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In this enlightening episode of Fertility in Focus , we sit down with Lana de Bastiani, a remarkable voice in the world of fertility advocacy, who shares her compelling journey navigating the complex terrain of fertility care from Yellowknife, over 1500 kilometres away from the nearest fertility clinic in Edmonton, Alberta. Lana's fertility journey was complicated by her diagnosis of insulin-resistant PCOS and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) after nearly two decades on hormonal birth control.

She gives a candid look into the intricate process of interviewing clinics, the detailed conversations that guided her treatment choices, and the meticulous planning that went into her decision to undergo IVF.

Beyond the medical procedures, Lana delves into the significant financial and emotional tolls of her journey. From coverage gaps in the Northwest Territories' healthcare system to the additional expenses of travelling for treatment, Lana sheds light on the indirect financial barriers that impact those in remote areas seeking fertility care in Canada. She also shares the self-care rituals and practices that provided comfort and support through her treatments.

Join us as Lana de Bastiani offers a deeply personal look at the challenges of accessing fertility care from remote locations, the additional hurdles faced along the way, and her ongoing efforts to advocate for change. Her story is a call to action for more accessible and equitable fertility and reproductive healthcare across Canada.

More About our Guest Speaker

Lana de Bastiani is a pioneering fertility doula in Yellowknife, NWT, and stands out as the only doula specializing in fertility in Northern Canada. Her path to becoming a doula was shaped by her personal battles with infertility, infusing her practice with empathy and understanding. With a rich background in psychology, special education, adult education, and sexual health, Lana offers a holistic and personalized approach to fertility support. Her services are a beacon for Northern Canadians, addressing the significant barriers they face in accessing fertility care. Lana's culturally sensitive methodology is particularly attuned to the needs of Indigenous communities. Through her advocacy and the establishment of a virtual support group, Lana is a vocal proponent for equitable fertility support across Canada, aiming to empower her clients and bridge the urban-rural divide in reproductive healthcare.

To connect with Lana, you can follow her on Instagram @SolsticeFertilityDoula or her website: https://www.solsticefertilitydoula.com/.

First Response Canada

Afynia Laboratories, a Canadian biotechnology company, is pleased to announce the availability of EndomiR, the first validated diagnostic blood test for endometriosis. Afynia is currently offering EndomiR to Canadian fertility clinics for patients with unexplained infertility and/or symptoms suggestive of endometriosis. EndomiR shortens the diagnostic pathway by providing physicians with actionable data to inform safe and effective treatment options.

This episode is sponsored by First Response Canada.

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In honour of Endometriosis Awareness Month, we sit down with Dr. Sony Sierra, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist at TRIO Fertility in Toronto and a past president of the Canadian Fertility and Endocrinology Society. Dr. Sierra takes us deep into endometriosis, shedding light on this misunderstood condition.

She begins by explaining what endometriosis is, delving into its symptoms, signs, and the challenges surrounding its diagnosis, including the various stages involved. Dr. Sierra discusses how commonly the symptoms and pain associated with menstruation are disregarded, emphasizing the importance of understanding and recognizing these signs.

Dr. Sierra discusses the intricate relationship between endometriosis and fertility, outlining the three primary ways it impacts one's ability to conceive. She provides invaluable insights into what patients can expect if they suspect they have endometriosis, including the medical approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

For those navigating their fertility journey, Dr. Sierra offers guidance on the best treatment options, whether they are actively trying to conceive or in the pre-planning phase. She also addresses how endometriosis affects everyday living. This episode equips listeners with the knowledge and tools to navigate endometriosis with confidence and empowerment. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of endometriosis and join the movement toward greater awareness and transparency in reproductive health.

More About our Guest Speaker

Dr. Sony Sierra, MD, FRCSC, REI (She/Her), serves as a distinguished Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist (REI) and Deputy Medical Director and Partner at TRIO. With nearly two decades of experience, she specializes in reproductive health, recurrent pregnancy loss, and early Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) programs. As the Medical Director at EVOLVE Egg Freezing Clinic and an Associate Physician at Women’s College Hospital, she contributes significantly to advancing reproductive medicine. Dr. Sierra's research interests include infertility, implantation failure, and PCOS, reflected in her publications and conference presentations. Passionate about patient care, she approaches her practice with compassion and dedication, guided by her belief in excellence and empathy. Dr. Sierra's commitment to ongoing education and involvement in esteemed societies ensures her patients receive the most up-to-date care and expertise. She finds immense fulfillment in helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of starting a family, making her a valued asset in the field of fertility medicine.

For more info about Dr. Sierra, you can check out the TRIO Fertility Website: https://triofertility.com/team-member/sony-sierra/ or you can follow her on Instagram @drsonysierra.

First Response Canada

Afynia Laboratories, a Canadian biotechnology company, is pleased to announce the availability of EndomiR, the first validated diagnostic blood test for endometriosis. Afynia is currently offering EndomiR to Canadian fertility clinics for patients with unexplained infertility and/or symptoms suggestive of endometriosis. EndomiR shortens the diagnostic pathway by providing physicians with actionable data to inform safe and effective treatment options.

This episode is sponsored by First Response Canada.

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In this episode of Fertility in Focus, we are joined by Lindsay Dent, entrepreneur and founder of Pink Crown Creative, to discuss her fertility journey and challenges.

Dent opens up about her own experiences, revealing the struggles she endured during her path to pregnancy. She speaks on the emotions experienced by herself and countless other people who face similar challenges. The misconceptions and miseducation about infertility inspires her to share her story and empower others to open dialogue about these issues in their communities.

Join us for this enlightening episode as Lindsay provides invaluable insights into initiating conversations with individuals facing fertility challenges and how to communicate effectively about your own experiences, while also setting healthy boundaries.

More About our Guest Speaker

Lindsay Dent is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in sales, marketing, and social media. She has led teams in the IT Consulting, Multimedia, and Hospitality industries, honing her expertise in crafting impactful marketing strategies and building thriving online communities.

In 2017, Dent founded Pink Crown Creative, a Creative Marketing Agency & Community. Additionally, she shares her social media knowledge as a faculty member at Blanche Macdonald, teaching Canadian and International Fashion Marketing students.

Her podcast, Have You Met Her Yet?, debuted impressively at #9 on the iTunes Entrepreneurship charts and was featured on Apple's New & Noteworthy Podcasts. Dent received nominations for the esteemed RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards: Ones to Watch Award in 2020 and 2021.

To connect with Lidnsey Dent, you can follow her on Instagram @_lindsaydent, where she shares personal insights and highlights from her journey. For a glimpse into her creative work, follow @pinkcrowncreative, and to stay up-to-date with her inspiring podcast conversations, join her at @haveyoumetheryetpodcast.

Stay up to date with all things Fertility in Focus by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

If you are interested in being a guest or sponsoring Fertility in Focus, apply here.

This episode is sponsored by First Response Canada.

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In this episode on Fertility in Focus, we are having Emily Getz on the show! Emily is a fertility mindset coach and the founder of Day 1, a first of its kind fertility support network and host of The Day 1 Podcast.

In October 2019, Emily was pregnant with her second child whom she lost unexpectedly at six months pregnant, due to an external infection. This experience changed her life and was the precipice of how Day 1 came to be. Over the past three plus years, Emily has experienced a late pregnancy loss followed by a year of cycle monitoring, one IUI, three rounds of IVF, one ectopic pregnancy, (which resulted in the removal of her right fallopian tube), two failed fresh transfers and an 8-week miscarriage after conceiving unassisted. Today you find her navigating what next steps look like all while documenting the emotions, decisions, disappointments and truths behind a fertility quest.

Tune into this episode to learn all things mindset on your fertility journey!

Connect with Emily by visiting her website https://www.day1fertility.com/ or follow her on Instagram! Also, be sure to tune in to her awesome podcast Day 1 Podcast. Check out the article she wrote for The Toronto Star here.
Stay up to date with all things Fertility in Focus by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

If you are interested in being a guest or sponsoring Fertility in Focus, apply here.

This episode is sponsored by First Response Canada.

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In this emotional episode of Fertility in Focus , our guest speaker, Kimberly Lockhart, joins us for a poignant conversation about parental grief, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth. Kimberly shares her heart-wrenching journey as a mother to Wilder, her son who was stillborn at 40 weeks and 5 days, and how this devastating loss led her to found the Butterfly Run Vancouver and Butterfly Run BC. She opens up about the isolating experience of losing a child and the overwhelming stress and mental tumult of the situation.

Kimberly imparts valuable insights into navigating grief with others, emphasizing the difficulty of decision-making during such challenging times and the need to guide those around you in providing support. Listeners will gain profound perspectives on supporting someone who has lost a child during pregnancy, with Kimberly offering practical advice on expressing empathy.

As the episode unfolds, Kimberly provides insights into the Butterfly Run organization and its impactful initiatives, support groups, and resources for bereaved parents. Join us for this insightful conversation as Kimberly Lockhart shares her profound story of turning personal tragedy into a force for healing and community support in this profoundly moving episode.

More About our Guest Speaker

Kimberly Lockhart, bereaved mother to Wilder Jay, born still at 40 weeks 5 days, is the founder of Butterfly Run Vancouver and Director of Butterfly Run BC. She honors Wilder's memory by raising awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, providing essential resources, peer support, and grief counseling through her non-profit organization. Kimberly's resilience transforms personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for families navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and infant loss in British Columbia. Her commitment echoes in Butterfly Run's mission to raise awareness about pregnancy and infant loss and support other families facing similar challenges. For more information about Butterfly Run, check out their websites: https://www.butterflyrunvancouver.com/ and https://www.butterflyrun.ca/

First Response Canada

Afynia Laboratories, a Canadian biotechnology company, is pleased to announce the availability of EndomiR, the first validated diagnostic blood test for endometriosis. Afynia is currently offering EndomiR to Canadian fertility clinics for patients with unexplained infertility and/or symptoms suggestive of endometriosis. EndomiR shortens the diagnostic pathway by providing physicians with actionable data to inform safe and effective treatment options.

This episode is sponsored by First Response Canada.