Your Fertility Story Podcast

Maria Feekes
  • 5.0 (17)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Your Fertility Story Podcast

The fertility journey isn’t always an easy one. It’s easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed by (sometimes very expensive) decisions, like you have your back against the wall, or you’re being rushed down a certain path. What if you could get unbiased information and expert insights, all with a dash of encouraging stories and inspiration? That’s what Maria Feekes does every week at Your Fertility Story. Each episode is packed with in-depth expert insight, tackles the questions you really want to know the answers to, and empowers you to be your best advocate.

  1. Kelly's Surrogacy: Navigating Parenthood with Determination

    NOV 19

    Kelly's Surrogacy: Navigating Parenthood with Determination

    In this heartwarming episode, Kelly shares her unique journey of expanding her already big family through surrogacy, the unexpected twists, and the sheer determination that made her dream a reality. Discover how Kelly and her husband navigated financial challenges, international decision-making, and the arrival of not one but two new bundles of joy. Tune in for a story of resilience, love, and the lengths one will go to make a dream come true.   Below are the key takeaways from this episode: The journey to their baby girl was swift and filled with determination. Even after an initial attempt with their own eggs and embryos failed, they did not give up and moved forward with the egg donor quickly. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Kelly and her husband chose a Ukrainian clinic due to financial considerations and found their experience to be positive and well-supported by the clinic's staff. Kelly and her husband are expecting another baby boy in January through surrogacy, which means their two youngest children will be 5 months apart. This decision stems from their deep desire to have a large family. Kelly advises families to be proactive and resourceful, sharing that finding a job with surrogacy benefits helped them financially. Her key message to other parents is not to give up on their dreams and to actively search for solutions to make their dreams of parenthood a reality.   Achieving Dreams with Determination: "Just do not give up because if it's meant to be, it's gonna happen and you just have to look for it. It's not just gonna come to you.” - Kelly   Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Adonis: Adonisfertilityintl.com

    16 min

  2. AUG 31

    How old is too old to have kids? Embracing Parenthood at 50

    In this heartfelt episode, Lori and Scott share their inspiring journey of embracing parenthood at age 50, navigating societal judgments, and finding extraordinary joy through surrogacy. Lori reveals how her late mother's handwritten notes influenced her dream of passing down family traditions, while the couple discusses the immense support they've received from friends and loved ones. Tune in to hear how they challenge perceptions of age and parenthood, and why they're more excited than ever for their upcoming baby girl.   Below are the key takeaways from this episode: Celebrating Late Parenthood: Lori and Scott highlight the positive aspects of having a baby later in life, emphasizing financial stability, fulfillment, and immense happiness brought by their decision to become parents at age 50. Support and Encouragement: Both Scott and Lori discuss the overwhelming support from friends, family, and loved ones, including their church community, which has been crucial in their journey to parenthood. Challenging Societal Norms: The guests address societal perceptions and judgments around age and parenting, emphasizing that age should not prevent anyone from being a good parent or pursuing their dreams. Faith and Legacy: The episode stresses the importance of faith and legacy, with Lori influenced by her late mother's desire to pass down family traditions, highlighting how personal dreams and family heritage can drive life decisions. Empowerment and Overcoming Beliefs: Scott and Lori encourage listeners to overcome limiting beliefs and societal expectations, advocating for making the most out of the present and pursuing individual dreams regardless of age.   Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonis: Adonisfertilityintl.com

    31 min

  3. JUL 24

    Finding Beauty in Differences: Kristi on Navigating Special Needs Parenting

    In this heartfelt episode, Kristi Campbell shares her journey as a mother to a child with special needs, exploring the ethics of prenatal testing and the beauty of embracing differences. Tune in to hear her inspiring insights and the powerful impact of early intervention and community support. Kristi Campbell is a devoted mother and advocate who has embraced and celebrated the unique journey of parenting a child with special needs. When her son was diagnosed with speech and language processing issues and sensory processing challenges, Kristi embarked on a path of understanding and support that has positively impacted many. She collaborates with Adonis Fertility International, driven by her passion for the topic, and shares her experiences through a widely-read blog. Kristi is committed to highlighting the importance of early intervention and cherishing the beauty of differences, offering invaluable support and insights to other parents navigating similar paths. Below are the key takeaways from this episode: Embracing Differences: Kristi Campbell emphasizes the beauty of life with different abilities, sharing how her son's unique journey with speech, language, and sensory processing issues has led to his growth and success. Importance of Early Intervention: Kristi stresses the critical role of early intervention services, advocating for parents to trust their intuition and seek help for their children when they notice developmental differences. Navigating Ethical Decisions: The episode delves into the complexities of prenatal and genetic testing, discussing the ethical and emotional implications of selecting traits and the challenges of defining "typical." Support and Community: Kristi shares her experience of overcoming initial loneliness by starting a blog and connecting with other parents of children with special needs, highlighting the value of community support and shared experiences. Personal Journey and Acceptance: Kristi reflects on her emotional journey of accepting and appreciating her son's uniqueness, illustrating the importance of respecting individual differences and the collective human experience to become better people.   Todays guest, Kristi, can be found online at: Finding Ninee Blog: https://findingninee.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FindingNinee/   Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonis: Adonisfertilityintl.com

    41 min

  4. JUL 23

    Michelle's Surrogacy Journey as a Gestational Carrier

    Discover the heartfelt journey of Michelle, a surrogate mother who turned her love for pregnancy into a lifeline for a hopeful couple. From the intricacies of matching and medical screenings to the emotional highs and lows of embryo transfer day, Michelle shares her transparent and inspiring story. Michelle had always cherished the experience of pregnancy, finding it to be a remarkable and special journey. After having two children, with her youngest being around two years old at the time, the desire for another child started to grow within her. However, her husband felt their family was complete, and Michelle had to come to terms with this decision. Despite accepting they wouldn’t have more children of their own, Michelle’s love for being pregnant didn't fade. She realized that surrogacy could be the perfect way to fill the void she felt, allowing her to once again experience pregnancy. Surrogacy felt like a natural fit, as it would not only let her enjoy the incredible journey of carrying a child but also help other families fulfill their dreams of parenthood. Michelle’s story highlights her deep appreciation for the unique and amazing experience of pregnancy, and her thoughtful consideration of how to continue enjoying this phase of life while positively impacting others.   Below are the key takeaways from this episode: The Surrogate's Journey: Michelle shared her experience of becoming a surrogate, from initial communications to the embryo transfer and subsequent pregnancy, emphasizing the emotional fulfillment and lack of physical discomfort during the transfer process. Choosing Intended Parents: Michelle highlighted her criteria for selecting intended parents based on personality, lifestyle, and their humble, appreciative nature, which helped form a strong, supportive relationship. Communication and Openness: Emphasizing the importance of transparency, Michelle maintained limited public information about her surrogacy but was open with close family and children, involving them in milestones like transfer day and the positive pregnancy test. Delivery and Emotional Experience: Michelle described her experience of delivering the baby for the intended parents, preparing for the hospital delivery, and the heartfelt, positive emotions associated with not holding the baby immediately, showcasing the mutual gratitude and bond formed. Support and Legal Aspects: Discussing the necessary legal procedures, Michelle detailed the importance of negotiating contracts, the pre-qualification and matching processes, and the psychological support crucial for both surrogates and intended parents throughout the journey.   Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonis: Adonisfertilityintl.com

    52 min
  5. Chris's Journey: Surrogacy, Trust, and the Importance of Heart

    MAY 29

    Chris's Journey: Surrogacy, Trust, and the Importance of Heart

    Discover the inspiring journey of Chris and her husband as they navigate the complexities of surrogacy, sharing profound insights about trust, resilience, and the miraculous love that brought their family dreams to life. Don't miss this heartfelt episode full of compelling moments and valuable advice.   Chris, a devoted mother, alongside her husband has been on a transformative fertility journey that led them to the Adonis Medical Group in Ukraine. Through surrogacy, they welcomed two beautiful children and are currently expecting another. Chris shares her heartfelt experiences, emphasizing the significance of love beyond genetic ties and expressing immense trust and gratitude towards Ivanna and the Adonis team. She aims to inspire other couples to pursue their dreams of parenthood despite the challenges, believing that perseverance can lead to miraculous outcomes.   Below are the key takeaways from this episode: Perseverance and Trust: Chris and her husband emphasized the importance of not giving up during the fertility journey, sharing their deep trust in the team at Adonis Medical Group in Ukraine. Streamlined Exit Procedures: Ivanna detailed changes in the bureaucracy surrounding newborns' exit processes, citizenship, and registration in Ukraine, highlighting faster and more efficient procedures now. Positive Surrogacy Experience: Chris shared her gratitude for the support received from Adonis, noting the team's professionalism, affordability, and comfort during their surrogacy journeys, resulting in a lasting relationship with them. Resilience of Newborns: Chris underscored the remarkable resilience and ease of traveling with newborns, conveying her positive experiences flying with her two two-year-old children. Heartfelt Connection and Encouragement: Chris and her husband expressed their desire to connect with and support others pursuing surrogacy, assuring a safe and happy experience and encouraging others to trust in Adonis' ability to fulfill their dream of parenthood.   Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonis: Adonisfertilityintl.com

    46 min

  6. 02/22/2022

    You're My Main Event: Staying Connected Through Your Fertility Journey

    In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guests and I are discussing relationships and how fertility affects those relationships. We’re going to talk about the issues that arise and why fertility places so much strain on partner connections.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   How they knew they might face fertility issues and what they were willing to do in order to create a family. This family’s tips for getting through the fertility process intact as a couple and sharing the hardships and celebrations with one another. What they did to support each other in this journey and why they didn’t allow outside stressors to deter them from their goal of children. How they sustained the romance and intimacy in their relationship in the midst of their fertility process. Their suggestions for dealing with their individual grieving processes and why supporting one another through them was absolutely crucial. Why avoiding assumptions about one another’s feelings allowed them to solve problems together. This family’s advice for facing infertility and the reason you should never give up.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

    26 min

  7. 02/08/2022

    How to Avoid Critical Mistakes with Biotransport

    In this episode,  my guest is Peter Hura. He’s a biotransport expert with ArkCryo and believes that biotransport is not just moving samples but caring for them as well. ArkCryo’s specialty is moving biological material from one point to another.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   What biotransport is and how it is used in the fertility world. Why timing and safety are crucial to the fertility process. The most important thing to remember when it comes to transporting samples and embryos. How biomaterial is transported and why hand-carrying it is preferential to cargo shipment, specifically when transporting internationally. The step-by-step process of transporting the biomaterial. Peter’s background with biotransport and how he landed in the industry when it was just beginning. The reason it’s so important for biomaterial to be handled with care and the numerous mistakes he’s seen over the years. The story of how his company began and why there was such a need for its services. Peter’s list of questions you need to ask at the start of the process to avoid tragic mistakes. Why you should undergo infectious disease testing before embryo creation. The questions Peter recommends asking when speaking with a biotransport provider. The reason you want the expertise of a reputable biotransport company and why the expense is worth the cost.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

    33 min
  8. A Mental Health Counselor's Tips for Emotional Balance During Infertility

    01/18/2022

    A Mental Health Counselor's Tips for Emotional Balance During Infertility

    In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, I’m speaking with Maureen Rule. She’s an expert in the fertility world and also has some personal experience with infertility, which gives her a unique perspective on this journey. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in New Mexico, USA and she’s spent the majority of her years as a counselor working with people who are experiencing crisis situations such as loss of a child, addictions, homelessness.   In this episode, you’ll hear:   How Maureen Rule initially became involved in the fertility world and her own experience with infertility and pregnancy loss. Why she believes grief and loss is cumulative and how she was affected by postpartum depression following the birth of her miracle baby. What you can do to deal with your feelings of anger and betrayal while experiencing fertility issues. Her advice for helping someone you know grieve and what not to say after a pregnancy or child loss. How joining a support group can help you heal more quickly after a loss. The reactions people have to grief and loss and why men and women grieve so differently. The real reason couples often split up after suffering the loss of a child. Maureen Rule’s advice for realizing there is hope beyond the grief.   Connect with Maria Feekes here: mariafeekes.com facebook.com/mariafeekes instagram.com/mariafeekes youtube.com/channel/UCWSEMH4ce2qkzW4mf4o0I6A Adonisfertilityintl.com

    42 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The fertility journey isn’t always an easy one. It’s easy to find yourself feeling overwhelmed by (sometimes very expensive) decisions, like you have your back against the wall, or you’re being rushed down a certain path. What if you could get unbiased information and expert insights, all with a dash of encouraging stories and inspiration? That’s what Maria Feekes does every week at Your Fertility Story. Each episode is packed with in-depth expert insight, tackles the questions you really want to know the answers to, and empowers you to be your best advocate.

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