In this episode of the IVF Daddy's podcast, hosts Michael Snaric and George share their journey of becoming parents through IVF and surrogacy. They discuss the challenges they faced, including finding the right surrogate, navigating the NICU experience, and the importance of building a supportive community for LGBTQIA+ families. They also highlight their upcoming event aimed at making the family-building process more approachable and fun, featuring drag queens and a focus on inclusivity.

Takeaways

They connected on wanting children from their first date.

The IVF journey was expedited due to family health concerns.

Finding a supportive surrogate was crucial to their journey.

The NICU experience was challenging but manageable.

They emphasize the importance of a strong support system.

Planning date nights is essential for maintaining balance.

They actively seek to build a community for gay dads.

Their upcoming event aims to make IVF discussions fun.

Inclusivity in parenting is a key focus for them.

They advocate for LGBTQIA+ families based on their experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the IVF Journey

05:59 Finding the Right Surrogate

12:01 Navigating Parenthood Together

18:14 Building a Supportive Community

23:47 Upcoming Events and Advocacy

Keywords

IVF, LGBTQIA+, surrogacy, parenting, community, NICU, gay dads, family building, support system, drag queens

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, hosts Julio and Richard explore the intersection of reality TV and important topics surrounding women's health, fertility, and parenting. They discuss how reality shows have opened up conversations about painful periods, endometriosis, egg freezing, sperm donation, and the emotional aspects of parenthood. The hosts emphasize the importance of education and breaking taboos surrounding these issues, highlighting the role of public figures in normalizing discussions about fertility and women's rights.

Chapters

00:00 Reality TV as a Source of Information

02:52 Understanding Women's Health Issues

06:03 Egg Freezing and Fertility Options

08:52 Sperm Donation and Its Implications

12:12 The Emotional Aspects of Parenthood

15:01 Abortion and Women's Rights

17:48 The Role of Reality TV in Education

21:12 Navigating Parenthood Decisions

Takeaways

Reality TV can be a surprising source of information.

Many women suffer in silence regarding painful periods.

Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or ignored.

Egg freezing is a viable option for women.

Sperm donation can create complex family dynamics.

The emotional journey of parenthood is significant.

Abortion is a personal choice that should be respected.

Reality TV can educate viewers on important issues.

Infertility affects a significant portion of the population.

Open discussions can help break societal taboos.

Sound Bites

"Reality TV is my source of information."

"Freezing eggs is a great option."

"It takes a village to raise a child."

"Keep your doors open for family options."

"Thank you for breaking taboos."

Keywords

IVF, reality TV, women's health, egg freezing, sperm donation, abortion, fertility, endometriosis, surrogacy, parenting decisions

In this conversation, Richard Westby from IVF Daddies interviews Dr. Carrie Wambach about Ozempic, a medication primarily used for diabetes management that has shown additional benefits, particularly in weight loss and fertility. Dr. Wambach explains how Ozempic works by decreasing insulin resistance and normalizing hormones like LH and testosterone, which can lead to improved ovulation and egg quality. The discussion also covers the implications of Ozempic on pregnancy, including the need to stop the medication before conception and its potential to lower pregnancy risks associated with higher BMI. Overall, the conversation highlights the multifaceted benefits of Ozempic and its role in enhancing reproductive health.

Takeaways

Ozempic is primarily for diabetes but has other benefits.

It decreases insulin resistance, aiding in weight management.

Normalizes LH levels, improving ovulation in women.

Can lead to better egg quality and regular periods.

Lowering BMI before pregnancy can reduce risks.

Higher weight is linked to complications in pregnancy.

Ozempic may lower inflammation, benefiting fertility.

Pregnancy rates are reportedly increasing with Ozempic use.

The timing of stopping Ozempic before pregnancy is crucial.

Lifestyle changes can further enhance fertility outcomes.

Keywords

Ozempic, diabetes management, weight loss, fertility, pregnancy, insulin resistance, hormonal balance, health benefits

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ozempic and Its Uses

03:11 Mechanisms of Action and Benefits for Women

06:01 Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes

Sound Bites

"We're seeing your LH normalize."

"We don't know quite how to study it."

"Pregnancy rates are going up."

In this conversation, Dr. Andy Huang discusses the realities of IVF and surrogacy, debunking myths surrounding women's choices in pregnancy and the confidentiality measures taken in fertility clinics. He emphasizes that most women desire to experience pregnancy but may face challenges that lead them to consider surrogacy. Additionally, he highlights the importance of privacy for patients, especially celebrities, and the lengths to which his clinic goes to ensure discretion.

Takeaways

The majority of women seeking IVF want to experience pregnancy.

Surrogacy is often a necessity rather than a choice for many.

Confidentiality is a top priority in fertility clinics.

Patients are treated equally, regardless of their celebrity status.

Privacy measures include private appointments and discreet waiting areas.

Many patients are hesitant to discuss their fertility struggles openly.

The healthcare system provides robust support for pregnant women.

Gestational carriers are often experienced mothers, reducing risks.

Celebrities often seek privacy due to public scrutiny.

The journey to parenthood can be emotionally challenging for many.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to IVF and Surrogacy Misconceptions

02:54 Understanding the Journey of Fertility Treatments

05:46 Maintaining Confidentiality in Fertility Clinics

Keywords

IVF, surrogacy, fertility, confidentiality, pregnancy, maternal health, celebrity, healthcare, reproductive health, gestational carrier

Sound Bites

"We treat everybody the same here."

"It's nobody's business; it's them."

"It's an honor to be here today."

It's hard to open up about personal life.

Social media can be a source of support.

Divorce can lead to new beginnings.

Children's feelings should guide parenting decisions.

Being a stepdad comes with unique challenges.

Communication is key in co-parenting.

Setting boundaries is essential for harmony.

Quality time strengthens family bonds.

Understanding roles in blended families is crucial.

Respecting the other parent's role fosters cooperation.

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, hosts Julio and Junior delve into the complexities of parenting, co-parenting, and the unique challenges faced by step-parents. They share personal stories and insights about navigating relationships, setting boundaries, and the importance of communication in blended families. The conversation highlights the emotional weight of parenting decisions and the joy of building meaningful connections with children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Insights

02:49 Navigating Relationships and Parenting Dynamics

06:07 Understanding the Role of a Stepparent

08:57 Communication and Boundaries in Co-Parenting

12:09 The Challenges of Parenting and Step-Parenting

14:56 Quality Time and Building Relationships

17:49 Conclusion and Reflections on Parenting

Keywords

IVF, parenting, co-parenting, step-parenting, family dynamics, relationships, LGBTQ+ families, personal stories, communication, boundaries

Sound Bites

"I'm a little bit nervous, but I'm excited."

"It's hard for me to allow you in."

"He feels like he has three dads."

"I never want to take their place."

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, Romain shares his journey of becoming a father through surrogacy in the United States, the challenges he faced as a French citizen, and the dynamics of co-parenting after divorce. He discusses the cultural differences in parenting, the legal complexities of surrogacy in France, and the impact of celebrity status on family life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of putting children first and navigating the complexities of modern family structures.

Takeaways

Romain's journey to fatherhood through surrogacy in California.

The importance of firsthand information in the surrogacy process.

Navigating the legal complexities of surrogacy in France.

Coping with divorce while prioritizing children's needs.

Cultural differences in parenting between France and the U.S.

The role of celebrity in shaping public perception of LGBTQ+ families.

The significance of co-parenting and shared custody arrangements.

Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families in conservative environments.

The evolving legal landscape for surrogacy in Europe.

The emotional impact of societal judgment on family dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Surrogacy and Family Dynamics

02:53 Navigating Surrogacy in the United States

05:46 The Journey to Parenthood: Challenges and Triumphs

09:03 Coping with Divorce and Co-Parenting

11:55 Cultural Differences in Parenting: France vs. USA

14:46 Legal Recognition of Parentage in France

18:03 The Impact of Celebrity on Family Dynamics

20:59 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Sound Bites

"It's a big agency. So we were reassured."

"You have to put away your French mind."

"We didn't succeed in our wedding, but we succeeded in our divorce."

Sound Bites

"It's a big agency. So we were reassured."

"You have to put away your French mind."

"We didn't succeed in our wedding, but we succeeded in our divorce."

We are happy People are listening, and it's great info.

Richard and Julio learned a lot at the IVF conference.

Confidentiality is crucial in celebrity IVF cases.

Celebrities often face the same struggles as others.

IVF can be a personal journey, not a public spectacle.

Psychological support is essential during the IVF process.

Cultural perspectives can influence IVF experiences.

Maintaining boundaries is important for emotional health.

The journey to parenthood can be filled with highs and lows.

Family planning is a deeply personal decision.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Journey

02:56 Insights from the IVF Conference

06:11 Celebrity IVF Experiences

09:05 Emotional Aspects of IVF

12:08 Cultural Perspectives on IVF

14:54 Conclusion and Reflections

Sound Bites

"People are listening, but it's great info."

"I learned a little bit more, still a lot more to dig."

"It's nobody's business, this is your business."

Keywords

IVF, surrogacy, celebrity experiences, emotional journey, cultural perspectives, podcasting, parenting, reproductive health, medical insights, family planning

In this episode of the IVF Daddy's podcast, hosts Julio and Richard discuss the evolving landscape of gay fatherhood, reflecting on their own experiences compared to newer generations. They explore the balance between personal life and parenting, societal perceptions of gay dads, and the reality of raising children in a modern context. The conversation highlights the progress made in acceptance and understanding, while also addressing the challenges that remain.

The experience of gay fatherhood has evolved significantly over the years.

Modern gay dads can plan their social lives around parenting more easily.

Societal acceptance of gay families has improved, but scrutiny remains.

Parenting styles and societal expectations have changed with time.

The importance of showing children a balanced life beyond just parenting.

Gay dads often face different standards of scrutiny compared to straight couples.

The narrative around gay parenting is often sensationalized in media.

Real-life experiences of gay dads are often more mundane than portrayed.

The conversation around parenting should include the right to maintain personal lives.

Understanding and acceptance are key to the evolution of family dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Gay Fatherhood

02:53 Balancing Parenthood and Personal Life

05:49 Societal Perceptions of Gay Dads

09:10 The Reality of Gay Parenting

12:03 Conclusion and Reflections on Parenting

"It's really interesting how the kids is not a barrier."

"We could raise a family just like anybody else."

"I think it's very different now to how it was then."

IVF, surrogacy, gay dads, parenting, societal perceptions, family life, LGBTQ+

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, Richard and Damien discuss their personal journeys through surrogacy, the challenges faced, and the importance of education and transparency in the surrogacy process. They explore the complexities of surrogacy laws in Australia, the financial aspects of surrogacy, and the altruistic motivations of surrogates. The conversation emphasizes the need for trust and understanding in the surrogacy journey, debunking myths and celebrating the incredible role of surrogates in helping families grow.

Keywords

IVF, surrogacy, family building, intended parents, surrogates, financial transparency, education, challenges, altruism, myths

00:00 Introduction to Family Building Journeys

02:39 Navigating Surrogacy: Challenges and Choices

09:05 The Importance of Education in Surrogacy

17:00 Understanding Costs and Financial Transparency

25:00 The Role of Surrogates and Altruism in Surrogacy

35:12 Debunking Myths and Celebrating Surrogates

Takeaways

Surrogacy can be a long and challenging journey.

Education is crucial for intended parents navigating surrogacy.

Financial transparency is essential in the surrogacy process.

Surrogacy laws vary significantly between countries.

Surrogates often have altruistic motivations for helping families.

The media tends to focus on negative surrogacy stories.

Trust is a key factor in choosing a surrogacy agency.

Costs in surrogacy can be unpredictable and vary widely.

Surrogates undergo extensive screening processes before being matched.

Celebrating surrogates is important for recognizing their contributions.

NewGen Families was founded by Damien Chambers after
becoming a Parent through Surrogacy.
After many years facilitating Surrogacy journeys, we were inspired
to create a modern agency that is focused on improving the
experience for both Surrogates and Future Parents.
We are proud to say that all members of our team have between
5-12 years experience building families through Surrogacy.

"I had always wanted to be a dad."

"My journey was a long one."

"It's tough in Australia because there's a supply and demand issue."

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Carey, a surrogate, exploring her journey into surrogacy, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and the importance of mental health support throughout the process. They discuss the dynamics of being a surrogate, the relationships formed with intended parents, and the unique experiences of postpartum as a surrogate. The conversation highlights the altruistic motivations behind surrogacy and the profound impact it has on families.

Carey Flamer-Powell, Founder and Director

Carey Flamer-Powell, Founder and Director of Surrogacy Mentor, is an experienced gestational surrogate, surrogacy agency founder and surrogacy non-profit co-founder, with over a decade of experience in the surrogacy industry.​ She also currently serves as the co-Vice President of SEEDS, The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy.

As the Founder and former owner of All Families Surrogacy, an award-winning gestational surrogacy agency, Carey spent 6 years helping hundreds of surrogates and parents navigate their journeys. Carey also co-founded and served as Co-President of the Oregon Surrogacy Professionals Association (OSPA), served as the LGBTQ Surrogacy Advisor for Parents Via Egg Donation (PVED), and has served on several committees for SEEDS over the years.

Carey brings her vast surrogacy expertise to Surrogacy Mentor®, in addition to over 25 years in business operations management and PR, to help surrogates find the right agency for them.

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Carrie, a surrogate mother, exploring her journey into surrogacy, the emotional complexities involved, and the importance of mental health support throughout the process. Carrie shares her motivations for becoming a surrogate, the challenges of failed transfers, and the unique bond she formed with the intended parents. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of surrogacy, emphasizing the need for strong support networks and the normalization of diverse family structures.

Takeaways

Carey's's journey into surrogacy began with her own experience of becoming a parent.

She felt a strong desire to give back after her own successful pregnancy.

Gestational surrogacy involves carrying a baby that is not genetically related to the surrogate.

Failed transfers can lead to feelings of guilt for surrogates.

A strong support network is crucial for surrogates during the process.

Mental health support is now integrated into the surrogacy process.

Surrogates often face unique social situations when explaining their role.

The bond between a surrogate and intended parents can be profound.

Surrogates do not typically feel a parental connection to the baby they carry.

The emotional recovery after birth can differ significantly for surrogates.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Surrogacy Journey

02:48 The Decision to Become a Surrogate

06:02 Understanding Gestational Surrogacy

08:55 Emotional Challenges of Failed Transfers

11:47 Mental Health Support in Surrogacy

14:57 Living Life While Pregnant for Others

18:07 The Connection with Intended Parents

21:00 Postpartum Experience as a Surrogate

23:50 Maintaining Relationships After Birth

Keywords

surrogacy, gestational surrogacy, emotional challenges, mental health, support network, intended parents, pregnancy, IVF, family dynamics, parenting