Episodes
Published 07/30/24
In our Season 1 finale, we reveal our PGT results and share the excitement and nerves of preparing for the frozen embryo transfer. We answer questions from family and friends, offering a peek into our journey and the steps we're taking for the big day. Join us as we talk about our hopes, fears, and everything in between during this emotional and hopeful time. We will be back soon! For now...focusing on this next big step in our journey!Stay connected:@theworthashotpodcast@itsashleymcmahon
Published 07/30/24
In this week's episode, you can get to know us on a personal level as we dive into your random questions, sharing insights into our lives outside the fertility journey. We chat about things like our current favorite TV shows, reveal our top travel destinations, and discuss what we do for work. We also open up about our favorite parts of parenting and much more, giving you a closer look at who we are beyond the infertility narrative. Tune in for a fun, personal, and relaxed episode!
Published 07/16/24
In this week's episode of our IVF journey, we navigate the emotional rollercoaster of Ashley's recovery week following the fifth round. The tension builds as we await the life-changing phone call that reveals our embryo results, a moment that always has the power to redefine our path. With the call finally received, we discuss the results and the next steps in our journey, balancing hope and realism. As we move forward, we reflect on our mixed feelings—anticipation, resilience, and a cautious...
Published 07/16/24
In this week's episode, we dive into our latest journey with IVF round #5, trying a different protocol this time around. We've faced unexpected plot twists and started from scratch, navigating through the emotional highs and lows of each piece of news. Now, we're in the waiting game, unsure of what's next but hopeful for a positive outcome. Join us as we share our experiences, reflections, and the resilience needed to keep moving forward.Follow along:@theworthashotpodcast@itsashleymcmahon**We...
Published 07/10/24
In this week's episode, we delve into the importance of supporting friends and family through the challenging journey of IVF. We share personal experiences of what has been helpful and what hasn't over the past few years, offering insights into the do's and don'ts of providing support. We emphasize the need to give grace to loved ones who may not always know the best way to show their support. Finally, we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stood by us during this journey, acknow...
Published 07/02/24
In this week's episode, we're diving into our listener mailbag! You've sent in some thoughtful questions, and we're here to answer them! No topic is off-limits! We love hearing from you and are excited to explore the topics that matter most to you all! Tune in to hear insightful discussions, surprising facts, and even a few laughs as we tackle your questions head-on!Follow along:@theworthashotpodcast
Published 06/25/24
We are back! In this week's episode we're diving into male factor infertility, a topic that unexpectedly became a significant part of our lives back in 2020 when Brooks was diagnosed with a condition where he was born without vas deferens. We want to shed light on this topic because it's often overshadowed by female infertility, despite it accounting for about a third of infertility cases. Male infertility can result from various factors like low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or ...
Published 06/18/24
In this final full update of round four, we dive into the emotional aftermath of receiving our PGT results. The news wasn't just that our embryo was abnormal; it felt like a crushing halt to our dreams of expanding our family. The past four months of effort, anticipation, and sacrifice seemed wasted, leaving us back at square one and grappling with the disappointment. We discuss the struggle of navigating appointments, feeling invalidated, and the exhaustion of having our lives on hold. Addre...
Published 05/21/24
In this episode, we bring you a PART TWO of real-time updates from the roller coaster that is infertility treatment. This week, we delve into the aftermath of a significant glitch in our journey, navigating through mistakes and moments of miracles. Join us as we candidly share the ups and downs of our egg retrieval and sperm retrieval surgeries, along with the challenges of recovery and the agonizing wait that follows. Amidst it all, we open up about the impact of past traumas on our present ...
Published 05/07/24
In this episode, Brooks and I dive into the rollercoaster of emotions and updates surrounding our fourth round of IVF. We candidly discuss the intricacies of the "stimming", shedding light on the physical and emotional demands of the process. Despite the challenges, we explore how the universe seems to have aligned in our favor, offering us hope and resilience along the journey. We unpack the delicate balance of optimism and caution, reflecting on the concept of "getting your hopes up" amidst...
Published 04/30/24
In this week's episode, we sit down with certified life coach, Janice Ross, to explore the profound journey of overcoming life's challenges, from fertility and beyond. Join us as we dive into the essence of life coaching, uncovering practical strategies for accepting the unexpected, overcoming limiting beliefs, and navigating the trap of comparison with grace and resilience. Through Janice's compassionate guidance, we gain insights into how to take control back of our life through realizing t...
Published 04/23/24
In this episode, we share four previously untold stories from our IVF journey, that still have us either laughing or picking our jaw up from the floor. We also share a HUGE update that still leaves us in disbelief.As we reflect on our journey, we can't help but express gratitude for the unsung heroes we've encountered along the way. From the friendly FedEx drivers who handled our precious cargo with care to the compassionate pharmacy staff who became our confidants, their support has been inv...
Published 04/16/24
In this episode, Ashley and Brooks discuss the financial aspect of IVF and infertility treatment. They share their personal experiences with the costs involved and offer tips and tricks for managing the financial burden. They emphasize the importance of advocating for yourself, exploring insurance coverage options, and researching grants and affordable clinics. They also discuss the emotional toll of the financial aspect and encourage listeners to give themselves grace. Overall, they hope to ...
Published 04/09/24
Hi, friends! On this episode we share our journey preparing for round #4 of IVF. We'll dive into the lifestyle changes we're making to boost our chances. From focusing on healthier foods and adding supplements and vitamins to our routine, to incorporating exercise and using low-tox products - we're leaving no stone unturned. We'll also open up about managing stress and finding ways to stay positive amidst the uncertainty of this journey. Tune in as we discuss the ups and downs, and how these ...
Published 04/02/24
Hi, friends! In this episode, we'll walk you through where to begin, starting with talking to your doctor, finding the right fertility clinic, and looking into insurance. We'll help you understand how much time you might need to commit and why it's important for both partners to get tested. We'll also talk about finding support and speaking up for what you need. And most importantly, we'll remind you to trust your instincts and listen to your body every step of the way. Join us for practical ...
Published 03/26/24
Hi, friends! In this episode, we dive deep into our own IVF journey, reflecting on the hurdles we faced from the early disappointments of negative tests to the ultimate joy of welcoming our daughter. With raw vulnerability, we share the ups and downs, including diagnoses, surgeries, and the emotional toll of multiple IVF rounds. Through our story, we aim to offer comfort and solidarity to others grappling with infertility while fulfilling our podcast's mission to educate and raise awareness a...
Published 03/26/24