In this episode, Erin and Ashley discuss the complexities of fertility treatment in Canada with special guest Carolynn Dubé, the executive director of Fertility Matters Canada. They explore the emotional and financial challenges faced by individuals seeking fertility treatment, the advocacy efforts for equitable access to care, and the varying funding models across provinces. Carolynn shares her personal fertility journey and the importance of community support and awareness in navigating these challenges.

The conversation highlights the need for systemic changes to improve access to fertility treatments and the ongoing efforts to advocate for better funding and support for those affected by infertility. In this conversation, Carolynn Dubé discusses the current landscape of fertility care in Canada, highlighting advancements in IVF funding, the barriers faced by individuals seeking treatment, and the advocacy efforts being made to improve access to care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and individual advocacy in navigating the fertility journey, as well as the need for a national strategy to address declining birth rates and support diverse family-building options. Key Takeaways:

Fertility treatment can be overwhelming and emotional. Advocacy is crucial for equitable access to fertility care. Funding for fertility treatments varies widely across provinces. Many provinces lack adequate funding for fertility treatments. The average cost of IVF in Canada is around $20,000. Quebec has one of the most robust fertility funding programs. Ontario is increasing funding to triple access to care. Alberta currently has no fertility funding program. Community support is vital for those facing infertility. Personal stories can drive advocacy and change in fertility care. Infertility is now recognized as a medical diagnosis. Only a small percentage of those needing fertility care actually access it. Geographical barriers significantly impact access to fertility clinics. Advocacy is crucial for improving fertility care policies. Government engagement is essential for funding and support. Community support can greatly enhance the fertility journey. Traveling for treatment adds layers of stress and complexity. Fertility care should be viewed as a health issue, not a lifestyle choice. Individuals can play a role in advocating for better fertility benefits. Support systems outside of partners are vital for emotional well-being. Find Fertility Matters Canada on https://www.fertilitymatters.ca/

@fertility_canada on Instagram

Follow Fertility Village on Instagram⁠⁠ @fertility__village⁠⁠

Find out more about Oasis FSN at ⁠⁠@oasisfsn⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠⁠

Don't forget to tune in LIVE every Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST for another great episode;

⁠⁠Link to YouTube⁠⁠

⁠⁠Link to Facebook⁠⁠

⁠⁠Link to Instagram

In this episode of Fertility Village Live, hosts Joy and Marissa welcome Dara Roth-Edney MSW/RSW, a reproductive counselor and psychotherapist, who shares her personal journey through infertility and surrogacy. Dara discusses the emotional challenges faced during her fertility journey, the complexities of finding the right surrogate, and the importance of trust and meaningful relationships in surrogacy. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked emotional scars of infertility and the need for support and understanding in the surrogacy community.

In this conversation, Dara addresses the emotional challenges faced during fertility treatments and offers practical advice for navigating these experiences. The discussion highlights the significance of having a supportive network, managing expectations, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the journey. We end with her top 10 mindset tools that will provide hope and strength on your fertility journey.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Dara emphasizes the loneliness of the infertility journey.
• She shares her personal experience with IVF and surrogacy.
• The emotional toll of infertility can be overwhelming.
• Surrogacy can bring hope but also grief for intended parents.
• Trust and connection with a surrogate are crucial.
• Infertility doesn't just disappear with a successful pregnancy.
• The importance of recognizing the surrogate's motivations.
• Surrogacy relationships can be complex and require adjustment.
• Dara reflects on the long-term impact of infertility.
• It's essential to honor the emotional scars left by infertility. Altruism in surrogacy is essential but often imbalanced.
• Trust in your medical team is crucial during fertility treatments.
• Open communication between surrogates and intended parents is key.
• Expectations should be managed to avoid shock during treatments.
• Creating a supportive environment can ease the emotional burden.
• Visualizing small successes can help maintain motivation.
• Surround yourself with understanding and empathetic people.
• Practicing self-compassion is vital during challenging times.
• Distress does not impact the success of treatments but can affect well-being.
• Honoring your emotions is important for mental health.

Find Dara at https://informedfertility.ca/

Follow Fertility Village on Instagram⁠ @fertility__village⁠

Find out more about Oasis FSN at ⁠@oasisfsn⁠ or ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠

Don't forget to tune in LIVE every Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST for another great episode;

⁠Link to YouTube⁠

⁠Link to Facebook⁠

⁠Link to Instagram

In this kick-off episode of Fertility Village Live, we introduce a diverse group of co-hosts who share their personal fertility journeys, emphasizing the importance of community support and education in navigating infertility.

The hosts discuss the mission of Oasis Fertility Support Network and Fertility Village, the upcoming themes for future episodes, and the significance of sharing unique stories and experiences.

The conversation is filled with humor and camaraderie, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by those on the fertility journey. The conversation dives into various aspects of fertility support, including the importance of sharing embarrassing stories, creating a safe space for laughter and support, navigating fertility clinics, and the significance of endometriosis awareness. They also outline upcoming monthly themes and encourage community engagement, emphasizing the Oasis Fertility Support Network's mission to provide a supportive environment for individuals facing fertility challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:

Follow Fertility Village on Instagram @fertility__village

Find out more about Oasis FSN at @oasisfsn or https://oasisfsn.com/

Don't forget to tune in LIVE every Wednesday night from 8-9pm EST for another great episode;

Link to YouTube

Link to Facebook

Link to Instagram

In this episode, Meaghan shares her personal fertility journey, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced during IVF treatment. She discusses the emotional isolation experienced during the COVID pandemic, the importance of advocating for oneself in medical settings, and the need for a supportive community. This episode is full of amazing tips and info about empowerment.

Meaghan also highlights the mental health aspects of navigating fertility treatments and offers key advice for those starting their own journeys. Additionally, she introduces myStoria, a new platform aimed at empowering patients and providing essential resources for those facing fertility challenges - you don't want to miss this!

CONNECT WITH MEAGHAN:

@meaghan_mystoria

Check out myStoria here:

https://youtu.be/z05LoenfTko?si=hlPHWP00J81IHTAh

www.mystoria.com

@mystoriafertility

--> We are not medical professionals or mental health practitioners, so please be sure to listen to your doctor and health care professional's advice, above all else. Our hope with each story we share on this Podcast, is that you find something and can relate in some way that brings you a sense of community and hope.

Subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and become a part of our compassionate and supportive community. We welcome you.

Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network:

WEB: ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠

SOCIAL: ⁠@oasisfsn⁠

EMAIL: ⁠info@oasisfsn.com ⁠

⁠SIGN UP FOR A SUPPORT GROUP HERE ⁠

The Oasis Fertility Podcast is recorded at Crescent Health Collective in the Zen Den - find out more here ⁠https://crescenthealth.ca/ ⁠ ⁠@crescenthealthcollective⁠

#infertility #ivf #fertilitytreatment #fertilitystory #fertilitystories #Fertility #infertilitystories #ivfwarrior #fertilitycommunity #youarenotalone #oasisfsn

In this episode, we connect with Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich, a psychologist, sex therapist, and relationship counsellor, to discuss her personal experience with fertility challenges.

Diagnosed with PCOS at a young age, Dr. Arielle opens up about navigating the complexities of infertility, overcoming a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, and managing anxiety while trying to conceive. From fertility treatments to a difficult pregnancy, she shares how support and a proactive approach made all the difference.

Whether you're just starting your fertility journey or are deep in the trenches, Arielle’s story provides hope, guidance, and valuable insight for anyone facing similar challenges.

CONNECT WITH DR. ARIELLE -

WEBSITE https://drarielletherapy.com/

INSTAGRAM @dr.arielle.therapy

FACEBOOK @dr.arielle.therapy

EMAIL dr.arielle.therapy@gmail.com

Please remember, we are not medical professionals or mental health practitioners, so please be sure to listen to your doctor and health care professional's advice, above all else. Our hope with each story we share on this Podcast, is that you find something and can relate in some way that brings you a sense of community and hope.

Subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and become a part of our compassionate and supportive community. We welcome you.

Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network:

WEB:⁠ ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠⁠

SOCIAL:⁠ ⁠@oasisfsn⁠⁠

EMAIL: ⁠info@oasisfsn.com⁠

⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR A SUPPORT GROUP HERE ⁠⁠

This episode was recorded at Crescent Health Collective in the Zen Den - find out more here⁠ ⁠https://crescenthealth.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@crescenthealthcollective⁠⁠

#infertility#ivf #fertilitytreatment #fertilitystory #fertilitystories #Fertility#infertilitystories #ivfwarrior #fertilitycommunity #youarenotalone #PCOS#infertilityPCOS #secondaryinfertility

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah O’Connell, a family physician who is also supporting fertility patients with their care. Sarah shares her deeply personal journey through infertility and IVF. From navigating emotional highs and lows to finding strength in vulnerability, Sarah offers a candid and inspiring perspective on the challenges of infertility.

She opens up about the importance of communication in relationships, the value of a strong support system, and how her experiences have profoundly shaped her outlook on life and parenting.

Through this conversation, we explore key lessons such as the importance of letting go of control, finding hope in small victories, and the resilience built through adversity. Sarah also highlights the power of breaking the stigma around infertility and being present in the moment with loved ones as grounding strategies during this challenging journey.

Sarah's Book Recommendation: The Art of Waiting: On Fertility, Medicine, and Motherhood LINK TO AMAZON.CA

Please remember, we are not medical professionals or mental health practitioners, so please be sure to listen to your doctor and health care professional's advice, above all else. Our hope with each story we share on this Podcast, is that you find something and can relate in some way that brings you a sense of community and hope.

Subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and become a part of our compassionate and supportive community. We welcome you.

Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network:

WEB: ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠

SOCIAL: ⁠@oasisfsn⁠

EMAIL: ⁠info@oasisfsn.com ⁠

⁠SIGN UP FOR A SUPPORT GROUP HERE ⁠

This episode was recorded at Crescent Health Collective in the Zen Den - find out more here ⁠https://crescenthealth.ca/ ⁠ ⁠@crescenthealthcollective⁠

#infertility #ivf #fertilitytreatment #fertilitystory #fertilitystories #Fertility #infertilitystories #ivfwarrior #fertilitycommunity #youarenotalone

On this episode of the Oasis Fertility Podcast we introduce you to Randi, who shares her remarkable journey to motherhood through surrogacy after a battle with endometriosis. In a story that beautifully intertwines resilience, friendship, and love, Randi reveals how she partnered with one of her oldest friends as her surrogate. Their incredible bond and mutual trust became the foundation for an unforgettable experience.

Randi also speaks about her role as a dedicated volunteer for the Oasis Fertility Support Network, where she leads the Chatham, Ontario support group. Her commitment to helping others in the fertility community shines through as she shares the wisdom and compassion she has gained through her own experiences.

We want to give a shout out to @daddyodoughnuts, whose treats provided comfort during Randi’s surrogacy journey, and special mention to @bethanycmeyers , author of I Am More Than My Body who made a great impact on Randi's journey.

Join us for an episode filled with love, empowerment, and a reminder of the strength found in community.

** TRIGGER WARNING ** PREGNANCY LOSS ** We want to inform our listeners that this particular episode mentions the sensitive topic of miscarriage. We understand the potential impact it may have on some individuals, and we sincerely apologize if it triggers any discomfort or distress.**

--> We are not medical professionals or mental health practitioners, so please be sure to listen to your doctor and health care professional's advice, above all else. Our hope with each story we share on this Podcast, is that you find something and can relate in some way that brings you a sense of community and hope.

Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and become a part of our compassionate and supportive community. We welcome you.

Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network:

WEB: ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠

SOCIAL: ⁠@oasisfsn⁠

EMAIL: ⁠info@oasisfsn.com ⁠

⁠SIGN UP FOR A SUPPORT GROUP HERE ⁠

This episode was recorded at Crescent Health Collective in the Zen Den - find out more here ⁠https://crescenthealth.ca/ ⁠ ⁠@crescenthealthcollective⁠

#infertility #ivf #fertilitytreatment #fertilitystory #fertilitystories #Fertility #infertilitystories #ivfwarrior #fertilitycommunity #youarenotalone

In this episode,we’re joined by Emily, the new Executive Director of The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS). Emily opens up for the first time about her personal journey with infertility. After struggling with unexplained infertility, Emily and her partner decided to try IUI, ina rare twist, Emily became pregnant—a story we don’t often hear, making her a bit of a 'unicorn' in the infertility world.

In this heartfelt conversation, Emily opens up about the emotional toll infertility took on her and her partner, how it impacted their relationship, and the vulnerability of navigating such a challenging experience. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to keep going, even when the path forward isn’t clear.

Connect with Emily:

Instagram: @cfas.scfa

Website: Home - Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society

** TRIGGER WARNING ** PREGNANCY LOSS ** We want to inform our listeners that this particular episode mentions the sensitive topic of miscarriage. We understand the potential impact it may have on some individuals, and we sincerely apologize if it triggers any discomfort or distress.**

-->We are not medical professionals or mental health practitioners, so please be sure to listen to your doctor and health care professional's advice, above all else. Our hope with each story we share on this Podcast, is that you find something and can relate in some way that brings you a sense of community and hope.

Please subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode and become a part of our compassionate and supportive community. We welcome you.

Learn more about Oasis Fertility Support Network:

WEB:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://oasisfsn.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SOCIAL:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@oasisfsn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

EMAIL: ⁠info@oasisfsn.com ⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGNUP FOR A SUPPORT GROUP HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode was recorded at Crescent Health Collective in the Zen Den - find out more here⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://crescenthealth.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@crescenthealthcollective⁠

#infertility #ivf #fertilitytreatment #fertilitystory #fertilitystories #Fertility #infertilitystories #ivfwarrior #fertilitycommunity #youarenotalone #mentalhealth #Supportgroups #findingsupport #IUI