In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Lauren Wynn about her 8 miscarriages, emergency surgery and ultimately building her family through IVF. What’s more, Lauren’s husband EJ sold much of his prized and valuable sneaker collection to cover the cost of their fertility treatments.  After experiencing her 8 miscarriages, Lauren has become a women’s and fertility health advocate and their story shows just how complicated, expensive and painful the family building journey can be for some. Lauren has a significant amount of medical information and relationship advice to share - we joke that she’s gotten a medical degree through her fertility journey. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and know you will, too!   IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:08] Introduction to Lauren and how she has navigated experiencing multiple miscarriages in a short amount of time. [07:44] How to get a doctor to pay attention when you're having physical and emotional pain and advocate for your medical needs. [15:15] How to navigate emotions through multiple losses as an individual and as a couple. [22:05] The decision to pursue IVF and become her own medical advocate. [28:08] An unconventional way to pay for IVF. [35:13] How Lauren’s definition of family has changed and the community she has found during her fertility journey.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   If your doctor is not listening to your physical or emotional needs, don’t waste your time with them. Find another doctor who will put your health needs first. After women have a miscarriage, they need to be aware of their HCG levels. If HCG levels go up, or remain high, that can be a sign of disease or carcinoma.  When experiencing loss in a relationship, be honest and open with your partner. Those emotions will not go away. So work through it together and really lean on each other through the hard times.   BIO:   Lauren and and her husband went through eight miscarriages and two failed IUIs with little to no explanation for why she was experiencing recurring pregnacy loss. After their second miscarrieage, she was diagnosed with a septum but wasn't able to find a doctor to remove it until her fourth miscarriage. After their seventh miscarriage, she learned of Reproductive Immunology which led to a diagnosis of high NK cells and Cytokins. After this new diagnosis, they experienced their seventh miscarriage before deciding to try IVF as a last resort. They are now blessed with carrying our rainbow baby boy. Lauren Wynn on Instagram   Julia Karol is a creative leader, warm friend, animal lover, notable clutz. When she is not hosting Stork'd, Julia runs a private investment firm which acquires, operates, and improves businesses at a crossroads. She loves supporting businesses to grow and evolve. Passionate about social change, Julia also supports a number of non-profit organizations.   Stork'd Facebook Page Stork'd on Instagram Stork'd YouTube Channel