IVF DADDIES

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+

This episode breaks down the real financial cost of surrogacy, exposing where money actually goes, why costs are so difficult to predict, and how lack of transparency creates risk for intended parents and surrogates alike.

We examine surrogacy expenses in detail, including agency fees, legal costs, medical expenses, surrogate compensation, insurance gaps, and the financial consequences of delays, complications, or failed cycles. The conversation addresses why many intended parents enter surrogacy without a clear understanding of total cost exposure—and why “budget estimates” often collapse once the process begins.

This episode also explores how surrogacy laws and financial structures differ by country, with specific attention to systems where surrogacy is altruistic but operationally expensive. We discuss supply-and-demand imbalances, regulatory blind spots, and how good intentions do not eliminate financial risk. The episode challenges the myth that surrogacy costs are primarily driven by surrogate motivation, and instead explains how legal frameworks, agency models, and systemic inefficiencies shape pricing.

This conversation is essential for intended parents considering surrogacy, individuals comparing domestic and international options, and anyone seeking an honest financial framework for family building. It reframes surrogacy not as an emotional purchase, but as a complex financial and legal undertaking where clarity, education, and risk awareness are critical before committing.

Chapters:

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

The conversation revolves around the decision of what to do with frozen embryos. The speakers discuss the ethical and emotional considerations involved in embryo donation and adoption. They explore the concept of embryos as assets versus embryos as life, and the implications of these perspectives. The conversation also touches on the benefits of embryo donation for women and LGBTQIA individuals, as well as the societal and personal factors that influence decision-making.

Takeaways

Embryo donation and adoption are options for individuals with frozen embryos who do not want to use them.

The decision of what to do with frozen embryos involves ethical and emotional considerations.

There is a distinction between viewing embryos as assets versus viewing them as life.

Embryo donation can be a more affordable option for individuals who need assistance in conceiving.

Embryo donation and adoption can empower women and LGBTQIA individuals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Context

01:26 The Decision of What to Do with Frozen Embryos

07:25 Ethical Considerations: Embryos as Assets or Life?

14:07 Embryo Donation: Empowering Women and LGBTQIA Individuals

20:50 Embryo Donation: A More Affordable Option

24:35 The Conceptualization of Embryos

Sound Bites

"What am I going to do with them? They're currently sitting frozen."

"Giving them to somebody else to then have as a child and then to raise as a child as their own."

"Genetically, but again all a family needs is love."

Keywords

embryo donation, embryo adoption, frozen embryos, ethical considerations, emotional considerations, assets versus life

Maya, a psychotherapist and filmmaker, shares her experience with embryo donation and discusses her work with Empower with Moxie, an embryo donation organization. She explains the difference between embryo adoption and embryo donation, emphasizing the importance of education and support for individuals considering embryo donation. Maya highlights the need for a more personal and connected approach to embryo donation, where donors and recipients have the opportunity to know each other and maintain a consensual connection. She also addresses the ethical and legal implications of embryo donation and the challenges of navigating the complex landscape of fertility treatment. Moxie matching is a platform that connects embryo donors and recipients, allowing them to create profiles and find their ideal match. The platform is inclusive and provides options for single women and LGBTQ families. Moxie also offers education and support for individuals navigating embryo donation, including genetic and medical counseling. After a match is made, Moxie facilitates meetings between donors and recipients to ensure compatibility. The ownership of remaining embryos after a successful donation can either revert back to the original donors or be jointly decided by the recipients. Moxie emphasizes the importance of expanding the definition of family and providing children with access to their genetic siblings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Safe Word

03:08 Embryo Donation as the Next Best Option

07:13 The Types of Families Donating Embryos and Their Motivations

10:13 The Paralysis of Decision-Making and the Emotional Connection to Embryos

13:13 The Difference Between Embryo Adoption and Embryo Donation

16:33 Creating a Personal and Connected Approach to Embryo Donation

21:30 The Need for Education and Support in Embryo Donation

25:33 The Landscape of Embryo Donation and the Importance of Clear Terminology

27:24 Moxie Matching: Connecting Embryo Donors and Recipients

29:15 Inclusivity in Embryo Donation: Options for Single Women and LGBTQ Families

32:56 Education and Support: Genetic and Medical Counseling for Embryo Donation

40:22 Expanding the Definition of Family: Access to Genetic Siblings

Takeaways

Embryo adoption refers to the practice of treating embryo donation as a traditional adoption, which can create legal and ethical complications.

Education and support are crucial for individuals considering embryo donation, as it is not the right choice for everyone and requires careful consideration of the emotional and psychological implications.

Empower with Moxie is an embryo donation organization that aims to provide a more personal and connected approach to embryo donation, ensuring that donors and recipients have the opportunity to know each other and maintain a consensual connection.

The platform is inclusive and provides options for single women and LGBTQ families.

Moxie offers education and support for individuals navigating embryo donation, including genetic and medical counseling.

After a successful donation, the ownership of remaining embryos can either revert back to the original donors or be jointly decided by the recipients.

Maya is the CEO and co-founder of ⁠EM•POWER with Moxi⁠, a company focused on education, support and matching/logistics for directed embryo donation. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and⁠ psychotherapist⁠ in the field of reproductive medicine and a fertility advocate. Several years ago, Maya and her TV producer husband Noah made a feature length film documenting their tumultuous journey to parenthood, which ended with the birth of their daughter who was conceived via embryo donation. The film, called ⁠One More Shot⁠, debuted on Netflix in January 2018 and is now available on Amazon Prime. 

EM•POWER with Moxi:  ⁠www.empowerwithmoxi.com/⁠ IG: empowerwithmoxi  FB:@empowerwithmoxi 

One More Shot: ⁠http://www.onemoreshotfilm.com/⁠