#Surrogacy #DonorConception #Fertility 1. Alignment vs AgreementAlignment = shared principles and decision‑making rules.Agreement = specific clauses. Alignment comes first, or clauses can crumble. 2. The Two Buckets FrameworkBucket 1: Value centered.Bucket 2: Detail focused. 3. Reframing the contract languageHow to translate dense legal text into “what would we actually do?” decisions. 4. Scripts to use with agencies/clinics“We’re aligned on X and Y; here’s how we’ll handle Z if it happens.” 5. Red flags and escalation pathsWhen to pause matching #IntendedParents #LGBTQFamily #SingleParentByChoice #IVF #SurrogacyContract #WomenHealthcare

There’s a lot of strong advice about nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. This episode shows how to make it work for your season of life—without “doing it all.” Dietitian and intuitive eating specialist Sam Previte explains gentle nutrition for TTC and pregnancy, so you can make steady improvements with less all‑or‑nothing pressure. You’ll learn: Intuitive eating: what it is (and isn’t) for TTC/pregnancyGentle nutrition basics—how to prioritize without overwhelmWhen to modify PCOS/IVF context, and how to spot under‑fuel/over‑do signals (sleep/eating/hydration)First steps this week and how to talk with your care team Learn more about Sam Previte: https://find-foodfreedom.com/Follow Sam Previte on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/find.food.freedom #Fertility #IntuitiveEating #FertilityDiet #IVF #PCOS #WomensHealth #TryingToConceive #NutritionMyths

The most‑asked question: “If I don’t use my genetics, will the baby be mine?” Lauren Tassi (Your IVF BFF) shares her three‑year journey—how she moved from repeated IVF to choosing donor embryos—and what finally made the decision feel 100% hers.    Practical insights on identity, language, epigenetics (carrying/parenting), hidden costs/expectations, and what to consider if you’re weighing donor embryos vs more IVF or donor eggs.   You’ll hear:    - The turning point from IVF/donor eggs to donor embryos    - “Is it still my baby?”—belonging, language, and epigenetics    - Surprises: money, timelines, emotions, and partner dynamics    - Scripts that helped (family/friends and self‑talk)    - Advice if you’re considering donor embryos now Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefullykidding/Follow Lauren on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hopefullykidding #DonorEmbryos #DonorConception #Fertility #IVF #TTC #PatientStory #YourIVFBFF #WomensHealth #ThirdPartyReproduction

Cut through fertility misinformation. Dr. Lowell Ku (REI; leads ASRM’s technology professional group) separates myths from facts so you know what to trust online, from influencers, and in clinic—plus how to think about supplements and opinion vs evidence.  We cover TTC with IUI/IVF and decisions using donor conception or surrogacy—what matters most and where to find reliable guidance.   - What to trust online: source hierarchy (guidelines/studies - summaries - opinions)    - Red flags vs green flags (absolute claims, miracle fixes, cherry‑picked “proof”)    - Supplements: evidence vs hype; how to sanity‑check a claim    - Influencers vs doctors: personal stories vs clinical guidance (how to weigh both)    - Questions to ask your clinic about protocols, testing, and add‑ons    - Where to get reliable info for IVF/IUI, donor conception, and surrogacy Learn more about Dr. Lowell Ku: https://dallasivf.com/Follow Dr. Lowell Ku on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drknockedup/  #Fertility #IVF #IUI #FertilityMyths #EvidenceBased #ASRM #WomensHealth #TryingToConceive #DonorConception #Surrogacy

You don’t need to stop exercising before or during fertility treatment—pause near the end of the cycle and right after retrieval. Here’s how to train smart, read your body, and know when it’s too much (or not enough)—plus high‑level pregnancy guidance.    Dr. Sheeva Talebian (REI and competitive athlete) breaks down what’s safe, when to modify, and the signs you need more fuel, sleep, or hydration. - You’ll learn    - What’s safe around IUI/IVF (and why you pause near trigger/retrieval)    - New understanding: don’t stop entirely—train smart, then resume    - Body signals: sleep, eating, hydration—signs of over/under‑doing it    - Two‑week wait mindset + movement    - Pregnancy: high‑level modifications and red flags Learn more about Dr. Sheeva Talebian: https://www.ccrmivf.com/Follow Dr. Sheeva Talebian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stalebian/

Get evidence‑based answers on endometriosis—what it is (and isn’t), how it’s diagnosed, and what actually helps, so you know where to start today.Dr. Jessica Ryniec explains symptoms, diagnosis (what to expect from imaging vs surgical confirmation), treatment options (medical vs surgical), pain management, and fertility considerations—practical steps you can use now. You’ll learn: What endometriosis is (and common misconceptions)How doctors think about diagnosis and when to escalate careTreatment paths that actually help (meds, surgery, lifestyle)Fertility implications and decision pointsFirst steps this week and questions to ask your clinicWant live workshops and expert Q&A? Join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Learn more about Dr. Ryniec: https://www.ccrmivf.com/boston/jessica-ryniec-md/Follow Dr. Ryniec on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaryniecmd/ #Endometriosis

What genetic tests actually do—and what they don’t—so you know when to use them (and when not to). Practical next steps.Chapters below. For step-by-step guides + live Q&A, join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ You’ll learn: Screening vs diagnostic: what each actually tells youCarrier testing, NIPT, and embryo testing (PGT‑A/M): when it helps vs overkillLimits: false positives/negatives, VUS, and context (why “a result” ≠ a decision)Donor gametes: brief considerations for donor sperm/eggQuestions to ask your clinic + first steps this week 📚 Learn more about Dr. Thakur: https://www.genomeally.com/ #GeneticTesting #CarrierTesting #NIPT #PGT #Preconception #FamilyPlanning #WomensHealth #Fertility #TryingToConceive

If you could reduce medical risks for your future child, would you? A reproductive medicine doctor + geneticist explains what actually helps before pregnancy—so you know where to start today.You’ll learn: what genetic screening covers (and doesn’t), how to think about carrier testing and embryo testing, practical preconception steps to lower risk, and how to talk with your care team.Want live workshops and Q&A? Join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Guest: Dr. Mili Thakur, MD/Geneticist • Host: Lisa Schuman, LCSW 📚 Learn more about Dr. Thakur: https://www.genomeally.com/ 0:00 What you’ll learn1:12 Who is Dr. Mili Thakur3:15 Understanding the basics of genetics8:43 Screening vs diagnostic (what each does)11:52 How to approach genetic testing in a family building journey15:23 How to assess genetic risk in family building19:50 Carrier testing (how to use results)25:45 Questions to ask your clinic + first steps #GeneticTesting #CarrierTesting #NIPT #PGT #Preconception #FamilyPlanning #WomensHealth #Fertility

A fertility doctor who also has PCOS shares exactly what she does herself—and what she recommends to patients. Dr. Roohi Jeelani (MD, PhD) also breaks down ovarian aging, environmental toxin exposure, and the emotional/practical tools that actually help when you’re trying to conceive. You’ll learn: how to recognize symptoms and pursue diagnosis, what really helps (lifestyle, meds, support), how to think about toxins and ovarian aging, and first steps to start with confidence. Want live support and replays? Join the community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/Guest: Dr. Roohi Jelani (MD, PhD) • Host: Lisa Schuman, LCSW Follow Dr. Roohi Jeelani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roohijeelanimd/

Ashley “PCOSgurl” Levinson shares her PCOS journey—from diagnosis to national advocacy—and what actually helps when you’re overwhelmed.You’ll learn: how to recognize symptoms and pursue diagnosis, evidence‑aligned lifestyle and medical steps, advocacy lessons, and where to start if you think you might have PCOS.Want live support and workshops? Join our community: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Guest: Ashley Levinson (PCOSgurl) • Host: Lisa Schuman, LCSWFollow Ashley Levinson  on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcosgurl/ Why watch now: clear next steps and practical guidance you can use immediately—no fluff.

PCOS Awareness Month is coming—get the facts from a veteran reproductive endocrinologist. Dr. Kristen Cain shares evidence‑based steps that actually help PCOS patients improve fertility and overall health.Want live support? Meet Dr. Cain in our workshop and get expert guidance, stress‑reduction strategies, and community support. Join here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ 📚 Learn more about Dr. Kristen Cain: https://www.drkristencain.com/Follow Dr. Kristen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkcain/

Emily Patel, founder of Hopeful Mama Foundation and a mother through donor eggs, joins me to share a not-so-typical path to parenthood, one that reveals the stress, doubt, and decision-making traps families face during donor conception. Emily discusses why family is more than genetics, what she’s learned from the many women who seek support through her foundation, and how to find clarity when the stakes feel sky-high. You’ll learn     How stress can derail good decisions—and practical ways to slow down and choose well     What “family beyond genetics” looks like in real life     Themes Emily hears from women at Hopeful Mama  Resources & Links     Hopeful Mama Foundation: https://hopefulmamafoundation.org/     Follow Emily Patel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilympatel/     Building Your Family Community (courses, workshops, community):https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/     10 Things Donor Conceived Children Want Their Parents To Understand (free):https://familybuilding.net/new-newsletter-page/     Contact Lisa: www.familybuilding.net About the showThe Building Your Family podcast is a free service of the Building Your Family Community. Building Your Family Community is the only expert-created educational & support community for people using donor conception, surrogacy, or fertility treatment to build their families. Educational content only; not medical or therapy advice.

In this episode of Building Your Family, we explore a bold and different approach to IVF — one focused on streamlining treatment to make it more affordable while still maintaining quality care. Our guest explains why, for many patients, a standard IVF protocol can deliver the same results as highly customized treatments — in less time and at a lower cost. While a personalized approach that considers nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness is valuable for some, others could start treatment sooner and still achieve success without added complexity. If you or someone you care for is considering IVF, this episode is essential viewing. It’s a powerful reminder of why it’s so important to arm yourself with the right information and understand all of your choices. 📌 What You’ll Learn: When streamlined IVF is an effective option How standard protocols can save time and money Why not every patient needs an extensive customized plan How to talk with your doctor about your treatment choices 🎧 Listen on the Building Your Family podcast or watch here to get expert insights and help you make informed decisions. 📚 Learn more about Dr. Arredondo: https://pozitivf.com/Follow Dr. Arredondo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pozitivfertility/

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how strongly I believe in giving people evidence-based, trustworthy information — not myths or marketing. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, I introduce you to someone you probably haven’t heard of — but should. She’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in reproductive medicine who will walk you through what really happens in a fertility clinic lab. 🎧 You'll learn:     How decisions are made     What new technologies are promising — and what still needs evidence     The difference between hype and help when it comes to treatment success Whether you’re going through fertility treatment or just curious how it all works, this episode is packed with insights from someone who has built many labs and is driving advances in reproductive medicine and science.. 👉 Subscribe for more expert-led content: https://www.youtube.com/@buildingyourfamily💬 Let me know in the comments — what surprised you most? 📚 Learn more about Cynthia Hudson:Tomorrow Lab Sciences: https://www.tmrwlifesciences.com/NOVA Genomics: https://www.novagenomics.org/Perch Fertility: https://perchfertility.com/

Are you thinking about becoming a single mom by choice?Whether you're planning, questioning, or already on the path — this episode is for you. We’ve pulled together the most powerful moments from past interviews with: An experienced fertility doctor and single mom by choice Several single moms by choice Adults raised by single mothers Together, they answer the biggest questions we hear all the time:✔ Can I do this on my own?✔ What does the research say?✔ How do kids raised by single moms feel?✔ What are the real-life challenges — and joys? This is your must-watch guide to single motherhood, donor conception, and building your family with confidence and clarity. 🎧 Full episode available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms📌 Visit https://familybuilding.net/ to learn more about expert-led support

What is it really like to be a surrogate? This week on Building Your Family, we’re breaking down the myths and misconceptions about surrogacy with someone who’s lived it all. Our guest has been both an egg donor and a surrogate, and now runs her own surrogacy and egg donor agency. She shares her deeply personal story—including how it affected her husband, children, and relationship with intended parents—and the emotional and practical realities of every stage. Whether you're considering surrogacy, donor conception, or are simply curious, this episode will give you honest, first-hand insight you won’t find anywhere else. 👂 Tune in to learn: Why she chose to become a surrogate What she wishes more people understood How surrogacy can be a positive and life-changing journey for all involved 📌 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if this episode helped you or someone you love. 🔗 Watch more episodes or learn more at: https://familybuilding.net/ 📚 Learn more about Katy Encalade: https://createahappyfamily.com/Follow Katy Encalade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/

Want to boost your fertility and take control of your reproductive health? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, The Fertility Formula, to help you understand your body and make informed choices that support conception and overall health. We talk about the basics you may not have been taught in school, the impact of diet, toxins, and exercise, and what really moves the needle when you're trying to conceive. Whether you're just beginning to think about parenthood or deep into your fertility journey, this is a must-listen. Dr. Crawford empowers people to take back their reproductive future—and this episode will help you do the same. 👍 Like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who’s trying to conceive.🔔 Subscribe for expert fertility and family-building advice every week! Learn more about Dr. Natalie Crawford: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/Pre Order Dr. Crawford's new book: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/bookFollow Dr. Natalie Crawford on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/Learn more about Pinnacle: https://learnatpinnacle.com/Learn more about Fora Fertility: https://www.forafertility.com/ #FertilityFormula #DrNatalieCrawford #ReproductiveHealth #FertilityTips #TryingToConceive #WomensHealth #EggQuality #PregnancyPlanning #FertilitySupport #FertilityPodcast

In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Dr. Mari Mitrani—physician, researcher, and expert in regenerative health—joins us to explore the connection between lifestyle and reproductive health. We dive into questions people often ask:– Why do doctors talk about diet and exercise during fertility treatment?– What does the research say about food, movement, and reproductive well-being?– Can healthy habits support you before, during, or after trying to conceive? Dr. Mitrani brings her expertise in disease repair and health optimization into the fertility space, helping us understand how evidence-based choices around nutrition and exercise can contribute to overall wellness—through treatment and beyond. 📅 Subscribe for weekly expert interviews🎙️ Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts 📚 Learn more about Dr. Mari Mitrani : WebsiteFollow Dr. Mari Mitrani on Instagram

Did you ever wonder what matters most for a donor-conceived child’s self-esteem or for a child born with the help of a gestational carrier to feel truly connected to their parents? In this episode of Building Your Family, we speak with world-renowned researcher Dr. Vasanti Jadva, who shares findings from some of the most important long-term studies on families built through third-party reproduction. Dr. Jadva, a leading voice in the field, explains what really helps children thrive, emotionally, psychologically, and relationally. Whether you’re planning to use donor conception or surrogacy, or are already parenting a child born through these paths, this episode is filled with facts, practical tips, and reassurance to help you make confident, informed decisions and support your child’s identity and well-being. Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and evidence-based guidance from one of the best in the field. 👉 If you want to take a deeper dive into managing conversations with your children as they grow, take a look at our Developmental Milestones video course inside the membership platform. We look forward to seeing you inside.   📚 Learn more about Dr. Vasanti Jadva: https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/academics/vasanti-jadva   #DonorConceived #DonorConception #Surrogacy#LGBTQParenting #FertilitySupport #FamilyBuilding#ParentingTips #TalkingToKids #InfertilityJourney

Get the truth about IVF from one of the world’s most respected fertility doctors. In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, we talk with Dr. Richard Paulson, former president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a global leader in reproductive medicine. Dr. Paulson busts common fertility myths and offers practical, evidence-based suggestions on how to approach treatment, including what really matters when it comes to nutrition, supplements, and exercise. If you're trying to conceive or considering IVF, this episode is packed with expert insight you won’t find on social media. 🎧 Watch now and subscribe for more expert fertility advice.#IVF #FertilityExpert #FertilityFacts #IVFSupport #DrPaulson #FertilityPodcast Learn more about Dr. Richard Paulson: https://uscfertility.org/