After more than 20 years of infertility, six miscarriages and several failed rounds of IVF, Arvis Carmichael-Smith returns with the update she once feared would never come.

When she last spoke with Eloise Drane, she was preparing for one last attempt. Now she shares how that final try became the pregnancy she had prayed for at age 51.

Eloise guides Arvis through the turning points that finally brought answers, including the second opinion that uncovered the simple but long-missed issue preventing her from carrying a pregnancy. Arvis describes the cautious hope she felt as her numbers continued to rise and the joy of finally experiencing pregnancy after so much loss.

The conversation shifts when Arvis recounts the medical emergency that unfolded during delivery. What began as a planned C-section became a life-threatening crisis when an undetected placenta accreta caused massive bleeding, an emergency hysterectomy and a severed ureter that left her facing months of painful recovery.

Through every complication, Arvis explains how faith, community and relentless self-advocacy kept her alive. Her daughter arrived healthy. Arvis survived against all odds.

“My miracle did not come without a fight.” – Arvis Carmichael-Smith

Guest Bio:

Arvis is a middle school science teacher with a passion for nurturing and mentoring kids. This desire sparked an interest in her becoming a teacher eight years ago. She is an advocate for children, animals, and the elderly. She also loves hiking, nature walks, and travel. Arvis lives in Hampton, Georgia with her husband and their one year old daughter.

You’ll hear about:

Episode Resources:

Fertility for colored girls - https://www.fertilityforcoloredgirls.org/

Related episodes:

Ep 87 – When Fertility Treatment Doesn’t Work

https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-87-when-fertility-treatment-doesnt-work/

Ep 121 – Inside Modern Fertility Care — IVF, Surrogacy, Egg Donation & Family Building
https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/beyond-ivf-surrogacy-egg-donation-the-future-of-fertility-care/

Ep 97 – Fertility in the Modern Age: IVF, Environmental Impacts, and Quality Care
https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-97-fertility-in-the-modern-age-ivf-environmental-impacts-and-quality-care/

Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources

There's a part of the fertility process most people never really get to see. After all the appointments, medications, and procedures, things move into the lab, and from the outside, it can feel distant and hard to follow.

In this episode, host Eloise Drane sits down with clinical embryologist Alease Daniel Barnes to pull back the curtain on what actually happens in the IVF lab. Alease breaks down the technical processes patients are often expected to navigate with limited explanation: embryo grading, ICSI, PGT testing, and cryopreservation.

The conversation covers what those numbers and letters on embryo reports really mean, when genetic testing is actually necessary versus overused, and why ICSI has become routine in the U.S. despite similar success rates with conventional insemination. They also discuss the logistics that don't always get addressed, how embryos are stored, shipped, and preserved long-term.

If you're navigating your own fertility journey this episode gives you the knowledge to ask better questions and make more informed decisions about your care.

"IVF doesn't guarantee you a baby, neither does freezing eggs." - Alease Daniel Barnes

You'll Hear About:

Connect with Alease: 

Instagram:  @alease_the_embryologist

TikTok: @aleasetheembryologist

Website: https://aleasetheembryologist.com/

Resources mentioned:

Related episodes:

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

https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-97-fertility-in-the-modern-age-ivf-environmental-impacts-and-quality-care/

Ep 102 - Beyond the Clinic: Why the Fertility Lab is Key to Your Success

https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-102-beyond-the-clinic-why-the-fertility-lab-is-key-to-your-success/

Ep 121 – Inside Modern Fertility Care — IVF, Surrogacy, Egg Donation & Family Building

https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/beyond-ivf-surrogacy-egg-donation-the-future-of-fertility-care/

Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources

Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/ 

Ever wondered what really happens if something goes wrong during a surrogacy or egg donation journey and who’s responsible for the bill?

When it comes to third-party reproduction (surrogacy, egg donation, or embryo donation) insurance can be one of the most confusing and overlooked parts of the journey. But as Virginia Hart from ART Risk Solutions explains, it’s also one of the most critical.

In this episode, host Eloise Drane sits down with Virginia to demystify the complex world of fertility insurance, what’s covered, what’s not, and how to make sure everyone involved in a surrogacy or donor arrangement is fully protected. From complications and medical coverage to life insurance and newborn care, Virginia breaks down what you must know before signing any contract or starting treatment.

Whether you’re an intended parent, surrogate, donor, or professional in the fertility field, this episode offers the clarity and confidence you need to safeguard your journey.

Timestamps:

Connect with Virginia: 

Instagram:  @art.risk.solutions

Website: https://www.facebook.com/artriskfinancial/  

Resources mentioned:

Related episodes:

Ep. 95 | Surrogacy Health Insurance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-95-surrogacy-health-insurance/id1497045909?i=1000621479004

Ep. 50 | Fertility Insurance with Jason Smith: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-50-fertility-insurance-with-jason-smith/id1497045909?i=1000542435581 

Ep. 42 | State Advocacy with Mollie Walker & Chelsea Caldwell: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-42-state-advocacy-with-mollie-walker-chelsea-caldwell/id1497045909?i=1000536472084 

Ep. 16 | Gaining Fertility Benefits and Insurance with Advocate Davina Fankhauser: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-16-gaining-fertility-benefits-and-insurance/id1497045909?i=1000490477470 

Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources

Website: thefertilitycafe.com
Instagram: @fertilitycafe

In this solo episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane breaks down one of the most buzzed-about topics in modern fertility: egg freezing. Once considered a niche medical intervention, egg freezing has become a mainstream option for those seeking to preserve their fertility, but what does it really involve?

Eloise takes you through the entire landscape, from the medical process and emotional considerations to the financial realities and cultural shifts. She unpacks how egg freezing evolved from a last-resort treatment to a proactive choice, what it actually looks like to go through a cycle, and why access remains unequal despite growing interest.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered:

“Is egg freezing right for me?”

“What’s the real cost, and not just financially?”

“How does this intersect with identity, access, and equity?”

Whether you're exploring your options or simply trying to understand the conversation more deeply, this episode offers real talk, grounded insights, and the kind of honesty that Fertility Café is known for.

Mentioned Resources:

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM.org)

FertilityIQ.com

Tune in for a thoughtful guide through the myths, facts, and nuances of egg freezing, because your timeline, your body, and your decisions deserve clarity and care.

What happens when every path to parenthood seems to close? For Erica Ferraro, the answer was egg donation—a deeply emotional and empowering decision shaped by a long, painful battle with undiagnosed endometriosis. In this powerful episode, Erica joins host Eloise Drane to share the real story behind her journey: the years of misdiagnosis, the trauma of IVF failure, and the healing that came from choosing donor conception.

You’ll hear:

-What it’s really like to receive an endometriosis diagnosis after two decades

-Why Erica believes egg donation is a form of organ donation—and not “less than”

-Honest insights on grieving genetic loss, finding the right donor, and parenting after donor IVF

-How her new book, Moving Mountains for Motherhood, became the U.S.'s first professionally published infertility survival guide

Whether you’re navigating your own fertility journey or supporting someone who is, this episode is a raw, real, and hopeful reminder that love—not biology—defines family.

Moving Mountains for Motherhood is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.
Connect with Erica on Instagram @eri.ferraro

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode to support more honest conversations about modern family building.

#FertilityCafe #EggDonation #EndometriosisAwareness #DonorIVF #InfertilitySupport #ModernParenthood

In this heartfelt episode, Ashley Hengston opens up about her deeply personal path from infertility to motherhood through surrogacy. She shares the emotional highs and lows—from the grief of infertility to the complex decisions involved in choosing surrogacy. Ashley walks us through the process of matching with a surrogate, navigating medical and legal steps, and managing the emotional terrain of pregnancy and birth.

This conversation sheds light on the importance of trust, preparation, and communication in the surrogacy journey. Ashley candidly discusses the emotional impact of the birth, her experience with postpartum depression, and how intended parents can stay connected throughout the process. She also shares the value of community and support groups for those navigating the often isolating road of infertility.

Whether you’re considering surrogacy or supporting someone who is, this episode offers raw insight and real encouragement.

Have questions about your surrogacy journey?

Speak with our expert team today: https://familyinceptions.com/intended-parents/

Stay Connected

Instagram: @fertilitycafe

Facebook: @fertilitycafe

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/

All information shared is for educational purposes and subject to change. Always consult with a medical or legal professional for personalized advice.

What exactly is a fertility coach—and how do you know if you need one?

In this solo episode, host Eloise Drane explores the supportive, grounded world of fertility coaching. Whether you're navigating IVF, considering egg freezing, or feeling stuck in the quiet in-between spaces of family building, this episode is a gentle guide to the kind of support many people don’t know is available—and deeply need.

Eloise breaks down what fertility coaches actually do, how they differ from therapists and doctors, and why this kind of care can be invaluable when you're facing overwhelming decisions, emotional burnout, or pressure to figure everything out alone.

This isn’t about doing more—it’s about finding support that helps you feel more like yourself in the middle of it all.

(00:00) A moment of post-appointment overwhelm many listeners will recognize

(01:45) The invisible mental load of fertility—and why support often comes too late

(04:55) What a fertility coach actually does (and doesn’t do)

(10:17) How coaches differ from therapists, doctors, and even your inner circle

(15:22) The different types of fertility coaches: emotional, logistical, holistic

(20:05) Who fertility coaching is for—and why it’s not just for IVF

(26:32) Who may not need coaching right now (and why that’s okay)

(29:40) Why support doesn’t have to wait until you’re at your limit

(32:08) Letting care be part of the plan—not just a response to crisis

Website: thefertilitycafe.com
Instagram: @fertilitycafe

Why are ambitious women waiting too long to think about fertility preservation, and what's the real cost?

Host Eloise Drane welcomes Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris, a dual board-certified physician in OB-GYN and obesity medicine who brings both clinical expertise and deeply personal experience to today's conversation. Dr. Chatterjee-Morris has navigated her own challenging fertility journey, including multiple egg retrievals, donor eggs, and preparing for surrogacy while maintaining a demanding medical practice. Her unique perspective as both physician and patient offers invaluable insights for women balancing high-pressure careers with family planning decisions and fertility preservation choices.

This episode explores the complex reality of fertility treatment for ambitious women in leadership roles, covering egg-freezing decisions, the challenges of coordinating IVF cycles with demanding schedules and navigating fertility clinic experiences. Discussion includes the importance of early fertility preservation, advocating for yourself in medical settings, weight-related barriers in fertility treatment, and the emotional journey of third-party reproduction. Dr. Chatterjee-Morris shares practical advice about choosing fertility clinics, understanding BMI requirements, and making informed decisions about donor eggs and gestational carriers while managing autoimmune conditions.

In This Episode: 

Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

Resources:

Instagram/TikTok: @healthyobgyn

Website: rivervalleyobgyn.com

Book a Free Consultation

Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/

Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/

Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources

What would you do if a Google search from your hospital bed revealed your only path to motherhood was illegal in your state?

Today Eloise welcomes Stephanie Jones, founder of the Michigan Fertility Alliance and 2024 RESOLVE Hope Award recipient for advocacy. After facing life-threatening pregnancy complications that ended her ability to carry a pregnancy, Stephanie discovered through a Google search from her hospital recovery bed that Michigan banned surrogacy contracts—her only option to grow her family. She leveraged her business expertise as an engineer and company VP to transform this personal crisis into legislative change.

The conversation explores Stephanie's journey from secondary infertility through building the Michigan Fertility Alliance from scratch during the pandemic, culminating in the passage of the Michigan Family Protection Act in 2024. Listeners will gain insights into Michigan's surprising surrogacy history, the complexities of having a surrogate birth in another state during COVID, and how the nine-bill package revolutionized fertility and parentage laws for all Michigan families.

In This Episode: 

Resources:

Michigan Fertility Alliance: www.michiganfertilityalliance.org
State Strong Coalition: www.statestrong.org
Michigan Family Protection Act Information: www.michigan.gov/familyprotectionact
Stephanie Jones Email: [email protected]
RESOLVE National Infertility Association: www.resolve.org

Book a Free Consultation

Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/

Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/

Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources