Shows
My Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFNavigating the Ethics of International Surrogacy: Growing Families pioneering efforts for Reform and StandardisationEmbark on an enlightening journey with Sam, and his pursuit for ethical surrogacy standards and reform, as we scrutinize the complexities of international surrogacy. Through an in-depth conversation, we tackle the creation of the National Advisory Board and its Ethical Standards document, a beacon of hope aiming to secure the well-being of surrogates and intended parents alike. Our dialogue spans the necessity of clear guidelines, the importance of direct compensation for surrogates, and the critical role of psychological support, painting a vivid picture of the moral intricacies involved in the surrogacy process.This episode highlights the need f...2023-12-2021 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFThe Intimate Journey of Being a Compensated Surrogate: Morgan Louvier Shares her Personal Experiences and InsightsEver wondered what it's like to offer the gift of life? To embark on a journey that intertwines your life with the dreams of another family? That's what we're exploring today with our guest, Morgan Louvier, an American surrogate who has graciously shared her personal journey. From the reactions of her family to her decision to become a surrogate, to her experiences carrying for four unique families, Morgan unveils the raw reality of surrogacy in the USA. We navigate through the complexities of matching surrogates and intended parents, emphasising the paramount importance of communication and setting realistic expectations.2023-11-3024 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFNavigating Non-Traditional Family Structures: Remy's Journey Growing Up with Two Dads and His Unique Connection to his Surrogate and Donor.What does family mean to you? What if your family looked a little different from what's considered 'the norm'? Our guest today, Remy, provides a compelling insight into his unique family structure, born via surrogacy to two loving dads. Now a teenager, he shares his experiences growing up and connections with his surrogate mother in the USA and his egg donor in France. We journey with Remy from his birth in the USA to his life in Australia, exploring a variety of topics along the way. We tackle the tricky question of surrogate compensation and the importance o...2023-11-0212 min
My Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFDonor Conceived Children. How to tell them? Mum and author, Natalie Hart, shares her story and tips from her expanding book range.When faced with early menopause at 41, Natalie Hart was determined to become a mother. Guided by this resolute desire, she embarked on a journey through donor IVF. Our conversation with Natalie unravels her experiences, shedding light on the fears that some hold surrounding bonding and identity, and the societal pressures complicating the disclosure of donor conception. Natalie’s story, however, paints a picture of the power of early and honest communication, advocating for these discussions to begin when a child is about three to four years old.But Natalie’s journey didn’t stop at motherhood. She took h...2023-10-2318 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFMeghan Kolodka's Experience as a Surrogate Mother.Join us as we walk through the inspiring journey of Meghan Kolodka, a brave and compassionate woman who chose to become an altruistic surrogate mother. A friend's infertility struggle planted the seed of surrogacy, leading Meghan to embark on an extraordinary journey of carrying a baby that wasn't biologically hers. Meghan shares her husband's and Mother in Laws initial apprehension and how she saw being a surrogate a wonderful opportunity to teach her daughters and community about family creation. Megan's experiences are nothing short of awe-inspiring and heart-warming.Megan doesn't stop at just sharing her story; she d...2023-08-1722 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFExtraodinary Journeys to Parenthood from around the GlobeEver thought about the intricate ballet of bringing a baby into the world, when surrogacy and donor IVF are involved? Wondered about the heartfelt stories of parents-to-be who tread the path less taken, bracing through the highs and lows of assisted parenthood? Join us on this enlightening journey as we turn the pages of our book "Surrogacy Stories", which captures twenty extraordinary narratives from across the globe - from India to Ireland, Thailand to Canada.Listen to the poignant tale of Kate, who ran the race against time and money while attempting to use her own eggs...2023-08-1028 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFExploring the Changing Family Structures: A Gay Dad's Journey with Surrogacy, Sperm Donation, and Co-ParentingLet's embark on a riveting and inspiring journey with gay dad Rodney Chiang-Cruise. You will hear how he and his partner navigated the intricacies of creating their family, their heart-wrenching losses during their surrogacy process, and their generous decision to donate sperm to assist their friends in starting their own families. In the second half of our conversation, we tackle the broad spectrum of options and roles in sperm donation and co-parenting. Rodney provides us with a first-hand account of his experiences as a known sperm donor in Melbourne, and the unique family dynamics it creates. We d...2023-08-0324 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFA Deep Dive into Sourcing an Egg Donor with Sam Everingham.When you stop and think about it, sourcing an egg donor is a really big topic. In our latest episode Sam Everingham, a respected expert in surrogacy and donor IVF, helps to demystify the process for you. We discuss the significant role of eggs in fertility, and even touch upon the logistical and legal aspects of egg donation in different countries. We delve into various strategies of finding a donor, from tapping into your own networks to exploring your IVF clinic’s donor database.We unravel the financial aspect of egg donation, contemplating costs and their variances base...2023-07-2721 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFAn Intimate Look into Altruistic Surrogacy with the Amazing Mel SharmanWe're thrilled to share our conversation with Mel Sharman founder of Egg Donation Australia, a dedicated nurse, mother, and an awe-inspiring woman who has been on multiple surrogacy journeys. Mel takes us through her fascinating story that began with egg donation in 2008. You will hear the heart warming narrative of how she has helped bring 20 beautiful lives into the world through donations and surrogacy.Mel openly shares her journey's, shedding light on Australia's approach to surrogacy and donation. She outlines from practical tips for Intending Parents and the vital role of patience understanding, communication, and support in...2023-07-2030 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFExploring the Global Landscape of Surrogacy: Costs, Timelines and Support Systems with Sam EveringhamWe explore the topic of surrogacy in nations around the world with our expert guide Sam Everingham. Sam illuminates the potentially long wait times of altruistic programs in countries like Australia and Canada, and contrasts this with compensated surrogacy paths in nations like the USA and Argentina. We compare average timelines, costs and procedures around the world. Our journey doesn't end with surrogate matching; we also dive into the realm of donor eggs and sperm and steps Intending Parents can take to give their surrogate the best care and support. Finally, we offer a peek into the Gr...2023-07-1324 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFGeorgia's Changing Surrogacy Landscape: Insight from Lawyer Nino BogveradzeLegal expert Nino Bogveradze is a guiding light for numerous intending parents requiring assistance with surrogacy contracts and birth certificates. She unpacks the recent government announcement that has left the Georgian surrogacy community on shaky ground. What could this unexpected governmental pivot mean for intending parents already engaged in IVF and surrogacy services in Georgia?Allow Nino to guide you through the existing legal landscape, anticipated changes and their potential impact on surrogacy and IVF in Georgia. Amidst uncertainty and unanswered questions, Nino shares her insights and potential scenarios for prospective parents. Stay abreast with our ongoing...2023-07-0712 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFUnravelling Georgia's Surrogacy Ban: Implications, Risks, and Recommendations for Intended ParentsWe discuss the news of Georgia's impending surrogacy ban for foreign nationals, a situation that's causing great concern for many . Our episode brings invaluable insights from our Host Sam Everingham, Global Director of Growing Families and Poonam Jain, a migration agent. Both have a rich experience in international surrogacy, and front line experiences with similar legislative changes in India, Thailand and Nepal. Amid the uncertainty and ambiguity, we'll attempt to decode the potential implications of this closure and recommendations for Intending Parents.Based on what has unfolded in other country bans our essential message is: Don't panic. Th...2023-06-2816 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFAll Things IVF with Peter Illingworth - Medical Director IVF AustraliaAssociate Professor Peter Illingworth has in excess of 25 years' experience in assisted reproduction. We were delighted to have the opportunity to explore many topics with Peter including...Changing demographics of IVF Australia’s patientsRefinements to treatments coming onto the market.When it's time to give up on your own eggs and/or uterus and explore donation and surrogacy.Fulfilment as a mother using donor eggTesting available to check on quality of eggsHow natural natural therapies can be used to empower peopleEgg & sperm donation and wait timesRole of egg versus sperm post conceptionFuture of IVF and genetic testing IVF in Au...2023-06-0826 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFSupporting Fertility the Natural Way with Dr Miranda MylesMiranda Myles, is a Naturopath, Nutritionist & Acupuncturist focused on health, hormones, fertility & family. She understands the road to family via her own personal experience with overseas egg donation and shares her expertise and advice for women about fertility. Miranda is a passionate advocate for women's reproductive health and recommends that women not turn to IVF too quickly. We explore many topics including...Miranda's journey to IVF and egg donationAverage age of clientsWhen you just want to be a Mum but cannot get pregnant When to give up on own eggs and consider donation Natural medicine during IV...2023-06-0729 minMy Miracle Baby - Navigating Surrogacy & Donor IVFIntroduction and interview with Sam Everingham, Global Director of Growing Families.Sam and Kerry discuss the topics planned for their limited series podcast including fertility preservation, sourcing donor eggs and sperm, timelines and costs and surrogacy by country.Sam shares his global expertise regarding surrogacy and donor IVF, including...how Growing Families started.what he loves about his role how COVID has impacted the journey for many how demographics of Intending Parents are changing advice for Intending Parents, general cost overview per country, his thoughts on what he would like to see happen in the industry to protect the rights of all parties.Growing Families https://www.g...2023-06-0526 min