We would like to think of the fertility journey as all happiness, love, and bringing beautiful new life into this world. But the fact is that there is a dark side of legal issues, persistent medical effects, and emotional distress that many donors and surrogates don't know about before agreeing to donate or carry for IPs. In this episode, we talked to Diane Tober, Medical Anthropologist and Researcher at UCSF about her research and what issues she has seen as most prevalent within the dark side of the industry. Guest Bio Dr. Diane Tober Dr. Diane Tober is a medical anthropologist and associate professor at the University of Alabama. She is author of the book, Romancing the Sperm: Shifting Biopolitics and the Making of Modern Families. For the past several years, with funding from the National Science Foundation, she has been conducting research on egg donation in the United States and Spain. Resources  Diane Tober on Facebook Diane Tober on Instagram Diane Tober on LinkedIn Diane Tober on Twitter Diane Tober on YouTube Romancing the Sperm Egg Donor Research Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions Learn more about independent surrogacy: Surrogacy Roadmap On the blog: The Pros And Cons Of Surrogacy For Everyone Involved On the blog: Side Effects Of Egg Donation: Understanding The Risks On the podcast: Ep 43: Body Autonomy For Surrogates and Egg Donors On the podcast: Ep 62: The Overturning of Roe v Wade Impact On the Fertility Industry  Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed! Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

Ep. 68 | Dark Side of Surrogacy & Egg Donation

Who knew making a baby could be so hard?! Luckily, the fertility journey isn’t meant to be traveled alone. So grab a seat and let’s talk fertility and alternative family building with leading industry expert Eloise Drane here at Fertility Café! 

Fertility Café is here to support, encourage, and educate, anyone seeking to start or complete their family and the selfless women willing to help . This weekly podcast discusses all aspects of the fertility journey experience, emphasizing alternative family forming methods. Explore modern family building through IVF, surrogacy, and egg donation, sperm donation and embryo donation . Whether you’re a straight couple, LGBTQIA+, single individual or anything in between, considering egg donation, thinking of becoming a surrogate, or dealing with infertility, you'll receive insider information. 

Each week, join in-depth conversations that explore these methods from medical, legal, and financial standpoints. Learn how to empower yourselves when dealing with infertility and the unknowns of how to complete your family building. Gain understanding on how to become a surrogate or an egg donor and what you need to consider when you make your decision.

In addition to finding the best third-party providers and appropriate fertility solutions for you, learn about fertility awareness, the questions to ask and what steps you need to take to make the right decisions for you. There is so much information out there. How do you know what is fertility fact versus fiction. You’ll receive advice and tips on how to navigate the world of fertility options.  

Listen to fertility experts and medical practitioners as they impart valuable wisdom about all kinds of issues related to your fertility to include unexplained infertility, fertility preservation, PCOS, and fibroids to name a few. Their professional guidance is your best bet in increasing the likelihood of getting pregnant without fearing for your health or breaking the bank. 

This show is also for fertility professionals who want to widen their knowledge and expertise. By listening to fellow experts, discover brand-new information to share with your patients and improve your practice. 

Host Eloise has helped hundreds of people build (and grow) their families over the last 20 years. She always speaks candidly about the processes involved in making the dream of a baby a reality right now. Eloise helps individuals become surrogates and egg donors through Family Inceptions, an agency she founded in 2008. She highlights the importance of ethical and transparent practices. 

Above all, Eloise makes sure that young women who donate eggs or become surrogates are properly educated and empowered. Her reputation makes Eloise a top speaker and guest in many assisted reproduction technology events and shows. Her story and agency were even featured by OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. 

Eloise is not only a guide to surrogates and donors; she has been an egg donor six times and a gestational surrogate three times. She is a happily married mother of five who spends most of her free time with family. 

Failing to get pregnant should never lead to a life of regret, self-pity, and hopelessness. With egg donation, surrogacy, and medical advancements focused on fertility, your fight is far from over. You are not a lost cause. What you need is proper information, practical tips, and valuable insights on addressing your reproductive issues. Explore all this and more on the Fertility Café. 

Listen to the podcast right now at https://familyinceptions.com/fertility-cafe

Kids & Family

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Parenting

Health & Fitness

Embark on an enthralling exploration of the future of fertility in the landmark 100th episode of Fertility Cafe. This episode delves into the challenges the fertility industry is currently facing and how they are evolving. Discover what lies on the horizon and how changes in fertility on a massive scale will shape society, culture, and perceptions of third-party reproduction. Unravel the science and technology that needs to be advanced for transformative and scalable change. From the progression of IVF to the societal and cultural implications of fertility changes, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and knowledge. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of human reproduction! Guest Bio David Sable is the distinguished guest on today’s show, and he's highly respected in the field of reproductive medicine. He holds impressive degrees from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. David has built a remarkable career as an obstetrician and gynecologist, with a special focus on reproductive endocrinology. He’s also a co-founder of the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science and Reprogenetics, which are quite noteworthy. In addition, he’s an esteemed educator at Columbia University and shares his expertise through lectures on healthcare investing and biotechnology business development. You might have even seen him on TV sharing insights on reproductive medicine. With a plethora of board positions, advisory roles, and publications, David Sable is a true authority and a guiding light in the field. Resources  ●      Guest:  David Sable  ●      Learn more about our podcast:  Fertility Cafe  ●      Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency:  Family Inceptions  ●      On the podcast: Ep 1 |   Building a Modern-Day Family  ●       On the podcast: Ep 96 | The Baby Business  Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on  iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!  Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

Ep. 100 | The Future of Fertility: New Scientific Developments in Infertility Research

In this thought-provoking episode of Fertility Cafe, we engage in a crucial discussion titled "Bringing Equality to Reproduction for LGBTQ+ People." We're joined by the remarkable Dr. Mark P. Leondires, the force behind Gay Parents To Be and a respected leader in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Leondires brings his wealth of expertise and personal passion to this critical conversation, illuminating the unique hurdles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in their quest for parenthood.  From outlining the legal and policy barriers to exploring the emotional ramifications, Dr. Leondires provides an in-depth view of the complexities involved in accessing fertility treatments. We also dive into the current state of insurance coverage for such treatments and the significant advances in reproductive technology that can benefit the LGBTQ+ community.  As we venture into the future of LGBTQ+ fertility care, Dr. Leondires spotlights the important role that allies play in this landscape, advocating for more inclusivity and equality in reproductive healthcare. The episode wraps up with Dr. Leondires offering uplifting advice and encouragement for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples beginning their own path to parenthood.  This episode provides essential takeaways for everyone invested in understanding and advancing equality in fertility care, offering a blend of expert insights, real-world scenarios, and heartening messages of support. Tune in to gain a broader perspective on LGBTQ+ family-building in the evolving world of reproductive healthcare.  Guest Bio Dr. Mark Leondires is the Founder and Medical Director at Illume Fertility and the Founder of Gay Parents To Be, a family-building resource for the LGBTQ+ community. He is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility.  Resources  ●      Gay Parents to Be  ●      Illume Fertility  ●      Learn more about our podcast:  Fertility Cafe  ●      Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency:  Family Inceptions  ●      On the blog:  Helping You Have A Baby: LGBTQ Surrogacy And Egg Donation  ●      On the blog:  LGBT Surrogacy – Learning Your Options In Achieving Parenthood  ●      On the podcast: Ep 85 |  Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story  ●      On the podcast: Ep 57 |  IP: Single, LGBTQIA+, over 50, HIV+ Parents  Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on  iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!  Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

Ep. 99 | Bringing Equality to Reproduction

This episode of Fertility Cafe debunks common fertility and conception myths, focusing on topics like the overlooked role of male fertility, contributing to 20% of all infertility cases, and the clinical definition of infertility. It delves into the average time it takes to conceive and the crucial role of ovulation timing. The significant impact of lifestyle factors on fertility, such as stress, sleep deprivation, weight, and substance use, is explored. The importance of fertility tests and the need to view them in context with a full medical history is discussed, along with the proposal to make fertility testing part of regular medical care for women of reproductive age, promoting early understanding and informed family planning decisions. Resources  ●      Learn more about our podcast:  Fertility Cafe  ●      Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency:  Family Inceptions  ●      On the podcast: Ep 35 |  Infertility Epidemic  ●      On the podcast: Ep 79 |  Infertility Increase and Media Negative Reputation  Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on  iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!  Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

Ep. 98 | Debunking Myths The Truth About Fertility and Conception

In this episode, the focus is on the intersection of environmental factors and fertility, discussing how elements such as pollution, lifestyle choices, and daily products can influence reproductive health. The role of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in the current landscape of reproductive care is examined, highlighting its advancements, challenges, and potential future developments. The conversation extends to the critical importance of patient advocacy and education in fertility care. Emphasizing the necessity of understanding one's options and rights as a patient, this episode provides valuable insights and advice on self-advocacy and the pursuit of comprehensive care in the complex world of fertility treatments. Guest Bio Dr. Aimee, also known as the “Egg Whisperer,” is one of America’s most famous fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. Dr. Aimee is a Harvard-educated board-certified OBGYN, specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She has been featured in magazines like People and Marie Claire and has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning, along with a number of local and international newscasts. In her off-time, Dr. Aimee is a Mom to four rambunctious young kids aged 8 and under. Resources  ●      Dr. Aimee’s Website  ●      Learn more about our podcast:  Fertility Cafe  ●      Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency:  Family Inceptions  ●      On the blog:  How To Support Yourself As An Intended Parent  ●      On the blog:  Tips on Family Building through Surrogacy  ●      On the podcast: Ep 79|  Infertility Increase and Media Negative Reputation  Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on  iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!  Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

Ep. 97 | Fertility in the Modern Age: IVF, Environmental Impacts, and Quality Care

  One of my focus areas in this podcast is destigmatizing surrogacy and setting the record straight. We live in a world with new and evolving family-building choices, yet there is still a veil of mystery, suspicion, and misunderstanding over this topic. It's time we open up the conversation and lift that veil. Join me as I take a deep dive into what surrogacy is, who it’s for, as well as the importance of understanding all aspects of surrogacy for both potential surrogates and Intended Parents.      Resources   ●      Learn more about our podcast:  Fertility Cafe  ●      Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency:  Family Inceptions  ●      On the blog:  What Disqualifies You from Being a Surrogate? Your Questions Answered  ●      On the blog:  Surrogate vs Gestational Carrier  ●      On the podcast: Ep 73 |  Baby Bonding During & After Surrogacy  ●      On the podcast: Ep 80 |  First Hand Stories from an Intended Mother  Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on  iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!  Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

Ep. 68 | Dark Side of Surrogacy & Egg Donation

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