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    Fertility Cafe

    Who knew making a baby could be so hard?! Luckily, the fertility journey isn’t meant to be traveled alone. So grab a seat and let’s talk fertility and alternative family building with leading industry expert Eloise Drane here at Fertility Café! Fertility Café is here to support, encourage, and educate, anyone seeking to start or complete their family and the selfless women willing to help . This weekly podcast discusses all aspects of the fertility journey experience, emphasizing alternative family forming methods. Explore modern family building through IVF, surrogacy, and egg donation, sperm donation and embryo donation . Whether you’re a straight couple, LGBTQIA+, single individual or anything in between, considering egg donation, thinking of becoming a surrogate, or dealing with infertility, you'll receive insider information. Each week, join in-depth conversations that explore these methods from medical, legal, and financial standpoints. Learn how to empower yourselves when dealing with infertility and the unknowns of how to complete your family building. Gain understanding on how to become a surrogate or an egg donor and what you need to consider when you make your decision. In addition to finding the best third-party providers and appropriate fertility solutions for you, learn about fertility awareness, the questions to ask and what steps you need to take to make the right decisions for you. There is so much information out there. How do you know what is fertility fact versus fiction. You’ll receive advice and tips on how to navigate the world of fertility options. Listen to fertility experts and medical practitioners as they impart valuable wisdom about all kinds of issues related to your fertility to include unexplained infertility, fertility preservation, PCOS, and fibroids to name a few. Their professional guidance is your best bet in increasing the likelihood of getting pregnant without fearing for your health or breaking the bank. This show is also for fertility professionals who want to widen their knowledge and expertise. By listening to fellow experts, discover brand-new information to share with your patients and improve your practice. Host Eloise has helped hundreds of people build (and grow) their families over the last 20 years. She always speaks candidly about the processes involved in making the dream of a baby a reality right now. Eloise helps individuals become surrogates and egg donors through Family Inceptions, an agency she founded in 2008. She highlights the importance of ethical and transparent practices. Above all, Eloise makes sure that young women who donate eggs or become surrogates are properly educated and empowered. Her reputation makes Eloise a top speaker and guest in many assisted reproduction technology events and shows. Her story and agency were even featured by OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. Eloise is not only a guide to surrogates and donors; she has been an egg donor six times and a gestational surrogate three times. She is a happily married mother of five who spends most of her free time with family. Failing to get pregnant should never lead to a life of regret, self-pity, and hopelessness. With egg donation, surrogacy, and medical advancements focused on fertility, your fight is far from over. You are not a lost cause. What you need is proper information, practical tips, and valuable insights on addressing your reproductive issues. Explore all this and more on the Fertility Café. Listen to the podcast right now at https://familyinceptions.com/fertility-cafe
    enEloise Drane99 Episodes

    Episodes (99)

    Ep. 100 | The Future of Fertility: New Scientific Developments in Infertility Research

    Ep. 100 | The Future of Fertility: New Scientific Developments in Infertility Research

    Embark on an enthralling exploration of the future of fertility in the landmark 100th episode of Fertility Cafe. This episode delves into the challenges the fertility industry is currently facing and how they are evolving. Discover what lies on the horizon and how changes in fertility on a massive scale will shape society, culture, and perceptions of third-party reproduction. Unravel the science and technology that needs to be advanced for transformative and scalable change. From the progression of IVF to the societal and cultural implications of fertility changes, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and knowledge. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of human reproduction!

    Guest Bio

    David Sable is the distinguished guest on today’s show, and he's highly respected in the field of reproductive medicine. He holds impressive degrees from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. David has built a remarkable career as an obstetrician and gynecologist, with a special focus on reproductive endocrinology. He’s also a co-founder of the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science and Reprogenetics, which are quite noteworthy. In addition, he’s an esteemed educator at Columbia University and shares his expertise through lectures on healthcare investing and biotechnology business development. You might have even seen him on TV sharing insights on reproductive medicine. With a plethora of board positions, advisory roles, and publications, David Sable is a true authority and a guiding light in the field.

    Resources

          Guest: David Sable

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the podcast: Ep 1 |  Building a Modern-Day Family

           On the podcast: Ep 96 | The Baby Business

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 99 | Bringing Equality to Reproduction

    Ep. 99 | Bringing Equality to Reproduction

    In this thought-provoking episode of Fertility Cafe, we engage in a crucial discussion titled "Bringing Equality to Reproduction for LGBTQ+ People." We're joined by the remarkable Dr. Mark P. Leondires, the force behind Gay Parents To Be and a respected leader in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Leondires brings his wealth of expertise and personal passion to this critical conversation, illuminating the unique hurdles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in their quest for parenthood. 

    From outlining the legal and policy barriers to exploring the emotional ramifications, Dr. Leondires provides an in-depth view of the complexities involved in accessing fertility treatments. We also dive into the current state of insurance coverage for such treatments and the significant advances in reproductive technology that can benefit the LGBTQ+ community. 

    As we venture into the future of LGBTQ+ fertility care, Dr. Leondires spotlights the important role that allies play in this landscape, advocating for more inclusivity and equality in reproductive healthcare. The episode wraps up with Dr. Leondires offering uplifting advice and encouragement for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples beginning their own path to parenthood. 

    This episode provides essential takeaways for everyone invested in understanding and advancing equality in fertility care, offering a blend of expert insights, real-world scenarios, and heartening messages of support. Tune in to gain a broader perspective on LGBTQ+ family-building in the evolving world of reproductive healthcare. 

    Guest Bio

    Dr. Mark Leondires is the Founder and Medical Director at Illume Fertility and the Founder of Gay Parents To Be, a family-building resource for the LGBTQ+ community. He is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

    Resources

          Gay Parents to Be

          Illume Fertility

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: Helping You Have A Baby: LGBTQ Surrogacy And Egg Donation

          On the blog: LGBT Surrogacy – Learning Your Options In Achieving Parenthood

          On the podcast: Ep 85 | Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story

          On the podcast: Ep 57 | IP: Single, LGBTQIA+, over 50, HIV+ Parents

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 98 | Debunking Myths The Truth About Fertility and Conception

    Ep. 98 | Debunking Myths The Truth About Fertility and Conception

    This episode of Fertility Cafe debunks common fertility and conception myths, focusing on topics like the overlooked role of male fertility, contributing to 20% of all infertility cases, and the clinical definition of infertility. It delves into the average time it takes to conceive and the crucial role of ovulation timing. The significant impact of lifestyle factors on fertility, such as stress, sleep deprivation, weight, and substance use, is explored. The importance of fertility tests and the need to view them in context with a full medical history is discussed, along with the proposal to make fertility testing part of regular medical care for women of reproductive age, promoting early understanding and informed family planning decisions.

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the podcast: Ep 35 | Infertility Epidemic

          On the podcast: Ep 79 | Infertility Increase and Media Negative Reputation

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 97 | Fertility in the Modern Age: IVF, Environmental Impacts, and Quality Care

    Ep. 97 | Fertility in the Modern Age: IVF, Environmental Impacts, and Quality Care

    In this episode, the focus is on the intersection of environmental factors and fertility, discussing how elements such as pollution, lifestyle choices, and daily products can influence reproductive health. The role of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in the current landscape of reproductive care is examined, highlighting its advancements, challenges, and potential future developments. The conversation extends to the critical importance of patient advocacy and education in fertility care. Emphasizing the necessity of understanding one's options and rights as a patient, this episode provides valuable insights and advice on self-advocacy and the pursuit of comprehensive care in the complex world of fertility treatments.

    Guest Bio

    Dr. Aimee, also known as the “Egg Whisperer,” is one of America’s most famous fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. Dr. Aimee is a Harvard-educated board-certified OBGYN, specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She has been featured in magazines like People and Marie Claire and has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning, along with a number of local and international newscasts. In her off-time, Dr. Aimee is a Mom to four rambunctious young kids aged 8 and under.

    Resources

          Dr. Aimee’s Website

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: How To Support Yourself As An Intended Parent

          On the blog: Tips on Family Building through Surrogacy

          On the podcast: Ep 79| Infertility Increase and Media Negative Reputation

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 96 | The Baby Business

    Ep. 96 |  The Baby Business

    One of my focus areas in this podcast is destigmatizing surrogacy and setting the record straight. We live in a world with new and evolving family-building choices, yet there is still a veil of mystery, suspicion, and misunderstanding over this topic. It's time we open up the conversation and lift that veil. Join me as I take a deep dive into what surrogacy is, who it’s for, as well as the importance of understanding all aspects of surrogacy for both potential surrogates and Intended Parents. 

     

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: What Disqualifies You from Being a Surrogate? Your Questions Answered

          On the blog: Surrogate vs Gestational Carrier

          On the podcast: Ep 73 | Baby Bonding During & After Surrogacy

          On the podcast: Ep 80 | First Hand Stories from an Intended Mother

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    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 95 | Surrogacy Health Insurance

    Ep. 95 | Surrogacy Health Insurance

    In this episode, I interview surrogacy insurance champion, Kimberly Surratt. Kimberly talks about her legal background and how she got involved in reproductive insurance reform in the state of Nevada. She talks about the current political climate as well as workplace trends and how these things influence insurance benefits offered to women. We’ll talk about the major impact she and other warriors for the cause have had on a state level, and what the future holds for surrogacy health insurance. 

    Guest Bio

    Kimberly Surratt is the past president of the State Bar of Nevada Family Law Section and the Nevada Justice Association. She sits on the Board of Trustees for the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and is the chair of the domestic lobbying committee. She has lobbied with the Nevada Justice Association since 2004 and is responsible for all assisted reproduction parentage laws in the state of Nevada, including a trailblazing insurance bill.

    Resources

            Kimberly’s Website

            Kimberly’s LinkedIn

            Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

            Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

            On the blog: How Much Does Surrogacy Cost – We Break the Fees Down for You

            On the blog: 9 Important Questions To Ask A Surrogacy Agency

            On the podcast: Ep 54 | Fertility Care for Minority Populations with Dr. Tia

            On the podcast: Ep 60 | Employee Benefits: Brooke Bartholomay Quinn

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 94 | Embryo Donation: Balancing Choice, Ethics, and Regulation in ART

    Ep. 94 | Embryo Donation: Balancing Choice, Ethics, and Regulation in ART

    The multibillion-dollar fertility industry is now booming, and experimenting with business models that are changing the American family in new and unpredictable ways. Those desiring donor eggs and sperm are now able to select from detailed checklists of physical and intellectual characteristics. Meanwhile, fertility clinics are offering volume discounts, package deals, and even 100% guarantees for successful babymaking, raising complex ethical and legal dilemmas. In this episode, I will take a deep dive into the history of embryo creation outside the womb. I’ll cover the barriers that exist for so many people that cannot access this family-building option, what is being done to address it, and shine a light on some of the grey ethical areas that exist in this exploding industry. 

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: What is an “Ethical” Surrogacy Agency?

          On the blog: How To Tell Your Children They Are A Product Of Donor Eggs?

          On the podcast: Ep 36 | Embryo Donation

          On the podcast: Ep 76 | Embryo Donation: What Are We Doing with All the Leftover Frozen Embryos?

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 93 | U.S. Surrogacy for International Parents

    Ep. 93 | U.S. Surrogacy for International Parents

    In this episode, we’ll be talking about what it’s like for Intended Parents from abroad to navigate third-party reproduction within the US. I interview new parents, Charlie and Tom Farrant, to talk about what their family-building journey was like, starting out at home in the UK, where paid surrogacy is not allowed. We talk about their experience, first navigating infertility issues, coping with the attitudes surrounding third-party reproduction in the UK, and then investigating how they might pursue having a baby via surrogacy in the States.

    Guest Bio

    Charlie and Tom are a couple from the UK living with their 6-month-old son, Bertie, born in South Carolina via surrogate. Tom works as a pilot and Charlie is a Registered Dietitian and blogger at therunnerbeans.com.

    Resources

            Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

            Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

            On the blog: How Family Inceptions Can Help You Find the Right Surrogate

            On the blog: International Surrogacy UK: Become A Parent Through US Surrogacy

            On the podcast: Ep 01 | You Have the Right to Create Your Dream Family

            On the podcast: Ep 11 | Surrogacy Laws You Should Know Before Starting

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 92 | Navigating the Emotional Journey: Redefining Family Through Egg Donation

    Ep. 92 | Navigating the Emotional Journey: Redefining Family Through Egg Donation

    Despite being the most successful assisted reproductive technique, donor egg use involves complex emotions, from relief and hope to loss and grief. In navigating this uncharted territory, potential parents often grapple with feelings of guilt, jealousy, and a struggle with self-esteem and identity. Questions like "Am I less of a mother or a father because we're using a donor's egg?" are common. We explore the importance of addressing these feelings with professional support, remembering that love and nurturing play a larger role in child development than genetic ties alone.

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: How Long Is The Egg Donation Process

          On the blog: How To Tell Your Children They Are A Product Of Donor Eggs?

          On the podcast: Ep 4 | Egg Donation 101: When It Takes a Village to Start a Family

          On the podcast: Ep 10 | How to Find Your Best Egg Donor

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 91 | Coping with the Stress of Infertility and Finding a Path Forward

    Ep. 91 | Coping with the Stress of Infertility and Finding a Path Forward

    In this episode, I interview relationship expert Andrea Syrtash about the real toll of finding out you have infertility issues. She talks about how infertility is not just a medical journey, it’s also an emotional, relational, financial, physical, and spiritual one as well.  

    Guest Bio

    Andrea is the founder of Pregnantish, the first media platform dedicated to helping people navigate fertility treatments and infertility. A regular on-air personality and the host of the Pregnantish podcast, Andrea’s hosted TV shows for Oprah’s OWN, Discovery, and Fox, and is the author of He's Just Not Your Type (And That's a Good Thing) and Cheat On Your Husband (With Your Husband). 

    Resources

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

    Ep. 90 | How To Talk To Your Family, Friends & Employer About Becoming a Surrogate

    Ep. 90 | How To Talk To Your Family, Friends & Employer About Becoming a Surrogate

    This episode is all about discussing surrogacy and sharing the journey with your loved ones. Like any big conversation, talking about becoming a surrogate has some weight, so it’s best to be prepared to educate your family, listen to their concerns, and clear up any misconceptions as you ask them for your support. Whether you’re deciding to become a surrogate, or sharing that you have begun a surrogacy journey, I’ll cover talking this over with your significant other, children, parents, and other family members so you can feel happy and healthy throughout your family-building experience. 

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: The Pros And Cons Of Surrogacy For Everyone Involved

          On the blog: 9 Surrogacy Myths and Questions – Debunked and Answered

          On the podcast: Ep 37 | Husbands Are You Prepared

          On the podcast: Ep 31 | What I Wish I Knew As A Surrogate

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 89 | Why I Chose to Become A Gestational Surrogate

    Ep. 89 | Why I Chose to Become A Gestational Surrogate

    In this episode, I interview two-time surrogate, Jessica Adams. As a mom with small children at home, Jessica talks about not only what the surrogate journey has been like for her, but for her husband and kids as well. She talks about the relationships she developed with the Intended Parents whose children she carried. She discusses her motivation for choosing this path, issues that have come up along the way, and advice for how surrogates can best advocate for themselves throughout this process. 

    Guest Bio

    Jessica is a mom of two little ones who have her completely wrapped around their fingers. She loves all things family building and is very proud of her role as a surrogate.

    Resources

            Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

            Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

            On the blog:  What Is Surrogacy? Learn All The Facts

            On the blog: Your Pregnant Belly As A Surrogate: What To Expect

            On the podcast: Ep 78 | First-Hand Stories from a Gestational Surrogate

            On the podcast: Ep 37 | Husbands Are You Prepared

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 88 | What to Look For in a Surrogacy & Egg Donation Agency

    Ep. 88 | What to Look For in a Surrogacy & Egg Donation Agency

    This episode is all about doing your due diligence to vet any third-party reproductive agency you are considering working with. Since there is no federal oversight or comprehensive set of standards egg donation and surrogacy agencies must adhere to, it’s up to you to determine what kind of ethics and standards they have.

    In addition, you’ll want to find out all you can about the staff, the processes the agency they have in place, the kind of reviews they get, as well as their track record for successful results. When it comes to building your family, thoroughly researching an agency's communication style, matching approach, coordination of fertility clinics and professionals, and ethical treatment of surrogates and egg donors is essential in making an informed choice.

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: 9 Important Questions to Ask a Surrogacy Agency

          On the blog: How Family Inceptions Can Help You Find the Right Surrogate

          On the podcast: Ep 39 | Agency Owners Roundtable

          On the podcast: Ep 45 | When Third-Party Goes Wrong

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 87 | When Fertility Treatment Doesn't Work

    Ep. 87 | When Fertility Treatment Doesn't Work

    In this episode, I interview Arvis Carmichael-Smith who gets raw and real about the emotional trials and tribulations of struggling with infertility and third-party reproduction for over 20 years. She shares some of the medical struggles she has gone through and how she learned to advocate for her mental and physical health along the way. She also talks about the ups and downs of all she and her husband Martin have experienced in their quest to create the family they have so longed for. It’s a testament to their faith as well as their devotion to each other that they have stayed the course and are still hopeful, even as Arvis turns 50, that their family-building journey is not over yet. 

    Guest Bio

    Arvis is a former veterinary hospital director whose passion for teaching and nurturing kids sparked a career pivot to teaching middle school. She is an advocate for children, animals, and the elderly. She also loves hiking, nature walks, and travel. Arvis lives in Hampton, Georgia with her husband of 23 years, Martin Smith. 

    Resources

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

    Ep. 86 | Importance of Commitment as a Surrogate or Egg Donor

    Ep. 86 | Importance of Commitment as a Surrogate or Egg Donor

    In this episode, I’ll explore the fundamental types of commitment essential for anyone who aspires to become an egg donor or a surrogate, including physical commitment, accountability, communication, and time commitment. I will delve into the benefits of staying dedicated to the process – for everyone involved. I’ll also offer tips to establish and sustain a consistent level of commitment and open communication throughout the entire process in order to be successful in your role in the third-party reproduction journey.

    Resources

            Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

            Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

            On the blog: How Long Is The Egg Donation Process

            On the blog: Ten Things That Will Make You an Ideal Surrogate

            On the podcast: Ep 31 | What I Wish I Knew As A Surrogate

            On the podcast: Ep 51 | When It Takes A Village To Start A Family

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 85 | Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story

    Ep. 85 | Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story

    In this episode, I interview podcast host and Intended Parent Carnell Roberts. Carnell shares what the family-building journey was like for him and his husband, Gavin. He talks about the mindset that enabled them to jump through all of the emotional and financial hoops to finally get their baby girl. He shares about his surrogate and the special bond they formed with her. We also touch on aspects of the IP journey that are different for a same-sex couple. 

    Guest Bio

    Carnell is a medical speech-language pathologist and the host of the podcast Going Through Something with Carnell Roberts. He lives in Atlanta with his husband and their bernedoodle, Swift (Carnell is a huge Taylor Swift fan). He is a new dad to a beautiful baby girl who shares the same birthday with Eloise. 

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: LGBT Surrogacy – Learning Your Options In Achieving Parenthood

          On the blog: 9 Important Questions To Ask A Surrogacy Agency

          On the podcast: Ep 57 | IP: Single, LGBTQIA+, over 50, HIV+ Parents

          On the podcast: Ep 51 | When It Takes A Village To Start A Family

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 84 | Self-Advocacy and Third-Party Reproduction: Your Voice Matters

    Ep. 84 | Self-Advocacy and Third-Party Reproduction: Your Voice Matters

    This episode is all about taking the reins by advocating for yourself. Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself and ask for what you need, allowing you to have control over important decisions that affect your life. I’m going to talk about why everyone in the 3PR process – Intended Parents, surrogates, and egg donors – need to advocate for themselves to ensure the entire journey is as successful as possible. 

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          On the blog: How To Support Yourself As An Intended Parent

          On the blog: Own Your Journey as an Intended Parent

          On the podcast: Ep 43 | Body Autonomy For Surrogates and Egg Donors

          On the podcast: Ep 59 | Advocacy Groups: Highlighting Important Organizations

          On the podcast: Ep 72 | Egg Donor Advocacy Groups

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 83 | Breaking Down the Cost Barrier to Surrogacy

    Ep. 83 | Breaking Down the Cost Barrier to Surrogacy

    In this episode, we will focus on the lack of access to surrogacy, the prohibitive cost of it, and the need to raise awareness around this issue. I will interview Zach French, co-founder of Gift of Surrogacy. The goal of this non-profit organization is to gift grants that cover the full cost of a surrogate journey to someone with a medical diagnosis that prevents them from having children on their own and would not otherwise be able to afford one.

    Guest Bio

    Zach French  is an entrepreneur, lawyer, podcast host and technologist in Atlanta. Throughout his entire career, he has focused on building better connections for thriving ecosystems with three pillars — education, sales, and strategy. He has been involved in numerous nonprofits. Leveraging this experience, Zach and his wife Alexandra founded Gift of Surrogacy. Zach is on a mission to help build more families and proliferate the entire surrogacy ecosystem.

    Resources

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    “Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!”

    Ep. 82 | National Infertility Awareness Week 2023

    Ep. 82 | National Infertility Awareness Week 2023

    A lot of people in this don’t give any thought to infertility – it’s simply not on their radar. National Infertility Awareness Week is a movement that was founded in 1989 to change all of that. It’s about empowerment, community, raising awareness, and shining a light on evolving issues surrounding infertility.  

    Host Bio 

    I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States.

    I created the Fertility Cafe podcast as a free resource to answer the biggest questions intended parents, egg donors, and surrogates are facing as they consider third-party reproduction.

    Resources

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          Learn more about independent surrogacy: Surrogacy Roadmap

          On the podcast: Ep 57 | IP: Single, LGBTQIA+, over 50, HIV+ Parents

          On the podcast: Ep 59 | Advocacy Groups: Highlighting Important Organizations

          On the podcast:  Ep 60 | Employee Benefits: Brooke Bartholomay Quinn

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!

    Ep. 81 | Welcome to Season 5 Intro

    Ep. 81 | Welcome to Season 5 Intro

    In this season 5 kickoff episode, we will focus on empowerment and advocacy for everyone involved in the family-building journey including surrogates, egg donors, and intended parents. Season 5 brings us to an exciting milestone, our 100th episode, which highlights new scientific developments in infertility research.

    Host Bio 

    I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States.

    I created the Fertility Cafe podcast as a free resource to answer the biggest questions intended parents, egg donors, and surrogates are facing as they consider third-party reproduction.

    Resources

          Eloise Drane on LinkedIn

          Learn more about our podcast: Fertility Cafe

          Learn more about our surrogacy and egg donation agency: Family Inceptions

          Learn more about independent surrogacy: Surrogacy Roadmap

          On the blog: LGBT Surrogacy – Learning Your Options In Achieving Parenthood

          On the podcast: Ep 48 | Kellee Stewart on Fertility Awareness & Egg Advocacy

          On the podcast: Ep 50 | Fertility Insurance with Jason Smith

          On the podcast: Ep 54 | Fertility Care for Minority Populations with Dr. Tia

    Rate, Review, and Subscribe!

    We would be so grateful if you took the time to rate and review our podcast on iTunes! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!

    Podcast Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:

    Beautiful and heartfelt conversations around family building. Can’t wait to hear more!