Today, Ali is talking to Lana Manikowski, a fellow Chicagoan, a certified life coach and the author of "So Now What?" -- a roadmap to help you create a life you love without the children you always dreamed about. Lana tells Ali about her years-long infertility journey, starting with an "unexplained infertility" diagnosis and 7 IUIs. Lana explains moving on to IVF, traveling to get treatment in Colorado, doing several rounds of IVF, and how she and her husband decided to stop treatment and embrace their lives without children. "So many women are left to navigate this alone," she says. "Here I was, left to figure out who I was gonna be in my life without motherhood. And there was no one there--not even a referral for a therapist." Lana has made it her goal to help other women navigate childlessness after infertility, from her book to her advocacy to The Other's Day brunch, which takes place each year in Chicago around Mother's Day. For more, go to https://lanamanikowski.com and follow her on IG: @lana.manikowski TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Infertility; TTC; unexplained infertility; IUI; IVF; childless not by choice Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donations EPISODE SPONSORS: WORK OF ART Ali's Children's Book about IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books Do not miss Ali's children’s book about IVF! It's been getting rave reviews. “Work of ART” is the story of an IVF kiddo the day he learns he is a “work of ART” (born via IVF and ART). For young readers 4-8. Hardcover. Written by Ali Prato; Illustrated by Federico Bonifacini. Personalized and non-personalized versions are available. Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/books For bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-request FERTILITY RALLY IG: @fertilityrally www.fertilityrally.com No one should go through infertility alone. Join the Worst Club with the Best Members at fertilityrally.com . We offer 5 to 6 support groups per week, three private Facebook groups, tons of curated IRL and virtual events, and an entire community of more than 500 women available to support you, no matter where you are in your journey. Join today at link in bio on IG @fertilityrally or at www.fertilityrally.com/membership BELI IG: @belibaby www.belibaby.com Are you thinking about growing your family? Whether you're just starting to plan or are actively trying to conceive, preconception health is key. Beli has vitamins to help both women and men optimize their health before pregnancy. With essential nutrients like Folate, Iodine, and Zinc, Beli ensures your body is ready for this exciting next step. Give yourself and your future baby the best foundation for a healthy start. Visit Belibaby.com today and use code IAF15 for 15% off your first order. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Our Sponsors: * Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com * Check out My Life in a Book and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://mylifeinabook.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af-infertility-and-modern-family-building-through-art/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
