The Fertility Forum Podcasts

Dr. Steve Lincoln of Genetics & IVF explains how to be an advocate for your fertility before beginning your cancer treatment. He gives shares the many options available to men and women before cancer treatment and after. Learn about pregnancy and fertility treatment after cancer. Understand what is available to you now, how quickly you can get in to see someone like him for a consult and the best way to make informed choices about both your cancer treatment and your fertility.

Who's insurance pays for treatment? Who pays the co-pay? What if she miscarries? What if you are in 2 different States? Should you get life insurance? Why get an independent attorney? These questions and more are answered by Diane Hinson, Esq. - the senior partner and founder of Creative Family Connections law firm. Her legal expertise to prospective gestational surrogates and intended parents ensures that "everyone has an understanding BEFORE hormones kick in!" Her own infertility struggles inspired a deviation in her prominent career and she has been helping all those that desire to create a family since then.

Are you covered as an intended parent using third party ART? Financially, post-birth, relinquishment, parental rights and more. If you are donating egg, sperm or embryo, are you safe from future obligations of paternity or financial obligations? Amy Demma, Esq. and Liz Swire Falker, Esq. explain why both intended parents and those donating should be signing much more than the clinic consent agreement. A contract is the only way both parties ensure they are covered in the present AND the future which ensures the social well-being of your future child. Tune in

Considering a gestational carrier to build your family? Know the difference between a surrogate and a gestational carrier? Where do you start, what should you look for in a clinic, a carrier, an agency? Greg speaks shares as a parent via surrogacy and the founder & owner of The Surrogacy Group, LLC based in Annapolis MD key points to consider as you look at your family building options. Find him at www.surrrogacygroup.com as well.

After years of infertility, PCOS, IUIs and IVFs, one of Kerri's sisters offered her eggs and thus the opportunity to become a mother. Listen as she tells her tale, it may sound familiar to you. If you are considering egg donation from someone you know, or FOR someone you know, learn what to think about, how to approach this family building dynamic, disclosure thoughts and what it is like to parent after pregnancy that was aided with a donated egg.

Barbara Blitzer, LCSW-C has written The Infertility Workbook to address a major cause of infertility - the worry, stress, thughts & feelings individually & in your relationships . It is comprehensive, yet fun and filled with exercises in mind-body medicine that will help you enjoy life (even if you aren’t trying to get pregnant) and long after you’ve been pregnant. Here she discusses her inspiration, what makes this book excellent for both patients and therapists that work w/this population, and you will get tips right away that you can use.

Considering asking someone you know to donate eggs for you? Wondering what type of person donates their eggs? Perhaps you are thinking about donating to your sister or friend because you have witnessed her struggle. Take a listen and learn what to consider before and after you do. This mother of two donated over 10 years ago and has seen the children she helped her friend create. What's the dynamic? What's important to keep your relationship healthy? How do you tell your family or any offspring born this way? Find out from the source as we discuss Known Egg Donation!

If infertility is taking its toll on your mind and body, if you need a way to nurture yourself or your marriage, if you feel the need to improve your health & chances at conception, tune in. Suzie Carmack, M.Ed., MFA, ERYT, PMA-CPT, Movement Consultant, International Speaker & Health Expert explains Sedentarism's effects on the Body, the hypothalamus/ovary connection, the benefits of yoga and the Model for Centered-Being.

"Adversity can be he best teacher" according to Helen Adrienne, LCSW, BCD a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Practitioner of Mind/Body Therapy and Author, On Fertile Ground: Healing Infertility. She has been helping individuals and couples since 1979 and kindly shares with listeners how hypnotherapy works for those dealing with infertility. Adrienne explains the role of the brain, how we must expect resistance and strive toward our "new improved version of self". Find out why her book is a #1 Best Seller, how to use her self-hypnosis tips and the challenge of "letting go" during your need for control as you strive to build your family. www.mind-body-unity.com. Contact Helen at: helen@mind-body-unity.com http://www.mind-body-unity.com/blog.php/ http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fertile-ground

Author, motivational speaker, life coach and former fertility patient Kristen Magnacca explains the importance of self love, gratitude, and compassion. She challenges you to build a better life for yourself in 21 days by forming new, easy, life altering habits. Her book "Love & Infertility" helps you visualize, nurture yourself and learn the communication style for yourself & your spouse. Don't miss out on critical information as you go through your family building journey in a warm, compassionate, down to earth way. Find her at www. kristenmagnacca.com

Feel you are keeping a secret and suffering? Not sure what to do with your desire for privacy and need for emotional support during your family building crisis? Tune in and listen to Fran Meadows, author and mother after a miserable, long, devastating and thrilling roller coaster ride. Infertility, stillbirth, marriage, counseling and more discussed.

Dr. Alice Domar is a pioneer in the mind-body field and Director of the Domar Center for Integrative Care at Boston IVF. Understand the relationship between stress and infertility and ways you can both prevent and reduce stress. Learn what happens to your body, mind and behavior when stressed, what you can incorporate to reduce your stress levles with the goal to improve your chances of conception and pregnancy. Learn what to look for when getting help for yourself and integrate her research into your journey to improve your odds and make your family building journey just a bit easier to endure. Find her and other valuable resources at www.domarcenter.com

Dr. Bill Petok, an expert in human sexuality and fertility, American Fertility Association Board Member, professional speaker and psychologist explains the evolution of the Culture of Masculinity and the losses men feel associated with infertility. Understand the difference between medically based infertility and sexual performance issues, the role of fatherhood and how men cope with infertility compared to women. Learn how common it is, that you are not alone and what you can do to get help. Find Dr. Petok at www.drpetok.com

Dr. Sweet of Embryo Donation International (EDI) explains how EDI makes donating embryos much more possible and comfortable for families and he profiles typical intended parents/recipients. He discusses both perspectives: why one should consider using a donated embryo and why one should consider donating unused embryos. Whether you are looking to build your family in this way or help another family have a long awaited child, tune in and get acquainted with the excellent options with of donated embryos.

Dr. Vito Cardone of Cardone & Associates Reproductive Medicine & Infertility has extensive experience as a Reproductive Endocrinologist. He talks about older moms, poor responders and fertility preservation. He is a wealth of information for women in their 40s and beyond considering motherhood. Using your own eggs into your 40s, donor egg, surrogacy and more. Getting the timing right is critical with ovarian reserve, listen and learn so you know which step to take for your family building.

Heidi Dupree R.N., CTN, & Energy Medicine Expert, explains what Energy Medicine is and what you can do on a daily basis to become more aware and mindful on your path toward healing. Heidi's own fertility struggle made her realize she had not yet healed her root cause of fertility pain. Now, an expert in her field, she uses Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Cranial Sacral Therapy, EFT techniques and much more - all discussed at length in her upcoming book ""The Other Medicine that Really Works" to help and heal patients ready to change. Heidi explains that "within our deepest pain is an opportunity ripe for healing."

Karin Thayer, CEO & Founder of Fertility PlanIt, shares her personal story of infertility and how she turned it into her passion creating "The Fertility PlanIt", a resource for patients and providers of fertility services to connect you, inform you and aid in all aspects of family building. Karin refused to listen when she was told NO, and empowered herself to find the way she would become a mom. You can too! Contact Karin at www.fertilityplanit.com and join her website to be current and connected.

Dr. Lincoln, Reproductive Endocrinologist at Genetics & IVF in Fairfax, VA (www.givf.com) explains the impact of age, health conditions and life stages on a woman's eggs and overall fertility. He explains everything from why the clock is ticking with women, when women are most fertile. Understand what FSH, AMH, Progesterone Day 21 and Clomid Challenge results mean for a woman's ability to get pregnant and how these tests can benefit you. Learn about fertility in your 20s, 30s and 40s, egg vitrification,donor egg and preserving your own fertility. Dr. Lincoln packs this hour with so much information you will need to take notes!

Elisabeth Carellas, Director of 'A Family of My Own' shares her decision to proceed with international adoption (twice) and preparing for special needs children. She is a down to earth mom that shares her non-stoppable desire to be a parent and her difficult choices along the way. Gain help in preparing for special needs children, the international adoption processes, the paperwork and the parenting. Reach her and her organization at www.afamilyofmyown.com

Erin Lasker, Executive Director of RESOLVE of New England discusses why the holidays can be so isolating, stressful and difficult for infertility patients. Her timing is perfect as we go into the next 2 months of office parties and holidays. She offers TIPS, SUPPORT and TRICKS for individuals and couples to get better control of social situations, family gatherings and traditions that may just need to be broken this year in order to take care of yourself during a trying time. Contact her & mentioned resources at resolveofnewengland.org.

Donor Egg Mom, Monica, talks about how she chose her donor, her thoughts and feelings about doing donor egg, disclosure, & the impact on her marriage and her old & new concerns now that she is a parent. She is available for questions at demom2011@yahoo.com and a must podcast for anyone considering, doing or having done donor egg to build their family. Tune it & don't forget to get Part 2 afterwards.

Dr. Carl Herbert of Pacific Fertility in the Bay Area, CA discusses the history of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and the ethical dilemmas over time as technology progresses. He speaks about near future technologies such as EGG BANKING and EGG FREEZING as well as the questions to be asking as you decide which treatment is right to build your family.

Lou Paget, Sex Educator, Author & International Guest Speaker discusses ways to assist in getting back in touch with your partner sexually during and after infertility. When Lovemaking has turned to Baby Making - we loose the enjoyment of touch, experience and closeness. Listen in & make sex fun and intimate again.

Michelle Ottey, Ph.D & Director of Operations at the Fairfax Cryobank set the record straight, debunking the myths about who donates, how and why. If you are thinking about donating sperm, or thinking of building your family using donated sperm, you need to take a listen! Military men donating to use later, those with medical treatment or conditions that may impact sperm production all benefit from this podcast. Take a listen.

My special guest, 10 year old Joseph, shares his conception story. He speaks about how his parents explained the need for donor egg, his theories on genes and personality, and his life experience. He is clearly ahead of his peers and at the same time, clearly just a kid that you will find both sweet and helpful.

Roger Panetta, coach, yoga instructor, husband and father talks about his 8 year effort with his wife to become a father. His perception, advice, coping tips and humor all give hope and supportive techiniques to the listener. Tune in to learn how he managed self care, career, marriage and ultimately, adoption and parenting.

My guest, Keiko Zoll, is the creator of "What IF: A Portrait of Infertility", the twice award-winning short film. As a popular infertility and women's health blogger at www.hannahweptsarahlaughed.com, writing about her own journey, providing support and advocacy for others facing infertility, and commenting on the latest infertility news headlines, she will share her story, her inspiration and her mission. Keiko is also the Director of Social Media and Communication for RESOLVE of New England. She has been seen and heard on The Huffington Post, Babble.com, WBZ-TV Boston, BlogHer.com and Tablet Magazine.

My guest speaks about her polyps, male factors, IVF cycles, miscarriages and stamina. She talks about her reaction upon hearing the news that she was carrying triplets, the high risk pregnancy experience and how she and her husband has handled 3 babies at one time! She gives resources, advice and shares wisdom for all pregnant with or dealing with higher order multiples.

Dr. Ash Kshirgager (Dr. K) of Potomac Urology and founder of The Washington D.C. National Institute for Male Fertility discusses the impact infertility can have on male libido, performance, ego and couple hood. He also discusses fertility issues that contribute to to ED, performance anxiety and low libido and what you can do about it.

Tune in to the Kick Off show! Phyllis speaks about the isolation and difficult factors that play into whether or not 3rd party reproduction choices are for you. Hear about upcoming shows, Phyllis' personal & professional background and Q&A dealing with donor egg, donor sperm and bonding when there is a genetic loss.