IVF Failed You - The "So Now What?" Podcast cover art

IVF Failed You - The "So Now What?" Podcast

IVF Failed You - The "So Now What?" Podcast

By: Lana Manikowski
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About this listen

 I am an infertility survivor—the kind you never hope to become: childless. After enduring multiple rounds of IUI and IVF at some of the leading fertility centers, I was advised to discontinue treatment. When my fertility journey ended, I was offered no resources to help me navigate the reality of an unexpected childless life. I was left asking: So now what? In the years that followed, I tried to convince myself I'd be OK, but I wasn't. I felt shattered, alone, and failed—not just by the process but by my own body. I longed for someone who truly understood the pain I felt, a guide to help me navigate a life without children. But I couldn't find it. So, I decided to create it. Today, I am still childless, but I've redefined what that means. I've learned that a meaningful and purposeful life is possible, even without motherhood. I've learned to love myself and embrace the body I once felt had let me down. Through my certification in life coaching and my own transformation, I've discovered tools and insights that helped me thrive—and I'm here to share them with you on The "So Now What?" Podcast. If you've been on this journey, join me as we build what we were never offered: a sisterhood for the bravest women I know. Together, we'll rewrite the narrative, shedding labels like failed, unexplained, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, not-viable, or advanced maternal age. Follow me on Instagram: @lana.manikowski for resources, inspiration, and opportunities to live a fulfilling life without the children you dreamed of. Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Fertility Journey: Facing the Aftermath Together

    Fertility Journey: Facing the Aftermath Together
    Apr 3 2026
    14 mins
  • Us vs. Them: Choosing Your Own Life Path

    Us vs. Them: Choosing Your Own Life Path
    Mar 17 2026
    14 mins
  • Rebuilding Your Body After Infertility When IVF Failed (with Holly Perkins)

    Rebuilding Your Body After Infertility When IVF Failed (with Holly Perkins)
    Feb 28 2026
    Rebuilding Trust With Your Body After Infertility When IVF Failed (with Holly Perkins)

    When IVF failed and fertility treatments ended without a baby, you did not just lose a dream. You often lost trust in your body.

    After years of hormones, medical procedures, weight changes, and emotional whiplash, it can feel almost impossible to want to care for yourself again. Movement can feel loaded. Exercise can feel like punishment. And sometimes the quiet thought underneath it all is:

    Why should I take care of you?

    In Episode 200, you are getting a grounded, practical conversation about rebuilding your relationship with your body after infertility.

    You will hear from Holly Perkins, a women's fitness expert with 30 years of experience helping women build strength through science-backed, sustainable approaches designed for women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. This is not about chasing a smaller number on the scale. This is about strength, muscle, metabolism, bone health, and feeling better in your body after everything it has been through.

    If caring for your body has felt complicated since IVF failed, this episode is for you.

    What You Will Learn

    • Why it makes sense that self-care feels hard after fertility treatments end.

    • How emotional healing and physical strength support each other.

    • Why "just lose weight" is not the right goal after hormone disruption.

    • What happens to muscle and metabolism in your 40s and 50s.

    • Why muscle is more important than the scale for long-term health.

    • How strength training supports bone density and aging well.

    • What a realistic starting point looks like when you have felt disconnected from your body.

    A Message You Might Need to Hear

    You are not broken because it feels hard to care for your body right now.

    When IVF failed, your body can start to feel like the enemy. This conversation helps you shift from punishment to partnership so you can rebuild trust in a way that feels steady and sustainable.

    Join Holly's Free 3-Day Workshop: Muscle for Life

    If you are ready for practical guidance on building strength in a way that fits your life, Holly is offering a free 3-day workshop called Muscle for Life. It starts March 5, 2026!

    Inside the workshop, you will learn:

    • Why BMI and body weight are outdated metrics.

    • How to think about muscle-to-fat ratio instead of just the scale.

    • The strength training principles that matter most for women over 30.

    • How to support bone density and long-term health.

    • Nutrition strategies that support blood sugar, energy, and metabolism.

    You can register for FREE here:

    👉 https://www.hollyperkins.com/lana

    This is the direct link to save your seat.

    About Holly Perkins

    Holly Perkins, BS, CSCS, CISSN is an established expert and thought leader in women's health. For 30 years, she has guided thousands of women through physical performance, nutrition, and mindset management. She is the author of Lift to Get Lean, and her upcoming book Muscle & Bone will be released in early 2026.

    Additional Resources

    Free guide:
    The Top 27 Things People Say When You're Childless (and How to Respond)
    Get it here: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

    If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to The "So Now What?" Podcast so you do not miss what is coming next. You can rebuild trust with your body after infertility when IVF failed. And you can do it without turning your life into another thing to perfect.

    I hope you have a beautiful week. I love you, and remember that it's never too late to discover your meaning. I'll talk to you next week!
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    51 mins
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