By Lana Manikowski
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The podcast currently has 150 episodes available.
In today’s episode of The 'So Now What?' Podcast, we’re tackling a deeply personal fear that many women who are childless after infertility and IVF struggle with: the fear of growing old alone. When the dream of motherhood doesn’t become a reality, it’s natural to worry about who will be there to care for us as we age. We often think that without children, we’re missing a safety net for the future. But what if that isn’t the whole story?
Lana Manikowski, certified life coach and advocate for women who are childless after infertility, shares a personal story about the recent outpouring of support she received after a sudden injury. From friends offering rides and food deliveries to unexpected check-ins, Lana’s experience highlights a powerful reminder: family, love, and care come in many forms — not just from children.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
- Why the fear of aging alone affects so many childless women after fertility treatments
- Practical ways to redefine what “family” and “support” can look like in our lives
- Steps to build intentional community and meaningful relationships that bring love, connection, and support
- How to ease the uncertainty of the future by planning and building a fulfilling life without the milestones of motherhood
Join us for this heartfelt discussion on shifting our perspective, letting go of the “what ifs,” and finding reassurance in the connections we’re building today.
Tune in to learn more about:
- How to embrace a fulfilling future as a childless woman after infertility
- Ways to find and nurture a support system beyond biological family
- Practical tips to let go of the fear of aging alone without children
- Strategies to build a strong, caring community after IVF and fertility treatments
Links Mentioned:
-Register for the Free Holiday MasterClass here
- Free Resource: “The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless (…and how to respond)
Download this helpful guide to handle common questions and comments that can feel intrusive or hurtful: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay
Welcome to The "So Now What?" Podcast. I am so glad that you're here. I created this podcast because I remember what it felt like after I left fertility treatments without the child that I dreamed of. When I looked around for resources to help me navigate a life I hadn't planned for, I found so few that truly spoke to the experiences of an unexpected childless life.
In 2021, I became a certified life coach and started this podcast because I knew that other women were searching - just like I was - for ways to thrive and feel fulfilled, even without the children that we dreamed of. On this playlist, I'm sharing a few of my favorite episodes just to help you get started, but I also encourage you to dive in to any of the others that might resonate with you. Each week I release about a 10 or 15-minute episode to offer support, acknowledgement, and real life strategies to help you recognize that you are not alone.
Together, we'll look for opportunities to move forward and redefine what a fulfilling life can look like, even though it turned out so differently than you imagined.
If you want to learn more about my coaching practice and the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind, you can visit my website, lanamanikowski. com. And if you're in the Chicago area, I'd love for you to join my meetup group. We have an awesome group of women who are childless and childfree, We get together every so often and connect, share, and support each other.
And if you find yourself wanting to visit the Chicago area on Mother's Day weekend, I would love for you to join me at the Other's Day Brunch, an annual event that has gotten national media attention. It's a celebration I host every year the day before Mother's Day to create connection, awareness and unity for women who don't have children at a time that feels so hard.
All right, so let's dive in.
Welcome to Episode 147 of The “So Now What?” Podcast with Lana Manikowski. In this special episode, Lana dives deep into the often-overlooked journey that follows fertility treatments for women who leave without a child. Whether you’re a fertility doctor, clinic staff, mental health provider, or a woman navigating life after infertility, this episode highlights the unmet needs and real stories from women who feel unseen after treatment ends.
Highlights:
Free Masterclass on Handling the Holidays
Join Lana’s free MasterClass on November 20 at 6 p.m. CST to learn how to manage holiday gatherings and traditions when childless after infertility. In this live class, you’ll gain strategies for building new traditions, handling family dynamics, and creating a plan for holiday celebrations. Register here to reserve your spot!
When Treatment Ends: What Childless Women Really Want
Lana addresses the gap in support often felt after IVF and fertility treatments conclude. Without a plan or follow-up, patients are left to navigate grief, mental health challenges, and marital and social dynamics alone. Lana shares her recent discussions at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Congress, where she raised awareness about the importance of continued support for patients who leave treatment without a child.
Real Voices from Infertiole, Childless, Women Who Needed More
Lana shares direct feedback from her community of listeners and followers. Hear heartfelt perspectives from women who longed for acknowledgment and empathy post-treatment, as well as a structured care plan including mental health resources, peer support networks, and follow-up care. These women are calling for a roadmap to help navigate the grief and redefine purpose after infertility.
Advocating for Better Resources when IVF Fails
Lana encourages women to advocate for their needs by requesting additional resources and post-treatment support from clinics and mental health professionals. To the fertility community, Lana calls for a more holistic approach, recognizing that when treatments end, the journey is far from over for many women. Support beyond the treatment room can bridge a painful void.
Why It Matters:
This episode sheds light on the immense need for a compassionate continuum of care when ferrility treatment ends without children. From practical resources to sensitive emotional support, The "So Now What?" Podcast aims to uplift women who feel left behind and encourages providers to extend the care they give their patients.
Links Mentioned:
-Register for the Free Holiday MasterClass here
- Free Resource: “The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless (…and how to respond)
Download this helpful guide to handle common questions and comments that can feel intrusive or hurtful: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay
For fertility doctors, fertility clinics, and anyone involved in patient care, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the impact of fertility treatments extends far beyond conception. Understanding and addressing these needs can help more women feel seen and supported through their childless journeys.
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.
Welcome to this week's episode of The “So Now What?” Podcast. In this episode, you’ll dive into something that may resonate deeply with you, especially if you're a woman who is childless after infertility treatments. Lana opens up about those painful moments when you're surrounded by reminders of what you longed for but never came to pass. If you've ever felt that pang in your heart when someone else has what you so desperately desired, this episode will speak to you.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Why you might feel pressure to prove your worth through possessions or achievements, especially after your infertility journey.
- How society’s unspoken rules tell you that you need to have something—like a child, a prestigious job, or financial success—to be admired.
- What happens when the one thing you longed for, a child, never comes, and how that affects your sense of worth.
- How to stop looking outside yourself for validation and instead turn inward to find your inherent value.
- The exhaustion that comes with constantly striving for external success and how to break free from the cycle of feeling "not enough."
Lana shares her personal experience of walking past a mother surrounded by people admiring her baby, and how it triggered feelings of inadequacy. She challenges you to consider: what if you didn’t need anyone or anything outside of yourself to prove your worth?
Key Takeaways:
- You don't need to keep acquiring things—whether it's a baby, a degree, or a high-paying job—to feel valuable.
- True worth comes from within. You are enough just as you are, even if you never become a mother.
- You can live a fulfilled, meaningful life without needing to meet society's standards of success and motherhood.
- Reflect on how much you've been through and admire yourself for your strength and resilience in navigating life after infertility.
If you're feeling that familiar pressure to “keep up” or “prove yourself” in a world that values achievements over true self-worth, this episode offers you a moment to pause and realize that you are already enough.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download Lana’s free resource: The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond by clicking here
Upcoming Events:
- Stay tuned for details about Lana’s upcoming free masterclass on How to Handle the Holidays as a Childless Woman After Infertility. Sign up for her love letters here to get all the details.
Follow Lana:
- Instagram: @Lana.Manikowski
-YouTube: @lana.manikowski
Be sure to share this episode with anyone who needs to hear this message. Remember, it’s never too late to discover your meaning and create a fulfilled life—no matter what society tells you.
Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The “So Now What?” Podcast and leave a review. Your support helps other women like you find these messages and feel less alone in their journey.
In this week’s episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, we explore an issue that many women who are childless after infertility experience—feeling overlooked or dismissed as adults simply because they don’t have children. If you've ever felt like society doesn’t take you seriously because you didn’t become a mother, this episode is for you.
In today's conversation, we talk about the challenges of navigating life when you’re seen as "less than" because you didn’t become a parent. Whether at family gatherings or in the workplace, many of us find that our achievements and contributions are often downplayed compared to parenting milestones.
I know how hard it can be to attend family gatherings like Thanksgiving, where conversations revolve around kids and their latest achievements. It’s easy to feel like your work promotions, hobbies, and personal growth aren’t valued in the same way. And if you’ve ever felt like your colleagues think your life lacks the complexity or responsibility of parenthood, you're not alone.
In this episode, I’ll guide you through ways to reclaim your confidence and remind yourself—and others—that your worth is not defined by your ability to have children. We’ll also explore how to celebrate your accomplishments and embrace the multifaceted woman that you are, beyond the narrow societal definition of adulthood.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why society often overlooks women without children and how it impacts your self-worth.
- How to confidently navigate family events and workplace dynamics without feeling diminished.
- Practical steps to stop shrinking and start celebrating your life and accomplishments, even without children.
- How to break free from societal expectations and redefine what it means to be a grown-up.
Sign Up for the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind
Are you ready to stop feeling sidelined and start thriving? Join me in my *Thrive After Infertility Mastermind* this fall, where we’ll dive deep into reclaiming your narrative, celebrating your achievements, and navigating the complexities of the holidays without children.
The final class of the year starts soon, and it includes bonus support around the holiday season—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond.
How to join?
Book Your Free Thrive Call here.
Sign up for a free 45-minute Thrive Call to explore how you can create a fulfilling life without the children you dreamed of. In this call, we’ll discuss your challenges and aspirations, and I’ll share how the Mastermind can help you thrive in ways you never thought possible.
Get Your Free Guide
If you’ve ever been in a conversation where people offer unsolicited advice on how to become a mom, download my free resource,
The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond.
Head over to LanaManikowski.com/thingspeoplesay or click here to get your copy.
I hope this episode reminds you that you ARE enough, just as you are.
Your life is meaningful and valuable—even without the children you once dreamed of.
Tune in, and let’s break down the myths around what it means to be an adult.
After going through infertility treatments, including IVF, many women find themselves facing life without the child they hoped for. This journey of being childless not by choice is filled with grief, heartache, and often, a deep sense of comparison. You may be asking yourself questions like, “Why can’t my life look like hers?” or “What am I supposed to do now without the milestones of motherhood to guide me?”
In this episode, I want to remind you that while it’s natural to compare yourself to others, it’s not where your fulfillment lies. You can begin to break free from those comparisons and create a life that is rich with meaning—even when it doesn’t involve children.
We’ll talk about what it looks like to reclaim your body after years of IVF and fertility treatments, let go of the idea that motherhood is the only path to joy, and start building a future that excites and fulfills you.
Imagine waking up each morning, no longer weighed down by the question of “What if?”
Instead, you’re filled with the excitement of new possibilities.
You’re investing in your passions, learning new things, and finding ways to make a difference in the world. Your body feels like a place of strength again—not because you had a baby, but because you’re learning to appreciate what it can do, how it moves, and the joy it brings you in everyday moments.
This episode is all about helping you stop comparing your life to others and start living with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Your life, just as it is, has so much beauty to offer.
Links and Resources:
Subscribe & Review: If today’s episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. Share your thoughts, let me know how this episode helped you, and spread the word so we can reach more women who are on this journey of being childless after infertility and IVF.
You don’t have to navigate this alone—together, we can find meaning and fulfillment beyond comparison.
If you’re childless after infertility treatments, you are not alone, even though it might feel like you are. In this episode, I open up about my personal journey through seven years of fertility treatments, only to end up without the child I dreamed of. I know firsthand how devastating and isolating this experience can be. What most women don’t realize is that these feelings—grief, confusion, loss of purpose—are prevalent among women who have undergone IVF or fertility treatments without having a child.
But here’s the truth: most fertility clinics don’t offer the support or resources to help you make sense of life after treatments. We’re left to navigate this uncharted, unexpected path without guidance. That’s where today’s episode comes in. I’ll walk you through the 10 most common struggles women face after unsuccessful fertility treatments, and more importantly, I’ll show you how you can begin to shift your perspective so these struggles no longer define your life.
Key Points from This Episode
1. Grief and Loss
Grieving after infertility is specific and complex.Grieving the loss of your dream of motherhood is deep and often unacknowledged by others. It doesn’t have to define you forever.
2. Identity and Purpose
When motherhood doesn’t happen, it can feel like you’ve lost your identity. But there is so much more to you than the title of “mom.” You can redefine your life and find purpose in a way that is fulfilling.
3. Feelings of Failure
It’s easy to feel like your body failed you, but infertility is not your fault. Learning to release self-judgment is crucial to moving forward and finding peace.
4. Compassion and Jealousy
Seeing friends and family share milestones with their children can lead to feelings of comparison and jealousy. But you can release those feelings and celebrate your own unique journey.
5. Isolation
Infertility and childlessness can be isolating. You’re not alone in feeling this way. Finding a community that truly understands what you’re going through is important.
6. Relationships with Partners
Infertility puts a strain on relationships, but it’s possible to reconnect with your partner in a deeper way once you release the weight of grief.
7. Navigating Friendships
Being the only childless friend in your circle can feel isolating, but your friendships can evolve, and you can still find meaningful connection.
8. Cultural and Social Expectations
Society places a lot of pressure on women to find purpose in motherhood. However, you define your own success, and it doesn’t have to include children.
9. Uncertainty About the Future
When your future no longer includes children, it can feel like you’ve lost direction. But you can create a new vision for your life that feels exciting and full of possibility.
10. Fear of Aging Alone
The fear of growing old without children is real, but you can build meaningful relationships and a support system that gives you love and care throughout your life.
Why This Episode Matters:
The feelings you’re experiencing after leaving fertility treatments without a child are not unique to you. They are incredibly common, yet rarely talked about. Most fertility clinics don’t provide resources for women in this situation, which leaves us feeling alone. But you don’t have to stay stuck in these feelings forever. There is a way to shift your perspective and move from merely surviving to thriving.
In this episode, I share how the women I’ve helped through my Thrive After Infertility Mastermind have shifted their lives from being consumed by grief and loss to feeling fulfilled and hopeful for the future. As someone with an advanced certification in grief and post-traumatic growth, I understand the weight you’re carrying, and I’m here to help you transform your life.
Resources Mentioned:
Thrive After Infertility: A 12-week coaching program for women who are childless after infertility, and craving a sisterhood with women who are ready to thrive and feel fulfilled without the children you always dreamed of
-Free Thrive Call: Ready to explore what’s next for you? Let’s get on a free call and create a plan that helps you move forward.
- Free Resource: Grab my free guide, *“The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond”*.
Join the Conversation
Have you experienced any of these struggles? How are you working through them? Connect with me on Instagram @lana.manikowski and let’s continue this important conversation. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Welcome to another episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the important topic of body image after infertility—a struggle many women face when their journey to motherhood didn’t go as planned. If you’ve been feeling disconnected or resentful toward your body after years of fertility treatments, this episode is for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why body image struggles are common for women who are childless after infertility.
How to begin the process of healing your relationship with your body by focusing on what your body does for you every day.
The benefits of gentle movement and why it’s important to move your body with kindness.
How to embrace body neutrality as a step toward self-acceptance, even if body positivity feels out of reach right now.
Practical self-care tips to help you reconnect with your body, including writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.
This episode also touches on self-compassion and how small shifts in how you think about your body can lead to big changes in how you feel about it. Whether it's appreciating that your body allows you to take a walk, or simply that it keeps you alive each day, reconnecting with your body is possible—one step at a time.
Lana also introduces her Fall Thrive After Infertility Mastermind, a 12-week coaching program designed to support you through challenging holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. You’ll get the tools and community to help you thrive, even when it feels like life didn’t go according to plan.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Body Image After Infertility: Understanding why infertility can make you feel disconnected from your body and how to start healing.
Gentle Movement and Self-Care: How small acts of kindness, like yoga or a walk, can help you feel more connected to yourself.
Body Neutrality: Why you don’t have to love your body right away, but you can learn to accept and care for it.
Want More Support?
Get the replay of Lana’s free class on handling awkward questions about not having kids. Just email her at [email protected] or DM her on Instagram.
Join the Fall Thrive After Infertility Mastermind: Learn more about this supportive, transformative program here.
Download Lana’s free guide: The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond at LanaManikowski.com/thingspeoplesay.
In this episode, Lana dives into the complex emotions that can arise when you’re the only one in your group of friends who is childless after infertility. If you've ever felt like an outsider among your BFFs as they talk about their kids, this episode is for you. Lana explores how to maintain meaningful connections, even when your life looks different from those around you. She shares personal stories and practical advice on how to embrace your unique journey, reclaim your relevance in your friendships, and feel empowered in your childless future.
What You’ll Learn:
Key Takeaways:
Resources Mentioned:
Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast. Screenshot your review and send it to Lana to receive a $5 Starbucks gift card as a thank you! Your reviews help other women who are searching for resources to find the support they need.
Stay Connected:
Thank you for listening! Remember, it's never too late to discover your meaning and fall in love with your life again. Tune in next week for another empowering episode.
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