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 IVF
• shipping embryos between clinics
• embryo transport international safety
• can embryos be damaged during transport
• IVF 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 transport
• What 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 handled
• The difference between cargo vs hand-carry embryo transport, and why it matters
• Whether embryos can be damaged during shipping and how risk is minimized
• The full documentation and coordination process between clinics and couriers
• Key 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

1. Emotional concerns about embryo transport: is it safe to move embryos, sperm, and eggs? [00:10]
2. How IVF labs track and label embryos and eggs for safe transport between clinics [05:11]
3. Embryo transport explained: liquid nitrogen tanks, hand-carry vs cargo, and shipping timelines [13:14]
4. Embryo shipping process: paperwork, verification, and clinic-to-clinic coordination [23:03]
5. 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/

If you’re researching:

• surrogacy in USA cost vs Mexico cost
• is surrogacy in Ukraine legal for foreigners
• surrogacy in Mexico safety and legal process
• whose name goes on the birth certificate in surrogacy
• how 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 outcomes
• The real breakdown of surrogacy costs in each country, including surrogate compensation and financial protections
• What “safety” actually means in surrogacy: from medical care and legal frameworks to current conditions and risk considerations
• Surrogacy timeline step by step, including insurance waiting periods, matching, and embryo transfer timing
• How 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/

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/

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

Whitney Shefte is an intended parent, documentary filmmaker and journalist. She is currently working on a documentary film about her surrogacy journey and the state of the surrogacy industry around the world. See some of her work on her website.

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Ethics in Surrogacy: Whitney emphasized choosing surrogacy destinations like Ukraine that provide ethical treatment and compensation for surrogates, along with legal security for intended parents.
• Fertility Struggles: Her story of overcoming multiple failed IVF attempts and working with several surrogates underlines perseverance in the face of challenges.
• Ukrainian Resilience: Whitney noted the resilience and determination of Ukrainians, especially surrogates, to continue their roles amidst the war.
• Support Systems: The importance of having a support network was highlighted as essential for navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of the fertility journey.
• Insightful Documentary: Whitney is creating a documentary to shed light on surrogacy in Ukraine, addressing ethical concerns and educating others about the journey's complexities.

Todays guest, Whitney Shefte, can be found online at:

Website: https://www.whitneyshefte.com/

Blog: https://whitneyshefte.tumblr.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wshefte/

Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:

Website: smartpathfertlityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Kameryn is a devoted mother of three who champions the importance of postpartum nutrition. With children aged four, two, and six months, she expertly balances family life and self-care. Her interest in postpartum wellness, inspired by her positive experiences and her sisters' journeys, led her to establish the blog Empowered Mothers. Kameryn shares her insights and empowers new moms with valuable guidance. She further honed her expertise with a certification in postpartum nutrition from Postpartum University. Her mission is to assist mothers in creating personalized postpartum plans for optimal recovery and well-being.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Importance of Early Planning for Postpartum: Begin thinking about your postpartum care plan by mid-pregnancy, focusing on what support you might need in terms of meals and rest.
• Focus on Nutrition: Post-birth nutrition is crucial. Prioritize warm foods and calorie-dense meals, like bone broths and iron-rich foods, to aid in recovery. Avoid cold foods as they can delay healing.
• The 5-5-5 Rest Rule: Follow the guideline of five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed to ensure proper rest and recovery after childbirth.
• Saying Yes to Help: Be open to accepting help and support from family, friends, and community. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance and involve others in your postpartum plan.
• Value of Rest and Self-Care: Prioritizing rest and self-care is beneficial not only for your own well-being but also for your family's. It can help reduce postpartum anxiety and depression, allowing you to be more present and capable for your loved ones.

Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:

Websites: mariafeekes.com & smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Ivanna is the remarkable head of the coordination team for our Ukrainian surrogacy programs, including surrogacy, IVF, and donor programs. With profound resilience and dedication, Ivanna played a pivotal role in maintaining uninterrupted operations of surrogacy programs in Ukraine during the Russian invasion. Her extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment ensured the safety and success of numerous surrogacy journeys, even amidst extraordinary challenges. Ivanna's support and coordination skills continue to inspire and facilitate families in their fertility journeys.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• The Ukrainian surrogacy programs faced significant challenges during the invasion on February 24, 2022, but demonstrated resilience in safeguarding surrogates and pregnancies.
• Ivanna and the team successfully navigated logistical challenges and evacuation processes to continue providing care amidst the crisis.
• Trust and strong support within the team and from families were vital, ensuring the safety and success of the pregnancies during this turbulent time.
• Flexibility and proactive problem-solving were essential strategies, allowing the team to adapt and implement effective contingency plans.
• The team's dedication and genuine care exceeded contractual obligations, fostering trust and stronger relationships with the families involved.

Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Kelly, a passionate advocate for building a big family, returns to the Your Fertility Story podcast to share updates on her fertility journey. A mother of two, with a third child on the way through surrogacy, Kelly is living her dream of expanding her family. Her recent experiences include a smooth transition home with her new son and handling the nuances of international travel while welcoming her second child born via surrogacy in Ukraine. Embracing every moment of her growing family, Kelly offers insights and heartfelt stories that inspire and encourage others on similar paths.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Kelly and her family recently welcomed their second child, a son, and are successfully transitioning to life with a bigger family, despite the challenges like lack of sleep.
• Kelly confirmed their commitment to growing their family further, revealing they are already on their third journey with a little girl on the way.
• The experience with traveling, especially concerning logistics like airlines and passport issues, provided important lessons, suggesting the need for careful planning when booking flights.
• Practical advice shared by Kelly includes traveling light and taking essential items only, which eased their international travel experience with infants.
• Kelly emphasized the importance of teamwork and understanding between partners during the challenging phases of travel and transition, as well as maintaining a positive and cohesive family environment.

Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Petra is a well-traveled, research-driven guest who has embarked on two successful fertility journeys with Maria's team, becoming a mother to a four-month-old girl and a two-month-old boy. With her background as a financial mathematician, she brings a detailed, analytical approach to parenting and travel, making her a valuable source of practical advice for navigating the complexities of traveling with newborns. Drawing from her personal experience and thorough research, Petra shares invaluable insights and best practices on managing international travel logistics, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey for families with young children.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Thorough Travel Preparation: Petra highlights the importance of planning for travel with newborns, including creating detailed checklists and understanding travel logistics and airline regulations.
• Optimal Travel Equipment: Petra discusses her choice of the UppaBaby Vista stroller and considers whether to travel with a car seat or rent one, especially for premature infants.
• Feeding During Travel: Petra explains her strategies for managing feedings, such as using prepared formula and accommodating room temperature needs with allowances for potential travel delays.
• Security and Booking Tips: Tips are provided on using credit card miles for flexible bookings and applying for TSA PreCheck for quicker security processes when traveling with infants.
• Significance of Reliable Planning: Through her experiences, Petra underscores the importance of selecting a trustworthy agency and being well-prepared with necessary documentation for smoother international travel.

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/

https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Miracles and Belief: Maria emphasizes the importance of believing in miracles during the holiday season, regardless of one's religious affiliation, and how this belief can provide hope in the fertility journey.
• Emotional Highs and Lows: The episode highlights the contrasting emotions experienced in fertility journeys, illustrated by stories of one family receiving the joy of a miracle birth on Christmas Eve and another family facing the heartbreak of a non-viable pregnancy.
• Commitment to Families: Maria stresses her and her team's unwavering commitment to support families through every step of the fertility process, including the emotional investment they make in their clients' successes and failures.
• Giving a Chance: A profound message shared is about the importance of giving embryos a chance, regardless of the potential outcomes, to avoid future regrets about not trying.
• Prayer and Support: Maria consistently underlines the power of prayer and communal support, encouraging families to have faith and seek strength from their support systems throughout their fertility journeys.

Your host, Maria Feekes, can be found online at:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

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:

https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

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

SMARTPath Fertility International: https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

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

https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

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

https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

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

https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. How they knew they might face fertility issues and what they were willing to do in order to create a family.
2. This family's tips for getting through the fertility process intact as a couple and sharing the hardships and celebrations with one another.
3. 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.
4. How they sustained the romance and intimacy in their relationship in the midst of their fertility process.
5. Their suggestions for dealing with their individual grieving processes and why supporting one another through them was absolutely crucial.
6. Why avoiding assumptions about one another's feelings allowed them to solve problems together.
7. 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

https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. What biotransport is and how it is used in the fertility world.
2. Why timing and safety are crucial to the fertility process.
3. The most important thing to remember when it comes to transporting samples and embryos.
4. How biomaterial is transported and why hand-carrying it is preferential to cargo shipment, specifically when transporting internationally.
5. The step-by-step process of transporting the biomaterial.
6. Peter's background with biotransport and how he landed in the industry when it was just beginning.
7. The reason it's so important for biomaterial to be handled with care and the numerous mistakes he's seen over the years.
8. The story of how his company began and why there was such a need for its services.
9. Peter's list of questions you need to ask at the start of the process to avoid tragic mistakes.
10. Why you should undergo infectious disease testing before embryo creation.
11. The questions Peter recommends asking when speaking with a biotransport provider.
12. The reason you want the expertise of a reputable biotransport company and why the expense is worth the cost.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. How Maureen Rule initially became involved in the fertility world and her own experience with infertility and pregnancy loss.
2. Why she believes grief and loss is cumulative and how she was affected by postpartum depression following the birth of her miracle baby.
3. What you can do to deal with your feelings of anger and betrayal while experiencing fertility issues.
4. Her advice for helping someone you know grieve and what not to say after a pregnancy or child loss.
5. How joining a support group can help you heal more quickly after a loss.
6. The reactions people have to grief and loss and why men and women grieve so differently.
7. The real reason couples often split up after suffering the loss of a child.
8. Maureen Rule's advice for realizing there is hope beyond the grief.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. Why not succeeding never seemed like an option until Lisa and her husband lost their child.
2. How Lisa found Maria and her team and found hope again.
3. Why Lisa was ablet to have faith in the process as each of her questions had an answer.
4. The effect Lisa's fertility struggles had on her self-esteem and belief in herself.
5. Why belief and trust are absolutely vital to getting to the other side of the journey.
6. What life is like for Lisa and her husband now that their daughter is here.
7. Lisa's advice for getting through the worry and anxiety of infertility and having faith that you'll have a happy ending.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. How Ivanna got started in the fertility world and why she's still working with families who want to bring their own children into the world.
2. Ivanna's role as head of the coordination team and what that role entails.
3. What her typical day looks like and why being proactive in this process means being always on call.
4. The most rewarding part of Ivanna's job and the reason she stays in the fertility world.
5. The hardest part of her job and why it's so difficult to move past it.
6. Ivanna's wish for those who are just beginning their fertility journeys.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. How Amanda became a surrogate and why she is so passionate about helping families achieve their baby dreams.
2. The myths surrounding surrogacy and why they aren't true.
3. The process for becoming a surrogate, what physical exams are required, and why it is so important to have emotional support along the way.
4. Why patience during this process is critical to success.
5. How the waiting game can bring families and surrogates closer together and the reason communication is critical during the surrogacy process.
6. The tragedy Amanda experienced as a gestational carrier and how it affected both her and the family she was assisting.
7. How she handled the blame after the tragedy and the mental toll it can take.
8. Why most surrogates enjoy the communication they get from their families and how it can create a trusting relationship.
9. What giving the baby to the parents feels like and why it's so different to be a surrogate versus bringing home a baby that's yours.
10. Amanda's advice for making the surrogacy journey easier for both parties.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. Why guiding your journey by what the majority of people do doesn't work because there are so many variables.
2. Why you need to trust your intuition and communicate all of your questions, concerns, and ideas during this process.
3. What you can do to shut out others' opinions and move forward with your own journey.
4. Terminology evolves, but the procedures are the same, which doesn't affect your success.
5. You're not the only person going through this, and you are not alone.
6. Nothing is wrong with you, and this is not your fault.
7. Fertility involves more than just medical issues.
8. You will feel whole again, and the sun will rise.
9. You're not too old to have a baby.
10. You will still be you after you have your baby.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. Eva Schenkman's tips for researching fertility clinics for your particular needs and what you should look for.
2. Why a clinic might not have its own embryologists on staff and may outsource for that service.
3. The categories and data you should be evaluating as you review your clinical options.
4. What you need to look out for if you're considering a clinic with a narrow specialization or innovative treatments.
5. Her advice for selecting the right clinic for you and what you should look for in the clinic's communication with you.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Connect with Eva Schenkman here:

linkedin.com/in/eva-schenkman-6121778/

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. What you can learn from families who weren't sure what questions to ask and what their experiences can teach us.
2. Why being able to make decisions and have freedom of choice is so important to have independent from anything else that is happening.
3. How things can go wrong during this process, what the alternatives are, and why being vulnerable can lead to erroneous and costly decisions.
4. Maria's goal to remove, "I wish," from the fertility conversation.
5. How listening to this podcast can begin to put you back in control of your own fertility journey.
6. The story behind the founding of Adonis Fertility.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/

Your Fertility Story is designed to provide unbiased information, help you learn how to navigate challenges, and find support during your fertility journey.

In this episode, you'll hear:

1. Why Maria believes you have the right to ask tough questions during your journey.
2. The reason Maria started this podcast and why she believes expert advice and unbiased information is so important during this journey.
3. Encouragement and inspiration along with answers to the questions you really want to know in order to become your own best advocate.

Connect with Maria Feekes here:

Website: mariafeekes.com

Website: smartpathfertilityintl.com

Facebook: facebook.com/mariafeekes

Instagram: instagram.com/mariafeekes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-feekes-738576127/