Fertility Cafe

Eloise Drane
  • 5.0 (21)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Fertility Café explores the evolving world of reproductive health, infertility, and modern family building. Hosted by Eloise Drane, fertility expert, agency founder, past surrogate and egg donor, and mom of five, the show unpacks the medical, emotional, and ethical sides of today’s fertility care. From IVF, surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, embryo donation, infertility treatment, men’s fertility, hormones, and fertility preservation, each episode dives into every part of assisted reproduction. Hear real stories and expert insights from fertility doctors, surrogates, and intended parents in open conversations. Whether you are navigating infertility, exploring surrogacy or donation, or curious about reproductive wellness, Fertility Café helps you find clarity, confidence, and hope. Connect with us: www.thefertilitycafe.com

  1. Childfree By Choice

    3D AGO

    Childfree By Choice

    What does it mean to consciously choose not to have children, especially in a culture that often defines womanhood by motherhood? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane welcomes back filmmaker Chiquita Lockley, creator of the documentary Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility. This time, Chiquita shares her personal journey and decision to live childfree by choice. It is a thoughtful, often emotional, and deeply grounded conversation about identity, legacy, caregiving, and the path not taken. With clarity and compassion, Chiquita speaks about what it means to opt out of motherhood on her own terms, while still living a life rich in love, purpose, and community. The conversation invites listeners to reflect honestly on their own desires, pressures, and timelines. Whether you are questioning your path, navigating reproductive decisions, or seeking affirmation for a choice that goes against the grain, this episode offers space to breathe and consider what a full life looks like for you. You’ll Learn What distinguishes being childfree from being childless, and why the difference matters How Chiquita’s thinking shifted over time through research, health challenges, and aging The emotional weight of redefining motherhood and letting go of a lifelong checklist Why caregiving does not require parenting, and how mentorship and godparenting fill her cup What legacy means beyond biological children Common misconceptions about childfree women, including the myth of selfishness Practical and emotional advice for those in a space of uncertainty or transition About Our Guest Chiquita Lockley is a writer, filmmaker, and producer known for her feature documentary Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility, which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Her work centers on storytelling that uplifts Black women’s experiences and expands the public understanding of reproductive health and autonomy. She continues to serve as a mentor, advocate, and board chair for multiple nonprofit and creative initiatives. Her voice is a vital part of the cultural shift toward more inclusive and informed conversations about fertility, family, and freedom. Resources & Links Visit Chiquita’s Website: www.chiquitalockley.com Follow Chiquita on Instagram: @chiquitalockley Watch and learn more about Eggs Over Easy: www.eggsovereasyfilm.com Follow Eggs Over Easy on Instagram: @eggsovereasyfilm Like Eggs Over Easy on Facebook: Eggs Over Easy Film Related Episodes Ep 119 – The Grief of Waiting: Invisible Losses in Family Building Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood Chapters (00:00:02) - 9 Stories of People Who Choose Not to Have Children(00:00:54) - Fertility Cafe: The Journey to Parenthood(00:02:44) - Eggs Over Easy: Will I Be Happy With My Decision(00:09:00) - Mariah Carey on Being Good Without Having Children(00:11:22) - I Had A Hysterectomy To Have Kids(00:16:45) - How To Get Out Of Your Mid-30s(00:22:41) - When You Decided To Not Have Children,(00:25:44) - I Said I Don't Want A Parent in My Life(00:32:24) - Black Women Who Don't Have Kids(00:36:51) - Do you have a lot of People similar to that made the same(00:38:32) - Sarah Fawn on Legacy(00:40:20) - Kalei Stewart on How To Decide If You Want Kids(00:44:56) - Olive Winfrey on Reproductive Health(00:45:57) - Black Women Speak Out About Reproductive Health

    49 min
  2. Is Fertility Care Getting Better—or Just Bigger

    JAN 27

    Is Fertility Care Getting Better—or Just Bigger

    When we talk about fertility care, we often focus on the patient experience—what it’s like to navigate appointments, insurance, cycles, and emotional ups and downs. But what happens when we zoom out? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane sits down with Griffin Jones, founder of Inside Reproductive Health, to explore what’s really happening behind the scenes of the fertility industry. From private equity takeovers to digital automation and AI-driven care, Griffin breaks down the trends shaping the future of IVF, patient access, and provider autonomy. He also shares how he went from generalist marketer in Buffalo, NY to creating the leading trade media company in the fertility field—one that now serves clinics, labs, executives, and innovators across the globe. Whether you’re a fertility patient, donor, surrogate, or someone working in the industry, this conversation offers a rare and honest look at the systems shaping reproductive care—and what needs to change for the better. You’ll Learn Why more fertility clinics are being bought by private equity—and what that means for patient care What Griffin is hearing from behind the scenes about AI, automation, and remote fertility care The disconnect between how clinics say they’re improving patient experience vs. what’s actually happening Why many REIs (reproductive endocrinologists) are seeing their roles change—sometimes drastically The risk of fertility care becoming too "factory-like"—and how to preserve patient-first care at scale What Griffin hopes patients will start doing to drive real, lasting change Why leaving honest, specific reviews (yes, even 3 stars!) might be the most powerful tool for reform What the future may hold for access, affordability, and scaling care for everyone—not just the privileged few About Our Guest Griffin Jones is the founder of Inside Reproductive Health, a trade media company serving the fertility industry. He began his journey in marketing, helping small clinics with branding, websites, and video before expanding into podcasting and industry journalism. Today, his platform covers the business, clinical, and policy trends shaping reproductive health care across the U.S. and beyond. Griffin also hosts the Inside Reproductive Health podcast, where he interviews key players—from embryologists and clinic execs to policymakers and startup founders—about the future of fertility medicine. Resources & Links Visit Inside Reproductive Health for podcasts, articles, and industry updates Listen to the Inside Reproductive Health podcast Follow Griffin on LinkedIn: Griffin Jones Related Episodes Ep 100 – The Gut-Fertility Connection Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood Ep 90 – Eastern Medicine and Egg Quality Ep 103 – Fertility Supplements: What Works and What Doesn’t Chapters (00:00:00) - The fertility industry's growth, challenges(00:00:48) - Fertility Cafe: The Business of Infertility(00:01:59) - Fertility Cafe(00:02:45) - A Taste of Your Hot Takes(00:02:57) - Inside Reproductive Health: From Marketer to Industry Leader(00:06:24) - The Future of Fertility Clinics(00:13:35) - Obamacare: Do the Networks Tell Doctors How to Practice Medicine?(00:18:17) - Patient Care: Quality and Accountability(00:23:54) - The Future of Fertility Care(00:26:34) - Will Remote Care Increase the Need for IVF?(00:29:56) - Venture Capital and Private Equity: The Future of Infertility(00:36:13) - What Do We Need to Change in the Fertility Space?

    41 min
  3. Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success

    JAN 20

    Acupuncture for Fertility: Supporting Hormones, Cycles & IVF Success

    When it comes to fertility care, we often hear about IVF protocols, medication regimens, and surgical procedures. But what about the tools that help prepare the body for conception and support healing along the way? In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise Drane sits down with Dr. Beck Hoehn, licensed acupuncturist, reproductive health expert, and founder of Mighty River Wellness, to talk about how acupuncture can be a game-changing part of your fertility journey. Dr. Hoehn shares how her own personal health crisis led her into the world of Eastern medicine, and how she now helps people optimize their hormone health, support IVF cycles, manage painful periods, and navigate menopause with more ease and empowerment. From egg quality and low ovarian reserve to painful periods and PCOS, this conversation is packed with practical insights and refreshingly honest takes on what it really means to care for your body while trying to conceive. You’ll Learn Why acupuncture is more than just needles and how it supports hormonal balance, stress reduction, and blood flow How acupuncture can improve IVF outcomes, egg quality, and follicular development The difference between Western and Eastern approaches to painful periods, PCOS, and endometriosis What to expect during your first acupuncture visit How to find a fertility-focused acupuncturist with the right training The role of herbal medicine in regulating cycles, calming hot flashes, and reducing cramps What data-driven hormone tracking tools are helping acupuncturists personalize care Why symptom relief is just the beginning. This is about whole-body support for every phase of reproductive health About Our Guest Dr. Beck Hoehn is a licensed acupuncturist, reproductive health specialist, and the founder of Mighty River Wellness in Los Angeles. After a career in the film industry and a personal injury that left her seeking alternative healing methods, she discovered the profound impact of acupuncture. Now, with a doctorate in fertility research and over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Hoehn helps individuals and couples navigate fertility challenges, menstrual health, and menopause transitions. She is also the creator of the Make a Baby Bundle, an educational resource for those looking to optimize their fertility health from home. Resources and Links Mighty River Wellness: https://www.mightyriverwellness.com Dr. Beck on Instagram: @drbeckhoehn Make a Baby Bundle Course: https://www.mightyriverwellness.com/bundle ABORM Certified Acupuncturists Directory: https://www.aborm.org Related Episodes Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 103 – Fertility Supplements: What Works and What Doesn’t https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-103-fertility-supplements-what-works-and-what-doesnt/ Ep 100 – The Gut-Fertility Connection https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-100-the-gut-fertility-connection/ Ep 90 – Eastern Medicine and Egg Quality https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-90-eastern-medicine-and-egg-quality/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Fertility Cafe(00:00:45) - Amy Poehler on Acupuncture and Reproductive Health(00:03:55) - What Kind of Support Can Acupuncture Offer During IVF or i(00:07:21) - What Would An Acupuncturist-Endocrinologist Relationship(00:12:17) - How Herbs and Acupuncture Work Together(00:15:46) - How to help with period cramps with acupuncture(00:19:45) - How to improve your fertility with acupuncture?(00:21:06) - How to Supplement Your Body(00:22:00) - Do acupuncturists help with low ovarian reserve?(00:27:39) - How to Manage Menopause(00:32:01) - How to Get pregnant(00:33:04) - Wonders of the World Chat

    33 min
  4. What Surrogacy Really Feels Like: A Candid Conversation

    JAN 6

    What Surrogacy Really Feels Like: A Candid Conversation

    Surrogacy is often talked about as a beautiful and rewarding journey, but what happens when that journey takes an unexpected turn? In this episode, Eloise Drane sits down with Pamela Marshall, a gestational surrogate whose experience challenged everything she thought she knew about pregnancy, risk, and resilience. Pam shares her deeply personal story of entering surrogacy with excitement and confidence, only to face a rare and serious medical complication that changed the course of her pregnancy. From being hospitalized for weeks to navigating separation from her own children, her journey reveals the emotional and physical realities that many never see. Pam explains what carried her through the hardest moments and why, despite everything, she would make the same decision again. This conversation offers an unfiltered look at the realities of surrogacy and the extraordinary people who choose to walk this path. Guest Bio: Pamela Marshall is a mom of 3 boys, living in Pennsylvania and she is a licensed social worker. She has been a surrogate and loves helping build families! She is also currently a journey manager at Family Inceptions. You’ll hear about: Why Pam chose to become a surrogate What happens when a pregnancy becomes high risk Being hospitalized for weeks away from family The emotional toll of unexpected complications How support systems make all the difference Why she would still choose surrogacy again Related episodes: Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 93 – U.S. Surrogacy for International Parents https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-93-u-s-surrogacy-for-international-parents/ Ep 85 – Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-85-surrogacy-for-same-sex-couples-carnell-roberts-tells-his-story/ Ep 49 – Social Surrogacy https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-49-social-surrogacy/ Ep 37 – Husband’s Are You Prepared (Partner Involvement in Surrogacy) https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-37-husbands-are-you-prepared/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Surrogacy: The Journey to Parenthood(00:01:26) - The Unfortunate Journey of Surrogacy(00:02:43) - Surrogacy in the US(00:04:30) - What Were You Hoping For Your Baby's Journey?(00:05:07) - The Secret To A Match(00:05:38) - The Matching Process For Your Baby(00:06:18) - The Process of Choosing an Agency(00:07:09) - The Surrogate's First Egg Transfer(00:08:28) - Pregnant Woman on Her First Week(00:09:04) - The Baby's First Anatomy Scan(00:10:39) - What Happened When I Learned I Had a High-Risk(00:16:18) - Baby's umbilical cord rupture forced me to be hospitalized from(00:21:33) - How Did Your Husband Manage the Surrogacy?(00:23:20) - How to Keep Yourself From Going Insane While In the Hospital(00:28:45) - Baby's birth disrupts parents' life(00:29:13) - C section for my first baby(00:34:23) - The Surrogacy Experience(00:36:52) - Having been a surrogate myself(00:37:44) - Pamela's story of surrogacy

    40 min
  5. From Screening to Transfer: The Surrogate’s Medical Process, Explained by a Fertility Doctor

    12/16/2025

    From Screening to Transfer: The Surrogate’s Medical Process, Explained by a Fertility Doctor

    Surrogates often begin their journey excited, hopeful, and ready to help a family grow, but few truly understand the depth of the medical steps involved. In this conversation, Eloise Drane sits down with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Shannel R. Adams to demystify every stage of the surrogate medical and IVF process, breaking it down into simple, reassuring, and practical explanations. Eloise guides listeners through the realities of medical screening, clearance, genetic discussions, mental health evaluations, and partner requirements, bringing clarity to the questions surrogates commonly ask but rarely get answered fully. Together, they unpack why timelines vary, what doctors look for at each step, and how clinics ensure safety for both the surrogate and the baby she carries. Dr. Adams also walks through the IVF medication protocol, embryo transfer, ultrasound schedule, hormone monitoring, and what actually happens when things don’t go as planned. She explains the “why” behind the rules, from avoiding THC to requiring birth control. Whether someone is preparing for their first journey or wanting deeper insight into the medical side of surrogacy, this episode offers a clear path forward for anyone who wants to feel confident and supported. Guest Bio: Shannel R. Adams, MD, FACOG is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Highly skilled in all areas of reproductive health, Dr. Adams has a particular expertise and interest in third party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, male fertility, and holistic care of both mind and body. Dr. Adams graduated from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in Ethics and went on to medical school at Oregon Health and Science University. She completed residency at the University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine and her REI fellowship at the University of Cincinnati. You’ll hear about: Why surrogates are surprised by the medical timeline What OB clearance involves Genetic and psychological screening requirements Partner testing and FDA rules Key blood work surrogates must complete Tubes, fibroids, and conditions needing treatment Medication protocols explained simply Lining checks and hormone levels How embryo transfer actually works Pregnancy confirmation Ultrasounds and early monitoring Bleeding in early pregnancy Single embryo transfer guidance Episode Resources: Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss -https://www.amazon.com/Not-Broken-Approachable-Miscarriage-Recurrent/dp/0998714607 Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care -https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Seeds-Pregnancy-Integrative-Fertility/dp/0996348727 Related episodes: Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-118-surrogacy-and-the-emotional-journey-to-motherhood/ Ep 93 – U.S. Surrogacy for International Parents https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-93-u-s-surrogacy-for-international-parents/ Ep 85 – Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story Chapters (00:00:00) - The Process of Surrogacy and IVF(00:01:28) - Dr. Chanel Adams(00:02:26) - What drew you into reproductive endocrinology in the first place?(00:06:49) - What To Know About The Surrogacy Process(00:09:02) - The Medical Timeline of Surrogacy(00:11:22) - What is the Medical Screening Every Surrogate Completes(00:14:54) - OB Clearance for Surrogates(00:17:06) - Surrogacy Medical Screening(00:19:40) - What about sexual screening during pregnancy?(00:22:33) - How To Get pregnant with a Surrogate(00:27:22) - Uterine lining and contraception(00:31:17) - Transfer of an Embryo 1(00:36:39) - Is bed rest required on the day of the transfer?(00:37:51) - How to Tell If You Are Expecting a Pregnancy with a(00:41:08) - How long should a surrogate wait to get a pregnancy ultrasound? ((00:48:09) - Transfer and pregnancy 1, Sex during pregnancy(00:48:55) - Is surrogacy high risk for children?(00:51:22) - Dr. Chanel Adams on Surrogacy(00:53:52) - Do we Transfer More Embryos than One?

    59 min
  6. What Your OBGYN Isn’t Telling You

    12/09/2025

    What Your OBGYN Isn’t Telling You

    Too many people walk into an OB GYN appointment with uncertainty, unanswered questions, or years of silent symptoms. In this powerful conversation, Eloise Drane sits down with Board Certified OB GYN Dr. Renita White, MD to unpack the real state of women’s healthcare today and the steps every person can take to advocate for themselves. Dr. White shares why she entered the field of obstetrics and gynecology, what she witnessed during training, and how racism and systemic gaps leave many women confused about their own bodies. She explains the challenges of limited appointment times, lack of access, and medical misinformation, and offers practical tools for improving trust and communication with healthcare providers. Together, Eloise and Dr. White break down essential topics including fertility education, AMH testing, preventive care, maternal mortality, racism in medicine, pregnancy fears, and the realities of navigating care in a post-Dobbs world. Dr. White also outlines what a “normal” period should look like and when to seek additional support. This episode empowers listeners with clarity, compassion, and practical steps for better reproductive health. Guest Bio: Dr. Renita White, MD is a board-certified obstetrician & gynecologist and women’s health advocate. With a passion for women’s health and wellness, Dr. White loves to take care of women in all stages of life, educating them about their bodies and encouraging them to address their physical and emotional health to improve their overall wellness and longevity. Originally from Georgia, Dr. White received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and medical degree from The Ohio State University, eventually returning to Atlanta for her residency in OBGYN at Emory University. Alongside running her practice, Georgia OBGYN, Dr. White also cohosts her podcast, Cradle & All, is a medical advisor for The Honey Pot Company, and serves on the medical executive board for Flo Health, VeryWell Health, Parent Magazine, and Elle Magazine. In her spare time, Dr. White enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her two sons. You’ll hear about: Why Dr. White chose OB GYN Stigma within women’s healthcare How patients approach reproductive care Preparing for OB GYN visits Fertility basics and AMH testing When to see a specialist Maternal mortality realities Social media misinformation Pregnancy fears and loss Birth control safety Understanding menopause symptoms What a normal period is When to seek a second opinion Episode Resources: Study into the numbers of OBGYNs in the state of Georgia - https://shorturl.at/k1aHl Related episodes: Ep 113 – The Fertility Timeline: Dr Susanna Park on When to Get Tested https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-113-the-fertility-timeline-dr-susanna-park-on-when-to-get-tested/   Ep 111 – The Patient Experience in Fertility Care: Advocating for Better Support https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-111-the-patient-experience-in-fertility-care-advocating-for-better-support/   Ep 99 – Bringing Equality to Reproduction for LGBTQ+ People https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-99-bringing-equality-to-reproduction/ Connect with Dr. Renita White, MD: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/renitawhitemd/ Her website - https://re... Chapters (00:00:00) - Why Your Reproductive Health Is So Important(00:00:53) - Fertility Cafe: Dr. Renita White(00:02:08) - Ob-GYN on Women's Health(00:09:46) - How to talk about reproductive health(00:10:40) - Ob-Gyn: Pre-Pregnancy Care(00:17:38) - Maternal Fetal Mortality in the US(00:26:14) - Miscarriages and stillborns(00:26:59) - Have you seen changes like pre Covid, post Covid with(00:29:16) - On the Pro-Abortion Case(00:32:49) - Birth Control, the right choice for your patient(00:34:59) - How to manage menopause health(00:37:32) - How to talk about your period(00:41:28) - Ob-GYN: What to Know Before Going to the Doctor(00:43:49) - Interview

    45 min
  7. What Genetics Really Means for IVF, Donors, and Embryos

    12/02/2025

    What Genetics Really Means for IVF, Donors, and Embryos

    Genetics touches nearly every part of the family-building journey, yet for most people it feels confusing, intimidating, and filled with unknowns. In this conversation, Eloise Drane sits down with Gina Davis, a genetic counselor with more than 20 years of experience in reproductive genetics, IVF, donor conception, and embryo donation. Gina brings rare insight as both a clinician and someone who has personally navigated IVF and become a known embryo donor. Gina shares what intended parents, donors, and professionals need to understand about carrier screening, family history, genetic risk, and how testing fits into a fertility plan. She breaks down common misconceptions, explains why no genetic picture is ever “perfect,” and highlights the biggest gaps she sees inside fertility clinics today. They explore the realities of embryo testing, including PGTA, mosaicism, false positives, and how to evaluate results when embryos are limited or labeled “abnormal.” Gina also explains how patients can advocate for themselves and why genetics should be values-driven rather than fear-driven. By the end, listeners will walk away with clarity, confidence, and a better understanding of the questions to ask, the decisions only they can make, and how to navigate genetics without feeling overwhelmed. You can’t control everything, but you can be informed. “We’re all perfectly imperfect when it comes to genetics.” – Gina Davis Guest Bio: Gina Davis is a genetic counselor who has worked in the reproductive medicine space for over 20 years. A few years into her career, she also became an IVF patient, and later, a known embryo donor. This experience has shaped her lens of best practices and how professionals can work together to improve the lives of our patients and the families we help create. Gina spent the first 9 years of her career as a genetic counselor at the REI and reproductive genetics program at UCSF. Gina now leads a team of genetic counselors at her private practice, Advocate Genetics, which provides nationwide virtual genetic counseling for fertility patients, gamete donors, and embryo donors. Gina is also a co-founder of Empower with Moxi – https://empowerwithmoxi.com, an educational, support, matching and journey management program with the central aim of empowering choice and understanding in embryo donation. You’ll hear about: Why genetics matters in fertility care Gina’s IVF and embryo donation journey Carrier screening basics Family history vs genetic testing Donor genetic evaluations Understanding PGTA and mosaicism Limits of embryo testing Making values-driven decisions Red flags in clinic genetic counseling Where to start when feeling overwhelmed Episode Resources: Advocate Genetics - https://advocategenetics.com ... Chapters (00:00:00) - Welcome to the Fertility Cafe(00:01:15) - Fertility Cafe: Gina Davis Discusses Genetics(00:02:47) - Teaching in the world of genetics and reproductive health(00:06:33) - Inventing the genetic counselor(00:08:06) - Do genetic counselors do the right thing for couples?(00:16:44) - Carbon Screening and Genetic Mapping(00:21:11) - What are some of the biggest gaps(00:25:05) - PGT A, Down Syndrome Screening(00:31:13) - Does testing embryos help with egg donation?(00:35:23) - Choosing the embryo transfer based on genetic findings(00:37:51) - Questions parents should ask their fertility clinic before doing IVF or embryo(00:43:48) - Do I need genetic screening for my eggs?(00:45:41) - Gina on the Genetics of Embryo Donation(00:48:22) - Interviewing Elle

    49 min
  8. Finally Here: A Long Journey to Motherhood

    11/25/2025

    Finally Here: A Long Journey to Motherhood

    After more than 20 years of infertility, six miscarriages and several failed rounds of IVF, Arvis Carmichael-Smith returns with the update she once feared would never come. When she last spoke with Eloise Drane, she was preparing for one last attempt. Now she shares how that final try became the pregnancy she had prayed for at age 51. Eloise guides Arvis through the turning points that finally brought answers, including the second opinion that uncovered the simple but long-missed issue preventing her from carrying a pregnancy. Arvis describes the cautious hope she felt as her numbers continued to rise and the joy of finally experiencing pregnancy after so much loss. The conversation shifts when Arvis recounts the medical emergency that unfolded during delivery. What began as a planned C-section became a life-threatening crisis when an undetected placenta accreta caused massive bleeding, an emergency hysterectomy and a severed ureter that left her facing months of painful recovery. Through every complication, Arvis explains how faith, community and relentless self-advocacy kept her alive. Her daughter arrived healthy. Arvis survived against all odds. “My miracle did not come without a fight.” – Arvis Carmichael-Smith Guest Bio: Arvis is a middle school science teacher with a passion for nurturing and mentoring kids. This desire sparked an interest in her becoming a teacher eight years ago. She is an advocate for children, animals, and the elderly. She also loves hiking, nature walks, and travel. Arvis lives in Hampton, Georgia with her husband and their one year old daughter. You’ll hear about: Arvis recounts two decades of infertility Why multiple miscarriages went unexplained The second opinion that changed everything Hearing rising pregnancy numbers for the first time Joy and fear throughout pregnancy Third trimester complications begin The hypertension reading that signaled danger C section unexpectedly turns into emergency Undetected placenta accreta revealed Recovery complications and ureter injury Months living with a nephrostomy bag The emotional toll of recovery Maternal health failures and being ignored Faith, advocacy and survival Episode Resources: Fertility for colored girls - https://www.fertilityforcoloredgirls.org/ Related episodes: Ep 87 – When Fertility Treatment Doesn’t Work https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-87-when-fertility-treatment-doesnt-work/ Ep 121 – Inside Modern Fertility Care — IVF, Surrogacy, Egg Donation & Family Building https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/beyond-ivf-surrogacy-egg-donation-the-future-of-fertility-care/ Ep 97 – Fertility in the Modern Age: IVF, Environmental Impacts, and Quality Care https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-97-fertility-in-the-modern-age-ivf-environmental-impacts-and-quality-care/ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility... Chapters (00:00:00) - The Fertility Cafe(00:01:03) - Fertility Cafe: Arvis Carmichael Smith Returns(00:02:12) - How I Learned To Love My Doctor(00:10:01) - The Secret to Getting Pregnant On Your First Try(00:14:45) - The Moment I Learned I Was Expecting A Daughter(00:16:19) - Pregnancy Was All You Thought It Would Be(00:22:18) - After my mid-pregnancy magnesium bolus scare,(00:26:17) - Baby's C-Section(00:33:17) - The mistake of cutting my ureter during pregnancy(00:41:38) - Symptoms of Crohn's after surgery(00:45:04) - One woman's story of a uterine prolapse(00:52:12) - Prayer for those still on their journey(00:55:27) - Arvis On Her Journey To Having A Child

    1 hr
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About

Fertility Café explores the evolving world of reproductive health, infertility, and modern family building. Hosted by Eloise Drane, fertility expert, agency founder, past surrogate and egg donor, and mom of five, the show unpacks the medical, emotional, and ethical sides of today’s fertility care. From IVF, surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, embryo donation, infertility treatment, men’s fertility, hormones, and fertility preservation, each episode dives into every part of assisted reproduction. Hear real stories and expert insights from fertility doctors, surrogates, and intended parents in open conversations. Whether you are navigating infertility, exploring surrogacy or donation, or curious about reproductive wellness, Fertility Café helps you find clarity, confidence, and hope. Connect with us: www.thefertilitycafe.com

Information

  • Creator
    Eloise Drane
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fertility Cafe
  • Show Website
    Fertility Cafe

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