Over the next nine episodes, join our host Marie McCoy-Thompson as she explores what it’s like to pursue parenthood, and what to do when things don’t go as planned. Season 1 of Baby Steps launches on February 13, with new episodes every Thursday after that.

Why do you want to have kids? What kind of life do you want? What are your values? These questions may not have easy answers, but they’re an important part of trimester zero. This is the period before the start of any fertility journey (pregnancy, adoption, gestational carriers, IVF, or egg freezing). Trimester zero covers how to prepare for starting a family—financially, physically, and emotionally. Leslie Schrock, author of Bumpin, shares her experience. CW: miscarriage, pregnancy loss. 

Show notes

Leslie Schrock is an author and entrepreneur with a health and tech background.  

Bumpin is the book Leslie wrote about her pregnancy experience, and the first chapter covers trimester zero in depth. 

Shame Proof Parenting is a parenting coach Leslie referenced.

Oocyte cryopreservation, or egg freezing, is a viable option for people with ovaries who want to extend their fertility or begin IVF. While it’s becoming more commonplace, the experience is not as simple as it’s sometimes made out to be: hormonal self-injections, frequent appointments, and going under anesthesia are all part of the process. So what’s really involved, and what can you do to make the procedure as smooth as possible? Sophie shares her tips on today’s episode.