The fertility journey can feel overwhelming, but finding moments of passion, purpose, and joy along the way can make all the difference. In this episode of Fertility Village Live, hosts Caley and Sarah sit down with Elizabeth Carr, the first IVF baby born in the United States, for a fascinating conversation about her unique experience and passion for fertility advocacy.

Elizabeth shares what it was like growing up as a pioneer of reproductive technology, how her story shaped her mission to support others on their fertility journeys, and her thoughts on the Netflix film Joy, which tells the story of the first successful IVF procedure.Together, they explore how far fertility treatments have come, the challenges that still exist, and the importance of community and support along the way. They also discuss critical topics like the lack of global fertility regulation, the need for better insurance coverage, and how patients can advocate for themselves in an ever-evolving reproductive health landscape.It’s an insightful and inspiring conversation about the past, present, and future of IVF—and a reminder that no one should have to navigate infertility alone.✨ Tune in live on Facebook, Instagram, and Instagram @OasisFSN @fertility__village and visit us at oasisfsn.com for more resources. Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

In this episode of the Oasis Fertility Podcast, Kelly courageously shares her journey through infertility and miscarriage, shedding light on the emotional and physical challenges of loss and fertility challenges. She speaks from the heart about the isolation she felt, particularly when the support she needed wasn't readily available or understood by those around her. This journey led Kelly to the Butterfly Run, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals through pregnancy loss and infertility.K

Kelly, who now sits on the board of the Butterfly Run, has seen firsthand the incredible value of having resources and communities available to help people heal. She speaks passionately about the importance of having spaces where those grieving or navigating infertility can find understanding and support—whether through group counseling or one-on-one sessions. She reflects on how vital it is to have the opportunity to connect with others who truly know what you're going through.

The Butterfly Run is expanding to offer more support around infertility, and Kelly highlights how important it is for these services to evolve alongside the needs of individuals struggling with both loss and infertility. Kelly’s story is a reminder that while these experiences can feel incredibly isolating, there is hope in community, and organizations like the Butterfly Run play a crucial role in offering that connection.

Her journey also sheds light on the need for a greater awareness of women’s health, emphasizing how much more needs to be done to provide proper resources, understanding, and emotional support. Kelly’s reflections about her own family and her vision for a world where more women feel supported and understood are truly touching and inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that healing can begin with finding those who truly understand—and that no one has to go through this alone.

More info about Butterfly Run:

https://www.butterflyrun.ca/

** TRIGGER WARNING ** PREGNANCY LOSS ** We want to inform our listeners that this particular episode mentions the sensitive topic of miscarriage. We understand the potential impact it may have on some individuals, and we sincerely apologize if it triggers any discomfort or distress.**

--> We are not medical professionals or mental health practitioners, so please be sure to listen to your doctor and health care professional's advice, above all else. Our hope with each story we share on this Podcast, is that you find something and can relate in some way that brings you a sense of community and hope.

Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and become a part of our compassionate and supportive community. We welcome you.

Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network:

WEB:⁠ ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠⁠

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EMAIL: ⁠info@oasisfsn.com

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⁠⁠This episode was recorded at Crescent Health Collective in the Zen Den - find out more here⁠ ⁠https://crescenthealth.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@crescenthealthcollective⁠⁠

#infertility #ivf #fertilitytreatment #fertilitystory #fertilitystories #Fertility #infertilitystories #ivfwarrior #fertilitycommunity #youarenotalone #miscarriage #recurrentpregnancyloss

Love, Sex & Relationships: Navigating intimacy through infertility with special guest Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlichwho specializes in Sex and Couples Therapy and has a wealth of experience working with individuals and couples who are navigating infertility, perinatal mental health, and relationship dynamics. As a past fertility patient and someone who truly understands the journey, this will be an incredibly valuable and important conversation if you are navigating infertility with a partner.As a past fertility patient herself, Dr. Arielle deeply understands the challenges couples face and offers compassionate guidance on navigating intimacy during this journey. Infertility can take a toll on intimacy, relationships, and self-connection. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich, a specialist in sex and couples therapy, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation. What We Cover in This Episode:💛 How infertility impacts relationships and communication💛 Navigating intimacy when trying to conceive feels like a chore💛 Managing emotional and physical connection through fertility treatments💛 Overcoming guilt, pressure, and relationship strain💛 Rebuilding intimacy outside of the fertility journeyIf you’re facing infertility with a partner, this conversation is a must-listen. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, emotional support, or reassurance that you’re not alone, Dr. Arielle’s insights will leave you feeling seen and supported.✨ Tune in now! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs this conversation.Connect with Dr. Arielle@dr.arielle.therapyBook Recommendation: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman#Infertility #Relationships #SexTherapy #FertilityJourney #CouplesSupport

February 5, 2025 – Choosing Love: A single journey to parenthood without a partner with special guests Reema, Melissa, and host Joy.

This conversation explores the journey of single parenthood, focusing on the experiences of three women, Reema, Joy and Melissa, who chose to become single mothers using assisted reproductive technology to start their family. They share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, the support systems they built, and the cultural stigmas they navigated. This conversation explores the journey of single motherhood by choiceand the benefits of solo parenthood, dating during fertility treatments, and the process of choosing a sperm donor and focusing on the sperm donation process, the importance of community support, and the financial challenges faced by single parents. The speakers share their personal experiences in selecting sperm donors, navigating fertility treatments, and the emotional and practical aspects of raising children as single parents. They emphasize the significance of having a supportive network and the need for better reproductive health education for women.

Takeaways:

-Each woman's journey to single parenthood is unique.

-The decision to become a single parent often comes after much contemplation.

-Support from family and friends is crucial during the journey.-Cultural stigma can create additional challenges for single mothers.

-Many women wish they had started their fertility journey sooner.-Solo parenthood allows for personal autonomy in parenting decisions.

-Dating during fertility treatments can be complex and varies by individual.

-Community support, including online networks, is invaluable for single parents.

-Choosing a sperm donor involves careful consideration of personal values and preferences.

-Conversations about single parenthood help break down societal stigmas. Sperm donation in Canada is primarily altruistic.

-Choosing an open ID donor can benefit the child.

-Genetic testing is crucial when selecting a donor.-Building a community among donor families provides support.

-Financial challenges are common for single parents.

-Having a flexible workplace can ease the fertility journey.

-It's important to know your fertility options early.

-Support groups can be invaluable during the journey.

-Women should be aware of their fertility health.

-The emotional toll of being a sole decision maker is significant.

Connect with Reema@choicemomcoach

Connect with Melissa@singlemotherbychoicecanada

Follow Fertility Village on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @fertility__village⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about Oasis FSN at ⁠⁠⁠@oasisfsn⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to tune in LIVE every Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST for another great episode;

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In this powerful episode, we are joined by Teri Hart, an entertainment reporter, producer, content creator, public speaking coach, and passionate advocate for those navigating fertility struggles. Teri shares her deeply personal journey discussing the emotional and physical challenges she faced throughout her infertility journey that ended with walking away from her dream of having a child. Her message is clear, it's okay to stop and life can still be incredible.

She opens up about the strength it took to overcome obstacles and the difficult decision to walk away from the idea of motherhood she once envisioned. Despite these challenges, Teri is now in a place of peace and empowerment. She uses her platform to support and uplift others facing similar struggles, offering invaluable insights and advice to those on their own fertility journeys.

Teri’s resilience, advocacy, and passion for helping others shine through in this episode. she is a true inspiration. Don’t miss her amazing story and the encouragement she offers for anyone navigating the complexities of fertility.

CONNECT WITH TERI:
Instagram: @terihart

Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network:

WEB: ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠

SOCIAL: ⁠@oasisfsn⁠

EMAIL: ⁠info@oasisfsn.com ⁠

⁠SIGN UP FOR A SUPPORT GROUP HERE ⁠

This episode was recorded at Crescent Health Collective in the Zen Den - find out more here ⁠https://crescenthealth.ca/ ⁠ ⁠@crescenthealthcollective⁠

** TRIGGER WARNING ** PREGNANCY LOSS ** We want to inform our listeners that this particular episode mentions the sensitive topic of miscarriage. We understand the potential impact it may have on some individuals, and we sincerely apologize if it triggers any discomfort or distress.**

Important Note: We are not medical or mental health professionals, so please follow the advice of your doctor and healthcare providers. Our goal with each episode is to share stories that resonate with you, foster a sense of community, and inspire hope.

Subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode, and join our compassionate, supportive community. We are here for you.

#childlessnotbychoice #infertilityjourney #fertilitysupport #mentalhealth #fertilityadvocacy #fertilitystories #infertilityawareness #resilience #hope #oasisfsn

January 29th, 2025 - In this episode of Fertility Village Live, hosts Sarah and Caley engage with Dr. Meivys Garcia and Dr. Marta Wais from Markham Fertility Center and @MyFertilityPodcast to discuss the fundamentals of fertility and infertility. They explore common causes of infertility, the essential tests for new patients, and the IVF process, including the differences between fresh and frozen embryo transfers. The conversation also covers the emotional aspects of fertility treatments, including the 'WTF' appointment after failed cycles, and the innovative immune protocols used in fertility treatments. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolving landscape of assisted reproductive technology and the importance of staying informed about new research. In this conversation, Dr. Wais and Dr. Garcia discuss the latest advancements in fertility treatments, the emotional journey of patients, and the importance of support networks. They emphasize the need for self-care among caregivers and the significance of understanding lining thickness in embryo transfers. The doctors share their insights on how emotional health impacts treatment outcomes and the role of hope in the fertility journey.Takeaways-Infertility can stem from both male and female factors.-Age-related infertility is a significant concern for many.-Unexplained infertility accounts for about 30% of cases.-Basic fertility tests include blood work and ultrasounds.-IVF involves a series of injections and monitoring.-Mini IVF uses fewer medications than standard IVF.-Fresh embryo transfers are typically done five days after retrieval.-The 'WTF' appointment helps analyze failed cycles and plan next steps.-Immune protocols may help with recurrent implantation failure.-Assisted reproductive technology is constantly evolving. The field of fertility is rapidly evolving with new advancements.-Genetic testing of embryos is becoming more sophisticated.-Emotional support is crucial for patients undergoing fertility treatments.-Patients often need someone to listen and provide hope.-Support networks outside of clinics are essential for coping with infertility.-Self-care is vital for healthcare providers to maintain their effectiveness.-Lining thickness is important but not the sole factor in successful transfers.-Empathy plays a significant role in patient care.-Sharing personal experiences can enhance patient trust and connection.-Finding balance between professional and personal life is key for caregivers.Find Dr. Garcia and Dr. Wais on Instagram and at @MyFertility Podcast or www.markhamfertility.com

Dr. Garcia on Instagram

Dr. Wais on Instagram

Follow Fertility Village on Instagram⁠⁠ @fertility__village⁠⁠

Find out more about Oasis FSN at ⁠⁠@oasisfsn⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠⁠

Don't forget to tune in LIVE every Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST for another great episode;

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January 22nd, 2025 - In this episode, Erin and Ashley discuss the complexities of fertility treatment in Canada with special guest Carolynn Dubé, the executive director of Fertility Matters Canada. They explore the emotional and financial challenges faced by individuals seeking fertility treatment, the advocacy efforts for equitable access to care, and the varying funding models across provinces. Carolynn shares her personal fertility journey and the importance of community support and awareness in navigating these challenges.

The conversation highlights the need for systemic changes to improve access to fertility treatments and the ongoing efforts to advocate for better funding and support for those affected by infertility. In this conversation, Carolynn Dubé discusses the current landscape of fertility care in Canada, highlighting advancements in IVF funding, the barriers faced by individuals seeking treatment, and the advocacy efforts being made to improve access to care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and individual advocacy in navigating the fertility journey, as well as the need for a national strategy to address declining birth rates and support diverse family-building options.Key Takeaways:

Fertility treatment can be overwhelming and emotional. Advocacy is crucial for equitable access to fertility care. Funding for fertility treatments varies widely across provinces. Many provinces lack adequate funding for fertility treatments. The average cost of IVF in Canada is around $20,000. Quebec has one of the most robust fertility funding programs. Ontario is increasing funding to triple access to care. Alberta currently has no fertility funding program. Community support is vital for those facing infertility. Personal stories can drive advocacy and change in fertility care. Infertility is now recognized as a medical diagnosis. Only a small percentage of those needing fertility care actually access it. Geographical barriers significantly impact access to fertility clinics. Advocacy is crucial for improving fertility care policies. Government engagement is essential for funding and support. Community support can greatly enhance the fertility journey. Traveling for treatment adds layers of stress and complexity. Fertility care should be viewed as a health issue, not a lifestyle choice. Individuals can play a role in advocating for better fertility benefits. Support systems outside of partners are vital for emotional well-being.Find Fertility Matters Canada onhttps://www.fertilitymatters.ca/

@fertility_canadaon Instagram

Follow Fertility Village on Instagram⁠⁠ @fertility__village⁠⁠

Find out more about Oasis FSN at⁠⁠@oasisfsn⁠⁠ or⁠⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠⁠

Don't forget to tune in LIVE every Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST for another great episode;

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January 15th, 2025 - In this episode of Fertility Village Live, hosts Joy and Marissa welcome Dara Roth-Edney MSW/RSW, a reproductive counselor and psychotherapist, who shares her personal journey through infertility and surrogacy. Dara discusses the emotional challenges faced during her fertility journey, the complexities of finding the right surrogate, and the importance of trust and meaningful relationships in surrogacy. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked emotional scars of infertility and the need for support and understanding in the surrogacy community.

In this conversation, Dara addresses the emotional challenges faced during fertility treatments and offers practical advice for navigating these experiences. The discussion highlights the significance of having a supportive network, managing expectations, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the journey. We end with her top 10 mindset tools that will provide hope and strength on your fertility journey.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Dara emphasizes the loneliness of the infertility journey.
• She shares her personal experience with IVF and surrogacy.
• The emotional toll of infertility can be overwhelming.
• Surrogacy can bring hope but also grief for intended parents.
• Trust and connection with a surrogate are crucial.
• Infertility doesn't just disappear with a successful pregnancy.
• The importance of recognizing the surrogate's motivations.
• Surrogacy relationships can be complex and require adjustment.
• Dara reflects on the long-term impact of infertility.
• It's essential to honor the emotional scars left by infertility. Altruism in surrogacy is essential but often imbalanced.
• Trust in your medical team is crucial during fertility treatments.
• Open communication between surrogates and intended parents is key.
• Expectations should be managed to avoid shock during treatments.
• Creating a supportive environment can ease the emotional burden.
• Visualizing small successes can help maintain motivation.
• Surround yourself with understanding and empathetic people.
• Practicing self-compassion is vital during challenging times.
• Distress does not impact the success of treatments but can affect well-being.
• Honoring your emotions is important for mental health.

Find Dara athttps://informedfertility.ca/

Follow Fertility Village on Instagram⁠ @fertility__village⁠

Find out more about Oasis FSN at⁠@oasisfsn⁠ or⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠

Don't forget to tune in LIVE every Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST for another great episode;

⁠Link to YouTube⁠

⁠Link to Facebook⁠

⁠Link to Instagram