Conceive Baby

If you've ever had that call, "I'm sorry your embryos stopped growing", yet been left without answers as to why, this episode is for you.In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I sit down with Embryologist Dr Lisa Lee to pull back the curtain on what's really happening inside the lab during embryo development — and why some embryos simply stop growing.We coverWhy embryos stop growing and what you can do to help them thriveWhat embryo grading really means for your chances of pregnancy,The facts you need to know about PGT testingWhy transfers can fail even when the embryo looks perfectDay 3 versus Day 5 transferPlus so much more.Dr Lisa also shares her expertise on egg and sperm quality, including how energy levels and DNA integrity shape outcomes, and we dispel some common myths around IVF along the way!Mentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Getting pregnant is often talked about as something that happens "just like that".But for me, the reality was far more complex, emotional, and isolating.In this episode, I share my personal story of navigating infertility as a health professional, the moment my hope vanished during a winery tour in the Adelaide Hills, and how I eventually reclaimed my power.I speak to those "pivotal moments" of disappointment that so many of us face in silence and explain why "everything is fine" doesn't always mean it really is.You’ll hear how I transformed my own struggle into a mission to help women and couples across the world boost their fertility through science-backed, foundational changes.This episode is for you if you are feeling broken by the process, let down by your body, or lost in the gap between "your results and fine" and a healthy pregnancy.You’ll learn how to:Reconnect with your body and trust your intuition I discuss the danger of becoming "disconnected" from your body and why it is vital to move from blaming your body to listening to it.Look beyond "standard" test results I explain why "within range" results for hormones or sperm health might not be optimal for conception, and why I had to seek a fresh perspective.Use "Eating the Rainbow" to protect egg and sperm health Learn how the specific phytonutrients and antioxidants in colorful foods can protect your eggs and sperm from DNA damage.Identify and reduce your toxic load I share the impact that toxins like BPA can have on your follicular and seminal fluid, and give you practical tips for making the switch to glass and stainless steel.Implement consistent, simple movement for metabolic health I explain how small daily habits—like squats before you brush your teeth—can help regulate your blood sugar and insulin.Take back control of your journey This episode is my reminder to you that even when things aren't going as planned, you have more influence over your fertility than you might think.[00:00] The "easy pregnancy" myth vs. my reality[01:11] The winery tour: My pivotal moment of hope and heartbreak[02:04] How I dealt with the "social pain" of others' quick success[02:44] Taking control: How I dived into medical journals and emailed global researchers[03:19] Why I realized "normal" results aren't always "optimal"[04:48] My three foundational tips to start improving your fertility today[05:40] The hidden impact of BPA and toxins on your eggs and sperm[06:33] Why consistency beats intensity when it comes to movement[07:12] A message of hope and my invitation for you to take the next stepMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMy Free Ultimate Egg Quality Guide – tashajennings.com.au/eggqualityguideYour Fertile Pantry Program – yourfertilepantry.comConceive Baby Podcast – Right here where interview top fertility experts

In this episode I speak with fertility and IVF specialist Dr Mark Amols about what IVF can actually do, what it can’t, and why so many women are sent down the IVF path without anyone ever asking the most important question: why.We explore the myths, the medical realities and the emotional toll of IVF, and Mark shares the practical, compassionate guidance he wishes every couple had before starting treatment. His insights blend clinical experience, personal IVF experience, and a deep respect for women’s autonomy in their fertility journey.You’ll learn how:1. IVF is powerful, but it’s not a magic fix.Most women are led to believe IVF has near-perfect success rates or will guarantee multiple embryos. Mark breaks down what IVF is actually designed to do (help you get one healthy pregnancy) and why failed cycles never mean you’re “infertile” or out of options.2. The ‘why’ behind infertility matters more than the protocol.Many couples are pushed into IVF without anyone investigating ovulation issues, sperm quality, endometriosis, PCOS, inflammation, medications or timing. Mark shows how identifying the root cause can completely change outcomes, and why failed cycles often reflect untreated issues, not that you’re “broken”.3. Preparation transforms outcomes for both men and women.Even small shifts to lifestyle, inflammation and hormonal balance can improve embryo development. Mark explains why diet, environment and timing matter, why sperm health needs equal attention, and how a few months of targeted preparation can radically improve IVF success.00:00 Debunking IVF Myths00:51 Empowering Women Through IVF02:10 When IVF is Necessary03:13 The Importance of Preparation05:45 Understanding the Why22:30 Personal Experiences with IVF26:51 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMentioned in this episodeTasha’s Your Fertile Pantry ProgramWork with TashaWhen Nature Meets Science - Dr Mark Amols Interview with TashaMentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I’m diving into a question that comes up so often in my clinic and online consultations—why do my embryos stop growing? It’s one of the most heartbreaking and frustrating experiences for anyone going through IVF. You've gone through an IVF cycle, had eggs retrieved, they’ve fertilised… and then you hear those crushing words: 'I'm sorry, the embryos didn’t make it'. Today we’re talking about why this happens as well as practical steps you can take to optimise your chances of creating healthy, viable, thriving embryos.And to help us better understand this complex process and how we can improve our odds, I’m joined by the wonderful Dr. Lisa Lee, Scientific Director at Thrive Fertility. Together we explore what’s happening behind the scenes from fertilisation right through to blastocyst. We delve into that critical day three mark— why it’s a significant milestone for embryos and what it may mean if your embryos stop growing at this point. We talk about the vital role that egg and sperm quality play in embryo viability, and why what you do in the 90 days before conception matters so much.We also touch on how lab conditions, culture media, and modern IVF technologies can make a real difference to embryo outcomes—and how we can use information from past cycles to improve future ones.Whether you’re in the thick of treatment, or preparing your body to conceive, this conversation will give you clarity, insight and practical steps to boost your chances of creating that beautiful healthy, thriving embryo to create your healthy pregnancy.Mentioned in this episodeFertility Over 40 GuideLearn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!If you have been told your eggs are ‘old’. You have low AMH. You’ve struggled with miscarriage. You have been recommended IVF or had failed cycles. It’s been suggested to use donor eggs.Then this guide is for you!Download your FREE Fertility Over 40 Supplements GuideFREE Ultimate Egg Quality GuideThis comprehensive FREE Guide outlines 5 Key Actions to take over the precious 90 days of egg development to boost your chances of creating healthy, viable eggs that WILL have the potential to become your future babyDownload your FREE Ultimate Egg Quality GuideConnect with Tasha and LisaDr Lisa Lee InstagramTasha Jennings InstagramThrive FertilityMentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this very special episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I sit down with the beautiful Sonia Magliocchi to share a journey that is as heart-wrenching as it is inspiring — a story of deep love, devastating loss, and incredible resilience on the road to motherhood.Sonia generously shares her deeply personal journey through IVF with her partner Paul. After three IVF cycles, Sonia and Paul were left with one beautiful embryo. Tragically, Paul passed away suddenly. But in the midst of her grief, Sonia knew that she wanted to continue the journey they had started together. She made the decision to transfer their one precious embryo—who they had lovingly called Molly.It’s at that time, Sonia reached out to me to help her prepare for her transfer at 48 years of age. Sonia is now the proud mum of her beautiful daughter, Molly Rose and in this episode she shares with us the emotional complexity of making that decision, how she prepared her body for pregnancy, and what helped her stay grounded through it all.

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Jon and Laura Summers, the powerhouse couple behind Infertility Man. Jon and Laura’s journey through infertility has been one of resilience, hope, and a shared commitment to helping others. After Jon’s battle with testicular cancer, he was told he could never father a biological child. Together, he and Laura embarked on a challenging fertility journey—27 egg retrievals, two surgeries, thousands of injections—and, against all odds, welcomed their daughter in 2021.Their story has resonated with thousands, as they openly shared the highs and lows of their experience online, building a supportive community for couples facing similar struggles. In this personal, proactive and practical discussion we talk through the emotionally tumultuous 'two-week wait'—the period between ovulation or IVF transfer and finding out if you are pregnant! Together we discuss how couples can navigate their way through this challenging phase, maintain their mental health, and nurture relationships amid the anxiety and uncertainty. John and Laura bring their personal journey to the forefront, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective filled with resilience and hope, whilst also offering practical strategies to help you.John and Laura also open up about the emotional toll of their infertility journey and share their insights to help support you on your journey. We talk about proactive strategies, such as focused distractions, planned communication, and supportive companionship. Jon and Laura bring to light the importance of selecting a supportive network and having open, blame-free communication between partners. Key Takeaways:Proactive Medical Consultation: Seek medical advice early if there are concerns about fertility. Do not wait the recommended six months to a year.Strategise and Support: Use planned distractions and supportive measures like "baby making meetups" to deal with emotional stress.Stay Hopeful: Holding on to hope is crucial during the two-week wait and beyond, as it won't lessen the pain but can provide strength.Blame-Free Relationship: It's important to work as a team and not assign blame to one's partner for fertility issues.Curate Your Support Network: Be selective about who you allow into your fertility journey, ensuring they can provide the right support.Notable Quotes:"We're still in the game, we're still in the game." – This mantra helped John and Laura maintain hope and resilience throughout their fertility journey."If you want to be a parent, you will find a way to be a parent." – Laura emphasises hope and determination in achieving parenthood."There’s nothing you can do, it’s done." – John advises surrendering to the process during the two-week wait."Love people, but have some boundaries." – Laura underscores the importance of setting boundaries with those not sensitive to your journey.Resources:Connect with John and Laura Summers and explore more about their advocacy work at Infertility Man on Instagram. Learn more about navigating male and female infertility with their book, "The Man's Guide to Infertility," available at various booksellers.Mentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I am joined by fellow fertility naturopath Jacqui Lamplugh to discuss the role of progesterone in fertility, pregnancy and miscarriage.We hear a lot about the importance of progesterone but is low progesterone a cause of miscarriage, or is it a symptom of an underlying issue? What does progesterone actually do? How can you support low progesterone levels? We unpack all this and more, giving you specific insights into how you can help improve hormone balance and reduce your risk of miscarriage. Jacqui Lamplugh is a fertility naturopath and reproductive medicine expert. With over a decade of experience, Jacqui specialises in miscarriage prevention and supporting women experiencing pregnancy loss. Her journey into this field was shaped by her own experience with early pregnancy loss, which instilled in her a passion to provide better support and investigation into miscarriage causes. Key Takeaways:Progesterone is essential for maintaining a pregnancy but is not the primary marker for pregnancy success; its levels can fluctuate.Low progesterone is often a symptom rather than the root cause of a miscarriage; its levels typically drop when a pregnancy is non-viable.Potential signs of low progesterone include a short luteal phase, luteal spotting, and symptoms like PMS, pointing towards further investigation.Lifestyle and nutritional supplementation, such as with vitamin B6, vitamin C, and Chaste Tree, can support progesterone levels but should be part of a comprehensive fertility plan.Testing for progesterone levels should be conducted seven days post-ovulation for accuracy.Notable Quotes:"Progesterone is that like pro-gestation hormone and it is there to hold that endometrial lining steady waiting for implantation.""We can't ignore the importance of thyroid; an underactive thyroid can impact progesterone levels.""Even if it is chromosomal issues as to why the miscarriage happened - there are markers we can be testing.""Bad luck is not a diagnosis; it's not a treatment plan.""With the science and knowledge we have, we can identify the cause of 99% of miscarriages."Resources:More about Jacqui Lamplugh's work: www.jacquilamplugh.comEpisode mentioned - Fertility and the Immune System with Professor Sarah RobertsonMentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, the spotlight is on the inspiring journey of Angie Kent, a beloved figure in Australian media. Angie Kent, widely recognised for her spirited appearances on shows like "Gogglebox" and "The Bachelorette" as well as resident upcycle queen on the Nine Network’s “Space Invaders”, is now sharing her personal path toward solo motherhood on the Channel Nine show, "Big Miracles." At the age of 34, single and facing multiple fertility-related conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis adenomyosis and PMDD, Angie has decided to take her future into her own hands. She is undergoing IVF in the hope of creating and freezing embryos she can use for her future family.This heartfelt interview delves into Angie's ongoing battle with multiple reproductive health conditions with Angie bravely and openly sharing how these challenges have shaped her decisions and outlook on life. Her story offers both a ray of hope and a source of solidarity for many listeners facing similar struggles. Angie provides encouragement and practical advice for women navigating the complexities of invisible illnesses, fertility and reproductive challenges. Throughout the episode, Tasha and Angie explore topics such as self-awareness, self-care, and the importance of understanding one's body and actively preparing for pregnancy, empowering listeners with the knowledge that despite the challenges, there is always a pathway to motherhood and self-fulfillment.Key Takeaways:Trust Your Body: Angie's story emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your health when dealing with chronic, invisible illnesses.Preparation and Support: Comprehensive preparation and supportive networks are crucial in navigating the intricate process of IVF, especially when dealing with reproductive health issues.Empowerment and Self-Love: Embracing one's own journey and deriving strength from it is vital; Angie's decision to pursue solo motherhood exemplifies self-empowerment and self-love.Breaking Stigmas: Highlighting the societal pressures and the importance of breaking away from traditional expectations conveys the message of crafting one's own version of happiness.Emotional Resilience: Angie's experience serves as a reminder of the emotional highs and lows involved in fertility treatments and the significance of persistence and resilience.Notable Quotes:Angie Kent: "I am my person and I can create this for myself."Angie Kent: "People need to know that period pain is not normal."Tasha Jennings: "You are running a marathon on the other end. You're building a new human being."Angie Kent: "You know your body better than anyone, even if you don't know the fancy medical terms."Angie Kent: "I'd rather take the chance than have the regret."Resources:Angie Kent on Instagram (@angiekent_): AngieKentAngleon Facebook "Big Miracles" TV Show: Tune in on Channel NineAngie onTikTokTasha Jennings - Your Fertile Pantry Online Program: Tasha Jennings WebsiteMentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Episode Summary:In the first episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast for 2025, I am joined by the wonderful Tracey Anderson Askew, a distinguished educator in breathing retraining and parenting, who sheds light on a fundamental yet overlooked aspect of our physiology—breathing. Together we explore how intentional breathing techniques can alleviate stress, lower cortisol levels and boost blood flow, which can ultimately enhance fertility and overall reproductive health.We discuss the connection between breath and the nervous system, revealing how different breathing patterns affect us both physically and emotionally. Tracey introduces practical strategies to combat over-breathing—a common yet misunderstood practice and distinguishes between typical breathwork and breathing retraining.  Her practical advice will be a game-changer if you’re struggling to fall pregnant. Tracey Anderson Askew is a seasoned teacher, hypnotherapist, breathing retrainer, and educator specialising in childbirth and parenting. She is the director of Transform Parenting and the former director of the Better Breathing Centre in Canberra. With over two decades of experience, Tracey has assisted more than 6,000 new parents with her face-to-face and online workshops. As a mother of four, she combines her vast knowledge and personal insights to guide families through pregnancy and early parenting. Her expertise in breathing retraining aims to enhance physiological wellness and subsequently, reproductive health.Key Takeaways:Breathing is a powerful, free resource that plays a critical role in managing stress and supporting fertility.Breathing retraining helps to optimise oxygen utilisation and reduce stress.Nose breathing and maintaining an upright posture are cornerstones of optimal breathing habits.Over-breathing can lead to lower CO2 levels, impacting the body’s ability to utilise oxygen effectively.Simple changes in breathing technique can significantly influence physiological states and promote both relaxation and reproductive health.Notable Quotes:"The pathway to the deep relaxation response, or one of the most direct pathways, is the breath.""The opposite to the stress response is what’s called the deep relaxation response.""The myth is that CO2 is just a waste gas. No, it's actually vital for oxygenation processes.""Nose breathing is generally much calmer and signals to the body that you're not being chased by a tiger.""When you're stressed, you get dumber because you can't access your whole brain."Mentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I am joined by World Renowned Entrepreneur Lisa Messenger and Seasoned Lifestyle Columnist and Finance Expert Sarah Megginson who share with us special insights into their story detailed in their book, "The Power of Two." Lisa, a dynamic force in the business world as the CEO of Collective Hub, opens up about her challenging path to motherhood, spanning eight years and 18 rounds of IVF. Sarah, a respected lifestyle columnist and financial expert, joins her as both co-author and the incredible surrogate who carried Lisa's child. Their story is not just about overcoming fertility challenges; it's a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and unwavering support.Lisa’s candid recount of living a "private hell" while maintaining her successful career is a sentiment many can resonate with. Sarah’s empathetic leap into surrogacy, highlights the beautiful nature of a true friendship and of mutual empowerment. Both Lisa and Sarah share insights into the nuances of asking for help and maintaining open communication and boundaries, not only through their personal journey but also as invaluable life lessons for listeners facing any form of adversity.About the GuestsLisa Messenger: Lisa Messenger is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. She is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Collective Hub, a multimedia brand dedicated to empowering individuals to pursue their passions. With over 40 books to her name, Lisa is a leading figure in business innovation and positive psychology. Her journey through diverse professional landscapes and personal challenges, including an extensive fertility journey, culminates in her new book, "The Power of Two."Sarah Megginson: Sarah Megginson is a seasoned lifestyle columnist, editor, and financial expert with notable works appearing in Cosmopolitan, Mamma Mia, and Yahoo Finance. She is dedicated to simplifying finances for a broader audience, using her platform to educate and empower. Sarah’s transformative experience as a surrogate mother for Lisa Messenger frames the heart of "The Power of Two," where friendship and resilience shine through adversity.Key Takeaways:Lisa’s journey through 18 rounds of IVF highlights the emotional and financial strains associated with fertility struggles and the importance of support systems. Surrogacy in Australia is an altruistic process deeply embedded in trust and mutual respect, as exemplified by Sarah's unwavering support.Open communication and clearly defined boundaries can strengthen relationships and ensure mutual understanding in challenging journeys.Empowerment stems from shared experiences, as Sarah and Lisa illustrate the power of sharing struggles to inspire and uplift others.Notable Quotes:"Sometimes the unthinkable becomes thinkable." — Lisa Messenger"The power of possibility is really what our book is all about." — Sarah Megginson"If you have tried that yourself or watched that path yourself, then that's when advice is helpful." — Lisa Messenger"There's so much that went into it…for me it was about open communication and understanding each other's needs." — Sarah Megginson"Hugo is my baby. He is the one I was always meant to have." — Lisa MessengerResources:Check out the book "The Power of Two" for a detailed narrative of Lisa and Sarah's extraordinary journey - https://www.panterapress.com.au/product/the-power-of-two/Mentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Episode Summary:When we think of medical fertility options, we often jump straight to IVF. While IVF often seems like the immediate next step if you’re facing difficulties in conceiving naturally, there are other options that may be worth considering.  In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I explore fertility treatments before IVF with Dr. Sascha Edelstein.  Dr. Edelstein shares his insights into less invasive options that could be suitable depending on individual circumstances. Our discussion not only navigates through these alternative treatments but also demystifies the entire treatment process, providing you with valuable insights and empowering you with a deeper understanding of fertility options.Dr. Edelstein brings his extensive knowledge and personal empathy into the conversation, discussing methods such as ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI), and explains the diagnostic steps to determine the most appropriate treatment. He talks about the importance of understanding the underlying causes of infertility, enabling couples to make informed decisions. Dr. Edelstein also emphasises the significance of overall health, diet, and lifestyle adjustments as integral parts of the fertility journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore their fertility options comprehensively before considering IVF.About the Guest(s):Dr. Sascha Edelstein is a highly skilled gynecologist with subspecialty training in reproductive medicine. With an impressive background, Dr. Edelstein has undergone training in Cape Town, South Africa, and has contributed significantly to the field of fertility. He has personal experience with IVF, having successfully conceived two children with his wife through the procedure. Dr. Edelstein launched his own fertility practice and now leads Thrive Fertility in Melbourne, aiming to make IVF more accessible and affordable. His approach emphasizes a comprehensive and patient-centered treatment methodology, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and practices.Key Takeaways:Understanding Ovulation Induction: Ovulation induction helps women who are not ovulating naturally. This involves certain medications and requires careful monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds.Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI is another less invasive treatment where prepared sperm is injected into the uterus at the time of ovulation. Both fallopian tube patency and sperm quality are prerequisites.Assessing Fertility: A thorough assessment of the underlying causes of infertility is crucial before deciding on the treatment. Factors like ovulation, tubal patency, and sperm viability are key areas of focus.Holistic Treatment Approach: Emphasizing the importance of general health, diet, and lifestyle changes, Dr. Edelstein advocates for a holistic approach to improve egg and sperm quality before proceeding to more invasive treatments like IVF.Patient-Centered Care: Dr. Edelstein's practice is about providing patient-centered care, ensuring couples are fully informed and comfortable with their fertility journey, whether through less invasive methods or advanced treatments like IVF.Resources:Thrive Fertility: Thrive Fertility Clinic (Mentioned for those based in Melbourne seeking accessible fertility treatments)Medications Mentioned: Clomid (clomiphene), Femara (letrozole) for ovulation inductionMentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Lisa Lee, Scientific Director at Thrive Fertility to discuss what happens after egg collection during an IVF cycle. I speak a lot about the importance of creating healthy eggs and sperm but today we delve into what happens after. What happens after your precious egg and sperm are collected? Dr Lee shares her experience and insights into the intricate process, explaining what happens to eggs and sperm after collection, how they are fertilized, and the factors influencing embryo viability. Dr Lee demystifies grading (AA or CC) and shares her insights into laboratory technologies enhancing fertilization. Dr Lee also emphasizes the importance of your health in the 90 days leading up to ovulation, when egg and sperm are developing, to optimise both egg and sperm quality at collection, as well as sharing her insights into the technologies and techniques used to enhance embryo development after collection. This in depth episode offers invaluable insights for anyone considering or undergoing an IVF cycle.Key Takeaways:Role of an Embryologist: Embryologists are crucial in the IVF process, from handling eggs and sperm to fertilization and embryo culture. They are often referred to as the "actual baby makers."Egg and Sperm Quality: The quality of eggs and sperm is paramount. Factors such as age and lifestyle significantly impact these gametes, influencing the success of fertilization.Embryo Grading: Embryos are graded (AA, BB, CC, etc.) based on the quality of the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm. This ranking helps embryologists choose the best embryos for transfer.Advanced Techniques: Cutting-edge techniques like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), laser-assisted hatching, and various sperm preparation methods are used to optimize fertilization and embryo development.Communication and Trust: Patients should actively communicate with their medical team and can trust in the regulated and high-standard processes of IVF clinics.Timestamp Summary0:03 The Role of an Embryologist in the IVF Process6:20 The Crucial Role of Embryologists in the IVF Process15:07 Embryo Development Milestones and Grading for Successful Pregnancy20:06 Understanding Embryo Grading and Its Impact on IVF Success23:41 Advanced IVF Technologies Mimic Natural Body Processes30:33 Navigating the IVF Journey with Trust and Proactive QuestionsAbout the Guest:Dr. Lisa Lee is the Scientific Director at Thrive Fertility, with a distinguished career spanning multiple fertility clinics across Hong Kong and Australia. Her roles have included leadership and management, as well as research and embryology positions. Dr. Lee has served as a committee member for the professional group Scientists in Reproductive Technology and has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. Resources:Dr. Lisa Lee on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lee-5140309b/ Thrive Fertility: Website - Fertility Treatment Melbourne - Thrive Fertility, EppingMentioned in this episode:Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I welcome Surrogacy Lawyer Nicole Russell to explore the complexities and nuances of surrogacy in Australia. Nicole Russell is an accomplished surrogacy lawyer and together we delve into a subject often shrouded in mystery and misconception. Seemingly common in celebrity circles, we discuss what surrogacy looks like in the context of Australian law and culture. Nicole Russell shares her personal surrogacy experience and professional insights into the world of surrogacy, detailing the step-by-step process that intended parents must navigate to start a family via surrogacy in Australia.  Nicole highlights the importance of cultivating strong relationships, mandatory counselling sessions, and the legal frameworks that surround surrogacy. Throughout the podcast, Nicole emphasizes the attainability and positivity of surrogacy when conducted within our country's carefully regulated system. Aboutthe Guest:Nicole Russell is an accomplished surrogacy lawyer with a background as a senior commercial litigation and insolvency lawyer at some of Australia's top law firms and aslegal counsel for one of the country's largest financial institutions. After a personal journey through the surrogacy process, Nicole found a new direction in her legal career. She established Russell Walker Lawyers, a firm dedicated to assisting Australians in creating their families through surrogacy arrangements. With firsthand experience as an intended parent in an Australian surrogacy arrangement, Nicole brings a unique and compassionate perspective to her practice.Key Takeaways:Surrogacy in Australia is a legally viable and positive pathway to creating a family, with structured regulations in place to ensure successful outcomes.     The foundational relationship between intended parents and the surrogate is crucial for a seamless surrogacy journey, with counselling playing a key role.Medical clearance for both intended parents and surrogates is an initial and critical step before proceeding with legal and practical arrangements.      Surrogacy laws and processes vary by state in Australia, necessitating tailored legal advice and guidance for successful parentage transfer.     Practical aspects, such as birthing plans and changing dynamics in the third trimester, can present challenges that require patience and adaptability.CONTACTS FOR NICOLEWebsite -https://www.russellwalkerlaw.com.au/Email - nicole@russellwalkerlaw.com.auInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/russellwalkersurrogacy/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/russellwalkersurrogacy