In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by EM•POWER with Moxi co-founder, Jen Vesbitt!

Maya and Jen answer some of the most commonly asked questions about embryo donation, and discuss the complexities of embryo donation, focusing on the considerations for both donors and recipients.

They explore the challenges faced by donors with multiple embryos, the legal and ethical implications of embryo donation, and the importance of building connections between recipients. Their conversation also delves into the logistics of shipping versus traveling for embryo transfers and outlines the typical timeline for the embryo donation journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Conversations

02:49 Understanding High Number of Embryos

05:58 Considerations for Donors and Recipients

08:59 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Embryo Donation

12:06 Connecting Recipients and Building Relationships

14:57 Shipping vs. Traveling for Embryo Transfers

18:00 Timeline of the Embryo Donation Journey

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo recipients, Scott and Ryan.

Scott and Ryan are two dads-to-be navigating their journey to parenthood through embryo donation. They share their initial plans for adoption, the challenges they faced, and how they discovered embryo donation as a viable option. 

They highlight the importance of building relationships with donor families, the dynamics of chosen family, and the fears and hopes they have for their future child. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the significance of love, community, and open communication in their parenting journey. 

In this conversation, Maya, Scott, and Ryan  discuss their journey through surrogacy and embryo donation, exploring the dynamics of non-traditional families. They share personal experiences, the emotional connections formed, and the importance of embracing diverse family structures.

Their discussion highlights the significance of support systems, the medical processes involved in surrogacy, and the excitement of creating new family traditions. They also offer advice for prospective parents, emphasizing the importance of education and intuition in the journey of parenthood.

Chapters

00:00 Journey to Parenthood: The Unexpected Path

04:53 Discovering Embryo Donation: A New Hope

09:29 Connecting with Donor Families: Building Relationships

15:56 Navigating Family Dynamics: Language and Identity

21:34 Navigating Family Dynamics in Surrogacy

24:42 Embracing Non-Traditional Family Structures

26:06 The Surrogacy Journey: A Personal Account

29:12 Medical Processes and Emotional Connections

31:30 Looking Forward: New Traditions and Family Bonds

35:59 Advice for Future Parents: Embrace the Journey

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo recipients, Scott and Ryan.

Scott and Ryan are two dads-to-be navigating their journey to parenthood through embryo donation. They share their initial plans for adoption, the challenges they faced, and how they discovered embryo donation as a viable option. 

They highlight the importance of building relationships with donor families, the dynamics of chosen family, and the fears and hopes they have for their future child. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the significance of love, community, and open communication in their parenting journey. 

In this conversation, Maya, Scott, and Ryan  discuss their journey through surrogacy and embryo donation, exploring the dynamics of non-traditional families. They share personal experiences, the emotional connections formed, and the importance of embracing diverse family structures. The discussion highlights the significance of support systems, the medical processes involved in surrogacy, and the excitement of creating new family traditions. They also offer advice for prospective parents, emphasizing the importance of education and intuition in the journey of parenthood.

Chapters

00:00 Journey to Parenthood: The Unexpected Path

04:53 Discovering Embryo Donation: A New Hope

09:29 Connecting with Donor Families: Building Relationships

15:56 Navigating Family Dynamics: Language and Identity

21:34 Navigating Family Dynamics in Surrogacy

24:42 Embracing Non-Traditional Family Structures

26:06 The Surrogacy Journey: A Personal Account

29:12 Medical Processes and Emotional Connections

31:30 Looking Forward: New Traditions and Family Bonds

35:59 Advice for Future Parents: Embrace the Journey

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!

In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo recipient, Lindsay.

In this conversation, Lindsay shares her personal journey through infertility and her decision to pursue embryo donation. She discusses the emotional challenges she faced, the importance of support, and how she and her husband navigated their options. 

Their conversation highlights the significance of embracing new family-building methods and the complexities of genetic connections, ultimately leading to a sense of confidence and hope in their journey to parenthood. Lindsay shares her personal journey through the embryo donation process, detailing her experiences from the initial match meeting with donors to the evolving relationship with them. 

Lindsay also discusses the challenges faced with clinics, the emotional aspects of the journey, and offers valuable advice for future recipients. This conversation highlights the importance of communication, preparation, and support throughout the process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey

01:01 The Fertility Journey and Initial Challenges

04:24 Embracing the Shift in Expectations

09:46 Deciding on Embryo Donation

11:46 Exploring the Spectrum of Relationships

15:14 Navigating Fears and Building Confidence

18:05 Current Focus and Managing Uncertainty

19:00 The Match Meeting Experience

22:01 Evolving Relationships with Donors

25:08 Navigating Clinic Challenges

29:54 Advice for Future Recipients

34:55 Reflections on the Journey

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by EM•POWER with Moxi co-founder Jen Vesbit.

In this conversation, Maya and Jen explore the emotional landscape of embryo donation, focusing on the fears and feelings experienced by both donors and recipients. They discuss the importance of community support, the challenges of navigating unknowns, and the evolving nature of feelings throughout the donation process. 

Drawing upon their own lived experiences and years of professional expertise, Maya and Jen emphasize the need for open communication, self-awareness, and the value of seeking support from mental health professionals and community resources.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation and Support

07:36 Understanding Donor Fears and Feelings

16:50 Navigating the Unknowns of Embryo Donation

24:50 Recipient Perspectives and Concerns

31:32 Advice for Donors and Recipients

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo donor Suzanne.

In this conversation, Maya and Suzanne talk about her journey through IVF and the decision to donate her remaining embryos. Suzanne shares her emotional experiences, the challenges she faced during her pregnancies, and the importance of finding the right recipients for her embryos. 

Their discussion highlights the evolving relationships between donors and recipients, the emotional complexities of embryo donation, and the hope for future families. Suzanne also offers advice for potential donors, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself throughout the process.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Embryo Donation Journey

02:52 The Decision to Donate Embryos

05:40 Finding the Right Recipients

12:12 The Match Meeting Experience

20:59 Building Relationships with Recipients

29:08 Navigating Success and Challenges

35:20 Reflections and Advice for Future Donors

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo recipient Frances.

In this episode, Fran shares her deeply personal journey through fertility challenges, IVF experiences, and ultimately, her decision to pursue embryo donation. She discusses the emotional toll of her journey, the importance of support, and the relationships formed with donor families. 

Fran also reflects on the cultural dynamics and family perspectives surrounding her choices, emphasizing the love and connection that transcends genetics. Her story is one of perseverance, hope, and the evolving definition of family.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fran's Journey

02:39 Fertility Assumptions and Challenges

07:51 The IVF Experience and Emotional Toll

12:35 Exploring Embryo Donation

18:00 Navigating Relationships with Donors

24:41 Family Dynamics and Cultural Perspectives

30:48 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Love

38:07 Looking Forward and Advice for Others

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by Advocate Genetics founder and EM•POWER with Moxi co-founder, Gina Davis.

In this conversation, Maya and Gina explore the intricacies of genetic counseling, particularly in the context of embryo donation. They discuss the importance of understanding genetic risks, the role of genetic counseling in decision-making for recipients, and the health disparities that arise from a lack of genetic information. 

Their conversation also addresses the discomfort that can arise during genetic counseling sessions, especially regarding mental health and family history concerns. Ultimately, they emphasize the empowerment that comes from being informed and prepared as recipients navigate their parenting journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Genetic Counseling and Embryo Donation

04:31 Understanding Genetic Counseling and Its Importance

08:25 The Role of Genetic Counseling in Decision-Making

11:24 Health Disparities and the Need for Genetic Information

14:21 Navigating the Uncomfortable Aspects of Genetic Counseling

20:27 Addressing Mental Health and Family History Concerns

25:06 The Complexity of Genetic Risk Factors

30:03 Empowering Recipients Through Genetic Counseling

35:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Recipients and Donors

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

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In this episode of 'Never Thought We'd Be Here', host Maya Grobel is joined by embryo donors Becky & Dan.

In this conversation, Maya speaks with Becky and Dan about their unique journey through embryo donation. They discuss their initial thoughts and feelings about having remaining embryos after IVF, the decision-making process, and the emotional complexities involved. 

Becky & Dan share their experiences of connecting with recipients, navigating their own fears, and the importance of intentionality in their choices. They also reflect on how they communicate with their children about their biological siblings and offer advice for others considering embryo donation.

Chapters

00:00 Embarking on the Journey of Embryo Donation
02:58 Understanding the Decision-Making Process
06:01 Navigating Emotional Trepidations
08:50 Finding Common Ground as a Couple
11:54 The Role of Intentionality in the Process
15:01 Connecting with Recipients
18:08 The Evolving Narrative with Children
20:57 Meeting the Recipients: A First Date Experience
23:59 Reflections on the Embryo Donation Experience
26:59 Advice for Future Donors and Recipients

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.
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In this episode of ‘Never Thought We’d Be Here,’ host Maya Grobel is joined again by Jen Vesbit and Gina Davis, the co-founders of EM•POWER with Moxi and Moxi Matching!

In this conversation, the Moxi Team explores the concept of an embryo donation mindset, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, openness, and understanding in the donor-recipient relationship. They discuss the evolution of thoughts and feelings surrounding embryo donation, the significance of shared values, and the responsibilities that donors feel towards future children. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the emotional journey involved in embryo donation and the necessity of navigating expectations and personal experiences. 

This conversation delves into the complexities of embryo donation, focusing on the readiness of both donors and recipients. The speakers discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of the process, emphasizing the importance of trust, flexibility, and understanding genetics. They explore the challenges faced by recipients in embracing the genetics of another and the need for open communication between donors and recipients. The overarching theme is the balance between control and flexibility in the embryo donation journey, encouraging individuals to approach the process with an open heart and mind.

Chapters

00:00 Embryo Donation Mindset Introduction

02:45 Understanding the Dance of Embryo Donation

05:55 Initial Assumptions and Evolution of Thought

09:11 The Role of Feelings in Decision Making

11:54 Navigating Expectations and Openness

15:14 Untangling Personal Experiences and Responsibilities

22:59 Navigating Readiness in Embryo Donation

35:09 Embracing Genetics: The Recipient's Perspective

45:53 The Dance of Control and Flexibility

Thank you for listening! To learn more about EM•POWER with Moxi or Moxi Matching, visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Love what you're hearing? Let us know by subscribing or giving us a 5-star rating or review!