Stork'd

Stork'd is one woman’s exploration to discover the many modern ways people define and create family. What is family? Emotional, Complex, Loving, Challenging. For many of us, how we define what “family” means can be a personal and complicated question. Julia is building a family. She's opening up an honest, funny, raw and earnest conversation looking at what creating a family really means and how it might show up differently than expected. Join Julia as she explores the concept of today’s modern family. Episodes feature every day friends, family, neighbors and experts sharing their own journey to define and create a family.

Fertility Freedom - Host Julia Explores Family Today 07/04/2024

Fertility Freedom - Host Julia Explores Family Today In this bonus episode, Julia took a moment on the 4th of July to reflect on the importance of reproductive freedom. She appreciates living in Massachusetts, where mandatory insurance coverage allowed her to undergo IVF treatments. However, she expresses concerns about potential changes to these laws due to the current political climate, noting that some states already have restrictions. Julia emphasizes the need to cherish our freedoms to build families in ways that feel right to us. She also reflectes on the diverse stories shared on the Stork'd podcast—some heartbreaking, others showcasing resilience and determination as individuals navigated various options to build their families. Julia will bring more content and stories for her listeners to learn from and celebrate the creation of new families in future podcasts. IN THIS EPISODE: [0:44] Julia talks about freedom and shares her solo parenting journey [3:40] Julia shares she is going through fertility treatments to have her second child [5:27] Julia is concerned for the next generation and what fertility treatment will look like for them going forward and discusses Project 2025 [7:35] Julia talks about the different journeys discussed on the podcast of how families were created and the decisions she made along the way to create her family [10:36] Julia shares her concerns and fears about the political climate and how that affects fertility treatments and building a family [15:05] Appreciating having the right to contraception and the fear that the political climate will result in laws being changed KEY TAKEAWAYS: Julia is pausing the podcast for a short time while she is going through fertility treatments to have her second child. Julia is working on content to share on future podcasts regarding our freedoms in this country protecting fertility procedures. Julia fears that legislation will eliminate the ability to choose how to build the family you want rather than following someone else's idea of what you should have. RESOURCE LINKS: /episode/index/show/storkd/id/31994917

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 19 - Finding Peace After Six Years of Infertility Treatment Without Answers with Abbe Feder 05/16/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 19 - The Emotional Rollercoaster When IVF Doesn't Work With Abbe Feder 05/14/2024

S6 Ep. 19 - Leaning on Levity To Break the Grief: 6 Years of Unexplained Infertility With Abbe Feder, InCircle Fertility 05/14/2024

S6 Ep. 19 - Leaning on Levity To Break the Grief: 6 Years of Unexplained Infertility With Abbe Feder, InCircle Fertility Abbe Feder is the founder of InCircle Fertility and host of the Fertility Chic. In this episode, Abbe shares her own six-year journey through unexplained infertility, including her initial reluctance to turn to assisted reproductive technology. Ultimately, Abbe and her husband tried IUI and then IVF with multiple failed transfers and loss. After a traumatic birth experience and emergency hysterectomy, Abbe is the proud mom of twins. Abbe leans on her experience and a deep well of empathy and tools to guide hopeful parents through the infertility experience. InCircle Fertility is not just a service; it's a guiding light for anyone navigating the complex path to parenthood. Abbe’s belief in coaching clients through this challenging process is unwavering; she holds their hearts and hands as they navigate the emotional and physical hurdles of family building. If you or someone you know resonates with this journey, join us for an insightful conversation." IN THIS EPISODE: [2:49] Abbe discusses why she created her company, Circle Fertility [4:00] Abbe reflects on her 6-year journey to becoming a parent [10:43] Abbe decides to go to a fertility doctor for IUI treatments [14:59] Abbe admits she believed that when starting IVF treatments, you would immediately get pregnant. She explains how she dealt with the disappointment [20:47] How do you protect your mental health through disappointments? Abbe discusses details of the IUI and IVF journey [31:20] Abbe advises on how to navigate the complex decisions of the process, and she discusses the expense versus self-care [38:42] When should a person seek coaching, and how does Abbe define family KEY TAKEAWAYS: It is unfair that a woman who did not take care of her body can quickly get pregnant, and a woman who took excellent care of her health and body can’t conceive. It is difficult to make life decisions when going through IVF. Your hormones are raging, you are taking more, the stakes are high, and you are exhausted. That is the time when you need to be able to lean into someone you trust. Taking IUI or IVF treatments is no guarantee that you will become pregnant. RESOURCE LINKS: BIOGRAPHY: Abbe Feder Abbe Feder founded InCircle Fertility after emerging on the other side of her all-consuming struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss. These experiences were life-altering and when the dust settled, it quickly became evident that the only possible next step was supporting others as they navigate this turbulent terrain. Combining professional expertise, industry know-how, and an abundance of empathy and compassion, InCircle Fertility is here to meet you wherever you are in the world and wherever you are in your journey to parenthood to provide the support and guidance needed to find your resolution. /episode/index/show/storkd/id/31213372

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 18 - I Felt Erased - Maintaining Your Own Individuality While Balancing Parenthood 05/09/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 18 - Embracing Parenthood on Your Own Terms with Brittany Ross 05/07/2024

S6 Ep. 18 - Can’t I Be More Than Just “Mom”? - Retaining Identity in Parenthood with Brittany Ross, Comedian 05/07/2024

S6 Ep. 18 - Can’t I Be More Than Just “Mom”? - Retaining Identity in Parenthood with Brittany Ross, Comedian Brittany Ross, a Los Angeles-based actor and stand up comedian opens up with refreshing authenticity about her journey into motherhood. She candidly shares her experiences of feeling like she lost her identity during her first pregnancy, as others only saw her as a mom-to-be and, after giving birth, felt defined solely by motherhood. Now pregnant again, Brittany reflects on navigating this journey differently, realizing she can embrace her role as a caring mom and her identity as a professional and individual woman. Join us as Brittany shares her insights and experiences in this honest and relatable conversation. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:46] Brittany shares who she is and how she brings her family into her comedic act, and she describes the unpreferred parent and gives examples [10:59] Brittany discusses how she felt about being a mom from her identity standpoint and how people treat you differently [18:44] Brittany is dealing with her second pregnancy differently, and how she is navigating this process [29:00] Brittany’s advice is to remember everyone is different and can exercise whatever emotion they are feeling, and she reveals she had a miscarriage before her current pregnancy [35:08] What triggered Brittany to decide to have a second child was what she wanted [40:39] Brittany reminds listeners that everyone has ideas about what is right for you, but do what you think is right and what family means to Brittany KEY TAKEAWAYS: Children possess an innate ability to push their parents' buttons, and the bond between a mother and daughter is distinct. At times, it's uniquely positive, while at other times, it is a button-pushing scenario. Getting pregnant represents a significant life change, and it is ok to deal with it however you want to. Don’t be pressured by outside influences of how you should feel or cope. As a mom, you love your child but don’t want to lose your identity. Some of the feelings you have are based on hormones. RESOURCE LINKS: BIOGRAPHY: Brittany Ross Brittany Ross is a Los Angeles-based Actor, Standup Comic, and writer. Originally from… well, she grew up moving around the world: Alaska, Scotland, Colombia, Venezuela, Texas, Chicago, & Hawaii. Being the “New Kid” is her special skill. Aside from the Choco Krispies commercial that not only starred a 5-year-old Brittany but probably changed ALL of your lives, you can catch her on Netflix’s New Series Huge in France, ABC’s The Rookie, and the Netflix film Like Father. Other notable credits include her long-running recurring role on ABCs The Middle, CBS’s 2 Broke Girls, TBS’s Clipped, Disney’s Bizaardvark & more. /episode/index/show/storkd/id/31127478

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 17 - Leaning on Your Village: Ronit and Vida’s Advice for Those Experiencing a Miscarriage 05/01/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 17 - Why Doesn’t Anyone Know This? Sperm Quality and Conception 04/30/2024

S6 Ep 17 - We Need to Talk About Sperm Quality - With WeNatal Founders Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim 04/30/2024

S6 Ep 17 - We Need to Talk About Sperm Quality - With WeNatal Founders Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, the founders of WeNatal, join Julia on a poignant episode of the podcast to share their journeys to expand their respective families and create WeNatal. As close friends who endured miscarriages within days of each other, their bond grew even stronger. Together, they uncovered a vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. In response, they developed specialized supplements for both men and women to boost fertility before trying to conceive. They delve into the potential impact of these supplements, particularly for couples undergoing costly IVF treatments. This episode has valuable insights for couples who have had a miscarriage or are trying to conceive. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:32] Ronit and Vida introduce themselves and explain how WeNatal was conceived and that they had miscarriages one week apart [7:27] The quality of a man’s sperm can be the reason for a miscarriage, and how WeNatal can transform the quality of sperm [17:49] Encouragement for the woman/family going through a miscarriage [21:30] The vital role gratitude plays in healing after a miscarriage and preparing for pregnancy [27:30] Ronit and Vita describe how two friends started WeNatal, the formulation of the product and the third-party testing [38:25] Discussion of taking vitamins through prenatal and postnatal and postpartum depression and being your own health advocate [41:50] What is normal and what is optimal, friends who work together, and what does family mean to Ronit and Vita [48:35] WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd KEY TAKEAWAYS: It is a little-known fact that when a woman experiences a miscarriage, a man’s sperm quality can be 50% of the issue. Creating WeNatal was a thoughtful process, including the design and usage of the packaging, not just the content of the prenatal supplements. Women need to be their own health advocates. When you don’t feel right, express that to a doctor and get the required tests. The preconception timeframe is critical to a healthy pregnancy. RESOURCE LINKS: WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Stork’d. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd WeNatal's Story We’ve been there. I’ll never forget the spot on the wall I was staring at in the doctor’s office when they told me there was no heartbeat…I felt my whole world caving in. I was miscarrying. What was even more confusing was the lack of answers I received as to WHY. I was healthy, I took a standard prenatal. Yet I still miscarried. I picked up the phone to tell my best friend, Vida, that I had lost the baby, and through her tears on the other line, I couldn’t believe what I heard: she had miscarried a week before. I hung up the phone, devastated for both of us. Later that evening, in our grief, we both realized something similar about our experiences: we were given no direction on what to do differently. Our doctors told us it was random or could be our age, but then it dawned on us that all the conversations were only focused on what could have happened to our egg, with half of the equation being left out: the sperm. Our partner’s health was never mentioned as part of the reason two healthy women were struggling to get pregnant. So we got to work and started searching for answers. We had no idea that what we were about to discover would change the fertility journey for everyone after us, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. xo, Vida & Ronit /episode/index/show/storkd/id/30947363

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 16 - Trends Show Younger Individuals Seeking IVF - How Sunfish Can Help Provide Financial Support with Angela Rastegar 04/25/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 16 - How Sunfish Helps Navigate The Steep Financial Costs of IVF with Angela Rastegar 04/23/2024

S6 Ep 16 - IVF Costs WHAT?! Fertility Loans and Making Fertility More Affordable with Angela Rastegar, CEO of Sunfish 04/23/2024

S6 Ep 16 - IVF Costs WHAT?! Fertility Loans and Making Fertility More Affordable with Angela Rastegar, CEO of Sunfish Julia sits down with Angela Rastegar, the driving force behind Sunfish, a company committed to dismantling financial barriers for hopeful parents navigating fertility challenges. Economic constraints often force individuals to abandon their dreams of parenthood. Sunfish steps in with personalized financial planning services and complimentary consultations. They are backed by a dedicated team of data scientists who analyze medical records and statistics to forecast fertility treatments’ duration and success rates, thus anticipating associated costs. What truly sets Sunfish apart is their groundbreaking money back guarantee: in the event of a failed treatment, they offer a partial refund through their IVF Success Program. This pioneering approach empowers individuals to concentrate fully on their fertility journey, relieving the burden of financial worries. Please share this information with anyone facing a fertility journey, as access to resources on financing could make all the difference in continuing the journey or pursuing the next round of IVF. IN THIS EPISODE: [0:20] Julia introduces the topic of affording your family-building journey [3:51] Angela explains the mission of Sunfish and how and why she started the company [10:29] Angela addresses the first steps in the family-building process, and she discusses how they can predict the exact cost of IVF and the guarantee they make to the prospective parents [17:34] Angela explains how costs vary and states they do have loan options and how she sees the fertility space evolving in the next five to ten years [26:03] Discussion of how lifestyle impacts results and all the other details that can be overwhelming on this fertility journey [30:49] Discussion of the demographics of those who are looking to use Sunfish services and where the name Sunfish came about [35:17] Angela describes what family means to her, and she tells a heartbreaking story of infertility and success stories KEY TAKEAWAYS: Sunfish offers complimentary consultations to answer questions and provides educational material on their website. The average IVF baby costs $70,000, but that figure can vary. Sunfish helps aspiring parents with determining their family building goals (number of kids) and then helps each prospective family create a financial roadmap. Sunfish offers support and a money-back guarantee through its Gold IVF Success Program which includes an IVF Treatment Package, unlimited transfers, and up to one year of support and guidance. Through this program, Sunfish’s proprietary software calculates the expected financial costs for each family to achieve pregnancy based on a range of factors. If those projections underestimate the cost, Sunfish provides a partial refund. Eligible Sunfish customers can also finance this program with a loan. Disclosures: Sunfish is not a Medical or Healthcare Provider, Insurer, or Financial Planner. Sunfish does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details, as your unique needs may vary. Tools that Sunfish provides are for informational purposes only. All products are based on eligibility, for complete Terms and Conditions, please contact Sunfish. RESOURCE LINKS: BIOGRAPHY: Angela Rastegar, CEO of Sunfish Sunfish offers financial support, guidance, and guarantees for family building, including IVF, egg freezing, gestational surrogacy, and egg + sperm donors. The team has offices in California and New York. Angela Rastegar, co-founder and CEO of Sunfish, has spent many years in the assisted reproductive technologies space, previously as a Director at North Star Fertility and Circle Surrogacy. Rastegar has worked with hundreds of aspiring parents. She is also an investor and mentor to early-stage health tech startups, and previously an investor at a venture capital fund in Silicon Valley. Angela holds a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University, with a focus on reproductive health, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Rastegar has spoken at numerous industry events and conferences, including on the Fruitful and Multiplying Podcast, on the Slice of Healthcare Podcast, and gave a TEDx Talk in London regarding her prior startup. /episode/index/show/storkd/id/30887143

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 15 - Can I Trust You? - Creating a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Community to Choose their Chosen Family 04/11/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 15 - When You Are Missing Family the Most - How Dan Blevin’s Organization “Stands In” For Family in the LGBTQ+ Community 04/09/2024

S6 Ep 15 - Showing Up & Standing In - Becoming Family for Those Who Don’t Have One With Dan Blevins, Stand in Pride 04/09/2024

S6 Ep 15 - Showing Up & Standing In - Becoming Family for Those Who Don’t Have One With Dan Blevins, Stand in Pride Have you ever felt you need someone to turn to or to show up for you? This episode of Stork’d explores Stand In Pride, a heartwarming community founded by Dan Blevins in 2021. Stand In Pride provides a vital support system for those within the LGBTQ+ community who may be estranged from their families. The show dives into the organization's mission and impact as well as what it really means to show up for someone else. With over 250,000 members worldwide on their Facebook group alone, Stand In Pride connects people with "stand-in" family or friends. Whether it's attending a wedding, needing help with a life skill, or simply wanting a shoulder to lean on, Stand In Pride offers a powerful sense of belonging. Tune in for an inspiring story about the importance of community and the beautiful act of a chosen family. IN THIS EPISODE: [3:00] Dan shares his history and discusses how Stand in Pride was created, and he gives examples of how it works [10:06] Dan talks about what contributes to the isolation of the LGBTQ population [17:28] Discussion of the political climate contributing to isolation within and outside the LGBTQ community [21:06] Dan’s advice on showing up for others: everyone is different [24:24] Dan shares his personal story and his hopes for his grandchildren [32:08] Dan talks about the app and how it came about [37:42] Dan explains what family is to him KEY TAKEAWAYS: When Stand in Pride was conceived, COVID-19 had already isolated people. Stand in Pride provided a vehicle for outreach to those who needed and wanted help. Showing up for another individual in a small way, like checking in on them, is a big way for the isolated person. Stand in Pride will soon be available in app form. RESOURCE LINKS: k /episode/index/show/storkd/id/30640803

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 14 - Whispers from Beyond: How Children Cope with Their Mother's Miscarriages with Shani Rogers 04/04/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 14 - Missed Miscarriage: Shani Roger's Story of Her Miscarriage With Her Second Child 04/02/2024

S6 Ep 14 - Healing from Miscarriage Through Writing with Shani Rogers, Author of Blue & Pink Balloons 04/02/2024

S6 Ep 14 - Healing from Miscarriage Through Writing with Shani Rogers, Author of Blue & Pink Balloons *Trigger warning for miscarriage* Shani Rogers, the author of the book "Blue and Pink Balloons," a narrative crafted for her daughter that addresses the sensitive topic of miscarriage. Shani shares her story of trying for a second and healing from miscarriage. Together, Shani and Julia, who also shares her journey through miscarriage, shed light on the prevalence of this experience among women. Often, amidst the turmoil of miscarriage within a family, the experiences of siblings can be overlooked. Yet, they, too, undergo a profound sense of loss. Collaborating with her four-year-old daughter, Shani found therapeutic value in writing this book for herself and her daughter. "Blue and Pink Balloons" serves as a valuable tool for initiating discussions about miscarriage with children. Consider sharing this episode with a friend or family member grappling with similar experiences. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:10] Shani shares her story about her miscarriage and how frequently it had happened among her peers [5:16] Julia discusses her own miscarriage experience [6:56] Shani walks through learning she has had a miscarriage [12:14] Shani and her husband share the news with their daughter [15:12] How her daughter dealt with the miscarriage [19:37] Shani talks about how she walked her daughter through the loss and how the book came about [23:19] Shani advises mothers who have lost a baby or those who are pregnant and are experiencing fear [27:48] Shani discusses how her husband comforted her and took care of their daughter [31:41] Trying again to have another child and how Shani defines family KEY TAKEAWAYS: Losing a child through miscarriage not only affects the parents but has a profound effect on children at home. Talking about the miscarriage with their sibling is healthy. It allows them to express their feelings in a way that’s comfortable with them. People can be insensitive to the loss of a baby through miscarriage. Better to say nothing than, “ Oh well, you can get pregnant again.” RESOURCE LINKS: BIOGRAPHY: Shani Rogers is, first and foremost, a devoted wife and mother to two incredible children. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, she spends her free time working, volunteering at her kids' school, attending her daughter's dance practices, or watching her son at the baseball field. When she gets some downtime, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with family and friends, often with an iced coffee in hand. Shani's children's book, "Blue & Pink Balloons," is a real-life story based on the miscarriage their family experienced when their daughter was on the brink of her fourth birthday. It narrates the story from the perspective of their daughter, detailing her wishes for a sibling, the excitement of becoming one, and the sadness of losing the baby. This book validates children's feelings in times of loss and assures them they are loved, regardless of the circumstances. /episode/index/show/storkd/id/30585693

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 13 - The Unspoken Mental Load of Breastfeeding and Pumping with Patrice Meagher 03/28/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 13 - The Struggle of Breastfeeding at Work: The Journey to Creating MilkMate with Patrice Meagher 03/26/2024

S6 Ep 13 - There Has Got to Be a Better Way to Do This: Improving Pumping at Work With Patrice Meagher, MilkMate 03/26/2024

S6 Ep 13 - There Has Got to Be a Better Way to Do This: Improving Pumping at Work With Patrice Meagher, MilkMate Patrice Meagher, the creator of MilkMate, joins Julia to address the challenge new mothers face in the workplace: the lack of a safe and private environment for breastfeeding. Patrice shares her journey as a working mom of four, when unsuitable pumping spaces at work forced her to end her breastfeeding journey prematurely. We discuss the politics of feeding your child, how time inefficient and emotionally draining pumping can be, the unique challenges of pumping at work and so much more. Are you struggling with finding a suitable place to breastfeed at work? Are you spending too much time washing pump parts and carrying supplies back and forth, affecting your productivity? MilkMate offers a groundbreaking solution for working mothers who need to pump at work. Patrice educates employers and emphasizes providing a conducive space for lactating employees. If this topic resonates with you, take advantage of this informative episode of Stork'd and share it with a friend. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:51] Patrice shares her professional journey and how the difficulties of breastfeeding her child at work formed the concept of MilkMates [7:10] Patrice shares her breastfeeding journey with her four children [10:08] Patrice discusses the tools involved in breastfeeding and other things a new mom may not know [15:50] Discussion of MilkMate’s service, the process and the benefit to the mom and the employer [20:18] The importance of explaining to an employer what is involved in breastfeeding so that they understand the need for a private, stocked space [24:25] Patrice discusses what people don’t know about breastfeeding [28:03] What Patrice desires for the future of breastfeeding [31:42] Patrice shares what family means to her KEY TAKEAWAYS: Many new moms feel pressure to breastfeed, but a lack of comfortable and private spaces at work can make it a real challenge. Some moms leave the workforce because they have to choose between working and breastfeeding. Don’t get discouraged or down on yourself if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you. It is difficult, expensive and time-consuming. Don’t let social media force you into something you don’t want. MilkMate is a service that allows working moms to continue working safely and privately while breastfeeding their babies. RESOURCE LINKS: BIOGRAPHY: MilkMate’s Founder and CEO, Patrice Meagher, created MilkMate out of her own lived experience, becoming a mom to her four children while also building her career as a high-powered commercial real estate executive. Her mission in creating MilkMate is simple: She wants to support and empower working moms everywhere – and it starts with her turnkey breast pumping solution purpose-built for workplace wellness rooms. During her time representing landlords throughout Manhattan, Patrice experienced the rise of health and wellness initiatives in the workplace and began helping employers and landlords design wellness areas to comply with new laws requiring dedicated space for breast pumping. All the while, she chose to breastfeed her four children and continued to do so even after she returned to work from maternity leave. It didn’t take her long to realize that the process surrounding breast pumping at work was inefficient and inconvenient. She knew there had to be a better way. In 2020, Patrice left her commercial real estate job to start MilkMate so that no mother would ever have to choose between her family and career due to the challenges of breast pumping in the place of work. /episode/index/show/storkd/id/30438078

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 12 - Yearning Heart: Alison Prato's Journey to Complete Her Family Unit 03/21/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 12 - How Misinformation and Poor Sex Education Can Impact Fertility with Alison Prato 03/19/2024

S6 Ep 12 - Supported AF: Building Community Through Infertility and Grief With Alison Prato 03/19/2024

S6 Ep 12 - Supported AF: Building Community Through Infertility and Grief With Alison Prato Alison Prato, an acclaimed journalist, has become one of the go - to voices in the fertility world sharing her infertility story and supporting others in their fertility journey. Ali’s experience with secondary infertility included undergoing procedures like IUIs and IVF, and grappling with depression, grief, and relationship challenges. Her message is clear: you are not alone. This message became especially important to Ali when she lost her mother this year. Julia and Ali discuss how families evolve even beyond IF and family building and how to navigate grief and change. In 2019, Ali initiated her podcast, "Infertile AF," to foster community and support. Additionally, she co-founded Fertility Rally, a welcoming and inclusive community accessible round the clock for those navigating infertility. Ali highlights that the virtual Fertility Rally occurs biannually, in April and October, featuring experts in the field and offering breakout sessions covering various pertinent topics in this ever-evolving domain. Join Ali and Julia as they explore the realm of IVF and discuss accessible resources for infertile couples. IN THIS EPISODE: [3:14] Ali shares what brought her to the fertility space and relates her journey of infertility [9:09] Ali feels that moving to the East Coast delayed her starting a family, and she shares her experiences with miscarriages [16:00] Ali’s marriage was suffering through this process, and there are no guarantees when doing IVF [22:06] Discussion of the Infertility Rally and where the infertility field is headed [29:06] Ali discusses experiences women are having and the camaraderie between her groups [31:26] Ali shares what family means to her [35:29] Ali talks about the book she wrote for children about how they were born and what her children have been told about IVF [38:47] Ali discusses losing her mom in 2023 and their beautiful relationship KEY TAKEAWAYS: Research indicates there's like a cohort mentality around starting a family. If everyone is doing it, you're likely to do it too. They call it a contagion, even though it's not contagious. It's a social contagion. Egg quality diminishes the older you become, making it more difficult to conceive. Going through IVF treatment doesn’t guarantee you will get pregnant. It is an evolving science requiring a little bit of magic. There is help available for couples facing infertility. Contact Ali Prato using the resource links provided. RESOURCE LINKS: BIOGRAPHY: Ali Prato is an award-winning journalist and mama-of-two who went through secondary infertility, IUIs, IVF, depression, grief and relationship issues. She is here to let you know: You are not alone. When a girlfriend who had a similar experience asked Ali to share her story to help others, she wrote an article for Health magazine and started getting feedback from women and some men, who were like, “Wow, nobody talks about infertility, IVF, or any of this!” Ali realized quickly that there was a dearth of candid information about infertility and that there was still a stigma attached to it. Always a storyteller at heart, Ali launched her podcast, Infertile AF, in 2019 — and today, she has published more than 250 episodes and garnered more than 1.25 million global downloads. In 2020, Ali and fellow infertility warrior Blair Nelson co-founded Fertility Rally, a safe, all-inclusive, 24/7 community for anyone and everyone navigating infertility or building their modern families through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). In 2023, she brought all her ideas together under the Infertile AF Group, which just published “Work of ART,” Ali’s children’s book about IVF — available for pre-order now! /episode/index/show/storkd/id/30370148

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 11 - How Josie Assists New Parents in Transitioning Back to Work with Michelle Yu 03/14/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 11 - How Companies Are Starting to Recognize the Value of Working Mothers with Michelle Yu 03/12/2024

S6 Ep 11 - How Do I Go Back to Work? Enabling Effective Postpartum Transitions With Michelle Yu and Josie 03/12/2024

S6 Ep 11 - How Do I Go Back to Work? Enabling Effective Postpartum Transitions With Michelle Yu and Josie Michelle Yu co-founded Josie, a company designed to support new moms re-entering the workforce, using their “three pillars” to facilitate success. Josie works directly with the employer to educate and create an infrastructure of resources and policies, coaching to the new parent and, last of all, managerial training. Studies support working mothers bringing skills to the workplace such as empathy, the ability to listen and multitasking, functions they perform daily at home. Could the American culture contribute to the challenges women face when returning to the workforce after welcoming a newborn into their home? Don’t miss this enlightening episode that will educate employers, managers and new parents. IN THIS EPISODE: [3:03] Michelle shares her career background, and she recognized when she re-entered the workforce an unmet need, so she founded Josie [6:36] There is data supporting employers appreciate mothers being in a leadership role because of the exact skills they use at home, they bring to the office and discussion regarding education needed to provide support for working moms at the business level [8:58] Michelle feels that an essential component of returning to work for a thriving transition is to decide what your values and vision are going forward and get support from family and employee support groups [13:05] What about the mom who does not have the resources or family support, and what resources does Josie provide [18:24] Research about parenting in the US and talk about a parenting crisis [22:39] Michelle explains how the interaction between her program and clients works and what she sees for the future [27:19] What Michelle would want new parents to know and what her challenges are as a mom of a three and five-year-old [33:06] Unmet expectations can defeat you [41:01] Michelle shares what family means to her KEY TAKEAWAYS: Moms ready to re-enter the workforce often don’t have the support they need because no program is in place at work that addresses the unique situation of working and having an infant at home. When the transition back to work is unsuccessful, mothers can feel that they have unmet expectations and that they are failing their infant. Services like Josie can assist them through the transition. Many businesses do not offer parental leave. This can cause women to be emotionally and physically exhausted, often causing them to leave the workforce because of the cost of child care. RESOURCE LINKS: https://myjosie.com/ BIOGRAPHY: Michelle Yu is the CEO at Josie, whose mission is to transform the working parent experience. Her work focuses on cultural transformation at the organizational level and personalized support at the individual level to drive retention and engagement among the working parent population. /episode/index/show/storkd/id/30301228

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 10 - This Is Your Brain on Parenting - How Parenting Shapes Our Neurology 03/07/2024

Stork'd Munchkin | S6 Ep 10 - Maternal Instinct: Fact or Fiction? The Science Behind "Maternal Instinct" 03/05/2024

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