The Home of Fertility with Liz Walton & Helen Zee

The episode explores the emotional, medical, and logistical aspects of egg donation, emphasizing the importance of support and transparency in the journey to parenthood. Experts Dr. Shlomi Barak and Catherine Boldison discuss when to consider donor eggs, the selection process, genetic screening, and the availability of various programs at Central IVF.

Unlock the secrets of donor egg fertility with insights from Dr. Shlomi Barak, a pioneering fertility specialist from Israel, and Catherine Boldison, an experienced midwife and IVF nurse from Queensland. Dr. Barak shares his groundbreaking work in establishing Australia's first European egg bank, transforming the fertility landscape for local couples by enabling access to donor eggs within their own healthcare system. With over 400 successful births attributed to these efforts, listeners will learn how this innovation has eased the emotional and logistical burdens of seeking fertility treatments abroad.

Catherine Boldison brings her wealth of experience to the conversation, highlighting the significance of emotional support in the fertility journey. As the compassionate face of Central Egg Bank, she plays a pivotal role in guiding patients through the complexities of egg donation, emphasizing the importance of human connection and empathy in a field often overshadowed by clinical procedures. Through her involvement, we explore the profound impact that dedicated professionals can have on those navigating the challenging path to parenthood.

We also take a comprehensive look at the processes and assurances Central Egg Bank offers its patients, focusing on the transparency and quality guarantees that inspire confidence in recipients. From the thoughtful matching of donors using genetic screening to the straightforward pricing packages, the episode underscores Central Egg Bank's commitment to accessibility and patient well-being. With personal stories and heartfelt discussions, we invite you to experience the transformative power of feeling seen and supported on the journey to creating a family.

• Discussing the emotional challenges of considering donor eggs 
• Understanding when the need for donor eggs arises 
• The role of Central IVF in supporting recipient journeys 
• Detailed explanation of how donor egg matching works 
• Importance of genetic screening for both donors and recipients 
• Transparency and trust as pillars of the egg donation process 
• Overview of pricing structures and options available for patients 
• Encouragement for patients to ask questions and challenge providers

To connect to Central IVF ;

 Instagram: @central_egg_bank

Facebook: @Central Egg Bank - Egg Donation 

This episode highlights the raw and transformative journey of navigating fertility struggles, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and education. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of early awareness, mental health, and community support on the path to parenthood.

What if understanding your fertility journey could transform not only your own life but also inspire an entire community? Join us as we welcome Ileana, who shares her deeply personal journey through the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of fertility. With heartfelt reflections from Australia's first fertility summit, we uncover the powerful impact of honest communication and explore the often-overlooked role men play in navigating fertility challenges alongside their partners. Ileana's passion for guiding young women shines through, emphasizing the importance of awareness and the influence of past actions on future health.

In our conversation, we address the critical need for self-advocacy in medical settings, especially when dealing with conditions like endometriosis. The realization of not taking proactive steps like egg freezing or seeking second opinions earlier is a common thread among many women, underscoring the necessity of early education on menstrual cycles and reproductive health. We delve into the societal pressures and misinformation that often cloud these topics, advocating for a more informed and supportive approach. Personal experiences highlight the individuality of women's health journeys and the importance of tailored medical approaches.

Empowerment and resilience are themes that resonate throughout the episode, particularly in the context of endometriosis. Ileana's story is one of self-empowerment and resilience, proving that the strength to face daily battles often comes from within. We discuss the misconception that procedures like hysterectomy can cure endometriosis, and stress the significance of mental strength and a positive mindset when managing this debilitating illness. As Ileana bravely shares her story on the show "Big Miracles," we are reminded of the universal nature of these struggles and the vital need for self-advocacy. Ending with a call to embrace self-love, this episode encourages sharing personal stories within supportive communities, aiming to foster increased awareness and support for fertility challenges.

• Sharing personal stories of navigating fertility challenges 
• The importance of early awareness in reproductive health 
• Endometriosis and its implications for fertility 
• Advocating for egg freezing and preservation of reproductive options 
• Mental health awareness during fertility journeys 
• The role of community support and open conversations

Do follow Lleana fertility journey on Big Miracles and on this reocrding being broadcasted season 3 is due out Feb 2025.

Kirsten McLennan shares her transformative journey through infertility and surrogacy, highlighting the emotional toll, the importance of advocacy, and the powerful connections that can be forged along the way. Her story serves as both a beacon of hope and a practical guide for those on a similar path.
What if the journey to parenthood doesn't follow the path you expected? Join us as we navigate the deeply personal journey of Kirsten McLennan, an advocate for infertility awareness and author of "This Is Infertility." Kirsten shares her six-year battle with infertility, illuminating the emotional and physical challenges she faced, from initial tests and treatments like Clomid, to the heartbreak of failed IVF transfers and pregnancy losses. Her resilience shines through as she details how she eventually found hope and success through surrogacy, both in Canada and the United States, leading to the birth of her son, Spencer.

Through Kirsten's eyes, we explore the intricacies of infertility treatments, the critical importance of the endometrial lining, and the emotional toll of pursuing parenthood against all odds. Kirsten's story is not only about overcoming personal challenges but also about the power of a supportive network, including therapists, friends, and online communities. Her openness about the journey offers listeners a raw and real look at the importance of seeking diverse therapeutic approaches, highlighting how these resources helped her maintain hope and resilience.

As we delve into the complexities of surrogacy, we discuss the necessity of grieving the loss of a traditional pregnancy experience and building trust with surrogates through open communication. Kirsten's advocacy work is woven throughout her narrative, shedding light on the importance of self-advocacy, setting personal boundaries, and addressing the stigma surrounding infertility. Her journey is a testament to the profound impact of supportive networks and the importance of sharing experiences to foster understanding and empathy in the world of fertility challenges.

• Kirsten's initial optimism turns into struggle with infertility
• The critical role of understanding endometrial health
• Deciding on surrogacy after exhausting traditional treatments
• The emotional challenges of placing trust in a surrogate
• Importance of building a support network during tough times
• Advocating for What if the journey to parenthood doesn't follow the path you expected? Join us as we navigate the deeply personal journey of Kirsten McLennan, an advocate for infertility awareness and author of "This Is Infertility." Kirsten shares her six-year battle with infertility, illuminating the emotional and physical challenges she faced, from initial tests and treatments like Clomid, to the heartbreak of failed IVF transfers and pregnancy losses. Her resilience shines through as she details how she eventually found hope and success through surrogacy, both in Canada and the United States, leading to the birth of her son, Spencer.

Through Kirsten's eyes, we explore the intricacies of infertility treatments, the critical importance of the endometrial lining, and the emotional toll of pursuing parenthood against all odds. Kirsten's story is not only about overcoming personal challenges but also about the power of a supportive network, including therapists, friends, and online communities. Her openness about the journey offers listeners a raw and real look at the importance of seeking diverse therapeutic approaches, highlighting how these resources helped her maintain hope and resilience.

As we delve into the complexities of surrogacy, we discuss the necessity of grieving the loss of a traditional pregnancy experience and building trust with surrogates through open communication. Kirsten's advocacy work is woven throughout her narrative, shedding light on the importance of self-advocacy, setting personal boundaries, and addressing

This episode delves into the topic of endometriosis, exploring its physical symptoms and the emotional factors intertwined with fertility challenges. We discuss the role of meta consciousness in understanding the body's responses to perceived threats, emphasizing self-compassion and emotional healing as essential for reclaiming wellness. 

Ever wondered if the emotional and physical rollercoaster of endometriosis could be linked to deeper subconscious beliefs? Join me, Liz Walton, and my dear friend Robyn as we unravel the fascinating interplay between our bodies, minds, and environments in the realm of fertility. Through the lens of metaconsciousness, we explore how our bodies, such wise biological systems, adapt to perceived threats, sometimes resulting in conditions like endometriosis. You’ll hear a fresh perspective that examines both internal and external causes, including cultural influences and why endometriosis is so prevalent among Western women.

Emotional challenges like breakups, miscarriages, or the loss of a beloved pet can leave us grappling with self-blame and inadequacy. Robin and I delve into these profound experiences, reflecting on how subconscious beliefs about self-worth and parenting can affect one's readiness to start a family. This exploration highlights the significant impact of societal factors on our emotional well-being. By understanding these connections, we can start addressing the emotional blocks that stand in the way of our healing and personal growth.

Our conversation also journeys into themes of healing, shame, and empowerment, offering insights into the complex healing processes of the body, particularly the ovaries. With wisdom from experts and techniques like EFT, we underscore the importance of gently addressing internal trauma. Through stories of unexpected pregnancies and personal growth, we reveal how releasing stress and embracing our body's wisdom can lead to empowerment and healing on the path to parenthood. Tune in to embark on this journey of self-discovery and healing with us.

• Overview of endometriosis and its physical symptoms 
• Introduction to meta health and consciousness 
• Examining stress and regeneration phases 
• The role of emotional themes in health 
• Connection between endometriosis, beliefs, and reproductive readiness 
• Importance of compassionate dialogue with oneself 
• Discussing the interplay between IVF and endometriosis 

Help me to reach others who may benefit from this information.

 You can also find Robyn on social media at:

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/Equenergy

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/equenergy/

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/equenergy

In this episode, we delve into the practice of seed cycling as a holistic approach to supporting hormonal health and fertility. Melissa Melkovacevic shares insights on how specific seeds can help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate common hormonal issues.

• Importance of understanding one’s menstrual cycle
• Benefits of seed cycling for fertility and hormonal balance
• Using food as a form of medicine
• Key nutrients found in seeds that support hormone regulation
• The need for a holistic support system for health
• Encouragement to explore seed cycling alongside professional care
• Real experiences of women finding hope and healing through seed cycling

Mel's Contact details;

IF you want to get the Seed Cycle for yourself www.the seedcycle.com.au

My link code is LIZ20 for 20% discount to try out this fabulous product.

Mel’s Links are;

Mel Kovacevic, founder of The Seed Cycle is a Functional Nutrition and EFT Practitioner. With her expertise in functional nutrition, intuitive eating practices, and EFT Tapping, Mel has helped her clients overcome limiting beliefs and heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Her current focus is on helping women restore hormone health using food as medicine, a subject about which she is deeply passionate. Mel's dedication to empowering women to reach their full potential is reflected in The Seed Cycle, which provides a done-for-you seed cycling solution delivered to customers' doorsteps every month. With the support and encouragement of her family, The Seed Cycle has flourished.

Email                     [email protected]

Accounts             [email protected]             

Web                      www.theseedcycle.com.au

Phone                   1300 975 426

Facebook                 The Seed Cycle

Instagram                 the_seed_cycle

Pinterest                   @theseedcycle       

In this episode I talked to the lovely Heidi Prowse OAM about her journey in life. Which starts with learning she had endometriosis at a young age also being put on the pill. Her passion for supporting the community no matter where she was. Falling in love with a handsome man who had cystic fibrosis and traversing the highs and lows of their deep love in life. In the middle of this was looking at fertility and IVF and the best way to move forward. This is a very deep emotional an empowering story.

 We started hearing about Heidi story,

1.       Growing up in Tamworth NSW.

2.       Being told she had endometriosis at a young age.
5.       Found independence and a love of supporting the community at Boarding school.
6.       First award for supporting community at the school.
After school.
7.       Worked to the local newspaper.
8.       Went to Sydney and worked with Camp Quality.
9.       Learned about focusing on what was special in life.
10.   Created her mission to be a CEO by the time she was 30
 Canberra.
11.   Met her future husband.
12.   Learned he had cystic fibrosis.
13.   Learn about the care aspect of health and SF.
14.   Started the Santa shuffle in speedos.
Started working for cystic fibrosis,
16.   Story of Andy
17.   Writing an emergency will.
18.   Andy proposed and they got married.
Started a fertility journey,
20.   Had an operation to remove the endometriosis, 96% of men with cystic fibrosis have fertility issues.
21.   Needed IVF I knew it would be emotional.
22.   Deciding that 4 IVF's would be their total or we’re getting a dog
Andy became very sick with no more options,
23.   Received the news realise it was a time of self-care.
24.   Had news of a special new treatment
25.   Andy had a double lung transplant.
26.   Had to stop IVF.
Worst day was Andy passing,
27.   This broke me it was time to stop and heal.
28.   I had to sit in my well and be with my grief.
Now

29.   Stepping into being a labour candidate for Ginninderra

30.   An advocate for health and create changes.

Top tips.

With fertility and grief.

I love to use stories and the best way I can describe it is like being in Super Mario land and having to save Princess Peach. You have to work at one level of a time and get to know that level before you can progress to the next level.

Focus on what you have control over and let go of what you don't.

Talk to someone, a psychiatrist, a coach, or a counsellor someone that can support you and you can check in with.

Make time for yourself to care for yourself to create self-awareness.

I love music it can be a great healer.

When there is a decision to be made it is good to create a pros and cons board and identify what will work and won't, I find this a great way to find clarity.

And my word to finish off with is devoted, and being aware of what we devote our time to, and how we devote love for ourselves and others.

Heidi’s details.

This is my linktree to my various sites:

https://link.v1ce.co.uk/aaas3d/798176 

Cystic fibrosis website

www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/

Heidi Prowse OAM

Labor Candidate for Ginninderra
[email protected]
0411 93 44 22
actlabor.org.au/heidi-prowse

In today's podcast we learn about Melissa and her passion of how we relate to ourselves, to our children to our families and what is the self-care aspect that we put in place. Self-care can be that little bit between coping and I’m not coping. When our cup is full, when we feel energised and able to deal with life, we can give to others but when our cup is empty, Our stress levels rise are coping behaviours decrease, our ability to give is lessened. We learn about Melissa and all she has to offer with her work in the world.

We talked about.

1.       Melissa's story and where she is from.

2.       What are the akashic records, and how they can support people.

3.       We discussed about the anxieties of getting pregnant, how that can continue in our lives. How these anxieties can create false belief systems and how to manage them.

Top Tips.

1.       Start by creating a space to breath in and to create time for your truth.

2.       Regulating our nervous system.

3.       Go on a personal develop mint journey.

4.       Work with creating acceptance.

We talked about The Holistic Wellness Taster Fair happening  this April 7th, 2024.

Melissa’s details and Socials:

Website – www.freindsofthelight.com.au

Website for the Holistic Wellness Taster – www.holisticwellnesstaster.com.au

Instagram - 

@holisticwellnesstaster

@friendsofthelight

Facebook – 

Melissa de Jong, Friends of the light, Holistic Wellness Events

In this episode Sarah Willoughby interviews Liz Walton and ask questions about the inaugural Australian fertility summit. We have a good in depth understanding of how the facility summit was born, how it is being created, and the passion for the project.

Liz talks about.

1.        Organising Australia’s first fertility summit.

2.       Creating a platform for fertility professionals and practitioners.

3.       Creating a supportive space for fertility and infertility.

4.       Fertility support and education.

5.       Fertility summit in Canberra on July the 20th 2024

Do go to the website www.Australianfertilitysumit.com
facebook - (20+) Facebook
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/australianfertilitysummit?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode we discuss about gratitude and how to be aware of this in difficult times. Sarah Willoughby at myself going on a deep dive into the world of gratitude, how it can support us on a journey of health and fertility. And how gratitude can be a great support when times feel very difficult and challenging.

We discussed.

1.       what is gratitude - being thankful and seeing the good and the small things.

2.       Talked about the book the art of happiness by the Dalai Lama.

3.       Understanding the power of the present moment.

4.       How gratitude affected our fertility stories.

5.       Let's learn how to be thankful for now, the awareness of gratitude and what you have.

6.       The benefits of gratitude.

7.       Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude.

8.       Gabby Bernstein had a fertility journey and loss.

Our top gratitude hacks.

9.       Saying thank you. 

10.   Having three things that you're grateful for daily. 

11.   Taking time to breathe

12.   Having a gratitude journal

13.   Meditation

Thank you for listening to this episode, i trust you found something that would resonate for you. Please let us know your takeaways and thoughts on gratitude. Sending you all love.

Working with Sarah Willoughby;

1.            Links for Sarah Willoughby

2.            https://www.sarahwilloughby.com.au/

3.            https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-willoughby-2019/

4.            https://www.facebook.com/SarahWilloughbyAustralia

5.            https://www.facebook.com/sarah.willoughby.923

6.            https://www.instagram.com/sarahwilloughbyaustralia

7.            Links for Liz Walton

8.            Fertility coaching and emotional therapy in Australia - Liz Walton

9.            (10) Liz Walton Creation Coach | Canberra ACT | Facebook

10.          Elizabeth Fry Walton (@lizwalton_fertilitycoach) • Instagram photos and videos

11.          My Podcast

12.          https://open.spotify.com/show/4VMnGcmvF1WjTM1D7U2VNo?si=217a4f4da01244ff