Extreme Babysitting: An Interview with a Surrogate

In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guests and I are discussing relationships and how fertility affects those relationships. We’re going to talk about the issues that arise and why fertility places so much strain on partner connections.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   How they knew they might face fertility issues and what they were willing to do in order to create a family. This family’s tips for getting through the fertility process intact as a couple and sharing the hardships and celebrations with one another. What they did to support each other in this journey and why they didn’t allow outside stressors to deter them from their goal of children. How they sustained the romance and intimacy in their relationship in the midst of their fertility process. Their suggestions for dealing with their individual grieving processes and why supporting one another through them was absolutely crucial. Why avoiding assumptions about one another’s feelings allowed them to solve problems together. This family’s advice for facing infertility and the reason you should never give up.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

In this episode,  my guest is Peter Hura. He’s a biotransport expert with ArkCryo and believes that biotransport is not just moving samples but caring for them as well. ArkCryo’s specialty is moving biological material from one point to another.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   What biotransport is and how it is used in the fertility world. Why timing and safety are crucial to the fertility process. The most important thing to remember when it comes to transporting samples and embryos. How biomaterial is transported and why hand-carrying it is preferential to cargo shipment, specifically when transporting internationally. The step-by-step process of transporting the biomaterial. Peter’s background with biotransport and how he landed in the industry when it was just beginning. The reason it’s so important for biomaterial to be handled with care and the numerous mistakes he’s seen over the years. The story of how his company began and why there was such a need for its services. Peter’s list of questions you need to ask at the start of the process to avoid tragic mistakes. Why you should undergo infectious disease testing before embryo creation. The questions Peter recommends asking when speaking with a biotransport provider. The reason you want the expertise of a reputable biotransport company and why the expense is worth the cost.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, I’m speaking with Maureen Rule. She’s an expert in the fertility world and also has some personal experience with infertility, which gives her a unique perspective on this journey. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in New Mexico, USA and she’s spent the majority of her years as a counselor working with people who are experiencing crisis situations such as loss of a child, addictions, homelessness.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   How Maureen Rule initially became involved in the fertility world and her own experience with infertility and pregnancy loss. Why she believes grief and loss is cumulative and how she was affected by postpartum depression following the birth of her miracle baby. What you can do to deal with your feelings of anger and betrayal while experiencing fertility issues. Her advice for helping someone you know grieve and what not to say after a pregnancy or child loss. How joining a support group can help you heal more quickly after a loss. The reactions people have to grief and loss and why men and women grieve so differently. The real reason couples often split up after suffering the loss of a child. Maureen Rule’s advice for realizing there is hope beyond the grief.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guest is Lisa. Lisa and I are talking about how you see yourself as you experience infertility. Lisa and her husband are both attorneys and built a successful law firm. When they decided to start their family, Lisa was diagnosed with several health issues, which they had never considered before. After several rounds of IVF, the only option left for them was surrogacy. Their baby didn’t survive, and it left their lives reeling.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   Why not succeeding never seemed like an option until Lisa and her husband lost their child. How Lisa found Maria and Adonis Fertility and found hope again. Why Adonis allowed Lisa to have faith in the process as each of her questions had an answer. The effect Lisa’s fertility struggles had on her self-esteem and belief in herself. Why belief and trust are absolutely vital to getting to the other side of the journey. What life is like for Lisa and her husband now that their daughter is here. Lisa’s advice for getting through the worry and anxiety of infertility and having faith that you’ll have a happy ending.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and care from the bottom of their hearts -- who treat your fertility journey not as a transaction, but as a mission of their life -- is something that can make a huge difference.  Ivanna is experienced on the support side of the fertility and has been in this world for nine years. She works with families who are going through fertility issues and has a unique perspective on this journey. As you listen to Ivanna, you may recognize some patterns to look for when you are selecting your providers, your support team, your champions of your journey.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   How Ivanna got started in the fertility world and why she’s still working with families who want to bring their own children into the world. Ivanna’s role as head of the coordination team and what that role entails. What her typical day looks like and why being proactive in this process means being always on call. The most rewarding part of Ivanna’s job and the reason she stays in the fertility world. The hardest part of her job and why it’s so difficult to move past it. Ivanna’s wish for those who are just beginning their fertility journeys.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: https://www.mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria welcomes her guest, Amanda. Amanda is a surrogate who is passionate about helping people complete their families. She shares her story with Maria and why she was so drawn to becoming a gestational carrier.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   How Amanda became a surrogate and why she is so passionate about helping families achieve their baby dreams. The myths surrounding surrogacy and why they aren’t true. The process for becoming a surrogate, what physical exams are required, and why it is so important to have emotional support along the way. Why patience during this process is critical to success. How the waiting game can bring families and surrogates closer together and the reason communication is critical during the surrogacy process. The tragedy Amanda experienced as a gestational carrier and how it affected both her and the family she was assisting. How she handled the blame after the tragedy and the mental toll it can take. Why most surrogates enjoy the communication they get from their families and how it can create a trusting relationship. What giving the baby to the parents feels like and why it’s so different to be a surrogate versus bringing home a baby that’s yours. Amanda’s advice for making the surrogacy journey easier for both parties.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: MariaFeekes.com Adonisfertilityintl.com facebook.com/AdonisFertilityInternational instagram.com/adonis.fertility.international youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A

In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria is sharing some of the myths surrounding the fertility world and debunking them one by one. These myths are the basis for other myths, which abound in the fertility world. By dispelling these untruths, Maria wants to empower and inspire you to take control of your fertility journey and become the author of your own story.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   Why guiding your journey by what the majority of people do doesn’t work because there are so many variables. Why you need to trust your intuition and communicate all of your questions, concerns, and ideas during this process. What you can do to shut out others’ opinions and move forward with your own journey. Terminology evolves, but the procedures are the same, which doesn’t affect your success. You’re not the only person going through this, and you are not alone. Nothing is wrong with you, and this is not your fault. Fertility involves more than just medical issues. You will feel whole again, and the sun will rise. You’re not too old to have a baby. You will still be you after you have your baby.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com Adonisfertilityintl.com facebook.com/AdonisFertilityInternational instagram.com/adonis.fertility.international youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A

In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria focuses on your clinic selection. Her guest on this episode is Eva Schenkman, an embryologist of nearly 30 years. She completed her undergraduate at Cornell University and went on to complete her master’s degree and Ph.D. at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In recent years, she’s become a consultant and runs the New York Metropolitan Embryology Society. She is also a clinical instructor at the EVMS Master’s Program in Embryology and sits on several committees for the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists as well as the College of Reproductive Biology.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   Eva Schenkman’s tips for researching fertility clinics for your particular needs and what you should look for. Why a clinic might not have its own embryologists on staff and may outsource for that service. The categories and data you should be evaluating as you review your clinical options. What you need to look out for if you’re considering a clinic with a narrow specialization or innovative treatments. Her advice for selecting the right clinic for you and what you should look for in the clinic’s communication with you.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com Adonisfertilityintl.com facebook.com/AdonisFertilityInternational instagram.com/adonis.fertility.international youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A   Connect with Eva Schenkman here: linkedin.com/in/eva-schenkman-6121778/

In this inaugural episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, Maria shares her vision for the podcast, which will include some solo episodes with Maria and some episodes with expert guests and families who have navigated the fertility journey. She will also welcome parents who are on the other side of this journey, who can offer their experiences and what they learned along the way. Expect some deep dives into some topics in addition to some shorter episodes that may consist of Q&As or a particular subject.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   What you can learn from families who weren’t sure what questions to ask and what their experiences can teach us. Why being able to make decisions and have freedom of choice is so important to have independent from anything else that is happening. How things can go wrong during this process, what the alternatives are, and why being vulnerable can lead to erroneous and costly decisions. Maria’s goal to remove, “I wish,” from the fertility conversation. How listening to this podcast can begin to put you back in control of your own fertility journey. The story behind the founding of Adonis Fertility.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: Adonisfertilityintl.com facebook.com/AdonisFertilityInternational instagram.com/adonis.fertility.international youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A  

Welcome to the Your Fertility Story podcast with Maria Feekes, founder of Adonis Fertility International. This show is dedicated to helping individuals and families make their dreams of having a child a reality. Maria believes every fertility journey is unique, and you are ultimately your own best advocate.   Your Fertility Story is designed to provide unbiased information, help you learn how to navigate challenges, and find support during your fertility journey.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   Why Maria believes you have the right to ask tough questions during your journey. The reason Maria started this podcast and why she believes expert advice and unbiased information is so important during this journey. Encouragement and inspiration along with answers to the questions you really want to know in order to become your own best advocate.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: Adonisfertilityintl.com facebook.com/AdonisFertilityInternational instagram.com/adonis.fertility.international youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A