Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future. At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is ...
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In this unfiltered podcast about infertility, journalist and mom-of-two Ali Prato, who went through secondary infertility and IVF herself, talks to women—and some men—about the messy, frustrating, painful, heartbreaking, absurd and sometimes humorous journey to have a baby. Or in some cases, to not have a baby. Each episode tells a different story about family building, getting real about miscarriages, egg freezing, sperm and egg donation, IUIs, endometriosis, male factor infertility, adopti ...
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Listen as Scott and Steve Demme discuss ways to build faith and family.
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Welcome to Road to Building a Family. If you only dig traditional families this is not the place for you. We're talking about foster care, adoption, co parenting, single moms by choice, and sperm aka baby daddy in a bottle. So hop on take the ride. Enjoy!
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Steve Demme
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Transgender dad and LGBTQ+ Fertility Advocate Trystan Reese on being pregnant, going viral and more
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Today, Ali is talking to Trystan Reese, a transgender gay dad who went viral when he gave birth to his son in 2017. Trystan, a major advocate for trans fertility, is now a dad of three. He tells Ali about the overwhelming odds to get pregnant, including hormonal challenges; finding the right medical team; and facing harsh criticism on social media.…
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An Actress's Inspiring Fertility Journey: Freezing Eggs, Embracing Hope
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In this inspiring episode, we hear the story of a courageous actress, Kellee, Stewart, who took control of her fertility journey by freezing her eggs. Unmarried and full of hope for the future, she shares her empowering perspective on planning for possibilities, breaking societal norms, and embracing her own timeline. Her journey is a testament to …
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Mandy Messinger & Marni Wandner of Pixel Care on their respective IVF and infertility journeys, with two totally different outcomes
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Today Ali is talking to Marni Wandner, VP of Brand Marketing for Pixel Care, and Mandy Messinger, Director of Marketing for Pixel Care, about their respective journeys through infertility, IVF, and more. Mandy talks about meeting and falling in love with her wife, Lauren, and the challenges they faced as part of the LGBTQ community when they decide…
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"They did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10)Steve Demme
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Fertility, IVF, & IUI Insights | Male Infertility Explained by Dr. Justin Houman
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Discover expert guidance on fertility and family building with Dr. Justin Houman, a leading urologist and fertility specialist. In this episode, Dr. Houman explores key topics like male infertility, optimizing sperm health, and navigating paths like IVF and IUI. He also shares practical tips for heterosexual couples, lesbian couples, and single mom…
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Musician and Infertility Warrior Kina Grannis on Infertility, Anxiety and IVF
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Today, Ali is talking to the brilliant singer-songwriter-guitarist Kina Grannis about her five year-long infertility journey. Kina talks about adopting a super clean diet and reading all the books before she started to try getting pregnant; why she was hesitant to share her infertility journey at first; and how the mention of the word, "IVF" made h…
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God is Long Suffering and Kind
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"Jehovah is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Numbers 14:18)Steve Demme
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Overcoming Fertility Challenges with Jay Palumbo | Tips & Advocacy
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Welcome to “Overcoming Fertility Challenges with Jay Palumbo | Tips & Advocacy” This week, we’re joined by Jay Palumbo — an award-winning blogger, sought-after writer, and dedicated fertility advocate. Jay has personally faced fertility challenges and has supported thousands on their journeys to building families. In this heartfelt conversation, Ja…
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Rebuilding Our Comprehension of God's Love
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"We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)Steve Demme
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Infertile AF Minisode: Leveling up your infertility supplements with WeNatal Founders Ronit Menashe & Vida Delrahim
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We’re excited to launch a new series of bite-sized episodes packed with expert insights on infertility. These short, digestible minisodes are designed to give you quick, valuable takeaways from leading experts and professionals in the field. No matter what you're navigating, these minisodes will provide you with practical advice, emotional support,…
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Parent Like a Pediatrician: Insights from Dr. Rebeckah Diamond on Parenting After Fertility Treatment
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebeckah Diamond, a pediatrician and author of "Parent Like a Pediatrician." Join us as we explore how to take the shame out of parenting and embrace evidence-based strategies for raising children. While Dr. Diamond's insights are invaluable for all parents, we’ll also discuss the unique challenges faced by tho…
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"O, Jehovah, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.” (Psalm 139)Steve Demme
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Psychotherapist Bethany Warren on Navigating Reproductive Trauma, from Infertility to Pregnancy Loss to TFMR
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Today, we are mixing it up a bit. Ali is chatting with Bethany Warren, a psychotherapist and EMDR consultant who's had a passion for helping people navigate reproductive and perinatal mental health issues for 25 years. Beth specialize in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, working with individuals experiencing pregnancy loss, termination for medi…
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The Ultimate Guide to IVF, Genetic Testing, and Crafting a Fertility Plan
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38:42
Welcome to "The Ultimate Guide to IVF, Genetic Testing, and Crafting a Fertility Plan" episode. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fertility, focusing on the IVF process, the role of genetic testing, and how to create a personalized fertility plan. Whether starting your fertility journey or looking for more insights, this podcast will …
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Rebuilding Our Understanding of God
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"Jehovah is faithful in all He says and kind in all He does.” (Psalm 145)Steve Demme
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Megan Day on Losing Her Baby at 19 Weeks and then, a Surrogacy Journey
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Today, Ali is talking to Megan Day, who shares her very real and honest story about infertility, including losing her son when she was 19 weeks pregnant. "It was called a miscarriage," she says. She explains what happened after that, including five excruciating surgeries and a lot of unanswered questions. Megan talks about the complications of RPOC…
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Shame-Free Parenting: Breaking Free from Guilt and Self-Doubt
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If you’ve used reproductive medicine to build your family, you may feel an added weight of guilt or self-doubt as a parent. Are you tired of constantly feeling like you're not doing enough? It’s time to let go of the guilt and focus on raising happy, confident children and caring for yourself, too. In this video, we’ll explore the common pitfalls o…
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Unity in the Body, Part 2
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“Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)Steve Demme
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Lauren and Patrick's Infertility Story: IUIs, Chemical and Ectopic Pregnancies, and IVF Success
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Today, Ali is talking to an amazing couple: Fertility Rally member Lauren Roth and her husband, Patrick. Lauren talks about growing up in Guatemala, how she and Patrick met, and what happened when they started to build their family. The couple then shares details about why Google and WebMD are "not particularly helpful" during infertility; their ch…
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A social media influencer tells his happy story of having 40 donor siblings
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Discover the amazing story of a social media influencer who is one of 40 siblings born from the same donor! This incredible true story takes you on a journey of self-discovery, family, and identity. From finding out the truth about his conception to connecting with his donor siblings, this video shares an unforgettable experience that may help you …
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God Give Us New Hearts
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"I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)Steve Demme
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Best of Feat. Singer Christina Perri, Comedian Michelle Buteau and Olympic Skating Icon Tara Lipinski
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It's the 300th Episode!!!!! Today we are featuring clips from some of the top-rated episodes with some of Ali's favorite celeb guests. First up, Christina Perri shares her long and difficult family-building journey, including miscarriage; the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Rosie; navigating mental health; her blood-clotting disorder, and m…
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Embracing the Unexpected: A Journey to Single Motherhood
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In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the inspiring story of a single author who faced the challenges of seeking love, stability, and happiness in a world that often feels overwhelming. After years of navigating emotional ups and downs, she discovers that her true calling lies in becoming a single mother. Join us as she shares her candid experien…
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Sarah Freese's Infertility Journey: IVF, Frozen Embryo Transfer and Fresh Embryo Transfer
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On this episode, Ali is talking to Sarah Freese about her infertility and IVF journey. Sarah shares the details on having irregular periods when she was a young woman, being on the birth control pill from age 18 to age 33, and how once she started to try to have kids, it was not as easy as she'd hoped. She talks about doing IVF, how her failed IVF …
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MOM Shares Her Donor Egg Journey to Help Others!
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In this emotional and inspiring video, a brave mom shares her personal donor egg journey to help others who may be going through a similar experience. From the struggles of infertility to the joys of parenthood, she opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, providing a unique insight into the world of donor egg conception. If you're conside…
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Unity in the Body of Christ
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“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in Me, and I in you, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.” (John 17:21)Steve Demme
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Infertility warrior-turned-fertility coach Rachel Mangahas on International Adoption and Surrogacy
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Today, Ali is talking to mom of four Rachel Mangahas about the long road to building her family, including going through international adoption twice and using a surrogate. Rachel talks about her infertility journey, and how it made her feel so broken and alone. She also talks about wanting a big family, doing timed intercourse and ovulation kits, …
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Inside Donor Conception: New Insights from Research with Leah Gilman
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Join us this week as we dive into the complex world of donor conception with Leah Gilman, a researcher at the University of Sheffield. Leah’s groundbreaking work explores the perspectives of donors, recipients, and donor-conceived children. In this episode, we discuss: The emotional landscape of donors and their feelings toward recipients and offsp…
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Everything That Comes from the Mouth of God
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‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by everything or every word that comes from the Mouth of God.’ Deuteronomy 8 and Matthew 4.Steve Demme
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Larken Co-founder Maggie Phipps on Secondary Infertility; Ectopic Pregnancy; Emergency Surgery and IVF
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Today, Ali is talking to fierce infertility warrior and mama Maggie Phipps, co-founder of Larken (which means "fierce" in Gaelic), a comfy essentials brand for anyone navigating fertility treatments, postpartum, motherhood, and beyond. Maggie shares how her mom had three miscarriages; how she herself had an early miscarriage; and how conceived her …
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NYC Gay Dad's Inspiring Journey to His Family and The White House
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Join us on an inspiring journey with José Rolón, the man behind the popular Instagram account @nycgaydad. In this heartfelt episode, we explore how José transformed his life from the depths of heartbreak to becoming a beacon of hope and love. After losing his partner, José faced the challenges of single parenthood with resilience and grace. Dis…
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The Sound of Music and the Sound of a Burp
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More stories from the Demme Family and how God delivered Steve from comparing their family to the Von Trapps.Steve Demme
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Jenny Angerman's Infertility Story: PCOS, IUIs and IVF
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Today, Ali is on the pod with one of our beloved Fertility Rally members, Jenny Angerman @thedailyendomama. Jenny tells Ali about being adopted from India; how she met her husband; what happened when they started to try for kids and it wasn't happening; her endometriosis diagnosis; fibroids; IUIs; one IVF cycle that unfortunately did not work out, …
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IVF and Loss: Finding Resilience on the Journey to Motherhood
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Join us for an inspiring episode of IVF and Loss: Finding Resilience on the Journey to Motherhood. Meet Andrea León, a social media influencer and advocate who shares her deeply personal journey through IVF, loss, and ultimately, the joys of motherhood. In this episode, Andrea opens up about the challenges she faced and how her resilience and persi…
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Eve Wiley, Fertility Fraud Advocate, and Dylan Morgan, COO of Cascade Cryobank, on Sperm Donor Transparency
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Today, Ali has two incredible guests: Eve Wiley is a leading advocate against fertility fraud after discovering that she was conceived with a different sperm donor than her parents were told. Dylan Morgan is the COO of Cascade Cryobank. Together, they are working on advocating against fertility fraud and increasing transparency when it comes to don…
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Finding Calm: How Yoga Supports Emotional Wellness in Fertility Treatment
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41:17
In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Edmonds who specializes in helping individuals regulate their mood and emotions during fertility treatment. Discover how yoga can be a powerful tool for stress relief, emotional balance, and self-care during one of life's most challenging journeys. Learn practical techniques and insights to incorporate mind…
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Edifying Stories from My Journey Following Jesus, Part 2
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25:11
Steve Demme
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Edifying Stories from My Journey Following Jesus, Part 1
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Steve Demme
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HerMD Co-Founder Komel Caruso's Infertility Story: PCOS, IVF and Revolutionizing Women's Health
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On today's episode, Ali talks to Komel Caruso, the Co-Founder of HerMD, about her infertility journey. Komel talks about growing up in a traditional Muslim household and the sex education (or lack thereof) she received as a Catholic school student. It was, "Don't have sex, you'll get pregnant. You'll just get pregnant every time you have sex. I was…
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Fall Goal Setting: Take Control of Your Fertility Journey
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In this episode, we explore why fall is the perfect time for goal setting, especially if you're undergoing fertility treatment. Discover how setting goals now can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, and help you feel more in control when life feels overwhelming. Tune in for practical tips on making the most of this season to take charge of your jo…
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Amber Izzo's Infertility Story: Blocked fallopian tubes, male factor, and IVF advocacy
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46:05
Today's guest, Amber Izzo, describes herself as "your oversharing, slightly chaotic mum friend and an IVF campaigner." Today, she's sharing her 7 1/2 year-long journey through infertility and family building, including blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, and so much more. Amber talks about the deep toll everything took on her mental s…
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Fertility & Pregnancy for Queer Parents | Marea Goodman on LGBTQ+ Family Building
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In this episode of Building Your Family, Marea Goodman, a midwife and expert in LGBTQ+ fertility, shares insights on fertility and pregnancy for queer parents-to-be. Marea also talks about her Pregnant Together platform, offering support to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. In this episode we discuss topics such as: • Challenges for queer family buil…
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Knowing Whose We are and Who We are in Christ
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33:17
Steve Demme
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Carrot Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Asima Ahmad's Infertility Story
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Today's guest, Asima Ahmad, is a double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and obstetrics and gynecology. She is also the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot Fertility, which believes in Fertility Care for All. On this episode, Ali and Asima talk about how Asima diagnosed herself with PCOS in her 20s; how her a…
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Why This Fashion Model is Advocating for Dads
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31:19
In this episode, we sit down with a fashion model who’s not just breaking stereotypes on the runway but also in fatherhood. As a dad himself, he opens up about the insecurities and nervousness many men face when it comes to caring for their children or stepping into fatherhood. Through his personal journey, he’s become a passionate advocate, helpin…
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The Love of the Father
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"This is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)Steve Demme
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Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9)Steve Demme
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Gaia CEO and Founder Nader AlSalim's Infertility and IVF Story: There's a Better Way to Pay for IVF
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43:03
Gaia is founded on the premise that Everyone Who Wants a Family Should Have the Chance to Try. Today, Ali is talking to Gaia CEO and Founder Nader AlSalim, who shares his own unexplained infertility journey, and how that led him to create Gaia, a groundbreaking company in the fertility landscape (see more below). Nader talks about the frustrations …
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Breaking Down PCOS and more: Expert Insights on Reproductive Health with Dr. Chen
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In this eye-opening interview, we sit down with renowned reproductive health expert, Dr. Serena Chen, to discuss everything you need to know about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). From understanding the symptoms and causes to exploring the latest treatments and lifestyle changes, Dr. Chen provides invaluable insights that could be life-changing. W…
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