Shows
Fertility CafeEp. 120 Should I Freeze My Eggs? What to Know Before You DecideIn this solo episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane breaks down one of the most buzzed-about topics in modern fertility: egg freezing. Once considered a niche medical intervention, egg freezing has become a mainstream option for those seeking to preserve their fertility, but what does it really involve?
Eloise takes you through the entire landscape, from the medical process and emotional considerations to the financial realities and cultural shifts. She unpacks how egg freezing evolved from a last-resort treatment to a proactive choice, what it actually looks like to go through a cycle, and why access r...2025-07-0123 min
Fertility CafeEp. 119 How Egg Donation Helped Me Become a Mom: Erica Ferraro’s StoryWhat happens when every path to parenthood seems to close? For Erica Ferraro, the answer was egg donation—a deeply emotional and empowering decision shaped by a long, painful battle with undiagnosed endometriosis. In this powerful episode, Erica joins host Eloise Drane to share the real story behind her journey: the years of misdiagnosis, the trauma of IVF failure, and the healing that came from choosing donor conception.
You’ll hear:
-What it’s really like to receive an endometriosis diagnosis after two decades
-Why Erica believes egg donation is a form of organ...2025-06-2452 min
Fertility CafeEp 117 What Is a Fertility Coach—and Do You Need OneWhat exactly is a fertility coach—and how do you know if you need one?
In this solo episode, host Eloise Drane explores the supportive, grounded world of fertility coaching. Whether you're navigating IVF, considering egg freezing, or feeling stuck in the quiet in-between spaces of family building, this episode is a gentle guide to the kind of support many people don’t know is available—and deeply need.
Eloise breaks down what fertility coaches actually do, how they differ from therapists and doctors, and why this kind of care can be invaluable when you're facing...2025-06-1020 min
Fertility CafeEp 116 Hidden Struggles of High-Achieving Women in Fertility Treatment with Dr. Chatterjee-MorrisWhy are ambitious women waiting too long to think about fertility preservation, and what's the real cost?Host Eloise Drane welcomes Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris, a dual board-certified physician in OB-GYN and obesity medicine who brings both clinical expertise and deeply personal experience to today's conversation. Dr. Chatterjee-Morris has navigated her own challenging fertility journey, including multiple egg retrievals, donor eggs, and preparing for surrogacy while maintaining a demanding medical practice. Her unique perspective as both physician and patient offers invaluable insights for women balancing high-pressure careers with family planning decisions and fertility preservation choices.
This...2025-06-0350 min
Fertility CafeEp 115 How She Made Surrogacy Legal in Michigan: Stephanie Jones's StoryWhat would you do if a Google search from your hospital bed revealed your only path to motherhood was illegal in your state?Today Eloise welcomes Stephanie Jones, founder of the Michigan Fertility Alliance and 2024 RESOLVE Hope Award recipient for advocacy. After facing life-threatening pregnancy complications that ended her ability to carry a pregnancy, Stephanie discovered through a Google search from her hospital recovery bed that Michigan banned surrogacy contracts—her only option to grow her family. She leveraged her business expertise as an engineer and company VP to transform this personal crisis into legislative change.
...2025-05-2746 min
Fertility CafeEp 114 The Emotional Shift from Fertility Patient to ParentEloise Drane, host of Fertility Café and a seasoned fertility industry expert with over two decades of experience, explores the emotional transition from fertility treatments to parenthood in this insightful episode. Drawing from personal experience and professional knowledge, Eloise addresses the complex emotions that arise when the focus shifts from trying to conceive to actually becoming a parent.
The episode delves into letting go of the infertility mindset, releasing control, identity shifts after fertility journeys, and the realities of early parenthood after treatments. Eloise offers compassionate guidance for navigating feelings of uncertainty, addressing anxieties, building bonds with y...2025-05-2018 min
Surrogacy WarriorThe Evolution of Surrogacy Practices with Eloise DraneSurrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 14In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, host Kim Surratt speaks with Eloise Drane, founder and CEO of Family Inceptions, about her journey as a former egg donor and surrogate and what led her to create an agency focused on advocacy, particularly for the BIPOC community. Their conversation explores the complexities of surrogacy, including compensation, insurance barriers, and the often-overlooked physical and psychological impacts on surrogates. Eloise and Kim also discuss the importance of education, ethical agency practices, and comprehensive assessments for both surrogates and intended parents, while addressing gaps in fertility...2025-05-1342 min
Fertility CafeEp 113 The Fertility Timeline: Dr Susanna Park on When to Get TestedWhat if freezing your eggs as a college graduation gift could be the most important investment in your future family? - Dr. Susanna Park
Dr. Susanna Park, a fertility specialist from San Diego Fertility Center, joins host Eloise Drane to share her expertise on fertility testing. Board-certified in both obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology, Dr. Park brings a global perspective shaped by her journey from South Korea to Argentina to the United States. With five-time recognition as a top fertility doctor by San Diego Magazine, she offers invaluable insights on proactive fertility assessment.
This episode...2025-05-131h 00
Fertility CafeEp 112 Surrogate Logistics: Travel, Timelines, and Support“It's viably gonna be one of the most intimate journeys you'll ever be on, just like your marriage, your relationship with your children. It's this infinite entanglement between you and them…” - April Whitford
Today on The Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drane is joined by April Whitford, Journey Manager at Family Inceptions with a decade of experience at the company and 25 years in family building. April, who holds an LMSW from Florida State University, shares her extensive knowledge of guiding hundreds of surrogates through their journeys, emphasizing the importance of patience in what she describes as an 18-month...2025-05-0639 min
Fertility CafeEp 111 The Patient Experience in Fertility Care: Advocating for Better SupportIn this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain discusses the complexities of the fertility journey with Dr. Camille Hammond. They explore the overwhelming nature of fertility issues, the importance of accurate information, and the myths surrounding infertility. Dr. Hammond emphasizes the need for patients to advocate for themselves, seek community support, and communicate effectively with their healthcare providers. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges faced by intended parents and the significance of balancing hope with realistic expectations throughout the fertility process. It emphasizes the significance of education in reproductive health, addressing the...2025-04-2248 min
Fertility CafeEp 111 The Patient Experience in Fertility Care: Advocating for Better SupportIn this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain discusses the complexities of the fertility journey with Dr. Camille Hammond.
They explore the overwhelming nature of fertility issues, the importance of accurate information, and the myths surrounding infertility. Dr. Hammond emphasizes the need for patients to advocate for themselves, seek community support, and communicate effectively with their healthcare providers.
The conversation highlights the emotional challenges faced by intended parents and the significance of balancing hope with realistic expectations throughout the fertility process.
It emphasizes the significance of education in reproductive health, addressing the...2025-04-2248 min
Inside Reproductive Health Podcast247 Consolidation and Worsening Patient Experience in Third Party IVF. Eloise DraneEveryone wants to grow their third party IVF program, but are we neglecting patient experience in the process?This week on Inside Reproductive Health, Eloise Drane, 3 time gestational carrier, MBA, and founder of Family Inceptions, shares her honest take on how responsiveness and individualized care have declined, even as demand has stabilized post-2021.Drawing from 17 years of experience running her own surrogacy agency, Eloise offers a kind but direct update on:Why patient experience is harder than ever to deliver (and how to improve it)How consolidation impacts intended parents and...2025-04-2046 min
Fertility CafeEp 110 Why Not Just Adopt?In this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain delves into the complexities of family building through adoption and fertility treatments. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of adoption, including domestic, international, and foster care options, while also addressing the realities of fertility treatments like IVF and surrogacy. With insights from over two decades in the fertility industry, the episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional, legal, and financial aspects of each path. Listeners are encouraged to consider their personal values and circumstances when making decisions about family building. Book a Free Consultation2025-04-0829 min
Fertility CafeEp. 104: | The Emotional Side of Family Building ❤️Family building is so much more than biology—it's an emotional journey filled with hope, questions, and transformation. In this episode of The Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drain sits down with Dr. Linda Candelis, a reproductive health psychologist, to explore the emotional side of family building through modern surrogacy, egg donation, and third-party reproduction. Whether you're an intended parent, gestational carrier, or considering becoming a surrogate, navigating the highs and lows of this transformative fertility journey is a shared experience. Discover how support, self-care, and open communication play a vital role in creating a family, and hear ins...2025-01-2946 min
Fertility CafeEp. 103 | Choosing the Right Team for Your Parenthood JourneyBuilding a family is one of life’s most meaningful journeys—but choosing the right team to guide you is crucial. In this episode of The Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane dives into the essential factors in selecting the best medical, legal, and emotional support for your path to parenthood.Too often, patient care takes a backseat to efficiency and profits, leaving intended parents, surrogates, and donors feeling overlooked. Eloise unpacks how to advocate for yourself, ask the right questions, and find a team that values your unique needs.What You’ll Learn in This Episode...2025-01-2127 min
Fertility CafeEp. 102 | Beyond the Clinic: Why the Fertility Lab is Key to Your SuccessWhen it comes to fertility treatment, most people focus on the doctors, medications, and clinics—but what about the unseen, critical work happening behind the scenes in the fertility lab? In this episode of The Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane pulls back the curtain on the role fertility labs play in successful family building.Joining Eloise is Kenny Smalls, Director of Laboratory Services at Global Fertility and Genetics, to uncover how labs combine cutting-edge technology with precise science to create life. From embryo grading and air quality to the latest in AI and vitrification techniques, Kenny explains the...2025-01-1444 min
Fertility CafeEp. 101 | Exploring Third-Party Family Building: Which Option is Right for You?In this season premiere of The Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane, founder of Family Inceptions, dives into the many paths of third-party family building—from egg donation and sperm donation to embryo donation and surrogacy.Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but this episode serves as your refreshed guide to understanding the unique considerations, timelines, and emotional aspects of each path. Whether you're an intended parent, surrogate, or donor, you'll gain clarity, confidence, and insight into how to choose the path that aligns with your family-building goals.In this episode, we’ll cover:The diffe...2025-01-0729 min
Fertility CafeEp. 85 | Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His StoryIn this episode, I interview podcast host and Intended Parent Carnell Roberts. Carnell shares what the family-building journey was like for him and his husband, Gavin. He talks about the mindset that enabled them to jump through all of the emotional and financial hoops to finally get their baby girl. He shares about his surrogate and the special bond they formed with her. We also touch on aspects of the IP journey that are different for a same-sex couple. Guest BioCarnell is a medical speech-language pathologist and the host of the podcast G...2023-05-0942 min
Fertility CafeEp. 82 | National Infertility Awareness Week 2023A lot of people in this don’t give any thought to infertility – it’s simply not on their radar. National Infertility Awareness Week is a movement that was founded in 1989 to change all of that. It’s about empowerment, community, raising awareness, and shining a light on evolving issues surrounding infertility. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States.I created the Fertility Cafe podcast...2023-04-1820 min
Fertility CafeEp. 81 | Welcome to Season 5 IntroIn this season 5 kickoff episode, we will focus on empowerment and advocacy for everyone involved in the family-building journey including surrogates, egg donors, and intended parents. Season 5 brings us to an exciting milestone, our 100th episode, which highlights new scientific developments in infertility research. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States.I created the Fertility Cafe podcast as a free resource to answer the...2023-04-1104 min
Fertility CafeEp. 80 | First-Hand Stories from an IPWhat is it really like for intended parents? What is the experience like? How does one cope with watching another woman carry her child? How can couples come together to share this experience and make it a positive one throughout? We'll talk to one Intended Mother about her take on these questions and more. Guest/Host Bio Amy Oguntala Amy Oguntala and her husband are intended parents via surrogacy. They are currently on their third pregnancy. Resources Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be so grateful...2023-01-2444 min
Fertility CafeEp. 79 | Infertility Increase and Media Negative ReputationInfertility is on the rise and it's leading to an increased demand for assisted reproduction technology. Unfortunately, many causes of infertility are insidious and seen as relatively harmless, such as the birth control pill. In this episode, we talked about the shocking increase in infertility and what men and women need to know if they want to have a family. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States. ...2023-01-1713 min
Fertility CafeEp. 78 | First-Hand Stories from a SurrogateWhat is it really like for surrogates? What are their motivations for being gestational carriers? What is their experience like? How do they feel about being close - or not - with their IPs? What is the most important thing that they really need from agencies and IPs? In this episode, we'll talk to Heathyr Suhr about her take on these questions. Guest Bio Heathyr suhr Heathyr is a single mom to her 7 year old best friend. She is a 2x surrogate who loves pregnancy, helping create families, and helping educate o...2023-01-1048 min
Fertility CafeEp. 77 | Nitty Gritty of Compensation in 3rd Party ReproductionIn the egg donor community, it's known that financial compensation is often a strong motivator. But there have been many developments in recent years that impact donor and surrogate compensation. In this episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty, perhaps uncomfortable side of egg donation and surrogacy compensation. We'll cover changes to tax law, appeals, and how compensation affects the already delicate relationship. Host Bio Eloise Drane I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in...2023-01-0317 min
Fertility CafeEp. 76 | Embryo DonationWhen we teach IPs about their possible pathways to parenthood, we often mention embryo donation. There are over a million embryos sitting in cryobanks around the country. But what happens to them if they aren’t used in IVF by the patients themselves? What is the embryo disposition process like; and what is the donation experience like, as a donor and recipient? In this episode we answer these questions along with others like, what is the difference between embryo donation and embryo adoption, can anyone pick an embryo and use it to have a child, what is the matching pr...2022-12-271h 03
Fertility CafeEp. 75 | When IPs Don’t Want a RelationshipNaturally, fertility issues are a sensitive subject. Most couples never imagined that they would need to go the route of third-party reproduction in order to bring their family dreams to fruition. While all IPs are grateful for the role egg donors and surrogates play in building their family, some IPs would prefer not to have a relationship with their donors or surrogates after the process is over and a child is born. Here's what donors and surrogates need to understand about this unique family dynamic and how they can best prepare themselves for the complex relationship ahead....2022-12-2017 min
Fertility CafeEp. 74 | Medical Records & PrivacyAs an egg donor or a surrogate, your medical history is seen as an open book. IPs and their medical teams want and expect to know everything there is to know about your medical past – often for good reason, but where is the line? Is it reasonable for a donor or surrogate to expect some degree of privacy, particularly for health-related issues that may not seem relevant to the task at hand? Is it OK for donors or surrogates to redact their medical history? Or should IPs only accept full medical records issued from the donor's or surrogate's PCP? In...2022-12-1322 min
Fertility CafeEp. 73 | Baby Bonding After SurrogacyPregnancy is an important transitional time for a mother. Not only are these 9 months when her baby is developing, but also when the mother is coming to terms with the fact that she will be a mother soon... except in the case of IPs and surrogates. In this episode, we looked at how surrogacy affects an IM's ability to bond with her baby as well as things the IM and surrogate can do – either together or separately – to help the IM feel more like a mother to the baby the surrogate is carrying. Host Bio I’m Eloise Dran...2022-12-0611 min
Fertility CafeEp. 72 | Egg Donor Advocacy GroupsWe are all very "pro family" around here, no matter what your family looks like. But we also feel it's important to advocate for the egg donors and surrogates who are helping families become whole. In this episode, we talked to Liz Scheier, a member of the leadership team at the We Are Egg Donors advocacy group on issues she has seen be most prevalent in the egg donor community and how she hopes the fertility industry will evolve. Guest Bio Liz Scheier Liz Scheier is a 3x egg donor and sits on the leadership...2022-11-2932 min
Fertility CafeEp. 71 | International SurrogacyIn Surrogacy Roadmap, we don't recommend going the international route. Here's why! In this episode, we talked about all the reasons why international surrogacy can get IPs into trouble and the few benefits that don't make the hassle worth it. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States. While I started Family Inceptions back in 2008, my love for giving people the gift of life...2022-11-2214 min
Fertility CafeEp. 70 | First-Hand Stories from an Egg DonorWhat is it really like for egg donors? What are their motivations for donating? What is their experience? How do they feel about known versus anonymous donations? We talked to one egg donor about her take on these questions. Guest Bio Rai Hyde Rai is a 6-time egg donor. Despite struggling with long-term health complications due to her donations, she is proud to be an egg donor and looks back on the process and the families she contributed to fondly. She is eager to help other donors or potential donors make the right decisions for...2022-11-1543 min
Fertility CafeEp. 69 | Facing Your Child’s Health Issues After Egg DonationWhat happens years after a child has been born from an egg donation process? In this episode, we answer this question along with others like what happens if the child has health issues and the IPs opted for an anonymous donation? What do IPs need to consider early in their IVF journey that may affect their child's health 10, 20, and more years down the road? Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States...2022-11-0813 min
Fertility CafeEp. 68 | Dark Side of Surrogacy & Egg DonationWe would like to think of the fertility journey as all happiness, love, and bringing beautiful new life into this world. But the fact is that there is a dark side of legal issues, persistent medical effects, and emotional distress that many donors and surrogates don't know about before agreeing to donate or carry for IPs. In this episode, we talked to Diane Tober, Medical Anthropologist and Researcher at UCSF about her research and what issues she has seen as most prevalent within the dark side of the industry. Guest Bio Dr. Diane Tober Dr...2022-11-0146 min
Fertility CafeEp. 67 | 10 Ways to Cut Surrogacy CostsWe've done a lot of episodes on financing, insurance, etc., but not so much on the budgeting/cost-cutting side. This episode takes us through the Surrogacy Roadmap and explains the areas where you don't want to skimp (i.e., No DIY GSAs off of the internet!) and where you can realistically cut costs. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States. While I started Fa...2022-10-2514 min
Fertility CafeEp. 66 | Is There Such Thing as Anonymity Any LongerWith the emergence of the Donor Sibling Registry, 23&Me, and Ancestry.com, it's nearly impossible to be an "anonymous" donor for long nowadays. Now, federal legislators are considering requiring background checks for both egg and sperm donors, which would completely eliminate any anonymity outside of an agency arrangement. In this episode, we'll talk about whether or not it is still possible to be anonymous and, if not, what damage (if any) that can do to the third-party reproduction industry and participants. Guest Bio Wendy Kramer Wendy is the Co-Founder and Director of the Donor Sibling...2022-10-1833 min
Fertility CafeEp. 65 | Postpartum After SurrogacyPostpartum depression is, unfortunately, quite common in women. However, the way society, mental health professionals, and medical professionals react to postpartum depression is vastly different for surrogates than mothers who birth their own children. In this episode, we normalize postpartum depression, talk about the unique challenges surrogates face with the condition, and offer ideas and resources to help surrogates through this tough chapter. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the...2022-10-1116 min
Fertility CafeEp. 64 | Terminating a PregnancyWe often think of terminating a pregnancy as an issue parents have to face. But in the world of third-party reproduction, we also have to consider the impact on the surrogate. In this episode, we answer questions like, what happens if the IPs and surrogate disagree? What factors are most important and should be triaged accordingly? And, how can IPs and surrogates move forward to try again after terminating a pregnancy? Guest Bio Julie Bindeman Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in...2022-10-0446 min
Fertility CafeEp. 63 | Meeting My Egg Donor BabyAs a six-time donor and three-time surrogate, I've helped many families become whole. But only once have I had the opportunity to meet one of the children born from my multiple egg donation cycles. In this episode, I share what the experience of meeting my egg donation baby was like, what she has shared with me about how she feels about being born of assisted reproduction, and what donors need to think about long-term before making the decision to donate. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation a...2022-09-2720 min
Fertility CafeEp. 62 | The Overturning of Roe v Wade Impact On the Fertility IndustryHow does Roe v Wade affect the Fertility industry? How does it impact egg donation and freezing eggs? How does it affect freezing embryos? There is so much more detail that seems to have been missed when making the decision to overturn Roe v Wade. In this episode of Fertility Cafe, we cover these questions and more about how Roe v Wade affects the different situations that people face when choosing to explore their fertility option. Learn about how it affects surrogates who end up with a multiples pregnancy and are asked or desire to reduce their pregnancies, individuals...2022-09-2020 min
Fertility CafeEp. 61 | Welcome to Season 4: Egg Donors, Surrogates & IP RelationshipsAs the first episode of the season, we dive into a high-level discussion of this season's theme, including: In the episode, host Eloise Drane discusses the emotional burden, physical ramifications, and an overview of the commonly overlooked issues donors and surrogates need to be aware of. Host Bio I’m Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the state of Georgia and the first Black-owned surrogacy and egg donation agency in the United States. While I...2022-09-1303 min
Wholesome Fertility PodcastEP 185 Can You Work With a Surrogate Without Going Through An Agency? | Eloise DraneAfter completing her MBA, Eloise Drane founded Family Inceptions, a full-service surrogacy and egg donation agency. Eloise is also the host of Fertility Cafe' - an educational podcast on modern family building, and is the creator of a digital courses on independent surrogacy - Surrogacy Roadmap. She knows that compassion and grace are necessary ingredients for the delicate journey that egg donation and gestational surrogacy can be for all parties. And understands the importance of empowerment and encouragement within the family creation process. Eloise’s passion and unparalleled empathy blossomed from her own experience as an...2022-06-0733 min
Friends With FertilityBreaking Down Barriers to Surrogacy with Eloise DraneIn this week’s episode, we are joined by Eloise Drane, Founder of Family Inceptions, a full-service, family building agency, and creator of the Surrogacy Roadmap, a resource that offers easy-to-understand steps and frameworks to complete a successful surrogacy journey without the use of an agency. When Eloise was 23 years old, she made a big decision - she donated a kidney to her cousin. Although many thought she was too young to make that decision, Eloise was certain that her purpose was to serve others. When she learned about egg donation, she felt it was a n...2022-03-3132 min
Fertility CafeEp. 60 | Carrot Fertility: Employer Provider Benefits with Brooke Bartholomay QuinnEp. 60 | Carrot Fertility: Employer Provider Benefits with Brooke Bartholomay Quinn Episode Summary In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise gets to talk with Brooke Quinn of Carrot Fertility about the inclusion of employee benefits that offer fertility care and family building support such as adoption and surrogacy. It's important for both employers and employees to understand the advantages and costs of including fertility care and benefits packages. We want to encourage employees to ask about their fertility care eligibility and want to encourage employers to include this need...2022-01-2830 min
Fertility CafeEp. 59 | Advocacy Groups: Highlighting Important OrganizationsEp. 59 | Advocacy Groups: Highlighting Important Organizations There are so many charitable organizations out there, it can be hard to know which ones to turn to in times of need, or in times of abundance when you are looking to share your generosity. On today’s episode, Eloise highlights 12 non-profit organizations that are changing lives in the infertility, reproductive health, and trying-to-conceive community. From large-scale national organizations to more localized support groups and specialized advocacy groups, Eloise has firsthand knowledge and experience working with founders, members, beneficiaries, and oth...2022-01-2131 min
Fertility CafeEp. 58 | Embryo Donation – From the Donor Perspective with Anna Flores LockeEpisode Summary On this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise gets to talk to Anna Flores Locke about her experience with embryo donation and her journey of infertility as a Latina woman. Anna struggled for years with infertility in isolation and heartbreak, not knowing where to turn. Since her experience, thankfully, many changes have been made to provide women with counseling and support to assist them in the process of fertility treatment and embryo donation in particular. We hope this conversation provides education, emotional support, and a sense of...2022-01-1450 min
Fertility CafeEp. 57 | Unique Populations of Intended Parents: Single, LGBTQIA+, over 50, HIV+ ParentsEp. 57| Unique Populations of Intended Parents Families come in all shapes and sizes these days. The notion of a “traditional” family makeup with a mom, dad, and 2.2 children is becoming the exception rather than the rule. In today’s episode, host Eloise Drane takes a look at what it takes to navigate fertility when you don’t quite fit the mold of what society thinks a traditional family should look like. How can third-party reproduction help single intended parents? LGBTQ+ intended parents? Intended parents who are of an advanc...2022-01-0741 min
Fertility CafeEp. 54 | Disparities in Fertility Care for Minority Populations with Dr. Tia Jackson-BeyEp. 54 | Disparities in Fertility Care for Minority Populations with Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey Episode Summary In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise gets to talk with Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey to discuss disparities in fertility care in minority populations. There are particular barriers to caring for and noticeably poor treatment outcomes for black and brown women. We're highlighting health disparities that prevent family building through fertility, diagnostics, gynecological surgery, fertility preservation, egg, sperm, and embryo freezing, and infertility treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitr...2021-12-1737 min
Fertility CafeEp. 53 | Aftermath of Infertility (PTSD)Ep. 53 | Aftermath of Infertility (PTSD) Episode Summary In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise focuses on infertility, pregnancy loss, and mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and postpartum depression. If you feel that any of these topics would contribute to negative feelings or upset, go ahead and skip this one. I know it’s a heavy topic right around the holidays, but I also feel strongly that through education and open discussion about these difficult topics, we can help provide comfort and support to those who need it.2021-12-1042 min
Fertility CafeEp. 52 | Fertility Journeys for Women with Demanding Careers with Dr Hala SabryEp. 52 | Fertility Journeys for Women with Demanding Careers with Dr. Hala Sabry Episode Summary In this episode of Fertility Café, we get to talk about a topic with a very special guest: fertility journeys for women with demanding careers. Every fertility journey is a process of getting to know ourselves. A process where new fears, doubts, and unknowns pop up that we didn't know we had until now. The stress of wanting to grow a family while maintaining a career can add to the difficulty. That desire to build our family is t...2021-12-0358 min
I Want to Put a Baby in You!Episode 129: Family Inceptions – Eloise DraneAfter completing her MBA, Eloise Drane founded Family Inceptions, a full-service surrogacy and egg donation agency. Eloise also hosts Fertility Café, an educational podcast on modern family building, and is the creator of digital courses on independent surrogacy, Surrogacy Roadmap.
Eloise knows that compassion and grace are necessary ingredients for the delicate journey that egg donation and gestational surrogacy can be for all parties. She understands the importance of empowerment and encouragement within the family creation process.
Eloise’s passion and unparalleled empathy blossomed from her own experience as an egg donor six times and a gestational surrogate three times.
Whe...2021-12-0151 min
Fertility CafeEp. 50 | Fertility Insurance with Jason SmithEp. 50 | Fertility Insurance with Jason Smith Episode Summary In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise gets to talk with Jason Smith, the Founder and President of International Fertility Insurance. He and his team now provide hopeful parents, as well as agencies, with the solutions required—with unparalleled service. We dive into what surrogates and intended parents should look out for with insurance plans, and how to ensure adequate coverage throughout the entire pregnancy. Jason Smith is the Founder and President of International Fertility Insur...2021-11-1954 min
Fertility CafeEp. 49 | Social SurrogacyEp. 49 | Social Surrogacy Episode Summary Today we're going to dive into the nitty-gritty of the topic: what is social surrogacy? Who could this be right for? If anyone. And what are the real ethical concerns about the topic? On this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise talks about a subject that she’s never really spoken about, social surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy is an amazing opportunity for intended parents who are otherwise unable to have a baby of their own. It's a form...2021-11-1232 min
Fertility CafeEp. 48 | Kellee Stewart on Fertility Awareness & Egg AdvocacyEp. 48 | Kellee Stewart Episode Summary In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise gets to talk with Kellee Stewart about proactive fertility, egg freezing, and the importance of checking your fertility status. Kellee will also be discussing the unknowns and the remaining challenges to a fully claimed proactive family-building experience. With the advent of egg freezing and more widely available modern fertility testing, women may now take a more proactive approach to their fertility. Kellee Stewart is a w...2021-11-0550 min
Fertility CafeEp. 47 | Paying for Fertility CareEp. 47 | Paying for Fertility Care Episode Summary Join host Eloise Drane for an honest look at the financial side of fertility. It’s not always easy having a baby. Millions of people struggle with their fertility for a variety of reasons, and while technology and medicine have advanced to make parenthood possible for nearly anyone, it still remains inaccessible to a lot of intended parents because of the cost. Fertility care and third-party reproduction can be very costly, but there are ways to make it more affordable. Eloise will shed some light on imp...2021-10-2936 min
Fertility CafeEp. 46 | Military Family Building with Ellen Gustafson & Katy HendricksonEp. 46 | Military Family Building with Ellen Gustafson & Katy Bell Hendrickson Episode Summary Today on the Fertility Café podcast, Eloise gets to talk with Ellen Gustafson & Katy Bell Hendrickson about fertility for military families. They share their journey that led them to be activists for change to help military service members and their spouse receive the fertility services they need. Ellen Gustafson is a social entrepreneur, author, activist, and, most importantly, Mom and Military Spouse. She is the Co-Founder of FEED and the FEED Fou...2021-10-2259 min
Fertility CafeEp. 45 | When Third-Party Goes WrongEp. 45 | When Third Party Reproduction Goes Wrong In today’s episode, host Eloise Drane tells several tales of third-party reproduction gone wrong. With over two decades of experience in the infertility industry, Eloise often feels like she’s seen it all! And yet, every once in awhile stories come across her news feed that have the power to surprise her. Eloise looks at a variety of situations, from clinic equipment malfunctions to questionable actions on the part of doctors and surrogates. She examines what went wrong in each si...2021-10-1534 min
Fertility CafeEp. 44 | Mental Health & Family Building with Lori Metz, LCSWEpisode Summary On this episode of Fertility Cafe, Eloise gets to talk to Lori Metz who is a licensed Clinical Social Work/Therapist and certified case manager. She works with individuals, couples, and families and specializes in relationships and fertility. She is the creator of I Dreamed of You: The Story of an Egg Donor Baby a children's book about egg donation written for a young audience to introduce the essential conversation of honest and honored origins and has her own podcast, LOVE: , ℎ, , s. Lori is also the originator of the “Ask Ini...2021-10-0839 min
Fertility CafeEp. 43 | Body Autonomy For Surrogates and Egg DonorsEpisode Summary On this episode of Fertility Cafe, Eloise dives into the topic of bodily autonomy in surrogacy and egg donation arrangements. Much of the opposition to surrogacy as a practice stems from a misunderstanding of what it means to be a surrogate today in America. Modern gestational surrogacy involves a mutually agreed-upon relationship with clear boundaries and complete respect and autonomy given to the surrogate mother. Eloise explores the nuances of bodily autonomy and offers her wisdom on how to navigate a potentially complicated but ultimately rewarding experience. This episode c...2021-10-0134 min
Fertility CafeEp. 42 | State Advocacy with Mollie Walker & Chelsea CaldwellEpisode Summary Fertility care is ever-involving. For many, medical treatments are not covered by their insurance. Coverage for infertility and fertility preservation can currently be disallowed by insurance companies. Many insurance companies have fertility coverage classified as cosmetic or elective. On this episode of Fertility Cafe, Eloise gets to talk to Mollie Walker and Chelsea Caldwell. Two ladies who took up the fertility-care torch as advocates to help change the fertility landscape. This episode, Eloise and the guests talk abo...2021-09-2445 min
Fertility CafeEp. 41 | Third-Party Reproductive DemandEpisode Summary On this episode of Fertility Cafe, Eloise dives into the complicated question: what’s happening with supply and demand in the world of third-party reproduction? COVID-19 has certainly had a drastic effect on the availability of surrogates, egg donors, and sperm donors, yet at the same time, the demand for these crucial pieces to the third-party reproduction puzzle has only increased. Can it all be blamed on the pandemic, or is something else going on here? Eloise explores several angles of this dilemma, including: 2021-09-1730 min
Fertility CafeEp. 40 | Medical Side of 3rd Party ReproductionDr. Lori Marshall is the medical director and a founding partner of Pacific Northwest Fertility in Seattle as well as Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at University of Washington School of Medicine. She serves as the director of the Pacific NW Fertility Center for Collaborative Reproduction, overseeing its donor egg bank, and donor egg, gestational carrier, and donor embryo programs.2021-06-1846 min
Fertility CafeEp. 39 | Agency Owners RoundtableFollowing her own very personal experience as a parent through gestational surrogacy in 1990, Darlene first served as a contract coordinator in a reproductive law firm. She learned about the legal aspects of egg donation and surrogacy while coordinating documentation for intended parents, donors, and surrogates during the legal contract stages. Darlene started to successfully connect high-profile clients with egg donors and surrogates in 1998—and did so with absolute confidentiality. In 2000, Darlene left the law office to become the founder and CEO of A Perfect Match, Inc. (APM.) Amy Stewart Kaplan, President/Founder of West Coast Su...2021-06-1137 min
Fertility CafeEp. 38 | Legal Aspects of SurrogacyRichard Vaughn is a parent via surrogacy and egg donation and is the founding principal of International Fertility Law Group, a law practice focused exclusively on assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Links for more resources Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be honored if you took the time to rate and review our podcast! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to your feed!2021-06-0437 min
Fertility CafeEp. 37 | Husband’s Are You PreparedThis episode is about surrogate partner involvement. The husband, wife, or committed boyfriend or girlfriend of a would-be surrogate has an important role to play which cannot be overlooked. In this episode, we talk all about how surrogacy is a shared experience and what partners should expect when the lady in their life becomes a gestational surrogate. We Discuss Topics Such As: Despite this episode being all about partners, you do not need to be married or in a committed relationship to become a surrogate. Many s...2021-05-2839 min
Fertility CafeEp. 36 | Embryo DonationToday I have the pleasure of speaking with….Maya Grogel, Jennifer Vesbit and Gina Davis of Empower Donation. These are three women united, on a mission to normalize embryo donation as a family building option. Together they have founded Empower Donation, an education company dedicated to increasing awareness, empowering choice and fostering understanding for everyone involved in embryo donation. Links for more resources Documentary: One More Shot Support and Education Ra...2021-05-211h 03
Fertility CafeEp. 35 | Infertility EpidemicMore and more Americans seem to be struggling with infertility these days. Is this a matter of increased awareness? Certainly, more people are talking openly about their struggles than ever before. But can the numbers really be chalked up to less stigma around the conversation of infertility. On this week’s episode, host Eloise Drane dives into what the science says about the increase in fertility issues in the United States. Studies point to an alarming decline in the average male’s sperm count and quality. More women are struggling with PCOS, fibroids, and undefined infe...2021-05-1437 min
Fertility CafeEp. 34 | Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & FertilityOur guest today is Chiquita Lockley, Executive Producer and Director of Eggs Over Easy. Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility is a documentary film about black women fertility, family building choices, and maternity care. Links for more resources Blog: Why Many Black Women are Silent About Their Struggle with Infertility2021-05-0753 min
Fertility CafeEp. 33 | Choosing a Fertility ClinicIn today’s episode, host Eloise Drane gives her insight into the ins and outs of choosing an IVF clinic. With over two decades of experience in the infertility industry, Eloise has seen it all! From state-of-the-art clinics to single practitioners who offer highly personalized service, she’ll discuss what to look for, what to avoid, and how to evaluate success rates when shopping for a fertility clinic. Eloise covers questions and topics such as: Links for more resources 2021-04-3034 min
Fertility CafeEp. 32 | PCOSSasha Ottey is Founder and Executive Director of PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. Serving 55,000 members, PCOS Challenge is the leading patient support and advocacy organization for people with PCOS. Sasha started PCOS Challenge after she was diagnosed with PCOS and experienced great dissatisfaction with the availability of support resources for women with the condition. Links for more resources Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be honored if you took the time to rate and review our podcast! And of c...2021-04-2343 min
Fertility CafeEp. 31 | What I Wish I Knew As A SurrogateEverything you never knew you needed to know about surrogacy! On this week’s episode, we’re spilling the tea on all the strange facts, surprising details, and interesting tidbits about surrogacy. We asked our surrogates, past and present, our staff, and our buddies in the field to share what they wish they knew before beginning a surrogacy journey. From what not to do during the application process (hint: don’t assume a particular answer will disqualify you!) to the surprisingly common “crying husband” phenomenon on delivery day...it’s all on the table! We...2021-04-1631 min
Fertility CafeEp. 30 | Donor Conceived ChildrenErin is a freelance writer and a donor conceived rights advocate. At age 35, she found out from her parents that she was conceived using donated sperm. It was all a shocking experience and it inspired her to create the community and resource “We Are Donor Conceived”. Erin wanted other donor-conceived people to benefit from the resources she had amassed in her own search. Links for more resources Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be honored if you took the time to rate and r...2021-04-0941 min
Fertility CafeEp. 29 | Surrogacy for Gay MenOn today’s episode of Fertility Cafe, we explore everything you need to know about surrogacy for gay parents. With advancements in assisted reproductive technology and expanded access to family-building resources for the LGBTQ community, it’s fully possible for gay men to have their own biological children. More gay men are turning to parenthood via surrogacy than ever before. Host Eloise Drane dives into how surrogacy works for gay men and what they can expect from the process. We cover the entire process, taking you from the very basics of baby-making in the not-so-traditional way...2021-04-0234 min
Fertility CafeEp. 28 | If These Ovaries Could TalkOn this episode we have two lesbians chatting about non-traditional families. Jaimie Kelton and Robin Hopkins, the creators and hosts of the popular podcast If These Ovaries Could Talk, realized the world needed to know there was more than one way to make an LGBTQ family. Links for more resources Rate, Review, and Subscribe! We would be honored if you took the time to rate and review our podcast! And of course, don’t forget to hit that Subscribe button to have new episodes delivered straight to...2021-03-261h 06
Fertility CafeEp. 27 | Military Wives and SurrogacyOn today’s episode of Fertility Cafe, we talk about one special group of women who just so happen to make up a large share of surrogate mothers in the United States: military wives. What makes these women so uniquely suited to serve as surrogates? Is there something in particular that motivates or inspires them to answer the call? Surrogacy has long been a hot topic in military circles, and for good reason: military wives happen to make up a significant portion of all surrogates in the United States. With statistics showing that military wives ac...2021-03-1936 min
Fertility CafeEp. 26 | Sisters in LossErica McAfee is the Founder and CEO of Sisters in Loss, a maternal child health company that helps Black women replace silence with storytelling around pregnancy and infant loss and infertility. She is also a Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula, Doula Trainer and Mentor, and Mom to 2 babies in heaven and one rainbow baby Maxwell also known as Super Mighty Max. Sisters in Loss provides pregnancy, birth, postpartum, bereavement, and grief services to help women step beyond anxiety and fear and into trust and peace after loss. It's self-titled podcast spotlights resilient Black mothers who share in...2021-03-1246 min
Fertility CafeEp. 25 | Fresh Egg Donor CyclesOn today’s episode, we’re going to talk about what happens after an Intended Parent has finally found his or her ideal egg donor. Host Eloise Drane tells it like it is, setting realistic expectations, in hopes of warding off disappointment and frustration during the egg donor process. The decisions, first to work with an egg donor and then who your donor will be, are huge and can be emotionally fraught. It can help to have a complete overview of the process, from start to finish, including all the potential delays and obstacles. 2021-03-0534 min
Fertility CafeEp. 24 | Women of Color and InfertilityBlack and brown women experience infertility at almost 2x the rate of our counterparts and yet are least likely to seek treatment. In addition, many conditions that directly impact fertility, such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, and others disproportionately affect black women as well. On today’s episode, Rev. Stacey Edwards-Dunn Founder of Fertility for Colored Girls shares her own infertility journey, her organization, the cultural norm of silence shrouding fertility and family building topics, and what institutions of faith can do better for those who are struggling to conceive. Links for mo...2021-02-2652 min
Fertility CafeEp. 23 | Sensational SurrogacyOn today’s episode, we’re going to look into some of the most sensationalized surrogacy cases that have hit the headlines. While a lot of these stories have the appeal of a juicy tabloid exposé, they’re worth examining as cautionary tales and as a way to understand why so many are vocally opposed to the practice. Surrogacy gives intended parents hope where they were lacking it before—everyone deserves to experience parenthood if they so desire, and without alternatives to traditional family building, that wouldn’t be possible. And so, it’s up to people lik...2021-02-1936 min
Fertility CafeEp. 22 | Independent Surrogacy with Candace WohlIn this episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drane talks with Candace Wohl about safe independent surrogacy. Candace Wohl, writer, public speaker, and over-sharer of all things infertility is now a mother through surrogacy after over a decade long struggle. Candace and her husband Chris decided that in order to overcome adversity, they must stare it directly in the face with humor and positivity through their award-winning blog, “Our Misconception” which started in 2012. The couple was also featured on MTV’s True Life, “I’m Desperate to Have a Baby,” a documentary on couples who struggle with infertility, and MTV’s Check...2021-02-1253 min
Fertility CafeCovid and Surrogacy in 2021: Updates From the Field of SurrogacyThe truth is, none of us can predict the future. We just have to make the best decision for ourselves with the information we have at the time. Is your best decision to move forward with the process as wisely as possible, or is it to hit pause until you’ve been vaccinated or the US has reached herd immunity? That answer is one only you can make.2021-02-1235 min
Fertility CafeEp. 21 | Covid and Surrogacy in 2021In the season two opening episode of Fertility Cafe, host Eloise Drane is talking about how COVID-19 affected surrogacy. In this episode, she talks about the struggles that both surrogates and their intended parents faced during the early to middle stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Links for more resources 2021-02-0535 min
Fertility CafeEp. 20 | Surrogacy and Psych ScreeningIn Fertility Cafe episode #20, Host, Eloise Drane and Dr. Bethea-Walsh talk about the psychological evaluations and mental health consultations which kick off a surrogacy journey. Both intended parents and surrogate candidates often feel nervous about the prospect of speaking with a mental health professional but as Eloise and Dr. Bethea-Walsh discuss, there is nothing to be nervous about. Your mental health professional is not looking for perfection. They simply want to make certain that both the surrogate candidate and the intended parents understand the undertaking and are ready for the realities of the journey. 2020-10-0942 min
Fertility CafeEp. 19 | Comparing Adoption and SurrogacyThe most common questions that a potential intended parent asks often is what’s the difference between: Adoption and Surrogacy? A common misconception is that adoption and surrogacy are the same thing, which I can tell you: they are not! Today, I’d like to share my thoughts about each path, and what you’ll want to consider, plan for, and think through before navigating each one. In no way is this podcast all-inclusive, covering every single aspect of both surrogacy and adoption. Instead it's a starting point to help with your decision-making process, and a thou...2020-10-0333 min
Fertility CafeEp. 18 | Independent Surrogacy: Learn How Surrogacy Without An Agency IS PossibleAfter being in the industry for now 20 years, I’ve become increasingly troubled by the realization that a huge percentage of people can’t fulfill their dreams of parenthood because of the staggering costs. IVF is expensive. Surrogacy is expensive. And these costs keep too many people from pursuing their dreams of becoming parents. So yes, I am an agency owner, but I know that agency costs can be prohibitive. Because of this, I’m on a mission to make it known that you CAN do surrogacy without an agency. It IS possible to have a succe...2020-09-2535 min
Fertility CafeEp. 17 Part 2 | Broken Brown Egg at the Fertility Cafe: Personal Stories of Infertility in the African-American Community Join us for Part 2 of Regina Townsend - founder of The Broken Brown Egg - and Eloise's very honest and important conversation about Black women's reproductive health and fertility. Black women experience infertility at almost 2x the rate of our counterparts and yet we are least likely to seek treatment. In addition, many conditions that directly impact fertility, such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, and others disproportionately affect black women as well. The harmful stereotypical belief that black women are somehow more fertile, or that we don’t participate in foster care, adoption, or fertility treatments is...2020-09-1846 min
Fertility CafeEp. 17 Part 1 | Broken Brown Egg at the Fertility Cafe: Personal Stories of Infertility in the African-American CommunityBlack women experience infertility at almost 2x the rate of our counterparts and yet we are least likely to seek treatment. In addition, many conditions that directly impact fertility, such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, and others disproportionately affect black women as well. The harmful stereotypical belief that black women are somehow more fertile, or that we don’t participate in foster care, adoption, or fertility treatments is yet another factor. Newsflash: We aren’t, and we do. Together, Regina Townsend - founder of The Broken Brown Egg - and Eloise are partnering to encourage other Blac...2020-09-1244 min
Fertility CafeEp. 16 | Gaining Fertility Benefits and Insurance with Advocate Davina FankhauserThere are many costs associated with fertility treatment, pregnancy and eventually, the delivery of one (or more) children in the case of multiples. Whether it’s the in vitro process, your gestational surrogate’s care, or unexpected NICU costs, considering insurance coverage, what you have, what your surrogate has, and what you may need is highly recommended With only thirteen states requiring insurance companies to cover infertility treatment, securing fertility benefits through your health insurance company is a hot topic. So where do you start in advocating for fertility benefits and coverage for infertility treatments? And...2020-09-0859 min
Fertility CafeEp. 15| Becoming an Egg Donor: Do You REALLY Understand the Donation Process?Are you being called to be an egg donor? Then this episode is for you - the potential egg donor - and we'll be answering all of your lingering questions about the egg donation process. This episode will inspire you and inform you so that you can move through this journey with confidence and make your egg donation journey a fulfilling one. Listen in as Eloise addresses some of the more commonly asked questions potential egg donors have and some of the less obvious ones which are equally as important, such as: 2020-08-2830 min
Fertility CafeEp. 14 | You CAN Do This! A 5-Time Gestational Surrogate Tells Her StoryYou've been thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate for a while now. For months, maybe even years, you've thought about what it would be like to give someone the precious gift of motherhood or fatherhood. It's been weighing on your heart. So what's stopping you from pursing your calling? In this week's episode, Eloise talks with 5-time surrogate Rebekah Hills about the highs and not-so-highs of surrogacy. Learn why the Dr.'s have dubbed her uterus "golden" and what she looks for in the IPs she matches with. This episode is a must-listen for any woman thinking about being...2020-08-2133 min
Fertility CafeEp. 13 | Becoming a Surrogate: Do You REALLY Understand the Surrogacy Process?In this episode of Fertility Cafe, we're going to focus on the more complicated and emotionally charged surrogacy topics specifically relevant to your journey to become a surrogate: why your BMI is so important; the psychological evaluation and the role of mood stabilizing drugs; receipt of government assistance as a disqualifier; and even the topic of termination and selective reduction. Buckle up ladies - Eloise doesn't sugar coat the truth, and this is going to be a bumpy ride! Let’s Stay in Touch 2020-08-1434 min
Fertility CafeEp. 12 | A Spouse’s Perspective on His Wife Becoming a SurrogateYou want to become a surrogate, but you're wondering how to make sure your partner or spouse is on board with your decision? One of the most important aspects of a successful surrogacy journey is a strong support system. Your partner or spouse is obviously a HUGE part of that support. Eloise's husband Anthony joins her in The Fertility Cafe to have an open, honest, and REAL discussion about a spouse's reaction to his wife becoming a surrogate. Grab your partner and listen together - you may be surprised at what you learn! In this...2020-08-0718 min
Fertility CafeEp. 11 | Surrogacy Laws: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your JourneyIf you’re thinking about being a surrogate or becoming a parent via surrogacy, this episode is a must-listen! When it comes to the legalities of parenthood using a surrogate, you do NOT want to cut any corners. Surrogacy law is at once complex, fascinating and often inconsistent depending on what country, state, or even county you live in. Here’s the good news, though: gestational surrogacy has become a common practice in many countries, and there ARE legal regulations in many places that make sense and protect all parties involved. There are also many people who have gone befo...2020-07-3136 min
Fertility CafeEp. 10 | How to Find Your Best Egg DonorEgg donation is not a new technique. The success rate for pregnancies from donor eggs has increased dramatically over the years, with 55% of all embryo transfers using donor eggs results in a successful pregnancy. But how do you go about choosing an egg donor? In this episode, we'll cover the qualities you should look for when searching for a donor, pros and cons to the various methods of finding a donor, and even the most common fears we hear from intended parents as they weigh their decisions. In this episode: 2020-07-2533 min
Fertility CafeEp. 09 | Make Me a Match: How to Find the Right Woman to Be Your SurrogateHow do you find the right woman to be your surrogate? This is one of the most important decisions you will make, and there are many factors to consider when finding the right match for your journey to parenthood. When it comes to finding your surrogate, you’re looking for someone you’ll be spending a decent amount of time with. You have to be aligned in your expectations. You'll want to find a woman who is stable, healthy, trustworthy, and open-minded. In this episode of Fertility Cafe, Eloise will go into the detail of finding your match, the ques...2020-07-1637 min
Fertility CafeEp. 08 | Six-Time Egg Donor and Three-Time Surrogate Eloise Drane Shares Her StoryWhat inspires a woman to donate her eggs six times and serve as a gestational surrogate three times? In this episode of Fertility Café, host Eloise Drane shares her own donation and surrogacy story. Listen as she details every step of the journey, from her first donation (though not her eggs!) to actualizing her dream of starting the first surrogacy and egg donation agency in the South. Honest, real, and raw – it’s the inside story you’ve been wanting to hear. Let’s Stay in Touch 2020-07-1049 min
Fertility CafeEp. 07 | Dr. Camille Hammond on Overcoming Infertility and Providing Hope Through Fertility GrantsIt’s 2020, and there are still stigmas about infertility. Seriously?! In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise talks with Dr. Camille Hammond – a physician, author, keynote speaker, CEO of the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation, and infertile woman turned infertility advocate. In 2004, Dr. Hammond’s own mother, who was 55 years old at the time, served as a gestational carrier for Camille and her husband, Jason, carrying and giving birth to three healthy babies. Listen as Camille discussed her own journey with infertility, and how the strength and perseverance she developed to overcome the diagnosis turned her into a powerful advocate and voi...2020-05-1239 min
Roman Prokopchuk's Digital Savage ExperienceEp #161 Empowering and Navigating The Family Creation Journey Interview With Eloise Drane Founder of Surrogacy RoadmapI got to interview Eloise Drane.
Eloise is the founder of Surrogacy Roadmap, a DIY online course for surrogacy and Family Inceptions, an agency that works together with prospective parents, egg donors, and surrogates to help build families of choice.
She knows that compassion and grace are necessary ingredients for the delicate journey that egg donation and gestational surrogacy can be for all parties.
Eloise’s passion and unparalleled empathy blossomed from her own experience as an egg donor six times and a surrogate three times.
As a previous leader of several infe...2020-04-1016 min
Fertility CafeEp. 06 | Family Building Financials – Talking Escrow and Taxes with Sonia Stewart, CPAWe can all admit that modern family building isn’t cheap. But the good news is you don’t need to navigate the financial aspect of your journey alone. In this episode of Fertility Café, Eloise talks with CPA Sonia Stewart, owner of Ally Escrow Management and third-party reproduction financial expert. Sonia will answer the biggest money questions that come up: How can I pay for my journey? Are surrogacy and egg or embryo donation expenses tax deductible? How do I manage the payment schedules and reimbursements that are due to the egg donor or gestational carrier? Is the GC's...2020-03-1933 min
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility StoriesEP52 - Eloise Drane on Egg Donation, Birthing 8 Babies, and Family Inceptions Surrogacy AgencyThere are so many paths to motherhood and for many women diagnosed infertile Gestational Surrogacy is their chosen path. For the month of July we are featuring Surrogacy stories and journey's on the podcast. In today's episode we have Eloise Drane owner and CEO of Family Inceptions on of the first Black Owned Surrogacy Agencies in the United States. Eloise is a married mother of 5, she has donated her eggs 6 times and was a gestational surrogate for 4 babies. Yes, you heard that right she was pregnant 8 times and once with twins as a gestational surrogate. She felt the c...2018-07-0435 min
Sarah's Laughter Infertility PodcastEpisode 15: Eloise DraneEloise Drane is the founder of Family Inceptions International, a faith-based egg donor & gestational surrogate agency. "God has put in my heart to serve people. If I can ease the pain of somebody else from a desire they have deep in their core, and God has told me to do that for them, who am I to say No?" -- For more about Sarah’s Laughter, please visit our website at sarahs-laughter.com. You can follow us on social media linked here: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Please sign up for our weekday devotionals/occasional newsletter here...2016-10-0354 min