Podcast
Fertility Cafe
Hosted by Eloise Drane · EN
Fertility Café explores the evolving world of reproductive health, infertility, and modern family building. Hosted by Eloise Drane, fertility expert, agency founder, past surrogate and egg donor, and mom of five, the show unpacks the medical, emotional, and ethical sides of today’s fertility care.
From IVF, surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, embryo donation, infertility treatment, men’s fertility, hormones, and fertility preservation, each episode dives into every part of assisted reproduction. Hear real stories and expert insights from fertility doctors, surrogates, and intended parents in open conversations.
Whether you are navigating infertility, exploring surrogacy or donation, or curious about reproductive wellness, Fertility Café helps you find clarity, confidence, and hope.
Connect with us: www.thefertilitycafe.com
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 114 The Emotional Shift from Fertility Patient to Parent
May 20, 202500:18:03Tap to summarizeEloise Drane, host of Fertility Café and a seasoned fertility industry expert with over two decades of experience, explores the emotional transition from fertility treatments to parenthood in this insightful episode. Drawing from personal experience and professional knowledge, Eloise addresses the complex emotions that arise when the focus shifts from trying to conceive to actually becoming a parent. The episode delves into letting go of the infertility mindset, releasing control, identity shifts after fertility journeys, and the realities of early parenthood after treatments. Eloise offers compassionate guidance for navigating feelings of uncertainty, addressing anxieties, building bonds with your baby, and embracing the messy, beautiful process of becoming a parent—however you arrived there. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction to the mental shift from fertility treatments to parenthood (04:32) Letting go of the infertility mindset and processing mixed emotions (09:45) Releasing control and learning to trust your parenting instincts (15:20) Reclaiming identity after the fertility journey ends (20:48) Sponsor: The Family Blueprint event in Atlanta (22:17) What no one tells you about early parenthood after infertility (28:03) When bonding doesn't feel instant: normalizing gradual connections (31:45) How relationships and friendships transform after becoming a parent (36:30) Embracing the growth process of parenthood after fertility strugglesShare with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! Resources: Book a Free Consultation Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/ Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources
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Ep 113 The Fertility Timeline: Dr Susanna Park on When to Get Tested
May 13, 202501:00:23Tap to summarizeWhat if freezing your eggs as a college graduation gift could be the most important investment in your future family? - Dr. Susanna Park Dr. Susanna Park, a fertility specialist from San Diego Fertility Center, joins host Eloise Drane to share her expertise on fertility testing. Board-certified in both obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology, Dr. Park brings a global perspective shaped by her journey from South Korea to Argentina to the United States. With five-time recognition as a top fertility doctor by San Diego Magazine, she offers invaluable insights on proactive fertility assessment. This episode explores the critical timing of fertility testing, examining why women shouldn't wait for obvious signs before understanding their reproductive health. Dr. Park breaks down key fertility tests for both women and men, optimal ages to start testing, how to interpret results, and the various treatment options available when challenges arise. Listeners will gain practical knowledge on taking control of their fertility journey before problems develop. Dr. Susanna Park is a renowned fertility specialist from the San Diego Fertility Center. Dr. Park is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She brings a unique global perspective to fertility care, with an impressive background that spans from Seoul to Buenos Aires to New York City, and now San Diego. She's been recognized as a "Top Fertility Doctor" by San Diego Magazine five times, most recently in 2023. In This Episode: (00:00) Eloise introduces the importance of proactive fertility testing (01:35) Dr. Park shares her journey to specializing in fertility medicine (02:53) Dr. Park's international background and global perspective on fertility care (06:51) At what age should people start considering fertility testing (09:54) Understanding key fertility tests and normal ranges for women (15:11) How age impacts fertility for both men and women (21:13) What constitutes a normal menstrual cycle and warning signs (26:11) Four essential components needed for natural conception (29:38) Best approaches for timing intercourse when trying to conceive (33:26) Understanding natural cycle treatments versus medicated approaches (38:34) The IVF process explained for women and egg donors (45:55) Testing approaches for same-sex couples planning families (51:28) How technology advancements have transformed fertility treatments Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! Resources:Dr. Susanna J. Park San Diego Fertility Center Book a Consultation at San Diego Fertility Center Book a Free Consultation Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/ Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources
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Ep 112 Surrogate Logistics: Travel, Timelines, and Support
May 6, 202500:39:37Tap to summarize“It's viably gonna be one of the most intimate journeys you'll ever be on, just like your marriage, your relationship with your children. It's this infinite entanglement between you and them…” - April Whitford Today on The Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drane is joined by April Whitford, Journey Manager at Family Inceptions with a decade of experience at the company and 25 years in family building. April, who holds an LMSW from Florida State University, shares her extensive knowledge of guiding hundreds of surrogates through their journeys, emphasizing the importance of patience in what she describes as an 18-month marathon rather than a sprint. The episode breaks down the practical aspects of surrogacy, from initial screening and matching to medical protocols and travel expectations. They discuss the comprehensive support surrogates receive, the importance of having family and employer backing, insurance considerations, and the legal process of establishing parentage. April and Eloise provide valuable insights into the logistical realities of surrogacy, including medication schedules, appointment frequency, and hospital birth plans. April Whitford, Journey Manager for Family Inceptions. April has been in the family-building space since 2000, and her passion for helping others shows in every interaction. She's committed to providing the highest level of support to surrogates and intended parents, ensuring that every journey is handled with care and compassion. With over two decades of experience, April has guided hundreds of surrogates through every step of their journeys and has invaluable insights to share about the logistical realities of surrogacy. In This Episode: (00:00) Importance of understanding surrogate logistics (04:18) April explains why surrogacy is a marathon requiring patience, not a sprint (05:37) The detailed screening and matching process for surrogates (11:06) Timeline expectations from match to embryo transfer (12:59) Travel logistics and arrangements during the surrogate journey (16:04) Understanding medication protocols and appointment schedules (19:33) Building a strong support system throughout your surrogate journey (24:06) Preparing family, children, and employers for your surrogacy process (31:26) Insurance coverage and protective policies for surrogates (34:08) Birth plans and hospital preparation for surrogate deliveries Share with someone who may be interested, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! Resources:April Whitford LinkedIn Family Inceptions Book a Free Consultation Have questions about becoming a surrogate? Learn more: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogates/ Curious about how much you could make with surrogacy? Use our Compensation Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/surrogacy-compensation-calculator/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: familyinceptions.com Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources
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Ep 111 The Patient Experience in Fertility Care: Advocating for Better Support
Apr 22, 202500:48:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain discusses the complexities of the fertility journey with Dr. Camille Hammond. They explore the overwhelming nature of fertility issues, the importance of accurate information, and the myths surrounding infertility. Dr. Hammond emphasizes the need for patients to advocate for themselves, seek community support, and communicate effectively with their healthcare providers. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges faced by intended parents and the significance of balancing hope with realistic expectations throughout the fertility process. It emphasizes the significance of education in reproductive health, addressing the gaps in fertility education, and exploring financial resources available for fertility treatment. The discussion also highlights the emotional challenges faced by individuals dealing with fertility issues, including shame and fear, and encourages open dialogue and support. Learn more about Camille Hammond & The Cade Foundation : https://cadefoundation.org/about Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Fertility Journey 01:41 Understanding Fertility Myths 12:26 Balancing Hope and Realistic Expectations 17:46 Communication Barriers in Fertility Care 26:13 Understanding Family Health History 29:10 Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers 30:37 Tracking Treatment Plans and Self-Advocacy 33:39 The Importance of Education in Reproductive Health 36:41 Addressing the Gap in Fertility Education 39:12 Financial Resources for Fertility Treatment 43:46 Overcoming Shame and Fear in Fertility Care Curious about the cost of surrogacy? Use our Surrogacy Cost Calculator: https://familyinceptions.com/cost-of-... More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/intended... Listen to past episodes: / @fertilitycafepodcast Get expert insights & updates: https://thefertilitycafe.com/resources All information shared is for educational purposes and subject to change. Always consult with a medical or legal professional for personalized advice.
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