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The "So Now What?" Podcast

I am a Fertility Survivor.  The kind you enter into treatments hoping you will never be... childless.  After several rounds of IUI and IVF, at some of the leading Fertility Centers, I was told I was no longer a candidate for fertility treatment.  It left me asking myself...

So now what?

For the years that followed, I tried to put myself back together and tell myself I would be OK, but I wasn't.  I was shattered - I felt alone and failed by the whole process and especially, my body.  I yearned for others that felt the pain I felt and someone that could help me navigate a life without a child. 

I didn't find it, so I decide to create it.  

Fast forward to today. I am still childless, but my beliefs about my life have changed.  I decided that I can create meaning and purpose in my life even though I am not a mother.  I've learned to love myself and the body I felt failed me as a woman.

If you've been on this journey, hop on and join me as we create something we were not offered.  Let's create a sisterhood for the bravest women I know.  We brush ourselves off and don't let terms like: Failed, Unexplained, Miscarriage, Not-viable or Advanced Maternal Age define us anymore.  

 

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  2. Showing Your Body Love After Infertility

Showing Your Body Love After Infertility

Mar 20, 2024

Introduction:

Welcome to The "So Now What?" Podcast, where we embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-love after infertility. Today, we're diving into the power that comes with embracing our bodies and fostering a positive body image amidst the challenges we've faced. But first, let's celebrate the upcoming Other's Day Brunch – a safe haven for women like you who are seeking connection and empowerment on a weekend that traditionally seems so hard.

Other's Day Brunch:

Mark your calendars for May 11th in Chicago – it's the third annual Other's Day Brunch! Created for women who are not moms, may not have traditional mother figures or who feel disconnected during Mother's Day, this event is a celebration of sisterhood, connection, and self-love. Tickets are available at LanaManikowski.com/othersday or reach out on Instagram for more info. You deserve joy and celebration, not sadness, on Mother's Day.

Empowering Exercise:

In last week's episode, we explored guided meditation as a tool for self-awareness and forgiveness. If you haven't tuned in, check out episode 120. Today, let's delve into a powerful exercise inspired by personal reflection. Picture this: sitting poolside, faced with your reflection, and feeling disconnected from your body. It's a moment of realization, a moment where you decide to love your body despite its changes – be it post-infertility or menopause.

Embracing Self-Love:

Your body has been through so much, and it's time to show it the love and respect it deserves. Challenge the negative self-talk and societal standards by asking yourself: "Is this the love my body is seeking?" Just like salty snacks may not nourish your body, negative thoughts and judgments don't nourish your soul. Make choices that align with self-love, whether it's nourishing foods, positive affirmations, or embracing your body as it is.

Conclusion:

As you navigate the complexities of body image post-infertility, remember that self-love is a journey – not a destination. Embrace every curve, every scar, and every change as a testament to your strength and resilience. Join us at The Other's Day Brunch for a celebration of sisterhood and empowerment. And always remember, it's never too late to discover your meaning and embrace the beauty of who you are.