SummaryIn this episode, Mary Susan shares her deeply personal journey through endometriosis, multiple surgeries, and the decision to pursue surrogacy. She discusses the challenges she faced, including a total hysterectomy at a young age, the emotional toll of IVF, and the importance of finding a supportive community. Mary Susan's story highlights the resilience of women navigating fertility issues and the power of connection in the surrogacy process.TakeawaysMary Susan started her cycle at 11 and faced severe pain.Endometriosis often takes a long time to diagnose.A total hysterectomy was necessary for Mary Susan at 21.IVF can be physically and emotionally challenging.Finding the right surrogate is crucial for the journey.Community support plays a vital role in the surrogacy process.Mary Susan and her surrogate have developed a close bond.Surrogacy can provide hope for those struggling with infertility.The emotional impact of fertility struggles is significant.Mary Susan aims to be a source of support for others. Keywordsendometriosis, surrogacy, IVF, fertility journey, hysterectomy, women's health, emotional support, community, motherhood, health advocacyChapters00:00 Introduction to Mary Susan's Journey00:53 Early Struggles with Endometriosis05:14 Understanding Endometriosis and Its Impact10:06 The Decision for Hysterectomy15:01 Navigating IVF and Surrogacy19:25 Finding the Right Surrogate24:14 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Surrogacy28:58 Building a Supportive Community33:49 The Journey to Parenthood38:28 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

In this episode of What The Fertility Podcast, hosts Catherine and Amanda sit down with Reece Weaver to discuss the important work of Beckett's Blessing Box, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced child loss. Reece shares her personal connection to the cause, the resources provided by the organization, and the significance of community support in the grieving process. The conversation also touches on fundraising efforts, the importance of awareness, and the impact of faith in healing. Reece emphasizes that no one should walk through grief alone and highlights the legacy of Beckett as a source of hope and support for many families.To learn more about Beckett's Blessing Box you can visit them on Instagram @beckettsblessingbox or online via www.mortonscholarship.com.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:10 Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss05:58 Beckett's Blessing Box: Mission and Impact08:55 Fundraising and Community Involvement11:45 Personal Reflections on Grief and Support14:50 Merchandise and Awareness Initiatives17:43 Final Thoughts and Community Support

Dr. Natalie Crawford breaks down her own infertility journey or reoccurent pregnancy loss and how that ultimately led her to become such a strong fertility advocate and voice in the online space. Tune in to hear about her new book, The Fertility Formula, as well as answers to listeners questions such as, "are wearables worth it, optimal ways to track fertility, and even some discussion around menopause.To learn more about Dr. Crawford go to www. nataliecrawfordmd.com or @nataliecrawfordmd on Instagram.Also, in today's episode you can learn how to get The Fertility Formula Starter Pack—including The 7-Day Hormone Reset and The Ultimate IVF Guide!

Amanda and Cat share about whats been going on and whats to come in season 5.

Erin shares her journey with a resected uterine septum & recurrent pregnancy loss.-ivf-donor eggsIG:@chasingcatandrainbows

Part 2 with guest Shelby as she shares all that has happened since Season 3 and what led her to her son Benjamin.She shares about how she went into labor at 30 weeks and life in the NICU was like. Resources:IG:@manipuraacupunctureAcupuncture and Holistic Healthcare IG: @hishelby

Author Jami Crist shares her journey through loss and infertility which led her to write the book "The Losses We Keep" and begin a podcast "The Radical Female".IG/Tiktok:@jamicristLink to The Losses We Keep:https://www.amazon.com/Losses-We-Keep-Journey-Fertility/dp/1958472115/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m4VZPfoXScTbqdTaXIbuCQQrLbbOTTKAJnsRh-pOEtUjKobuRM0EeTGyCBy4x6centB19VVpovoGohUqqZHkS7wjg42emxVjY7fErvbQmrmTOMySaRBx8yaY7Ak5CXr19tdZreMxVrrJptKWLHkoDAk8WWsEi4oFajzZak98PUj2zuVhCkmid1zXSMcpwz2RulqORtqk8p5CMAOSEM1EXZDMohVLaDhKQzeapn_wpAg.5KaZJIAplaM_EfMP-e3UbCOcurWyu2hm2XygjiU4KB4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+losses+we+keep&qid=1751243842&sr=8-1 (https://www.amazon.com/Losses-We-Keep-Journey-Fertility/dp/1958472115/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m4VZPfoXScTbqdTaXIbuCQQrLbbOTTKAJnsRh-pOEtUjKobuRM0EeTGyCBy4x6centB19VVpovoGohUqqZHkS7wjg42emxVjY7fErvbQmrmTOMySaRBx8yaY7Ak5CXr19tdZreMxVrrJptKWLHkoDAk8WWsEi4oFajzZak98PUj2zuVhCkmid1zXSMcpwz2RulqORtqk8p5CMAOSEM1EXZDMohVLaDhKQzeapn_wpAg.5KaZJIAplaM_EfMP-e3UbCOcurWyu2hm2XygjiU4KB4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+losses+we+keep&qid=1751243842&sr=8-1)

Hannah shares her journey through 4 miscarriages, IVF and the struggles she has gone through while trying to start their family. She chats with us about the importance of taking a step back and taking a break when needed.Triggers Warning: Miscarriage, FET cancelIG:@hannahtetreault92

Kyla Ayalew speaks on her experiences with infertility through low sperm count and miscarriage. Kyla fell pregnant after their first IVF transfer only to lose her daughter just shy of 22 weeks. Kyla is now the mom of 2 children through IVF and is a fertility advocate through RESOLVE.To learn more about Kyla, you can connect with her on Instagram: @kylamayalew

* PCOS and Endo Expert* Focuses on helping you get pregnant natural, IVF/ICSI* Integrative Nutrition & MoreIG: @thefertilitycoach_Resources:thefertility-coach.co.uk

Fiona Macdonald easily conceived her first child. When the couple started trying for another baby, they were immediately faced with experiencing their first miscarriage. Unfortunately for Fiona, she would go on to have a total of 5 miscarriages and turn to IVF to assist in growing her family. In this episode, we discuss common misconceptions around secondary infertility and the isolation that women feel when facing infertility after becoming a mother.To connect further with Fiona, you can find her on IG @fitfertilitea

Tiffany went through two miscarriages and a myomectomy to remove fibroids before the conception of her now 2 year old daughter. When she started trying for a second child, she was thrown into the world of recurrent miscarriage, experiencing five back to back losses. Her last loss was an ectopic pregnancy which caused her to lose her right fallopian tube. Her family turned to IVF, as she had unexplained RPL. Tiffany found success through IVF and just announced the conception of her second baby! To connect with Tiffany, find her on IG: @tiffanyldeleon

Juliana Jason, Founder of Embyr, started her turbulent infertility journey at just 21 years old. She shares how she went through the loss of her left ovary and fallopian tube to a soccer ball sized tumor. This event led Juliana to IVF, where she experienced several complications. Ultimately, Juliana went on to have three beautiful children and along the way created an infertility inspired jewelry line called Embyr. Embyr jewelry is something you can hold onto and something that represents what you have been through.To learn more about Juliana and Embyr jewelry, follow them on Instagram: @embyr_forever or on her website www.embyrforever.com. 

Analeah shares her long journey with 6 IVF transfers, 4 miscarriages, PPROM at 23 weeks, NICU stay and all the in between.IG:@analeahaaha

Hayley Conner shares her personal journey with infertility and loss, after being diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma. Hayley talks in depth about the moment when her physician shared she would need brain surgery in order to build her family. Tune in to hear how Hayley navigated her diagnosis and kept moving forward to ultimately welcome her beautiful daughter into this world!

We sit down with host, Catherine Baker's own REI, Dr. Edward Tarnawa. Catherine received care at PREG, as a second opinion during her initial years of reoccurent pregnancy loss. Dr. T and his partner, Dr. Theisen share what led them to reproductive endocrinology, answer listeners Q&As, and dive into the myths of regulatory requirements when it comes to IVF.

Laetitia shares her story with 3 miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy and ultimately what led her to conceive at 40 years old.Her journey has led her to become a fertility coach and focus on aligning ones mindset with their body.IG:@mindset_bodyandsoulFree Consultation Coaching Call:https://calendly.com/mindsetbodyandsoul/20minEmail:laetitia@mindsetbodyandsoul.comResources:Free Guided Meditation Resource- check out her IG

Erica Hoke shares her infertility struggles and how doctors shared she had less than a 1% chance of conception. Erica is the Author of the book series Infertility Success 'Stories of Help and Hope For your Journey." You can view and purchase the book series here (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Erica-Hoke/author/B09LXPMMLS?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true). To learn more about Erica, you can follow her on IG: @infertilemomof4

Aubrey shares her journey through 6 years TTC, 2 failed IUI's, 2 unsuccessful FET and a diagnosis of Endo and PCOS.

Beth Gulotta, a licensed therapist, is the host and founder of Quiet the Clock. Beth's focus is breaking down societal timelines and expectations. To learn more about Beth, follow her on instagram @quiettheclockpod