Infertile AF: Infertility and Modern Family Building

Alison Prato
Podcast de Infertile AF: Infertility and Modern Family Building

In this unfiltered podcast about infertility, Brooklyn-based journalist and mom-of-two Ali Prato, who went through secondary infertility and IVF herself, talks to women—and some men—about the messy, frustrating, painful, heartbreaking, absurd and sometimes hilarious journey to have a baby. Or in some cases, to not have a baby. Each episode tells a different story about family building, getting real about miscarriages, egg freezing, sperm and egg donation, IUIs, endometriosis, male factor infertility, adoption, surrogacy, genetic testing, single parenting by choice, LGBTQ+ fertility, living childless not by choice, depression, relationship issues, money issues, jealousy, PTSD, and so much more. Ali covers all of the outcomes in this safe, non-judgement zone: the happy endings, the soul-crushingly sad ones, and the ones still in limbo.

  1. HACE 1 DÍA

    HerMD Co-Founder Komel Caruso's Infertility Story: PCOS, IVF and Revolutionizing Women's Health

    On today's episode, Ali talks to Komel Caruso, the Co-Founder of HerMD, about her infertility journey. Komel talks about growing up in a traditional Muslim household and the sex education (or lack thereof) she received as a Catholic school student. It was, "Don't have sex, you'll get pregnant. You'll just get pregnant every time you have sex. I was just so fearful that if I had sex, I would get pregnant. Even if I was using birth control, I could still get pregnant. That fear leads to a lot of anxiety," she says. Komel also talks about having a "wonderful surprise baby" in her early twenties, discovering that she had PCOS, and what happened when she started taking Clomid. She also talks about IUI, IVF, "feeling like a failure," and finally getting pregnant again via ART. She also talks about her sister and co-founder, Board Certified OBGYN Dr. Somi Javaid, and how they created HerMD, looking to revolutionize women's health and pivot away from "drive-thru gynecology."  For more, go to www.hermd.com/ TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; PCOS; IUI; IVF; IVF cycles; IVF treatment; twin pregnancy; Clomid; pregnancy loss; pregnancy after infertility; motherhood after infertility; women's health; sisterhood; OBGYN; reproductive rights   EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    38 min
  2. 17 SEPT

    Amber Izzo's Infertility Story: Blocked fallopian tubes, male factor, and IVF advocacy

    Today's guest, Amber Izzo, describes herself as "your oversharing, slightly chaotic mum friend and an IVF campaigner." Today, she's sharing her 7 1/2 year-long journey through infertility and family building, including blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, and so much more. Amber talks about the deep toll everything took on her mental state, how she was "spiraling" and "became obsessed," how she felt brushed off by her doctors, and how, at one point, she had suicidal thoughts. She talks about navigating the mental health side of her journey; IVF treatments and advocacy in the UK, where she is based, and the work she is doing with Gaia Family, which believes that there's a better way to pay for IVF.  TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; depression; blocked fallopian tubes; laparoscopy; marriage issues; suicidal thoughts; male factor infertility; pregnancy after loss; IVF; IVF cycles; IVF treatment; motherhood after infertility  EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    46 min
  3. 10 SEPT

    Carrot Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Asima Ahmad's Infertility Story

    Today's guest, Asima Ahmad, is a double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and obstetrics and gynecology. She is also the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot Fertility, which believes in Fertility Care for All. On this episode, Ali and Asima talk about how Asima diagnosed herself with PCOS in her 20s; how her aunt had navigated multiple stillbirths; what it feels like being a fertility doctor and patient at the same time; and how, when Asima suffered her own pregnancy loss, she began to understand miscarriage on an even deeper level. She talks about the road that lead to her four children, and what she is doing now at Carrot to help increase access to fertility care.  Find out more at https://www.get-carrot.com/ TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: PCOS; infertility; pregnancy loss; miscarriage; miscarriage awareness; IVF; IVF cycles; IVF treatment; fertility care for all  EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. S'MOO S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    42 min
  4. 3 SEPT

    Gaia CEO and Founder Nader AlSalim's Infertility and IVF Story: There's a Better Way to Pay for IVF

    Gaia is founded on the premise that Everyone Who Wants a Family Should Have the Chance to Try. Today, Ali is talking to Gaia CEO and Founder Nader AlSalim, who shares his own unexplained infertility journey, and how that led him to create Gaia, a groundbreaking company in the fertility landscape (see more below). Nader talks about the frustrations of their "unexplained infertility" diagnosis; the emotional, financial and physical tolls of infertility; going through five rounds of IVF with his wife; and how they finally had their son. He also talks about creating Gaia, based on "member-centricity," explaining it like this: "You pay a percent of the cost of a cycle after we predict your probability of success. I pay the clinic on your behalf. You go focus on getting treated, and after the end of your journey, when you have a baby, you pay me back what I paid on your behalf. And if you don't have a baby, I say, 'I'm so sorry, but there's nothing to pay.'" Find out more at www.gaiafamily.com TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; infertility; unexplained infertility; IVF; the emotional, financial and physical tolls of infertility; IVF cycles; IVF treatment EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    43 min
  5. 27 AGO

    Sammi Lawlor's Infertility Story: Secondary Infertility, C-Section Ectopic Pregnancy and Surrogacy

    On today's episode, Ali is talking to Sammi, a strongAF infertility warrior she met when Sammi joined Fertility Rally. Sammi shares all the details of the path to having her children, including going through secondary infertility; a very rare C-section ectopic pregnancy (a first for this show); termination for medical reasons; more surgery; the discovery of male factor infertility; and when they decided to go down the surrogacy road. She also talks about meeting her "angel" surrogate, several bumps along the way, and what lead--finally--to the birth of her second baby boy. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; C-section ectopic pregnancy; trauma, anxiety, depression; termination for medical reasons; pregnancy loss; D&C; male factor infertility; surrogacy; surrogacy in Canada vs. U.S.; EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 CASCADE CRYOBANK Cascade Cryobank is changing the world of sperm banking every day by providing you with the best family-building experience you could hope for. In an industry first, Cascade Cryobank has brought it’s “Early Disclosure Program” to the market – you no longer have to wait 18 years– now you can learn the Identity of your “Early Disclosure” donor at the report of a live birth conceived from their sperm. Let Cascade Cryobank help you grow your family with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Visit their website at www.cascadecryobank.com, and find your future, today! Use code INFERTILEAF for $100 off your first purchase! RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    49 min
  6. 20 AGO

    Dr. Sarah Oreck on how her late-term pregnancy loss inspired her to co-found Mavida Mental Health Care

    On today's episode, Ali is talking to yet another amazing woman who has turned her pain into her purpose:  Dr Sarah Oreck, Co-Founder and CEO of Mavida Health. After her late-term pregnancy loss, Sarah created a company that would provide those on their path to parenthood the right tools and resources to take care of their mental health, every step of the way. Ali and Sarah talk about sex education and what they both learned about having babies when they were growing up; the devastation of what Sarah went through; how talking about miscarriage (or any loss, for that matter) and mental health need to be normalized, and how her Mavida Health co-founder also experienced a second trimester pregnancy loss.   For more, go to mavidahealth.com    TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: TTC; late-term pregnancy loss; mental health; perinatal mental health; miscarriage  EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    29 min
  7. 13 AGO

    Catherine John's Infertility Story: PCOS; IUIs and IVF Success

    Catherine John is a dear member of the Fertility Rally fam, and today, she's sharing her entire story with Ali, from being diagnosed with PCOS to going through IUIs. Catherine talks about exploring the option of doing her fertility treatments in Tijuana (and why she ultimately decided against it), her irregular periods; why she was told she was a good candidate for IVF; and what happened when she finally became pregnant with her son.  TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: PCOS; high testosterone; ovarian cysts; irregular periods; IUIs; IVF; IVF abroad; pregnancy after infertility; IVF success  EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. S'MOO S’moo’s best-selling hormone balance powder is formulated with 7 essential vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are all highly recommended for Hormone Balance, Fertility, and PCOS. S’moo was created by fellow PCOS Cyster, and has helped thousands of women manage their PCOS naturally. Go to thesmooco.com and enjoy a generous 20% off site-wide using code 'InfertileAF20' at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    51 min
  8. 6 AGO

    Cheryl Sew Hoy, Founder of Tiny Health, on microbiomes, fertility and her own miscarriages

    What do you know about the vaginal microbiome? What does your vaginal microbiome have to do with your ability to conceive? Ali didn't know much about this, and is still learning, thanks to today's guest, Cheryl Sew Hoy, CEO and Founder of Tiny Health. Cheryl, a longtime entrepreneur and women's health advocate, explains how the microbiome impacts well-being and fertility. She talks about prioritizing her career for years, having her two kids via C-section, what the term "vaginal seeding" means, and more recently, the heartbreak she's experienced having two miscarriages.  TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: C-sections; microbiome; microbiome testing; vaginal microbiome; gut health; miscarriage; vaginal seeding; grief; immune systems; chronic disease  For more, go to https://www.tinyhealth.com/ For info on the IVF Clinical Study, go to https://www.tinyhealth.com/research/fertility-ivf EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership SAVE $40 on an annual membership with code RALLY2024 RECEPTIVA DX https://receptivadx.com/ ReceptivaDx is the singular test capable of identifying endometriosis,progesterone resistance, and endometritis in one comprehensive analysis. These conditions are often the hidden culprits behind unexplained infertility, directly impacting the success rates of IVF treatments. Ask for the Receptvia DX test today, and use code INFERTILEAF24 for $75 off. Support this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    41 min

Acerca de

In this unfiltered podcast about infertility, Brooklyn-based journalist and mom-of-two Ali Prato, who went through secondary infertility and IVF herself, talks to women—and some men—about the messy, frustrating, painful, heartbreaking, absurd and sometimes hilarious journey to have a baby. Or in some cases, to not have a baby. Each episode tells a different story about family building, getting real about miscarriages, egg freezing, sperm and egg donation, IUIs, endometriosis, male factor infertility, adoption, surrogacy, genetic testing, single parenting by choice, LGBTQ+ fertility, living childless not by choice, depression, relationship issues, money issues, jealousy, PTSD, and so much more. Ali covers all of the outcomes in this safe, non-judgement zone: the happy endings, the soul-crushingly sad ones, and the ones still in limbo.

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