Baby or Bust with Dr Lora Shahine
Dr. Lora Shahine
Infertility and miscarriage are more common than we realize, and we need to talk about it. Whether it's interviews with experts or a deep dive into a reproductive health topic, every week on the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, your host, Dr. Lora Shahine, gets real about education, emotional support, and shared fertility experiences. Listen now and learn how to advocate for your own care or support your loved ones with infertility, miscarriage, and early pregnancy.
Baby Or Bust is produced by Bray's Run Production and Audiotocracy Podcast Production in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.
Ep 111 Ten Types of Miscarriage and Why it Matters
Did you know there are ten types of miscarriage?! What are they? When it comes to a loss, does it really matter what kind of miscarriage you’ve experienced? (Hint: yes it does.) And how can proper diagnosis and evaluation help those facing recurrent miscarriages? In this episode, Dr. Shahine breaks down the ten different types of miscarriage, including early and late, clinical and biochemical, threatened, missed, inevitable, complete, septic, and recurrent miscarriages. She shares the informat
Ep 110 How Air Quality Affects Your Fertility and What You Can Do About It
How does air pollution impact fertility and IVF success rates? What do recent studies reveal about the effects of wildfire smoke on reproductive health? What can you do to improve the air quality in your home to support fertility? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine shares the latest research on air pollution and fertility. She talks about how environmental toxins, especially from wildfires and poor air quality, can influence reproductive health. Dr. Shahine sheds light o
Ep 109 Your Embryo Transfer: What to Expect and Tips for Success
What should you expect on the day of your embryo transfer? How can you best prepare to maximize your chances of success? What are some common misconceptions about the procedure? How soon will you know if you’re pregnant? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, Dr. Lora Shahine answers these questions to guide you through this critical step in your fertility journey. Dr. Shahine walks through the embryo transfer process, offering insight and tips to help you feel confident and info
Ep 108 The HSG Test: How to Prepare and What to Expect for Your Hysterosalpingogram
If your doctor has recommended an HSG (hysterosalpingogram), you may be feeling uncertain about what to expect. How does an HSG work? Will it be painful? What might the results mean for your fertility journey? How can you best prepare to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast, Dr. Lora Shahine goes into the details of the HSG test, a diagnostic tool commonly used to evaluate the health of the fallopian tubes and uterine ca
Ep 107 Are You Ovulating? Key Signs and Symptoms to Know for Sure
How do you know if you’re ovulating? What are the best ways to track ovulation? How can knowing your ovulation status help you optimize your chances of conception? In this episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking all about ovulation––why it’s crucial for fertility, and how to when it’s happening. You’ll hear how to recognize the physical signs of ovulation, how to use at-home tools like basal body temperature charting and ovulation predictor kits, and the purpo
Ep 106 Implantation Bleeding vs Periods: How to Tell the Difference
You’re in the two-week-wait, analyzing every single little cramp, possible symptom, any little difference that could indicate pregnancy. If you’ve been on a fertility journey and trying to get pregnant for any amount of time, this will probably be familiar. Then comes some spotting or light bleeding–is this your period? Or could it be implantation bleeding? It can be hard to tell. So in this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine goes over how to tell the difference and what exactly
Ep 105 Surviving the Two-Week Wait: Coping Strategies and Insights on Infertility
Are you struggling with the anxiety and uncertainty of the two-week wait? Wondering what you should or shouldn’t do during this emotionally charged time? How can you take care of yourself while waiting for answers? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine guides listeners through the two-week-wait, the time between potential conception and pregnancy confirmation. She shares both professional expertise and personal insight and has practical advice on managing this challenging
Ep 104 A New Year, A New Fertile You: 5 Steps to Take Now
Are you looking for practical strategies to boost your chances of conceiving? Wondering how to fine-tune your lifestyle for reproductive health? Curious about common mistakes to avoid on your fertility journey? In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine shares five essential strategies to enhance fertility. You’ll hear tips on optimizing nutrition, tracking ovulation and menstrual cycles, managing stress, improving lifestyle habits, and knowing when to seek specialized care. Dr. Shahine a
Ep 103 Stop Telling Me It's 'In My Head’': It's NOT Hysteria with Author Karen Tang
Can birth control really cause infertility? Is the obsession with hormonal balance grounded in fact or fiction? Does hovering over a public toilet protect you from disease? Don’t let “medical” myths affect your health decisions! Dr. Karen Tang, board certified OBGYN, founder of Thrive Gynecology and women’s health expert, is back for an eye-opening conversation that will tackle these questions and more, addressing the widespread misinformation about women’s health. In this episode, Dr. Lora Sha
Ep 102 Endometriosis Explained: Learn How to Advocate for Your Care with Dr. Karen Tang
Have you been told your debilitating period pain is normal? Have you ever wondered if you have endometriosis? Maybe you’re curious how you can find out for sure? In this conversation Dr. Karen Tang, author of It’s Not Hysteria and founder of Thrive Gynecology, joins Dr. Lora Shahine to delve into the complexities of endometriosis, a common, often-misdiagnosed condition that affects many women. In this episode you’ll hear the symptoms, challenges, myths, and various treatment options available.
Ep 101 Setting Boundaries & Navigating Others’ Expectations for Your Fertility with Jennifer Edmonds
Do you dread holiday gatherings because of those awkward “When are you going to have a baby?” questions? Why do people feel it’s appropriate to ask if you’re “trying” [wink wink] yet? Nothing sucks the fun out of a party like “you better not wait too long” or “when are you going to make your mom a grandma”? Painful comments and questions come up year round, but holiday parties can be a real minefield. To help, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, and Breathwork teacher Jennifer Edmonds is joining Baby or
Ep 100 From Miracle to Milestone: The World’s First IVF Baby Louise Joy Brown Shares Her Story
On July 25, 1978, family building changed forever when the world's first IVF baby was born. Over 12 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization worldwide, and Louise Joy Brown was the first. In this very special 100th episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with now-adult Louise Brown. They discuss her experience as a living symbol of the powers of fertility medicine. Louise shares her parents' journey of choosing IVF, questions she got from friends growing up, and
Ep 99 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Loved Ones Facing Infertility
Do you have a friend or family member struggling to build their family? How about someone in your life who recently experienced a miscarriage or loss? What can we give people that helps them feel better, know that we’re thinking of them, and provides the right kind of support? In this special episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine is providing five thoughtful gift ideas for loved ones facing family building challenges. Within each category, Dr. Shahine provides specific examples and ways to
Ep 98 Weight Loss Drugs and Fertility: What You Need to Know with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky
Are you curious about the latest weight loss drugs? Considering Ozempic or other semaglutides but also planning to try to conceive? With all the buzz around these medications, it can feel like everyone is trying them—but what do we really know about their impact on fertility? In this episode of Baby or Bust, host Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, a board-certified family physician specializing in obesity and lipidology, and co-host of the popular podcast Docs Who Lift. Together
Ep 97 Safer Skincare for Fertility and Pregnancy: Essential Tips with Dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers
How does your daily skincare routine impact fertility, pregnancy, or your overall health? Which products and sunscreen are ok while trying to conceive and pregnant and which are NOT? Can you do botox, filler, red light therapy while trying to conceive? Dr. Heather Rogers joins Baby or Bust to answer these questions and give valuable advice on finding a safer skincare routine without compromising your safe care. Dr. Rogers is a double-board certified dermatologist and founder of Doctor Rogers Ski
Ep 96 Protecting Yourself from Surrogacy Scams with Dr. Brian Levine
Have you seen the stories about surrogacy scams out this year? Are you considering using a gestational carrier or financing a fertility or IVF treatment and worried about making the right (or wrong) choice for next steps? Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Brian Levine is Dr. Lora Shahine’s guest for this episode of Baby or Bust. The founder of CCRM Fertility of New York and Nodal Surrogacy, Dr. Levine has a unique perspective, having been on the ground through the evolution of surrogacy in New Yo
Ep 95 Caffeine & Your Fertility: Does It Really Matter?
Many of us live for that first cup of coffee in the morning. But. How much caffeine is okay when you’re trying to get pregnant? Can cutting out caffeine completely positively impact fertility? What about when you’re pregnant — is caffeine ok then? Where do you find the best information for your situation? Dr. Lora Shahine explores caffeine consumption and its effects on fertility from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives. You’ll get practical information on caffeine content in various
Ep 94 One and Done? The Benefits and Drawbacks of Having an Only Child with Author Lauren Sandler
Should we try for another child? Can we handle all the treatments, ups and downs, and possible heartbreak that comes with trying again? Will my child be okay without a sibling? Will our family feel complete with “just” one child? Lauren Sandler, award-winning journalist and author, is joining Baby or Bust to share her thoughts and insights on parenthood and chat about her bestselling book One and Only: The Freedom of Having an Only Child, and the Joy of Being One. This is the book that ignited a
Ep 93 Return to Hope After Stillbirth with Dr. Kiley Hanish
How do you heal and move forward from miscarriage and stillbirth? Will you ever feel whole again after such heartbreak? Where do you even go from there after such a profound experience? Dr. Kiley Hanish is joining Dr. Lora Shahine on Baby or Bust for this episode to share her story and the support community for loss she created. Kiley and her husband, Sean, shared their story of stillbirth in the Emmy-nominated film Return to Zero, starring Minnie Driver in 2014. The lack of care she received th
Ep 92 Roller Coaster of Emotions After Miscarriage and Stillbirth
Can you relate to not feeling completely happy when you get a positive pregnancy result? Do you get really anxious while waiting for your routine checkups or ultrasounds? Are you having many mixed emotions, including negative ones, about your positive pregnancy test? Guess what––you’re not alone. Many women who have experienced loss go through the ups and downs, the rollercoaster of emotions, waiting to see if this time it really will be okay. In this episode, Dr. Shahine assures us that if you
Ep 91 The Future of Miscarriage Treatment with RPLA founder Megan Hanson
Have you or someone you loved experienced the heartbreak of miscarraige and feel desperate to know why it happened? Have you questioned food you ate, exercise you did, stress levels, and searched for answers from doctors, friends, and the internet? We still have so much to learn about pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriage but there are people asking the questions and finding the answers! Megan Hanson is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association (RPLA).
Ep 90 Two Years Post-Roe: Current State of Reproductive Rights in the US
Are you curious about reproductive rights in the US? Are you worried about access to IVF and medical treatment for your reproductive health? On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, not only eliminating the federal right to abortion care but threatening access to contraception, IVF, and many aspects of reproductive health. It’s been two years, so where are we now? In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Shahine discusses the current state of reproductive rights in the US. She re
Ep 89 Promise vs. Reality: Egg Freezing with Author Natalie Lampert
Should you freeze your eggs? What age? What’s the success rate? How much does it cost? Natalie Lampert has insight into women's top questions about egg freezing, and she is here to share it with you. An award-winning journalist and author of The Big Freeze, her work focuses on women’s health and the fertility industry. Her story will answer your questions and provide insight into the world of egg freezing. In this conversation, Natalie and Dr. Lora Shahine discuss Natalie’s personal journey wit
Ep 88 How to Get an Accurate Pregnancy Test Result EARLY
How early have you done a pregnancy test? Are you stuck questioning the result? In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine reviews pregnancy tests: when to test, how accurate tests can be, why testing too early can make things even more confusing, and what can cause both false negatives and false positives. This episode is packed full of helpful information - save for reference and share! In this episode you’ll hear: [2:22] Understanding pregnancy tests and their importance [4:52] When s
Ep 87 Alabama Was a Warning: Fertility Law and Politics with Attorney, AshLeigh Meyer Dunham
AshLeigh Meyer Dunham is one of five reproductive law lawyers in Alabama and the only one who has done IVF. She was front and center when IVF stopped for 3 weeks in early 2024 due to a lawsuit brought by IVF patients in front of the State Supreme Court. On this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Shahine asks AshLeigh to explain what happened in Alabama, how treatments restarted, and what the process means for access to IVF in the future. AshLeigh explains why the way IVF restarted in Alabama is not a
Ep 86 Support After Miscarriage with Author, Therapist, and Speaker Lindsey Henke
*Trigger Warning: Late Pregnancy Loss The loss of a wanted pregnancy, at any stage, is utterly heartbreaking. How in the world do you pick yourself up again after such a devastating loss? There is not a right or wrong way to grieve; there’s only your way. On this episode of Baby or Bust, therapist, author, and speaker Lindsey Henke joins Dr. Lora Shahine to discuss the impacts of miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss. The founder of Pregnancy After Loss Support, Lindsey has her own heartbreaking sto
Ep 85 Balancing Act: Career, Family, and Infertility with Dr. Joyce Park
Women are often conditioned to sacrifice our own goals, health, and happiness in favor of everyone else’s. But does it have to be that way? In this unique and personal episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is a guest on the podcast Spilling the Tea with Dr. Joyce. With host Dr. Joyce Park, Dr. Shahine shares her story of finding her direction in life at the intersection of her infertility journey and her passion for women’s health. Both Dr. Park and Dr. Shahine became aware of the need for more education
5 Tips for Getting Pregnant After 40
The biological clock, geriatric pregnancy, poor egg quality, diminished ovarian reserve - if you’re trying to conceive in your 40s you’ve likely heard or been reminded of the link between age and fertility - but there is hope! In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine provides insights on optimizing reproductive health and making informed decisions about family planning into your 40s. She covers age and fertility, family goals, the importance of early testing, practical tips for conce
Ep 83 Ectopic Pregnancy Explained
Ectopic pregnancies are scary, dangerous, and heart-breaking if you’re trying to build your family. If you’ve been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and confused - you’re not alone! In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine explains ectopic pregnancies — what they are, why they happen, and who may be most at risk. She discusses everything from how they are diagnosed to treatment options to what comes next. No matter the circumstances, pregnancy losses are difficult. Please take care of yourself duri
What You Need to Know About the First Trimester
Do you find yourself Googling everything you feel or don’t feel to find out if it’s ‘normal’ in the first trimester of pregnancy? You’re not alone. That’s why there’s so much information out there! The problem is: what sources can you trust? In this episode, you’ll get first-trimester information and questions answered by Dr. Lora Shahine – a source you already know and trust. In this episode devoted entirely to the first trimester, Dr. Shahine talks about common experiences and things you might
Ep 81 Can CoQ10 Help You Get Pregnant Faster?
Do an internet search for “fertility supplements”... yeah, maybe don’t. You can easily get overwhelmed by an avalanche of supplement information and advice when you’re trying to conceive. But … what supplements can truly help you get pregnant faster? And whose advice can you trust? Supplements and “super foods” go in and out of fashion faster than bangs-or-no-bangs, and the latest “hot” supplement is CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant our bodies make naturally, or that we can get from dietary
Ep 80 Finding Safer Products with Lanning Ardente: Let Sorette Do the Research for You
There is an overwhelmingly long list of what not to eat, use, or be around while trying to conceive and in early pregnancy. Knowing which products are safer — and which you should limit or avoid when pregnant — is challenging. We know that toxins can be harmful, but what exactly is in the products you’re using? The ingredients are confusing. The marketing is confusing. What if someone were already researching pregnancy-safe products? Well, have we got good news for you…. Lanning Ardente, founde
Ep 79 Top Tips for Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy
"Morning sickness" is a misnomer - nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can occur any time of day and night and leave you feeling miserable. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine covers the causes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. She’s also sharing her expert tips for prevention and relief. It’s everything you’ve wondered, and need to know, right in one place! In this episode you’ll hear: [01:48] How common is nausea in pregnancy? [02:36] Risk factors for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy [03:49]
Ep 78 The Hard Choice of Choosing to Live Child-Free
Infertility is a deeply personal, often heart-wrenching experience. Suddenly, pregnancy and family building are completely out of your control. Fertility challenges can wreak havoc on your body, your mind, and your relationships. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine talks openly with Carrie Hauskens, founder of Blooming with Care. Carrie is sharing her eight-year struggle with fertility — a journey that ultimately ended with the decision to live child-free. Carrie talks about what
Ep 77 Pride in LGBTQI+ Family Building with Drs. Stephanie Rothenberg and Darcy Broughton
June 2024 is the 50th anniversary of Pride in Seattle. In honor and celebration of LGBTQ+ family building, Dr. Shahine welcomes colleagues Dr. Stephanie Rothenberg and Dr. Darcy Broughton to talk about the Center for LGBTQ+ Family Building at Pacific NW Fertility. Although the fertility community hasn’t always been inclusive and open to all family building options, Pacific NW Fertility (PNWF) has been proudly serving the Queer community since the organization opened its doors in 2005. In 2020,
Ep 76 Anxiety Solutions with Somatic Trauma Professional Parijat Deshpande
If you’ve struggled to get pregnant, grappled through multiple IVF cycles, experienced a loss, or delivered early, you know first hand that pregnancy is NOT always blissful. Unfortunately for some, the process of building a family can border on traumatic. If this is the case for you or someone you know, the information and insights from Parijat Deshpande could shed some light on how to work through the anxiety that lives alongside infertility and high-risk pregnancy. Parijat is founder of Ruve
Ep 75 Father's Day with Infertility: Challenges & Coping Skills with Dr. Erica Bove
It's not just the big traditional holidays that can be triggering when you’re struggling with fertility. It’s the softer, sneak-up-on you days too, Father’s Day being one of those. So often the female partner is the focus of the fertility journey, but the male partner is on the ride too. It can be harder for men to express their feelings and take space for what they need when they are wearing the care-taker/problem-solver hat in the relationship. So let’s make a little space for the “other” pa
Ep 74 Fighting to Protect IVF with Barbara Collura, Head of RESOLVE, Part 2
Who should have the power to decide on your future fertility options? What becomes of frozen gametes and embryos in this new, post-Roe political climate? And if you are ready to get involved, how do you actually advocate for reproductive rights? This is part 2 of Dr. Lora Shahine’s discussion with Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association. In this part of the discussion, Dr. Shahine and Barbara talk about the threats to IVF, access to fertility care, an
Ep 73 Fighting to Protect IVF with Barbara Collura, Head of RESOLVE, Part 1
What does advocating for reproductive rights have to do with IVF? Surely people who want to have a baby wouldn’t have to fight for that right in a post-Roe world? Well, as it turns out, the reality is that the science behind IVF doesn’t always mesh with the idea that life begins at conception. This week, Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Barb Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association dedicated to advocating for fertility treatments and ensuring that building a family
Ep 72 Infertility Changes You ... with Jesse and Doug from Infertility Feelings Podcast
Infertility changes a person, physically, mentally, and emotionally — it affects our identity, our relationships, our hopes and expectations for the future. How we manage these changes will be different for each person. In this unique and personal episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is a guest on the Infertility Feelings podcast with hosts Doug and Jesse. Listeners will hear her share her own fertility journey and all the emotions she experienced being simultaneously doctor and patient. Jesse and Doug a
Ep 71 The Real Price of Fertility Treatment: Financial Planning with Angela Rastegar From Sunfish
The cost of fertility treatments can be a huge stress on anyone navigating assisted reproduction. Unfortunately, those who are already dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of infertility may also be burdened with the financial challenge of fertility treatments. And it’s important that those facing IVF, IUI, egg retrieval, surrogacy or any of the many, often costly procedures have the resources they need. Fortunately, there is help: Angela Rastegar is the cofounder and CEO of Sunfi
Ep 70 Mother’s Day with Infertility and Miscarriage: Tips for Coping, Surviving and Thriving
Mother’s Day is not a celebration for everyone. When struggling with infertility and miscarriage - this particular holiday can be full of many mixed emotions. In this special episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility Podcast, Dr. Shahine shares many personal reflections on how tough Mother’s Day can be for the fertility community and leaves you with tips on how to cope. Finish this episode with ideas and inspiration to care for yourself this Mother’s Day weekend. In this episode you’ll hear: [:54 ]
Ep 69 Marijuana and Reproductive Health: What You Need to Know
Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans have tried marijuana at least once in their life? It is the most commonly used recreational drug in the U.S. but many do not realize how it impacts fertility, success with IVF, miscarriage risk, and pregnancy health. It’s easy to assume that something that is legal medically and sometimes recreationally in many states could be harmful to your health, especially your reproductive health. If you’ve been curious about marijuana use and fertility - this episode
Episode 68: Are your candles toxic for your fertility? Learn from Tristan Weholt from RoxHill Candle Company
Candles can be romantic, even sexy. But ironically, some can make it harder for you to get pregnant. Many common candles can have an impact on fertility, so if you’re trying to build your family, you may want to reconsider how you set the mood. Candles and scents may impact fertility, but never fear: information is power. On this episode of Baby or Bust, you will learn what you need to know about fertility and candles. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is chatting with Tristan Weholt, founder o
Ep 67 Third Party Fertility Misconceptions with Center for Family Building Founder, Lisa Schuman, LCSW
For many struggling with infertility, building a family may take more than two people. Egg donation, sperm donation, surrogacy or using a gestational carrier can be a beautiful way to build a family, but the process can be full of many questions and misconceptions along the way. Why do egg and sperm donors donate? Can third-party donors really be anonymous in this age of in-home genetic testing? Should parents be open with their children about their biological origins? If so, when is the right
Ep 66 Are At-Home Inseminations Right for You?: Learn with Maureen Brown Founder of Mosie Baby
Trying is supposed to be the fun part, right? Ask anyone struggling with infertility and they may share that intimacy can start to feel like a job after a while. Many fertility patients have found that at-home inseminations can be an option for trying to conceive at home. At-home inseminations are not the same as intrauterine inseminations in a fertility clinic and cannot substitute for consults, testing, and guidance from a reproductive endocrinologist. However, they can be an option to conside
Episode 65: Busting Fertility Myths with Lisa Schuman, LCSW
There are many fertility misconceptions, but when you’re trying to conceive, it is tough to tell the truth from the myths. What really will help you get pregnant? Stay pregnant? And have a healthy baby? Your friends can be convinced that certain positions helped them. Instagram can make you feel you are to blame for your miscarriage. In this episode, first shared on Lisa Schuman’s podcast, Building Your Family, Dr. Lora Shahine and host Lisa debunk some common fertility myths. You’ll finish t
Ep 64 Understanding Endometriosis Signs and Symptoms
Endometriosis is a common yet often misdiagnosed chronic inflammatory disease associated with pain and infertility.. Never heard of endometriosis? You’re not alone. Despite it being a painful condition, it can take, on average 7 - 8 years to get a correct diagnosis. March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and given the often debilitating pain this condition can cause — and how hard it can be for people in pain to be HEARD by medical professionals — we think it’s really important for everyone to
Ep 63 Are IVF babies endangered?: Perspective on the threat to IVF from the first IVF Baby in the US: Elizabeth Carr
In the wake of the Dobbs decision that effectively ended federal abortion rights protection under Roe v Wade, the fate of IVF and fertility treatments has been hanging in the balance. In Alabama in February/March of 2024, a decision on the rights of a fetus brought IVF to a halt. Was this was the “pro-life” movement had in mind? To prohibit people from building the families they envision? Fortunately, that outcome was “patched,” thanks to activism by reproductive rights’ advocates, among others.
Ep 62 Miscarriage Support You REALLY Need with Early Pregnancy Loss Association Founder Emily Carrington
Learn about a different kind of support resource for miscarriage and pregnancy loss on this week’s episode of the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast. Dr. Shahine interviews Emily Carrington, founder of the Early Pregnancy Loss Association. Emily has turned her own story of confusion and payment plans for her miscarriages into a support system to educate women on the realities of miscarriage and navigate the medical bills that can pile up. Learn about the unique miscarriage care kits that Emily’s t
Ep 61 Holding Both The Family You Have and Hope for Another Baby: Secondary Infertility with Allie Karagozian
Secondary infertility — difficulty conceiving or carrying a subsequent pregnancy — comes with a unique set of challenges. Being a parent with infertility can create tension between feeling grateful for the family you have yet grieving the family you desire. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine talks with Allie Karagozian, occupational therapist, business owner, and podcaster. Allie shares her own fertility journey and why she created a special way to support those suffering with secondary infertil
Ep 60 “There is No Heartbeat” What’s Next and Options after a Diagnosis of Missed Miscarriage
“I am so sorry, but the baby has stopped developing.” A “missed” or “silent” miscarriage is when the fetus has stopped developing, but the body hasn’t gotten the message to end the pregnancy yet. It can be devastating, and unfortunately, there are often decisions that the pregnant person will need to make. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine talks about what a missed miscarriage is, what actions you may need to take if diagnosed with a missed miscarriage, and what the pros, cons, and risks are of
Ep 59 Getting to Baby with Nutrition, Diet, and Foods for Fertility with Authors Angela Thyer, MD and Judy Simon, RD
How much does what we eat impact our fertility? Certainly food influences pregnancy and fertility much more than most of us know, possibly more than our doctors know! Fortunately, a book is coming that can change all that, and in this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking with the authors about fertility, food, nutrition, the science of food and fertility, the myths surrounding nutrition and reproduction (hint: it’s NOT all about BMI), and so much more. Dr. Angela Thyer is a reproductive endocrin
Ep 58 How Did the Pineapple Become a Symbol of Hope for the Fertility Community?
Whether you’re convinced of their medicinal properties or not, the pineapple is a wonderful and long-lived symbol of hope and strength in the fertility community. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine explains a little about where the symbol comes from, a couple myths to watch out for, and how the pineapple symbol can help you on your fertility journey, In this episode you’ll hear: [1:14] Pineapples are everywhere in the fertility community! [2:37] The medical connection to the pineapple [5:09] T
Episode 57: Is Needle-less Acupuncture the Latest Fertility Breakthrough?
Many people struggling with infertility are curious about the claims that acupuncture will improve fertility and decrease time to pregnancy, but they don’t explore this option because of…needles. What if you could get the potential fertility-boosting benefits of acupuncture without the sticks? In this episode, doctor of acupuncture, teacher, researcher, and practitioner of integrative East-Asian Medicine Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin talks with Dr. Shahine about the recent research and claims that L
Ep 56 Can a Fertility Coach Help You Get Pregnant? with Ceire Nevins
Many say raising children “takes a village,” but what about the team you create on your family building journey through infertility, miscarriage, IVF and early pregnancy? The “trying to conceive” village can include doctors, nurses, therapists, acupuncturists, friends, family, and maybe a fertility coach. If you’re curious about what a fertility coach is and are considering working with one, you’ll learn all about it in this episode in which Dr. Shahine interviews fertility coach Ceire Nevins.
Ep 55 One Test at a Time: Explaining the Confusing World of Genetic Testing in Fertility and IVF
PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR, Carrier Screening, Karyotype — oh my! The options available for genetic screening in fertility testing and IVF treatment can get confusing. Understanding testing available to you BEFORE treatment as well as DURING the IVF process is key. These tests can decrease risk of disease and miscarriage and improve success rates with a single embryo transfer, but there are pros and cons for every intervention. It can be difficult to keep it all straight and overwhelming to know what
Ep 54 Talking Fertility Treatment and Challenges with Fertility Influencer Adelaide White
Infertility advocate and health enthusiast Adelaide White is an invaluable source of light and hope to so many on TikTok and Instagram, Dr. Shahine included. In this episode, the tables are flipped as Adelaide interviews Lora on All Things Fertility Journey, from the educational journey of a reproductive endocrinologist to the differences among the fertility treatment choices to the many causes of infertility to the heartbreak of recurrent pregnancy loss. Through it all, one message is clear: in
Ep 53 Exercise and Trying to Conceive: Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right?
Those undergoing IVF sometimes hear they shouldn’t exercise or they might put the process at risk. However, we know a sedentary lifestyle isn’t healthy for your fertility either. For many, exercise doesn’t just keep their bodies healthy, it’s also critical to managing stress, aiding with sleep, and managing mental health — which can also impact fertility. So how much exercise is too much when trying to conceive and in early pregnancy? In this episode, Dr. Shahine helps us understand the facts an
Ep 52 To Drink or Not to Drink: All About Alcohol and Fertility
We considered posting this episode on New Year's Eve, when toasting in the New Year is likely to happen, rather than New Year's Day, when many celebrants are waking up to a sore head, a fuzzy tongue, and second thoughts about that third round of shots. It's OK to celebrate — but alcohol is a tricky question when it comes to fertility. How much is too much? In this episode you’ll hear: [0:00] Intro [2:20] Stopping alcohol in pregnancy message is out but what about while trying [4:28] Research of
Ep 51 Family Fertility, Courage, Curiosity, Balance & More from a Woman Wiser than Me: My Mother
If you’ve ever wondered where Dr. Shahine gets her ferocity from, well, meet Charlene. Inspired by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Wiser Than Me podcast, Dr. Shahine interviews a woman she truly admires: her mother, Charlene Kelly Ewing. Despite being “all of 5 feet,” according to daughter Lora, Charlene meets every challenge head-on and, at age 79, still pushes herself to do what she’s afraid of. The diminutive Southern belle may have a soft voice, but Dr Shahine knows to listen: her mom has been a gui
Ep 50 Over 25 Years of Taking Charge of Your Fertility with Author Toni Weschler
“Why didn’t I know all this already?” - Pretty much everyone who reads Toni Weschler’s book The stigma around women’s reproductive systems isn’t just an inconvenience, it removes a critical way women get insight into their bodies and health overall: period power. The menstrual cycle tells us a whole lot more than if we’re pregnant or not, or menopausal or not, says author Toni Weschler. Her seminal (oh, the irony of that adjective!) work, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, is all about un
Ep 49 Olympic Champion Figure Skater to Fertility Advocate: What Tara Lipinski Learned while Unexpecting
No two fertility journeys are alike, but Tara Lipinski’s experience is perhaps even more unique than most. The champion, gold-medal-ice-skater-turned-sports-analyst was 35 and still not necessarily ready to start building her family. So she decided to put her options “on ice” — literally preserving eggs and/or embryos until she and her husband Todd were ready. However, the process turned out to be more complicated than it appeared when a diagnosis of endometriosis sent them down a different path
Ep 48 Tips for IUI Success
The good news: IUIs can work! Intrauterine insemination (sometimes laughingly referred to as “the turkey baster method”), or IUI, can help overcome issues like low sperm count or low sperm motility by getting sperm closer to where it needs to be around the time of ovulation. This method of dealing with infertility is also less expensive and much less invasive for the person hoping to carry the pregnancy. It can also be a great method if you’re planning on using donor sperm. The harder news to he
Ep 47 Weight and Fertility: Optimizing Health NOT Restriction and Shame with Dr. Stephanie Fein
Ep 47: Weight and Fertility: Optimizing Heath NOT Restriction and Shame with Dr. Stephanie Fein Weight loss for fertility is controversial and complicated, and to be perfectly honest, more research is needed to fully understand the link between body weight and fertility. Whatever studies find, weight loss for fertility should never involve shaming or guilt. In this episode, Dr. Shahine talks weight and fertility with Stephanie Fein, MD. Dr. Fein started in social psychology, then moved to Inte
Ep 46 Tips for Surviving and Thriving Thanksgiving with Infertility
Holiday events can mean facing some awkward questions about family building - are you ready? “So, when are you having another?” “You had a baby? It’s about time!” “When are you going to make your mom a grandma?” “Baby weight, huh?” “Should you be drinking that when you’re breastfeeding?” UGH. Holiday conversations — especially when alcohol and holiday conviviality reduces people’s inhibitions — can be kind of awful. So this year, please put yourself first. Dr. Shahine has some great tips on how
Ep 45 Yoga for Fertility with Author and Yoga Instructor Lynn Jensen
In this episode, Dr. Shahine explores the benefits and research supporting Yoga for Fertility with master instructor and author of the first book on the subject, Lynn Jensen. People on fertility journeys often say they feel like their bodies don’t belong to them anymore. Between the tests and the treatments and the theories, it’s easy to see how people can feel disconnected physically and emotionally. Lynn Jensen’s Yoga for Fertility classes helps heal bodies AND minds. Lynn has a specializatio
Ep 44 Listen to Women: Lessons Learned from The Retrievals
It’s easier to be shocked by the story The Retrievals podcast reports and moves on but extremely important to reflect on why it happened in order to prevent history repeating itself (again). For months, a nurse at a Fertility Center in the United States replaced the pain reliever fentanyl with normal saline, taking the fentenyl for her own use, but left women undergoing egg retrievals without pain relief. Patients in pain for a procedure is horrible enough, but it’s extremely disturbing that the
Ep 43 Preventing and Treating OHSS: A Scary IVF Risk
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is one of the scariest risk factors of IVF, but it doesn’t have to be. With preparation, treatment choices, and prevention, you can avoid this uncomfortable and potentially dangerous risk factor from ovarian stimulation. To maximize the number of eggs retrieved for IVF and egg freezing, fertility treatment involves stimulating the ovaries to mature more eggs. A higher egg number can often predict a higher success rate with treatment, but a side effect can
Ep 42 Busting Fertility Myths with Angel Investor and Author Leslie Schrock
Like our own expert Siri, Leslie Schrock should be available on-demand for anyone who’s struggling with fertility. And she can be! With two books and now on an episode of Baby or Bust, everyone can access her informed and sensitive approach to miscarriage, medically necessary abortion, and other fertility challenges. Leslie Schrock is an author, entrepreneur, and angel investor who has been involved in health and fertility for pretty much her entire working life. Her first book, Bumpin': The Mod
Ep 41 Tips for Choosing a Sperm Donor with Seattle Sperm Bank's Director Angelo Allard
Baby or Bust is back - better than ever. After a little break, your podcast about all things fertility is back. Same host, Dr. Lora Shahine, same goals to educate and support the fertility community but new format and new production team. We’re moving away from seasons and delivering weekly content. We listened to your feedback and will continue interviews but adding episodes with in-depth education from Dr. Shahine on certain topics. Send us topics you’d like to learn about and interview sugges
Episode 40: Chris Charbonneau on Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Rights
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, reproductive rights have been called into question—including IVF. On this episode of Baby or Bust, our host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Chris Charbonneau, the longest-serving CEO of Planned Parenthood and host of the Fall of Roe podcast, for her take on what's coming. Roe v. Wade is about much more than elective abortion, and this timely episode breaks down the national implication for American residents. Chris shares her wisdom on the anti-choice movement, the
Ep 39 Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin on Acupuncture and Fertility
If you're struggling with infertility, you'll often try anything to get that family you desire—including acupuncture. Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin, an internationally recognized and award-winning doctor of acupuncture, meets with host Dr. Lora Shahine to dispel myths and share truths about Eastern Medicine and fertility. With over 30 peer-reviewed research publications about acupuncture and fertility, Dr. Lee Hullender Rubin is a true master of the craft. In this episode, she teaches about the Easter
Ep 38 Mikki Morrissette on Choosing Single Motherhood
There's a movement of single women creating families by choice—and today's guest is a leading voice on the topic. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Lora Shahine is joined by Mikki Morrissette, author of Choosing Single Motherhood and founder of the online resource Choice Mom. As a single mom by choice, Mikki is deeply familiar with the unique fulfillments and challenges of starting a family solo. In this episode, she details the financial considerations and career implications of becoming a
Episode 37: Brett Russo on Her Memoir About IVF
When you're used to checking off boxes for life's milestones—college, husband, career, friends—infertility can be a tough pill to swallow. In this episode, our Baby or Bust guest Brett Russo dishes the details behind her memoir The Underwear in My Shoe: My Journey through IVF, Unfiltered with host Dr. Lora Shahine. While there are many infertility memoirs out there, Brett's story takes honesty to a whole new level. In this episode, she details starting pregnancy in her late 30s, witnessing frien
Ep 36 Dr. Lariah Edwards on Environmental Toxins and Fertility
You are what you eat, but you can also be what you apply and breathe. In this episode of Baby or Bust, environmental research scientist Dr. Lariah Edwards shares her findings on the latest research about toxins and reproductive health with our host Dr. Lora Shahine. As a research scientist in the Department of Health Science at Columbia University and alumna of the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice Fellowship, Dr. Edwards is an expert in hormone-altering chemicals. Together with Dr. Shah
Ep 35 Louise Brown on Being the First IVF Baby
On July 25, 1978, family building changed forever when the world's first IVF baby was born. On today's episode of Baby or Bust, our host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with now-adult Louise Brown to discuss her experience as a living symbol of the powers of fertility medicine. Over 10 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization worldwide, and Louise Brown was the first. She shares her parents' journey of choosing IVF, questions she got from friends growi
Ep 34 Arden Cartrette on Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriage is common, but many feel alone and unsupported as they process their loss. On today's Brand Therapy episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Arden Cartrette, The Miscarriage Doula, to discuss grief, support systems, miscarriage doulas, and pregnancy loss. A certified birth and bereavement doula, Arden established an online community and team of doulas to help bring empathetic support to people who have experienced miscarriages. As someone who's exper
Ep 33 Alison Prato on Secondary Infertility
When you have a child and are ready to have another, secondary infertility can be confusing and devastating. Baby or Bust host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Alison Prato, a journalist, podcaster, and co-founder of Fertility Rally, to discuss the misconceptions and experiences of secondary infertility. Alison got pregnant with her first child at 34 without reproductive assistance, and she never expected to have struggles getting pregnant with her second. After exper
Ep 32 Dr. Temeka Zore on the Two-Week Wait
The two-week wait can be an agonizing time for hopeful parents. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologists Dr. Lora Shahine and Dr. Temeka Zore discuss the science of early pregnancy, including the two-week wait, a positive pregnancy test, and first-trimester bleeding. Whether you are trying for a baby with or without reproductive assistance, the two-week wait and early pregnancy can be overwhelming. Dr. Temeka Zore has valuable insights from helping patients during this time, a
Ep 31 Chiemi Rajamahendran on Intimacy and Grief
Infertility can impact every part of your life—including your relationship with your partner. Baby or Bust host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Chiemi Rajamahendran, an infertility and grief coach, to discuss the mental aspects of fertility, including sadness, anger, resentment, and shame. Chiemi Rajamahendran supports individuals and couples worldwide who are facing infertility and loss, and in today's episode, she shares her techniques for grappling with the emotional rollercoaster of fertil
Ep 30 Jessica Valant on Fitness and Fertility
Fitness and fertility can be a confusing juggling act of myths, recommendations, and reality. In today's Baby or Bust episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with licensed physical therapist and Pilates teacher Jessica Valant to discuss her fertility journey and her fitness recommendations when you're trying to conceive. Jessica is an open book during this episode, and she shares her endometriosis diagnosis, pregnancy journey, IVF experience with multiple failed cyc
Ep 29 Kellee Stewart on Fertility Advocacy and Education
We've come a long way in fertility education, but many individuals aren't aware of family-building options. Baby or Bust host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Kellee Stewart (Hot Tub Time Machine, All American, Chicago Med) to discuss her fertility journey's trajectory from egg freezing to advocacy. In this heartfelt and educational episode, Kellee shares how her lack of fertility knowledge kickstarted a lifelong commitment to fertility advocacy. She shares her perspective on egg freezing, educ
Ep 28 Andrea Helton León on the Taboo of Infertility
It seems like the stigma of infertility is coming out of the shadows, but is that true for all communities? On today's Baby or Bust, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Andrea Helton León (also known as @hotmessivfmom) to discuss the taboo of infertility in the Latinx community. Andrea experienced eight recurrent pregnancy losses and felt isolated. Between her family and her Spanish congregation church community, no one acknowledged or discussed infertility. Andrea
Ep 27 Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo on Celebrity Fertility News
Lights, camera, fertility. Today's Baby or Bust episode brings back season one guest, stand-up comedian, writer, and fertility advocate Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo to discuss the misrepresentations of infertility in celebrity news with reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine. Fertility can be a lonely journey, and it doesn't help when headlines skip over important details. Our guest Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo drills down into the implications of fertility headlines in the news, including K
Ep 26 Sarah Herron from The Bachelor on Mental Health and IVF
Infertility is both a physical and emotional struggle, and today's guest is an open book about hers. On this episode of Baby or Bust, our host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Sarah Herron, a three-time Bachelor contestant whose fertility journey coincided with a diagnosis of type two bipolar disorder. This episode focuses on Sarah's experience caring for her mental health with infertility. She shares her many different diagnoses—endometriosis, infertility, bipolar disorder—and the way she supported he
Episode 25: Tarun Verma on His Infertility Film "Conception"
Many infertility journeys happen behind closed doors, but the new film "Conception" puts IVF in the spotlight. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with writer, producer, and director Tarun Verma to discuss the making of his film about infertility. As a former pharmacist who was heavily involved in the fertility space, Tarun was inspired to create a story that followed a couple undergoing IVF. Now debuting his film "Conception," he shares the
Ep 24 Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh on Egg Freezing
Two reproductive endocrinologists walk into a podcast recording... And the result is a fascinating discussion about egg freezing. In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh (also known as "The Egg Whisperer") to articulate the controversies, misunderstandings, and opportunities with egg freezing. As a leading voice in oocyte cryopreservation, Dr. Aimee has shaped public discourse around egg freezing through her wildly popular podcast and social media presence. She shares t
Ep 23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy
To many, getting pregnant can feel like a struggle, and today's guest transformed that struggle into strength. In this Baby or Bust episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with IVF advocate and entrepreneur Samantha Busch about everything she learned in her fertility journey. Samantha knew she wanted to be a mom, but what she didn't expect was experiencing infertility at 25. To our host, Samantha shares her family-building journey with her husband, Kyle Busch, complete with
Ep 22 GG from Shahs of Sunset Shares Her Fertility Journey
fReality TV has many ups and downs, and your fertility journey can often be the same. In this Baby or Bust episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi for a frank discussion about her tumultuous journey toward motherhood—and no topic is off limits. GG always knew she wanted to be a mother, but life seemingly had other plans. With Dr. Shahine, GG reflects on pregnancy loss, including an ectopic pregnancy, losing both fallopian tubes, using
Ep 21 Amanda Knox on Fertility and Incarceration
Doing time in prison is one thing, but doing it during childbearing years can be a lifetime sentence of its own. In this gripping episode of Baby or Bust, Amanda Knox shares her experience of wrongfully losing her most fertile years in prison with our host Dr. Lora Shahine. Since being in an Italian prison for four years and on trial for murder for another eight, Amanda Knox has used her platform to speak out about the fertility consequences on women in prison. In an honest discussion with host
Baby Or Bust Season 2: Coming Monday, January 16th
Baby Or Bust is back and we couldn't be more excited! Season 2 gets underway on Monday, January 16th and we've got some amazing conversations to share with you.Some of our Season 2 guests include Louise Brown, the first IVF Baby, GG from "Shahs of Sunset" talking about single motherhood, TV and movie actress Kellee Stewart, talking about her egg-freezing journey, and Amanda Knox, sharing her own fertility journey after years of incarceration and finally, freedom.New episodes will
Season 2 will be coming soon!
We hope you enjoyed season one of Baby Or Bust as much as we enjoyed creating it for you! We are taking a little break to build an incredible season two for you, so please be sure to follow Dr. Shahine on social media to stay in the loop on everything ahead.If you've enjoyed the show, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.We'll be back soon and thank you so much for listening!Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media:Tik Tok | Insta
Ep 20 Separating Fact from Fiction with COVID-19 and Fertility
Fasten your seatbelts for a controversial—and educational—episode about COVID-19 and fertility. In this intimate episode, host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine provides an illuminating medical overview of the pandemic's impact on the fertility community. This episode quells COVID-19 rumors and fears by deciphering studies about infections and vaccinations. Lora highlights the origins of misleading COVID-19 vaccine fears, addresses COVID-19's effect on menstrual cycles and fert
Ep 19 Environmental Toxins and Reproduction Health: Potential Countdown to Human Extinction with Dr. Shanna Swan
Today's men have almost 60% less sperm than their parents or grandparents, and research points to environmental toxins as the likely culprit. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Shanna Swan, an award-winning scientist, and researcher, to talk through toxins' impact on our reproductive and overall health. With over 200 scientific papers (including one that went viral) and a successful book, Dr. Swan is a leading voice in toxins awareness in fertility medicine. Th
Ep 18 History and Perspective of Assisted Reproduction from Living Fertility Legend Dr. Cappy Rothman
Building a family with donor sperm is more common today than ever before. In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with the father of modern sperm donation, Dr. Cappy Rothman, who explores the past, present, and future of the sperm donation process. As the co-founder of California Cryobank, the world's largest sperm bank, Dr. Rothman has been at the forefront of assisted reproduction since its inception. Dr. Shahine and Dr. Rothman dig into the history of sperm banking (spoiler al
Ep 17 Sperm Donation: Myths vs. Reality from a Sperm Donor
Sperm donation is more common than ever, but it's rare to hear about the donor's motivations and repercussions—until now. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with long-time sperm donor Zack to learn about his experience discovering, applying, and becoming a frequent donor. Zack's initial motivation for becoming a sperm donor seems like something out of a movie script: He was a starving student who needed to pay the rent. What started as a solution to make ends meet has g
Ep 16 Surrogacy: Finding Purpose and Fighting Misconceptions with Eloise Drain
Surrogacy is shrouded in misconceptions, and it's often the answer to the end of a long infertility journey. Eloise Drane, the owner of egg donor and surrogacy agency Family Inceptions, tackles the misunderstood topic head-on with Baby or Bust host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine. Eloise Drane is deeply familiar with the surrogacy process—personally and professionally. As a six-time egg donor and three-time gestational surrogate, this episode highlights Eloise's perspective on
Ep 15 Men Matter: The Other Half of Infertility from Male Fertility Expert Dr. Paul Turek
Male infertility: How common is it, and what can you do to beat the odds? In this information-packed episode of Baby or Bust, reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine speaks with Dr. Paul Turek, a leading innovator in male reproductive health and founder of The Turek Clinic, to separate fact from fiction with male infertility. This episode gives you all the must-knows about improving male fertility—from the food you consume and the lifestyle you lead. Dr. Turek shares his wisdom on
Ep 14 Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis: Fighting Misconception and Finding Hope with Pelvic Pain Specialist Dr. Sonia Bahlani
Many women suffer in pain—from periods, intercourse, and everyday life—for years before getting a diagnosis. In today's episode, Dr. Lora Shahine meets with guest Dr. Sonia Bahlani, a chronic pelvic pain specialist, to uncover advice that helps listeners advocate for the care they need and deserve. The two doctors discuss our society's acceptance of pain as part of the female experience (spanning back to the 1800s) if periods are supposed to be painful, and common signs of endometriosis. Dr. Bah
Ep 13 Love Makes a Family: An Adoption Story with Cathie Quillet
There are many ways to build a family, and today we're talking about adoption. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Cathie Quillet, a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and public speaker, to expound on the ins and outs of adoption. This episode focuses on Cathie's endometriosis diagnosis that forever changed her perspective on building a family. Cathie shares her story on overcoming immense fertility challenges—including multiple miscarriages, IVF, part
Ep 12 Against the Odds: Having a Baby Naturally After Failing IVF with Kaci Aitchison Boyle
Each person's fertility journey can be full of surprises, and Baby or Bust guest Kaci Aitchison Boyle is no exception. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with communications master (and former patient) Kaci to discuss her experience undergoing years of fertility treatments—and a surprise pregnancy at age 40. This episode focuses on Kaci's fertility story, starting with the common misconception from adolescence that getting pregnant is easy for everyone. Kaci shares
Ep 11 Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Through Infertility with Dr. Ali Domar from Harvard University
Let's get to the heart of emotional stress and its impact on physical health. Reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Dr. Ali Domar, a world leader in mind-body medicine, for an honest discussion about stress, infertility, grief, empathy, and the many different emotions that come with family building. Dr. Domar is a pioneer in the application of mind/body medicine and reproductive health, and in this episode, she sheds light on the discoveries she's made about stress and
Episode 10: When Infertility is the Man's Fault with Laura and Jon Summers from Infertility Man
Infertility can feel like a women's club, but men are also affected by the emotional tolls. Dr. Lora Shahine speaks with Jon and Laura of Infertility Man (a website, YouTube channel, and soon-to-be book) to share their perspective on building a family through IVF after Jon survived testicular cancer. Jon and Laura chat about their decision to proceed with IVF, document their fertility story online, and mission to illuminate the male factor in infertility. The two recount undergoing 14+ egg retri
Ep 9 IVF is Not Like Ordering Off A Menu and Other Celebrity Misconceptions with Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo
Buckle up for some frank conversations about infertility. In this episode of Baby or Bust, host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo, an award-winning writer, stand-up comic, and infertility advocate, to discuss pop culture's role in misconceptions about IVF and fertility. Our guest, an infertility warrior and women's health advocate, brings a refreshing voice to mainstream fertility discussions. Lora and Jennifer discuss the nuances of fertility-related controversies by prominent
Ep 8 Validating Your Own Fertility Journey with Kaela McDougall from 'Infertile Mafia' Podcast
This episode acknowledges the loneliness of infertility and support systems to help. Reproductive endocrinologist and host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with podcaster and advocate Kaela McDougall to discuss the pain of infertility, humor as a tool for healing, and the special connection shared between those who have experienced infertility. Kaela is the co-host of The Infertile Mafia, a podcast dedicated to sharing truths about infertility, IVF, and trying to conceive. In this episode of Baby or Bust,
Ep 7 When and How to See a Fertility Specialist with Dr. Natalie Crawford from Fora Fertility
It's tough to know when to see a fertility doctor, and this episode will help you figure out the right time. Host Dr. Lora Shahine joins friend and fellow reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford for an informative chat about their work, including misleading media portrayals and relationships with infertility patients. As doctors who have committed their careers to helping others build families, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Crawford have seen it all. This episode debunks common misconceptions—IV
Ep 6 Lesbian Family Building Options with Jaimie and Robin from 'If These Ovaries Could Talk' Podcast
When you're in the LGBTQ+ community, there's a lot to navigate with parenthood. Today, host Dr. Lora Shahine welcomes Jaimie Kelton and Robin Hopkins, creators and authors of the podcast and book If These Ovaries Could Talk, for an enlightening conversation about building—and celebrating—families of all forms. This episode is a crash course on the reproductive possibilities within the LGBTQ+ community. Jaimie, Robin, and Lora discuss reproductive discrimination, second-parent adoption laws, and
Ep 5 Donor Egg Family Building with Dr. Shannon Clark from Babies After 35
Today, we're talking all about egg donors as a way of building your family. Host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Shannon Clark, a double board-certified OB/GYN, and maternal-fetal medicine specialist, who became pregnant via egg donor after multiple failed cycles of IVF. While Dr. Clark is a physician, she's also experienced life as a fertility patient. In this episode, Dr. Clark tells her story about building a family after 40 and the ultimate decision to use an
Ep 4 Black Women and Fertility: Less Judgement, More Understanding with Filmmaker Chiquita Lockley
Infertility affects people from all walks of life, but why are Black women twice as likely to suffer from infertility and half as likely to seek treatment? In this thought-provoking episode of Baby or Bust Chiquita Lockley, film director, and producer, discusses the perception and reality of infertility in the Black community with our host Dr. Lora Shahine. This episode explores the complex relationship between fertility treatment and the Black community, spawning from historical burdens, stigma
Black Women and Fertility: Less Judgement, More Understanding with Filmmaker Chiquita Lockley
Infertility affects people from all walks of life, but Black women are twice as likely to suffer from infertility and half as likely to seek treatment. This thought-provoking episode of Baby or Bust features guest Chiquita Lockley, film director, and producer, who discusses the perception and reality of infertility in the Black community with our host Dr. Lora Shahine.This episode explores the complex relationship between fertility medicine and the Black community, spawning from historical burde
Ep 3 Are Fertility Support Groups Right for You? with Kim Nicholson from Resolve.org
Can a fertility support group help you on your family building journey? Experiencing infertility can feel lonely, but our guest, Kimberly Nicholson, shares how a community support group, organized by the national fertility organization RESOLVE, helped her navigate the roller coaster of emotions. Kimberly has now founded her own RESOLVE fertility support group and shares the benefits she sees helping others through similar struggles. In this conversation, Kimberly and Dr. Shahine discuss the pr
Ep 2 Closer to a Cure for Miscarriage with Dr. Ruth Lathi from Stanford University
One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, yet many with this experience suffer in the shadows. In this Baby or Bust episode, host Dr. Lora Shahine meets with Dr. Ruth Lathi, an OB/GYN professor and Director of the Multi-specialty Recurrent Pregnancy Loss program at Stanford University, to discuss pregnancy loss and finding support. Our guest shares her motivation to open a repeat pregnancy loss center, misconceptions about miscarriage, common causes of miscarriage, and bringing compassion to p
Laughing Through Infertility with Karen Jeffries from Hilariously Infertile
It's said that laughter is the best medicine, but does that apply to a fertility journey? This episode's Baby or Bust guest Karen Jeffries certainly thinks so. With an avid social media following and successful book, Karen joins host and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine to discuss humor's crucial role in her IVF experience, online community, and book Hilariously Infertile.From PCOS diagnosis to IUI to IVF, Karen's fertility journey was full of ups, downs, tears, and—
Ep 1 Introducing: Baby Or Bust
Baby Or Bust season 1 teaser. Connect with Dr. Lora Shahine on social media! Tik Tok | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn Baby Or Bust is Produced by Mark Ramsey, Jaime Solis, and Greg Moga. Executive Produced by Nick Panella, and Andrew Greenwood for Workhouse Media. Baby Or Bust is produced in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank. Advertising Inquiries: info@audiotocracy.com