Shows
Beyond ConceptionThe Pursuit of HappinessIn this final episode of the season, Desmond and Shalmeka discuss the difference between happiness and joy while challenging you and your spouse to seek joy along this journey.2021-04-1140 minBeyond ConceptionFailureCouples will move mountains to have a child. We go through rounds of treatments, medications, procedures, pregnancy test, agencies and don’t forget the money to build our family. When our plans crumble and we’ve done everything we can we’re left with feelings of failure. Feeling like a failure is normal and consuming along this journey. How do we manage the feeling of failure? In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka flip the script on failure as Shalmeka discusses how she copes with failure along this journey. This episode encourages couples to know you’re not a failure. You have the...2021-04-0448 minBeyond ConceptionRainbow BabyPregnancy is one of the most wonderful experiences for a couples. Pregnancy can bring extreme emotional highs and devastating emotional lows. Miscarriage is one of the low experiences of pregnancy. No one assumes they will have a miscarriage until it happens to them. In fact, 1 in 4 pregnancies will end miscarriage. March is Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month. There is hope in the name. Pregnancy can occur after loss. Your Rainbow Baby (a healthy baby born after a loss) is possible after the storm of miscarriage. In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka share their experience of dealing with multiple miscarriages and...2021-03-2852 minBeyond ConceptionPass the Mic IIThis week we pass the mic to our IG friends the Wilson’s! We’ve never met in person but we get each other concerning this infertility stuff. Charles and Bianca Wilson share their journey to baby after a diagnosis of PCOS, unicornuate uterus, and endometriosis. Endometriosis impacts 1 out of 10 women. For 10 years Bianca sought medical treatment for her painful and heavy periods before she was diagnosed with Stage II Endometriosis. In this episode, Bianca unpacks her endometriosis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. In the words of Bianca “stop telling girls it’s normal to have painful and heavy periods.” Charles an...2021-03-2148 minBeyond ConceptionI Have Feelings TooWhat about your man? Ladies, we gotta check on our men. Contrary to popular belief, infertility is not a female issue. Men also experience the hardships of infertility whether they have male infertility diagnosis or not. We forget men have feelings too and need support throughout this journey. In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka discuss the importance of supporting men through infertility. Desmond also provides some advice to wives on what your husband might want and need along this journey.2021-03-1442 minBeyond ConceptionTo treat, or not to treat, that is the question.Should we just wait for a miracle, or seek help? Many couples opt out of fertility treatment for various reasons. In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka discuss the many reasons why a couple might decide not to start or continue with fertility treatment. Health reasons might be a deciding factor for a couple to discontinue fertility treatment. This factor was in the episode notes but was forgotten in our discussion. Whatever reason a couple decides to opt out of fertility treatment is their choice and should be respected by medical providers, family, and friends. Articles mentioned in this episode: 11 Things...2021-03-0751 minBeyond ConceptionDecisions, Decisions, Decisions.Couples face many life changing decisions while trying to conceive and build their family. What do we do? Where do we go from here? How do we proceed? What’s next? We need guidance concerning our decisions along this journey. In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka discuss the importance of leaning into your faith and consulting God for the guidance you need to make decisions along your journey. Scripture references in this episode: Romans 8:26-27, Proverbs 3:6, James 1:5, John 16:13, Psalms 119:1052021-02-2854 minBeyond ConceptionIntended ParentsSurrogacy is a normal option many couples use to build their family. Many couples have their doubts, fears, and questions concerning surrogacy. Is surrogacy a possible option for Desmond and Shalmeka? In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka discuss their views on surrogacy, bust some myths concerning surrogacy, and provide resources concerning the surrogacy process. The reality is there is hope in surrogacy as you and your spouse build your family. Desmond and Shalmeka encourage you to not only to listen to this episode but also come to your own conclusion and research your options to help you with everything that i...2021-02-2153 minBeyond ConceptionPass The MicThe Sweets have passed the mic to the Hopkins. Now the parents of two children, Lloyd and Kashuna Hopkins reflect on their journey to parenthood. In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka have a raw conversation with their friends Lloyd and Kashuna Hopkins who detail the multiple miscarriages they experienced before becoming parents to their two children. The Hopkins discuss their unexplained loss, how they supported each other, the anger and trauma associated with their loss and how they used their faith to get through this traumatic experience. In the end, hope wasn’t cancelled, as they continued to have the fa...2021-02-1455 minBeyond ConceptionCheck InDesmond and Shalmeka are back with Season 3 of The Beyond Conception Podcast! What’s good? Every year couples stand in faith and hope of this being their year to have the family they desire. However, early onset of fear and doubt and other obstacles along this journey can cause couples to cancel out their year for their desired family.
In this episode, Desmond and Shalmeka are checking in with you and your spouse. They’re here to remind you as your bother and sister and declare good things are happening to you and for you this year! #nocancelculture! 2021 has just begu...2021-02-0744 minBeyond ConceptionCountdown2020 is almost over. So much has happened! Everyone is counting down to the new year. Ready to be out with the old and in with the new. What’s does a new year mean for couples with infertility? In this episode, Shalmeka and Desmond discuss infertility experienced from one year to the next.2020-12-1356 minBeyond ConceptionGood NewsInfertility is filled with bad news and negativity. This can consume you and your spouse. Good news and positive things are happening in your life in the mist of infertility. In this episode, Shalmeka and Desmond discuss the benefits of acknowledging, celebrating, and sharing the good news along your journey whether big or small. Think on these things Phil 4:8-92020-12-0637 minBeyond ConceptionI’m Happy for You...Is it possible to be happy for someone else’s pregnancy when you’re dealing with infertility? In this episode, Shalmeka and Desmond discuss and explore this question. Oh, and it’s season 7 of Married to Medicine not season 5. Check out the article referenced in this episode https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief 2020-11-2948 minBeyond ConceptionHappy HolidaysThe holiday season represents traditions, family, and memories. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Right? Not always. Couples with infertility and loss know the holiday season can be the most difficult time of the year. In this episode, Shalmeka and Desmond discuss how couples can navigate through the holiday season by protecting their heart and peace while maintaining their faith.2020-11-221h 05Beyond ConceptionUps and DownsSome days you’re up and other days you’re down. Couples understand the emotional ups and downs of infertility. In this episode, Shalmeka and Desmond discuss how they were able to depend on each other to manage the emotional ups and downs, disclose the comparison of their suffering, and the “bag” that couples carry along their infertility journey.2020-11-1548 minBeyond ConceptionIt’s All About the BenjaminsInfertility and finances. Who and how will you pay for fertility treatment? Finances and marriage can be a tough subject, now paired with expensive fertility treatment can become a barrier along your infertility journey. In this episode, Shalmeka and Desmond discuss and share their financial barriers along their infertility journey and provide financial resources to minimize the financial stress associated with fertility treatment.2020-11-0859 minBeyond ConceptionTry AgainWhy do couples continue to try again in their quest to conceive a baby with all of the challenges of infertility? In this episode, Shalmeka and Desmond discuss the reason why couples continue to try again and answer the question if they will try again.2020-11-0155 minBeyond ConceptionCan We Talk?Communication is key to any relationship. In this episode Desmond and Shalmeka discuss how couples can communicate to mange everything that is beyond their conception.2020-10-2558 minBeyond ConceptionSure FoundationInfertility will test the foundation of your marriage. Desmond and Shalmeka discuss the importance of your marriage having a solid foundation throughout your infertility journey and how to identify and repair cracks within your foundation. Check out the following articles as mentioned in this episode: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/01/31/study-infertile-couples-3-times-more-likely-to-divorce%3fcontext=amp and https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.medicalnewstoday.com/amp/articles/318292 Grab your spouse and slow dance to John Legend’s song Never Break.2020-10-1846 minBeyond ConceptionLight a CandleDesmond and Shalmeka discuss coping with pregnancy loss, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, along with resources to support parents of pregnancy and infant loss. Check out the following IG account for loss and grief support @sistersinloss @hannahsdaughters @resolveorg @starlegacyfoundation IG:@be_conception email:beconception14@gmail.com2020-10-1154 minBeyond ConceptionFAQsIn this final episode of season 1, Desmond and Shalmeka answer some frequently asked questions concerning infertility. Proverbs 17:222020-07-0549 minBeyond ConceptionWhoosahWith everything going on in our world, plus the stress of trying to have a baby can be overwhelming. Desmond and Shalmeka discuss taking a much needed break and how to manage the stress along your journey. Phil 4:6-92020-06-281h 00Beyond ConceptionFather’s Day EditionFather’s Day can be difficult for men along their journey to become a father. In this episode, Desmond shares his perspective on Father’s Day and provides tips on how to navigate and support men through this day. John 9:32020-06-211h 10Beyond ConceptionThe BumpDesmond and Shalmeka discuss the ever present baby bump.2020-06-1451 minBeyond ConceptionLove on TopDesmond and Shalmeka discuss the importance of keeping the love and romance at the center of your fertility journey.2020-06-0700 minBeyond ConceptionRespectDesmond and Shalmeka discuss racial and ethic health care disparities in America and how to navigate with lack of representation and everything in between. Also, Hattie makes her debut so excuse the pauses and background noise.2020-05-311h 02Beyond ConceptionBeat the OddsDesmond and Shalmeka discuss how to win with the cards stacked against you. Go to @be_conception IG (follow) and click the link in bio to watch 19 Weeks by @destrofilms2020-05-241h 14Beyond ConceptionDon’t Tell NobodyDesmond and Shalmeka discuss their reluctancy of sharing their infertility struggles and tips for how and when to share your journey. In this episode they explore the critical role of supporters and how those conversations should be embraced and managed. BTW it was Eli the priest not Levi.2020-05-1757 minBeyond ConceptionWhat’s Going On?!Desmond and Shalmeka share the shift of their perspective of conception while trying to process their unimaginable diagnosis of infertility.2020-05-1155 minBeyond ConceptionHere We Go!Desmond and Shalmeka give a brief introduction into their infertility story and desire to share their journey with the world.2020-05-1126 min