The Space Between Two Lines

In this deeply moving, resilient, and educational episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex speaks with Kel, a 37-year-old educator living in South Australia's Clare Valley. Kel shares her four-year journey from trying to conceive naturally to facing unexpected miscarriages, an emergency rare cancer diagnosis, a 16-hour radical surgery, and the heartbreak of navigating frozen embryo transfers without ovaries.

When a routine fertility scan led to an emergency MRI, Kel was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP)—a rare cancer-like condition caused by a burst mucinous appendix tumor. Before undergoing a life-saving 16-hour cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative chemotherapy that removed her ovaries, fallopian tubes, spleen, gallbladder, and part of her bowel, Kel underwent an emergency IVF cycle to freeze three precious embryos. Kel candidly discusses surviving surgical menopause, advocating for herself during IVF, navigating chemical pregnancies and a missed miscarriage, and preparing for her next chapter with donor eggs.

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Kel’s story is an extraordinary testament to strength, patient advocacy, and navigating grief while holding onto hope. Tune in to hear her full journey on this episode of The Space Between Two Lines.

If you found this conversation meaningful, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform so you never miss an episode.

Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

In this deeply insightful and empowering episode of The Space Between Two Lines, host Alex Saunders sits down with Adelle, a 34-year-old chiropractor from Adelaide, South Australia, who shares her 6-to-7-year fertility journey. Despite living a health-conscious, "pill-free" lifestyle and having regular cycles, Adelle and her husband, Cam, faced years of unexplained delay, complex genetic screening, and heartbreaking failed embryo transfers.

When conventional IVF results left them with no clear answers, Adelle advocated for her own care. Her path eventually led them interstate to Melbourne, Victoria, where they consulted renowned reproductive immunology specialist Dr. Nick Lolatiss. There, they discovered a partial HLA DQR Alpha match—a rare immune response where the maternal body recognizes the embryo as "self" and launches an immune attack to protect itself.

From undergoing Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT) to combining high-tech medical science with acupuncture and visualization, Adelle’s story is a masterclass in patient self-advocacy, resilience, and bridging mainstream reproductive medicine with holistic care.

Featured Resources & Books Mentioned:

• Fertility Breakthrough Program (Gabriela Rosa): Explore comprehensive, evidence-based fertility support programs at fertilitybreakthrough.com.
• Is Your Body Baby Friendly? by Dr. Alan Beer: The groundbreaking book on reproductive immunology recommended by Adelle's naturopath. Available on Amazon Australia.

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Whether you are currently navigating the emotional rollercoaster of unexplained infertility, curious about reproductive immunology, or searching for answers of your own, Adelle’s story provides invaluable clarity and hope.

Please take a moment to listen to the full episode, subscribe, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register.

In this incredibly raw, moving, and educational episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Brittany, a 33-year-old Melbourne resident who shares her remarkable 15-year journey from a shocking premature menopause diagnosis to a successful pregnancy using an altruistic egg donor.

At just 18 years old, after a series of regular cycles stopped and were initially masked by the contraceptive pill, Brittany was told she was in menopause. Facing years of medical dismissal, severe symptoms, and complex health decisions, she and her partner eventually set out to build their family. Their path would lead them through the highly regulated world of Victorian egg donation, a deeply emotional connection with an interstate known donor, and the scientific triumphs of IVF and genetic testing.

Whether you are navigating unexplained fertility struggles, exploring donor options, or looking for the courage to advocate for your own health, Brittany’s story is a beautiful testament to resilience, hope, and the light at the end of the tunnel.

Tune in to this powerful episode to hear Brittany’s full story of hope, science, and self-advocacy. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify to ensure you never miss these vital conversations.

Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility, pregnancy, or donor journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

In this deeply moving and educational episode, Alex sits down with Bec, a Sydney-based tech professional, to uncover the reality of navigating "unexplained" infertility, failed clinical treatments, and the life-changing power of patient self-advocacy.

After stopping the pill in 2023 with regular, textbook cycles, Bec naively believed pregnancy would happen quickly. Instead, she and her partner faced consecutive heartbreaks: two unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles and two devastating back-to-back IVF rounds that yielded only one egg each and zero fertilization. Confronted by one of Sydney's top clinics with a suggested shift to donor eggs and the message that they had no more options, Bec listened to her gut and sought a second opinion.

This pivotal second opinion led to an extraordinary transition from a rigid "black-and-white" clinical model to a holistic, highly individualized 18-month care framework. Through laparoscopic surgery and advanced testing, Bec finally received the validation and answers she was looking for.

Whether you are currently in the thick of the "space between two lines," weighing a second opinion, or searching for answers of your own, Bec's story is an empowering reminder that there is hope when you take control of your healthcare.

Please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and follow The Space Between Two Lines on Spotify or your favorite podcast app. Your support helps make sure no one has to walk this path alone.

Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility or pregnancy journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

In this incredibly raw and empowering episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Jess Goode, a 35-year-old who has spent a staggering 12 years navigating the emotional and physical trenches of unexplained infertility. From being dismissed by doctors as a teenager to facing severe medical weight bias, Jess’s journey is a profound testament to the power of a patient’s intuition.

After undergoing four endometriosis surgeries, surviving a life-threatening bout of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), and navigating the heartbreak of a chemical pregnancy, Jess shares how she refused to accept defeat—even when clinics told her to give up and look for an egg donor. Now in the middle of a natural frozen embryo transfer cycle, Jess provides an invaluable roadmap for anyone learning to find their voice, question their specialists, and advocate for their own body.

We invite you to listen to this incredibly moving and educational conversation about what it means to hold onto hope when the odds are stacked against you. Jess’s fierce determination to never quit is an essential listen for anyone currently navigating the trials of assisted reproduction.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and make sure to follow The Space Between Two Lines so you never miss these vital stories of resilience, loss, and survival.

Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own fertility or pregnancy journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

In this deeply moving and educational episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Abbey, a 36-year-old married mother of two who has spent the last four years navigating the complex and often isolating path of secondary infertility. After easily conceiving her first two daughters just a year apart, Abby was blindsided by the trauma of three consecutive late missed miscarriages, a chemical pregnancy, and the emotional attrition of IVF.

Now an active fertility and grief coach, Abby shares a rare look into her current pregnancy: an unexpected natural conception of fraternal twins that tragically resulted in vanishing twin syndrome at 11 weeks. Abby offers a masterclass on the power of medical self-advocacy, the emerging field of reproductive immunology, and what it truly means to hold profound grief in one hand and fierce hope in the other

We invite you to listen to Abbey's incredibly brave and vital story of resilience, survival, and the unconditional love of a mother. Her raw honesty is a guiding light for anyone navigating the painful spaces of family building. If Abbey's story touches your heart, please subscribe and follow The Space Between Two Lines to join our supportive community.

Share Your Story: If you would like to register to share your own journey on the podcast, please visit our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

In this deeply personal and resilient episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex welcomes Sarah Anderson, a woman whose path to motherhood has spanned nearly two decades of clinical hurdles and life-altering discoveries. Sarah shares her journey from a devastating PCOS diagnosis at age 17 to navigating eight different fertility clinics where she was blamed for infertility, only to uncover a decade-long secret regarding her ex-husband’s reproductive health. Now in a supportive new relationship, Sarah discusses the complexities of male factor infertility, the shock of IVF attrition (going from 37 eggs to just one embryo), and her courageous next steps using a known donor while planning her upcoming wedding.

We invite you to listen to Sarah’s incredibly honest account of finding strength after being "hit with the stick" of infertility multiple times. Her story is a testament to the fact that while the "F" in IVF stands for fertilization, it often takes a lot of "grit" to keep moving forward. If you find Sarah’s resilience inspiring, please subscribe and follow The Space Between Two Lines to join our growing community of voices.

Connect with the Community: If you would like to share your own story on the podcast, please register at our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

In this deeply moving and educational episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Claire, a 36-year-old hairdresser from Gippsland, Victoria. Claire’s journey began with a medical mystery—having never experienced a natural period despite being on the pill for 15 years. Her path to parenthood involved navigating a rare pituitary gland issue, the stress of ovulation induction, and the heartbreak of three consecutive miscarriages before discovering a genetic link. Claire offers a raw and vulnerable look at her two distinct experiences with IVF, the trauma of a high-risk pregnancy involving placenta previa, and her courageous decision to seek help for postnatal anxiety.

We invite you to listen to Claire’s incredible story of resilience and her transition from the "trenches" of infertility to an empowered motherhood. If you find comfort or insight in this conversation, please subscribe and follow The Space Between Two Lines. By following, you help us bring these vital stories of hope and healing to the community members who need them most.

Connect with the Community: If you would like to share your own story on the podcast, please register at our website: https://www.twolines.space/register

If you need postnatal support: PANDA https://www.panda.org.au

In this incredibly raw and vital episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Imogen, a 28-year-old from Western Australia, who shares her intense and rare journey through the world of assisted reproduction. After discovering she and her husband are both carriers for cystic fibrosis (CF), Imogen’s path shifted from natural conception to the high-stakes world of IVF with PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders). From navigating a low ovarian reserve at just 24 years old to surviving life-threatening internal bleeding after egg collection, Imogen’s story is a masterclass in resilience and the profound sacrifices women make to protect the health of their future children.

Connect with Imogen: Imogen has been documenting her journey through the "trenches" of IVF and PGT-M to help others feel less isolated. You can follow her updates and find community support on her TikTok: @immypaps

We invite you to listen to this incredibly brave and educational account of persistence. If Imogen’s story of advocacy and resilience resonates with you, please subscribe and follow The Space Between Two Lines. Your support helps us share these vital, vulnerable stories that ensure no parent walks the path of infertility alone.

If you want to share your story with us in this podcast, visit our website to register: https://www.twolines.space/register.

In this incredibly powerful episode of The Space Between Two Lines, Alex sits down with Katelyn, a women's family violence refuge worker from Geelong, Victoria, to document her relentless seven-year journey to motherhood. What began as a hopeful plan to announce a pregnancy at her wedding in 2019 transformed into a marathon of unexplained infertility, five intensive egg collections, and a devastating medical saga. Katelyn shares the trauma of having her concerns dismissed due to her age, the shock of a Stage 4 endometriosis diagnosis after years of "unexplained" labels, and the heartbreaking loss of her son, Fletcher, at 26 weeks. This conversation is a masterclass in medical self-advocacy and finding the resilience to honor a child's legacy while still navigating the complexities of fertility treatment.

Honoring a Legacy: Bears of Hope & Cuddle Cots

In honor of her son, Katelyn launched a major fundraiser for Bears of Hope, a vital Australian charity providing support for miscarriage and stillbirth. Her efforts raised over $12,000, enough to provide multiple cuddle cots to hospitals, ensuring other grieving parents have the precious gift of time with their babies

Support Bears of Hope: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au

We invite you to listen to Katelyn’s incredibly brave and vulnerable account of persistence. If her story of "choiceless strength" resonates with you, please subscribe and follow The Space Between Two Lines. By following, you help us bring these essential stories of loss, love, and resilience to the parents and families who need them most.

If you want to share your story with us in this podcast, visit our website to register: https://www.twolines.space/register.