Pregnancy can be life-changing — but for Sandra, it could have been life-threatening. Born with a congenital heart defect, she was told carrying a baby could put both her life and her child’s at risk. In this powerful episode of the Heart to Heart Fertility Podcast, Dr. Janelle Luk sits down with Sandra to share her extraordinary eight-year journey through IVF, surrogacy, and the courage it took to become a mother against all odds.Sandra opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of doing 24 egg retrievals — many without anesthesia due to her cardiac condition — and the difficult medical trauma she carried from childhood. Together with Dr. Luk, she reflects on the bond between doctor and patient, the compassion that carried her through, and the strength it takes to keep going when the odds seem impossible.

Navigating fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, lonely, and unpredictable, especially when perimenopause and diminished ovarian reserve become part of the journey. In this heartfelt episode of the Heart to Heart Fertility Podcast, Dr. Janelle Luk sits down with Sarah, a chef and nutritionist who has spent the last two years cycling at Generation Next Fertility under the care of Dr. NejatSarah courageously shares her real-life story: donating her eggs in her 20s, discovering elevated FSH, facing hot flashes and perimenopause in her late 30s, and undergoing seven retrievals while holding on to hope for a family. She opens up about the emotional toll of fluctuating numbers, the unique isolation of being on the perimenopause: fertility overlap, and the strength she’s found through her husband’s support, nutrition, mindfulness, and a personalized approach to care.0:00 Welcome to Heart to Heart 1:22 Finding Out About Perimenopause & DOR5:18 Having Open Talks with Your Partner7:36 Navigating High FSH & Low AMH10:40 Providing Guidance & Making Decisions15:01 Staying Focused on The Process 18:32 Hope with Unexplained DOR19:57 Diet, Exercise, and Heat Flashes24:37 Going From Regular Cycles to Irregular Ovulation28:50 Sarah's AdviceSarah’s story is one of resilience, persistence, and honesty. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by test results, wondered what it’s like to cycle through perimenopause, or simply needed to hear that you’re not alone, this episode is for you!📲 Follow Sarah on Instagram @sarahpachelli 🍋 Looking for meals that truly nourish? Sarah’s company, Ssere (@ssere_mealdelivery), makes it possible to eat well with ease. Built on ingredient integrity and a philosophy of balance, Ssere delivers fresh, nourishing dishes straight to your door. Support your health and lifestyle by visiting ssere.com......Welcome to 'Heart to Heart,' the podcast hosted by renowned Fertility Doctor, Dr. Janelle Luk. Join us as Dr. Luk opens up a heartfelt dialogue with a diverse range of guests, including patients who have experienced both success and challenges on their fertility journey, mentors who provide invaluable guidance, and peers who share their unique insights. In this podcast, you'll discover stories of resilience, hope, and triumph over adversity in the realm of fertility. Dr. Luk's compassionate and informative approach ensures that every episode is a source of inspiration and knowledge for anyone navigating the complex world of fertility. Whether you're seeking guidance, support, or simply a deeper understanding of this important aspect of life, 'Heart to Heart' is here to foster connection, empathy, and community.💬 (212) 641-0906 | www.GenerationNextFertility.com📲 Follow us on Instagram: @Gen.Next.Fertility🔔 Subscribe for more patient stories, expert insights, and fertility education.#IVFJourney #FertilityStory #EggFreezing #IVFSupport #HeartToHeartPodcast

Navigating fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, isolating, and at times, heartbreaking. In this powerful episode of the Heart to Heart Fertility Podcast, Dr. Janelle Luk sits down with Loren, a former patient who courageously shares her real-life journey through recurrent pregnancy loss, multiple IVF cycles, and ultimately, the path to parenthood through donor egg IVF.Loren's story is one of resilience, informed decision-making, and deep emotional strength—and it’s a story countless others will recognize in their own fertility journeys.Join Dr. Luk and Loren as they discuss:💗 What it’s like to face multiple pregnancy losses and keep going.💗 Why chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos don’t always result in pregnancy—and what to do next.💗 How Loren and her husband decided donor egg IVF was the right path for them.💗 What it’s really like to choose a donor—from navigating profiles to trusting the process.💗 The emotional toll of treatment and how support, community, and the right care team made all the difference.Fertility struggles often go unspoken, but conversations like this can help break the silence and bring comfort, clarity, and hope to others walking the same road. If you’ve ever wondered about donor eggs, felt discouraged after failed IVF, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone—this episode is for you.