Episoder
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In this bonus episode, Julia took a moment on the 4th of July to reflect on the importance of reproductive freedom. She appreciates living in Massachusetts, where mandatory insurance coverage allowed her to undergo IVF treatments. However, she expresses concerns about potential changes to these laws due to the current political climate, noting that some states already have restrictions. Julia emphasizes the need to cherish our freedoms to build families in ways that feel right to us. She also reflectes on the diverse stories shared on the Stork'd podcastāsome heartbreaking, others showcasing resilience and determination as individuals navigated various options to build their families. Julia will bring more content and stories for her listeners to learn from and celebrate the creation of new families in future podcasts.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[0:44] Julia talks about freedom and shares her solo parenting journey
[3:40] Julia shares she is going through fertility treatments to have her second child
[5:27] Julia is concerned for the next generation and what fertility treatment will look like for them going forward and discusses Project 2025
[7:35] Julia talks about the different journeys discussed on the podcast of how families were created and the decisions she made along the way to create her family
[10:36] Julia shares her concerns and fears about the political climate and how that affects fertility treatments and building a family
[15:05] Appreciating having the right to contraception and the fear that the political climate will result in laws being changed
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Julia is pausing the podcast for a short time while she is going through fertility treatments to have her second child.
Julia is working on content to share on future podcasts regarding our freedoms in this country protecting fertility procedures.
Julia fears that legislation will eliminate the ability to choose how to build the family you want rather than following someone else's idea of what you should have.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stork'd - Website
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Abbe Feder shares how she found peace after six years of infertility treatment and still has no answers to why IVF didnāt work for her.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
InCircle Fertility - Website
InCircle Fertility - Instagram
InCircle Fertility - LinkedIn
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Abbe Feder shares that when she started IVF, she automatically thought that it would work and she would have a baby. Listen as she shares the emotional rollercoaster she felt when she started IVF and it didnāt work.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
InCircle Fertility - Website
InCircle Fertility - Instagram
InCircle Fertility - LinkedIn
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Abbe Feder is the founder of InCircle Fertility and host of the Fertility Chic. In this episode, Abbe shares her own six-year journey through unexplained infertility, including her initial reluctance to turn to assisted reproductive technology. Ultimately, Abbe and her husband tried IUI and then IVF with multiple failed transfers and loss. After a traumatic birth experience and emergency hysterectomy, Abbe is the proud mom of twins. Abbe leans on her experience and a deep well of empathy and tools to guide hopeful parents through the infertility experience. InCircle Fertility is not just a service; it's a guiding light for anyone navigating the complex path to parenthood.
Abbeās belief in coaching clients through this challenging process is unwavering; she holds their hearts and hands as they navigate the emotional and physical hurdles of family building. If you or someone you know resonates with this journey, join us for an insightful conversation."
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:49] Abbe discusses why she created her company, Circle Fertility [4:00] Abbe reflects on her 6-year journey to becoming a parent [10:43] Abbe decides to go to a fertility doctor for IUI treatments [14:59] Abbe admits she believed that when starting IVF treatments, you would immediately get pregnant. She explains how she dealt with the disappointment [20:47] How do you protect your mental health through disappointments? Abbe discusses details of the IUI and IVF journey [31:20] Abbe advises on how to navigate the complex decisions of the process, and she discusses the expense versus self-care [38:42] When should a person seek coaching, and how does Abbe define familyKEY TAKEAWAYS:
It is unfair that a woman who did not take care of her body can quickly get pregnant, and a woman who took excellent care of her health and body canāt conceive.
It is difficult to make life decisions when going through IVF. Your hormones are raging, you are taking more, the stakes are high, and you are exhausted. That is the time when you need to be able to lean into someone you trust.
Taking IUI or IVF treatments is no guarantee that you will become pregnant.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
InCircle Fertility - Website
InCircle Fertility - Instagram
InCircle Fertility - LinkedIn
BIOGRAPHY: Abbe Feder
Abbe Feder founded InCircle Fertility after emerging on the other side of her all-consuming struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss. These experiences were life-altering and when the dust settled, it quickly became evident that the only possible next step was supporting others as they navigate this turbulent terrain. Combining professional expertise, industry know-how, and an abundance of empathy and compassion, InCircle Fertility is here to meet you wherever you are in the world and wherever you are in your journey to parenthood to provide the support and guidance needed to find your resolution.
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Brittany Ross discusses how during her first pregnancy she didnāt want to lose her identity and become ājust a mom.ā
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
Brittany Ross - Instagram
Brittany Ross - Website
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Brittany Ross shares advice to those who find out they are pregnant and may not feel the expected emotional reaction to finding out you are and that you are allowed to feel however you want to feel.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
Brittany Ross - Instagram
Brittany Ross - Website
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Brittany Ross, a Los Angeles-based actor and stand up comedian opens up with refreshing authenticity about her journey into motherhood. She candidly shares her experiences of feeling like she lost her identity during her first pregnancy, as others only saw her as a mom-to-be and, after giving birth, felt defined solely by motherhood. Now pregnant again, Brittany reflects on navigating this journey differently, realizing she can embrace her role as a caring mom and her identity as a professional and individual woman. Join us as Brittany shares her insights and experiences in this honest and relatable conversation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:46] Brittany shares who she is and how she brings her family into her comedic act, and she describes the unpreferred parent and gives examples
[10:59] Brittany discusses how she felt about being a mom from her identity standpoint and how people treat you differently
[18:44] Brittany is dealing with her second pregnancy differently, and how she is navigating this process
[29:00] Brittanyās advice is to remember everyone is different and can exercise whatever emotion they are feeling, and she reveals she had a miscarriage before her current pregnancy
[35:08] What triggered Brittany to decide to have a second child was what she wanted
[40:39] Brittany reminds listeners that everyone has ideas about what is right for you, but do what you think is right and what family means to Brittany
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Children possess an innate ability to push their parents' buttons, and the bond between a mother and daughter is distinct. At times, it's uniquely positive, while at other times, it is a button-pushing scenario.
Getting pregnant represents a significant life change, and it is ok to deal with it however you want to. Donāt be pressured by outside influences of how you should feel or cope.
As a mom, you love your child but donāt want to lose your identity.
Some of the feelings you have are based on hormones.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Brittany Ross - Instagram
Brittany Ross - Website
BIOGRAPHY: Brittany Ross
Brittany Ross is a Los Angeles-based Actor, Standup Comic, and writer. Originally fromā¦ well, she grew up moving around the world: Alaska, Scotland, Colombia, Venezuela, Texas, Chicago, & Hawaii. Being the āNew Kidā is her special skill. Aside from the Choco Krispies commercial that not only starred a 5-year-old Brittany but probably changed ALL of your lives, you can catch her on Netflixās New Series Huge in France, ABCās The Rookie, and the Netflix film Like Father. Other notable credits include her long-running recurring role on ABCs The Middle, CBSās 2 Broke Girls, TBSās Clipped, Disneyās Bizaardvark & more.
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, co-founders of WeNatal, give advice to those who are experiencing a miscarriage. They emphasize leaning on your āvillageā and encourage listeners that itās not the end of the story.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
WeNatal - Website
WeNatal - Instagram
WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Storkād. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, co-founders of WeNatal, discuss this shocking vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. They banded together to address this and created a menās prenatal vitamin.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
WeNatal - Website
WeNatal - Instagram
WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Storkād. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
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Ronit Menash and Vida Delrahim, the founders of WeNatal, join Julia on a poignant episode of the podcast to share their journeys to expand their respective families and create WeNatal. As close friends who endured miscarriages within days of each other, their bond grew even stronger. Together, they uncovered a vital revelation: the quality of sperm can significantly affect fertility, contributing up to half of the reason for miscarriage. In response, they developed specialized supplements for both men and women to boost fertility before trying to conceive. They delve into the potential impact of these supplements, particularly for couples undergoing costly IVF treatments. This episode has valuable insights for couples who have had a miscarriage or are trying to conceive.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:32] Ronit and Vida introduce themselves and explain how WeNatal was conceived and that they had miscarriages one week apart
[7:27] The quality of a manās sperm can be the reason for a miscarriage, and how WeNatal can transform the quality of sperm
[17:49] Encouragement for the woman/family going through a miscarriage
[21:30] The vital role gratitude plays in healing after a miscarriage and preparing for pregnancy
[27:30] Ronit and Vita describe how two friends started WeNatal, the formulation of the product and the third-party testing
[38:25] Discussion of taking vitamins through prenatal and postnatal and postpartum depression and being your own health advocate
[41:50] What is normal and what is optimal, friends who work together, and what does family mean to Ronit and Vita
[48:35] WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Storkād. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
It is a little-known fact that when a woman experiences a miscarriage, a manās sperm quality can be 50% of the issue.
Creating WeNatal was a thoughtful process, including the design and usage of the packaging, not just the content of the prenatal supplements.
Women need to be their own health advocates. When you donāt feel right, express that to a doctor and get the required tests. The preconception timeframe is critical to a healthy pregnancy.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
WeNatal - Website
WeNatal - Instagram
WeNatal is offering a special discount to listeners of Storkād. Go to WeNatal.com/Storkd
WeNatal's Story
Weāve been there. Iāll never forget the spot on the wall I was staring at in the doctorās office when they told me there was no heartbeatā¦I felt my whole world caving in. I was miscarrying.
What was even more confusing was the lack of answers I received as to WHY. I was healthy, I took a standard prenatal. Yet I still miscarried. I picked up the phone to tell my best friend, Vida, that I had lost the baby, and through her tears on the other line, I couldnāt believe what I heard: she had miscarried a week before. I hung up the phone, devastated for both of us. Later that evening, in our grief, we both realized something similar about our experiences: we were given no direction on what to do differently.
Our doctors told us it was random or could be our age, but then it dawned on us that all the conversations were only focused on what could have happened to our egg, with half of the equation being left out: the sperm.
Our partnerās health was never mentioned as part of the reason two healthy women were struggling to get pregnant. So we got to work and started searching for answers. We had no idea that what we were about to discover would change the fertility journey for everyone after us, and we wouldnāt have it any other way.
xo, Vida & Ronit
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Angela Rastegar discusses her key demographic seeking Sunfish and how trends are showing that younger individuals are looking into IVF. She then discusses how her company, Sunfish can help provide financial support to those who need it.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
Sunfish - Website
Sunfish - Instagram
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Angela Rastegar discusses the shocking average amount it costs individuals to invest in IVF. She then discusses how her company, Sunfish can help provide financial support to those who need it.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
Sunfish - Website
Sunfish - Instagram
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Julia sits down with Angela Rastegar, the driving force behind Sunfish, a company committed to dismantling financial barriers for hopeful parents navigating fertility challenges. Economic constraints often force individuals to abandon their dreams of parenthood. Sunfish steps in with personalized financial planning services and complimentary consultations. They are backed by a dedicated team of data scientists who analyze medical records and statistics to forecast fertility treatmentsā duration and success rates, thus anticipating associated costs.
What truly sets Sunfish apart is their groundbreaking money back guarantee: in the event of a failed treatment, they offer a partial refund through their IVF Success Program. This pioneering approach empowers individuals to concentrate fully on their fertility journey, relieving the burden of financial worries. Please share this information with anyone facing a fertility journey, as access to resources on financing could make all the difference in continuing the journey or pursuing the next round of IVF.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[0:20] Julia introduces the topic of affording your family-building journey
[3:51] Angela explains the mission of Sunfish and how and why she started the company
[10:29] Angela addresses the first steps in the family-building process, and she discusses how they can predict the exact cost of IVF and the guarantee they make to the prospective parents
[17:34] Angela explains how costs vary and states they do have loan options and how she sees the fertility space evolving in the next five to ten years
[26:03] Discussion of how lifestyle impacts results and all the other details that can be overwhelming on this fertility journey
[30:49] Discussion of the demographics of those who are looking to use Sunfish services and where the name Sunfish came about
[35:17] Angela describes what family means to her, and she tells a heartbreaking story of infertility and success stories
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Sunfish offers complimentary consultations to answer questions and provides educational material on their website.
The average IVF baby costs $70,000, but that figure can vary. Sunfish helps aspiring parents with determining their family building goals (number of kids) and then helps each prospective family create a financial roadmap.
Sunfish offers support and a money-back guarantee through its Gold IVF Success Program which includes an IVF Treatment Package, unlimited transfers, and up to one year of support and guidance. Through this program, Sunfishās proprietary software calculates the expected financial costs for each family to achieve pregnancy based on a range of factors. If those projections underestimate the cost, Sunfish provides a partial refund. Eligible Sunfish customers can also finance this program with a loan.
Disclosures: Sunfish is not a Medical or Healthcare Provider, Insurer, or Financial Planner. Sunfish does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details, as your unique needs may vary. Tools that Sunfish provides are for informational purposes only. All products are based on eligibility, for complete Terms and Conditions, please contact Sunfish.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Sunfish - Website
Sunfish - Instagram
BIOGRAPHY: Angela Rastegar, CEO of Sunfish
Sunfish offers financial support, guidance, and guarantees for family building, including IVF, egg freezing, gestational surrogacy, and egg + sperm donors. The team has offices in California and New York.
Angela Rastegar, co-founder and CEO of Sunfish, has spent many years in the assisted reproductive technologies space, previously as a Director at North Star Fertility and Circle Surrogacy. Rastegar has worked with hundreds of aspiring parents. She is also an investor and mentor to early-stage health tech startups, and previously an investor at a venture capital fund in Silicon Valley. Angela holds a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University, with a focus on reproductive health, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Rastegar has spoken at numerous industry events and conferences, including on the Fruitful and Multiplying Podcast, on the Slice of Healthcare Podcast, and gave a TEDx Talk in London regarding her prior startup.
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Dan Blevins discusses that he feels the loneliness or isolation that can be present in the LGBTQ+ community stems from a lack of trust. People in the LGBTQ+ community can have a hard time finding people they can wholeheartedly trust, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. Stand In Pride is a great resource for those who may be feeling that way.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
Stand in Pride - Instagram
Stand in Pride - Tik Tok
Standing in Pride - Facebook
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Dan Blevins discusses the journey to creating āStand In Prideā, an organization that connects people with "stand-in" family or friends. Whether it's attending a wedding, needing help with a life skill, or simply wanting a shoulder to lean on, Stand In Pride offers a powerful sense of belonging.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
Stand in Pride - Instagram
Stand in Pride - Tik Tok
Standing in Pride - Facebook
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Have you ever felt you need someone to turn to or to show up for you? This episode of Storkād explores Stand In Pride, a heartwarming community founded by Dan Blevins in 2021.
Stand In Pride provides a vital support system for those within the LGBTQ+ community who may be estranged from their families. The show dives into the organization's mission and impact as well as what it really means to show up for someone else.
With over 250,000 members worldwide on their Facebook group alone, Stand In Pride connects people with "stand-in" family or friends. Whether it's attending a wedding, needing help with a life skill, or simply wanting a shoulder to lean on, Stand In Pride offers a powerful sense of belonging. Tune in for an inspiring story about the importance of community and the beautiful act of a chosen family.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[3:00] Dan shares his history and discusses how Stand in Pride was created, and he gives examples of how it works
[10:06] Dan talks about what contributes to the isolation of the LGBTQ population
[17:28] Discussion of the political climate contributing to isolation within and outside the LGBTQ community
[21:06] Danās advice on showing up for others: everyone is different
[24:24] Dan shares his personal story and his hopes for his grandchildren
[32:08] Dan talks about the app and how it came about
[37:42] Dan explains what family is to him
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
When Stand in Pride was conceived, COVID-19 had already isolated people. Stand in Pride provided a vehicle for outreach to those who needed and wanted help.
Showing up for another individual in a small way, like checking in on them, is a big way for the isolated person.
Stand in Pride will soon be available in app form.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Stand in Pride - Instagram
Stand in Pride - Tik Tok
Standing in Pride - Facebook
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Shani Rogers how her daughter coped with her mother, Shaniās, miscarriage and Shani shares an interesting story about what her daughter drew a week before her miscarriage.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
Amazon -Blue and Pink Balloons Journey
Instagram - Blue and Pink Balloons
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Shani Rogers discusses the story of pregnancy and miscarriage with her second child and how she had what doctorās call a āmissed miscarriage.ā
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website - https://www.storkdpodcast.com/
Stork'd - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/storkd.podcast/?view_public_for=114673517053586
Stork'd - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/storkd_podcast/
Stork'd - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiDe7PEo6Bl3Mz862H-7nHw/featured
Storkād Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/02O6MVj3g3DV7vhcTbh72H?si=SZotaP-mQ1-NKfmMshoW_A&nd=1&dlsi=499ca244140e4da9
Amazon -Blue and Pink Balloons Journey - https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Pink-Balloons-Journey-through/dp/1956769609
Instagram - Blue and Pink Balloons - https://www.instagram.com/blueandpinkballoons/
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*Trigger warning for miscarriage*
Shani Rogers, the author of the book "Blue and Pink Balloons," a narrative crafted for her daughter that addresses the sensitive topic of miscarriage. Shani shares her story of trying for a second and healing from miscarriage. Together, Shani and Julia, who also shares her journey through miscarriage, shed light on the prevalence of this experience among women.
Often, amidst the turmoil of miscarriage within a family, the experiences of siblings can be overlooked. Yet, they, too, undergo a profound sense of loss. Collaborating with her four-year-old daughter, Shani found therapeutic value in writing this book for herself and her daughter. "Blue and Pink Balloons" serves as a valuable tool for initiating discussions about miscarriage with children. Consider sharing this episode with a friend or family member grappling with similar experiences.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:10] Shani shares her story about her miscarriage and how frequently it had happened among her peers
[5:16] Julia discusses her own miscarriage experience
[6:56] Shani walks through learning she has had a miscarriage
[12:14] Shani and her husband share the news with their daughter
[15:12] How her daughter dealt with the miscarriage
[19:37] Shani talks about how she walked her daughter through the loss and how the book came about
[23:19] Shani advises mothers who have lost a baby or those who are pregnant and are experiencing fear
[27:48] Shani discusses how her husband comforted her and took care of their daughter
[31:41] Trying again to have another child and how Shani defines family
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Losing a child through miscarriage not only affects the parents but has a profound effect on children at home.
Talking about the miscarriage with their sibling is healthy. It allows them to express their feelings in a way thatās comfortable with them.
People can be insensitive to the loss of a baby through miscarriage. Better to say nothing than, ā Oh well, you can get pregnant again.ā
RESOURCE LINKS:
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Amazon -Blue and Pink Balloons Journey
Instagram - Blue and Pink Balloons
BIOGRAPHY:
Shani Rogers is, first and foremost, a devoted wife and mother to two incredible children. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, she spends her free time working, volunteering at her kids' school, attending her daughter's dance practices, or watching her son at the baseball field. When she gets some downtime, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with family and friends, often with an iced coffee in hand.
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Shani's children's book, "Blue & Pink Balloons," is a real-life story based on the miscarriage their family experienced when their daughter was on the brink of her fourth birthday. It narrates the story from the perspective of their daughter, detailing her wishes for a sibling, the excitement of becoming one, and the sadness of losing the baby. This book validates children's feelings in times of loss and assures them they are loved, regardless of the circumstances.
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In this Storkād Munchkin, Patrice Meagher discusses the unspoken mental load of breastfeeding and pumping that takes a toll on breastfeeding parents.
If you loved this Storkād Munchkin, check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
Resources:
Stork'd Website
Stork'd - Facebook
Stork'd - Instagram
Stork'd - YouTube
Storkād - Spotify
MilkMate - Website
MilkMate - Instagram
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