Fertility Nurses Unfiltered

Ashlee Laroue, BSN, RN and Laura Weppler, BSN, RN

Fertility Nurses Unfiltered is a nurse-led podcast for people navigating infertility and fertility treatment who want clarity, honesty, and support beyond the clinic walls. Hosted by former fertility clinic nurses Ashlee Laroue and Laura Weppler, co-founders of Rooted Fertility Co., we pull back the curtain on IVF, fertility care, transfers, medications, canceled cycles, burnout, and the emotional realities patients aren't always prepared for.

Two nurses. One mic. No bullshit.

https://www.rootedfertilityco.com/

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25 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 6 min
English

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Tuesday · 1 hr 7 min
Be Proactive With Your Fertility: Testing, Egg Freezing & Mind-Body Health
"I was told that I wasn’t gonna have kids when I was 16.” That is where Dr. Alison Peck’s path into reproductive medicine began, and it shaped how she thinks about being proactive with your fertility. This week we sit down with Dr. Alison Peck, a double board certified reproductive endocrinologist with more than 20 years of experience at HRC Fertility in Encino and Westlake Village, California. We get into why so many of us were taught how to prevent pregnancy but never learned what it actually takes to get pregnant, and what it looks like to take charge of your reproductive health before you feel any pressure. Dr. Peck brings both clinical expertise and her own story to a conversation about education, advocacy, and intention. In this episode, we cover: Why so many people come into fertility care with a knowledge gap, and how education, environment, and access play a role Early signs worth paying attention to, from cycle patterns to health history, and why telling someone matters What fertility testing like AMH and antral follicle count can and cannot tell you The pros and cons of at-home fertility testing Egg freezing: when people consider it, what to expect, and the biggest misconception Everyday habits that support your body, including sleep, movement, nourishment, and stress Why being intentional matters more than doing everything, and why guidance is worth seeking before adding supplements More than anything, this episode is a reminder that being proactive does not mean being perfect. It means learning about your body, asking questions, and making a plan that fits your life. If you are curious about your fertility, planning for the future, or feeling unheard in your own care, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Alison Peck:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonpeckmd/Website: https://havingbabies.com/physicians/alison-c-peck-md-facog/
S1 · E34
October 20 · 1 hr 9 min
Supporting Someone Through IVF (Without Losing Yourself)
"You are going through this together, but it is a completely different experience for everyone involved.” That is how Kristina D’Antonio describes it to her patients, and it is the heart of this week’s conversation. So much of the fertility conversation centers on the person going through treatment. This week, Laura and Ashlee turn to the people standing beside them: partners, parents, siblings, friends, and even coworkers. Joined by Jessica Erickson, LCSW, and Kristina D’Antonio, LCSW, co-founders of Sana Psychotherapy, a practice focused on reproductive and perinatal mental health, we talk about how to support someone through IVF or fertility treatment without losing yourself along the way. In this episode, we cover: Why support people often feel they don’t have the right to struggle, and why “I don’t get it” can be exactly what someone needs to hear Comfort or solutions? One simple question that can change how your support lands How to ask for space and name your own needs without feeling selfish Why “I’m noticing” works better than “you are” when a loved one is spiraling on social media or Reddit How to repair after saying the wrong thing, and the difference between intention and impact What to do when someone you love is struggling and you have a pregnancy announcement to share Navigating disagreements with a partner about next steps, like trying another round or taking a break Fertility treatment and the workplace: how coworkers can help, and how to think about what you share What to do when a partner isn’t showing up for appointments, bloodwork, or consents, and how the care team can help Why support needs to last the whole journey, not just the moment someone first opens up The biggest takeaway? Perfection is not the goal. Support people will say the wrong thing, and that is okay. What matters is acknowledging the gap between intention and impact, staying open to repair, and tending to your own needs too, because no one can pour from an empty cup. If you are supporting someone through fertility treatment, navigating it yourself, or want to understand what the people around you may be carrying, this episode is for you. Connect with Sana Psychotherapy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sana.psychotherapy/Website: https://www.sanapsychotherapypllc.com/
S1 · E33
October 13 · 1 hr 7 min
Who Am I Outside of TTC? Identity Loss During Fertility Treatment
"It was just such an identity shock for me. I'm the kind of person, I'm good at things. This isn't who I am." That is how Jessica Sirias Vasquez describes stepping into infertility and pregnancy loss after a lifetime of working hard and getting results. It is a feeling so many people trying to conceive know all too well. This week we sit down with Jessica Sirias Vasquez, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Nurture and Bloom, a therapy practice supporting women through trying to conceive, pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. We talk about what happens to your sense of self when fertility treatment starts to take over your life, and how to stay connected to who you are while living in the limbo between your old identity and a future you can't see yet. Jessica brings a decade of clinical experience and her own story of infertility and loss to a conversation about boundaries, people pleasing, grief, and learning to let yourself be supported. In this episode, we cover: Why infertility can feel like such an identity shock, especially for people used to achieving whatever they work hard for How to live in the "state of limbo" between who you were and who you are becoming Practical ways to filter social media, starting with asking whether an account is bringing any value to your life right now Setting boundaries with friends and family, and why almost every choice comes with some kind of cost Navigating cultural and family pressure to have kids, and deciding how much, if anything, you want to share How fertility treatment can bring out people pleasing, masking, and the fear of being a burden, even with your own care team Grieving the relationships, plans, and pregnancy story you thought you would have Starting with what makes you feel "just okay," and why receiving support matters just as much as asking for it Rediscovering and learning to love yourself on the other side, whatever the outcome More than anything, this episode is a reminder that losing yourself a little during fertility treatment does not mean something is wrong with you. What you are feeling right now is not permanent, and you do not have to carry all of it alone. If you are in the thick of trying to conceive, feel like you no longer recognize yourself, or love someone who is walking this road, this episode is for you. Connect with Jessica Sirias Vasquez:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurtureandbloom.co/Website: https://www.nurtureandbloom.co/
S1 · E32
October 6 · 1 hr 10 min
Oncofertility 101: How The Chick Mission Helps Cancer Patients Protect Their Fertility
"You don't qualify. You're not infertile yet." That is what Amanda Rice heard from her insurance company when she called, diagnosed with cancer for the third time before age 40, asking for help freezing her eggs before chemotherapy. Instead of accepting that answer, she built a movement. This week, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we sit down with Amanda Rice, three-time cancer survivor and founder and CEO of The Chick Mission, a nonprofit helping cancer patients protect their fertility before treatment begins. Amanda shares her story from the very first symptom she had to push to get checked, to the fertility decisions she had to make while facing her own mortality, to the rejection that sparked The Chick Mission. We talk about why so many patients are never told that cancer treatment can affect fertility, how fast these decisions really have to happen, and why every patient deserves the chance to make an informed choice about their future family. In this episode, we cover: Amanda's journey through three cancer diagnoses and how she navigated fertility preservation along the way How quickly fertility preservation can happen after a cancer diagnosis, and why oncology and fertility teams need to be talking to each other How The Chick Mission's Hope Grants work, with no essays, no upfront copay, and clinics submitting on your behalf The legislative progress that has brought fertility preservation coverage to nearly half of U.S. states, and how one phone call can help Why egg freezing vs. embryo freezing is a bigger decision than many people realize Why choosing not to pursue fertility preservation, or not to have children at all, is just as valid How The Chick Mission is teaching fertility education to high school and college students Amanda's call to be the CEO of your own body, from self breast exams to showing up prepared for every appointment More than anything, this conversation is a reminder that cancer takes a lot of control away, but it does not get to make every decision for you. You deserve to know your options, and you deserve support in choosing what is right for you. If you or someone you love is facing a cancer diagnosis, if you work in oncology or fertility care, or if you just need a reminder this October to schedule that mammogram, this episode is for you. Connect with The Chick Mission:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chickmission/Website: https://www.thechickmission.org/
S1 · E5
September 29 · 1 hr 14 min
Rebuilding Surrogacy: An REI's Honest Take on Fixing a Broken System
"The biggest red flag for an agency is when they say we have a tiered program where the more you pay, the faster you'll match." That's how Dr. Brian Levine sums up what's broken in American surrogacy, and he has spent the last several years trying to fix it. This week we sit down with Dr. Brian Levine, double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN, founding partner and practice director of CCRM Fertility New York, and founder of the surrogacy platform Nodal. Dr. Levine walks us through his winding path into fertility medicine, the mentors who shaped him, and the ethical frustrations that pushed him to rethink how surrogacy works. Whether you're considering surrogacy, supporting someone who is, or working in the fertility space, this is an honest look at a part of family building that is still too often wrapped in secrecy. In this episode, we cover: How a single medical school lecture on genetic testing of embryos changed his career plans overnight The bold escalator moment that led to the founding of CCRM New York How surrogacy becoming legal in New York changed the market, and why he started Nodal Why Nodal lets the surrogate make the first move, and the meaning behind the name The changing policy landscape around IVF and surrogacy, from state-level legal questions to recent efforts to lower fertility medication costs Why the words we use matter, and why "use a surrogate" should be retired Red flags and green flags to look for when you vet a surrogacy agency Why he keeps his clinic and his surrogacy company completely separate More than anything, this conversation is a reminder that surrogacy should put the surrogate first, because she's the one doing the heavy lifting. For everyone involved, that means transparency, fair fees, and a real person on the other end of the phone when something goes sideways. If you're exploring surrogacy, feeling overwhelmed by what you're seeing in the headlines, or want to understand what a good agency relationship should look like, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Brian Levine:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrianlevine/Nodal: https://www.nodal.com/Nodal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nodalhealth/CCRM New York: https://www.ccrmivf.com/ccrm-fertility-doctors/brian-levine/
S1 · E1
September 22 · 1 hr 3 min
How to Actually Show Up for Someone Through Infertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum
While everyone else was focusing on the baby, she focused on me." That is how Lauren Dewey describes the moment her sister-in-law handed her a care basket after her son was born, and it is the moment that changed the course of her life. This week we sit down with Lauren Dewey, founder of brooksybox, for an honest conversation about all the parts of the motherhood journey that people forget to show up for. After struggling with infertility and welcoming her son Brooks through IVF, Lauren realized how much attention goes to a new baby and how little is left for the mother recovering behind the scenes. That realization became brooksybox, thoughtfully curated care packages for every stage a woman is actually in, from infertility to loss to pregnancy to postpartum, all sourced from or created with women-owned businesses. Whether you are in the thick of it yourself or trying to support someone who is and have no idea what to say, this one is full of real talk and practical ways to show up. In this episode, we cover: How a single care basket from her sister-in-law sparked the whole idea, and where the name brooksybox came from Lauren's fertility journey, from a Hashimoto's and PMOS diagnosis to IUIs, IVF, and a retrieval complicated by ovarian hyperstimulation The complicated emotions of a spontaneous pregnancy after infertility, including guilt, and the very real weight of deciding what to do with remaining embryos Why toxic positivity ("just relax, stay positive, you're so strong") so often misses the mark, and what actually helps instead Her husband's simple game-changing question, "do you want comfort or do you want solutions?" How infertility and loss can quietly strain friendships, and how to keep showing up without taking distance personally What goes into the boxes and why every product is clean, intentional, and made for the stage she is in More than anything, this episode is a reminder that showing up does not have to be complicated or expensive. Even the strongest women need support, and women never forget who showed up when they were barely hanging on. If you are navigating your own journey, loving someone who is, or you just want to be the person who shows up well, this episode is for you. Listener offer: use code UNFILTERED15 for 15% off your first care package. Connect with Lauren & brooksybox:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooksybox/ Website: https://brooksybox.com/
S1 · E1
September 15 · 1 hr 1 min
AMH Explained: What Fertility Testing Really Tells You (and Doesn't)
"A low AMH does not mean you can't get pregnant on your own." Dr. Roy Handelsman says it more than once in this episode, on purpose, because it may be the single most misunderstood number in fertility care. This week we sit down with Dr. Roy Handelsman, a board-certified OB/GYN and fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility, for a clear, honest, and genuinely fascinating deep dive into anti-Müllerian hormone, aka AMH. If you have ever had your AMH tested and walked away more confused or more anxious than before, this one is for you. Dr. Handelsman has an engineering background and a gift for the "why," and he uses both to explain what AMH actually measures, what it can't tell you, and how to think about your own number without spiraling into comparison. In this episode, we cover: What AMH really is, where it comes from in the ovary, and why fertility providers test it The difference between egg quantity and egg quality, and why age, not your AMH, is most closely tied to quality Why a low AMH does not mean you can't conceive, and why a high AMH is not a guarantee Whether you can actually raise your AMH, and which lifestyle factors genuinely matter How birth control affects your AMH result, and how long to wait after stopping before you test The other ovarian reserve tests (FSH, estradiol, and antral follicle count), and what to do when they disagree Why AMH runs high in PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, the new consensus name for PCOS) and what that means for egg quality What an "average" AMH looks like by age, and why average is not the same as normal Why seeing a fertility doctor does not automatically put you on the path to IVF More than anything, this episode is a reminder that one number was never meant to define your fertility. Your AMH is a snapshot, not a verdict, and understanding it is a way to take your reproductive goals into your own hands rather than a reason to panic. If you have had your AMH tested, are thinking about it, or just want to finally understand what all of it means, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Roy Handelsman:Website: https://havingbabies.com/physicians/roy-handelsman-md/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royhandelsmanmd/
September 8 · 1 hr 4 min
Military, First Responders & Family Building: A Fertility Journey Not Talked About Enough
"We became our own island." That is how Kyle Herman describes the years he and his wife spent navigating infertility in near silence, and it is exactly the isolation this conversation sets out to break. This week, in the window between Labor Day and the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we sit down with Kyle Herman, an Army veteran, police officer, and first responder who is becoming one of the few loud male voices in the fertility space. Kyle deployed to Iraq in 2006, and years later, when he and his wife Meg started trying to build their family, they came face to face with a reality neither of them saw coming. What followed was years of IUI, IVF, and eventually donor eggs, and the long, quiet grief that so many couples carry alone. This is where Laura and Ashlee's clinical perspective meets Kyle's lived experience, and it makes for one of the most honest conversations we have had about what men go through too. In this episode, we cover: How toxic exposures during military service, including burn pits, can quietly affect male fertility, and why men are so under-studied in this area The reality of years of IUI and IVF, false positives, and the emotional toll of trying to build a family in silence Why male-factor infertility carries its own stigma, and what it takes for men to finally speak up Kyle's trip to DC, meeting members of Congress, and the push for better fertility coverage for veterans and first responders Fertility preservation, sperm and egg freezing, and why these conversations need to happen early, before deployment or treatment Practical resources and grants for military and first responder families, and where to start looking before you open your wallet More than anything, this episode is a reminder that men belong in the fertility conversation, that no one should have to navigate this alone, and that speaking up, as hard as it is, is what starts to change things for the next person walking in the door. If you or someone you love wears a uniform, or if you have ever felt alone in your fertility journey, this episode is for you. Connect with Kyle Herman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-herman-877339304/ Resources mentioned in this episode: RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association Building Military Families Network Roaring Adventures The Chick Mission Bob Woodruff Foundation
S1 · E27
September 1 · 1 hr 6 min
The Real Cost of Trying to Conceive: Options Like Fertility Grants for Affording IVF When Insurance Doesn’t Cover It
"I did hyperventilate because of the cost. That, to me, was one of the most overwhelming parts." That is how Lauren Clements describes the moment she realized IVF was her only path to a family, and it is exactly why this conversation matters so much. This week we sit down with Lauren Clements, founder and CEO of Brilora Fertility Foundation, and Charla Grimm, the organization's Community and Brand Relations Director, for an honest and hopeful look at the real cost of trying to conceive. We get into how fertility grants actually work, what they cover, what they don't, and how families can find real financial support when insurance falls short. Whether you are facing the cost of IVF yourself, supporting someone who is, or work in the fertility space, Lauren and Charla bring both hard-won expertise and deep personal experience to a topic that carries so much financial and emotional weight. In this episode, we cover: What Brilora's IVF and surrogacy grants actually cover, and the costs (like medications and anesthesia) that often fall outside them How Brilora protects grant recipients' privacy and autonomy, and why sharing your story is always optional The states where Brilora's grants are currently available, and where the organization is headed next Why genetic testing (like PGT) matters more than people often realize, especially for conditions like Huntington's disease and cystic fibrosis How the name Brilora came to be, and the story behind its predecessor, Chosen Fertility How to apply for Brilora's upcoming fall grant cycle, open September 1st through November 1st Ways to get involved, whether you are a patient, a provider, or simply someone who wants to help More than anything, this episode is a reminder that the financial side of fertility care does not have to be carried alone, that there are people and organizations built specifically to help, and that asking for support is not something to feel guilty about. If you are facing the cost of fertility treatment, know someone who is, or want to understand what financial support actually looks like, this episode is for you. Connect with Brilora Fertility Foundation:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brilorafertility/Website: https://www.brilorafertility.com/Grants: https://brilorafertility.com/grants/
S1 · E26
August 25 · 1 hr 8 min
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Explained: Causes, Testing & Hope
"You are losing control. You are losing something you had hoped for." That is how Dr. Vasiliki Moragianni describes what a pregnancy loss actually takes from you, and it is exactly why this conversation matters so much. This week we sit down with Dr. Vasiliki Moragianni, double board certified reproductive endocrinologist and the founder and director of the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Center at Johns Hopkins, for an honest and compassionate look at recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). We get into what RPL actually is, why the definition just changed, what a thorough evaluation really looks like, and what hope looks like on the other side. Whether you are a patient, a partner, or someone caring for people walking through this, Dr. Moragianni brings both rigorous evidence based medicine and real warmth to a topic that far too many people carry in silence. In this episode, we cover: The brand new definition of recurrent pregnancy loss and why two losses now open the door to a full evaluation How common RPL really is, and why so many cases come back "unexplained" The most common causes, from chromosomal factors to thyroid, uterine issues, and antiphospholipid syndrome The real evidence behind controversial tests and treatments like NK cell testing, intralipids, and IVIG Why recurrent pregnancy loss is almost never your fault, no matter how many times you have asked yourself that question When it is safe to try again after a loss The case for a multidisciplinary team, and why mental health support belongs at the very center of it More than anything, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, that pregnancy loss is far more common than anyone lets on, and that the data on hope is real. Having multiple losses behind you does not mean a healthy pregnancy is not still ahead of you. If you have experienced loss, love someone who has, or simply want to understand this better, this episode is for you. **A gentle note before you listen: this episode discusses pregnancy loss and grief. Take it in whatever size pieces feel right, pause and come back to it if you need to, and if anything heavier comes up, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Connect with Dr. Vasiliki Moragianni: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmoragiannifertility Website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gynecology-obstetrics/specialty-areas/fertility-center/recurrent-pregnancy-loss-center
S1 · E25
August 18 · 1 hr 1 min
Egg & Embryo Storage 101: Cost, Shipping, Quality & Keeping the Patient First
You pay it every year. Sometimes for years. And most people have no idea where their embryos, eggs, or sperm are actually stored, what they're really paying for, or what happens if something goes wrong at 2am on a weekend. This week we're getting unfiltered about fertility storage, one of the least talked about pieces of so many people's journeys. Our guest is Charlie Boyer, co-founder and CEO of Generations CryoVault, who came up through operations, logistics, and risk management before building an independent storage company. We got into the parts of this industry that patients almost never get a clear look at, and some of it may make you angry. That's kind of the point. In this episode we cover: The real difference between in-clinic and off-site storage, and why the price gap is so big What annual storage actually costs to provide versus what you're charged Why your tissues may not even be at your clinic, and how often they're stored somewhere else entirely How genetic material gets shipped across the country, and what safe transport really looks like What happens when a storage tank fails, and the alarms that are supposed to prevent it How private equity is reshaping fertility care and what it means for patients The questions you should be asking before you trust any facility with something irreplaceable Storage isn't the sexiest part of fertility care, but it's one of the most relevant, because it touches nearly everyone who freezes anything. And whether you store with a clinic, an independent provider, or somewhere you haven't chosen yet, you deserve to understand what you're paying for and where your tissues actually are. You have a choice. This episode is about making sure you know that. If you've ever stared at a storage invoice and felt confused, frustrated, or just unsure what you're really paying for, this episode is for you. Connect with Charlie and Generations CryoVault: https://www.instagram.com/generationscryovault/ https://gencryo.com/
S1 · E24
August 11 · 1 hr 9 min
Microplastics, Toxins & Fertility: What the Research Actually Shows
You threw out the plastic cutting board. You swapped in the steel water bottle. You stopped microwaving your leftovers in the takeout container. And you are still lying awake wondering if it was enough, or if the plastic that has been part of your life since before you can remember has already made a decision your body has to live with. If that spiral sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Laura and Ashlee sit down with Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah, a reproductive endocrinologist at Mass General Fertility Center and the Mark and Catherine Winkler Associate Professor of Environmental, Reproductive and Women's Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her research looks at how everyday exposures like air pollution, household chemicals and plastics actually intersect with ovulation, fertility and long-term health. In other words, she is exactly the person to help you tell the difference between what the science supports and what the internet is selling you. Together they get honest about the anxiety that microplastics are stirring up in fertility patients, and why the answer is almost never to burn your whole house down and start over. In this episode: What we actually know about microplastics and fertility, and the big gap between correlation and causation Why "detox everything" can quietly become the most harmful choice of all when it delays the treatment you need The small, sustainable swaps that are genuinely worth making, and the ones that are mostly marketing How to spot fear-mongering, from yoga-pant panic to supplement claims aimed at a vulnerable audience Why healthy behaviors and fertility treatment are not either-or, and can move forward at the same time Where the research is headed, including the dream of a personalized calculator that tells you what is worth your ten minutes today The throughline is the one Laura and Ashlee come back to again and again: two things can coexist. You can get your testing done, start your treatment plan, and make calm, realistic changes to your environment all at once. You do not have to choose between doing something and doing everything. This episode is for you if you have ever stood in your kitchen holding a plastic container, unsure whether to feel fine or afraid, and just wanted someone with the actual data to tell you where to start. Connect with Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah: https://www.instagram.com/smahalingaiahmd https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/20661/shruthi-mahalingaiah
S1 · E23
August 4 · 1 hr 5 min
When Fertility Becomes a Relationship Issue: Couples & Infertility
Nobody drops off a casserole when your transfer fails. If a friend got a cancer diagnosis, you would expect the world to rally. Meals would show up. Someone would think to ask how the partner was holding up. But couples going through fertility treatment carry a comparable weight in near total silence, and the person standing right next to them carries it silently too. This week we sat down with Batya Novick, LCSW, founder of Calla Collective and one of the very few therapists whose entire practice is reproductive mental health. She has been on both sides of the clinic door. In 2010, while already specializing in maternal and reproductive mental health, she went through her own fertility journey and found herself sitting in a waiting room full of people who were obviously going through the same thing, feeling completely alone. She asked her doctor why there wasn't a single mental health person in the building. He told her she should do something about it. Calla Collective is what came of that. We talked about what fertility struggles actually do to a relationship, and how couples get through it together instead of quietly drifting apart. We get into: Chicken or egg: does fertility surface relationship struggles, or create them Why "I'm broken, he should just find someone else" is one of the most common things happily married women say out loud The internalized shame of unexplained infertility, and why uncertainty is the hardest thing for a brain to hold Time, expectations, and money (Batya's take on writing a $20,000 check with no guaranteed return) The three things every couple should be doing: name the stress, calendar the check-in, and protect time that has nothing to do with fertility Why calm does not mean not sad, and why yelling is often fear Intimacy when trying to conceive is, in her words, the unsexiest thing ever Why sex only for reproduction is the fastest way to kill a couple's sex drive Fantasy vs real life, and what romantasy is doing to expectations Where the breaking points actually show up, including what Laura has watched happen in the consent room over embryo disposition What to do when one partner will not go to therapy Same sex couples, and where the dynamics are the same and where they are not Grief after loss, outside tears and inside tears Pregnancy and postpartum after a journey, and why you do not have to be happy The throughline of this whole conversation is permission. Permission to say this is hard without saying it is bad. Permission to grieve differently than your partner grieves. Permission to not be glowing at your eight week scan after four losses. Batya's point is that resilience is not something you either have or you don't. It is a muscle, and this is the muscle nobody wanted to build. But you are building it. And the relationship you are protecting right now is the same one that has to hold up long after the family building part is over. This episode is for you if you and your partner have stopped talking about it. If you are the one crying and they are the one who has gone quiet. If sex has become a task on a calendar. If you are pregnant after loss and cannot find the joy everyone insists you should feel. If you have ever thought, even silently, that they would be better off with someone else. 💛 Connect with Batya & Calla Collective: https://www.instagram.com/callacollectivehq https://www.calla-collective.com
S1 · E22
July 28 · 1 hr 10 min
Surrogacy From Both Sides: An Intended Mom & Her Surrogate Tell All
Some stories begin with heartbreak. This one begins with hope. After three and a half years of infertility and four devastating losses, Jessica Butcher was searching for a path to motherhood built on trust and real connection, not paperwork and price tags. Amanda Konko felt called to carry for another family, but the traditional agency process left her feeling like a number in a pen. Then the two women met, first as coworkers, then as friends, and eventually as intended mother and surrogate. Amanda carried Jessica's daughter Olivia, delivered her in a peaceful home water birth, and somewhere along the way they discovered that the relationship itself was the most meaningful part of the entire journey. That experience inspired Little Seed Match, a private platform helping intended parents and surrogates connect through shared values, transparency, and authentic relationships. In this episode, we cover: Jessica's journey through recurrent loss and the moment surrogacy entered the conversation Why the traditional agency model can feel transactional, and what it costs intended parents before a match is ever made How Little Seed Match flips the script with full profile transparency, mutual vetting, and autonomy for both sides The shocking things seasoned surrogates have shared about being made "marketable" Amanda's experience as a surrogate, from telling her three little boys to delivering Olivia at home The embryo transfer, the home birth, and what true alignment looks like at every step Postpartum depression in non-birthing mothers, and why nobody warned Jessica it could happen Grief and joy living side by side after loss, and why "you should just be happy" needs to be retired Surrogacy is so often reduced to logistics, legal agreements, and headlines that get it wrong. Jessica and Amanda's story is proof that when the match comes first, everything else falls into place, and that the relationship between an intended parent and a surrogate can be one of the most beautiful partnerships there is. If you're an intended parent weighing your options, a hopeful surrogate wondering what this journey could look like, a fertility nurse supporting patients through third party reproduction, or someone who simply wants to understand surrogacy beyond the myths, this episode is for you. Connect with Little Seed Match: https://www.instagram.com/littleseedmatch/ https://www.littleseedmatch.com/
S1 · E21
July 21 · 1 hr 5 min
Pregnant After Fertility Treatment: Real Talk About the Gaps in Care
One week you're being seen every few days with bloodwork and ultrasounds. The next, you're told "see you at 12 weeks" and sent out the door. So what happens in between? This week, Laura and Ashlee sit down with Dr. Alecia Fields, a board certified OBGYN, FACOG, and trained doula, to talk about one of the most jarring transitions in the entire fertility journey: the handoff from your fertility clinic to your OB. Dr. Fields is the creator of DoulaDoc, where she blends evidence-based medicine with real emotional support, and she pulls back the curtain on what OBs actually see when a fertility patient lands in their office (spoiler: it's usually one or two pages). Together they dig into why the first trimester feels like such an invisible, isolating waiting place, and what patients and providers can both do to close the gap. In this episode, we cover: Why fertility clinics discharge you around 8 weeks and why your OB may not see you until 12 The "invisible trimester" and why so few people talk about the hardest stretch of early pregnancy What your OB does and doesn't know about your fertility journey, and why sharing your story matters Spotting and bleeding in the first trimester: what can be normal and when to call Pregnancy after loss and the anxiety of having no symptoms Why the US maternal mortality crisis makes this more than a comfort issue How patients can advocate for themselves at every appointment, because you are not a burden The system wasn't built to see the whole you, and it's not going to fix itself. But between providers who care, better handoffs, and patients who feel empowered to speak up, we can start closing these gaps one conversation at a time. If you're navigating that scary stretch between your fertility clinic and your OB, pregnant after loss, or just tired of feeling like you're too much for the system, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Alecia Fields: https://www.instagram.com/mydouladoc/ https://mydouladoc.com/
S1 · E20
July 14 · 1 hr 8 min
Choosing Yourself: The Truth About Single Parenthood by Choice
She came to the conclusion that she was probably going to get children or a marriage, but not both. So she chose children. Dr. Meggie Smith is a reproductive endocrinologist at Nashville Fertility Center and a single mom by choice, currently pregnant with her second daughter, both conceived from eggs she froze at 31. In this episode, she sits down with Laura and Ashlee to pull back the curtain on what it actually looks like to make that choice, plan for it strategically, build a support system from scratch, and navigate the very fertility system she works in every single day. Topics covered in this episode: Why Dr. Smith chose single parenthood over waiting for the "right" relationship Freezing eggs at 31 and using them at 37: what that planning process actually looked like Choosing a sperm donor and the 85% rule she shares with her own patients Genetic anonymity, donor-conceived children, and why that landscape has changed forever Building a support bench as a single parent working full time The broken healthcare system, straight from a physician living it Why your insurance coverage might actually cost you more than paying cash How the lack of reimbursement incentive makes it harder to be a thorough doctor Dr. Smith brings something rare to this conversation: she has sat in the REI chair as both clinician and patient. Her perspective is unfiltered, deeply practical, and genuinely validating for anyone navigating fertility on their own terms. This episode is for you if you've ever wondered whether single parenthood by choice is really possible, felt overwhelmed by insurance and financial decisions, or just needed to hear someone say out loud that the system is a racket and they're doing their best anyway. Connect with Dr. Meggie Smith and Nashville Fertility Center: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbsthinks/Website: https://www.nashvillefertility.com/about-us/fertility-specialists/meghan-smith-md/
S1 · E19
July 7 · 1 hr 8 min
Acupuncture For Fertility: What Happens When Eastern and Western Medicine Work Together
Western medicine tells you what's broken. Eastern medicine asks why. And when the two actually work together? That's where fertility patients stop feeling like a number and start feeling supported. Dr. Mary Sabo has spent 20 years building bridges between worlds that too often stay divided. As a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine and founder of Lillian Horn in New York City, she's done the quiet, deliberate work of earning physician trust one patient letter at a time, and the results speak for themselves. She now practices on-site at CCRM New York on embryo transfer days, collaborates with REIs across Manhattan, and has co-authored published research on complementary medicine. She also navigated her own IVF journey, conceiving her son at 43 using eggs she froze at 38. In this episode, we get into all of it: Why Eastern and Western medicine are better together, not in competition How acupuncture works as a signaling mechanism and what it actually does in the body The evidence behind acupuncture for IVF, including live birth rate data Why the Eastern/Western divide often comes down to ego and how to spot red flags on both sides How Mary built trust with physicians over 20 years by speaking their language Navigating acupuncture if you're needle-phobic or working with a tight budget Why fertility is as much an art form as a science Mary's video game analogy for getting through the hardest parts of the journey The fertility space is noisy, and patients are vulnerable. The antidote isn't choosing a side. It's building a team that trusts each other enough to share the load. If you've ever wondered whether acupuncture is worth it, felt caught between your doctor and a wellness practitioner, or just needed someone to remind you that you don't have to figure this out alone, this episode is for you. Connect with Dr. Mary Sabo and Lillian Horn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyandhorn/Website: https://www.lilyandhorn.com/
S1 · E18
June 30 · 57 min
Egg Freezing Unfiltered: Freeze Your Eggs, Own Your Fertility
You've been told fertility is a birthright. It isn't. And the sooner you understand that, the more power you have to actually do something about it. This week, we sat down with Dr. Jaime Knopman, double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist at CCRM New York, national director of fertility preservation for the entire CCRM network, and author of the new book Own Your Fertility. Dr. Knopman is also the medical director of Chick Mission, a nonprofit providing grants to young adult cancer patients so they can preserve their fertility before treatment. Ashlee worked alongside her at CCRM, and this conversation feels exactly like that history, honest, funny, and unguarded. We covered a lot of ground, including: Why Dr. Knopman shifted from calling herself an "infertility doctor" to a "fertility doctor," and why that distinction matters The truth about egg freezing attrition, and why comparing it to a Hail Mary versus a modern day high percentage play changes how you should think about your numbers Egg freezing versus embryo freezing, and the one scenario she says is worse than not knowing if your eggs are healthy Major misconceptions she debunks constantly, including birth control and infertility, IUDs, atresia, and whether egg freezing depletes your future fertility Why she calls ovarian rejuvenation and "trimester zero" narratives a setup for disappointment The reality of physician burnout, why she only personally calls patients with bad news, and what it means to grieve a cycle that didn't work Chick Mission's mission to close the access gap for cancer patients who need fertility preservation but don't have coverage This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like a number in this process, anyone considering egg freezing and wondering if they're doing it at the right time, and anyone who just wants to hear a physician talk about this work with real honesty. Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Jaime Knopman at CCRM New York: https://www.ccrmivf.com/ccrm-fertility-doctors/jaime-knopman/ Chick Mission: https://www.thechickmission.org/ Dr. Knopman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaimeknopman/ Dr. Knopman's website: https://drjaimeknopman.com/
S1 · E17
June 23 · 1 hr 2 min
Love Builds a Family: LGBTQIA+ Fertility, Inclusive Care, & Pride Month with an REI Who Gets It
Dr. Keri Bergin didn't start her career in medicine. She started at the front desk of a fertility clinic. From a Craigslist job listing that landed her at the front desk of RMA New York at age 21, to completing her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at that same institution, Keri's path to becoming an REI is unlike almost any other in the field. She's also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who has personally navigated fertility treatment with her wife. That combination of lived experience, clinical expertise, and deep patient perspective is exactly why we had to have her on the show. This week, in honor of Pride Month, Laura and Ashlee sit down with Dr. Keri Bergin of IVI RMA Southern California for a conversation that goes well beyond the basics of LGBTQIA+ family building. We get into: Why LGBTQIA+ patients are often assumed to have an easier path, and why that assumption misses the full picture The real emotional and logistical layers involved in using donor sperm, donor eggs, and gestational carriers What reciprocal IVF looks like legally, and the state-by-state gaps that can leave one parent off their own child's birth certificate How Keri and her wife navigated choosing a known sperm donor, and what that relationship looks like now Insurance coverage for LGBTQIA+ fertility treatment, and why only a handful of states actually have inclusive mandates Fertility preservation for trans patients, and what the research says about undergoing egg freezing while on testosterone What the future of reproductive technology could mean for same-sex couples, including in vitro gametogenesis Why providers who have been through it themselves show up differently for their patients This field is moving fast. The barriers are real. And the people working inside this system care more than patients sometimes get to see. This one is for all of you who are building your family on your own terms. This episode is for you if you're an LGBTQIA+ individual or couple navigating fertility treatment, a healthcare provider working toward more inclusive care, or anyone who has ever felt like the system wasn't quite built with them in mind. 📍 Find Dr. Keri Bergin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keriberginmd/ Website: https://rmanetwork.com/staff/keri-bergin-md/
S1 · E16
June 16 · 1 hr 4 min
It's Not Just a Women's Issue: A Fertility Doctor Gets Real About Male-Factor Infertility
Dr. Callum Potts knows what it feels like to want a family and wonder if it's ever going to happen. As the founder and medical director of CCRM Miami, he's one of the leading voices in reproductive medicine. He's also someone who has navigated infertility firsthand alongside his partner, gone through IVF, and is now a proud dad of twin boys. That combination of clinical expertise and lived experience is exactly what makes this conversation so worth having. Male factor infertility affects 40 to 50% of couples dealing with fertility challenges, and yet it remains one of the most underrepresented conversations in the space. This episode changes that. We cover: What an unexplained infertility diagnosis actually means and why it's more common than you think The male experience of fertility treatment and why even a fertility doctor felt like "just a passenger in the process" Why male partners often go missing from the clinic and what we can do about it Semen analysis 101 and what those numbers do and don't tell us DNA fragmentation, who it matters for, and what can actually be done about it The truth about supplements, lifestyle changes, heat exposure, and what the evidence actually supports Why testosterone therapy could be silently tanking fertility and what to do instead Paternal age and the risks that don't get talked about enough At-home semen analysis kits, are they worth it? The guilt, grief, and identity hit that comes with a male factor diagnosis Father's Day when you're still waiting and how to support the men in your life on that day Infertility is never one person's journey. It belongs to both partners, and it's time the conversation reflected that. Whether you're in the thick of treatment, supporting someone who is, or just trying to understand what male fertility actually looks like, this episode is for you. Find Dr. Potts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cal.potts.md/ Learn more about CCRM Miami: https://www.ccrmivf.com/location/us/florida/miami/

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