The IVF Support Space

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In this insightful episode, our guest Tori delves into her unique journey of twin motherhood, where her children's appearance doesn't resemble her own due to using an egg donor.

She shares the complex emotions she experienced and how she grappled with postpartum feelings, the struggle to fit in as a mother when others comment on her children's different appearance, often asking about their blonde hair and blue eyes. 

Ultimately, she reflects on her journey of self-acceptance, the power of strong women, and embracing the uniqueness of her family. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating complex emotions in motherhood and emphasizes the importance of understanding and finding support when considering this journey to parenthood.

Book Recommendations:

• The Search for the Magical Egg
• Donor Conception Story Books

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@ivfsupportspace

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✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

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Your feedback means so much [email protected]

Be supported on your donor egg journey with the Community Membership

In this episode we have a remarkable guest joining us from Johannesburg, South Africa – Elouise Cloete. Elouise, a successful business owner who found herself on a complex journey to motherhood. Life often takes unexpected turns, and her experience, although not unique, offers valuable lessons for those navigating the challenging path of fertility and business building.

Elouise shares how she learned to let go of preconceived plans, embraced new ways of thinking, and ultimately found success with a known donor. Her journey reveals the power of connecting your thinking patterns with the outcomes you desire.

She shares how she connected with the process, accepted her journey, and gave herself self-compassion and forgiveness, ultimately affirming her daughter's unique personality through a letter to her future child.

Elouise's journey from endometriosis to motherhood is a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and acceptance. It's a must-listen for anyone on a similar path, offering insights into embracing unexpected outcomes and finding beauty in the journey itself. Tune in to learn from Elouise's inspiring experiences and wisdom.

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I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

Be supported on your donor egg journey with the Community Membership

In this episode, Adele welcomes back Mikki from London. They discuss Mikki's journey through IVF, her decision to use a donor egg, and her experiences during pregnancy. Mikki shares her thoughts on questions about her child's appearance and navigating the emotions and opinions of others.

She talks about the financial aspects of IVF and the challenges she faced, as well as the support she received from her clinic in Spain. Mikki also reflects on the loss of one twin during her pregnancy and her journey towards motherhood as she approaches the end of her pregnancy.

The episode highlights the importance of self-care and provides insights into sharing donor conception stories with children and to connect with the supportive community of women going through similar journeys.

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

Be supported on your donor egg journey with the Community Membership

In this heartfelt episode, we join Manda, Co- Director of a gorgeous line of organic cotton baby soft toys, comforters and gift sets called MaudnLIil, on her unique journey to motherhood as a solo parent in Australia.

Manda's candid conversation takes us through her decision to undergo fertility treatment in South Africa, highlighting her experiences, both positive and challenging. She shares insights into the importance of releasing emotional barriers and embracing the unexpected twists on the path to parenthood with twins.

Manda opens up about the joy and struggles of being an older mom, navigating health issues with MTFHR and the search for solutions.

Join us as we delve into Manda's inspiring story, offering support, understanding, and a glimpse into the life of a dedicated single mother. Plus, find out how you can contribute to her mission through the provided GoFundMe link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-with-problem-jaw-growth-breathing

SHOP MAUD N LIL: https://maudnlil.com.au/

Cape Fertility South Africa

Dr Paul Le Roux

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

In this episode, we have Ashley from Florida, who has a 10-month-old daughter after an eight-year fertility journey. Ashley is a licensed counselor. 

Ashley and her husband decided to start trying when she was around 25 years old. They thought it was the right time, given that many of their friends were starting the same journey. They assumed it would be easy, like sharing a glass of wine and having a romantic night that would lead to a surprise pregnancy. 

However, it didn't work out that way. They tried conceiving naturally for about a year, and then Ashley sought help from her OBGYN. 

Feeling unheard and frustrated, Ashley made the decision to change doctors. She was then referred to a fertility specialist. At the fertility clinic, a diagnosis of endometriosis was promptly confirmed. 

Various tests also revealed other reproductive issues, such as low ovarian reserve and poor egg quality. Despite attempts with timed relations and IUIs that didn't succeed, they decided to try IVF. However, in the first two attempts, they didn't retrieve many eggs, and the resulting embryos weren't very healthy.

Ashley's doctor recommended considering a donor egg due to the urgency of the situation. This suggestion led Ashley and her husband to take a pause and carefully consider this option. During this period, they also became involved in fostering a boy, though the potential adoption didn't happen. It was at this point that Ashley realized her strong desire to become a mother, regardless of the path taken.

During the time they were already prepared to continue with the process of getting an egg from a donor, another obstacle arose: the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their plans were further affected. Despite the challenges,  they still managed to build their home and ultimately proceeded with the egg donor process, resulting in a successful pregnancy.

However, Ashley had a miscarriage during her first pregnancy. Despite the pain and difficulties, they didn't lose hope. They persisted, and their determination led to the eventual birth of their 10-month-old daughter.

Ashley encourages others not to give up, emphasizing that the fertility journey isn't sugar coated to be fun or easy. She acknowledges the challenging and sometimes treacherous nature of the experience. It's a tough path filled with expenses and pain, especially when it's expected to be a natural process. 

Tune in for more episodes like this.

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

Be supported on your donor egg journey with the Community Membership

In this episode we feature Lynn, sharing her story of battling endometriosis and navigating through
infertility.
Lynn's journey began when she and her husband decided to start a family after getting married in their
mid-30s. They faced challenges with conception and visited a doctor after six months of trying. Lynn's husband, who had survived childhood cancer, went through testing. After several tests, it became clear that the issue did not come from his side. They later found out that it was due to her age, and the doctors recommended seeking more professional support.
During one of her doctors appointments, Lynns situation took an unexpected turn when several tests were conducted. The results of these tests revealed that she had a low AMH, blockages in her tubes, and fibroids. 
As part of the diagnostic process, a fibroid removal surgery uncovered a significant detail: Lynn was also suffering with severe endometriosis.

She expressed that discovering her endometriosis was validating. She saw it as an explanation for the pain she had endured for years. Subsequently, she had surgeries to deal with her endometriosis, remove fibroids, and address blockages.

Lynn talks about her inner struggle with considering donor eggs. At first, she was hesitant, but she eventually became more receptive after a friend mentioned an organization called Keeping Hope Alive.

This organization provides Infertility support grants for local couples and she said:
“you know what? Thats not a bad idea. And I put it in the universes hands. And I said, you know what?
If we win this grant, then thats our sign. Thats a sign that we need to move forward with this.”
After receiving an infertility support grant that assisted with expenses, Lynn found comfort in a group called Resolve, focused on infertility support. She talks about forming strong bonds with other women who openly shared their infertility experiences, emotions, and struggles. This group gave her essential support and a sense of connection.

You can follow Lynn on Instagram - @finkla

Tune in for more stories like this.

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

In this episode, I chat with Rebecca, a mother from Alabama who is a 41-year-old preschool director.
She's happily married and a mother of two: a daughter from her own egg and a son conceived through a donor egg.
She found out at 28 that her fallopian tubes were blocked, and that IVF would be her only way of getting pregnant, thus beginning her journey. 

After 18 months of trying to conceive naturally, Rebecca was
recommended to a clinic in Colorado known for successfully helping women with diminished ovarian reserve.
With the IVF treatment framed as a holiday and an opportunity to relax and explore another part of the States, Rebecca and her husband embarked on the journey. 

She credits the vacation environment as a
contributing factor to successfully conceiving her daughter.
Taking a five-year break to prepare financially and emotionally for a donor egg cycle, Rebecca aimed to
complete her family of three. Desiring a sibling for her daughter, she recognized that using a donor egg
was the way forward. The couple once again embarked on an IVF adventure, this time choosing San
Diego Fertility Centre for the donor egg transfer.
Despite a heart-wrenching setback with her initial donor selection, they eventually experienced a
successful transfer, welcoming their son into the family. Rebecca shares with us how she explained the
egg donation concept and the dynamics within their family to her children.
Rebecca’s children are well-aware of the process that led to their conception, and this transparency has
nurtured a strong and trusting family relationship. For her, a family's essence is defined more by the
love, care, and dedication shared among its members than by genetics.
Rebecca’s story offers valuable advice to others on a similar path. She encourages parents to trust their
instincts, embrace the uniqueness of their family dynamic, and maintain open communication with their
children.
A common concern voiced by many women seeking to complete their family via egg donation is the fear
that they might not bond with their donor-conceived child or love them as much as their biological child.
Rebecca says, “When my son was born prematurely, I struggled initially due to the birth circumstances,
but the bond grew strong as we spent time together. He's my son in every sense, and genetics don't
define our connection.”
Rebecca’s story helps ease worries and doubts for those concerned about their feelings toward their
donor egg child. Tune in to episode 26 to hear Rebecca’s personal account of her fertility journey and
how she overcame common donor egg mindset hurdles along the way.

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

Be supported on your donor egg journey with the Community Membership

In this episode, we are joined by Jessica, a wife, mother, and mental health therapist from Oklahoma, USA. Jessica’s path to motherhood was rough from the very  start, as she received the devastating diagnosis of premature ovarian failure at  age 24. 

The fairy tale that we all take for granted of natural conception was shattered and she struggled with her mental health.  The irony that she should be at the peak of her fertility in her 20’s was hard to bear and she sank into a deep depression.

After knowing about her condition, Jessica sought help from two doctors regarding her situation, and they provided contrasting advice. One convinced her that she can't conceive naturally, while the second one told her that she can still try for at least a month to see if it works. Jessica was not convinced that she could get pregnant naturally and made a courageous decision at 29 to embrace the donor egg pathway to parenthood.

Dedicated to being a mother, Jessica embarked on six trips over nine months, opting for donor egg IVF at CNY in New York. 

It took her four transfers, and then she finally achieved pregnancy with her son, who is approaching his third birthday.

Jessica shared that the biggest help came from her husband and family's support. She said:

“ I think the biggest thing for me was I relied on my husband and my family for support. I talked to them about how I was feeling. And I think that was a big thing.  I knew from my past that I don't want to talk about the things I'm struggling with and I found that it was best for me to reach out and talk about how I was feeling.”

Leaning on her faith also played a pivotal role in her journey. She found solace in being prepared for different outcomes, regardless of whether the path led to success or further challenges. 

Jessica's journey ignited her passion for raising awareness about the donor egg pathway. She emphasizes the value of sharing stories, destigmatizing emotions, and helping others navigate their emotional complexities more efficiently. 

Through her trials, Jessica found her inner strength and resilience. Shifting her mindset, she recognized her journey as a source of strength rather than brokenness, transforming her feelings of isolation into growth and healing.

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]

Your feedback means so much [email protected]

Be supported on your donor egg journey with the Community Membership

In this episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Tracie, a 43-years-old woman from the Midwest USA who shares her experience with infertility and her decision to use donor eggs to conceive her daughter.

At the age of 34, Tracie and her husband began a determined quest for a baby hoping to conceive naturally. After a year and a half of trying, they sought medical help and tried various treatments, such as: acupuncture, IUIs, and IVF.

Tracie tried everything, including 'bee sting' therapy!

However, she had to face multiple unsuccessful attempts and many miscarriages. A doctor recommended using donor eggs, but Tracie initially resisted the idea, determined to conceive with her own eggs.

Eventually, Tracie found another fertility clinic with a great doctor who was able to retrieve eggs from her successfully. But the journey was still tough, again with many failed attempts along the way. It was not easy for her to stay positive in her journey as her problems were inclining every step. 

However, Tracie shares that her turning point came when she was listening to a podcast where a woman discussed her own challenges and posed the question: 'What's more important to you - having your own genetics or having a baby?

She explained, 'That's when it just clicked for me. I realized, Oh my gosh, I just want a baby. So, I thought, okay, if this next attempt doesn't work, we're going to try donor eggs. At that point, I completely embraced the idea and felt an immense relief once I made that decision.' From then on Tracie decided to move forward with using donor eggs. They found a suitable donor, and the first transfer was successful, leading her to a healthy pregnancy and the birth of a beautiful and healthy daughter.

Tracie's path was marked by challenges. One of them was showing up day to day in a job she disliked for years, yet the outstanding insurance package meant she could continue with her fertility journey. She wouldn't quit until she got the baby in arms, that was on her heart. 

She hopes that by sharing her story, others can find hope and strength on their own paths to parenthood.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about her inspiring journey!

Support the show

I would love you to hit subscribe to find out when my next episode has landed and leave me a review :)

✨Follow me on Instagram for all topics IVF, Donor IVF, Pregnancy and Loss

@ivfsupportspace

✨ Check out my website ivfsupportspace.com

✨ Book in for a free discovery call here

✨ Book in for 60 mins 1:1 online support session

✨To join my free donor egg support community Facebook group click here

✨ To be a guest on my podcast click here

✨ Contact me here or at [email protected]