Building your family

Donor Conception & Donor Eggs | Emily Patel (Hopeful Mama Foundation)

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.

Streamlining IVF: Affordable Fertility Treatment Without Compromising Success

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/

Latest IVF Technologies & Behind-the-Scenes Fertility Decisions

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/

Thinking About Being a Single Mom by Choice? Here's What You Need to Know

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 Like to Be a Surrogate? A Surrogate & Egg Donor Shares Her Story

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/

How to Improve Fertility: Dr. Natalie Crawford’s Formula for Reproductive Health

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

Fertility & Lifestyle: What Science Says About Diet, Exercise, and Reproductive Health

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

Helping Donor-Conceived Children Thrive – Advice from a Top Researcher

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

IVF Facts You Need to Know | With Dr. Richard Paulson, World-Renowned Fertility Expert

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/

Building LGBTQ+ Families with Love & Laughter | Jere Chang (@MsChangGifted) on Donor Conception & Pride

We’re wrapping up Pride Month with warmth, wisdom, and laughter. In this episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with educator, advocate, and beloved social voice Jere Chang (aka @MsChangGifted) and her wife OG Chang.
The couple shares their thoughtful insights about LGBTQ+ family building, raising donor-conceived children, and the power of inclusive education. You’ll hear real talk, get useful tips, and maybe even laugh out loud. Whether you're exploring donor conception, parenting in a queer family, or just need a little heartwarming inspiration, this one's for you.
🔔 Subscribe for more expert-led conversations on surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, LGBTQ+ family building, and parenting after infertility.
📲 Learn more here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/
📚 Learn more about Jere Ghang: https://mschanggifted.com/Follow Jere Chang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mschanggifted/Follow Jere Chang on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mschanggifted