Your Fertility Story - Stories and guidance on surrogacy, parenthood, and starting a family

Curious what really happens behind the scenes of an international surrogacy journey? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Damion, a determined dad navigating the complexities of embryo creation in Mexico City. Packed with surprising lessons on the science, finances, and emotional ups and downs of building a family abroad, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what hopeful parents wis...

What happens when you’ve done everything right — but your path to parenthood still feels impossible? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Irina to share her deeply personal story of infertility, surrogacy across Ukraine and the United States, and building a family through uncertainty . If you’re navigating: fertility struggles and loss of control surrogacy in Ukraine vs USA uncertainty and...

What is it really like to have twins through surrogacy — and should you transfer two embryos? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Stacie and Iran to share their real-life experience of having twins through surrogacy , including the emotional decision behind double embryo transfer , the risks involved, and what life looks like raising twins. If you’re researching: can you have twins throug...

What happens when your fertility journey doesn’t follow the plan you’ve worked so hard to create? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Keena to share a deeply personal story of infertility, loss, and ultimately finding hope through surrogacy . If you’re experiencing: fertility struggles and emotional ups and downs grief after loss or failed treatments stress around timelines and feeling ou...

What is surrogacy in Mexico really like from the surrogate’s perspective? In this episode of Your Fertility Story , Maria and Anna speak with Genny, a surrogate mother in Mexico who recently carried a baby for intended parents from the United States. Genny shares her honest experience becoming a surrogate, including the fears she faced before starting the surrogacy process, the emotional highs and...

What does surrogacy in the USA really look like - legally, financially, and emotionally? In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with leading reproductive attorney Melissa Brisman to break down surrogacy in the United States , including legal requirements, contracts, risks, and the realities intended parents should understand before starting. If you’re researching: surrogacy in USA laws by state h...

Is surrogacy in Ukraine legal — and who qualifies for the program? In this episode, Maria Feekes speaks with experienced attorney Oksana Lutsenko to explain surrogacy laws in Ukraine , including eligibility requirements, legal parentage, and the process of bringing your baby home after birth. If you’re researching: is surrogacy legal in Ukraine for foreigners who qualifies for surrogacy in Ukraine...

In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Mexican attorney Ramiro Alejandro García Flores to break down surrogacy laws in Mexico , including the real legal process, parental rights, and common mistakes that can delay or derail a journey. If you’re researching: is surrogacy legal in Mexico for foreigners surrogacy in Mexico laws by state (Tabasco, Sinaloa, Mexico City) how parentage is establish...

How does embryo transport actually work - and is it safe to ship embryos between clinics or across countries? In this episode, Maria Feekes explains embryo transport step by step , including how embryos are safely moved between fertility clinics in the USA and internationally (Mexico, Ukraine, and beyond). If you’re researching: how embryo transport works in IVF shipping embryos between clinics em...

In this episode, Maria Feekes breaks down surrogacy in the USA, Mexico, and Ukraine , focusing on what intended parents are actively searching for: cost, legal parentage, safety, and timeline . If you’re researching: surrogacy in USA cost vs Mexico cost is surrogacy in Ukraine legal for foreigners surrogacy in Mexico safety and legal process whose name goes on the birth certificate in surrogacy ho...

In this episode, Maria Feekes sits down with Rich and Daniel, a Melbourne-based couple sharing their real experience navigating international surrogacy. From comparing the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia to understanding Australia’s legal limitations, they walk through how they made one of the most important decisions of their lives. They openly discuss what it actually takes to choose a surroga...

What if you could screen your embryos for over 1,200 genetic conditions before pregnancy even begins? In this episode, genetic counselor Maria Katz reveals her company's groundbreaking technology that is changing the way you think about your family's future. Maria Katz is a passionate genetic counselor with a background in high-risk obstetrics and a deep commitment to supporting families impacted...

Join us for an eye-opening episode of Your Fertility Story, where Whitney shares her resilient journey through the world of surrogacy in Ukraine. Against the backdrop of the war, she dives into the ethical nuances and unexpected hurdles faced when choosing surrogacy abroad. With candid insights into her personal trials and triumphs, Whitney reveals how her determination, filmmaker's vision, and th...

Join Maria Feekes in this episode of "Your Fertility Story" as she explores postpartum nutrition with expert Kameryn. Discover the importance of preparing for postpartum well-being, learn impactful nutrition strategies, and gather practical tips for a smooth recovery. Whether you're on a fertility journey or a new mom, gain valuable insights that can enhance your postpartum experience and help you...

Discover the profound resilience and unwavering determination that characterized the continuation of surrogacy programs in Ukraine amidst the unexpected invasion on February 24, 2022. In this episode, Ivanna and Maria offer a poignant reflection on navigating harrowing challenges, underscoring the steadfast commitment to safeguarding pregnancies and supporting families during a time of crisis. Gai...

Join us for an inspiring update on Kelly's fertility journey as she shares her experiences of welcoming a second child and embarking on the path to a third, discussing the joys and challenges of building a big family through surrogacy. Discover her heartfelt insights and practical tips for navigating international travel with a growing family. Kelly, a passionate advocate for building a big family...

Join us on an eye-opening journey with Petra as she shares her expert tips and personal experiences on navigating the challenges of traveling internationally with newborns. From choosing the right stroller to the intricacies of planning a spontaneous flight, this episode is packed with invaluable advice for new parents on the move. Petra is a well-traveled, research-driven guest who has embarked o...

In this poignant Christmas Day episode of "Your Fertility Story," host Maria Feekes delves deep into the emotional highs and lows of the fertility journey. She shares powerful stories of families receiving the gift of new life and others coping with heartbreaking news. Through her reflections on hope, prayer, and perseverance, Maria underscores the unwavering courage it takes to pursue the dream o...

In this heartwarming episode, Kelly shares her unique journey of expanding her already big family through surrogacy, the unexpected twists, and the sheer determination that made her dream a reality. Discover how Kelly and her husband navigated financial challenges, international decision-making, and the arrival of not one but two new bundles of joy. Tune in for a story of resilience, love, and the...

In this heartfelt episode, Lori and Scott share their inspiring journey of embracing parenthood at age 50, navigating societal judgments, and finding extraordinary joy through surrogacy. Lori reveals how her late mother's handwritten notes influenced her dream of passing down family traditions, while the couple discusses the immense support they've received from friends and loved ones. Tune in to...

In this heartfelt episode, Kristi Campbell shares her journey as a mother to a child with special needs, exploring the ethics of prenatal testing and the beauty of embracing differences. Tune in to hear her inspiring insights and the powerful impact of early intervention and community support. Kristi Campbell is a devoted mother and advocate who has embraced and celebrated the unique journey of pa...

Discover the heartfelt journey of Michelle, a surrogate mother who turned her love for pregnancy into a lifeline for a hopeful couple. From the intricacies of matching and medical screenings to the emotional highs and lows of embryo transfer day, Michelle shares her transparent and inspiring story. Michelle had always cherished the experience of pregnancy, finding it to be a remarkable and special...

Discover the inspiring journey of Chris and her husband as they navigate the complexities of surrogacy, sharing profound insights about trust, resilience, and the miraculous love that brought their family dreams to life. Don't miss this heartfelt episode full of compelling moments and valuable advice. Chris, a devoted mother, alongside her husband has been on a transformative fertility journey tha...

In this episode of YOUR FERTILITY STORY, my guests and I are discussing relationships and how fertility affects those relationships. We're going to talk about the issues that arise and why fertility places so much strain on partner connections. In this episode, you'll hear: How they knew they might face fertility issues and what they were willing to do in order to create a family. This family's ti...

In this episode, my guest is Peter Hura. He's a biotransport expert with ArkCryo and believes that biotransport is not just moving samples but caring for them as well. ArkCryo's specialty is moving biological material from one point to another. In this episode, you'll hear: What biotransport is and how it is used in the fertility world. Why timing and safety are crucial to the fertility process. T...