Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a family

Maria Feekes
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Your Fertility Story is a podcast for anyone navigating fertility challenges, exploring IVF, considering surrogacy, or searching for the best path to parenthood. The fertility journey isn’t always easy. Many intended parents find themselves overwhelmed by complex, emotional, and often expensive decisions - from fertility treatment and IVF to alternative family-building options like surrogacy. It can feel confusing, rushed, or as though there’s only one path forward. Hosted by Maria Feekes, Your Fertility Story provides unbiased information, expert insights, and real stories from across the fertility and surrogacy landscape. Each weekly episode features in-depth conversations with fertility specialists, surrogacy professionals, and people who have lived the experience of building a family in different ways. This podcast is designed to help you: ✳️ Understand your fertility and family-building options ✳️ Explore IVF, surrogacy, and alternative paths to parenthood ✳️ Feel informed, empowered, and confident in your decisions ✳️ Advocate for yourself throughout your fertility journey Whether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey, researching surrogacy, or actively building your family, Your Fertility Story offers clarity, compassion, and guidance — helping you move forward with confidence and hope.

  1. 1d ago

    Surrogacy in Mexico: A Real Surrogate Mother Shares Her Journey | Genny’s Story

    What is surrogacy in Mexico really like from the surrogate’s perspective? In this episode of Your Fertility Story, Maria and Anna speak with Genny, a surrogate mother in Mexico who recently carried a baby for intended parents from the United States. Genny shares her honest experience becoming a surrogate, including the fears she faced before starting the surrogacy process, the emotional highs and lows of the journey, and the important role family support played throughout the experience. This episode explores what it is really like to be a surrogate mother in Mexico, how trust is built between surrogates and intended parents, and why emotional support and communication are essential during the surrogacy journey. Whether you are considering surrogacy in Mexico, researching international surrogacy, exploring IVF and embryo transfer journeys, or wanting to better understand the surrogate experience, Genny’s story offers a rare and heartfelt look inside the process. Genny joins Your Fertility Story to discuss: Why she decided to become a surrogate motherHow she prepared emotionally for surrogacyThe importance of agency and family supportHow she explained surrogacy to her sonWhat intended parents should understand about the surrogate experience KEY TOPICS Genny’s motivation to become a surrogate mother and help another family while supporting her own family [02:10]Overcoming fears about surrogacy and building trust through research, education, and agency support [05:52]The emotional realities of being a surrogate and the importance of family support during the surrogacy journey [11:38]How Genny explained surrogacy to her son and involved her children in the experience with honesty and openness [21:10]What makes intended parents and surrogacy agencies feel trustworthy and supportive from a surrogate’s perspective [32:11] Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

    36 min

  2. Jun 1

    Choosing Surrogacy in America: Legal Complexities and Emotional Realities with Melissa Brisman

    What does surrogacy in the USA really look like - legally, financially, and emotionally? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with leading reproductive attorney Melissa Brisman to break down surrogacy in the United States, including legal requirements, contracts, risks, and the realities intended parents should understand before starting. If you’re researching: surrogacy in USA laws by statehow surrogacy works in the United Statessurrogacy contracts and legal risks USAcost of surrogacy in USA and financial protectionsescrow and insurance in US surrogacy — this episode gives you practical, experience-based insights. Melissa shares: How surrogacy in the USA has evolved, including rapid growth, technology advances, and the expansion of agenciesThe legal structure of US surrogacy, including how state laws impact intended parentsWhat goes into surrogacy contracts, including difficult decisions and emotional considerationsWhy escrow management, insurance, and professional guidance are critical to protecting your journeyHow to build the right team and manage expectations around timelines, uncertainty, and decision-making This is a real-world look at surrogacy in the USA, combining legal expertise with practical advice to help intended parents avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence. If you are considering surrogacy in the United States, this episode will help you understand both the opportunities and the risks before you begin. KEY TOPICS Surrogacy in the USA: growth of the industry and how the process has evolved [00:03:10]US surrogacy laws by state: legal structure and key differences [00:05:10]Surrogacy contracts in the USA: legal and emotional considerations [00:10:24]Escrow, insurance, and financial protection in US surrogacy [00:21:11]Choosing the right surrogacy team and managing expectations [00:27:55] About the Guest Melissa B. Brisman is a leading reproductive law attorney with decades of experience guiding intended parents through surrogacy in the United States and internationally. She has helped shape surrogacy law, including contributing to the New Jersey Gestational Carrier Act, and has supported thousands of families through complex legal and emotional decisions in assisted reproduction. Todays guest, Melissa B. Brisman, can be found online at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBBrismanEsq?fref=ts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissabrismanesq/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaBrisman/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabrisman/ X: https://twitter.com/melissabrisman Tik Tok: Melissabrisman Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

    28 min

  3. May 25

    Surrogacy in Ukraine Laws Explained (2026): Who Qualifies, Legal Requirements & Baby Exit Process

    Is surrogacy in Ukraine legal — and who qualifies for the program? In this episode, Maria Feekes speaks with experienced attorney Oksana Lutsenko to explain surrogacy laws in Ukraine, including eligibility requirements, legal parentage, and the process of bringing your baby home after birth. If you’re researching: is surrogacy legal in Ukraine for foreignerswho qualifies for surrogacy in Ukraine (legal requirements)surrogacy laws Ukraine birth certificate parents’ rightsgenetic link requirements for Ukraine surrogacyUkraine surrogacy exit process and embassy timeline — this episode provides clear, experience-based answers. Oksana explains: How surrogacy laws in Ukraine work and why the legal framework is considered one of the most structured internationallyWho qualifies for surrogacy, including medical criteria and marriage requirements for intended parentsHow birth certificates are issued in Ukraine, with intended parents listed and no mention of the surrogateThe role of genetic link requirements in establishing legal parentageThe full exit process, including embassy procedures, documentation, and how long it takes to bring your baby home This is a practical legal guide to surrogacy in Ukraine, designed to help intended parents understand the process before starting their journey. If you are considering international surrogacy in Ukraine, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. KEY TOPICSSurrogacy laws in Ukraine: who qualifies and why legal clarity matters [00:02:01]Surrogacy requirements in Ukraine: medical criteria and marriage rules [00:03:09]Birth certificate in Ukraine surrogacy: parents’ rights and no surrogate listed [00:06:08]Genetic link requirement in Ukraine surrogacy and legal parentage [00:08:05]Ukraine surrogacy exit process: embassy steps and timeline to bring baby home [00:13:00] About Oksana Lutsenko: Ukrainian lawyer with more than 10 years of professional experience in the field of assisted reproductive technologies and surrogacy law. Since 2014, she has been providing legal support for international and domestic surrogacy programs, including contract drafting, parental rights documentation, coordination with clinics and agencies, and guidance on Ukrainian family and reproductive legislation. Our guest, Oksana Lutsenko, can be reached at: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oklutsenko/ Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

    24 min

  4. May 18

    Is surrogacy in Mexico legal and what steps do intended parents actually need to follow?

    In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Mexican attorney Ramiro Alejandro García Flores to break down surrogacy laws in Mexico, including the real legal process, parental rights, and common mistakes that can delay or derail a journey. If you’re researching: is surrogacy legal in Mexico for foreignerssurrogacy in Mexico laws by state (Tabasco, Sinaloa, Mexico City)how parentage is established in Mexico surrogacywhat is amparo in surrogacy Mexicodo intended parents need DNA testing or travel to Mexico — this episode gives you clear, experience-based answers. Ramiro explains: How surrogacy laws in Mexico work, including differences between states and the role of Supreme Court guidanceThe amparo process and how intended parents establish legal parentage (pre-birth vs post-birth)What the new voluntary jurisdiction process means and why contract ratification before embryo transfer is criticalCommon misconceptions about DNA testing, power of attorney, and parental presence in MexicoHow procreative intent and human rights principles shape surrogacy outcomes in Mexican courts This is a practical, legal breakdown of surrogacy in Mexico, designed to help intended parents understand the real process - not just assumptions or outdated information. If you are considering surrogacy in Mexico, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and move forward with clarity and confidence. KEY TOPICS Surrogacy laws in Mexico: legal foundations, state differences, and Supreme Court guidance [04:32]Amparo process explained: how legal parentage is established in Mexico (pre-birth vs post-birth) [08:36]Voluntary jurisdiction in Mexico surrogacy: why contract ratification before transfer matters [18:12]Surrogacy myths in Mexico: DNA testing, power of attorney, and travel requirements [35:26]Procreative intent and human rights in Mexican surrogacy law [49:24] About the Guest: Ramiro Alejandro García Flores has been working with surrogacy and assisted reproduction cases in Mexico for over 14 years. He personally manages the Amparo filings and court procedures for the families and oversees the legal process from preparation through the final court steps. Ramiro Alejandro García Flores, can be found online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramiro-alejandro-garcía-flores-2b135593/ Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

    57 min

  5. May 11

    Embryo Transport Explained: How Embryos Are Safely Shipped Between Clinics (USA, Mexico, International IVF)

    How does embryo transport actually work - and is it safe to ship embryos between clinics or across countries? In this episode, Maria Feekes explains embryo transport step by step, including how embryos are safely moved between fertility clinics in the USA and internationally (Mexico, Ukraine, and beyond). If you’re researching: how embryo transport works in IVFshipping embryos between clinicsembryo transport international safetycan embryos be damaged during transportIVF embryo shipping USA to Mexico or abroad — this episode gives you a clear, real-world understanding of the process. Maria walks through: How embryos, eggs, and sperm are tracked and stored inside embryology labs before transportWhat embryo transport containers actually look like (and why they are not like traditional freezers)How long embryos stay safely frozen during transport and how delays are handledThe difference between cargo vs hand-carry embryo transport, and why it mattersWhether embryos can be damaged during shipping and how risk is minimizedThe full documentation and coordination process between clinics and couriersKey regulations for embryo transport, including FDA requirements in the USA and international considerations This is a practical, behind-the-scenes explanation of IVF embryo transport, designed to help intended parents feel informed and confident when moving embryos between clinics or countries. If you are planning surrogacy or IVF abroad, understanding embryo transport is a critical part of protecting your future family. KEY TOPICS Emotional concerns about embryo transport: is it safe to move embryos, sperm, and eggs? [00:10]How IVF labs track and label embryos and eggs for safe transport between clinics [05:11]Embryo transport explained: liquid nitrogen tanks, hand-carry vs cargo, and shipping timelines [13:14]Embryo shipping process: paperwork, verification, and clinic-to-clinic coordination [23:03]Embryo transport regulations: FDA rules, customs, and international legal requirements [26:07] Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

    32 min

  6. May 4

    Surrogacy in USA vs Mexico vs Ukraine (2026): Cost, Legal Parentage, Risks & Timeline Explained

    In this episode, Maria Feekes breaks down surrogacy in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine, focusing on what intended parents are actively searching for: cost, legal parentage, safety, and timeline. If you’re researching: surrogacy in USA cost vs Mexico costis surrogacy in Ukraine legal for foreignerssurrogacy in Mexico safety and legal processwhose name goes on the birth certificate in surrogacyhow long surrogacy takes step by step — this episode gives you clear, real-world answers based on experience. Maria explains: How surrogacy laws work in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine, including parental recognition and birth certificate outcomesThe real breakdown of surrogacy costs in each country, including surrogate compensation and financial protectionsWhat “safety” actually means in surrogacy: from medical care and legal frameworks to current conditions and risk considerationsSurrogacy timeline step by step, including insurance waiting periods, matching, and embryo transfer timingHow to evaluate your options and choose the right country based on legal fit, budget, comfort, and trust This is a practical, no-fluff comparison of surrogacy in the USA vs Mexico vs Ukraine, designed to help you make a confident, informed decision before starting your journey. If you are considering surrogacy in the USA or international surrogacy, this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward. KEY TOPICS Legal differences and parental recognition in USA, Mexico, and Ukraine surrogacy [03:03]Environmental and program safety questions, including military conflict consideration and insurance concerns [12:00]Comparing cost structures, surrogate compensation, and financial protections across countries [16:13]Timeline realities, insurance waiting periods, and how long the journey takes in each location [24:48]Decision-making criteria: legal fit, budget, comfort, and trust when choosing a surrogacy destination [29:10] Thinking about starting your surrogacy journey? Feel free to reach out. Maria and her team support intended parents in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine. Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

    32 min

  7. Apr 28

    What is surrogacy in Mexico really like - especially for gay couples coming from countries like Australia?

    In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Rich and Daniel, a Melbourne-based couple sharing their real experience navigating international surrogacy. From comparing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia to understanding Australia’s legal limitations, they walk through how they made one of the most important decisions of their lives. They openly discuss what it actually takes to choose a surrogacy agency, how they approached egg donor selection, and what helped them move forward with confidence—even when the process felt overwhelming. This conversation also explores the emotional side of the journey: managing expectations, building trust with a surrogate across language and distance, and staying grounded through the unpredictability of embryo development and transfer. If you’re considering surrogacy in Mexico, or trying to understand how international surrogacy works for same-sex couples, this episode gives you a clear, honest, and practical perspective from intended parents who are living it. KEY TOPICS 1. Surrogacy in Mexico vs USA and Canada: How a gay couple from Australia chose their path [01:09] 2. How to choose a surrogacy agency: What actually matters (trust, transparency, and flexibility) [06:03] 3. Egg donor selection in surrogacy: How intended parents make this difficult decision [09:21] 4. Choosing and meeting a surrogate: Managing expectations, trust, and language barriers [15:47] 5. Embryo creation results explained: Expectations, milestones, and handling uncertainty [18:51] Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

    26 min
  8. Making Informed Fertility Choices: Whole Genome Screening with Maria Katz

    05/14/2025

    Making Informed Fertility Choices: Whole Genome Screening with Maria Katz

    What if you could screen your embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions before pregnancy even begins? In this episode, genetic counselor Maria Katz reveals her company's groundbreaking technology that is changing the way you think about your family's future. Maria Katz is a passionate genetic counselor with a background in high-risk obstetrics and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted by genetic conditions. Now part of the team at Orchid Genetics, Maria specializes in reproductive genetics and embryo screening, helping families understand and navigate their genetic testing options. Drawing from her experience in both clinical genetics and the latest advancements in whole genome sequencing, Maria is dedicated to providing comprehensive information that empowers families to make informed choices on their fertility journeys. Below are the key takeaways from this episode: Orchid Genetics' Whole Genome Screening: Orchid offers a new form of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that goes beyond traditional methods by performing whole genome sequencing on embryos. This allows for a much deeper and broader analysis than standard PGT approaches.Limitations of Standard PGT: Traditional tests like PGT-A and PGT-M have significant limitations. PGT-A only counts chromosomes (like counting books in a library), while PGT-M tests for just one specific condition (one chapter in a book), often missing many other possible genetic risks.Scope of Orchid's Testing: Orchid screens for approximately 1,200 genetic conditions, including many serious neurodevelopmental disorders, birth defects, and hereditary cancer risks—far surpassing the reach of current standard methods.Process and Accessibility: The biopsy process for Orchid's testing is identical to standard PGT, requiring no extra steps or changes from IVF clinics or embryologists. Consultation with an Orchid genetic counselor is free, and families can connect at any stage for advice and information.Cost and Value: While the cost per embryo is higher, the comprehensive insights and potential peace of mind offered by Orchid's technology can be invaluable—especially for families at risk or those who want the fullest understanding of their embryos' genetic health. Todays guest, Maria Katz, can be found online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-katz-72880bb5/ Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at: Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com Website: mariafeekes.com Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

    26 min
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About

Your Fertility Story is a podcast for anyone navigating fertility challenges, exploring IVF, considering surrogacy, or searching for the best path to parenthood. The fertility journey isn’t always easy. Many intended parents find themselves overwhelmed by complex, emotional, and often expensive decisions - from fertility treatment and IVF to alternative family-building options like surrogacy. It can feel confusing, rushed, or as though there’s only one path forward. Hosted by Maria Feekes, Your Fertility Story provides unbiased information, expert insights, and real stories from across the fertility and surrogacy landscape. Each weekly episode features in-depth conversations with fertility specialists, surrogacy professionals, and people who have lived the experience of building a family in different ways. This podcast is designed to help you: ✳️ Understand your fertility and family-building options ✳️ Explore IVF, surrogacy, and alternative paths to parenthood ✳️ Feel informed, empowered, and confident in your decisions ✳️ Advocate for yourself throughout your fertility journey Whether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey, researching surrogacy, or actively building your family, Your Fertility Story offers clarity, compassion, and guidance — helping you move forward with confidence and hope.

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