Merry Christmas to Those Who Celebrate

This week's episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast is here to guide you through the complexities of the holiday season, especially if you're navigating the challenges of being childless after infertility treatments. Christmas can be a beautiful season of nostalgia and tradition, but it can also bring unexpected emotions - grief, longing, and loneliness - if your journey to motherhood didn’t turn out as planned.

🎄 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to acknowledge and honor your experiences this year.

• A unique and empowering exercise: writing a letter to Santa from your adult self.

The Letter to Santa Exercise
Instead of writing a wish list, this letter is an opportunity to reflect on the strength, growth, and accomplishments you've achieved throughout the year. Acknowledge the challenges you’ve faced and celebrate how far you’ve come. Then, look ahead to your hopes for the future.

✨ Highlights of Lana’s Letter to Santa:

• Recognizing the bravery to leave a corporate job and start a coaching career.

• Embracing life without motherhood at its center and finding joy in new connections.

• Asking for continued strength, self-compassion, and belief in a fulfilling future.

Now, it’s your turn. Grab a piece of paper or your journal and write your own letter to Santa. Let this be a moment of self-discovery, healing, and celebration.

Feeling Stuck? Book a Free Thrive Call
If you’re unsure how to move forward or need guidance as you process the loss of a dream of motherhood, Lana invites you to schedule a free 45-minute Thrive Call. You can book your’s here. This is your chance to connect with someone who truly understands where you are and help you create a plan to move forward.

🎁 Lana’s Gift to You
Download a free resource: The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond. It’s perfect for navigating those tricky holiday conversations. Get your copy here!

Let’s Stay Connected
Follow Lana on Instagram @lana.manikowski for more support and insights, and don’t forget to check your email for a replay of her recent masterclass, Handling the Holidays.

💖 As you navigate the holiday season, remember:
You are seen. You are strong. And it’s never too late to discover your meaning.

Merry Christmas, and see you next week! 🌟

The holidays can feel especially heavy when you're childless after infertility and IVF. In this episode, I'm sharing heartfelt insights and practical strategies to help you navigate this season with grace, even when it feels like everything revolves around kids.

Whether you're grieving the loss of a dream of motherhood after fertility treatments failed you, feeling out of place at family gatherings, or looking for new ways to make the season meaningful, this episode is for you.

Join me as I offer support, validation, and actionable tips to help you honor your emotions, set boundaries, and create moments of joy that align with your life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to Honor Your Grief and Emotions: Why it's common to feel both sadness and joy this season, especially after navigating infertility and childlessness after IVF failed.

• Setting Boundaries at Family Gatherings: How to protect your emotional well-being while showing up in a way that feels true to you.

• Navigating Holiday Triggers: Managing the constant reminders of what you hoped life would look like, from social media to family traditions, and why it’s normal to feel the grief of being childless after infertility.

• Creating Your Joyful Traditions: Ideas for new ways to celebrate that bring comfort and meaning to your holiday season when life without children looks different than you expected.

• Why You’re Not Alone: Real stories of support and love, even when life looks different than you dreamed, and why community matters when you are childless not by choice.

Special Invitation:

Join my FREE Masterclass on Thursday, December 19th at 6 PM Central Time where we’ll dive deeper into handling the holidays without children. I’ll share more tools and ideas to help you feel prepared, connected, and at peace this season, even if you’re childless after infertility.

Register Here

Key Moments:

• [00:01:31] Healing and the love I received—even without kids, and how I am processing life after IVF.

• [00:03:08] How the holidays highlight grief and bring up unexpected emotions for childless women after infertility.

• [00:06:32] The truth about grief: it doesn’t disappear, but we can learn to carry it with us.

• [00:07:25] Setting boundaries and permitting yourself to step back when needed.

• [00:08:31] Ideas to create new, meaningful traditions that honor your experience as a woman without children.

• [00:10:32] Holding two emotions at once: joy for others and grief for yourself.

Quotes to Inspire You:

• “Your worth is not defined by whether or not you have children. Your presence matters deeply.”

• “You can love your nieces and nephews while also grieving what hasn’t happened for you.”

• “The holidays can feel heavy, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.”

Connect with Me:

YouTube: @lana.manikowski

Instagram: @lana.manikowski

TikTok: @lana.manikowski

Website: lanamanikowski.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Register for the Free Masterclass: Handling the Holidays: Managing Your Family, Traditions, and Celebrations Without Kids

• Free Resource: The Top 2️⃣7️⃣ Things People Say When You Are Childless (...and how to respond)

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend who may need to hear this message. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps me reach more women navigating life after infertility and IVF who need to hear they are not alone.

You are seen. You are loved. And you are not alone.

In today’s episode of The 'So Now What?' Podcast, we’re tackling a deeply personal fear that many women who are childless after infertility and IVF struggle with: the fear of growing old alone. When the dream of motherhood doesn’t become a reality, it’s natural to worry about who will be there to care for us as we age. We often think that without children, we’re missing a safety net for the future. But what if that isn’t the whole story?

Lana Manikowski, certified life coach and advocate for women who are childless after infertility, shares a personal story about the recent outpouring of support she received after a sudden injury. From friends offering rides and food deliveries to unexpected check-ins, Lana’s experience highlights a powerful reminder: family, love, and care come in many forms — not just from children.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

- Why the fear of aging alone affects so many childless women after fertility treatments

- Practical ways to redefine what “family” and “support” can look like in our lives

- Steps to build intentional community and meaningful relationships that bring love, connection, and support

- How to ease the uncertainty of the future by planning and building a fulfilling life without the milestones of motherhood

Join us for this heartfelt discussion on shifting our perspective, letting go of the “what ifs,” and finding reassurance in the connections we’re building today.

Tune in to learn more about:

- How to embrace a fulfilling future as a childless woman after infertility

- Ways to find and nurture a support system beyond biological family

- Practical tips to let go of the fear of aging alone without children

- Strategies to build a strong, caring community after IVF and fertility treatments

Links Mentioned:

-Register for the Free Holiday MasterClass here

- Free Resource: “The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless (…and how to respond)

Download this helpful guide to handle common questions and comments that can feel intrusive or hurtful: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

  Welcome to The "So Now What?" Podcast. I am so glad that you're here. I created this podcast because I remember what it felt like after I left fertility treatments without the child that I dreamed of. When I looked around for resources to help me navigate a life I hadn't planned for, I found so few that truly spoke to the experiences of an unexpected childless life.

In 2021, I became a certified life coach and started this podcast because I knew that other women were searching - just like I was - for ways to thrive and feel fulfilled, even without the children that we dreamed of. On this playlist, I'm sharing a few of my favorite episodes just to help you get started, but I also encourage you to dive in to any of the others that might resonate with you. Each week I release about a 10 or 15-minute episode to offer support, acknowledgement, and real life strategies to help you recognize that you are not alone.

Together, we'll look for opportunities to move forward and redefine what a fulfilling life can look like, even though it turned out so differently than you imagined.

If you want to learn more about my coaching practice and the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind, you can visit my website, lanamanikowski. com. And if you're in the Chicago area, I'd love for you to join my meetup group. We have an awesome group of women who are childless and childfree, We get together every so often and connect, share, and support each other.

And if you find yourself wanting to visit the Chicago area on Mother's Day weekend, I would love for you to join me at the Other's Day Brunch, an annual event that has gotten national media attention. It's a celebration I host every year the day before Mother's Day to create connection, awareness and unity for women who don't have children at a time that feels so hard.

All right, so let's dive in.

Welcome to Episode 147 of The “So Now What?” Podcast with Lana Manikowski. In this special episode, Lana dives deep into the often-overlooked journey that follows fertility treatments for women who leave without a child. Whether you’re a fertility doctor, clinic staff, mental health provider, or a woman navigating life after infertility, this episode highlights the unmet needs and real stories from women who feel unseen after treatment ends.

Highlights:

Free Masterclass on Handling the Holidays

Join Lana’s free MasterClass on November 20 at 6 p.m. CST to learn how to manage holiday gatherings and traditions when childless after infertility. In this live class, you’ll gain strategies for building new traditions, handling family dynamics, and creating a plan for holiday celebrations. Register here to reserve your spot!

When Treatment Ends: What Childless Women Really Want

Lana addresses the gap in support often felt after IVF and fertility treatments conclude. Without a plan or follow-up, patients are left to navigate grief, mental health challenges, and marital and social dynamics alone. Lana shares her recent discussions at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Congress, where she raised awareness about the importance of continued support for patients who leave treatment without a child.

Real Voices from Infertiole, Childless, Women Who Needed More

Lana shares direct feedback from her community of listeners and followers. Hear heartfelt perspectives from women who longed for acknowledgment and empathy post-treatment, as well as a structured care plan including mental health resources, peer support networks, and follow-up care. These women are calling for a roadmap to help navigate the grief and redefine purpose after infertility.

Advocating for Better Resources when IVF Fails

Lana encourages women to advocate for their needs by requesting additional resources and post-treatment support from clinics and mental health professionals. To the fertility community, Lana calls for a more holistic approach, recognizing that when treatments end, the journey is far from over for many women. Support beyond the treatment room can bridge a painful void.

Why It Matters:

This episode sheds light on the immense need for a compassionate continuum of care when ferrility treatment ends without children. From practical resources to sensitive emotional support, The "So Now What?" Podcast aims to uplift women who feel left behind and encourages providers to extend the care they give their patients.

Links Mentioned:

-Register for the Free Holiday MasterClass here

- Free Resource: “The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless (…and how to respond)

Download this helpful guide to handle common questions and comments that can feel intrusive or hurtful: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

For fertility doctors, fertility clinics, and anyone involved in patient care, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the impact of fertility treatments extends far beyond conception. Understanding and addressing these needs can help more women feel seen and supported through their childless journeys.

Hello, beautiful! I’m so glad you’re here for this week’s episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast.

If you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll notice I’m in a different setting than usual. I’m currently in Denver, attending the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Annual Congress. This episode might sound a bit different, but it’s coming straight from the heart, and I think it’s one you’ll connect with if you’ve been searching for recognition after leaving IVF or fertility treatments without the child you dreamed of.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about reuniting with my reproductive endocrinologist after six years of wondering what I’d say if we ever crossed paths again. This was the doctor who, back in 2018, told me my only frozen embryo wasn’t viable for implantation. It was a moment that shifted everything for me and my journey to motherhood. If you’ve ever felt like you were left to figure out life on your own after fertility treatments, this episode is for you.

I talk about what it was like to finally speak with him face-to-face and express gratitude for his efforts, even though the outcome wasn’t what I’d hoped for. It was also an opportunity to tell him how I’ve moved forward—leaving my corporate career, becoming a life coach, and now dedicating myself to helping women like you who are navigating life after IVF.

As you listen, I want you to think about what you would say if you ever had the chance to speak to your own Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) or fertility team again.

What would you want them to know about where you are today? Whether or not you ever get that chance, it’s important to acknowledge yourself for how far you’ve come and the life you’re creating, even though it looks different than what you envisioned.

After the episode, I encourage you to take a few minutes to write down what your conversation would look like. It’s a powerful exercise in recognizing your strength, resilience, and everything you’ve achieved since your fertility journey ended. And if you’re still feeling unsure about what’s next, I’m here to help.

Book a free Thrive Call with me, and together, we’ll create a plan for how you can move forward feeling fulfilled, even without the children you hoped for. It’s time to thrive again, and I’m here to walk that path with you.

Key Takeaways:

• You’re not alone in feeling left behind after fertility treatments. It’s a common experience to feel lost without the support and guidance you once had.

• Think about what closure looks like for you. Even if you never speak to your RE again, you can still acknowledge what you’ve accomplished since that part of your life ended.

• Your story is yours to create. The narrative around living without children doesn’t have to be one of loss or sadness. You have the power to rewrite your story into something beautiful and fulfilling.

Resources:

• YouTube: Watch this week’s podcast on Youtube. Find my YouTube channel here.

• Free Download: The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond. Grab your free copy at https://LanaManikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

• Thrive Call: Ready to create a plan for thriving without the children you dreamed of? Schedule a free Thrive Call with me at https://LanaManikowski.com/thrivecall

Thank you for tuning in this week. Remember, it’s never too late to discover your meaning and create a life that feels whole, even if motherhood wasn’t part of your story. I’m so proud of you for showing up and doing the work to live life on your terms.

Until next week, take care, and know that I see you, I celebrate you, and I love you.

Welcome to this week's episode of The “So Now What?” Podcast. In this episode, you’ll dive into something that may resonate deeply with you, especially if you're a woman who is childless after infertility treatments. Lana opens up about those painful moments when you're surrounded by reminders of what you longed for but never came to pass. If you've ever felt that pang in your heart when someone else has what you so desperately desired, this episode will speak to you.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Why you might feel pressure to prove your worth through possessions or achievements, especially after your infertility journey.

- How society’s unspoken rules tell you that you need to have something—like a child, a prestigious job, or financial success—to be admired.

- What happens when the one thing you longed for, a child, never comes, and how that affects your sense of worth.

- How to stop looking outside yourself for validation and instead turn inward to find your inherent value.

- The exhaustion that comes with constantly striving for external success and how to break free from the cycle of feeling "not enough."

Lana shares her personal experience of walking past a mother surrounded by people admiring her baby, and how it triggered feelings of inadequacy. She challenges you to consider: what if you didn’t need anyone or anything outside of yourself to prove your worth?

Key Takeaways:

- You don't need to keep acquiring things—whether it's a baby, a degree, or a high-paying job—to feel valuable.

- True worth comes from within. You are enough just as you are, even if you never become a mother.

- You can live a fulfilled, meaningful life without needing to meet society's standards of success and motherhood.

- Reflect on how much you've been through and admire yourself for your strength and resilience in navigating life after infertility.

If you're feeling that familiar pressure to “keep up” or “prove yourself” in a world that values achievements over true self-worth, this episode offers you a moment to pause and realize that you are already enough.

Resources Mentioned:

- Download Lana’s free resource: The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond by clicking here

Upcoming Events:

- Stay tuned for details about Lana’s upcoming free masterclass on How to Handle the Holidays as a Childless Woman After Infertility. Sign up for her love letters here to get all the details.

Follow Lana:

- Instagram: @Lana.Manikowski

-YouTube: @lana.manikowski

Be sure to share this episode with anyone who needs to hear this message. Remember, it’s never too late to discover your meaning and create a fulfilled life—no matter what society tells you.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The “So Now What?” Podcast and leave a review. Your support helps other women like you find these messages and feel less alone in their journey.

In this week’s episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, we explore an issue that many women who are childless after infertility experience—feeling overlooked or dismissed as adults simply because they don’t have children. If you've ever felt like society doesn’t take you seriously because you didn’t become a mother, this episode is for you.

In today's conversation, we talk about the challenges of navigating life when you’re seen as "less than" because you didn’t become a parent. Whether at family gatherings or in the workplace, many of us find that our achievements and contributions are often downplayed compared to parenting milestones.

I know how hard it can be to attend family gatherings like Thanksgiving, where conversations revolve around kids and their latest achievements. It’s easy to feel like your work promotions, hobbies, and personal growth aren’t valued in the same way. And if you’ve ever felt like your colleagues think your life lacks the complexity or responsibility of parenthood, you're not alone.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through ways to reclaim your confidence and remind yourself—and others—that your worth is not defined by your ability to have children. We’ll also explore how to celebrate your accomplishments and embrace the multifaceted woman that you are, beyond the narrow societal definition of adulthood.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- Why society often overlooks women without children and how it impacts your self-worth.

- How to confidently navigate family events and workplace dynamics without feeling diminished.

- Practical steps to stop shrinking and start celebrating your life and accomplishments, even without children.

- How to break free from societal expectations and redefine what it means to be a grown-up.

Sign Up for the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind

Are you ready to stop feeling sidelined and start thriving? Join me in my *Thrive After Infertility Mastermind* this fall, where we’ll dive deep into reclaiming your narrative, celebrating your achievements, and navigating the complexities of the holidays without children.

The final class of the year starts soon, and it includes bonus support around the holiday season—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond.

How to join?

Book Your Free Thrive Call here.

Sign up for a free 45-minute Thrive Call to explore how you can create a fulfilling life without the children you dreamed of. In this call, we’ll discuss your challenges and aspirations, and I’ll share how the Mastermind can help you thrive in ways you never thought possible.

Get Your Free Guide

If you’ve ever been in a conversation where people offer unsolicited advice on how to become a mom, download my free resource,

The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless and How to Respond.

Head over to LanaManikowski.com/thingspeoplesay or click here to get your copy.

I hope this episode reminds you that you ARE enough, just as you are.

Your life is meaningful and valuable—even without the children you once dreamed of.

Tune in, and let’s break down the myths around what it means to be an adult.