S5 EP7 - We Are a Team: Fertility Treatments and Relationships with The IVF Dad, Keegan Prue

Keegan Prue, the author of The IVF Dad, joins Julia to share the story of infertility he and his wife Olivia experienced. Keegan wrote this book from a man's perspective, and he puts pen to paper to help other men as well as couples to deal with this disappointment and to help them work through the feelings and the process. You will hear the details of this couple's journey through infertility with nothing held back. Today's conversation is authentic and encouraging. Don't miss this episode of Stork'd.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Julia shares facts regarding men being silent on the subject of infertility
• [04:02] Keegan shares his personal and professional background, how he and Olivia met and what their goals were for a family before realizing they weren't getting pregnant
• [12:29] The disappointment of not getting pregnant and their journey to get educated on infertility. Olivia's regular OBGYN gives inaccurate information. Next step – Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) and IVF treatments were recommended
• [20:01] Regular conversations between the couple, education and exploring options before the diagnosis prepared them to step into IVF more readily, as well as clarifying why they wanted to have a family
• [24:30] Keegan shares the experience of becoming pregnant twice and the miscarriages. Other means of having children are explored
• [34:55] As a couple, they discussed nurturing one another and recognizing that self-care is needed. They decided to advocate more strongly for themselves when meeting with the RE doctor. Welcoming their first child, Eliza
• [42:51] Keegan tells what prompted him to write the book, The IVF Dad, and he shares his definition of family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• To become pregnant, don't rely on a general OB GYN to determine hormone levels, etc. Instead, when there is a problem, go to the experts in the field of infertility.
• It is critical to discuss what you need from your partner during difficulties. Everyone's needs are different; sometimes, a person just needs space.
• There are many resources available to educate oneself about infertility. Avail yourself of the social media community as well as seek professional help.

RESOURCE LINKS:

FREE RESOURCE for Stork'd listeners - Becoming a Team When Family Planning Gets Hard: Conversation Starters for Partners Doing Fertility Treatments.

Stork'd - Facebook

Stork'd - Instagram

Stork'd- YouTube

Keegan Prue - Instagram

Keegan Prue - Website

The IVF Dad Book

BIO

Keegan E. Prue is an author and educator from Upstate New York. He and his wife struggled with infertility, going through two rounds of IVF, two miscarriages, and three embryo transfers before the birth of their first daughter. That experience inspired him to write "The IVF Dad: What I Learned on My Infertility Journey, and How it Can Help You," to help other men and couples going through fertility issues feel more informed, empowered, and equipped to support themselves and each other. In his spare time, Keegan enjoys cooking (grilled greek chicken and veggies are a current favorite), traveling (on the bucket list: the Scottish highlands, Tuscany, and New Zealand), and spending time with his family.