In this episode, I chat with Emma D'Souza as she shares her personal journey through infertility, mental health challenges, and motherhood. Emma discusses her experiences with PCOS, IVF, and managing fibromyalgia and bipolar disorder while navigating these life changes. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, support systems, and advocating for oneself. Emma's story is a testament to resilience and the power of sharing one's journey to inspire and support others.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:02 Emma's Background and Mental Health Journey

03:16 Navigating Infertility and Career Shifts

05:47 Challenges and Realities of IVF

09:34 Support Systems and Mental Health

12:27 Communication and Relationship Dynamics

15:35 Embracing the Suckiness

16:06 Navigating Emotional Pain

16:40 Financial and Emotional Struggles

17:31 Trusting the Process

18:20 Exploring Other Paths to Parenthood

20:09 Deciding When to Take a Break

22:29 Maintaining Joy and Lightness

25:09 Future Generations and Fertility Awareness

26:59 Advice for Those Facing Infertility

28:12 Transitioning to Motherhood

30:13 Support and Services

Connect with Emma

IG: @momtherapywithem

Website: https://emmadesouza.ca/

TikTok: @itsemma.desouza

Connect with me!

DM me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

Book a free call ⁠here⁠

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In this episode, Violeta, founder of MoneyChisme, talks about her surrogacy journey. Violeta shares her struggles with infertility due to endometriosis, the emotional complexities of considering different family-building options, and the significant financial planning required. She offers insights into how her expertise in personal finance, especially within the Latinx community, helped her navigate the expensive process of IVF and surrogacy. They also discuss practical advice about utilizing grants, credit cards, and real estate investments to fund fertility treatments, and the importance of having a supportive community. This episode aims to provide strength, hope, and practical tips for anyone facing similar challenges.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:11 Violeta's Surrogacy Journey Begins

03:31 Discovering Infertility and Financial Planning

06:21 Deciding on Surrogacy and Financial Strategies

10:56 Navigating the Surrogacy Process

21:02 Support Systems and Mental Health

27:03 Community and Support Groups

29:22 Navigating the Loneliness of Surrogacy

30:06 Personal Growth Through the Surrogacy Journey

30:41 Living in the Moment

31:12 Support Systems and Therapy

36:45 Financial Strategies for Surrogacy

41:24 Unexpected Costs and Final Thoughts

44:22 Connecting and Resources

46:44 Fin!

Referenced in episode:

Violeta's Invest in Rental Property Guide here!

Links to Connect with Violeta:

Instagram: @moneychisme

Podcast: MoneyChisme Podcast

Website: moneychisme.com

Email: info.moneychisme@gmail.com

Connect with me!

Follow me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

Book a free call ⁠here⁠

Join my email community

Ready for 1-1 Private Coaching?

Apply here!

In this episode, we talk about the emotional toll of infertility and revisit the key questions from the previous episode on finding clarity through infertility. The episode highlights the importance of deep self-reflection on what one truly desires, whether it's experiencing pregnancy, having a family, or defining personal dreams.

And we do that through using the "Mindset Reset Framework" which focuses on finding your ways to rest, recover, and reconnect with yourself and your partner.

It is also noted how vital it is to your recovery to remove the guesswork and actually do the research into the alternate options to building your family and EXPLORE your feelings around each of those. Part of the recover phase is to figure out where you truly stand with each option and Rachel shares key questions to help do that.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:57 Mindset Reset Framework

01:43 Rediscovering Dreams and Societal Expectations

05:01 Recovery and Physical Therapy Analogy

08:09 Exploring Fertility Options

12:56 Building a Supportive Community

24:07 Navigating Emotional Triggers and Resetting

CLICK HERE for the questions mentioned in this episode to help guide you in exploring your feelings around other options to motherhood you've considered.

*I'd love feedback to know if it was helpful for you so send me a DM on IG to let me know!

Connect with me!

DM me on IG: @rachel_mangahas

Book a free call here

Interested in 1-1 support?

Apply here