HOPEisode: Carli’s Story!
On this episode, Sonia and Jessica read an inspiring HOPEisode fertility journey written for Women’s Health Magazine by pro soccer player, Carli Lloyd who helped the United States Women’s National Team win two World Cups in 2015 and 2019, and two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. In recent years, she's been on a secret journey involving unexplained infertility and multiple rounds of IVF treatments. Listen as the Mamas share her incredible journey to geriatric mama-hood, also ways to numb the progesterone shot pain and why Mike might be receiving some scratchy wool boxers this month!
Topics discussed in this episode:
HOPEisode Intro (13:18)
Carli’s Story (14:20)
Making Progesterone Injections A Little Bit Better (34:56)
“I was very naive to think that we wouldn’t have any issues getting pregnant. And so it began. The casual whatever happens, happens turned into disappointment month after month. I was starting to feel like this was a race against the clock—my 40-year-old biological clock.”
Resources mentioned in this episode:
After Unexplained Infertility, Carli Lloyd Is Pregnant And Sharing Her Story For The First Time
Being a mom was always something I wanted, but it wasn’t necessarily something that was always on my mind. As a professional soccer player, I was on the sole mission of becoming the best in the world. In order to get there, I knew soccer had to be my number one priority. It would require a selfish mindset.
My husband, Brian, and I met in high school, so we’ve been together for 24 years. He supported me through every step of my career, and without his support, I never would have reached the heights I did.
When I retired in 2021 at age 39, I’d spent 34 years of my life playing soccer, 17 of them professionally. Having a baby was on our mind, and I thought putting it off for a little bit longer to enjoy life wouldn’t pose an issue. For the first time, soccer wasn’t my priority. I could actually choose what I wanted to do and spend time with Brian, my family, and my friends without soccer consuming my mind and body. (In retrospect, I wish I had been more educated about pregnancy and how to prepare for it, and that I looked years ago into the options I had for freezing my eggs.) Read the full story here.
A True Trailblazer
In vitro fertilization was once prohibited in our country. However, continued successes gradually paved the way for IVF. Our doctor, while in the midst of a prestigious fellowship, recognized the life-changing potential of this treatment. He took the opportunity to be at the forefront of family creation by helping establish the first IVF clinic in the state of New Jersey.
Shortly after opening, this IVF program received glowing local news coverage. A woman who had unsuccessfully tried to conceive for more than a decade had the good fortune of seeing a segment on the program.
She reached out to see if our doctor could help her conceive despite suffering from severely damaged fallopian tubes and undergoing two failed reconstructive tubal surgeries. This prospective mother became one of our first patients and was successfully able to conceive in just her second IVF treatment cycle. Achieving a successful pregnancy in the pioneering years of IVF gave Dr. Manara the confidence to do the same for hundreds of couples over the many decades since.
Financing For IVF & Other Fertility Treatments:
When it comes to financing in vitro fertilization, most Americans can’t afford to pay out of pocket for the full procedure. The average cost for one cycle of IVF is from $10,000 to $15,000, according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, and currently, only 20 states have laws that require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for fertility treatments.
Making financial trade-offs and saving for IVF is the best-case scenario, but for those eager to move forward without adequate savings, financing may be the answer.
Is the financial cost of surrogacy standing in your way of becoming a parent? A 0% loan makes a huge difference, reducing repayments to an affordable monthly amount.
With a 0% interest rate, a BetterMed loan will save you at least $35,000. It’s the lowest cost way to pay for surrogacy.
To process your application, we ask for a $10,500 application fee, which acts as security on the loan. And the good news is, every cent is taken off the total amount you pay back.
We also have a 100% Approval Program. Email info@bettermed.com to set up a call to see if you qualify.
Reminder: Listeners can receive 20% off services at Ageless Medical Aesthetics in Westbrook, ME with Code: MAMAS2024 when you follow them on instagram! Also receive a Free First Swim Class at Goldfish Swim in Portland, Maine with same code: MAMAS2024; you’ll need to call them to schedule your little one’s first class.
Follow, subscribe, share! We would love to share full episodes with you on there!
Thanks for listening and checking out the show notes!
Please follow, subscribe, rate and review the Geriatric Mamas!
Tell a friend! We need your support!
You can follow us on instagram at @geriatric_mamas, on YouTube @geriatricmamas, Twitter at @geriatricmamas, and follow our facebook page and our Geriatric Mamas group page.
If you have a topic idea you’d like us to discuss, are interested in being a guest, or simply have a funny geriatric story to tell, you can contact us here!
Have a question, comment or correction for this episode of Geriatric Mamas? Leave it for us here!
Share your story on the Geriatric Mamas podcast!
Calling all geriatric mamas! We're looking for women of advanced maternal age who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, battling infertility, have gone through surrogacy, fostering, adoption or have plans to be a mama in the future to share their stories! Would you like to write in your story and have us read it on your behalf? We would love to hear from you!
Click here to share your story with us and we’ll contact you as soon as geriatricly possible.
Disclaimer:
Please consult your physician for personalized medical and health advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition, your pregnancy, birth plan and post-partum treatments.
Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have heard on the Geriatric Mamas podcast or website.
Guest Disclaimer:
This [Podcast/Website] allows users to post comments and engage in discussions on various topics. The views and opinions expressed in these comments belong solely to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the [Podcast/Website] owner, its staff, or affiliates.
The [Podcast/Website] owner does not endorse or verify the accuracy of the information, claims, or statements made in the comments. The [Podcast/Website] owner shall not be held responsible or liable for any content posted by third parties.
Any user who chooses to rely on the information or opinions expressed in the comments does so at their own risk. The [Podcast/Website] owner disclaims any liability for damages or losses that may arise from such reliance.
Users are encouraged to engage in respectful and constructive discussions. The [Podcast/Website] owner reserves the right to moderate, edit, or remove any comments that violate our community guidelines or terms of use.
By participating in the comments section, users agree to abide by these terms and understand that they are solely responsible for their own comments.
