In this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain delves into the complexities of family building through adoption and fertility treatments.

The conversation explores the evolving landscape of adoption, including domestic, international, and foster care options, while also addressing the realities of fertility treatments like IVF and surrogacy. With insights from over two decades in the fertility industry, the episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional, legal, and financial aspects of each path. Listeners are encouraged to consider their personal values and circumstances when making decisions about family building.

Book a Free Consultation

Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Speak with our expert team today!

https://familyinceptions.com/schedule-a-consultation/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Curious about the cost of surrogacy? Use our Surrogacy Cost Calculator:

https://familyinceptions.com/cost-of-surrogacy-calculator/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/intended-parents

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

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.

In this episode, Edward explores the realities of being a partner to a surrogate, in fact, he is the husband of episode 107 guest, Janelle Simm. Now you get the opportunity to hear the other side of a partnership to learn how surrogacy is a family decision, not just an individual's.

Edward Simm is a father of seven in a blended family and is currently a part time fire-fighter along with owning a handyman business for the past two years. Previously he spent over 20 years in the financial world working for Wells Fargo.

Book a Free Consultation

Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Speak with our expert team today!

https://familyinceptions.com/schedule-a-consultation/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Curious about the cost of surrogacy? Use our Surrogacy Cost Calculator:

https://familyinceptions.com/cost-of-surrogacy-calculator/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/intended-parents

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

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.

This episode of Fertility Cafe delves into the complex issue of declining birth rates globally, exploring the multifaceted reasons behind this trend, including economic pressures, medical challenges, lifestyle factors, and cultural shifts. The conversation highlights the implications of these changes on family planning, healthcare access, and societal structures, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in family building. The episode concludes with actionable steps that can be taken to address these issues and support families in their journey toward parenthood.

Chapters

00:00 The Decline of Birth Rates: A Global Wake-Up Call

05:40 Economic Pressures and Their Impact on Family Planning

08:36 Medical Challenges and Infertility Trends

10:06 The Role of Birth Control in Fertility

10:43 Environmental Factors Affecting Reproductive Health

11:11 LGBTQ+ Perspectives on Family Building

12:38 Shifting Priorities: Education, Career, and Family

14:36 Changes in Marriage and Family Dynamics

16:48 Cultural Shifts and Family Planning Decisions

18:00 Geographic Barriers to Fertility Care

19:57 Technology and Innovation in Fertility Treatments

20:55 Lifestyle Factors Impacting Fertility

21:22 Emotional and Psychological Toll of Infertility

22:11 The Global Perspective on Reproductive Health

29:01 Healthcare Access and Disparities

32:11 International Comparisons in Fertility Care

34:42 Why This Matters: Societal Implications of Declining Birth Rates

40:10 Actionable Steps: Addressing the Decline in Birth Rates

Book a Free Consultation

Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Speak with our expert team today!

https://familyinceptions.com/schedule-a-consultation/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Curious about the cost of surrogacy? Use our Surrogacy Cost Calculator:

https://familyinceptions.com/cost-of-surrogacy-calculator/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/intended-parents

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

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.

Thinking about surrogacy but not sure if it's the right path for you? This video breaks down everything you need to know before making a decision. We’ll explore the key factors intended parents should consider, from medical and financial aspects to emotional readiness and legal steps.

At Family Inceptions, we’ve guided countless families through their surrogacy journeys, helping them navigate this life-changing process with confidence and clarity. Whether you're facing infertility, exploring family planning options, or considering surrogacy as a same-sex couple, we’re here to provide the answers you need.

Learn the truths about surrogacy, what to expect, and how to determine if it’s the right choice for your family.

Book a Free Consultation

Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Speak with our expert team today!

https://familyinceptions.com/schedule...

Curious about the cost of surrogacy? Use our Surrogacy Cost Calculator:

https://familyinceptions.com/cost-of-...

Stay Connected

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/ fertilitycafe

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/ fertilitycafe

Website:

Surrogacy can feel financially overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Fertility Café, we break down the real costs of surrogacy and show you how to budget the right way so you can make your dream of parenthood a reality.

Learn how to:

- Understand surrogacy costs and hidden fees

- Create a realistic budget that works for you

- Explore financial resources to make surrogacy more affordable

- Plan ahead so unexpected costs don’t derail your journey

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fertility Financing

01:26 Understanding the Costs of Family Building

04:46 Exploring Fertility Treatment Options

07:35 Planning Your Family Building Journey

09:57 Breaking Down the Costs of IVF

15:41 Insurance Options for Fertility Treatments

20:30 Medication Costs and Savings Strategies

21:57 Building a Realistic Budget

24:50 Planning for Contingencies

26:16 Financing Options Beyond Savings

29:07 Emotional Aspects of Family Planning

31:01 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Surrogacy is an investment, but with the right financial strategy, it is possible. Watch now to get expert insights on how to plan, budget, and fund your family-building journey the smart way.

Book a Free Consultation

Have questions about your surrogacy journey? Speak with our expert team today!

https://familyinceptions.com/schedule-a-consultation/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Curious about the cost of surrogacy? Use our Surrogacy Cost Calculator:

https://familyinceptions.com/cost-of-surrogacy-calculator/?utm_campaign=7853368-Fertility%20Cafe%20Podcast&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social

Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe

Website: https://thefertilitycafe.com

More Resources

Learn more about surrogacy & fertility: https://familyinceptions.com/intended-parents

Listen to past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCafePodcast/playlists

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.

Surrogacy laws can feel like a maze, but understanding them is key for every intended parent and gestational carrier embarking on their fertility journey. In this episode of Fertility Cafe, we’re breaking down the complexities of modern surrogacy with legal expert Rich Geisler. With over a decade of experience in fertility and third-party reproduction law, Rich shares invaluable insights on how evolving surrogacy laws affect intended parents and surrogates, highlighting everything from pre-birth and post-birth orders to the importance of clear gestational surrogacy agreements.

Whether you're exploring surrogacy as a way to help create a family, considering becoming a surrogate, or looking for clarity on the legal landscape, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and real-world experiences to guide your journey. From the impact of international regulations to the nuances of parentage orders in different states, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate this life-changing process with confidence.

Parenthood knows no limits, and neither should your dreams of family building. Subscribe, share, and join us for more empowering discussions on surrogacy, egg donation, and third-party reproduction. Together, we’re here to support and inspire you every step of the way. Ready to take the next step? Let’s build your future, one family at a time.

#surrogacylegislation #surrogacyconsultation #surrogacyagency #surrogacylawyers #surrogacysupport

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

02:16 - Inspiration for Fertility Law

03:42 - Evolution of Surrogacy Law

10:15 - Election Impact on Surrogacy Laws

14:44 - Understanding Surrogacy Agreements

18:36 - Pre vs Post Birth Orders Explained

20:40 - Impact of Orders on Surrogates

23:15 - US Surrogacy and International Regulations

25:24 - Challenges for International Parents

27:28 - Advocacy in Surrogacy

33:10 - Recent Changes in Surrogacy Legislation

35:10 - Advice for Intended Parents and Surrogates

36:10 - Misconceptions About Surrogacy Laws

38:00 - Connect with Rich

// Family Inceptions - A Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency - Visit here for more details: https://familyinceptions.com

Family building is so much more than biology—it's an emotional journey filled with hope, questions, and transformation. In this episode of The Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain sits down with Dr. Linda Candelis, a reproductive health psychologist, to explore the emotional side of family building through modern surrogacy, egg donation, and third-party reproduction. Whether you're an intended parent, gestational carrier, or considering becoming a surrogate, navigating the highs and lows of this transformative fertility journey is a shared experience.

Discover how support, self-care, and open communication play a vital role in creating a family, and hear insights that will help you process emotions like grief, anxiety, or uncertainty. From understanding the challenges of waiting to learning how to advocate for yourself, this conversation is packed with expert advice and real stories that empower and inspire.

If you're ready to take the next step or simply want to feel seen and understood, this episode is for you. Parenthood knows no limits, and neither should love. Join us to learn how to embrace the beauty and complexity of your family-building journey. Subscribe now, share with someone who needs to hear this, and start exploring the resources available to help create the family you’ve always dreamed of.

#fertilityempowerment #infertility #ttcinspiration #buildingapositivefamilystory #parentingthroughdonorconception

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

01:43 - Dr. Linda Candelis, Reproductive Health Psychologist

04:52 - Common Emotional Challenges in Fertility

06:31 - Identifying and Processing Emotions in Treatment

11:15 - Emotional Impact on Intended Fathers in Fertility

13:29 - Advice for Partners in Fertility Journey

16:11 - Coping Strategies for Waiting Period in Fertility

21:40 - Addressing Shame and Self-Doubt in Fertility

25:24 - Learning to Advocate for Yourself in Treatment

28:15 - What to Expect from Your First Therapy Session

36:08 - Short-term vs Long-term Support in Fertility

37:50 - Misconceptions about Therapy during Fertility Treatment

42:18 - Essential Mental Health Support for Fertility Patients

43:20 - Advice for Starting Family Building Journey

44:19 - Where to Find Linda Online

45:30 - Outro

// Family Inceptions - A Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency - Visit here for more details: https://familyinceptions.com

Building a family is one of life’s most meaningful journeys—but choosing the right team to guide you is crucial. In this episode of The Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane dives into the essential factors in selecting the best medical, legal, and emotional support for your path to parenthood.

Too often, patient care takes a backseat to efficiency and profits, leaving intended parents, surrogates, and donors feeling overlooked. Eloise unpacks how to advocate for yourself, ask the right questions, and find a team that values your unique needs.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The critical roles of medical teams, mental health professionals, legal counsel, agencies, insurance specialists, and escrow managers.
• Key questions to ask when choosing a fertility clinic, agency, or legal team.
• How to ensure inclusivity, especially for non-traditional families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and single parents.
• Tips for surrogates and donors to feel supported and respected throughout the process.
• Advocacy strategies to make your voice heard and ensure your journey aligns with your values.

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit thefertilitycafe.com for helpful guides and additional resources.
• Check out Episode 102 with Kenny Smalls for an in-depth look at fertility labs.

Tune in now to gain confidence in choosing the right team for your journey to parenthood.

Have questions or thoughts about this episode? Share them in the comments below!