The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

Jillian and Cassandra sit down with Suzy Younger, Notre Dame Marriage Prep Coordinator and Certified FertilityCare Practitioner, to discuss what it is like to undergo a hysterectomy. We discuss what it is like to receive a diagnosis that would lead to a hysterectomy, what it might be like to prepare for and recover from the procedure, and how this procedure can affect a woman and her spouse both spiritually and physically. Even if your story is not the same as Suzy's, this episode highlights that God is present, even on the hardest days on the path of infertility.

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We have a dynamic duo on the podcast this week to share with us their experience facilitating a small group. They are Meg Reister and Bernadette Juliano, and their story is uplifting and inspiring. They share what gifts and graces the Lord has brought into the world through their small group and how it has helped them carry the cross of infertility.  Please see the link below to find a small group to join, or better yet, how to start your own. You have what it takes! Be not afraid!

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We are thrilled this week to have well known writer, radio host and speaker, Leigh Snead, on the podcast again. Leigh is very real as she shares the difficult emotions she has had to work through while carrying the cross of infertility while at the same time valiantly picking up her cross knowing her place is needed and valued in the greater Body of Christ.

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To go deeper in our theme this month of "We Are Part of The Church," we invited Mikki Sciba on to the podcast to discuss how the diocese can serve those suffering from infertility and loss, even while personally carrying that burden. Mikki works as a catechetical specialist for the diocese of Tyler, Texas. She shares some of the wisdom she has learned while taking part in diocesan ministry as it relates to couples on the path of infertility.

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We turn to two wives of Byzantine Catholic priests, Alyssa West and Jocelyn Abyad, to help kick off our theme this month titled, 'Being Part of the Church.' These lovely ladies share their perspective on this theme as it relates to their own struggles with infertility/loss in their local Byzantine parishes.

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This week's special guest is Christina Valenzuela, a certified NFP instructor, owner of Pearl & Thistle, LLC, and author of a new book entitled, The Language of Your Body: Embracing God's Design for Your Cycle. NFP charting is an important activity and can benefit our lives and our marriages immensely, however, sometimes during a season of infertility, we can become hyper focused on the chart and it becomes a major distraction depleting the health of our marriage or preventing us from being fruitful in other ways. One of those examples of fruitfulness we dive into is the idea of radical hospitality. Let's not miss what else God might be calling us to during a season focused on our chart.

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During National NFP Awareness Week, we thought it a great idea to welcome back a close friend of this ministry, Chris O'Neill, the Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Chris helps articulate why those carrying the cross of infertility may have mixed feelings about NFP, charting, etc., then helps us refocus on how to build deep, strong relationships with our spouse.

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In this Desert Reflection, we join in conversation with married couple, Matthew and Katie Summers, to discuss why it's so important to go on dates with your spouse after you tie the knot followed by practical advice on how to plan these dates and invest that time to deepen your relationship with your spouse and strengthen your marriage.  Just like dating was so important when you were just starting out, it's equally important once you are married. This is our encouragement to grab your spouse and plan a morning, afternoon, or evening together. Then just enjoy each other's company!

On this week's episode with one of our dear friends of the ministry and licensed counselor, Clare Kane, we chat about medical trauma and how it can manifest itself in our lives. With personal experiences, Clare shares how this trauma can occur and how to deal with it when it does.

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What does it look like to enter into treatment with surrender? We welcome back nurse practitioner, Caroline Gindhart, to share with us her thoughts on this topic as well as other insights she has from years of working with couples struggling with infertility.

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