Welcome to Episode 147 of The “So Now What?” Podcast with Lana Manikowski. In this special episode, Lana dives deep into the often-overlooked journey that follows fertility treatments for women who leave without a child. Whether you’re a fertility doctor, clinic staff, mental health provider, or a woman navigating life after infertility, this episode highlights the unmet needs and real stories from women who feel unseen after treatment ends. Highlights: Free Masterclass on Handling the...

Hello, beautiful! I’m so glad you’re here for this week’s episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast.  If you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll notice I’m in a different setting than usual. I’m currently in Denver, attending the American Society of Reproductive Medicine  (ASRM) Annual Congress. This episode might sound a bit different, but it’s coming straight from the heart, and I think it’s one you’ll connect with if you’ve been searching for recognition after leaving IVF or fertility treatments...

Welcome to this week's episode of The “So Now What?” Podcast. In this episode, you’ll dive into something that may resonate deeply with you, especially if you're a woman who is childless after infertility treatments. Lana opens up about those painful moments when you're surrounded by reminders of what you longed for but never came to pass. If you've ever felt that pang in your heart when someone else has what you so desperately desired, this episode will speak to you.   What You’ll Hear in...

In this week’s episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast, we explore an issue that many women who are childless after infertility experience—feeling overlooked or dismissed as adults simply because they don’t have children. If you've ever felt like society doesn’t take you seriously because you didn’t become a mother, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, we talk about the challenges of navigating life when you’re seen as "less than" because you didn’t become a parent. Whether at...

After going through infertility treatments, including IVF, many women find themselves facing life without the child they hoped for. This journey of being childless not by choice is filled with grief, heartache, and often, a deep sense of comparison. You may be asking yourself questions like, “Why can’t my life look like hers?” or “What am I supposed to do now without the milestones of motherhood to guide me?” In this episode, I want to remind you that while it’s natural to compare yourself...

If you’re childless after infertility treatments, you are not alone, even though it might feel like you are. In this episode, I open up about my personal journey through seven years of fertility treatments, only to end up without the child I dreamed of. I know firsthand how devastating and isolating this experience can be. What most women don’t realize is that these feelings—grief, confusion, loss of purpose—are prevalent among women who have undergone IVF or fertility treatments without...

Welcome to another episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the important topic of body image after infertility—a struggle many women face when their journey to motherhood didn’t go as planned. If you’ve been feeling disconnected or resentful toward your body after years of fertility treatments, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why body image struggles are common for women who are childless after infertility. How to begin the process of...

In this episode, Lana dives into the complex emotions that can arise when you’re the only one in your group of friends who is childless after infertility. If you've ever felt like an outsider among your BFFs as they talk about their kids, this episode is for you. Lana explores how to maintain meaningful connections, even when your life looks different from those around you. She shares personal stories and practical advice on how to embrace your unique journey, reclaim your relevance in your...

Welcome to this week's episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into a subject that many women who are childless after infertility can relate to—managing emotions during back-to-school season when you weren’t able to have kids. This time of year can bring a mix of emotions—sadness, frustration, comparison, and even a deep sense of loss—as you see friends, family, and social media filled with photos of children heading off to school. For those of us who went...

Welcome and Personal Update Vacation Preparation: Lana discusses the anxiety she felt as she prepared for her first vacation since leaving her corporate job, and how this trip is a significant change from her previous work-focused vacations. Upcoming Free Coaching Class Free Webinar Announcement: Lana is hosting a free coaching class on September 10th at 6 PM CT. This session is designed to help those who struggle with responding to the question, "Do you have children?" ...

Introduction Welcome back, gorgeous! By the time you listen to this, I’ll be in Turek, Poland, celebrating a family wedding. As excited as I am about this trip, I want to share something equally important with you—how to let go of the disappointment that often follows unsuccessful IVF and infertility treatments. If you’re struggling with feelings of failure or sadness because you couldn’t have children after all your efforts, this episode is for you. Free Webinar: How to Handle Awkward...

Hey there, lovely listeners! Did you know I have a YouTube channel? Yes, I do! You can watch the video version of this podcast, including some fun outtakes, on my YouTube channel at Lana Manikowski on YouTube. This week, I want to share something that hit me deeply: the parallels between the journey of Olympic athletes and women who undergo fertility treatments. Watching a recent track and field event, I couldn't help but notice how much their experiences resemble ours. Let's dive into it. ...

Hey there! It's been quite a week in the media, and I felt compelled to address some comments circulating about childless women being miserable. As someone who deeply values integrity, especially in my role as a life coach supporting women crafting fulfilling lives without children, I want to make it clear: this isn't about politics, and it never will be. My goal here is to provide a space where all women, regardless of political affiliation, can feel supported and understood. This week's...

On this episode, we're diving into a topic that often gets overlooked: embracing abundance after infertility. It's something many of us struggle with because we rarely see examples of women thriving in a life that doesn't include motherhood. That's precisely what inspired me to start this podcast — to fill that gap and provide a space where we can explore where these communities exist, how to navigate difficult interactions with those who don't understand, and finding acceptance and peace on...

Discovering Your Purpose After Infertility Welcome back to another episode! I'm thrilled you're joining me on this journey through life, where sometimes navigating can be challenging. Today, I want to open your mind to a new perspective on purpose. Navigating Conversations About Childlessness: I've just launched a valuable resource for those struggling with discussing childlessness. If you've faced unwanted opinions or advice, visit Instagram (@Lana.Manikowski) or email me at...

Welcome back to another episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast. I'm Lana Manikowski, and I'm thrilled you're joining me today. As we dive into the heart of summer here in the US, with July 4th Independence Day celebrations just around the corner, it feels fitting to talk about a different kind of independence—personal independence, especially for those of us navigating life after infertility. Reclaiming Independence Post-Infertility After enduring years of fertility treatments, the constant...

Feeling Like a Failure After IVF Fails Introduction: Welcome back to another heartfelt episode of Thrive After Infertility. I'm Lana, and this week, we are rolling up our sleeves and diving deep into what it means to feel like a failure, especially after the challenging journey of IVF and fertility treatments. This episode is for all the incredible women out there who have struggled with these feelings and are ready to redefine their stories. Key Points Covered: Understanding the Fear of...

Episode Summary This week marks my 15th wedding anniversary, a significant milestone that feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. Reflecting on our journey, I've decided to discuss marriage and relationships when you find yourself unexpectedly childless. In this episode, I'll uncover the top 10 misconceptions about childless marriages, shedding light on the unique challenges and bias we experience when we eave fertility treatments without a child.     Key Points Discussed Lack of...

Hello, lovely listeners! I'm so glad you're joining me today. If you haven't already, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Lana.Manikowski. Look for my profile picture with a yellow shirt—if you see me in a red shirt, that's an old channel I no longer update. Subscribe to stay connected and catch some funny outtakes that don't make it to the podcast. Why Your Reviews Matter Before we dive into today's topic, I want to thank everyone who rated and reviewed the podcast last week....

Welcome back to another week of The “So Now What?” Podcast! I’m so grateful you're here with me. As we welcome June, it's the perfect time to reflect on the goals and dreams we set for ourselves at the start of the year. Maybe you’re reassessing some plans or realizing that some things didn’t pan out as easily as you hoped. Remember, it's never too late to recalibrate and adjust your path. Episode Highlights: Reflect and Recalibrate: With nearly half the year behind us, it’s a great moment...

Introduction: Hello, beautiful souls! It's Lana Manikowski and I'm thrilled to share some major life updates and inspiring insights with you today. This episode is dedicated to all the incredible women who are not sure what to expect of your life childless after infertility and IVF. It's a journey filled with unexpected turns, but together, we can find joy and purpose beyond what we initially envisioned. Big Announcement: I have some exciting news to share—I recently resigned from my...

In this episode, we explore the intricate emotions surrounding birthdays if you are childless after infertility. Inspired by recent gatherings celebrating The Other’s Day Brunch, I highlight the complexities of navigating birthdays and offer insights on how to approach them with strength and hope. Celebrating The Other’s Day Brunch: Reflecting on recent events likeThe Other’s Day Brunch in Chicago and an ambassador-hosted event in Seattle, I acknowledge the increasing awareness of the...

When you're childless after infertilityMother's Day can be a challenge. It's a time that can feel heavy with reminders and emotions, but fear not, I'm here to walk you through it with care and compassion. Finding Peace Amidst the Mother's Day Buzz: Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to feel a mix of emotions during this time. Whether it's sadness, anger, or even ambivalence, give yourself permission to feel what you feel without judgment. Create Boundaries: Opt out of Mother's...

This week we are tapping into the concept of welcoming in happiness as you are navigating life after infertility and a new norm without the children you thought  you were supposed to have. Discover practical tips and heartfelt insights on finding joy, embracing gratitude, and celebrating the beauty in everyday moments. In today's episode, I expand on episode 123, diving into the concept of happiness is not a destination but a journey, especially for those who are childless not by choice. If...