Meet Marcia, a stylist turned wellbeing entrepreneur, as she shares the story behind her 6-part Substack series My Story. What begins as a four-year journey through burnout, medical trauma, and unexplained infertility evolves into a path of holistic healing, transformation, and ultimately, a profound spiritual awakening. Along the way, Marcia reflects on the pivotal moments that have shaped her, blending science-backed insights with the truly unexplainable. This episode not only reveals the founding inspiration behind Naturel Haus, but also offers a message of hope where it once felt impossible.

Resources & Links
Sign up to be the first to hear about Naturel Haus (coming soon) - https://naturelhaus.com.au/

Marcia's Substack - https://naturelhaus.substack.com/
Instagram @naturelhausau

The book referenced, Rebecca Fett from 'It Starts With The Egg' https://www.itstartswiththeegg.com/book

Roger Bannister - the four minute mile - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Bannister

OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) is a condition that can occur during IVF treatment, and understanding it helps you make informed decisions about your care. Dr. Sebastian Leathersich, Medical Director at Concept Fertility and CREI specialist, joins us for an informative conversation about what OHSS is, who might be more likely to experience it, and what treatment options are available.

Dr. Leathersich discusses how fertility specialists monitor for OHSS, the various treatment approaches available, and alternatives like IVM (In Vitro Maturation) that may be suitable for some patients, particularly those with PCOS. This episode focuses on empowering patients with knowledge about their options and the care available. Whether you're starting IVF, have been recommended specific protocols, or simply want to understand more about fertility treatment approaches, this conversation provides valuable insights from one of WA's leading fertility specialists.

This episode is proudly supported by Concept Fertility.

The first phone call to a fertility clinic can be one of the most vulnerable moments in someone's journey to parenthood. In this heartwarming episode, Leana Fallen, Patient Engagement Coordinator at Fertility SA, shares the crucial role she plays in making that first interaction meaningful and supportive. Leana discusses how patient engagement goes far beyond scheduling appointments - it's about creating a foundation of trust, understanding, and care from the very first conversation. She reveals the thoughtful approaches used to make patients feel heard, supported, and confident in their next steps, even during what can be an overwhelming time. From handling emotional phone calls to coordinating care between different specialists, Leana's role demonstrates how the human touch in healthcare can transform a clinical process into a compassionate journey. This conversation highlights the often-overlooked but vital importance of patient engagement and how the right first impression can set the tone for an entire fertility experience. Whether you're considering making that first call or curious about what happens behind the scenes at fertility clinics, this episode showcases the dedicated professionals who ensure every patient feels valued from day one. This episode is proudly supported by Fertility SA powered by Genea.

Meet Rosie, who wanted to share her story even though she's still in the thick of it all and is a beautiful reminder that you don't need a happy ending to inspire others, sometimes sharing the messy middle is exactly what someone else needs to hear. Rosie thought she'd be a young mum but found herself starting her fertility journey at 28. After a heartbreaking chemical pregnancy and feeling left behind while friends had babies easily, Rosie discovered she had PCOS and wasn't ovulating regularly. From her needle phobia (shoutout to her amazing mother-in-law who does all her injections!) to unexpected parathyroid complications that threw a major curveball into her plans, Rosie's path has been anything but straightforward. Just when IVF was underway, high calcium levels revealed enlarged parathyroids requiring not one, but TWO surgeries - including the discovery of a rare fifth parathyroid! She's navigated failed OI cycles, learned the hard way about IVF expectations vs reality, and is now banking embryos with her eyes on the prize.  Thanks for sharing Rosie 

Join us as we celebrate the incredible women choosing solo motherhood with fertility specialist Dr. Rose McDonnell from Genea Perth. These remarkable women are redefining family on their own terms, showing extraordinary courage and determination to pursue their dreams of motherhood. Dr. McDonnell shares her admiration for these patients and provides expert guidance on the medical journey, from optimal timing, donor selection, treatment protocols (IUI vs IVF), success rates by age, and the unique challenges solo mothers face. From pre-treatment screening to pregnancy support, this episode provides essential guidance for women considering or pursuing solo parenthood, backed by the expertise of one of Perth's leading reproductive medicine specialists. This episode honours the resilience and empowerment of solo mothers while providing essential medical insights for women considering this transformative path to parenthood. 

This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility

In this episode, Dr. Chandrika Parmar fearlessly tackles the fertility questions that keep patients awake at night but too embarrassed to ask out loud. As Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City, she dives into collection room etiquette, post-procedure intimacy, and whether naming your embryos is totally normal (spoiler: it is). With her clinical expertise, refreshing candour, and drawing from her years of experience as a gynaecologist and fertility specialist, Dr. Parmar creates a judgment-free zone where nothing is off limits, proving that the questions that make you blush are often the ones that matter most.

This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility Melbourne City

Shannon and Jared Baker's four-year fertility journey is a testament to resilience, love, and never giving up on their dream of parenthood. Facing the dual challenge of azoospermia and endometriosis, this determined couple navigated two micro TESA surgeries, seven egg collections, and nine embryo transfers across three different clinics before welcoming their beautiful baby boy through donor conception. As OG listeners of the podcast from the very beginning of their journey, Shannon and Jared's conversation offers honest insights into the practical and emotional aspects of a long fertility journey. With Jared joining the conversation to offer a male perspective on the challenges men face during fertility treatment, their story explores the emotional complexity of moving from own gametes to donor conception, the physical and mental toll of multiple procedures, and how they maintained hope and their relationship through years of setbacks. From clinic changes to travel adventures that kept their spirits alive, their story reminds us that sometimes the path to parenthood looks different than we imagined, but the destination - holding your longed-for baby - makes every step worthwhile.

As we commemorate World IVF Day on July 25th, celebrating nearly five decades since the first IVF baby changed reproductive medicine forever, we're witnessing an unprecedented technological revolution that's reshaping the future of fertility treatment. Join Nicole McPherson, Director of Research & Science Education at Genea Fertility, as she explores how artificial intelligence and cutting-edge biotechnology are transforming every aspect of reproductive medicine, from AI-powered embryo selection systems that predict success rates with remarkable accuracy, to breakthrough genetic discoveries unlocking new treatment pathways. With her exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible insights, she brings clarity to the most exciting developments in fertility technology, showing how today's innovations are becoming tomorrow's standard of care, and why the next chapter of reproductive medicine promises to be the most transformative yet.

 This episode is proudly supported by Fertility SA and Genea Fertility.

Some of the most wanted, most loved children in the world are conceived through the incredible gift of donor conception. In this heartwarming episode, Senior Fertility Counsellor Brooke Calo from Fertility SA powered by Genea brings over 20 years of women's health experience to guide us through the beautiful, complex world of donor conception. From the evolving legislation, to the deeply personal process of donor selection, Brooke breaks down what intended parents really need to know about this special pathway to family building. We explore the practical differences between known and unknown donors, how recent Medicare changes are making treatment more accessible, and the emotional journey of creating families through the extraordinary act of genetic generosity.  Whether you're considering donor eggs, sperm, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers honest insights that honour every family's unique journey while celebrating the beauty of how donor-conceived people come to be

This episode is proudly supported by Fertility SA powered by Genea

Meet Katie Dunn, a voice we desperately need in the fertility space. At 39, Katie made the conscious decision to step away from fertility treatment after multiple rounds of IUI and IVF across two different chapters of her life. But here's what makes Katie's story so powerful - she calls this her HAPPY ending.

Katie writes about alternative happy endings on her Substack 'Afterglow,' creating the positive, uplifting stories she was desperately searching for when she was in treatment. Stories of people who chose to step away and are building vibrant, joy-filled lives on their own terms.

This conversation with the Fiercely Infertile host Cassie Silver, challenges the 'never give up hope' narrative and explores what happens when walking away becomes the brave choice. Whether you're actively trying or questioning your next steps, Katie's perspective will give you so much to think about.

Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is choose yourself.

Read Katie's work: https://open.substack.com/pub/afterglowbykatie

#WhatToExpectWhenYoureInjecting #AlternativeHappyEndings #FiercelyInfertile #FierceFertility #FertilityJourney #InfertilityAwareness #TTC