Building your family
Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future. At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make these life-changing decisions with greater clarity, resulting in better outcomes and fewer regrets. We understand that many of the decisions you make along this journey can’t be undone, and that’s why our approach is all about offering you practical, actionable steps that you can start applying right now. Our educational components are tailored to help you think differently, make more informed choices, and take control of your experience—from fertility treatments to parenting strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your journey, Building Your Family is here to guide you with expert advice, specialized education, stress-reduction strategies, and the community support you need to make the best choices for you and your family. For more information, sign up for our newsletter, you will be able to stay up to date with the episodes, get information about our programs and most of all join our warm community. And follow us on social.// Monthly email: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Watch the podcast on YouTube http://bit.ly/3E49Z1k Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
Thinking about choosing donor conception to build your family? Today’s episode is a must-watch! Dr. Melnick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Cornell Fertility Center, shares expert insights on selecting a donor, making crucial fertility decisions, and balancing medical recommendations with personal values.
But this isn’t just a clinical perspective—Dr. Melnick used donor conception herself to become a single mother by choice. Her unique experience as both a fertility doctor and a parent through donor conception makes this conversation incredibly valuable.
In this episode, we cover:Choosing the right sperm or egg donorShould you use a known donor? Pros & consKey medical & ethical considerations in donor conceptionWhy patient autonomy matters in fertility decisionsDr. Melnick’s personal journey to parenthood
Whether you're considering donor conception, in fertility treatment, or just exploring options, this episode will give you essential insights from a leading expert who truly understands the process—both professionally and personally.
Subscribe for more expert fertility insights!Have questions? Drop them in the comments!
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Alexis Melnick
Website
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Two Dads, One Dream: Jeff Levin’s Surrogacy & Egg Donation Journey
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
How do two dads navigate the journey to parenthood through surrogacy and egg donation? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Levin, a therapist and proud dad, to hear the real story behind his path to fatherhood. From choosing an egg donor and surrogate to overcoming unexpected challenges, Jeff shares the highs, the hurdles, and the heartfelt moments that led him and his husband to the family of their dreams.
If you’re a same-sex couple considering parenthood—or simply curious about the process—this episode is packed with honest insights, expert advice, and inspiration for anyone on their own family-building journey.
Useful links from this episode:
Jeff Levin:Website
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Fertility & Stress: How Eastern Medicine Can Help with Dr. Susan Fox
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Struggling with stress and fertility challenges? 🌱 Acupuncturist Dr. Susan Fox brings decades of experience blending Eastern and Western medicine to help you feel better. In this episode, she shares insights on managing stress, improving reproductive health, and finding balance on your fertility journey.
🔹 How Eastern medicine views fertility & well-being🔹 Practical stress management techniques🔹 The role of acupuncture in reproductive health
Don't miss these expert tips to support your journey to parenthood!
Subscribe for more fertility insights!
Useful links from this episode:
Resolve websiteASRM
Dr Susan Fox
WebsiteHealth YouniversityFertility QuizEvent
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
How Fertility Clinics Screen Egg Donors | Ethics & Process
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Ever wondered what really happens when fertility clinics screen egg donors? Dr. Rudick, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Columbia University Fertility Center, shares the essential steps she takes to protect the emotional and physical well-being of both donors and recipients. With complex decisions and sometimes conflicting interests, she reveals how she balances ethics, science, and care. If you or someone you know is considering egg donation, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Useful links from this episode:
Dr. Briana Rudick
Website
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sperm Health & Testing: What You Need to Know | Dr. Justine Witzke
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Want to boost fertility? Sperm health plays a critical role, yet it’s often overlooked. In this episode of Building Your Family, we sit down with Dr. Justine Witzke, a Cornell-trained fertility expert and founder of Aligneage Fertility, to discuss sperm testing, preservation, and proactive fertility planning.
Why should you test sperm? How can you improve sperm health? Who should consider sperm freezing and why?
With more people preserving sperm for future family-building, understanding fertility preservation is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to conceive now or planning ahead, this episode gives you expert insights on sperm quality, reproductive health, and fertility options.
Listen now and take control of your fertility journey!
Subscribe for expert fertility advice & family-building tips!
Useful links from this episode:
Justine Witzke
WebsiteInstagram
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Fertility and Cancer: What You Need to Know
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Before starting cancer treatment, fertility preservation can give patients the chance to have a family in the future. While many know this is possible, few understand what happens inside fertility clinics, how to navigate the process, or what questions to ask.
In this episode, I talk with a leading mental health professional—also a cancer survivor—who shares what really goes on behind the scenes, the emotional challenges, and how to get the support you need. Whether you're facing a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this conversation can help.
Useful links from this episode.
Jennifer Gamper
Website
SART
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Keeping Love Alive: Sex & Intimacy in Family Building w/ Dr. Elizabeth Grill
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Struggling to keep the spark alive while navigating family building? In this Valentine’s Day special, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Grill to talk about sex, intimacy, and recalibrating your expectations when life gets overwhelming. Whether you're trying to conceive, in fertility treatment, or just looking for ways to reconnect, this episode will give you real strategies to help you sustain love, desire, and emotional connection—even in the toughest moments.
What You’ll Learn:How to shift your mindset from “performance” to true intimacyPractical ways to stay connected when life feels overwhelmingHow to navigate emotional and physical barriers to intimacyLong-term strategies to keep passion alive in your relationship
Don’t miss these expert insights—subscribe and share with someone who needs this today!
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Elizabeth GrillInstagram
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Fertility & Health: What Really Works with Dr. Camille Hammond
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Are you overwhelmed by social media advice on fertility and health? Dr. Camille Hammond joins Building Your Family to break down the basics of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices when trying to conceive. She exposes false claims, shares science-backed insights, and helps you focus on real, effective ways to support your fertility. If you’re tired of the noise and looking for expert guidance, this episode is for you!
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Camille Hammond
Cade FoundationASRMArticle
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Fertility & Solo Parenting: Trisha Cornwell on Thriving as a Single Mom
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
In this heartfelt episode, Trisha Cornwell, also known as the Solo Mama, opens up about her journey into solo parenthood with one child. She shares her experiences navigating fertility treatments, the emotional and practical realities of raising a child on her own, and how she balances it all with grace. Whether you're considering solo parenthood or are already on the journey, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for those walking a similar path. Tune in for a genuine and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to raise a child solo, from fertility to daily life.
Useful links from this episode
Trisha CornwellInstagram
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg, Medical Director of the ART Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, professor at Harvard Medical School, and President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), takes us behind the scenes of the ethical decision-making that shapes assisted reproductive technology (ART). Learn why it’s crucial to listen to organizations like ASRM, which work to ensure your safety, reproductive rights, and the best possible outcomes for your family-building journey. Dr. Ginsburg shares insights into how guidelines are established, the balance of cost, access, and care, and how ASRM advocates for policies that protect your interests. Whether you're exploring fertility treatments or curious about reproductive ethics, this conversation will help you understand what really goes into creating safe, effective guidelines for ART.
Useful links from this episode
Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg
ASRMResolveReproductive Facts

About Lisa
As an author, researcher, licensed mental health professional and an expert in donor conception, Lisa Schuman is passionate about helping people on their donor conception journeys. After decades of work on staff at some of the world’s best fertility clinics, running workshops for donor conceived children and meeting with thousands of donors and recipients, she has had the opportunity to help so many people find an easier path to parenthood.
She began her podcast to help people on a larger scale. Lisa and her guests will
will share the tools and truths they have learned and help you get the information you need to have a better path to parenthood or manage tough parenting issues.
Lisa has personally struggled with almost every type of fertility treatment and has committed her career to helping others avoid regret, manage stress and find better ways to build the families of their dreams. There is so much to know and it is all too important to leave up to chance.
Donor Conception Conversations is the one podcast devoted to people who have used, or are considering using donor conception to build their family. You are not alone. We are here to provide information, support and maybe even entertain bit along the way.
To learn more about Lisa or to find more resources check out www.familybuilding.net