The Best Birth Podcast Episode 12 - Fertility Challenges: Overcoming the Odds with Infertility Specialist Mandy Nielsen
INTERVIEW OVERVIEW
Mandy Nielsen, an expert in infertility, shares her experience and insights on infertility and IVF. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help from a specialist early on and highlights the role of reproductive endocrinologists in diagnosing and treating infertility. Mandy discusses the various factors that can contribute to infertility, including male factor infertility, egg health, and uterine issues. She also talks about the different procedures and treatments available, such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Mandy addresses the emotional impact of infertility and the need for mental health support. She provides advice on how to support friends going through infertility and emphasizes the importance of being open and compassionate. Mandy also discusses the financial aspect of infertility treatments and shares resources for financial assistance. She touches on the topic of pregnancy after infertility and the unique challenges and anxieties that come with it. Finally, Mandy shares her experience as an older mother and the joys and benefits of being an older mom.
TAKEAWAYS
Seek help from a reproductive endocrinologist early on if you are struggling with infertility.
Infertility can have various causes, including male factor infertility, egg health issues, and uterine problems.
Reproductive endocrinologists can diagnose and treat infertility through specialized testing and targeted treatments.
Infertility can have a significant emotional impact, and mental health support is crucial.
Be open and compassionate when supporting friends going through infertility.
There are resources available for financial assistance with infertility treatments.
Pregnancy after infertility can come with unique challenges and anxieties.
Being an older mother can bring a sense of security and wisdom, but also comes with its own set of challenges.
WORDS OF WISDOM
I wish I had known to see someone who was a specialist much sooner.
You need a healthy uterus, a healthy egg, and a healthy sperm.
Secondary fertility is when you have a gap between your first pregnancy and subsequent pregnancies.
CHAPTERS
00:00Introduction to Mandy Nielsen and Infertility
03:17Causes and Treatment of Infertility
06:58Understanding Secondary Fertility
08:51The Emotional Impact of Infertility
13:07Supporting Friends Through Infertility
23:18Financial Assistance for Infertility Treatments
28:53Pregnancy After Infertility
31:17The Joys and Challenges of Being an Older Mother
TALKING POINTS
infertility, IVF, reproductive endocrinologist, male factor infertility, egg health, uterine issues, ovulation induction, IUI, IVF procedures, mental health support, financial assistance, pregnancy after infertility, older mother
RESOURCES
BOOKS
Female Fertility by Toni Weschler
"The strongest women become the strongest mothers before their children are even conceived."
Pcos sos Fertility Fast Track - Felise Gersh
"Healthy babies start with healthy mothers. Instead of rushing into fertility treatments, Dr. Gersh shows how you can use diet and lifestyle to get truly, deeply, wonderfully healthy and how this naturally restores female fertility."
Mandy Nielsen
Mandy Nielsen is a mom of three wonderful children who all came to her in unique ways, including battles with infertility. She loves spending time with her husband and kids, girls' nights out, reading, and spending time in the mountains if she can't get to the beach. When she isn't being mom, she works in marketing and social media management. She loves having a career that supports her creativity and passions for helping others. Mandy worked with the Utah Infertility Resource Center and Utah Fertility Center during her years of infertility to help support her community. Now, she works with mental health clinics specializing in postpartum mental health support.
Share your MomSquad Secrets on our Facebook Page
Enroll in our online Birth Courses so you too can have The Best Birth!