Embryology is such a mystery to so many of us. How in the world does an embryologist inject something that can't be seen by the naked eye into something the size of a speck of dust? And what exactly does a frozen embryo look like? How long do embryos take to thaw for transfer? My amazing guest, Kristen, is an embryologist in Australia and she is back on the show for a second time to answer these questions and so much more.

Show notes with all links mentioned available here: https://www.fabfertility.com/

The quarantine is really chapping our asses. Nothing new there! We talk about why the lack of groceries is cramping our style and what the latest and greatest is on our own journeys. We also talk about why it is easier to be happy about pregnancy announcements from women in our community than others and how we have mad respect for warriors on the other side. 

To catch up on Marti’s journey (our unofficial subject for today’s show) click HERE

To follow the beautiful Candace at @operationbabybump for major mama goals click HERE

Follow Alex HERE

Follow Blair HERE

For the yeast starter recipe Alex mentioned click HERE

Camille Gauty is a true inspiration to me in so many ways. Not only has her infertility story involving multiple rounds of IVF & eventual egg donation given me hope & motivation to persevere on my own journey, her commitment to finding a way to utilize relationships she has built in her acting career to benefit children in need inspires me to give back & be the best person I can be. I hope when she shares her story on this episode, she does the exact same thing for you.

https://www.fabfertility.com/

Mother's Day is a really rough day for the infertility community. It is day full of "what ifs" & "if only" on top of genuine gratitude and joy for those who do get to celebrate with their children. Guilt, jealously, pity & PTSD are all things we feel and that is ok.

Alex and I unpack this heavy ass baggage on this episode and hope that in addition to giving you advice on how to cope, we make you laugh as well. Sending love to all those aspiring mothers out there!

https://www.fabfertility.com/

Surrogacy. A topic I self admittedly don’t know much about simple because my journey hasn’t taken me there. That being said, it is a topic that intrigues me (and all of you) beyond belief. I have gotten so many requests to cover this topic so I am thrilled to bring this episode to you all. Ariel walks us through her own fertility journey that brought her her daughter, Scarlett, as well as how she got interested in surrogacy and how that ultimately has led her to match with three different families and have two live births. Don’t let my short summary infer her journey has been quick and easy. Surrogacy is complicated and she has been on a wild ride! We get into surrogacy logistics, the matching process, health assessments, psych evaluations, contracts and so much more. Her selflessness, genuine intention and infectious energy will have you hanging on every word. 

To follow Ariel on Instagram click HERE

To follow Fab Fertility on Instagram click HERE

To read the article about Ariel and her journey on Love What Matters HERE

https://www.fabfertility.com/

Alex and I have been complaining A LOT about out aging skin on our personal Instagram accounts lately, so we'd thought we bring the discussion to you via FFIF podcast episode. We talk about our current issues, regimens, brands we love and what our doctors are telling us to do and not to do during fertility treatment! We are sharing our "Retinoledge" if you will - ENJOY!

Follow Blair on Instagram HERE

Follow Alex on Instagram HERE

Honest Beauty, the line of products Blair is using can be found HERE

Osmia Organics is the line everyone raved about in response to my Instagram story about my skin issues - check that out HERE 

Deciem, the line of products Alex is using can be found HERE

Whew... NIAW/CIAW is coming to a close and man oh man has it been a whirlwind. Like many of you can probably relate to, this week dredges up so many emotions & PTSD from past fertility struggles but also brings so much awareness and community that it makes it all worth it. Alex and I get into this and per usual go off on the most random tangents imaginable. We love you all and are so honored (or as Alex would say honored) to have you as part of our squad!

Show notes here: https://www.fabfertility.com/

Samantha Busch is someone I have looked up to in the infertility community ever since I became a part of it. Her contagious energy and strong voice has raised so much awareness for our community. While she runs a company, home schools her sweet IVF babe, writes a book and joins her husband track side for his various NASCAR races, she also suffers. Suffers from infertility just like you and me. On today's episode she tells us her entire story and shares how it inspired her to start Bundle of Joy fund and many other infertility advocacy endeavors.

Show notes available with all links mentioned here: https://www.fabfertility.com/

HAPPY NIAW Friends! Bringing you a bonus episode as we kick off this incredible week. On this episode Ali Prato (my co-founder of Fertility Rally) tell you how we met, why we founded Fertility Rally, what it is all about and what we plan to do for NIAW. Love you all - let's raise awareness and blast the hell out of infertility stigmas!

What is essential? Well we can agree cheese, reality tv and happy hours are - that's for sure. But what about fertility treatment? On this episode, Alex and I recap what ASRM is saying, what Canada is doing and what our personal clinics are doing. We also talk about just how fucking resilient our community is. Our undying hope throughout this pandemic is nothing short of inspirational. So grab some cheese and wine and get ready for real talk and as always, reality tv recs.