Dr Michael Vermesh and Danica discuss memorable stories collected during 20 years of working together with IVF patients previously labeled as “tough cases”.

Using old school IVF protocols and low doses of medication may offer women diagnosed with Advanced Maternal Age, Premature Ovarian Failure, or Diminished Ovarian Reserve, the chance to create a successful pregnancy where other protocols and approaches have failed.

Dr Vermesh explains the value of looking at “the whole person” (viewing patients holistically in terms of their stress levels, relationship, overall health and emotional state), can put patients at ease while creating the feeling of working together as a babymaking team.

The role of the immune system in reproductive medicine is highlighted in this episode; because it’s another area where treatment can make all the difference in creating a successful outcome.

It can be difficult to predict or properly diagnose autoimmune issues that affect fertility because certain immune markers may not become elevated until fertilization and implantation takes place. Dr Vermesh explains how he is using a simple infusion of Intralipids to reduce the number of pregnancy losses, by reducing an overactive natural killer cell response.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr Michael Vermesh, visit www.center4fertility.com.

Executive Producer: Danica Thornberry

Associate Producer: Miranda Ogletree

Audio Engineer: Patrick Edwards

This episode is sponsored by:

wellpeople Integrative Healing (wellpeoplehealing.com)

The Seed Fertility Program- Healing After Loss Course (seedfertility.com PROMO CODE: BABYMAKERS)

In this special episode, Ashley Marrs, daughter of IVF pioneer doctors Richard Marrs & Joyce Vargyas, shares what it was like to grow up in a family known internationally for creating the first human being in the United States from a frozen embryo!

From an appearance on CNN News in her mother’s arms as a newborn baby, to the transition of her nursing career into the world of IVF, Ashley recalls the details of her own PCOS healing journey that led her to have kids despite hormone challenges.

This conversation explains the important role of PATIENT EMPOWERMENT in the IVF process — and how empowered patients can address the myriad of emotions that accompany repeated disappointment and frustration from failed IVF attempts.

Ashley’s work as an IVF nurse included helping patients understand the different IVF medication protocols, assisting in what we now call Individualized Care. Instead of “cookie cutter” cycles and repeating what wasn’t working, Ashley taught patients how to advocate for changes and how to face the deeper, personal discovery moments that show up on this medical pathway to baby.

Join Danica and Ashley Marrs (Woods) as they discuss various IVF strategies learned along the way, while working in the trenches with thousands of fertility patients.

Executive Producer: Danica Thornberry

Associate Producer: Miranda Ogletree

Audio Engineer: Patrick Edwards

This episode is sponsored by:

wellpeople Integrative Healing (wellpeoplehealing.com)

The Seed Fertility Program- (seedfertility.com PROMO CODE: BABYMAKERS)

In this most soothing episode, Dr Samantha Munson, a PhD specializing in mindfulness and health psychology, explains how a meditation practice can really help when we want to turn to fear and give in to anxiety…

Setting reasonable expectations, embracing the fact that our minds are made to wander, and becoming more comfortable with uncertainty are just a few ways to allow mindfulness to become a useful component of your babymaking journey.

Dr Samantha Munson is the founder of Grow True Psychology; she also practices in Los Angeles at wellpeople Integrative Healing Center.

Her focus in Health Psychology can bring healing benefits to clients experiencing:

-life adjustment

-health conditions, such as cancer, chronic pain, illness or infertility

-relationship stress

-anxiety

-transitions

-depression

To schedule with Dr Munson or to learn more about her practice, please visit www.growtruepsychology.com (http://www.growtruepsychology.com/).

This episode is sponsored by @wellpeoplehealing and @seedfertility.

For a limited time, listeners can receive 20% off the price of any course inside SeedFertility.com, using the promo code BABYMAKERS

Executive Producer: Danica Thornberry

Associate Producer: Miranda Ogletree

Audio Engineer: Patrick Edwards