What is it really like to be a surrogate?

This week on Building Your Family, we’re breaking down the myths and misconceptions about surrogacy with someone who’s lived it all. Our guest has been both an egg donor and a surrogate, and now runs her own surrogacy and egg donor agency. She shares her deeply personal story—including how it affected her husband, children, and relationship with intended parents—and the emotional and practical realities of every stage.

Whether you're considering surrogacy, donor conception, or are simply curious, this episode will give you honest, first-hand insight you won’t find anywhere else.

👂 Tune in to learn:

Why she chose to become a surrogate

What she wishes more people understood

How surrogacy can be a positive and life-changing journey for all involved

📌 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if this episode helped you or someone you love.

🔗 Watch more episodes or learn more at: https://familybuilding.net/

📚 Learn more about Katy Encalade: https://createahappyfamily.com/ Follow Katy Encalade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createahappyfamily/

Want to boost your fertility and take control of your reproductive health? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford shares powerful insights from her upcoming book, The Fertility Formula, to help you understand your body and make informed choices that support conception and overall health.

We talk about the basics you may not have been taught in school, the impact of diet, toxins, and exercise, and what really moves the needle when you're trying to conceive. Whether you're just beginning to think about parenthood or deep into your fertility journey, this is a must-listen.

Dr. Crawford empowers people to take back their reproductive future—and this episode will help you do the same.

👍 Like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who’s trying to conceive. 🔔 Subscribe for expert fertility and family-building advice every week!

Learn more about Dr. Natalie Crawford: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/ Pre Order Dr. Crawford's new book: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Follow Dr. Natalie Crawford on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd/ Learn more about Pinnacle: https://learnatpinnacle.com/ Learn more about Fora Fertility: https://www.forafertility.com/

#FertilityFormula #DrNatalieCrawford #ReproductiveHealth #FertilityTips #TryingToConceive #WomensHealth #EggQuality #PregnancyPlanning #FertilitySupport #FertilityPodcast

In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, Dr. Mari Mitrani—physician, researcher, and expert in regenerative health—joins us to explore the connection between lifestyle and reproductive health.

We dive into questions people often ask: – Why do doctors talk about diet and exercise during fertility treatment? – What does the research say about food, movement, and reproductive well-being? – Can healthy habits support you before, during, or after trying to conceive?

Dr. Mitrani brings her expertise in disease repair and health optimization into the fertility space, helping us understand how evidence-based choices around nutrition and exercise can contribute to overall wellness—through treatment and beyond.

📅 Subscribe for weekly expert interviews 🎙️ Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

📚 Learn more about Dr. Mari Mitrani : Website Follow Dr. Mari Mitrani on Instagram

Did you ever wonder what matters most for a donor-conceived child’s self-esteem or for a child born with the help of a gestational carrier to feel truly connected to their parents?

In this episode of Building Your Family, we speak with world-renowned researcher Dr. Vasanti Jadva, who shares findings from some of the most important long-term studies on families built through third-party reproduction. Dr. Jadva, a leading voice in the field, explains what really helps children thrive, emotionally, psychologically, and relationally.

Whether you’re planning to use donor conception or surrogacy, or are already parenting a child born through these paths, this episode is filled with facts, practical tips, and reassurance to help you make confident, informed decisions and support your child’s identity and well-being.

Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and evidence-based guidance from one of the best in the field.

👉 If you want to take a deeper dive into managing conversations with your children as they grow, take a look at our Developmental Milestones video course inside the membership platform. We look forward to seeing you inside.

📚 Learn more about Dr. Vasanti Jadva: https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/about/people/academics/vasanti-jadva

#DonorConceived #DonorConception #Surrogacy #LGBTQParenting #FertilitySupport #FamilyBuilding #ParentingTips #TalkingToKids #InfertilityJourney

Get the truth about IVF from one of the world’s most respected fertility doctors.

In this episode of the Building Your Family podcast, we talk with Dr. Richard Paulson, former president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a global leader in reproductive medicine. Dr. Paulson busts common fertility myths and offers practical, evidence-based suggestions on how to approach treatment, including what really matters when it comes to nutrition, supplements, and exercise.

If you're trying to conceive or considering IVF, this episode is packed with expert insight you won’t find on social media.

🎧 Watch now and subscribe for more expert fertility advice. #IVF #FertilityExpert #FertilityFacts #IVFSupport #DrPaulson #FertilityPodcast

Learn more about Dr. Richard Paulson: https://uscfertility.org/

We’re wrapping up Pride Month with warmth, wisdom, and laughter. In this episode of Building Your Family, I sit down with educator, advocate, and beloved social voice Jere Chang (aka @MsChangGifted) and her wife OG Chang.

The couple shares their thoughtful insights about LGBTQ+ family building, raising donor-conceived children, and the power of inclusive education. You’ll hear real talk, get useful tips, and maybe even laugh out loud. Whether you're exploring donor conception, parenting in a queer family, or just need a little heartwarming inspiration, this one's for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more expert-led conversations on surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, LGBTQ+ family building, and parenting after infertility.

📲 Learn more here: https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/

📚 Learn more about Jere Ghang: https://mschanggifted.com/ Follow Jere Chang on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mschanggifted/ Follow Jere Chang on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mschanggifted

Thinking about surrogacy or donor conception? 🌈 In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Julian Escobar — fertility expert, LGBTQ+ advocate, influencer, and dad — joins Lisa Schuman to explore the real questions hopeful parents face when building a family through assisted reproduction.

💬 What you'll learn in this episode:

The emotional and financial realities of surrogacy

How to think about donor selection from a medical and psychological perspective

Common mistakes hopeful parents make (and how to avoid them)

Advice for LGBTQ+ couples pursuing parenthood

Why openness and long-term thinking matter in donor conception

🎧 Whether you're planning your path to parenthood or supporting someone who is, this warm and informative conversation will help you feel more grounded and confident in your decisions.

🧠 Hosted by Lisa Schuman, LCSW — award-winning reproductive therapist, author, and founder of the Building Your Family platform.

Follow Dr. Julian Escobar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjulianescobar/

As part of our Pride Month celebration, we’re honored to welcome Richard Westoby and Julio Gaggia — better known as the IVF Daddies and hosts of the popular podcast by the same name.

In this episode, they share their personal family-building stories — from Richard's surrogacy journey over a decade ago with his then-partner, to Julio’s experience becoming a parent through step-parenting. Together, they model a beautiful and honest version of gay fatherhood that embraces advocacy, growth, and breaking traditional norms.

🎧 You'll hear:

What the IVF process looked like for gay dads a decade ago

How Julio navigated his step-parenting journey with care and love

Why they use their platform to advocate for women’s rights and broader family equity

Their advice for anyone building a family in a way that defies expectations

These two dads are proof that love and family come in many forms — and that being true to your path matters most.

📺 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform. 🔗 Learn more at: https://familybuilding.net/

Follow the IVFDaddies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivfdaddies/