Ep 78 The Hard Choice of Choosing to Live Child-Free

Infertility is a deeply personal, often heart-wrenching experience. Suddenly, pregnancy and family building are completely out of your control. Fertility challenges can wreak havoc on your body, your mind, and your relationships.  In this episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine talks openly with Carrie Hauskens, founder of Blooming with Care. Carrie is sharing her eight-year struggle with fertility — a journey that ultimately ended with the decision to live child-free.  Carrie talks about what she went through, why she and her husband decided to stop fertility treatment, and the ways they both dealt (and are still dealing) with their grief. Carrie found support in the infertility community, which is why she started sharing her own story.  Fertility treatment can be a roller coaster, and if the time comes when you need to say “enough” and step off, Carrie’s story may help you make peace with that decision. In this episode you’ll hear: [4:00] Carrie Hausken’s personal story:  trying without assistance IVF & stillbirth Surrogacy Considering adoption Becoming child-free [7:43] Honoring the grief [9:58] Deciding to be child-free [15:42] What does “stopping” really mean? [17:27] The impact of trying, and stopping, on their relationship [25:04] Being changed by Infertility [31:49] Life for Carrie, now, child-free [39:06] Connecting with Carrie Hauskens Resources mentioned:  www.bloomingwithcare.com IG - @bloomingwithcare TikTok - @bloomingwithcare Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books