Hello, beautiful! I'm so glad you're here for this week's episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast.

If you're watching on YouTube, you'll notice I'm in a different setting than usual. I'm currently in Denver, attending the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Annual Congress. This episode might sound a bit different, but it's coming straight from the heart, and I think it's one you'll connect with if you've been searching for recognition after leaving IVF or fertility treatments without the child you dreamed of.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about reuniting with my reproductive endocrinologist after six years of wondering what I'd say if we ever crossed paths again. This was the doctor who, back in 2018, told me my only frozen embryo wasn't viable for implantation. It was a moment that shifted everything for me and my journey to motherhood. If you've ever felt like you were left to figure out life on your own after fertility treatments, this episode is for you.

I talk about what it was like to finally speak with him face-to-face and express gratitude for his efforts, even though the outcome wasn't what I'd hoped for. It was also an opportunity to tell him how I've moved forward—leaving my corporate career, becoming a life coach, and now dedicating myself to helping women like you who are navigating life after IVF.

As you listen, I want you to think about what you would say if you ever had the chance to speak to your own Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) or fertility team again.

What would you want them to know about where you are today? Whether or not you ever get that chance, it's important to acknowledge yourself for how far you've come and the life you're creating, even though it looks different than what you envisioned.

After the episode, I encourage you to take a few minutes to write down what your conversation would look like. It's a powerful exercise in recognizing your strength, resilience, and everything you've achieved since your fertility journey ended. And if you're still feeling unsure about what's next, I'm here to help.

Book a free Thrive Call with me, and together, we'll create a plan for how you can move forward feeling fulfilled, even without the children you hoped for. It's time to thrive again, and I'm here to walk that path with you.

Key Takeaways:

• You're not alone in feeling left behind after fertility treatments. It's a common experience to feel lost without the support and guidance you once had.

• Think about what closure looks like for you. Even if you never speak to your RE again, you can still acknowledge what you've accomplished since that part of your life ended.

• Your story is yours to create. The narrative around living without children doesn't have to be one of loss or sadness. You have the power to rewrite your story into something beautiful and fulfilling.

Resources:

• YouTube: Watch this week's podcast on Youtube. Find my YouTube channel here.

• Free Download: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond. Grab your free copy at https://LanaManikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

• Thrive Call: Ready to create a plan for thriving without the children you dreamed of? Schedule a free Thrive Call with me at https://LanaManikowski.com/thrivecall

Thank you for tuning in this week. Remember, it's never too late to discover your meaning and create a life that feels whole, even if motherhood wasn't part of your story. I'm so proud of you for showing up and doing the work to live life on your terms.

Until next week, take care, and know that I see you, I celebrate you, and I love you.