118. Surrogacy Panel with Aliza Konig, Reena Bloom and Chana Shaffer
Aliza Konig, Reena Bloom and Chana Shaffer join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about what brought them to surrogacy, how they navigated that journey, how they managed their family and friends during the process and how Reena and Chana had previous pregnancies, and surrogacy was chosen as a miraculous way they could grow their families.
105. Surrogacy: From Empty Womb to Full Heart with Rabbi Dr. Erin Leib Smokler
Rabbi Dr. Erin Leib Smokler, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about her surrogacy story filled with laughs, pain, and everything in between and the guilt that came along with not being able to carry her own child.
119. My Surrogacy Story with Elisheva Levitt
Elisheva Levitt joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about the surrogacy story of her twins, who were born after three heartbreaking pregnancy losses and years of searching for a surrogate and the pregnancy of her first child that left her with a blood incompatibility and her body attacked any subsequent attempts to try to bring another baby into this world.
Parshas Chayei Sarah
Good Shabbos ❤️ thinking of you all and holding space for you!
Xoxo,
Aimee
Why Do People Adopt?
Many people adopt because they *want to* not just because they are infertile 🫶 As we close out our discussion about adoption we want to remind you that family is family no matter what.
8 Things Jewish Adoptees Want You To Know
What are some things that Jewish adoptees and families wish their communities knew? This eye-opening resource comes from the Adoption and Jewish Identity Project @adoptionjewishidentity which was borne out of research they did, from surveys and oral histories they took from a diverse group of Jewish adoptees raised in American Jewish families.
Don’t Put Life on Hold
If you are considering adoption, or if you are still waiting for happens next, don't stop living in the meantime. There is so much life to be lived before your story ends.
Behind the Scenes
Even if you choose to adopt, there is nothing that is simple about the process. We share these complexities so *you* can arm yourselves. Even after people adopt, there can be lingering grief and trauma around the so many of these issues.
“Just Adopt”
November is Adoption Awareness Month. So this is a perfect time to remind everyone… It’s tempting to tell people that adoption would *so* much easier than the 6th round of IVF or going through another miscarriage.
Rest
DON’T do that thing tomorrow. DON’T give it your all. DON’T be strong. Rest isn’t laziness. Rest isn’t failure. Rest isn’t giving up. Rest is saying that you need a break from the world right now.
Having More Babies…
The world feels so scary, so dark, so lonely right now. I received this message and I had to share it with you all because I want you to know that if you feel the same way, that’s normal.
Election Day
The very nature of infertility is that you don't have the power to change what the future holds. You can eat a healthy diet, manage your stress, do everything the doctor says, and still not have a baby.
Checking In
Shoutout to all of you checking in on your friends. Our thoughts: Keep texting them, especially when things aren't okay. Just don't expect a reply - They'll respond when they are ready. So keep checking in on all your friends.
Israel Support Sessions
For more information please contact info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
The Sun Always Rises
This time of year can feel like a transition into darkness. But the sun always rises. Look for the light ❤️ You got this. And we are here for you.
Parshas Vayera
Parshas Vayera
Praying of you all and for a peaceful Shabbos ❤️
Xoxo,
Aimee
Self-Care
It’s not always about manicures, fuzzy blankets and scented candles. Sometimes it’s just about self-preservation ❤️
You Don’t See The Whole Story
You Don’t See The Whole Story… Just a reminder that you never truly know what someone is dealing with.
Put A Finger Down
Is this about fertility or is this about the crisis overseas… or both? 🫶🫶🫶 Holding space for you all.
War and Infertility Emotions
Navigating the situation overseas with our personal struggles is challenging. There are a lot of emotions, and maybe feelings of neglect. Life keeps moving even when the world seems to be crumbling around you. We see those of you struggling with balancing all these feelings and all the hurt.