Tips from the TTC community

In this penultimate episode of 2025, I wanted to share something a little different. This time of year can be incredibly difficult if you’re trying to conceive, dealing with loss, or navigating life after fertility treatment. So I gathered a brilliant group of patient advocates and professionals to offer their heartfelt, practical advice for getting through the holidays.

From awkward questions at the dinner table to setting boundaries and finding your tribe, this episode is full of small but powerful ideas to help you protect your wellbeing and find support, whatever your journey looks like.

What we discuss in this episode:

• Why you don’t need to shrink yourself to make others comfortable
• How to prepare phrases and "outs" for difficult conversations
• The power of setting boundaries and being selfish in the kindest way
• Finding your community and not navigating it alone
• What to say to that nosy aunt (or how to head it off entirely)
• Navigating solo parenthood, donor conception and surrogacy during the holidays
• Coping with involuntary childlessness and sitting in grief without guilt
• Why men need support too, and how to show up for each other
• Embracing joy in small ways, even during a painful season

You’ll hear from:

• Julianne Bouteloup, perinatal psychologist and founder of Parenthood in Mind
• Mel Johnson, solo motherhood coach from The Stork and I
• Aisha Balisaria, patient advocate and founder of Mind Body Revival Coach
• Michael Johnson‑Ellis, co‑founder of My Surrogacy Journey
• Kreena Dhiman podcaster, speaker and donor conception advocate - The Art of Being Brave
• Kev Button, founder of The Man Cave
• Hayley King, from Path to Parent Hub
• Vanessa Haye, writer, speaker and infertility advocate

Let’s keep the conversation going:

• Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• Email your thoughts or guest ideas: [email protected]
• Follow our advocacy work: @fertility.action
• Explore and connect with this episode’s guests via the links in the show notes
• Subscribe to the podcast to stay updated as we plan for 2026

Please know that whatever you’re feeling right now, you’re not alone. Your emotions are valid, and you deserve support. Take what you need from this episode, and share it with someone who might need it too.

Until next time.