Hi friends, it’s Kasia — and today, I’m dropping in with a solo episode that’s deeply personal. I’m sharing an update on my fertility journey, including my recent diagnosis of stage four endometriosis and the path I’ve been walking with IVF, pain, and uncertainty.

This episode is for anyone navigating the silent, often invisible world of chronic health issues — especially those that impact fertility. I talk about the emotional weight of receiving a severe diagnosis, the maze of medical decisions, and the moments that brought me to my knees — and also back to my breath.

You’ll hear about the practices that have supported me: meditation, therapy, spirituality, and the small rituals that have helped me stay connected to myself in the midst of it all. My hope is that this conversation feels like a soft landing — whether you’re in the thick of something similar or simply holding space for someone you love.

Let’s begin.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

02:18 Personal Infertility Journey Begins

04:12 Exploring Fertility Treatments

07:31 Discovering Endometriosis

11:07 Meeting Surgeons and Getting Diagnosed

14:22 Coping with the Diagnosis

19:26 Preparing for Surgery and IVF

22:38 Spirituality and Mental Health

29:04 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In today's episode of The Other Way, I'm joined by Sahana Jayaraman as we dive into the often invisible and emotional journey of infertility. Sahana shares her deeply personal experience of undergoing seven rounds of IVF, nine embryo transfers, three miscarriages, and one ectopic pregnancy. This conversation is not just about her story but also about shedding light on the silence that surrounds infertility, the myths about female timelines, and the societal narratives that need shifting. We talk about raw truths, real stats, and the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments. If you're on your own fertility journey or know someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights and a powerful message of resilience and hope. Join us as we honor the non-linear paths to motherhood and the strength it takes to hold onto oneself through it all.

About Sahana:

Sahana is an entrepreneur, strategist, and storyteller who navigates both personal and professional challenges with authenticity and passion. As the founder Zagging Goats, she helps startups and innovators craft bold, breakthrough brand strategies – guiding them to think differently and solve real business problems with bold messages and storytelling, even when it means zagging when others zig.

Beyond her career leading brand marketing for more than 20 years, Sahana has built her own personal brand through LoveSahana - a creative project centered around themes of love, connection, and personal growth. Recently on her Instagram channel @Love_Sahana, Sahana shares real talk about her own deeply personal experience with fertility and the IVF journey. By sharing her story, she hopes to foster connection and remind others that they’re not alone in navigating the complexities of fertility.

Whether she’s building brands or sharing her own path, Sahana’s mission is clear: to inspire others to live authentically, lead with love, and embrace the mindset shifts that fuel growth.

To connect with Sahana:

IG: Love_Sahana

LI: linkedin.com/in/sahanajayaraman

If you've ever been told that your bloating is just normal, or you've cycled through probiotics hoping that they'd fix everything, this episode is going to change how you think about your gut and your health entirely. I'm joined by functional gut health practitioner and host of the Nutrient-Dense podcast, Hannah Aylward. We explore the intricate connections between gut health and conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, anxiety, and burnout. From understanding the impacts of antibiotics to why probiotics aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, we delve into how the nervous system and immune dysfunction show up as gut symptoms. If you've tried various diets and supplements without feeling better, this episode is for you.

About Hannah:

Hannah Aylward is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, functional gut health practitioner, and the founder of HAN. After struggling with her own chronic digestive issues for years, Hannah dove headfirst into the latest in gut health research, seeking answers to her bloating and food sensitivities. With her science-backed formula, Hannah has overcome her own digestive issues and helped hundreds of other women around the world do the same. Today Hannah leads a team of functional practitioners that help clients transform their gut health and overcome their never-ending digestive issues with functional nutrition, targeted supplementation, and advanced lab work.

To connect with Hannah:

IG: hannahaylwardhhc

TikTok: hannahaylwardhhc

Gut Health Root Cause Quiz: https://go.hannahaylward.com/gut-health-root-cause-quiz