myths of Donor Conception. If you can't join us live, get the replay by signing up.  SIGN UP HERE   Connect with me on Instagram

Did you know that your brain is wired to fill in the gaps when you don't know things? Did you also know that the fear of the unknown is known as the biggest fear of all?  Infertility is full of unknowns.  Things we don't know.  Things we can't control.  And because our brains want to fill in the gaps we are wired to worry and spiral and try to fill in what is missing.   On today's episode I talk about this and share with you my best advice for navigating the unknowns and what you can do to make it easier.   Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide  Connect with me on Instagram

I have a confession...sometimes I wonder if my exposure to toxins in my environment impacted my ability to get pregnant using my own eggs.  I will never know the answer to that question but it is something I've become more aware of over the last 10 years.   We hear it all the time...contaminates in the air, water, food, skin care, make-up, etc are causing issues in our bodies.  It can get overwhelming.  And it can be hard to know what is real vs what is data being twisted to scare us into doing something or trying some new product.  But I do think there is enough data now to show that certain chemicals can be harmful to our health both short and long term.  And I do think that being mindful of what we put in and on our bodies along with the environments we are in can make a difference when it comes to our reproductive health.   Today's episode is about those different toxins, my own experience, and some suggestions you can try if you are interested in reducing your exposure to environmental toxins.  Products I Recommend  (note, I may receive a commission from a purchase you make using this link or my code).  Primally Pure Use code META10 to get 10% off your first purchase  BeautyCounter Branch Basics Resources: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm https://www.epa.gov/endocrine-disruption/what-endocrine-disruption What are Endocrine Disruptors and Examples by Dr. Lora Shahine  https://joe.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/joe/233/3/R109.xml Environmental Working Group (EWG)

Failed IVF cycle after failed IVF cycle is the absolute worst for so many reasons.  For me, it was because I thought IVF with my own eggs was going to work, no questions asked.  The reality is that IVF doesn't always work and in fact, only works about 45% of the time for people under the age of 35.   On the podcast today I'm talking about 5 reasons why your IVF cycles with your own gametes (egg and/or sperm) and what these reasons mean to you and your infertility journey.   Connect with me on Instagram  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide  Resources:  https://www.sartcorsonline.com/rptCSR_PublicMultYear.aspx?reportingYear=2020 https://natalist.com/blogs/learn/guide-to-ivf-embryo-grading?gclid=CjwKCAiA76-dBhByEiwAA0_s9X3KZyKKPKcqK0Zi6U_j3Sr7axtMvK1NgagxTiTEUKoelfSv40NrPRoCnjAQAvD_BwE ---

Do you feel like your partner shuts down as soon as you try to talk about your struggles with infertility? Or maybe you are the one feeling like you just can't talk to your partner about your struggles because it's too hard.   Friend, you are not alone.  Infertility can cause a huge wedge between you and your partner.  The good news is that it doesn't have to stay that way.  In fact, going through the challenges and struggles of having a baby can actually bring you closer together.  In this episode of the podcast I'm sharing with you why I believe we tend to move away from one another and I'm giving you some easy tips to put into action today that will help you and your partner turn toward each other instead of away.  Connect with me on Instagram Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide

Making decisions can be difficult and can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. The advice out there is to take your problem and break it into smaller parts. Then take time to consider the different options. Sometimes people recommend pros and cons lists, checking in with yourself, getting advice from others who have gone through a similar experience. All this is great advice but there is something you have to do first. Because if you don't do this one thing first...all the lists, checking in, etc will get you no where. On the podcast today we are talking about why you are struggling with making a decision and what steps you can take to start feeling confident in the decisions you are making.  Resources from the Episode:  https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/prefrontal-cortex/#:~:text=The%20prefrontal%20cortex%20(PFC)%20is,making%2C%20and%20moderating%20social%20behaviour https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469#:~:text=Exercise%20increases%20your%20overall%20health,%2Dgood%20neurotransmitters%2C%20called%20endorphins

Choosing to use an egg donor is a big decision. Once you've made that one though...another big decision comes and it is around what kind of donor to choose. I hear it all the time from my clients and from people I connect with on Instagram.  I also felt the exact same way: all the options are overwhelming and it is hard to know what the best choice is. As future parents we are constantly thinking about what is best for our future children. Weighing their needs vs. our needs and our ability to access the best possible solution. On today's episode, I'm diving deeper into the types of egg donor you can choose from, the pros and cons of each option, and the things you need to know going forward regardless of what option you choose. Connect with me on Instagram  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide https://www.metagetman.com/podcast

I recently did a poll on my instagram and I wanted to share the results with you.  I've personally been feeling tired.  Burnt out.  And I asked if others were feeling the same thing.  I got an overwhelming response of YES! You are feeling burnt out just like me.  It got me thinking...when we are feeling tired, burned out, or are forced to take a pause on our fertility journey it can feel so frustrating.  It can make us feel stuck when really what we have is an opportunity.  On today's episode I'm sharing 10 tips to help you keep moving forward when you feel stuck.  This episode is great for anyone who is forced to take a break (a canceled cycle, a clinic closure for maintenance, etc.) or anyone who is just generally feeling tired and not sure how to move forward.   Want an easy to reference free PDF download of these ideas? Go to https://metagetman.com/fertilityforward and download your free copy!  Resources from this Episode:  https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-recover-from-burnout 5 Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life Insight Timer App

Hayley is an amazing human who is not only donor conceived but is also a mom to donor conceived twins.  In today's episode, Hayley and I talk about her story of learning she was donor conceived, how her own experiences have shaped the way her and her wife approach parenting their children, and our shared thoughts on how, as recipient parents, we have to do our own work in navigating our feelings around using a donor.    This episode is packed with personal stories, shared experiences, lots of great tips and tricks and a little fun along the way.   About Hayley Darknell-King Hayley Darknell-King (she/her) currently lives in the UK with her wife. They've been together for over 12 years and have two beautiful children via donor sperm IVF. Her wife carried and they used her wife's eggs. In a twist of fate, Hayley is also a donor conceived person. Her parents used an anonymous (sperm) donor to have her as part of pioneering IVF treatment in the 1980s, however she didn’t find this out until much later in life. In 2019 she DNA tested herself and has located her biological father and 3 other donor siblings. It’s been something of a journey! She recently started speaking openly about her story and taking part in some educational and advocacy work around donor conception. Her hope is to raise awareness and help others on their parenting journeys.  You can find Hayley on Instagram @dcp_journey_2_rp where she has been documenting her journey and connecting with others in the donor conception community. Grab a copy of Hayley's free download, which is a collection of resources for parents of donor conceived people.  Click here to download it!   Resources Discussed During the Show  Donor Sibling Registry  What Makes A Baby Book (on Amazon)  Donor Conception Network Books  Happy Together Children's Book  Dr. Patricia Hershberger/Tell Tool  Connect with me on Instagram  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide

Today I'm sharing five of my favorite holiday hacks to help you get through the holidays.  This episode is a little more light hearted and is meant to give you practical tips and tricks for getting through the holidays.  If you want to do the emotional work, check out episode 10. Giving Thanks When It Feels Like There Is Nothing to Give Thanks For.   Connect with me on Instagram  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide.

This episode is part 2 of a two part series I recorded with my husband Michael.  If you haven't listened to part 1 yet, go back and listen to episode 11 first.  In today's episode, Michael and I pivot our conversation to our perspectives on choosing our donor, working through our grief around donor conception, the way we communicate in decision making, Michael's thoughts on us using anonymous donor, and Michael's tips for other men going through this process.   Connect with me on Instagram  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide www.metagetman.com/podcast

Infertility from the male perspective is not talked about nearly as much as it should be.  In part 1 of a 2 part series with my husband, Michael Getman, we talk about his perspective of our path to becoming parents.  Michael talks about how he felt when we learned he had a low sperm count that would lead us to IUI, his thoughts on the infertility crossroad of going to IVF to how we navigated made decisions along the way.     We even talk about our WTF appointment where we learned we were going to have to use donor eggs to build our family and a shocking realization comes out about his thought process vs. mine.   This is an episode not to be missed!  Michael Getman is an incredible partner and husband (mine!) and the genetic father to our donor egg conceived twin girls. He is also a scientist who spends his days working in the healthcare industry.  Michael has shared his story and perspective with my private clients as well as at multiple Resolve Midwest Family Building Summits.  Connect with me on Instagram Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help. Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide www.metagetman.com/podcast

Giving thanks when it feels like you have nothing to be thankful for can be really hard.   During the holidays, when we are "supposed to be thankful" can be especially challenging.  For me, as a kid, the holidays were magical.  As I got older, they got harder and harder.  And during infertility they were the absolute worst.  The holidays marked another year of trying.  Another year with no baby.  Another year of watching others get their families and me still without mine.  On today's episode I'm sharing with you the biggest thing I've learned about how to be thankful and give thanks when it feels like there is nothing to be thankful for.  I'll give you a hint...it's not that hard and you can start doing it today.  Resources from today's episode: Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier, Harvard Health and Wellbeing  Gratitude and the Brain: What is Happening, Brain Balance Centers Connect with me on Instagram Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide www.metagetman.com/podcast

Infertility can be incredibly challenging on your relationships - especially your relationship with your partner.  Today I'm sharing six tips for building better connection with your partner during infertility.  Infertility is typically one of the first really hard things couples go through.  Up until now, it's probably been really good! And now, not only are you struggling to build a family but both of you are experiencing the challenges at the same time.  You and your partner are going through your own struggles.  You are each approaching it from different perspectives and bringing in your different histories to the conversation. It can be hard to support one another when you are both struggling but it's not impossible.  In fact, it is VERY possible - you just need to be intentional about how you work together as a team.  Today's episode gives you those tools you need to be intentional.  To be a team.  And to grow your relationship closer in the midst of a challenging time.  Connect with me on Instagram  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide

Why has pregnancy and infant loss awareness month felt hard for me? Because I don't fit into what I perceived a loss had to be. I didn't have a miscarriage.  I didn't have an infant loss.  And I feel incredibly grateful that is the case.  But I did have loss along the way.  I had 7 unsuccessful cycles of treatment for infertility.  I had 3 IVF cycles that all resulted in embryos being transferred and no baby.  I felt and grieved what could have been for those embryos but didn't allow myself the freedom to truly grieve it as a loss.  In the episode today I share my story and talk about how all of our losses whether they fit into what society tells us is loss or not can still impact us deeply.  And I honor all the losses that come along with this journey to becoming a parent.  Episode Resources:  https://starlegacyfoundation.org/awareness-month/ https://pregnancyafterlosssupport.org/get-involved/pail-awareness-month/ Connect with me on Instagram  Did you just learn that donor conception might be your path to parenthood? Or maybe you think it might be but are not sure yet? Or, maybe you already know but need some more help.  Get my free PDF download, The Donor Decision Guide.