Infertile AF: Infertility and Modern Family Building

Do not miss our celeb guest today! Ali is talking to the incredible Riki Lindome, a prolific, Emmy nominated comedian and actress from Knives Out; Wednesday; The Big Bang Theory; her musical duo, Garfunkel and Oates; and her one-woman show about her infertility journey, Dead Inside. Riki gets real with Ali about her family building journey, including how she navigated infertility, IVF, a devastating pregnancy loss, an adoption journey and finally, surrogacy. Riki also talks about her new solo comedy album, No Worries if Not, her sweet son, Keaton (whom she’s raising with her husband, comedian and actor Fred Armisen), and how it felt to hold him in her arms for the very first time. She also talks about the amazing bond she has with her surrogate, and how humor and honesty helped them through it all. Follow her on IG: @rikilindhome Check out her work: rikilindhome.com TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; IVF; egg retrieval; pregnancy loss; products of conception; surrogacy; adoption; embryo donation Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership  NEWGEN FAMILIES IG: @newgenfamilies NewGen Families is known for their thoughtful matches and their empathetic and expert care when it comes to both surrogates and future parents.  For more, go to: https://newgenfamilies.com EXTEND FERTILITY  IG: @extendfertility www.extendfertility.com Fertility shouldn’t be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you’re preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they’re here with expert support every step of theway.  BELI IG: @belibaby www.belibaby.com  Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start. Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.  Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Today, Ali sits down with her dear friend and Fertility Rally member, Caitlin Trabert, for a raw and powerful conversation about her long and deeply emotional path to parenthood. Caitlin opens up about the heartbreak of multiple pregnancies and subsequent losses, her husband's balanced translocation, and the toll of IVF—physically, emotionally, and mentally. From the crushing "egg winner" high to the "zero embryos" low, a surprise pregnancy that ended in miscarriage, and learning her mom had breast cancer on the same day she was miscarrying—Caitlin talks about how hard it is to trust your body after so much loss, and joining Fertility Rally—an experience she describes as the best decision she's made. She talks about welcoming her daughter, Parker, into the world, and finally, being pregnant again with a baby that's due this year. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:  Infertility; TTC; pregnancy loss; miscarriage; IVF; embryo transfers; egg retrievals, pregnancy after infertility; balanced translocation  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request] FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com [http://www.fertilityrally.com/] No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com [http://fertilityrally.com/]. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership [http://www.fertilityrally.com/membership]  BELI IG: @belibaby www.belibaby.com [http://www.belibaby.com/]  Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start. Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com [https://happymammoth.com/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Today, Ali is talking to Lana Manikowski, a fellow Chicagoan, a certified life coach and the author of "So Now What?" -- a roadmap to help you create a life you love without the children you always dreamed about. Lana tells Ali about her years-long infertility journey, starting with an "unexplained infertility" diagnosis and 7 IUIs. Lana explains moving on to IVF, traveling to get treatment in Colorado, doing several rounds of IVF, and how she and her husband decided to stop treatment and embrace their lives without children. "So many women are left to navigate this alone," she says. "Here I was, left to figure out who I was gonna be in my life without motherhood. And there was no one there--not even a referral for a therapist." Lana has made it her goal to help other women navigate childlessness after infertility, from her book to her advocacy to The Other's Day brunch, which takes place each year in Chicago around Mother's Day.  For more, go to https://lanamanikowski.com [https://lanamanikowski.com/] and follow her on IG: @lana.manikowski   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:  Infertility; TTC; unexplained infertility; IUI; IVF; childless not by choice Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request] FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com [http://www.fertilityrally.com/] No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com [http://fertilityrally.com/]. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership [http://www.fertilityrally.com/membership]  BELI IG: @belibaby www.belibaby.com [http://www.belibaby.com/]  Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start. Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com [https://happymammoth.com/] * Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com [https://mylifeinabook.com/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Today Ali is talking to Libby Wicks, a surrogacy mama who went through a five-plus year struggle to have her baby girl. Libby talks about her not one, but two ectopic pregnancies, her emergency tube removal, and being diagnosed (wrongly, she would find out much later) with Asherman's Syndrome. She also talks about IVF and how her infertility journey affected her mental health. "I was suffering from anxiety," she says. "There were many days I wasn't able to leave the house. I wasn't able to work, and it was absolutely devastating. I was a shell of myself. And I want other women to know that that is actually normal." Libby talks about pivoting to surrogacy and finding NewGen Families, which is known for their thoughtful matches and their empathetic and expert care when it comes to both surrogates and future parents. She talks about bonding with her surrogate, the group text she had with her husband and her surrogate; and after going through so much heartache, finally bringing home her baby girl. For more, follow them on IG @newgenfamilies Or go to: https://newgenfamilies.com [https://newgenfamilies.com/] TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:  Infertility; TTC; ectopic pregnancies; trauma; IVF; normalizing the conversation around ART; anxiety and depression; Asherman's syndrome; surrogacy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request] FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com [http://www.fertilityrally.com/] No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com [http://fertilityrally.com/]. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership [http://www.fertilityrally.com/membership] EXTEND FERTILITY  IG: @extendfertility www.extendfertility.com [http://www.extendfertility.com/] Fertility shouldn’t be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you’re preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they’re here with expert support every step of theway.  BELI IG: @belibaby www.belibaby.com [http://www.belibaby.com/]  Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start. Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com [https://happymammoth.com/] * Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com [https://mylifeinabook.com/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive and maternal mental health. Today, Ali is talking to Jessica about her new book, "Normalize It," her first book, "I Had a Miscarriage," and Jessica's own infertility journey, including a devastating pregnancy loss at 16 weeks. "I felt like I was living in a documentary, like, How is this my life?" Jessica says. They also talk about women lifting each other up; normalizing the conversation around IVF; miscarriage and navigating pregnancy after loss; and more.  For more, go to: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/ [https://www.drjessicazucker.com/] Order Normalize It: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738144] TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:  Infertility; TTC; miscarriage; D&C; trauma; IVF; normalizing the conversation around ART; pregnancy after loss Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] EPISODE SPONSORS:  WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books] For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request [https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request] FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com [http://www.fertilityrally.com/] No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com [http://fertilityrally.com/]. We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership [http://www.fertilityrally.com/membership] EXTEND FERTILITY  IG: @extendfertility www.extendfertility.com [http://www.extendfertility.com/] Fertility shouldn’t be dictated by a timeline. Extend Fertility offers cutting-edge egg and embryo freezing, infertility care, and IVF—all designed to put you in control. Their approach? Research driven, transparent, and personalized. With a world-class lab, exceptional verified success rates backed by nearly a decade of egg freezing results, and pricing lower than the national average, Extend Fertility is making reproductive care more accessible and effective than ever. Whether you’re preserving fertility for the future or actively trying to conceive, they’re here with expert support every step of theway.  BELI IG: @belibaby www.belibaby.com [http://www.belibaby.com/]  Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start. Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order.  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com [https://happymammoth.com/] * Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com [https://mylifeinabook.com/] Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations [https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]