It's How You Carry It | Women Rediscovering Their Self-Worth Beyond Infertility and Motherhood

Join me for a candid chat with Lucy Howell of Family Sync Media, who shares her decade-long struggle with infertility and how she experienced her miracle of becoming first a stepmom and then having her biological son! Lucy touches on the impact of anxiety on her fertility journey and the shift in mindset that played a big part in her conceiving naturally despite infertility challenges and having checked out of trying for biological children. She highlights the importance of a support system which for her was her late mother and husband played significant roles in her journey. Lucy also discusses her experience as a stepmother, exploring the complexities and emotions involved. We talk all things mindset, the power of temporary setbacks, and finding hope and joy amidst challenges.

00:00 Intro & Welcome Lucy!

00:29 A little bit about Lucy & her Infertility Journey

03:09 Emotional Struggles and Support System

10:46 Reconnecting with a Past Love on Snapchat!

14:09 Discovering the Miracle Pregnancy

21:11 Surprise Pregnancy Announcement

21:53 Reflecting on the Journey to Pregnancy

23:54 Navigating a Blended Family

31:00 Challenges of Being a Stepmom

38:04 Mindset and Coping with Infertility

41:13 Embracing Motherhood and Career Changes

45:04 Finding Peace and Moving Forward

47:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Lucy:

Website: https://familysyncmedia.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/familysyncmedia/

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DM me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

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Navigating Infertility: Sharing Stories and Building a Supportive Community

I had the honor of connecting with Sarah Hammond through Threads and she was so gracious to share her story of her past and current experience navigating infertility as she grows her family.

She’s a mom of a sweet boy and is right now trying for her second baby. She shares her experiences with ovulatory dysfunction, PCOS, and treatments like IUI and IVF while navigating emotional challenges and family planning. We talk through how important it is to find community support, find joy in small activities, and the evolution of her relationships throughout the process.

And some of the best parts are when she highlights the significance of embracing a multi-faceted identity and building resilience against unpredictable challenges and setbacks.

Honestly, I just loved this whole conversation because it was so deeply rooted in the power of connection, empathy, and positive reframing during your infertility journey and I know it'll help you on your own path to motherhood!

If you found this helpful in anyway, do you mind leaving a review? I'd appreciate it so much!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:24 Meet Sarah Hammond

00:52 Sarah's Infertility Journey Begins

01:29 Navigating Medical Diagnoses

02:00 Starting a Family

03:12 Challenges and Miscarriages

03:58 Trying for a Second Child

04:15 Switching Clinics and New Diagnoses

04:47 Considering IVF

06:51 Emotional Conversations and Decisions

12:04 Coping Mechanisms and Support

15:39 Dealing with Jealousy and Resentment

22:23 Focusing on the Baby's Welcome

22:36 Radical Acceptance of Unfairness

23:16 Randomness and Faith

24:23 Reframing Infertility

26:35 Financial Burdens of Fertility Treatments

27:31 Deciding on IVF and Adoption

29:59 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

33:44 The Value of Vulnerability

36:16 Appreciating Parenthood

38:14 Finding Joy Beyond Parenthood

40:41 Embracing the Present

43:22 Fin! 

CONNECT WITH RACHEL:

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Back for a little bit of me and my thoughts! I take you through some of my own reflections on the emotional challenges I faced during my surrogacy journey. I talk about THE pivotal moment where I realized that GRIEF plays a big part in your infertility journey. For me it was grieving the loss of experiencing pregnancy firsthand. Tune in if you too are experiencing high emotions due to unexpected circumstances or random triggering moments that caught you off guard after having already come to terms with certain parts of your journey. I can’t stress it enough the huge shift I had when I realized that simply having the support to help me put words to my feelings validated so much for me and allowed me to really start healing from a lot of my infertility struggles. I’ll never stop talking about how important it is to find your support systems! 

REFERENCES

TIMESTAMP

00:21 Reflecting on Recent Conversations

01:11 Diving into the Surrogacy Journey

02:53 The Emotional Impact of Surrogacy

03:42 Realizing and Coping with Grief

05:48 Seeking Support 

13:54 Understanding the Uncertainty of Infertility

15:29 Offering Support and Coaching

16:04 Fin!

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IG: @rachel_mangahas

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**TRIGGER WARNING: Miscarriage**

Finding Strength and Community in the Fertility Journey: Priscilla's Infertility Story

Join me in this heartfelt conversation with Priscilla Guasso, an HR leader, coach, mom, and author, who bravely shares her eight-year journey through infertility. Priscilla opens up about her battles with PCOS, the emotional toll of multiple miscarriages, and the IVF process. Discover how she and her husband supported each other, the importance of community, and maintaining a positive mindset. Priscilla highlights the emotional ups and downs, touching on anxiety and depression, and shares how she found strength through faith and affirmations. This heartfelt episode offers hope, inspiration, and support to anyone navigating infertility, IVF, loss, grief, and the pursuit of motherhood. Can’t wait for you to tune in and let me know what you think!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Mission

00:25 Meet Priscilla: A Journey of Resilience

00:43 Early Struggles and Miscarriages

04:15 Discovering PCOS and Health Challenges

06:24 Building a Support System

07:59 Coping with Miscarriages

13:45 Deciding on IVF

14:55 Navigating the IVF Process

30:57 Communication and Relationship Challenges

32:29 Navigating Family Dynamics and Mutual Respect

33:05 Deciding to Have a Child: Challenges and Choices

34:28 The Role of Therapy and Personal Growth

35:04 Recommitting to Parenthood and Communication

37:43 Balancing Parenthood and Personal Aspirations

40:08 Coping with Anxiety and Depression

48:05 Finding Joy and Support During IVF

54:26 Building a Community and Career After Miscarriages

01:03:08 Final Thoughts and Words of Encouragement

Connect with Priscilla:

IG: @priscillaguasso & @latinasinhr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillaguasso/ 

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DM me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

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In this episode, I chat with Emma D'Souza as she shares her personal journey through infertility, mental health challenges, and motherhood. Emma discusses her experiences with PCOS, IVF, and managing fibromyalgia and bipolar disorder while navigating these life changes. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, support systems, and advocating for oneself. Emma's story is a testament to resilience and the power of sharing one's journey to inspire and support others.

TIMESTAMPS

01:02 Emma's Background and Mental Health Journey

03:16 Navigating Infertility and Career Shifts

05:47 Challenges and Realities of IVF

09:34 Support Systems and Mental Health

12:27 Communication and Relationship Dynamics

15:35 Embracing the Suckiness

16:06 Navigating Emotional Pain

16:40 Financial and Emotional Struggles

17:31 Trusting the Process

18:20 Exploring Other Paths to Parenthood

20:09 Deciding When to Take a Break

22:29 Maintaining Joy and Lightness

25:09 Future Generations and Fertility Awareness

26:59 Advice for Those Facing Infertility

28:12 Transitioning to Motherhood

30:13 Support and Services

Connect with Emma

IG: @momtherapywithem 

Website: https://emmadesouza.ca/ 

TikTok: @itsemma.desouza

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DM me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

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In this episode, Violeta, founder of MoneyChisme, talks about her surrogacy journey. Violeta shares her struggles with infertility due to endometriosis, the emotional complexities of considering different family-building options, and the significant financial planning required. She offers insights into how her expertise in personal finance, especially within the Latinx community, helped her navigate the expensive process of IVF and surrogacy. They also discuss practical advice about utilizing grants, credit cards, and real estate investments to fund fertility treatments, and the importance of having a supportive community. This episode aims to provide strength, hope, and practical tips for anyone facing similar challenges.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:11 Violeta's Surrogacy Journey Begins

03:31 Discovering Infertility and Financial Planning

06:21 Deciding on Surrogacy and Financial Strategies

10:56 Navigating the Surrogacy Process

21:02 Support Systems and Mental Health

27:03 Community and Support Groups

29:22 Navigating the Loneliness of Surrogacy

30:06 Personal Growth Through the Surrogacy Journey

30:41 Living in the Moment

31:12 Support Systems and Therapy

36:45 Financial Strategies for Surrogacy

41:24 Unexpected Costs and Final Thoughts

44:22 Connecting and Resources

46:44 Fin!

Referenced in episode:

Violeta's Invest in Rental Property Guide here!

Links to Connect with Violeta:

Instagram: @moneychisme

Podcast: MoneyChisme Podcast

Website: moneychisme.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with me!

Follow me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

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In this episode, we talk about the emotional toll of infertility and revisit the key questions from the previous episode on finding clarity through infertility. The episode highlights the importance of deep self-reflection on what one truly desires, whether it's experiencing pregnancy, having a family, or defining personal dreams.

And we do that through using the "Mindset Reset Framework" which focuses on finding your ways to rest, recover, and reconnect with yourself and your partner.

It is also noted how vital it is to your recovery to remove the guesswork and actually do the research into the alternate options to building your family and EXPLORE your feelings around each of those. Part of the recover phase is to figure out where you truly stand with each option and Rachel shares key questions to help do that.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:57 Mindset Reset Framework

01:43 Rediscovering Dreams and Societal Expectations

05:01 Recovery and Physical Therapy Analogy

08:09 Exploring Fertility Options

12:56 Building a Supportive Community

24:07 Navigating Emotional Triggers and Resetting

CLICK HERE for the questions mentioned in this episode to help guide you in exploring your feelings around other options to motherhood you've considered.

*I'd love feedback to know if it was helpful for you so send me a DM on IG to let me know!

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DM me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

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In this episode, we dive into the common mental hurdles faced by those navigating infertility and the desire for certainty in their fertility journey. With a focus on rediscovering personal and partnership goals, we explore essential questions to help you align your life vision, values, and family-building aspirations. Whether considering surrogacy, adoption, or any other option, this discussion emphasizes the importance of personal clarity and aligning with your partner for a fulfilling motherhood experience. Tune in to gain insights and learn how coaching can support your journey towards making empowered, confident decisions.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:01 The Struggle with Uncertainty

01:26 Reflecting on Your True Desires

02:26 Reassessing and Communicating with Your Partner

05:29 Commitment and Decision Making

08:23 Personal Experience with Adoption

11:19 Empowerment Through Coaching

14:47 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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CONNECT WITH ME!

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In this episode, I discuss my recent family trip to Europe and reflect on the challenges and joys of parenting in different time zones.

I share candid experiences about feeling judged by others and the emotional toll it can take. The episode then goes into how I was thinking of you during my trip when I was facing some crazy challenges as a mom traveling with kids. Because as a mom of 4 through surrogacy and adoption (never carrying them) I will always be their mom. And sharing this lens can hopefully help you on your infertility journey if you're struggling with how to overcome thoughts about not being able to carry your children.

I share my thoughts on how motherhood goes beyond genetics and how I moved through my own infertility journey with that same fear. I go into the importance of flexibility, understanding personal desires, and leaning on a support system. Whether you're grappling with mental hurdles or striving to feel like yourself again, I provide some good insightful nuggets for you to take with you as you navigate your unique family building journey to and THROUGH motherhood.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:05 Trip Recap: Rhode Island, Amsterdam and London travels

00:11 Parenting Realities: Traveling with Kids

02:07 Cultural Differences and Empathy

04:05 Today's Topic: Overcoming Infertility Challenges

06:32 Empowering Truths and Personal Growth

07:53 The Reality of Parenting and Flexibility

14:22 Visualizing Your Future and Making Decisions

17:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

30:16 Ways I Can Support You!

Connect with me!

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IT’S HERE!!!! The final episode to the 3 part mini series of Infertility Burnout - How to Overcome It. 

To wrap up this mini series, I review our plan to get you out of infertility burnout and on a path to healing — rest, recover, reconnect and ruthlessly prioritize.

At the top of your priority list is YOU and your emotional and mental well-being. It’s the one thing that is constantly put on the back burner because there’s so much to keep up with - fertility shots, cycles, work schedules that line up with family planning, attending multiple doctor appointments a week, finding specialists and scheduling those appointments and simply trying to stay on top of ALL of it on top of regular life things is EXHAUSTING. 

If you’re feeling drained and beyond exhausted that you feel it in your bones…you are burnt out from infertility.

So dive into this mini series as my way to support you in getting to a place where you can nourish yourself verses pushing through it all because when you’re feeling your best, you’re able to make more aligned decisions, speak up for yourself, and feel confident in your family building journey. 

Lean heavily into celebrating how far you’ve come to see how much better you’ve become at handling the hardest parts of infertility pain, loss and grief. Recognizing how much you’ve grown stronger and more resilient so that you can have the courage to keep going but from a more aligned place. And find your people to support you and celebrate you too! People that will get you because they’ve been through infertility and have seen the other side feeling burnout from it. 

When you prioritize your mental and emotional health throughout verses waiting til you’re already burnt out, you can make bigger progress to growing your family. If you’re feeling like you want this so badly but can’t seem to get out of it on your own and your close circle of support isn’t what you need at the moment, that’s okay and I’m glad you found this podcast. Sometimes depending on which season of life you’re in, your support system can change as well.

With infertility, connecting with people that are currently or have been through infertility can be scary but I promise you, it makes a HUGE difference in helping you feel lighter and more capable of managing the big emotional rollercoaster you’ve been on alone. 

I invite you to reach out to me if you’d like to get 1-1 coaching to dig deeper and customize support to your personal circumstances

Til next time!

Rach

Connect with me!

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