Navigating IVF can feel overwhelming, especially when cycles don’t go as planned. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Matrika Johnson, renowned REI physician from Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas, to talk about the realities of an unsuccessful IVF round, emotional resilience, and how patients can move forward without losing hope.

We cover:

• Understanding “Failed IVF”.
• Dr. Johnson’s personal IVF journey
• Common reasons IVF doesn’t work.
• Pre-transfer strategies
• Coping with grief and setbacks
• Coaching vs. therapy

Dr. Johnson also shares insights on delivering difficult news with empathy, using patient-centered language, and how a single “worst quality” embryo can become a miraculous success.

Whether you’re in the middle of IVF, considering a gestational carrier, or supporting someone on this path, this episode offers validation, expert guidance, and practical strategies to navigate the emotional rollercoaster.

📌 Follow Dr. Matrika Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/drmatrika/

 🎧 Listen for actionable mindset strategies, coping tips, and hope for the next cycle.

Stay strong, stay hopeful, and remember, you are more than your infertility. 

Xoxo,

Kristin

Infertility/ IVF Journey / Trying to conceive/ Embryo transfer / IVF Support / Fertility Specialist /Fertility Doctor / REI

In today’s episode of the More Than Your Infertility Podcast, I have the honor of speaking with Dr. Molina Dayal, the Medical Director at STL Fertility. Dr. Dayal is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with over 20 years of experience helping patients through their IVF and fertility journeys.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Dayal and I discuss the essential topic of advocating for yourself during IVF treatment, while maintaining a positive relationship with your fertility care team. We dive into how to ask questions, when to speak up, and how to ensure you feel heard—without the fear of being labeled "difficult."

As a patient, it can be challenging to navigate the world of fertility treatment, but Dr. Dayal offers her invaluable insights on how to empower yourself while building a respectful and open relationship with your doctor. We also discuss common concerns, including the guilt many patients feel about asking questions and how to advocate for a second opinion if needed.

This episode is full of actionable advice that can help you advocate for yourself confidently during your trying to conceive and ivf journey so you get the best care possible.

Key Topics Covered:

• What does advocating for yourself in the IVF world really mean?
• How to ensure your voice is heard and respected by your fertility doctor
• The best way to approach your fertility care team if you don’t understand your treatment plan
• When and how to ask for a second opinion without damaging trust
• Plus, Dr. Dayal shares what makes her more than just an infertility doctor

If you're feeling uncertain about speaking up during your IVF journey, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Molina Dayal's compassionate, patient-centered approach and her expertise will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take control of your fertility treatment with confidence.

Links mentioned in this episode:

STL Fertility Clinic: Visit their website https://www.stlfertility.com/ and social: https://www.instagram.com/stlfertility/

Dr. Dayal on social: https://www.instagram.com/molinadayalmd/

Want to connect with me? Send me a dm on Instagram I love to hear from you:

https://www.instagram.com/kristindillensnyder/

Tune in now to hear more from Dr. Dayal and gain the confidence you need to advocate for yourself during your fertility journey!

Xoxo, Kristin Dillensnyder

In today’s episode of More Than Your Infertility, I’m sharing an empowering pep talk for anyone who’s about to go through an egg retrieval. If tomorrow is your big day, this episode is for you.

The egg retrieval is a significant milestone on your IVF journey, and I want to remind you of how far you’ve already come. You’ve made it through shots, scans, hormones, waiting, and so much more. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been filled with resilience, strength, and hope—and you’ve done it. Tomorrow doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’ll help you shift your mindset, let go of control, and trust the process.

Listen now to feel validated through the ivf journey and gain the confidence you need to face tomorrow’s egg retreival with hope and courage. You’ve got this, and I’m here cheering for you every step of the way!

Discount code for MTYI Listeners: Receive 15% off at www.InfertileTees.com when you use the code MTYI15 at checkout

What’s been mentioned in today’s podcast episode:

-Ready to get the support you deserve? Schedule a call with me to explore how coaching can help you navigate the rest of the IVF journey with confidence, and strength: https://calendly.com/ivfcoach/consultation

This pep talk is just one of many in my IVF Pep Talk Series, designed to support you through key stages of IVF. Don’t miss out on these essential pep talks-check out the episodes already published that you’ll want to listen to:

You deserve to be a mom Pep Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-deserve-to-be-a-mom-a-pep-talk-for-the/id1710069224?i=1000630432625

When You Want To Give Up on IVF Pep Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pep-talk-for-when-you-want-to-give-up-on-ivf/id1710069224?i=1000700248941

Your First IVF Shot: A Pep Talk for the Stims Stage:

(WILL NEED URL FROM THIS EPISODE ADDED ONCE LIVE)

Also, I love when I hear from you so please DM me on Instagram to tell me when you listened to this episode and what nice thing you decided to do for yourself today: https://www.instagram.com/kristindillensnyder/

Xoxo,

Kristin

Summer travel and family gatherings can be incredibly emotional when you're going through IVF. From the never-ending baby talk and intrusive questions about your trying to conceive journey to the overwhelming feelings of comparison and grief to pregnancy bumps or friends with babies, it can seem like the fun, relaxing vacation you envisioned has turned into an emotional minefield. But here’s the thing: you don't have to let these triggers ruin your summer. 

In this episode, I’ll share the 4 steps you can take right now to enjoy your summer plans and find balance through the tough moments of IVF.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

Get instant access to the 25 most powerful phrases to help respond to nosy and triggering questions and comments: https://www.empoweredinfertilitycoaching.com/powerphrase

Want to learn how to enjoy the journey to baby better? Then I invite you to apply for 1:1 coaching here: https://calendly.com/ivfcoach/consultation

I love when I hear from you so please DM me on Instagram to tell me where you’re headed this summer and can implement what you learned from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/kristindillensnyder/

Xoxo,

Kristin

In today’s episode of More Than Your Infertility, I’m sharing an empowering pep talk for anyone who’s about to go through an egg retrieval. If tomorrow is your big day, this episode is for you.

The egg retrieval is a significant milestone on your IVF journey, and I want to remind you of how far you’ve already come. You’ve made it through shots, scans, hormones, waiting, and so much more. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been filled with resilience, strength, and hope—and you’ve done it. Tomorrow doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’ll help you shift your mindset, let go of control, and trust the process.

Listen now to feel validated through the ivf journey and gain the confidence you need to face tomorrow’s egg retreival with hope and courage. You’ve got this, and I’m here cheering for you every step of the way!

What’s been mentioned in today’s podcast episode:

-Discount code for MTYI Listener: Receive 15% off at www.InfertileTees.com when you use the code MTYI15 at checkout

-Ready to get the support you deserve? Schedule a call with me to explore how coaching can help you navigate the rest of the IVF journey with confidence, and strength: https://calendly.com/ivfcoach/consultation

This pep talk is just one of many in my IVF Pep Talk Series, designed to support you through key stages of IVF. Don’t miss out on these essential pep talks-check out the episodes already published that you’ll want to listen to:

You deserve to be a mom Pep Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-deserve-to-be-a-mom-a-pep-talk-for-the/id1710069224?i=1000630432625 

When You Want To Give Up on IVF Pep Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pep-talk-for-when-you-want-to-give-up-on-ivf/id1710069224?i=1000700248941 

Also, I love when I hear from you so please DM me on Instagram to tell me when you listened to this episode and what nice thing you decided to do for yourself today: https://www.instagram.com/kristindillensnyder/ 

Xoxo,

Kristin

What does a three-month, over-budget deck renovation have in common with infertility and IVF? Honestly… more than you’d think.

In this episode of the More Than Your Infertility podcast, certified IVF mindset coach Kristin Dillensnyder shares 5 powerful life lessons learned from her unfinished deck project — and how they directly apply to the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatment.

Whether you're navigating IVF delays, dealing with disappointment, setting boundaries, or wondering if progress is even happening — this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered.

You’ll hear real examples of:

Why “this is temporary” is a mantra worth holding onto

How to reframe long delays in your fertility journey

What healthy boundaries look like (and what they don’t)

Ways to recognize progress you are making

How to meet your emotional needs now — before the baby arrives

This is the IVF mindset support you didn’t know you needed, wrapped in a relatable story from Kristin’s own life. Come for the deck story — stay for the transformation in your own life.

As mentioned in the episode:

Get yourself some infertility gear from my favorite shop: www.InfertileTees.com (code MTYI15 gets you 15% off your order)

Listen to the National Infertility Awareness Week episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-guide-to-national-infertility-awareness-week-2025/id1710069224?i=1000702172249 

Book a free IVF mindset coaching consult at https://calendly.com/ivfcoach/consultation 

Follow Kristin on Instagram @kristindillensnyder for deck updates + daily IVF mindset tips

Xoxo,

Kristin

Kristin sits down with a former coaching client who shares her unique IVF journey to baby #2—and how she knew she needed a different kind of support the second time around.

From discovering Kristin on Instagram back in 2019 to choosing coaching over support groups, this conversation explores what it’s like to feel safe, seen, and supported during the most emotional chapters of infertility.

She opens up about balancing IVF, motherhood, and marriage, navigating the unknown when there were no embryos left after baby #1, and how the tools she learned in coaching still help her today—even with two little ones at home.

If you’ve been wondering what coaching is like from the client’s perspective, this is the episode to listen to.

Whether you're in the middle of your first cycle, starting over, or figuring out what kind of support you need, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful, understood, and empowered to do what's right for you.

Schedule your free consultation here: https://calendly.com/ivfcoach/consultation?month=2025-04

Xoxo,

Kristin

#IVFMindset #InfertilitySupport #MoreThanYourInfertility #EmpoweredInfertility #IVFWarrior #siblingcycle

This week on the More Than Your Infertility podcast, is a powerful episode to prepare you for National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), happening April 20–26, 2025.

The theme this year is #ALLinFertility — a call for inclusivity, empowerment, and support for every path to family building. Whether you're in the middle of IVF, living childfree not by choice, exploring donor conception, or feeling completely overwhelmed by it all, this episode is for you.

Kristin shares:

What NIAW is and how RESOLVE leads the way

How to get involved (even if you're not ready to share your story)

RESOLVE’s daily themes for the 5-Day Challenge

Her personal experience sharing her story in 2018

Why it’s okay to protect your energy if NIAW feels triggering

Plus, she offers a compassionate mindset tool to carry with you if you're caught off guard by emotional content during the week.

Listen now!

Resources Mentioned:

Resolve: https://www.infertilityawareness.org/ 

InfertileTees Tshirt: https://infertiletees.com/products/orange-ribbon-tee-copy?variant=40793091604538 

Say hi and tag me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristindillensnyder 

#IVFMindset #InfertilitySupport #MoreThanYourInfertility #EmpoweredInfertility #IVFWarrior #niaw #nationalinfertilityawarenessweek #allinfertility 

Infertility/ IVF Journey / Trying to conceive/ Embryo transfer / IVF Support

If you’ve ever typed “When should I see a fertility specialist?” or “Why didn’t IVF work?” into Google — this episode is for you.

I’m joined by board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and OB/GYN expert, Dr. Creighton Likes, III. Formerly with Fertility Center of the Carolinas and now opening the brand-new CCRM fertility clinic in South Carolina, Dr. Likes brings both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to this conversation.

Together, we answer the top questions real IVF patients are asking every day — including:

When to see a fertility doctor

What to expect at your first appointment

Why IVF doesn’t always work the first time

When to move from IUI to IVF

Male factor infertility

Fertility myths and misconceptions

How to know when (or if) it’s time to stop treatment

 …and so much more.

This is what you really want to know about IVF — explained with clarity, empathy, and expertise.

👉 Follow Dr. Likes on Instagram (linked in the show notes) for fertility education — and bonus tropical vacation content 🌴

 👉 Need emotional support during IVF? Learn about IVF coaching with Kristin — available in 1:1 and group formats. Book a free consult via https://calendly.com/ivfcoach/consultation

 👉 Navigating life after IVF without children? Connect with my friend and coach, Lana Manikowski, who supports the childless-after-infertility community: https://lanamanikowski.com/workwithme/

👇 Listen now and share with someone on this path. You are more than your infertility — and you don’t have to do this alone.

#IVFMindset #InfertilitySupport #MoreThanYourInfertility #EmpoweredInfertility #IVFWarrior #IVF, 

fertility treatment, reproductive endocrinologist, IVF support, fertility doctor advice, IVF success rates, CCRM South Carolina, male infertility, emotional toll of IVF

Infertility/ IVF Journey / Trying to conceive/ Embryo transfer / IVF Support

If you’re in the middle of IVF and feeling like you’re at your breaking point—this episode is for you. 

Maybe you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if you even have what it takes to keep going. 

Maybe part of you is ready to give up. 

But before you do, I want you to hear this pep talk.

In this short but powerful episode, I’ll remind you of the strength you already have, the resilience that’s carried you this far, and the hope that isn’t gone—even if it feels dim right now. 

And most importantly, I want you to know that you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m right here, holding your hand through this next part.

This episode is your reminder that you are more than your infertility, more than this moment of struggle, and your story is not over yet.

🎧 Hit play, take a deep breath, and let’s get through this together.

If you find this episode was exactly what you needed, please let me know https://www.instagram.com/kristindillensnyder/

And make sure to share it with someone you know who could use the pep talk too. 

Stay strong.

Xoxo,

Kristin

#IVFMindset #InfertilitySupport #MoreThanYourInfertility #EmpoweredInfertility #IVFWarrior

Infertility/ IVF Journey / Trying to conceive/ Embryo transfer / IVF Support