Building your family

Lisa Schuman
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Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future. At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make these life-changing decisions with greater clarity, resulting in better outcomes and fewer regrets. We understand that many of the decisions you make along this journey can’t be undone, and that’s why our approach is all about offering you practical, actionable steps that you can start applying right now. Our educational components are tailored to help you think differently, make more informed choices, and take control of your experience—from fertility treatments to parenting strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your journey, Building Your Family is here to guide you with expert advice, specialized education, stress-reduction strategies, and the community support you need to make the best choices for you and your family. For more information, sign up for our newsletter, you will be able to stay up to date with the episodes, get information about our programs and most of all join our warm community. And follow us on social.// Monthly email: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Watch the podcast on YouTube http://bit.ly/3E49Z1k Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Premature Ovarian Insufficiency & Donor Eggs: Fitness Coach Kyla Burke’s IVF Story

    What if you’re told you’re in premature menopause at 34 – and your only path to pregnancy is IVF with donor eggs? In this episode, I’m joined by fitness coach Kyla Burke, who shares her personal journey with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), IVF, and ultimately pregnancy using donor eggs from a friend. Kyla talks honestly about: – Mistaking her early POI symptoms for lingering COVID effects – Learning what AMH actually means and how it changed her plans – Moving from her own eggs to donor eggs – emotionally and practically – The loss of control that comes with IVF and donor conception – How she prepared her body and mind for pregnancy after treatment – Staying active during pregnancy to support her mental health – The realities of postpartum recovery (and how pelvic floor therapy helped) – The pressure of “bouncing back” and unrealistic social media expectations – Aging, fitness, and maintaining health while building a family Throughout the conversation, Kyla comes back to one core message: You’re not failing if treatment is hard, if transfers fail, or if you need donor eggs. Your body is not broken – and you deserve support for your mental health and recovery just as much as for your lab results. This episode is for anyone facing POI, IVF, donor eggs, or simply trying to hold onto their physical and emotional wellbeing through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team or therapist. 🌱 Ongoing support for donor conception & surrogacy families If you want more than one‑off episodes and would like ongoing workshops, courses, and community around donor conception, surrogacy, and talking to your child, you can learn about the Building Your Family community here: 👉 https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ To receive free resources and updates about future workshops and episodes, you can also join my newsletter here: 👉 https://familybuilding.net/newsletter/

    57 min

  2. 1 FEB

    Genetic Loss in Donor Conception: Will I Love My Child as Much?

    If you’re using or considering donor conception and wondering, “Will I feel like the real parent?” or “Will I love this baby as much?” you are not alone. In this solo episode, I talk about genetic loss – what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s different from lifelong “genetic grief.” I share findings from my own research and years of clinical work, and explain why the distress you feel about needing a donor (even during pregnancy) has no correlation with how much you will love your child. We’ll cover: – What “genetic loss” means in the context of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos – Why people experience genetic loss so differently – and why your way is valid – The difference between genetic loss and genetic grief (and why you don’t have to “finish grieving” before starting your family) – Why being upset about needing a donor does not predict whether you’ll bond with your child – What my research and real‑life stories show about love and attachment in donor‑conceived families – Practical tips for working with these feelings instead of judging yourself for them At the heart of it, most people just want to know: “Will I have a real bond with my child?” This episode is here to reassure you that a strong bond is possible, and to give you language and tools to support yourself along the way. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team or therapist.

    22 min

  3. 25 JAN

    Choosing a Donor in IVF: Genetics, Risk & What Really Matters (Part 2)

    Most people naturally focus on photos and eye color when choosing a donor. It’s the first thing you see and it feels concrete. But if that’s all you focus on, it’s easy to overlook some of the genetics and long‑term implications that may matter even more for your family. In Part 2 of my conversation with social scientist and philosopher Jonathan Anomaly, we talk about how to think about donor eggs, donor sperm, and genetics in a way that actually helps you choose a donor. Jonathan works with a company developing and researching embryo testing tools, so he sits at the intersection of ethics, economics, and genetics. In this episode, we cover: – Why it's especially important, when you're choosing a donor, to look beyond photos and understand their medical and family history. – What to pay attention to in a donor’s medical and family history (and what matters less than you might think) – How donor screening and embryo testing can work together – and where it’s overkill – Common decision traps: getting stuck on looks, “vibe,” or minor traits while ignoring long‑term implications – A high‑level framework for choosing a donor that looks beyond photos Our goal is not to tell you which donor to pick, but to give you a clearer framework so you feel less lost and more grounded in what really matters for your family. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team. 🎓 Donor Conception Masterclass – Walk Through the Full 5‑Step Process In this conversation I share parts of my 5‑step framework for choosing a donor. If you’re in the middle of donor selection (or know you’ll be there soon) and want to walk through all 5 steps with worksheets, examples, and support, that’s exactly what I do in my Donor Conception Masterclass. 👉 Learn more and join here: https://familybuilding.net/donor-conception-masterclass/ Learn more about Jonathan & Herasight Jonathan Anomaly: https://jonathan-anomaly.com/ Herasight: https://www.herasight.com/ About Lisa Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is the founder of the Building Your Family community, an expert‑led platform that provides evidence‑based education and support for people using fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy – including LGBTQ+ families and single parents by choice. She is also the Director of The Center for Family Building, where she and her team provide counseling and screening for intended parents, gestational carriers, and donors. Join the Building Your Family Community:  https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Community Events: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ The Center For Family Building: https://familybuilding.net/ Order Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/buildin... Follow on Instagram: @thecenterforfamilybuilding The Building Your Family Podcast and content posted by Lisa Schuman is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. #DonorConception #EggDonation #SpermDonation #EmbryoDonation #IVF #EmbryoTesting #FertilityTreatment #GeneticTesting #InfertilitySupport #BuildingYourFamily

    36 min

  4. 18 JAN

    PGT‑A, PGT‑M & PGT‑P Explained for IVF Patients (Part 1)

    If you’re in IVF and being offered a menu of embryo tests – PGT‑A, PGT‑M, PGT‑P – it can feel overwhelming. What do they actually tell you? How much is genetics vs environment? And how do you think about ethics, money, and risk for your family? In this two‑part series, I’m joined by Jonathan Anomaly, a social scientist and philosopher who works with a company developing and researching embryo testing tools, including PGT‑P. In Part 1, we cover: – What PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P are (in plain language) – What kinds of conditions these tests can screen for – and what they can’t – How to think about risk, family history, and the role of environment – The real‑world pros and cons: cost, access, equity, and ethics – Guardrails for deciding whether embryo testing makes sense for you You’ll leave with a clearer framework for talking to your doctor or genetics team, without being told what you “should” do. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team. 🎁 Free IVF “Zoom Out” Decision Guide If this episode left you feeling pulled in many directions about embryo testing, I created a short Zoom Out guide to help you: – Step back from the pressure of the moment – Get clear on your own priorities and values – Walk into appointments more prepared to ask questions and make decisions that fit you 👉 Get it free here: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter/ 📅 Upcoming free workshops If you’d like more free support on decisions, donor conception, or surrogacy, you can see all of my upcoming workshops here: 👉 https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ Learn more about Dr. Anomaly: https://jonathan-anomaly.com/ Learn more about Herasight: https://www.herasight.com/ About Lisa Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is the founder of the Building Your Family community, an expert‑led platform that provides evidence‑based education and support for people using fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy – including LGBTQ+ families and single parents by choice. #IVF #EmbryoTesting #PGTA #PGTM #PGTP #FertilityTreatment #GeneticTesting #DonorConception #Surrogacy #InfertilitySupport #BuildingYourFamily

    44 min

  5. 11 JAN

    Surrogacy, Adoption & Modern Families: Pedro Andrade on “Somewhat Familiar"

    Journalist Pedro Andrade joins me to talk about his new documentary series Somewhat Familiar – a global journey through surrogacy, adoption, foster care and modern LGBTQ+ families, including his own path to fatherhood with his husband and their daughter via surrogacy. From “illegal” same‑sex parenthood in Italy to adoption in Korea and foster families in the U.S., we explore how love, law and culture shape who gets to be a family. In this episode, we talk about: Why Pedro created Somewhat Familiar and how it changed his view of becoming a parent What he learned from same‑sex parents whose families are not legally recognized The emotional reality of surrogacy, adoption, foster care and independent parenting How legal systems and social norms can make some families invisible or “illegal” What really matters most in building strong family relationships across cultures This conversation is for anyone building a family through IVF, donor conception, surrogacy, adoption, foster care or on their own – and wondering where they fit. 📺 Watch Somewhat Familiar with Pedro Andrade (Streaming details may vary by region.) 📩 Free support for your journey If you want a simple 10‑minute reset for the hardest days of treatment, DM me “ZOOM” on Instagram or leave a comment here, and I’ll send you my free Zoom Out Theory ebook + guided meditation. Follow Pedro Andrade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedroandradetv/

    45 min

  6. 4 JAN

    IVF, Donor Conception & Surrogacy: Best Insights of 2025 For Your 2026 Fertility Journey

    This special Best of 2025 Learn episode brings together the most powerful insights on IVF, donor conception, and surrogacy to help you feel more prepared, informed, and less alone in your 2026 fertility journey. Inside this episode, we revisit key moments from conversations with leading voices in reproductive medicine, psychology, and lived experience. Using my Zoom Theory (regulate vs learn), this is the Learn episode: Part 1 – New Insights • IVF: how to think about your cycle and when to pursue treatment • Donor conception: talking about donors, identity, and long‑term implications for you and your future child • Surrogacy: the experience of a surrogate Part 2 – What You Need To Remember • Core truths to hold onto when you feel discouraged or behind • Frameworks to use on your journey • How to keep learning without overwhelming yourself This episode is for anyone using IVF, donor conception, or surrogacy to build their family, and for professionals who support them. 🔍 Resources mentioned: • My free “Zoom Out” ebook on regulating first, then learning in manageable steps: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2qiyompkg6cowwk18waj6/Year-End-e-book.pdf?rlkey=hrz9uan0c87pnobh3qm1w2scv&st=5bvv3zpx&dl=0 • Workshops on [DONOR CHOICE / PARENTING / SURROGACY] and ongoing support: https://familybuilding.net/ • Listen to the full podcast on audio platforms: https://familybuilding.net/podcast/ If this helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone on this path. No one should have to navigate third‑party reproduction and fertility treatment alone. #IVFjourney #DonorConception #SurrogacyJourney

    16 min

  7. 28/12/2025

    PCOS & Embryo Testing: PGT‑A, PGT‑M & PGT‑P Explained | Dr Steven Palter

    Struggling with PCOS and trying to understand your fertility options – and all the talk about PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P? In this episode, fertility specialist Dr Steven Palter walks through how he approaches PCOS treatment and lifestyle, then explains the differences between PGT‑A, PGT‑M and PGT‑P in IVF embryo genetic testing. I frame this as a kind of “second opinion” conversation – not to replace your own doctor, but to give you another way of hearing the information so you can ask clearer questions at your own clinic. Learn more about Dr. Steven Palter: https://www.goldcoastivf.com/ Follow Dr. Steven Palter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpaltermd/

    52 min

  8. 21/12/2025

    The Zoom Out Theory: 10‑Minute Reset For IVF, Donor & Surrogacy Overwhelm

    In this episode I share The Zoom Out Theory: a 30‑minute reset to calm your nervous system and regain perspective during IVF, donor conception, or surrogacy. You’ll learn why your brain spirals during treatment, how to “zoom out” in the hardest moments, and a simple way to come back to yourself when it all feels like too much. Free companion ebook + guided meditation: DM me “ZOOM” on Instagram and I’ll send it to you.

    21 min
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About

Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future. At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make these life-changing decisions with greater clarity, resulting in better outcomes and fewer regrets. We understand that many of the decisions you make along this journey can’t be undone, and that’s why our approach is all about offering you practical, actionable steps that you can start applying right now. Our educational components are tailored to help you think differently, make more informed choices, and take control of your experience—from fertility treatments to parenting strategies. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your journey, Building Your Family is here to guide you with expert advice, specialized education, stress-reduction strategies, and the community support you need to make the best choices for you and your family. For more information, sign up for our newsletter, you will be able to stay up to date with the episodes, get information about our programs and most of all join our warm community. And follow us on social.// Monthly email: https://familybuilding.net/newsletter-sign-up/ Watch the podcast on YouTube http://bit.ly/3E49Z1k Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Schuman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Building your family