Building your family

A long infertility journey to a dream family

Join us as we share a beautiful journey from a plan to become a single mom to becoming a family of four. This story is about hope, perseverance, and navigating the challenging road of infertility. Our guest, Lauren, made difficult decisions along the way and faced many treatments, including options she had never formally considered. Ultimately, she succeeded in her dream of building a family. From the emotional highs and lows to the moments of triumph, we hope her experience can offer support and inspiration to others facing similar struggles. 
Subscribe and follow our channel for more personal stories, tips, and advice on family, parenting, and overcoming challenges.
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
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A fertility story about love and resillence

The name Candace Wohl may not be widely recognized, but in the world of infertility advocacy, she is a superstar. Candace's journey to building her family was fraught with challenges. Her experiences could easily be mistaken for a plot from a television drama, but her story is all too real. Despite the hardships, she remained steadfast in her determination to create the family she and her husband had always dreamed of. Along the way, Candace learned invaluable lessons about resilience, communication in marriage, navigating conflicting emotions, and being a devoted mother even when life felt overwhelming.
Candace shares her insights on fertility treatment, surrogacy, adoption, and her role as a fertility advocate, helping others navigate their often turbulent paths to parenthood.
This is a beautiful story, and one not to be missed.
 
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

What you need to know about lesbian family building

Family building for lesbian couples using donor sperm has increased in recent years. However, many couples still struggle with the basic "how-tos." If you've been following me for a while, you know that I love to ease stress, provide factual information, and help people think ahead about their options so they can realize their dreams. Lesbian family building is one of those subjects that needs addressing.
In this episode, I break down the basics of what to consider, from starting the process of trying at home with an insemination kit to using IUI or InVoCell and moving to IVF. I also cover issues to consider regardless of which treatment you choose.
There is a lot to think about. If you are part of a lesbian couple or know someone who could use this information, I hope it serves you well.
 
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

Wisdom from the Sharon Moms

When you meet Brit and Sydney, I am sure you will love them as much as I do. This episode was such a pleasure to record. 
They are grounded, insightful, altruistic, and funny. In this episode, they will break down issues such as::
Tips for fertility treatment as lesbian moms-to-be
How to collaborate on tough issues and recognize each person's strengths in the relationship
Stressors faced by people who feel scared to have donor-conceived children
How to be positive and grounded, especially when it is easier not to be
They also talked about coming out, how their relationship has evolved, and their children. I feel like I could have talked to them for hours.  I’m sure you will feel the same when you hear this episode!
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

The top ten fertility and donor conception questions answered

This week, my co-author, Dr. Leondires, and I are thrilled to answer your Top 10 questions! Since releasing our book, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, we've been inundated with inquiries about fertility treatment and third-party reproduction. Many of these questions reflect what we encounter in our daily practices, so we've compiled a top ten list that we hope will be incredibly helpful for you.
In this episode:Pre-Insemination Tests: What should you consider before trying home insemination?Post-IUI/IVF Activity: Is it safe to exercise after these procedures?Choosing a Donor: What is most important?Open Donor Contracts: What essential information should you know?If you or someone you care about is struggling with infertility, this episode is packed with valuable information.
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

LGBTQ Advocacy Efforts for Equality and Acceptance

Want to make a positive impact on LGBT equality but not sure where to start? In this video, James Black, CEO of Family Equality, will educate us on the difficulties each of us faces on both a micro and macro level. You will be surprised to hear about issues that are not widely publicized but are crucial to our freedoms. These issues affect our loved ones and neighbors, as well as IVF and single parenthood.
Fortunately, James will also provide some simple steps we can take to make a difference in the world and in our communities.
 
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

Two queer couples unite to have a baby

To kick off Pride, we are airing a special episode. Lauren Brown made her debut on our podcastsome time ago when she talked about her family-building journey with her wife Amanda. Sincethen, she has become a gestational carrier for a lovely couple, Matt and Stephen. Together, theyare a winning team!
The couples have become very close and consider each other extended family. For those of youwho have doubts about surrogacy, watch this episode and you will quickly see how wonderful asurrogacy journey can be.
In a world where fear and anxiety often take center stage, I encourage you to remain open tostories like these. Sometimes the scary voices are louder, so it may take a bit of time or effort tofind another point of view, but I encourage you to do so.
We can easily see what is in front of us. This is true for politics, reproduction, and even ouremotions. Looking a bit further can help you open your eyes and your heart.I think this episode will do just that. Enjoy, and happy Pride!
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

Essentials for the at-home insemination success

In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Maureen Brown, the co-founder and CEO of Moisie Baby. Maureen shares her fertility journey and the path to developing the first FDA-cleared intravaginal insemination kit for over-the-counter use. She also delves into why her innovative tools are more effective and better suited for a woman's body, shedding light on the common challenges faced during home insemination.
 
This episode is interesting and inspiring.  Enjoy!
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

Surrogacy and more with Dr. Gago

People are often confused about why surrogates need certain tests that aren't required for women carrying their own pregnancies. They wonder why surrogates are held to a higher medical standard. Today, Dr. Gago, a fertility expert based in Michigan, will explain everything you need to know about surrogacy and the screening process. Dr. Gago is the ideal person to educate us, especially since Michigan recently became the last state to decriminalize compensated surrogacy. As Dr. Gago will discuss, Michigan's new law incorporates the best surrogacy requirements from across the country.
If you've ever wondered about surrogacy screening and why certain criteria are important, you'll find this episode very helpful.
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM
 

How to manage the fertility roller-coaster as a team

It's widely recognized that undergoing fertility treatment can be a source of significant stress, impacting not only individuals but also their relationships. Couples often find themselves surprised by the divergent feelings and opinions they encounter during their journey to build a family. This divergence can lead to tension, arguments, and feelings of anger, especially when faced with decisions like sharing information with others, financial considerations, the choice to pause treatment, donor selection, or the decision to continue treatment altogether.
In this upcoming episode, I'll delve into this common challenge, exploring why fertility treatment can strain relationships and offering a path to reframe the experience. By addressing these issues, couples can begin to mend their relationship and confront the challenges of fertility treatment, family dynamics, and the road ahead with unity and resilience.
 
If you are interested in any of the topics discussed in this episode...
Subscribe to the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecenterforfamilybuilding
You can also find me and lots of great resources at https://familybuilding.net/
Join our community, We would love to have you. https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/
Author: Building Your Family; The Complete Guide to Donor Conception https://read.macmillan.com/lp/building-your-family/
Follow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyBuild
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@familybuildingcenter
Looking for My Lifebook? https://a.co/d/deSACrM