AllPaths Podcast (AllPaths Family Building)

In this episode, Marissa Hathaway, MPH, Doula, and owner of The Lemon Grove, delves into her background and her transition from global health to becoming a full-time doula. Recounting her challenges with infertility, including the grief of losing pregnancies while supporting other families during their births, Marissa highlights the importance of having a support system, both personally and professionally. We discuss how crucial it is to have open conversations about challenging fertility and family building experiences, the importance of compassionate care and understanding in clinical settings, and the impact a dedicated support system can have during difficult times.

Connect with Marissa at https://www.thelemongrove.care/ or on Instagram @the.lemon.grove

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

family building, infertility support, doula services, endometriosis awareness, reproductive health, pregnancy loss, miscarriage support, IVF, IVF journey, emotional support during infertility, maternal health advocacy, fertility counseling, parenting after loss, trauma-informed care, fertility resources, pregnancy after loss, twin pregnancy, community support for infertility, family planning options, self-care in infertility, navigating pregnancy challenges, support for expectant parents

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Today’s episode features AllPaths volunteer Lea, a Boston-based biotech professional and leader of our Trying for Another Peer Support Group. After months of trying to conceive, Lea was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, which cast doubt on her ability to have biological children. She recounts navigating her options, including IVF and adoption, and her experiences with the adoption process, IUI, IVF, and an ectopic pregnancy. Lea also discusses the emotional toll those experiences took on her relationships and mental health and the feelings of guilt and anger that arose, especially after she went back to fertility treatments when her first child was six-months old, trying to balance her existing responsibilities with her desire to grow her family. Leah's story highlights the importance of community and support, and how she found her people at AllPaths. 

Join Lea for AllPaths' Trying for Another Group: https://allpathsfb.org/support/

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility, secondary infertility, fertility treatment, low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, IUI, IVF, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, grief, anger, sibling age gap, pregnancy announcements, peer support, community support, support groups, family building support, infertility journey, IVF experiences, trying for another group, peer support for parents, emotional challenges of parenting, family expansion, navigating fertility treatments, low AMH awareness, coping with fertility struggles, community for parents, fertility podcast, managing family planning, resources for infertility, mental health in family building, support for growing families, coping with pregnancy loss, navigating relationships during infertility, understanding reproductive health

This episode features Jillian, an ER/ICU RN, Organ Donation Coordinator, and Nursing Supervisor/Educator and AllPaths peer group leader, whose journey includes unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, IVF, and pregnancy after infertility and loss. Jillian's professional background offers her a unique perspective on fertility treatment and reproductive healthcare care, while her personal experiences often highlighted the stark contrast between medical insight and the emotional complexities of navigating grief and the need for understanding and support within the healthcare system. As Jillian recounts her journey to this point, we also explore the anxiety that is familiar to many who have experienced loss and the discussion turns to the importance of not only finding compassionate and understanding healthcare providers, but to the crucial role of a supportive community throughout the whole process.

Visit https://allpathsfb.org/support/ to join Jillian for one of AllPaths' Primary Pregnancy Loss Support Groups.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Nursing, RN, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, grief, relationships, unexplained infertility, IVF, genetic testing, fertility insurance coverage, fertility insurance, lack of control, fear, anxiety, guilt, mental health support, therapy, spontaneous pregnancy, expecting after loss, healthcare, postpartum challenges, community support, insurance consultation, support groups, peer support, primary pregnancy loss, volunteer, toxic positivity, family building, pregnancy loss, IVF journey, emotional support, infertility struggles, miscarriage awareness, reproductive health, parenting after loss, therapy for infertility, compassionate care, support groups, peer support, navigating healthcare, mental health during pregnancy, coping with miscarriage, community for parents, emotional wellbeing in fertility, understanding pregnancy loss, finding a supportive OB, journey to parenthood

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode, we sit down with Annie, an ENT resident with a unique perspective on medicine, identity, and family. Born to two moms through donor insemination, Annie shares how she always knew she was deeply wanted.

We explore her journey as a donor-conceived person, her evolving thoughts on connecting with her donor father and 20 half-siblings, and how her experience shapes her medical approach. Highlighted throughout is the importance of openness and transparency in donor conception, both within families and from donors themselves. Annie also sheds light on the gaps between what healthcare professionals are taught and what patients actually feel—especially in the world of fertility, and LGBTQ+ family building.

Join us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation on identity, belonging, and the diverse ways in which families are formed.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Donor conceived person, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ+ fertility, LGBTQ+ family building, same-sex family, fertility treatment, donor insemination, donor sperm, fertility treatment, donor siblings, family building, donor conception, LGBTQ family, sperm donor, family diversity, adoption stories, fertility journey, medical training and family, openness in parenting, intentional parenting, family support, donor insemination, half siblings, transparency in donor conception, family dynamics, emotional support for families, Jewish sperm donors, navigating family structures, fertility awareness, parenting advice

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Join us as we explore Janene Oleaga’s work as a family formation attorney and reproductive rights advocate. Janene's deeply held belief that everyone deserves a family is reflected in her commitment to guiding families through various family building pathways such as adoption, surrogacy, and more. Throughout the episode, Janene's passion for advocacy shines as she discusses her role in shaping positive changes in Maine's laws, illustrating how grassroots efforts can lead to significant shifts in societal attitudes towards family building. With a focus on community and support, Janene emphasizes the importance of finding a support system while navigating the complexities of family building. This heartfelt conversation highlights not only personal stories of resilience, but also the collective efforts to ensure that all families, regardless of their paths, are recognized and protected.

Janene Oleaga, Esq. (she/her) is a fertility lawyer and reproductive rights advocate assisting individuals and couples pursuing reproductive arrangements including surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, embryo disposition, pre-birth and post-birth judgments of parentage, and adoption matters including confirmatory adoption and step parent or second parent adoptions. Janene founded Oleaga Law LLC from the premise that all individuals have the right to a family regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status.

Janene, a board member of AllPaths Family Building and the BIVF Foundation, was awarded 40 Under 40 by Maine Business Journal in recognition of her reproductive rights advocacy efforts in Maine. She has been a legal resource to Out magazine, The Today Show, SHAPE, Above the Law, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29, and more. Janene is also a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Legal Professional Group, the ABA Assisted Reproduction and Adoption Committee, National LGBTQ Bar Association, Men Having Babies, and more.

Janene is licensed in Maine, New York, and New Hampshire, with experience representing clients for intrastate arrangements, interstate arrangements, and international arrangements.

LINKS:

Janene’s practice Oleaga Law LLC https://www.mainereproductionlawyer.com/

Learn more about ASRM/RESOLVE Advocacy Day 2025: https://resolve.org/events/advocacy-day/

Shop AllPaths gear w/Overseasoned Amy: https://bit.ly/restore_reproductive_liberty_collection

Portland Press Herald Op Ed, Nov. 1, 2023: https://www.pressherald.com/2023/11/01/maine-voices-we-love-our-children-but-we-love-our-guns-more/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

family formation attorney, family formation law, Maine, New York, reproductive rights advocacy, family building, fertility journey, infertility, assisted reproduction, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, genetic material, surrogacy, LGBTQ+ family formation, LGBTQ+ family planning, adoption, legal parentage, confirmatory adoption, GLAD Law, fertility insurance, ASRM, RESOLVE, Advocacy Day, federal advocacy, state advocacy, Overseasoned Amy, Matriarch, Maine Biz 40 under 40, personhood, parental rights, estate planning, marriage equality, fertility legislation, inclusive family law, navigating infertility, personal stories of fertility, community support for family building, obstacles in family planning

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Propa City Community Outreach founder Stephanie Crawford shares her family story, from the heartbreaking loss of her first son at 39 weeks to finding purpose in her pain by supporting others impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Through her work as an educator, doula, and advocate, Stephanie’s work with “loss families” helps them advocate for positive healing for themselves and their communities.

Stephanie is an early childhood educator in the Boston public school system, a full-spectrum doula, children’s author, as well as a well-known pregnancy and infant loss grief support advocate. She is the founder and principal of Propa City Community Outreach, whose mission is to support families in the community who have experienced loss to navigate the healing process. She has partnered with local hospitals to develop strategies for supporting birthing people who experience loss as well as those with a history of pregnancy or birth-related trauma. Stephanie is the mother to angel Simeon and rainbow baby Amani and the godmother to 19 beautiful children of various ages.

Connect with Propa City Community Outreach: https://www.propacityco.org/

Learn more about Belle Jolie Doula Services: https://www.stephknowsbest.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Pregnancy loss; infant loss; stillbirth; grief; loss; healing; mental health; anxiety; pregnancy after loss; rainbow baby; doula support; full-spectrum doula; faith; therapy; postpartum anxiety; support group; loss support; Propa City Community Outreach; community support; advocacy;

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Advocate, founder of Grain Fertility, and father through IVF, Joe Cody shares his family's journey which spanned four years and included multiple failed cycles and significant financial burdens. We explore the emotional and practical challenges faced by families navigating infertility, the immense impact that proactive conversations with extended family - or a lack thereof - can have on a growing family, and the systemic issues within healthcare that complicate fertility treatments.

Joe also shares about his work since infertility, channeling his experiences into helping others navigate the complexities of infertility and advocating for accessible resources, equitable access to care, and supportive communities. 

Joe Cody is an IVF dad who has worked on health care policy and advocacy since 2008. He founded Grain Fertility after he and his wife went through a nearly 4 year journey to have their daughter and his wife used a 3-ring binder she put together to help keep their fertility journey organized. He is an active volunteer with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, and served as the co-chair for National Advocacy Day in 2020 and 2021. He lives in Silver Spring, MD with his amazingly supportive wife, their 4 year old daughter, and their rescue dog, Fuskie.

LINKS:

Learn about Grain Fertility: https://www.grainfertility.com/

IG @joecody5

Join advocates across the US for RESOLVE Advocacy Day 2025: https://resolve.org/events/advocacy-day/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Fertility treatment, infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, IVF, one and no longer trying for another, therapy, mental health support, advocacy, RESOLVE, Advocacy Day, access to care, cost of care, reproductive health care, assisted reproductive technology, Grain Fertility, patient advocacy, care coordination, IVF journey, infertility support, family building, fertility advocacy, emotional toll of infertility, fertility treatment options, navigating IVF, patient advocacy in fertility, financial aspects of IVF, sharing infertility stories, mental health and infertility, hormone testing and fertility, family planning challenges, infertility awareness, personal experiences with IVF, fertility clinics, support networks for infertility, coping with infertility, growth through adversity, Grain Fertility app

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Kate Weldon LeBlanc, Executive Director of AllPaths Family Building, shares her journey of an unexplained infertility diagnosis, loss, and her path to parenthood. With fertility treatment, Kate and her husband Joe successfully became pregnant with their now high school senior, Sophie. Kate discusses the emotional, mental, and social tolls of infertility and the impact that her own family building journey had on her career, leading her to AllPaths (then Resolve New England) 10 years ago.

Over the past decade, Kate has not only led with unwavering dedication but also inspired a bold new era of family building, where inclusivity and emotional support are at the forefront. From every community member who has been fortunate enough to witness her compassion and dedication firsthand, to the thousands across New England and beyond who have been impacted by her passionate advocacy work, Kate's vision and commitment have shaped our organization's growth and success.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility, fertility treatment, unexplained infertility, IUI, IVF, fertility insurance coverage, secondary infertility, pregnancy loss, one and no longer trying for another, grief, advocacy, ASRM, community, collaboration, reproductive health, reproductive health care, Resolve New England, AllPaths Family Building

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Director of Family Advocacy at GLAD and recipient of the 2024 AllPaths Advocacy Award, Polly Crozier shares her own challenging family building story, as well as her advocacy for parentage equality inclusive fertility insurance bills throughout New England. A tireless, knowledgeable and effective advocate, Polly’s work focuses on youth and family issues, including parentage protections, adoption, access to fertility healthcare, transgender family law, juvenile justice, and child welfare, and work at the intersection of LGBTQ justice and reproductive justice, striving to ensure that all families will be protected regardless of how they were formed.

Learn more about GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): www.glad.org

IG @gladlaw

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

fertility health care; LGBTQ+; LGBTQ+ fertility; LGBTQ+ family building; same-sex family; fertility treatment; donor sperm; miscarriage; pregnancy loss; infant loss; co-parent adoption; advocacy; parentage; parentage equality

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

This episode features an in-depth discussion with Karen about her journey through infertility and adoption. She openly shares the challenges she faced, including the emotional toll of successful fertility treatments, the impact that family building struggles can have on relationships, and how she determined adoption was the best path for her family. As Karen recounts her experience of matching with her daughter’s birth mother and the emotional intricacies of that relationship, she emphasizes the importance of having a support system, whether through friends, family, online communities, or support groups, and the importance of staying open to all possibilities as you navigate the twists and turns of your journey.

Visit Karen at Possibili Teas in Bridgewater, MA.

Learn about AllPaths’ Adoption Support Group at https://allpathsfb.org/support/.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Massachusetts, infertility, fertility treatment, IUI, unexplained infertility, mental health support, access to care, fertility testing, polyps, relationships, fertility insurance coverage, adoption, adoption agency, birth parent, closed adoption, Georgia, hope, grief, family and friends, community support, Instagram, therapy, family building, infertility support, adoption journey, emotional support in infertility, navigating family growth, IVF experiences, fertility treatment options, coping with infertility, community support for families, personal adoption stories, family growth challenges, mental health in family building, infertility awareness, support groups for infertility, family building resources, understanding infertility, adoption process explained, building a family through adoption, stories of hope in infertility, supporting families in transition

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

A born and raised New Yorker, social worker Jen Rachman shares her family’s story from an ovarian cancer diagnosis that sadly left her infertile in her 20s, to the decision that surrogacy was the best route for her and her husband to grow their family. With the help of their agency, their surrogate, and their egg donor, they had their son 12 years ago.

Jen’s experience was so positive that it launched a new career path and she now works for Circle Surrogacy, the agency she used to grow her family. Her role is to assist and support intended parents who are exploring surrogacy to learn about the process and the services that are provided. She welcomes you to contact her for more information about building your family through surrogacy and/or egg donation at jrachman@circlesurrogacy.com.

Learn more about Circle Surrogacy: https://www.circlesurrogacy.com/

Connect with Stupid Cancer: https://stupidcancer.org/

Join AllPaths’ Cancer and Fertility Support Group: https://allpathsfb.org/support

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cancer; ovarian cancer; survivor; young adult survivor; grief; loss; fertility treatment; intended parents; gestational carrier; surrogacy; donor conception; donor egg; parenting support; fertility preservation; mental health; social work; surrogacy agency; egg donation; peer support; support group; cancer and fertility;

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Jennifer Redmond shares her story of infertility, loss, and embracing life as a family of two, how her own fertility journey has influenced her personal and professional life, and reflects on the evolution she’s seen in the fertility and family building space over her career.

Jennifer empowers women to take a 360-degree view of their wellness and helps them implement customized dietary and lifestyle changes to boost fertility and feel deeply supported in the process. A fertility and hormonal health expert, Jennifer is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach, graduate of the Women’s Functional and Integrative Medicine Professional Training Program, and Certified Hormone Health Educator. Formerly the co-founder and editor-in-chief of FertilityAuthority (now Progyny), and Director of Communications for RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, she has literally written and edited thousands of articles on fertility and infertility. Jennifer is the Immediate Past President of AllPaths Family Building, where she also helps lead the Childless After Fertility and Family Building Challenges Group.

Learn more about holistic fertility support: jennredmond.com

IG @jennredmondinhc

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Infertility; pregnancy loss; fertility treatment; IVF; living childfree; childless after infertility; peer support; building community; functional nutrition; hormonal health; fertility support;

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Welcome to the AllPaths Podcast, where we support and celebrate all of the different ways there are to grow your family.

Each week we'll talk with different members of the AllPaths Family Building community, sharing stories, hearing from experts in this space about fertility treatments and family building options, learning about current family building advocacy and how to get involved, and exploring incredible resources.

Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to make sure you never miss an episode and please help spread the word so that anyone who is struggling to grow their family can join the conversation.

In this episode, London-based American author and journalist Ginanne Brownell recounts her challenging journey of infertility, miscarriage, donor conception, and gestational surrogacy. Now parent to twins born in 2018, Ginanne’s personal experience navigating the intricate legal landscape of surrogacy made her a committed family building advocate, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of surrogacy, its ethical dimensions, and the importance of inclusive legislation like the the Michigan Family Protection Act that she helped craft which was signed into law in April 2024. Ginanne’s book, Elusive Mommyhood: An Investigative Reporter’s Personal Journey into IVF and Surrogacy, encapsulates her journey and the broader context of surrogacy, aiming to educate and empower those considering this path to parenthood and honor and uplift the voices of the adult children conceived through assisted reproductive technologies.

LINKS:

Connect with Ginanne on Instagram @elusive.mommyhood

Read Elusive Mommyhood: https://ginannebrownell.com/elusive-mommyhood/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

author, advocate, journalist, Michigan, London, Elusive Mommyhood, fertility treatment, IVF, surrogacy, donor sperm, miscarriage, egg freezing, unexplained infertility, gestational carrier, donor egg, donor conception, intended parents, twin pregnancy, twins, pre-birth order, parentage, parental order, history of surrogacy, global surrogacy, compensated surrogacy, surrogacy contracts, Michigan Fertility Alliance, fertility healthcare, Center for Reproductive Rights, assisted reproduction, Family Equality, ethical surrogacy, international surrogacy, equity, grassroots advocacy, family building, surrogacy journey, IVF experiences, infertility support, surrogacy laws, fertility healthcare, ethical surrogacy, parenting through surrogacy, gestational carriers, family advocacy, emotional journey of surrogacy, surrogacy success stories, navigating infertility, surrogacy in the US, challenges of surrogacy, surrogacy and legal issues, personal stories of surrogacy, surrogacy book release, surrogacy and parenthood

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

CEO and Founder of Family Source Consultants (FSC), Staci Swiderski shares her personal journey as an intended parent, welcoming a son via gestational surrogacy in 2005 and her experience as a known egg donor. Her own fertility challenges led her to found FSC in 2007 with a mission to build families through third-party reproduction with an approach that is “compassionate, empathetic, individualized, and heart-based”.

Staci has more than 16 years of experience in the field of reproductive medicine. She has vigorously grown the comprehensive egg donation and gestational surrogacy agency to become a worldwide leader in the third-party reproduction field. Aside from work, Staci enjoys spending time with her family, traveling anywhere near a beach, watching sports (GO CUBS!), and listening to the many genres of music.

Learn more about Family Source Consultants: https://www.familysourceconsultants.com/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Gestational carrier; surrogacy; intended parents; IVF; hysterectomy; egg donation; donor conception; third-party reproduction; infertility; peer support; advocacy; insurance coverage; fertility insurance;

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Andy Lamb shares his story of male infertility, mental health struggles, and the reinvention of who he was and what really mattered in life and family on his journey to become a father. Now a parent to three girls adopted through foster care, Andy supports other men struggling to grow their families as an AllPaths Peer Support Group leader and works to cultivate racial and cultural competency in communities through his family-founded non-profit, Raising Multicultural Kids.

Learn more about Raising Multicultural Kids: https://raisingmulticulturalkids.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Male-factor infertility; azoospermia; relationships; therapy; depression; adoption; foster care; parenting; multicultural kids; interracial adoption; peer support; building community; parenting support;

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Liane Moccia’s story encompasses an infertility diagnosis, becoming a parent via IVF, as well as how her personal journey sparked a passion for holistic fertility support and a new career. Now a Registered Clinical Herbalist specializing in fertility and preconception planning, Liane highlights some of her favorite herbs to support optimal fertility and a healthy pregnancy. She shares some favorite resources for anyone building their family, including her work with clients and her role as an AllPaths Peer Support Group leader.

Liane is a Boston-based Registered Herbalist, RH(AHG) helping people prepare for pregnancy and take charge of their fertility by coming up with a clear plan including herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle change. Liane’s own infertility diagnosis led her to the healing power of plants and ultimately a career change after the birth of her twin daughters to help others on similar journeys. Liane spent 20 years in corporate marketing before returning to school to study herbalism. After becoming a certified herbalist, she was accepted as a peer-reviewed registered professional herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild.

Explore Liane’s content in the AllPaths Resource Library

Connect with Liane: https://lianemoccia.com/

IG @lianemoccia

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Fertility treatment; IVF; infertility; egg health; sperm health; holistic support; acupuncture; herbs; adaptogens; mind-body; wellness; pregnancy; community support; peer support; 

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

A Connecticut native who now calls Massachusetts home, Alison is a second-grade teacher and solo parent of one. Alison walks us along her path to becoming a single mother by choice, recurrent pregnancy losses, the grief of not being able to give her son a sibling, and coping with the range of emotions associated with knowing this was not how she had ever envisioned growing her family. Alison also opens up about the reality of parenting without a partner and her struggle with feeling like she has to do it all, while emphasizing the importance of a supportive community throughout the whole journey.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Single mother by choice, single parent, fertility treatment, donor conception, donor sperm, IUI, IVF, ICSI, genetic testing, PGT testing, insurance coverage, insurance appeal, therapy, chemical pregnancy, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, D&C, grief, anger, recurrent pregnancy loss, RPL, pregnancy loss leave, pregnancy after loss, trying for another, blighted ovum, one and not longer trying for another, solo parenting

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

LaMone Downey Leonard, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Founder and CEO of Rising Hope Counseling and Wellness joins us to discuss her family building journey. Her mission is to create safe and supportive healing spaces for those experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and reproductive trauma including fertility and pregnancy and infant loss. LaMone hopes to continue to normalize the act of seeking support and to spread the message that everyone deserves their happiness and healing. LaMone talks about her recurrent pregnancy loss and navigating the feelings of grief following infant loss.

LaMone hopes to continue to normalize the act of seeking support and to spread the message that everyone deserves their happiness and healing. She earned her BS in Sociology from Cornell University and her MSW from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She is a Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Advocate, Fertility Advocate, a Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200), Double Dutch Aerobics Instructor & Groove.

LINKS:

Connect with LaMone: https://www.risinghopecw.com/

Fertility and Loss Resources for the BIPOC Community

• sisters-in-loss.com
• blackdoulasassociation.com
• fertilityforcoloredgirls.com

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Chemical pregnancy; fibroids; blocked tubes; PCOS; fertility treatment; IVF; loss; recurrent pregnancy loss; second trimester loss; mental health; anxiety; depression; grief; self-care; therapy; faith; pregnancy and infant loss; BIPOC; trauma; LICSW; social work; Rising Hope; PAIL; advocacy; pregnancy loss leave; self-care; mind-body; doula support; community support;

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

In this episode we speak with Kerry Hinds about her family-building journey and her work as a fertility yoga teacher. Kerry shares her journey, struggling to conceive and navigating fertility treatment in a foreign country, the emotional challenges and losses she faced, and the unexpected experience of becoming pregnant without intervention. Kerry also shared how yoga became her lifeline during difficult times and how she developed her unique approach to fertility yoga, incorporating restorative poses, gentle movements, and community support to help manage stress and connect with your body during a challenging family building journey. In addition to her virtual yoga studio Fertile Body Yoga, Kerry shares about her other projects, including her podcast Fringe Fertility, fertility yoga teacher training, and an upcoming in-person fertility retreat in Hillsborough, NH in April 2025.

Kerry Hinds is the owner and founder of Fertile Body Yoga, a virtual yoga studio that is dedicated to supporting women navigating their fertility journey - whatever it may look like. She offers both livestream and on-demand Fertility Yoga Classes and Small Group Programs that embrace the complete journey - physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, spiritually, and socially.

Kerry has been teaching yoga for 20 years and has been specializing in fertility yoga for 8 years. Her classes and offerings are Informed by her own experiences with pregnancy loss, years of IVF, and eventually completing her family with 2 children. Kerry has supported 1000’s of women on their fertility journeys so far and is on a mission to help people conceive and birth with yoga and community. Kerry also hosts Fringe Fertility - a podcast that highlights supportive fertility practices beyond the doctor’s office.

LINKS:

Fertile Body Yoga: www.fertilebodyyoga.com

Retreat Information: https://www.justine-cohen.com/onfertileground

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Boston, Washington, Germany, fertility treatment, IUI, IVF, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, D&C, trust, hope, affordable fertility treatment, fresh transfer, frozen embryo transfer, stopping treatment, mental load, spontaneous pregnancy, psychosocial support, yoga, restorative yoga, regulating the nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, stress, fight or flight, pelvic floor, opening the pelvis, prenatal yoga, postpartum yoga, fertility yoga, slow flow yoga, mindful movements, community support, spiritual practice, fertility retreat, Bethel Farms, New Hampshire, sauna, yoga class, reiki, meditation, massage, farm to table, spirit babies, conscious conception, rewilding, mercier therapy, minimalist fertility, fertility yoga, family building, emotional support fertility, holistic fertility journey, IVF experiences, fertility wellness, prenatal yoga, yoga for stress relief, coping with infertility, fertility community, mindful movement yoga, reproductive health, yoga teacher training, fertility retreats, overcoming infertility, mental health in fertility, fertility yoga classes, natural conception support, yoga for women, fertility journey support

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

A Boston-based healthcare product strategist with a passion for social impact and community building, Haya shares her story, from unexplained infertility and loss, to pursuing fertility treatment (IUI & IVF) as a path to parenthood, culminating in a complicated twin pregnancy and postpartum experience. Over the course of the conversation we chat about navigating relationships and boundaries while family building, the importance of building community, mental health support, best practices on how to support a family member or friend who is struggling to grow their family, Haya’s role as an AllPaths volunteer support group leader, and Our Gathering Place, her new business aimed at supporting parents during the first early years.

Learn more about Our Gathering Place: https://ourgathering.place

IG @ourgathering.place

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Unexplained infertility; miscarriage; pregnancy loss; IUI; IVF; twin pregnancy; multiples; parenting; navigating boundaries; relationships; therapy; postpartum depression; peer support; building community; parenting support; advice for family and friends

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Kelly Soule shares about her ongoing journey and the difficulty of not knowing what’s next for her family. From processing IVF not working and a changing relationship with her own body, to attempting to adjust to having no sense of control and situations when expectations do not meet reality. Our conversation with Kelly touches on the emotions and decisions that so many people face when struggling to figure out what path to pursue, or to switch to.

Kelly is the Owner and Principal Planner of Kelly Elizabeth Events and 8 Stratton Events, specializing in corporate, non-profit and social events. Kelly and her husband Dan have been TTC For 4 years including multiple rounds of IVF, surgeries and various diagnoses. They are still working to grow their family. Kelly is originally from Westborough, MA but currently resides on Cape Cod. In her spare time she enjoys traveling to new places as well as advocating for animal rescue and IVF.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

PCOS; miscarriage; pregnancy loss; uterine septum; fertility treatment; IVF; ectopic pregnancy; mental health; surrogacy; relationship with body; lack of control; expectations vs. reality; advice for family and friends

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Danielle shares her story of trying to conceive over 40, navigating fertility treatment, donor egg IVF, and the anxiety of becoming pregnant after years of failed cycles. Over the course of the conversation, we chat about navigating boundaries while family building, the difference your mindset can make, self-empowerment and her inspiration to become an AllPaths Peer Support Group leader.

Danielle is a PhD scientist, academic researcher, published author, college professor, gymnastics coach, yoga teacher, CrossFit coach, pharmaceutical and biotech medical professional, leader, mentor, people-manager, women’s health researcher and advocate, fertility patient, sexual assault survivor, collegiate and master’s athlete, wife, friend, sister, aunt, teammate, speaker, writer, and of course, WARRIOR. More important than these labels, she defines herself by her values and beliefs. Her core belief is that humans have infinite capacity to change, and that change starts with self-awareness and acknowledgment that although we may not be in control of our circumstances, we are in control of how we react to those circumstances.

Read Danielle’s article in the AllPaths Magazine: https://allpathsfb.org/reclaiming-our-power-amidst-endless-uncertainty/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

TTC over 40; fertility treatment; IVF; donor conception; donor egg; DEIVF; toxic positivity; navigating boundaries; relationships; pregnancy after infertility; peer support; support groups

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Megan Scherer joins us to share her family's journey through cancer and infertility, which then led to the creation of the nonprofit organization, Worth the Wait. After her husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer, they faced numerous challenges in starting their family. Megan discusses the importance of fertility preservation and the support they received, which ultimately led to the birth of their son. Inspired by their family’s experience, Megan and Mike founded Worth the Wait to help others facing similar battles. The organization aims to provide education on oncofertility, advocate for better awareness and support for young cancer survivors, and offer financial assistance to those needing help with fertility preservation and family building.

Megan and Mike started Worth the Wait, a 501c3, after their personal experience with cancer and infertility. They turned their adversity into a national charity that helps cancer survivors keep the hope of parenthood alive through financial assistance programs, advocacy work and oncofertility education. Being parents to their son Elliott is their greatest joy!

LINKS:

Connect with Worth the Wait: https://worththewaitcharity.com/, on social media @worththewaitcharity

Get support through AllPaths’ Cancer & Fertility Group: allpathsfb.org/support

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Cancer, cancer survivor, testicular cancer, fertility preservation, fertility treatment, infertility, IUI, IVF, insurance coverage, access to care, cost of care, Ohio, Worth the Wait Charity, young adult cancer survivors, oncofertility, oncofertility education, advocacy, financial support, financial assistance, grants, adolescent cancer patients, young adult cancer survivors, surrogacy, adoption, fertility preservation coverage, Alliance for Fertility Preservation, cryopreservation, emergency preservation grants, family building grants, community support, social media, support, for family and friends, what not to say

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!

Founder of Building Military Families Network, Julie Eshelman shares about her ongoing family building journey, one that spans many years and states, highlighting the unique challenges that military families often face. We also hear about Julie’s rise as a leader in the community through her non-profit and advocacy work, and learn how anyone can get involved in the fight for access to fertility care and family building options.

Julie is the Founder, CEO & President of Building Military Families Network, a nonprofit with a mission to provide an empowering and supportive network to military and veteran families navigating the challenges in the family building process through support groups, education, and resources. She uses her infertility and pregnancy loss journey to help the 67% of military-connected families realize they are not alone in struggling to build and grow their families. Julie advocates for insurance coverage and access to care for military-connected families while raising awareness of the unique challenges they face due to the military lifestyle. Julie believes in breaking the chains of shame and embarrassment that these topics carry and instead empowering others to share their journeys and advocate for the next generation. In 2022 she was named AFI Fort Leavenworth Spouse of the Year for her awareness, advocacy, and leadership in infertility and military family building.

Learn more about Building Military Families Network: buildingmilitaryfamiliesnetwork.org

Join the AllPaths and BMFN Building Military Families Support Group: https://allpathsfb.org/support

Learn more about ASRM/RESOLVE Advocacy Day 2025: https://resolve.org/events/advocacy-day/

Read Julie’s memoir-in-progress: https://www.wearethemighty.com/category/infertility-memoir/

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

Military families; military spouse; infertility; miscarriage; pregnancy loss; fertility treatment; IVF; Building Military Families Network; ASRM; RESOLVE; advocacy; insurance coverage; veterans

CONNECT WITH ALLPATHS FAMILY BUILDING: https://allpathsfb.org

Follow us on social media @allpathsfb

Want to share your story or ask a question? Get in touch at podcast@allpathsfb.org!