Building your family

Welcome to Building Your Family, the only expert-guided community platform designed for parents and parents-to-be using reproductive medicine to build their families. We provide unique strategies to help make your path to parenthood smoother and more informed—empowering you to navigate the critical decisions that shape your family’s future.At Building Your Family, we’ve already helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of family building and parenting with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to make these life-changing decisions with greater clarity, resulting in better outcomes and fewer regrets.We understand that many of the decisions you make along this journey can’t be undone, and that’s why our approach is all about offering you practical, actionable steps that you can start applying right now. Our educational components are tailored to help you think differently, make more informed choices, and take control of your experience—from f

Building your family is a health podcast hosted by Lisa Schuman, with 190 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Lisa Schuman hosts Building your family, a health show with 190 episodes published.

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  Episode #191

  Will IVF Lab Technology Beat Human Embryologists? | Dr Richard Paulson (Former ASRM President)

  Aug 16, 202635 min

  If you’re doing IVF or thinking about it, will more technology in the lab actually be better than a human embryologist handling your eggs and embryos – and what do two new breakthroughs mean for your chances? In this episode of Building Your Family, I’m joined by Dr Richard Paulson, former president of ASRM and early IVF pioneer, to unpack what’s really happening behind the lab door: automation, AI, robotics, and why the lab may matter more than almost anything else for your IVF success rates and safety. We cover: How IVF labs have evolved since the 1980s and why embryology is so sensitive Where technology, AI and automation are already helping embryologists A new system that finds extra oocytes humans miss in follicular fluid What “automated day‑0” actually means and why it could be a turning point How these advances might change success rates, safety and standardization 2–3 smart questions to ask your clinic about their lab and technology What an IVF lab could look like 10–15 years from now Whether you’re in the middle of IVF or just starting to research fertility treatment, this episode is designed to translate complex lab science into clear, humane decisions about your reproductive health and reproductive freedom. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to IVF and Technological Advances 02:15 Historical Context of IVF 04:50 The Role of the Laboratory in IVF 07:21 Automation and Future of IVF 10:55 Recent Advances in IVF Technology 20:04 Finding More Oocytes in Follicular Fluid 25:47 Implications for Success Rates in IVF 26:16 Practical Applications for Patients 31:27 Safety and Reliability in IVF Technology 33:36 Conclusion and Future Outlook Subscribe to Building Your Family for more expert‑led conversations that turn IVF science into real‑world guidance you can actually use. Episode resources School USC: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/richard-j-paulson/ Medicine USC: https://www.keckmedicine.org/provider/richard-j-paulson/ F&S Reports: https://www.fertstertreports.org/

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  Episode #190

  Before You Choose a Donor: The ‘Zoom Out’ Guide to Donor Conception for Future Parents

  Aug 9, 202612 min

  If you’re considering donor conception and feel like you “can’t see the forest for the trees,” this is your zoom‑out episode. Before you choose a donor, sign with a clinic, or pay an agency, you need the big picture. In this video, we step back from the overwhelm and walk through the full donor conception landscape: • How your decisions affect your child long‑term (identity, mental health, relationships) • Common mistakes parents make when they’re rushed, exhausted, or only hearing the clinic’s side • How to think about psychological screening My goal with this episode is simple: to help you feel calmer, clearer, and better equipped to lead your family through donor conception without feeling lost or alone. If you found this helpful, you might also like my workshops on • How to tell your child their donor conception story: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ • Donor Conception 101 for new and future parents: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ #donorconception #ivf #eggdonor #spermdonor #lgbtqfamily #familybuilding

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  Episode #189

  Tampons, Toxins & Fertility: What The FDA Hasn’t Updated Since 2005

  Aug 2, 202649 min

  Are your tampons quietly exposing you to toxic metals and chemicals that could affect your hormones and fertility? In this episode of Building Your Family, Dr. Nancy Reame breaks down what the FDA has (and hasn’t) done on tampon safety since 2005 and how that compares to Europe. We cover the real story behind tampon safety, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and what the science actually says about toxins in period products. You’ll learn how chemicals are absorbed through the vagina, what we know about toxic metals like lead and cadmium in tampons, and how all of this may impact menstrual health and fertility. Dr. Reame explains: The history of tampon safety and how Toxic Shock Syndrome changed regulations Why US tampon regulations haven’t been updated since 2005, and how Europe handles toxic materials differently How and why the vagina is so absorbent, and what that means for chemical exposure What current research suggests about toxic metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in period products The real risks of long-term exposure vs what’s been overhyped Pros and cons of alternatives like menstrual cups and pads (including how to use them safely) How to read labels, evaluate brands, and find reliable, science-based resources How to stay appropriately concerned without spiraling into panic We also talk about advocacy: how to push for better testing, transparency in ingredients, and stronger public health guidance for women’s health products. If you care about menstrual health, fertility, and safer period products, hit subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and check the links in the description for the research and resources mentioned. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32382713/ Consumer reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/ Made Safe: https://madesafe.org/ Mamavation: https://mamavation.com/ #tamponsafety #toxicshocksyndrome #periodproducts #womenshealth #menstrualhealth #fertility #toxins #endocrinedisruptors #reproductivehealth #periodtalk #buildingyourfamilypodcast

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  Episode #188

  Zooming Out in Surrogacy: Keys to a Successful Journey

  Jul 26, 202613 min

  Your clinic and agency help you with the medical and legal parts of surrogacy. But who helps you zoom out and see the bigger picture for you, your surrogate, and your future child? In this Zoom Out Theory episode, reproductive therapist Lisa Schuman, LCSW, talks about how to step back from the day‑to‑day stress of surrogacy so you can make clearer decisions and set your journey up for long‑term success. We explore how most surrogates are caring, altruistic people, how to build a healthy relationship and communication rhythm with your surrogate, and how to keep your future child in mind without getting overwhelmed. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the Zoom Out Theory is and how it applies to surrogacy How emotions and stress can quietly shape decisions during your journey Keys to the most helpful communication strategy with your surrogate Why regular check‑ins and clear expectations matter over time How to think about the long‑term impact on your relationships and your future child Why documenting your surrogacy experience can support your child later How to balance emotional awareness with rational clarity when you’re making big choices If you’re using surrogacy to build your family and want a calmer, more thoughtful journey, this episode will give you tools to zoom out and see the whole picture. #surrogacy #familybuilding #donorconception

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  Episode #187

  No “Normal” Embryos? You May Still Have Choices

  Jul 19, 20261h 9m

  “No normal embryos” doesn’t always mean the end. Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for tough cases, especially older patients. They discuss PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, immunology, inflammation, and why individualized, evidence‑based treatment can open options many patients don’t realize they have. Have you been told you have “no normal embryos” and feel like you’re out of options? In this episode of the Building Your Family Podcast, Lisa talks with Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David Barad from the Center for Human Reproduction about IVF for some of the toughest cases: older patients, “no normal embryos,” and cycles where many people are told there’s nothing else to try. They discuss why careful diagnosis and truly individualized treatment matter so much, especially for older patients; how they think about embryos other clinics might not consider; and what current evidence actually shows about PGTA, aneuploid and mosaic embryos, and implantation. They also explore the role of immunology, inflammation, toxins like microplastics, supplements, and AI in embryo selection. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: What “no normal embryos” really means (and what it doesn’t) Why one‑size‑fits‑all IVF protocols often fail older patients The controversy around PGTA and how it affects real‑world outcomes When aneuploid and mosaic embryos may still be part of a thoughtful plan How immunology, inflammation, and sensitivities can impact implantation Personalized ovulation induction for older patients Why evidence‑based, individualized care matters more than trends or hype If you’ve been told there are no options left, this episode can help you ask better questions and understand what might still be possible for your family. Subscribe to the Building Your Family Podcast for more evidence‑based conversations on fertility, donor conception, and surrogacy. Episode resources Website: https://centerforhumanreprod.com/

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