Building a family is one of life’s most meaningful journeys—but choosing the right team to guide you is crucial. In this episode of The Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane dives into the essential factors in selecting the best medical, legal, and emotional support for your path to parenthood.

Too often, patient care takes a backseat to efficiency and profits, leaving intended parents, surrogates, and donors feeling overlooked. Eloise unpacks how to advocate for yourself, ask the right questions, and find a team that values your unique needs.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The critical roles of medical teams, mental health professionals, legal counsel, agencies, insurance specialists, and escrow managers.
• Key questions to ask when choosing a fertility clinic, agency, or legal team.
• How to ensure inclusivity, especially for non-traditional families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and single parents.
• Tips for surrogates and donors to feel supported and respected throughout the process.
• Advocacy strategies to make your voice heard and ensure your journey aligns with your values.

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit thefertilitycafe.com for helpful guides and additional resources.
• Check out Episode 102 with Kenny Smalls for an in-depth look at fertility labs.

🎧 Tune in now to gain confidence in choosing the right team for your journey to parenthood.

Have questions or thoughts about this episode? Share them in the comments below!

When it comes to fertility treatment, most people focus on the doctors, medications, and clinics—but what about the unseen, critical work happening behind the scenes in the fertility lab? In this episode of The Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane pulls back the curtain on the role fertility labs play in successful family building.

Joining Eloise is Kenny Smalls, Director of Laboratory Services at Global Fertility and Genetics, to uncover how labs combine cutting-edge technology with precise science to create life. From embryo grading and air quality to the latest in AI and vitrification techniques, Kenny explains the processes that make or break success rates.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What really happens behind the scenes in a fertility lab.
• How lab conditions, like air quality and equipment, impact embryo development.
• What to look for when choosing a fertility clinic with the right lab setup.
• The revolutionary role of AI and advanced technologies in fertility science.

Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or in the middle of treatment, this episode will arm you with the knowledge to make confident, informed decisions.

🎧 Tune in now to discover how fertility labs are shaping the future of family building.

Have questions about lab processes or choosing the right clinic? Drop them below!

In this season premiere of The Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane, founder of Family Inceptions, dives into the many paths of third-party family building—from egg donation and sperm donation to embryo donation and surrogacy.

Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but this episode serves as your refreshed guide to understanding the unique considerations, timelines, and emotional aspects of each path. Whether you're an intended parent, surrogate, or donor, you'll gain clarity, confidence, and insight into how to choose the path that aligns with your family-building goals.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The differences between egg, sperm, and embryo donation.
• The surrogacy process and what to expect.
• Key factors to consider: budget, timeline, emotional readiness, and support systems.
• Common myths about third-party reproduction debunked.

Every family’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Tune in to gain expert advice, heartfelt insights, and a roadmap for your family-building journey.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more honest conversations about modern family building.

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!”

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!”

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!”

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!”

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!”

In this episode, I interview surrogacy insurance champion, Kimberly Surratt. Kimberly talks about her legal background and how she got involved in reproductive insurance reform in the state of Nevada. She talks about the current political climate as well as workplace trends and how these things influence insurance benefits offered to women. We’ll talk about the major impact she and other warriors for the cause have had on a state level, and what the future holds for surrogacy health insurance. 

Guest Bio

Kimberly Surratt is the past president of the State Bar of Nevada Family Law Section and the Nevada Justice Association. She sits on the Board of Trustees for the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and is the chair of the domestic lobbying committee. She has lobbied with the Nevada Justice Association since 2004 and is responsible for all assisted reproduction parentage laws in the state of Nevada, including a trailblazing insurance bill.

Resources

●        Kimberly’s Website

●        Kimberly’s LinkedIn

●        Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

●        Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

●        On the blog: How Much Does Surrogacy Cost – We Break the Fees Down for You

●        On the blog: 9 Important Questions To Ask A Surrogacy Agency

●        On the podcast: Ep 54 | Fertility Care for Minority Populations with Dr. Tia

●        On the podcast: Ep 60 | Employee Benefits: Brooke Bartholomay Quinn

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!”

The multibillion-dollar fertility industry is now booming, and experimenting with business models that are changing the American family in new and unpredictable ways. Those desiring donor eggs and sperm are now able to select from detailed checklists of physical and intellectual characteristics. Meanwhile, fertility clinics are offering volume discounts, package deals, and even 100% guarantees for successful babymaking, raising complex ethical and legal dilemmas. In this episode, I will take a deep dive into the history of embryo creation outside the womb. I’ll cover the barriers that exist for so many people that cannot access this family-building option, what is being done to address it, and shine a light on some of the grey ethical areas that exist in this exploding industry. 

Resources

●      Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

●      Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

●      On the blog: What is an “Ethical” Surrogacy Agency?

●      On the blog: How To Tell Your Children They Are A Product Of Donor Eggs?

●      On the podcast: Ep 36 | Embryo Donation

●      On the podcast: Ep 76 | Embryo Donation: What Are We Doing with All the Leftover Frozen Embryos?

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!”