Building your family

Lisa Schuman
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    Tampons, Toxins & Fertility: What The FDA Hasn’t Updated Since 2005

    Are your tampons quietly exposing you to toxic metals and chemicals that could affect your hormones and fertility? In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Nancy Reame breaks down what the FDA has (and hasn’t) done on tampon safety since 2005 and how that compares to Europe. We cover the real story behind tampon safety, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and what the science actually says about toxins in period products. You’ll learn how chemicals are absorbed through the vagina, what we know about toxic metals like lead and cadmium in tampons, and how all of this may impact menstrual health and fertility. Dr. Reame explains:     The history of tampon safety and how Toxic Shock Syndrome changed regulations     Why US tampon regulations haven’t been updated since 2005, and how Europe handles toxic materials differently     How and why the vagina is so absorbent, and what that means for chemical exposure     What current research suggests about toxic metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in period products     The real risks of long-term exposure vs what’s been overhyped     Pros and cons of alternatives like menstrual cups and pads (including how to use them safely)     How to read labels, evaluate brands, and find reliable, science-based resources     How to stay appropriately concerned without spiraling into panic We also talk about advocacy: how to push for better testing, transparency in ingredients, and stronger public health guidance for women’s health products. If you care about menstrual health, fertility, and safer period products, hit subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and check the links in the description for the research and resources mentioned. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32382713/ Consumer reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/ Made Safe: https://madesafe.org/ Mamavation: https://mamavation.com/   #tamponsafety #toxicshocksyndrome #periodproducts #womenshealth #menstrualhealth #fertility #toxins #endocrinedisruptors #reproductivehealth #periodtalk  #buildingyourfamilypodcast

  2. Jul 26

    Zooming Out in Surrogacy: Keys to a Successful Journey

    Your clinic and agency help you with the medical and legal parts of surrogacy. But who helps you zoom out and see the bigger picture for you, your surrogate, and your future child? In this Zoom Out Theory episode, reproductive therapist Lisa Schuman, LCSW, talks about how to step back from the day‑to‑day stress of surrogacy so you can make clearer decisions and set your journey up for long‑term success. We explore how most surrogates are caring, altruistic people, how to build a healthy relationship and communication rhythm with your surrogate, and how to keep your future child in mind without getting overwhelmed. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the Zoom Out Theory is and how it applies to surrogacy How emotions and stress can quietly shape decisions during your journey Keys to the most helpful communication strategy with your surrogate Why regular check‑ins and clear expectations matter over time How to think about the long‑term impact on your relationships and your future child Why documenting your surrogacy experience can support your child later How to balance emotional awareness with rational clarity when you’re making big choices If you’re using surrogacy to build your family and want a calmer, more thoughtful journey, this episode will give you tools to zoom out and see the whole picture. #surrogacy #familybuilding #donorconception

  3. Jul 19

    No “Normal” Embryos? You May Still Have Choices

    “No normal embryos” doesn’t always mean the end. Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for tough cases, especially older patients. They discuss PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, immunology, inflammation, and why individualized, evidence‑based treatment can open options many patients don’t realize they have. Have you been told you have “no normal embryos” and feel like you’re out of options? In this episode of the Building Your Family Podcast, Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for some of the toughest cases: older patients, “no normal embryos,” and cycles where many people are told there’s nothing else to try. They discuss why careful diagnosis and truly individualized treatment matter so much, especially for older patients; how they think about embryos other clinics might not consider; and what current evidence actually shows about PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, and implantation. They also explore the role of immunology, inflammation, toxins like microplastics, supplements, and AI in embryo selection. In this conversation, you’ll hear about:     What “no normal embryos” really means (and what it doesn’t)     Why one‑size‑fits‑all IVF protocols often fail older patients     The controversy around PGTA and how it affects real‑world outcomes     When aneuploid and mosaic embryos may still be part of a thoughtful plan     How immunology, inflammation, and sensitivities can impact implantation     Personalized ovulation induction for older patients     Why evidence‑based, individualized care matters more than trends or hype If you’ve been told there are no options left, this episode can help you ask better questions and understand what might still be possible for your family. Subscribe to the Building Your Family Podcast for more evidence‑based conversations on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy. Episode resources Website: https://centerforhumanreprod.com/

  4. Jul 12

    Zoom Out: The One Egg Freezing Question No One Asks

    In this first episode of the Zoom Out series, reproductive therapist, researcher, and author Lisa Schuman, LCSW unpacks the most important question almost no one asks about egg freezing. Lisa explains why “How many eggs can I freeze?” is only part of the story, and why you also need to understand how many cycles and eggs you’re likely to need for the kind of family you actually want in the future. She introduces her Zoom Out Theory – a simple framework to help you step back from panic, manage stress, and make clearer decisions about your fertility. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, Lisa also shares surprising data about non‑genetic parenthood options: how many egg freezing patients are open to donor eggs, embryos, or other paths if needed, and why that matters for how aggressively you pursue more cycles now. You’ll learn: The critical egg freezing question almost no one thinks to ask Why freezing “as many eggs as possible” isn’t always necessary – or helpful How your emotional state can quietly distort your fertility decisions What Lisa’s research reveals about patients’ real openness to non‑genetic options A practical way to zoom out and plan for your long‑term family, not just the next cycle If you’re considering egg freezing – or you’ve already frozen eggs and are wondering what comes next – this episode will help you balance facts and feelings so you can move forward with more confidence. #eggfreezing #fertility #ivfjourney #fertilitypreservation #reproductivehealth #ttc #familybuilding #donorconception

  5. Jul 5

    From Infertility to Motherhood: Dr. Jessica Gray on Resilience, Miscarriage & Finding Control

    In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman, LCSW sits down with Dr. Jessica Gray, a physician who has lived through infertility, miscarriage, and the intense pressures of medical training on her way to motherhood. Jessica shares how a stressful childhood shaped her resilience, what it was like to face endometriosis and IVF as both a doctor and a patient, and how she coped when a long‑hoped‑for pregnancy ended in miscarriage. She talks candidly about binders of notes, hours of research, and the feeling of “doing everything right” and still not getting the outcome she hoped for. Together, Lisa and Jessica explore the emotional burden of infertility on both partners, the importance of support systems, and the small planning behaviors that can create a sense of control in an uncertain journey. Jessica reflects on how she now gives back to the infertility and parenting community, and what she would say to her younger self who was just starting down this road. If you’ve felt isolated, overwhelmed, or “not like yourself” during infertility or pregnancy, this conversation offers validation, practical coping ideas, and hope. Dr. Jessica Gray resources: Website: https://www.drjessicagraymd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessicagraymd #infertility #miscarriage #IVFjourney #endometriosis #ttccommunity #infertilitysupport #pregnancyloss #mentalhealth #familybuilding #fertilitytreatment #resilience #motherhood #medicaltraining #emotionalhealth #buildyourfamilypodcast

  6. Jun 28

    Single Motherhood by Choice: 5 Steps Before You Decide (with Alexis Melnick, MD)

    If you’re single or in a relationship that isn’t working and you’re quietly Googling “single motherhood by choice,” this episode is for you. In this conversation with SMBC fertility doctor Alexis Melnick, MD, we walk through 5 clear steps to help you decide before your back is against the wall. We cover both paths: staying on the relationship track and exploring single motherhood by choice on your own timeline. You’ll hear about the emotional, practical, financial, and support‑system questions to ask yourself so you can move from spiraling alone at 2 a.m. to making a grounded plan. Inside this episode: • Who this is really for (single, dating, or in a shaky relationship) • The 5‑step framework Alexis uses with clients considering SMBC • Grief, stigma, and the “mourning period” for the life you imagined • Why so many people say they wish they’d decided earlier • How to know you didn’t “fail” if you choose this path If you’re considering donor conception or surrogacy as a single parent, this will help you feel less alone, more informed, and better prepared. Work with Alexis: [alm2036@med.cornell.edu] Get my free family‑building resources: 10 Things Donor Conceived Children Want Their Parents To Understand: https://familybuilding.net/free-downloads/ #singlemotherbychoice #singlemotherhood #donorconception #fertilityjourney #queerfamily

  7. Jun 21

    Queer Family Pride Special: Donor Conception, Talking To Kids, and Embracing Your Family

    In honor of Pride, this episode is a love letter to queer family building. I’ve pulled my favorite moments from conversations with LGBTQ+ parents, a fertility doctor, a midwife, a donor‑conceived person, and queer influencers who’ve built their families through donor conception and surrogacy. Together, they share how they answer intrusive questions, how they talk to their kids about donors and surrogates, and how they’ve learned to fully embrace the families they fought so hard to create. We talk about: • Navigating fertility clinics, donor conception, and surrogacy as queer intended parents • What to actually say when people ask, “But who’s the real mom/dad?” • Age‑appropriate language for talking to children about donors and surrogates • Grief, joy, and pride on the path to queer parenthood • How our families feel now that their children are here If you’re using reproductive medicine, donor conception, or surrogacy to build your family, you are not alone. This episode is meant to sit beside you in the messy middle, give you words when you’re tongue‑tied, and remind you that your family is real, valid, and worthy of celebration. Please join us on the anniversary of Stonewall for a free Queer Family Building workshop. Register here: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ #QueerFamily #DonorConception #QueerFertility #FamilyBuilding #DonorConceived #Pride

  8. Jun 14

    Broadway Husbands: Their Road to Maverick (Pride Tribute) Re-Released for Pride in Bret’s Honor

    Re-released for Pride 2026 — In loving memory of Bret Hanna-Shuford (1979–2026) In this beloved episode, I sit down with Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna — the Broadway Dads — to talk about one of the most heartfelt and hard-won family-building journeys I’ve ever witnessed. Together, these two Broadway performers navigated egg donation, surrogacy, financial challenges, a lost match, a miscarriage, and a global pandemic before welcoming their son, Maverick, in 2022. Bret passed away in January 2026 after a sudden and devastating illness. He was 46 years old. Stephen is now raising Maverick on his own — and remains a fierce, loving advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in their pursuit of parenthood. I re-release this episode with a full heart, because Bret’s spirit, humor, and generosity shine through every minute of it. In this episode we cover: • How Bret and Stephen chose their egg donor — and why the first profile felt right • The surrogacy process as two performers managing a major financial investment • How they handled the hard questions from others • What they wish they had known going in • The moment they knew it was “supposed to be this way” This one is for every queer person who has ever dreamed of becoming a parent — and for Bret, who never stopped believing it was possible. Episode resources Buy the new book "Goodnight Break a Leg": https://bit.ly/GoodNightBreakALegBook #DonorConceptionConversations #Pride2026 #BroadwayDads #LGBTQFamily #BroadwayHusbands #Surrogacy #QueerParenting #DonorConception #EggDonation #GayDads #InMemoriam #FamilyBuilding #BretShuford #BuildingYourFamily #RepresentationMatters #LGBTQ

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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

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
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Building your family

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