Podcast Summary: Pursuit of Wellness Episode: The Psychology of Infertility & Miscarriage w/ Dr. Molly Buritz
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Host: Mari Llewellyn
Guest: Dr. Molly Buritz, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Reproductive Mental Health Expert

1. Introduction to Dr. Molly Buritz

Mari Llewellyn welcomes Dr. Molly Buritz, highlighting her extensive experience in psychotherapy, research, and teaching. Dr. Buritz is a professor at USC and has personal experience with IVF, pregnancy loss, and secondary infertility, which deeply informs her practice focusing on reproductive mental health.

Notable Quote:
[00:00] Dr. Molly Buritz: "Going through infertility is one of the hardest, most poignant stressors a marriage can face."

2. Dr. Buritz’s Personal Journey with Infertility

Dr. Buritz shares her personal story, detailing her initial success with late-age pregnancy and subsequent miscarriages. Her experience with tfmr (termination for medical reasons) due to a chromosomal abnormality in her baby profoundly affected her, deepening her understanding and empathy towards her clients.

Notable Quote:
[06:22] Dr. Molly Buritz: "The choice to terminate a pregnancy for a baby that you very much wanted is very traumatizing."

3. Navigating the IVF Process

Faced with financial constraints and low success rates in the U.S., Dr. Buritz opted to pursue IVF in Tijuana, Mexico, significantly reducing costs. She discusses the logistical and emotional challenges, including lengthy border waits and the intense emotional investment required.

Notable Quote:
[10:35] Dr. Molly Buritz: "IVF is not a cure-all. It's so far from a guarantee. It's not a guarantee."

4. Emotional and Psychological Impact of Infertility

The discussion delves into how infertility strains relationships, particularly marriages. Dr. Buritz emphasizes the importance of recognizing that infertility affects both partners differently and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and resentment if not properly addressed.

Notable Quote:
[53:05] Dr. Molly Buritz: "Going through infertility is one of the hardest, most poignant stressors a marriage can face."

5. The Role of Social Media and Community Support

Mari and Dr. Buritz explore the impact of social media on individuals undergoing infertility treatments. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries to protect one’s mental health and the value of connecting with others who share similar experiences through support groups and private channels.

Notable Quote:
[27:25] Dr. Molly Buritz: "A real friend will be there waiting for me when I'm ready again."

6. Supporting Friends and Loved Ones Through Infertility and Miscarriage

Dr. Buritz provides strategies for supporting friends experiencing infertility or miscarriage. She emphasizes the importance of direct communication, offering practical help without burdening the individual with questions, and creating a supportive environment where emotions can be freely expressed.

Notable Quotes:
[50:46] Dr. Molly Buritz: "Grieve the loss and be compassionate with yourself about, you did the best that you could with the information, resources, and knowledge that you had then."
[51:00] Dr. Molly Buritz: "Be direct and honest with your friends about not knowing what to do and assure them of your availability."

7. Addressing Competitive Feelings Around Fertility

The conversation touches on the competitive nature that can emerge among women regarding fertility and pregnancies. Dr. Buritz acknowledges this reality and advises setting healthy boundaries to mitigate feelings of inadequacy or competition.

Notable Quote:
[45:50] Mari Llewellyn: "Is that a real thing?"
[45:51] Dr. Molly Buritz: "They do get competitive about who can get pregnant first."

8. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Dr. Buritz addresses the complexities of postpartum mental health, highlighting the importance of having support systems that can reflect and identify changes in behavior. She advocates for regular mental health screenings and the availability of therapy to navigate this challenging period.

Notable Quote:
[64:15] Dr. Molly Buritz: "You need mirrors around you that are paying attention to your well-being and are willing to reflect to you what they see."

9. Body Image During Pregnancy

The episode explores the shift in body image that occurs during pregnancy. Dr. Buritz shares her transformation from dreading bodily changes to embracing her pregnancy as a source of beauty and strength, encouraging listeners to focus on their body’s incredible capabilities rather than its appearance.

Notable Quote:
[66:09] Dr. Molly Buritz: "I was like, wow, look at what my body's doing. It was more just like I was embodied."

10. Challenging Stigmas and Misconceptions About Infertility

Dr. Buritz confronts misconceptions that a positive mindset alone can overcome infertility. She emphasizes that infertility is a complex medical and emotional issue, not a reflection of personal inadequacy, and discourages harmful narratives that oversimplify the struggles faced by those undergoing treatment.

Notable Quote:
[34:51] Dr. Molly Buritz: "A positive mindset does not change your body's chemistry."

11. Healing and Moving Forward

In the concluding sections, Dr. Buritz and Mari discuss the journey towards healing after infertility and miscarriage. They highlight the importance of self-compassion, seeking professional support, and allowing oneself to experience a range of emotions without judgment.

Notable Quote:
[72:05] Dr. Molly Buritz: "You deserve to enjoy having your baby rather than thinking about having a baby."

Conclusion and Resources

Mari and Dr. Buritz wrap up the conversation by reiterating the significance of understanding, support, and compassionate communication in navigating infertility and miscarriage. Dr. Buritz provides her online resources for further support and guidance.

Notable Quote:
[74:24] Dr. Molly Buritz: "You can find me on Instagram at @DrMollyBurritz and visit my website at www.Dr.MollyBurtz.com for more resources."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, product promotions, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful discussions between Mari Llewellyn and Dr. Molly Buritz.