Fertility and Family Building for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents, with midwife and Pregnant Together Founder Marea Goodman

Today, Ali is talking to Marea Goodman, licensed midwife, author, and founder of PregnantTogether, a virtual community supporting queer folks and solo parents from preconception through parenting. Marea co-authored the book,  Baby Making for Everybody–Fertility and Family Building for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents, and today, they share their family building story, including having an early loss via IUI, and also having their son through IUI. They talk about their passion for empowering people with the information they deserve to grow their families, and about dismantling the isolation and stigma that still surrounds queer and solo parenthood. They also talk about inclusive midwifery, queer fertility, and how we can better support all kinds of families on their journey to parenthood. "We're trying to create a community for folks who don't fit into the mainstream family building world, to build connections, share resources and rely on each other. It's been a beautiful thing that has also really helped me personally on my queer parenting journey," Marea says. For more info, go to www.pregnanttogether.comFollow on IG: @pregnanttogether.communityTOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Solo parenting; LBGTQ+ family building; queer family building; donor eggs; donor sperm; midwifery; pregnancy; birth; postpartum; mental healthEPISODE SPONSORS: BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND WORK OF ARTAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe latest book in the Work of ART series, “Beautiful Bird” tells the story of three parents, one incredible boy and a family built with love—and a little bit of science.Pre-orders are available now! The first 150 copies will be Personalized, Signed and Numbered! Don't miss out on this limited edition! Tap the link in bio and stories to order your copy today.When Helen decides to have a baby on her own, she welcomes Jack Bird into the world through IUI with the help of her friend, Aaron. But when Jack is born and needs extra care in the NICU, Aaron and his partner, Blake, fall in love with Jack, too. Together, the three join forces to raise Jack, proving that family isn’t about how you start—it’s about how you grow.Order yours now at https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksFor bulk orders of 10 or more books at 20% off, go to https://www.infertileafgroup.com/bulk-order-requestFERTILITY RALLYIG: @fertilityrallywww.fertilityrally.comNo 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/membershipGENERATIONS CRYOVAULTwww.gencryo.comIG: @generationscryovaultWhen you're navigating fertility treatments, every decision feels big—because it is big. But did you know that when it comes to storing your reproductive tissue—including eggs, sperm, and embryos—you DO have a choice? Most clinics automatically store your tissues—or hand you off to their partner. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way. Enter Generations CryoVault, which believes in the motto, "Your tissues. Your choice." When you choose to work with Generations CryoVault, they help you transfer your tissues securely and easily to their headquarters – a place you can trust. Take control of this part of your journey by visiting gencryo.com. And make sure to mention Infertile AF to receive 1 free month of storage.BELIIG: @belibabywww.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/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacySupport this podcast at https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsOur Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyOur Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code INFERTILEAF for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertile-af/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy