Fertility Cafe

What happens when an industry built to help people build families starts failing the very people it's supposed to serve? In this season seven finale of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane steps out from behind the interview chair to speak directly about what's been happening in the fertility and surrogacy space: the progress worth celebrating, the structural failures that keep producing real harm, and the political forces reshaping access to care right now. Eloise draws on nineteen episodes of conversations, years of experience inside this industry, and her own story as a former surrogate to give an honest assessment of where things stand and why so many people are getting hurt along the way. From agencies collapsing mid-pregnancy to embryo mix-ups with no federal reporting requirement, from the California surrogacy fraud case to billionaires fathering over 100 children through the American surrogacy system, Eloise names what's happening and why it keeps happening. If you've ever trusted this industry and wondered whether your trust was well placed... If you're considering surrogacy or egg donation and want to go in with your eyes open... If you believe that the people building families through these paths deserve better than what the system is currently offering... This episode is for you. You'll Learn Why the surrogacy industry's lack of licensing requirements is at the root of its most serious failures What the 2025 California surrogacy fraud case revealed about how women are being deceived What is happening when wealthy men use the American surrogacy system to father dozens or hundreds of children Why embryo mix-ups keep occurring and why there is still no federal requirement to report them How fertility fraud by doctors using their own sperm without patient consent is still being uncovered today Where federal policy is moving on IVF access and why progress on one side is being undercut on the other Which states are leading on fertility insurance mandates and what those laws actually cover What the push for restorative reproductive medicine in federal policy actually means for patients Why Eloise believes a federal insurance mandate is the only thing that will truly move the needle on access What the Vatican's call for a global surrogacy ban gets wrong about ethical, supported surrogacy How to thoroughly vet an agency, clinic, or donor situation before you commit to anything What the stories that never make the news say about what this industry looks like when it works About Eloise Drane Eloise Drane is the founder of Family Inceptions, a licensed surrogacy and egg donation agency, and the host of Fertility Café. She has spent over two decades working across every facet of third-party reproduction as a professional, an advocate, and a former 3x surrogate herself. She brings that full picture to every conversation on this show, including this one. Resources & Links Website: familyinceptions.com Instagram: @fertilitycafepodcast YouTube: Fertility Café Related Episodes Ep 136: When the Donor and the Donor-Conceived Meet: One Remarkable StoryA sperm donor from the 1980s, a fertility specialist, and the sitting senator who came looking for him. Ep 135: I Carried Two Babies for Other Families: The Truth About Becoming a Surrogate TwiceDarnae Pitts on what surrogacy really looks like from the inside, twice.

What does it actually take to become an egg donor, and what happens after the retrieval that no one warns you about? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with Christina Alicea, a fertility field professional and five-time egg donor, for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations about the egg donation experience you'll find anywhere. Christina brings a rare dual perspective: she has worked inside fertility clinics and egg donation agencies for over seven years and has personally gone through the process five times. From the initial application to the emotional weight of long-term implications, Christina pulls back the curtain on what donors are often underprepared for physically, emotionally, and ethically. If you've ever considered egg donation... If you work with donors and want to better understand their experience... If you're an intended parent curious about what a donor actually goes through... This episode is for you. You'll Learn What the egg donation screening process actually involves and how to prepare for it What donors experience physically and emotionally during a cycle (the parts no one talks about enough) What OHSS is, why it matters, and one cautionary story about ignoring aftercare instructions Why true anonymity in egg donation no longer exists and what that means for everyone involved The spectrum of donation arrangements, from de-identified to fully open, and how they've evolved Why the donor-conceived community is changing the conversation around transparency and identity What the long-term research gaps mean for donors who want to protect their future fertility Why egg donation is a lifetime commitment and not just a medical procedure What Christina would tell any woman considering donation before she even fills out the application About Our Guest Christina Alicea is a fertility field professional with over seven years of experience working inside fertility clinics and egg donation agencies. She is also a five-time egg donor whose donation arrangements have ranged from de-identified to fully open. Christina brings a deeply personal and professionally informed perspective to conversations about donor education, ethical practices, and the long-term implications of egg donation. Her passion lies in helping donors see beyond the compensation and understand the full scope of the commitment they are making. Resources & Links Connect with Eloise & Family Inceptions: familyinceptions.com Become an Egg Donor: familyinceptions.com/egg-donors Related Episodes Ep. 134 -- The Truth About Birth Control, Ovulation, and Your Hormones with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack A deep dive into the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, how hormonal birth control affects the body, and why understanding your cycle matters before and beyond trying to conceive. Ep. 129 -- Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success How acupuncture supports hormone balance, regulates cycles, and complements fertility treatment. Ep. 126 -- What Your OBGYN Isn't Telling You A candid discussion about the gaps in reproductive health education and why so many women leave appointments without real answers.

What happens when a sperm donor and his donor-conceived child find each other decades later? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with reproductive medicine physician Dr. Danny Shapiro and Georgia state legislator Josh McLaurin for a conversation that is equal parts fascinating, deeply personal, and profoundly important for the future of donor conception. Dr. Shapiro donated sperm as a medical student at Emory in the 1980s, never expecting to one day come face to face with the result. Josh McLaurin didn't find out he was donor-conceived until he was 31 years old, a revelation that sent him on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately led him straight to his biological father's 23andMe profile. The twist? Danny was already Josh's elected state representative. This conversation goes far beyond one family's story. It unpacks the psychology of disclosure, the case for open donation, the evolving landscape of donor-conceived rights, and what it truly means to find yourself through your DNA. If you have ever wondered what happens after the match is made... If you are a donor, a donor-conceived person, or a recipient parent navigating disclosure... If you believe the fertility industry needs to evolve alongside the families it creates... This episode is for you. You'll Learn What it was actually like to donate sperm in the 1980s, before FDA oversight and genetic screening How Josh discovered the truth at 31 and what the emotional journey really looked like Why so many donor-conceived people describe feeling "broken" before they know the truth How a 23andMe profile and a state legislature seat collided in the most unexpected way What changed in Dr. Shapiro's patient consultations after living this experience firsthand Why open donation is better for everyone, and where resistance in the field still exists What the Colorado donor-conceived rights law gets right, and where it may go too far How Josh and Danny navigated building a relationship without pressure or expectation Why DNA is disposition, not destiny, and what that means for self-awareness and grace What donors, donor-conceived people, and recipient parents can take away from this story About Our Guests Dr. Danny Shapiro is a reproductive endocrinologist and one of the founders of My Egg Bank, now the largest network of frozen donor egg banks in the United States. He has spent decades helping individuals and couples build families through assisted reproduction, and since connecting with Josh in 2019, has become an advocate for open donation and greater transparency in the fertility field. Senator Josh McLaurin was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2022 and serves Georgia's 14th Senate District, covering portions of north Fulton County including Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Atlanta, and Alpharetta. Previously, he served four years in the Georgia House of Representatives. A Double-Dawg graduate of UGA, he received his law degree from Yale and has built a legal practice focused on business litigation and aviation law. He grew up in Cobb County, discovered he was donor-conceived at age 31, and located Dr. Shapiro through 23andMe, only to realize Danny had been his own elected representative all along. Josh is now an advocate for donor-conceived rights and the policy changes needed to support them. Resources & Links Dr. Danny Shapiro Reproductive Biology Associates (RBA): rbafertility.com My Egg Bank: myeggbank.com Senator Josh McLaurin Georgia Senate Official Page:

Why are we taught so little about something that happens every single month for decades of our lives? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with fertility awareness educator and author Lisa Hendrickson-Jack to unpack one of the most overlooked truths in women’s health: the menstrual cycle is not just about getting pregnant. It is a vital sign. From heavy periods and birth control prescriptions in her teens to becoming a pioneer in fertility awareness education and podcasting, Lisa shares how charting her cycle transformed her understanding of her body and ultimately her career. This conversation goes far beyond basic sex education. It breaks down what is actually happening during your cycle, how ovulation impacts overall health, what hormonal birth control really does to the body, and why so many women feel confused or dismissed when something feels “off.” If you have ever been told your symptoms are normal when they do not feel normal… If you have ever come off birth control and wondered why your body felt different… If you want to better understand what your cycle is actually telling you… This episode is for you. You’ll Learn What it really means when we say “the menstrual cycle is a vital sign” What’s happening hormonally from your period to ovulation to the luteal phase Why the 28-day cycle myth is misleading — and what’s actually normal How cervical fluid works (and why most of us were never taught about it) The key role ovulation plays in bone density, mood, and long-term health How hormonal birth control suppresses ovulation — and what that means for your body Why there can be a temporary period of subfertility after coming off the pill What research shows about post-pill cycle normalization Why women often feel dismissed by providers — and how to advocate for yourself The importance of learning your body before trying to conceive About Our Guest Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified fertility awareness educator, host of the Fertility Friday podcast, and author of The Fifth Vital Sign and Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lily Nichols, RDN). Lisa has been charting her cycle since age 18 and was one of the first voices to bring fertility awareness education to the podcast space in 2014. Today, her work focuses not only on educating women directly but also on training health practitioners to use the menstrual cycle as a diagnostic and health tool. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help women understand their bodies in a way that is informed, practical, and grounded in research. Resources & Links Fertility Friday Podcast (look for the pink cover) Website: fertilityfriday.com Book: The Fifth Vital Sign Book: Real Food for Fertility (realfoodforfertility.com — free first chapter available) Instagram: @fertilityfriday Connect with Eloise & Family Inceptions: familyinceptions.com Related Episodes Ep 129 – Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success A conversation on how acupuncture supports hormone balance, regulates cycles, and complements fertility treatment. Ep 126 – What Your OBGYN Isn’t Telling You A candid discussion about the gaps in reproductive health education — and why so many women leave appointments without real answers.

What does it mean to grow up “the first” of anything—especially the first IVF baby born in the United States? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane talks with Elizabeth Carr about her parents’ journey through early, experimental IVF, what has—and hasn’t—changed in 40+ years, and how media attention shaped her advocacy. With clarity and compassion, Elizabeth unpacks common misconceptions (“test tube baby,” “miracle baby”), why patient autonomy matters, and the very real barriers families still face: geographic access and uneven insurance coverage. Whether you’re a patient, provider, or policymaker, this conversation offers a grounded look at assisted reproduction—past, present, and what’s next. You’ll Learn • How Elizabeth’s parents navigated early IVF and why parts of today’s protocol are still similar • What it was like growing up under a media spotlight—and how that informed her advocacy • The biggest barriers to care: fertility deserts, travel burdens, and inconsistent insurance coverage • How to talk with kids about IVF from toddler to teen—age-appropriate, stigma-free language • Where innovation (PGT, freezing, AI) meets ethics—and why informed consent should lead • Why the conversation about IVF stigma feels the “same volume” today, just amplified by social media • What providers and lawmakers can do to center education, consent, and access About Our Guest Elizabeth Carr is the first baby born via IVF in the United States and a long-time advocate for fertility access and patient education. She works in PR/marketing for a PGT company and dedicates personal time to answering patient questions and engaging lawmakers on coverage and access. Find her on Instagram @EJordan12 and at EJordanCar.com. Resources & Links Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: @EJordan12 Visit Elizabeth’s website: EJordanCar.com Related Episodes Ep 119 – The Grief of Waiting: Invisible Losses in Family Building Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood

When we talk about fertility care, we often focus on the patient experience—what it’s like to navigate appointments, insurance, cycles, and emotional ups and downs. But what happens when we zoom out? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane sits down with Griffin Jones, founder of Inside Reproductive Health, to explore what’s really happening behind the scenes of the fertility industry. From private equity takeovers to digital automation and AI-driven care, Griffin breaks down the trends shaping the future of IVF, patient access, and provider autonomy. He also shares how he went from generalist marketer in Buffalo, NY to creating the leading trade media company in the fertility field—one that now serves clinics, labs, executives, and innovators across the globe. Whether you’re a fertility patient, donor, surrogate, or someone working in the industry, this conversation offers a rare and honest look at the systems shaping reproductive care—and what needs to change for the better. You’ll Learn Why more fertility clinics are being bought by private equity—and what that means for patient care What Griffin is hearing from behind the scenes about AI, automation, and remote fertility care The disconnect between how clinics say they’re improving patient experience vs. what’s actually happening Why many REIs (reproductive endocrinologists) are seeing their roles change—sometimes drastically The risk of fertility care becoming too "factory-like"—and how to preserve patient-first care at scale What Griffin hopes patients will start doing to drive real, lasting change Why leaving honest, specific reviews (yes, even 3 stars!) might be the most powerful tool for reform What the future may hold for access, affordability, and scaling care for everyone—not just the privileged few About Our Guest Griffin Jones is the founder of Inside Reproductive Health, a trade media company serving the fertility industry. He began his journey in marketing, helping small clinics with branding, websites, and video before expanding into podcasting and industry journalism. Today, his platform covers the business, clinical, and policy trends shaping reproductive health care across the U.S. and beyond. Griffin also hosts the Inside Reproductive Health podcast, where he interviews key players—from embryologists and clinic execs to policymakers and startup founders—about the future of fertility medicine. Resources & Links Visit Inside Reproductive Health for podcasts, articles, and industry updates Listen to the Inside Reproductive Health podcast Follow Griffin on LinkedIn: Griffin Jones Related Episodes Ep 100 – The Gut-Fertility Connection Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood Ep 90 – Eastern Medicine and Egg Quality Ep 103 – Fertility Supplements: What Works and What Doesn’t

Surrogacy is often talked about as a beautiful and rewarding journey, but what happens when that journey takes an unexpected turn? In this episode, Eloise Drane sits down with Pamela Marshall, a gestational surrogate whose experience challenged everything she thought she knew about pregnancy, risk, and resilience. Pam shares her deeply personal story of entering surrogacy with excitement and confidence, only to face a rare and serious medical complication that changed the course of her pregnancy. From being hospitalized for weeks to navigating separation from her own children, her journey reveals the emotional and physical realities that many never see. Pam explains what carried her through the hardest moments and why, despite everything, she would make the same decision again. This conversation offers an unfiltered look at the realities of surrogacy and the extraordinary people who choose to walk this path. Guest Bio: Pamela Marshall is a mom of 3 boys, living in Pennsylvania and she is a licensed social worker. She has been a surrogate and loves helping build families! She is also currently a journey manager at Family Inceptions. You’ll hear about: Why Pam chose to become a surrogate What happens when a pregnancy becomes high risk Being hospitalized for weeks away from family The emotional toll of unexpected complications How support systems make all the difference Why she would still choose surrogacy again Related episodes: Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhoodhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 93 – U.S. Surrogacy for International Parentshttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-93-u-s-surrogacy-for-international-parents/ Ep 85 – Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Storyhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-85-surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples-carnell-roberts-tells-his-story/ Ep 49 – Social Surrogacyhttps://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-49-social-surrogacy/ Ep 37 – Husband’s Are You Prepared (Partner Involvement in Surrogacy)https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-37-husbands-are-you-prepared/

Too many people walk into an OB GYN appointment with uncertainty, unanswered questions, or years of silent symptoms. In this powerful conversation, Eloise Drane sits down with Board Certified OB GYN Dr. Renita White, MD to unpack the real state of women’s healthcare today and the steps every person can take to advocate for themselves. Dr. White shares why she entered the field of obstetrics and gynecology, what she witnessed during training, and how racism and systemic gaps leave many women confused about their own bodies. She explains the challenges of limited appointment times, lack of access, and medical misinformation, and offers practical tools for improving trust and communication with healthcare providers. Together, Eloise and Dr. White break down essential topics including fertility education, AMH testing, preventive care, maternal mortality, racism in medicine, pregnancy fears, and the realities of navigating care in a post-Dobbs world. Dr. White also outlines what a “normal” period should look like and when to seek additional support. This episode empowers listeners with clarity, compassion, and practical steps for better reproductive health. Guest Bio: Dr. Renita White, MD is a board-certified obstetrician & gynecologist and women’s health advocate. With a passion for women’s health and wellness, Dr. White loves to take care of women in all stages of life, educating them about their bodies and encouraging them to address their physical and emotional health to improve their overall wellness and longevity. Originally from Georgia, Dr. White received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and medical degree from The Ohio State University, eventually returning to Atlanta for her residency in OBGYN at Emory University. Alongside running her practice, Georgia OBGYN, Dr. White also cohosts her podcast, Cradle & All, is a medical advisor for The Honey Pot Company, and serves on the medical executive board for Flo Health, VeryWell Health, Parent Magazine, and Elle Magazine. In her spare time, Dr. White enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her two sons. You’ll hear about: Why Dr. White chose OB GYN Stigma within women’s healthcare How patients approach reproductive care Preparing for OB GYN visits Fertility basics and AMH testing When to see a specialist Maternal mortality realities Social media misinformation Pregnancy fears and loss Birth control safety Understanding menopause symptoms What a normal period is When to seek a second opinion Episode Resources: Study into the numbers of OBGYNs in the state of Georgia - https://shorturl.at/k1aHl Related episodes: Ep 113 – The Fertility Timeline: Dr Susanna Park on When to Get Tested https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-113-the-fertility-timeline-dr-susanna-park-on-when-to-get-tested/ Ep 111 – The Patient Experience in Fertility Care: Advocating for Better Support https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-111-the-patient-experience-in-fertility-care-advocating-for-better-support/ Ep 99 – Bringing Equality to Reproduction for LGBTQ+ People https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-99-bringing-equality-to-reproduction/ Connect with Dr. Renita White, MD: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/renitawhitemd/ Her website - https://re...

After more than 20 years of infertility, six miscarriages and several failed rounds of IVF, Arvis Carmichael-Smith returns with the update she once feared would never come. When she last spoke with Eloise Drane, she was preparing for one last attempt. Now she shares how that final try became the pregnancy she had prayed for at age 51. Eloise guides Arvis through the turning points that finally brought answers, including the second opinion that uncovered the simple but long-missed issue preventing her from carrying a pregnancy. Arvis describes the cautious hope she felt as her numbers continued to rise and the joy of finally experiencing pregnancy after so much loss. The conversation shifts when Arvis recounts the medical emergency that unfolded during delivery. What began as a planned C-section became a life-threatening crisis when an undetected placenta accreta caused massive bleeding, an emergency hysterectomy and a severed ureter that left her facing months of painful recovery. Through every complication, Arvis explains how faith, community and relentless self-advocacy kept her alive. Her daughter arrived healthy. Arvis survived against all odds. “My miracle did not come without a fight.” – Arvis Carmichael-Smith Guest Bio: Arvis is a middle school science teacher with a passion for nurturing and mentoring kids. This desire sparked an interest in her becoming a teacher eight years ago. She is an advocate for children, animals, and the elderly. She also loves hiking, nature walks, and travel. Arvis lives in Hampton, Georgia with her husband and their one year old daughter. You’ll hear about: Arvis recounts two decades of infertility Why multiple miscarriages went unexplained The second opinion that changed everything Hearing rising pregnancy numbers for the first time Joy and fear throughout pregnancy Third trimester complications begin The hypertension reading that signaled danger C section unexpectedly turns into emergency Undetected placenta accreta revealed Recovery complications and ureter injury Months living with a nephrostomy bag The emotional toll of recovery Maternal health failures and being ignored Faith, advocacy and survival Episode Resources: Fertility for colored girls - https://www.fertilityforcoloredgirls.org/ Related episodes: Ep 87 – When Fertility Treatment Doesn’t Work https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-87-when-fertility-treatment-doesnt-work/ Ep 121 – Inside Modern Fertility Care — IVF, Surrogacy, Egg Donation & Family Building https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/beyond-ivf-surrogacy-egg-donation-the-future-of-fertility-care/ Ep 97 – Fertility in the Modern Age: IVF, Environmental Impacts, and Quality Care https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-97-fertility-in-the-modern-age-ivf-environmental-impacts-and-quality-care/ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility...

Ever wondered what really happens if something goes wrong during a surrogacy or egg donation journey and who’s responsible for the bill? When it comes to third-party reproduction (surrogacy, egg donation, or embryo donation) insurance can be one of the most confusing and overlooked parts of the journey. But as Virginia Hart from ART Risk Solutions explains, it’s also one of the most critical. In this episode, host Eloise Drane sits down with Virginia to demystify the complex world of fertility insurance, what’s covered, what’s not, and how to make sure everyone involved in a surrogacy or donor arrangement is fully protected. From complications and medical coverage to life insurance and newborn care, Virginia breaks down what you must know before signing any contract or starting treatment. Whether you’re an intended parent, surrogate, donor, or professional in the fertility field, this episode offers the clarity and confidence you need to safeguard your journey. Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Virginia Hart, founder of ART Risk Solutions. 02:14 – Why fertility and surrogacy insurance are so confusing. 03:47 – How ART Risk protects parents, surrogates, and donors. 06:23 – Core coverages every surrogate needs. 08:36 – Why complication insurance is essential. 10:18 – The real cost of going uninsured. 12:04 – ACA and Lloyd’s of London options explained. 15:12 – Commonly forgotten policies that matter most. 17:43 – What intended parents should budget for. 20:29 – How ART Risk manages claims and bills. 23:11 – Planning newborn coverage and NICU care. 26:48 – Insurance for international intended parents. 30:37 – The toughest states for surrogacy coverage. 36:09 – IVF coverage and new fertility benefits. 40:46 – Final advice: ask, “Am I protected and how?” Connect with Virginia: Instagram: @art.risk.solutions Website: https://www.facebook.com/artriskfinancial/ Resources mentioned: ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine): https://www.asrm.org RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association: https://resolve.org/ Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys: https://adoptionart.org SEEDS (Society for Ethics in Egg Donatio...

What happens when every path to parenthood seems to close? For Erica Ferraro, the answer was egg donation—a deeply emotional and empowering decision shaped by a long, painful battle with undiagnosed endometriosis. In this powerful episode, Erica joins host Eloise Drane to share the real story behind her journey: the years of misdiagnosis, the trauma of IVF failure, and the healing that came from choosing donor conception. You’ll hear: -What it’s really like to receive an endometriosis diagnosis after two decades -Why Erica believes egg donation is a form of organ donation—and not “less than” -Honest insights on grieving genetic loss, finding the right donor, and parenting after donor IVF -How her new book, Moving Mountains for Motherhood, became the U.S.'s first professionally published infertility survival guide Whether you’re navigating your own fertility journey or supporting someone who is, this episode is a raw, real, and hopeful reminder that love—not biology—defines family. Moving Mountains for Motherhood is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. Connect with Erica on Instagram @eri.ferraro Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode to support more honest conversations about modern family building. #FertilityCafe #EggDonation #EndometriosisAwareness #DonorIVF #InfertilitySupport #ModernParenthood

Why are ambitious women waiting too long to think about fertility preservation, and what's the real cost?Host Eloise Drane welcomes Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris, a dual board-certified physician in OB-GYN and obesity medicine who brings both clinical expertise and deeply personal experience to today's conversation. Dr. Chatterjee-Morris has navigated her own challenging fertility journey, including multiple egg retrievals, donor eggs, and preparing for surrogacy while maintaining a demanding medical practice. Her unique perspective as both physician and patient offers invaluable insights for women balancing high-pressure careers with family planning decisions and fertility preservation choices. This episode explores the complex reality of fertility treatment for ambitious women in leadership roles, covering egg-freezing decisions, the challenges of coordinating IVF cycles with demanding schedules and navigating fertility clinic experiences. Discussion includes the importance of early fertility preservation, advocating for yourself in medical settings, weight-related barriers in fertility treatment, and the emotional journey of third-party reproduction. Dr. Chatterjee-Morris shares practical advice about choosing fertility clinics, understanding BMI requirements, and making informed decisions about donor eggs and gestational carriers while managing autoimmune conditions. In This Episode: (00:00) Dr. Chatterjee-Morris shares her complete fertility journey from residency decision to current surrogacy plans (08:40) The difficult transition from own eggs to donor eggs to gestational carrier due to multiple sclerosis (14:32) Balancing seven IVF cycles with demanding medical practice and patient care (20:33) Experiencing dismissive treatment and unprofessional care at fertility clinics (27:12) The critical importance of egg freezing in your twenties for career-focused women (32:34) Recognizing endometriosis symptoms early and advocating for reproductive health education (39:44) Navigating weight stigma and BMI requirements in fertility treatment with compassion (46:25) Final advice on self-advocacy and making the best decisions for your fertility journey Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! Resources:Instagram/TikTok: @healthyobgyn Website: rivervalleyobgyn.com Book a Free Consultation Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/ Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/s...

Eloise Drane, host of Fertility Café and a seasoned fertility industry expert with over two decades of experience, explores the emotional transition from fertility treatments to parenthood in this insightful episode. Drawing from personal experience and professional knowledge, Eloise addresses the complex emotions that arise when the focus shifts from trying to conceive to actually becoming a parent. The episode delves into letting go of the infertility mindset, releasing control, identity shifts after fertility journeys, and the realities of early parenthood after treatments. Eloise offers compassionate guidance for navigating feelings of uncertainty, addressing anxieties, building bonds with your baby, and embracing the messy, beautiful process of becoming a parent—however you arrived there. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction to the mental shift from fertility treatments to parenthood (04:32) Letting go of the infertility mindset and processing mixed emotions (09:45) Releasing control and learning to trust your parenting instincts (15:20) Reclaiming identity after the fertility journey ends (20:48) Sponsor: The Family Blueprint event in Atlanta (22:17) What no one tells you about early parenthood after infertility (28:03) When bonding doesn't feel instant: normalizing gradual connections (31:45) How relationships and friendships transform after becoming a parent (36:30) Embracing the growth process of parenthood after fertility strugglesShare with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! Resources: Book a Free Consultation Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/ Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: