Encore: What No One Tells You About Fertility, Genetics & Creating Your Family

April 2
58 mins

Episode Description

In this powerful encore episode, we sit down with Lila Dayani, a genetic counselor and founder of Genevieve Health, and Stephanie Levich, founder of Family Match Consulting, to break down the often misunderstood world of fertility, genetics, IVF, and surrogacy.

From the emotional reality of infertility to the science behind genetic testing, this conversation sheds light on the paths so many families take—but few openly discuss.

Stephanie shares how she helps intended parents navigate surrogacy with confidence, turning fear into clarity during one of life’s most vulnerable journeys. As she says, “it’s really frickin scary… you’re envisioning a stranger carrying your baby” — but with the right guidance, that fear transforms into trust.

Lila dives into the importance of proactive genetic testing—before pregnancy—and how having the right information can be life-changing (and even life-saving).

MJ opens up about her own deeply personal fertility journey, reminding us that there is no shame in how you build your family—only strength, resilience, and love.

This episode is for anyone who:

  • Is thinking about starting a family
  • Has struggled with infertility
  • Is curious about IVF, surrogacy, or genetic testing
  • Or simply wants to feel less alone in the process

✨ However your family comes to be… your journey is valid.

TIMESTAMPS

  • 00:00 – Why surrogacy can feel overwhelming (and how to navigate it)
  • 02:00 – Meet Lila & Stephanie + their backgrounds
  • 05:00 – What is genetic counseling (and why it matters)
  • 10:00 – IVF misconceptions & fertility realities
  • 14:00 – MJ’s personal fertility journey + breaking stigma
  • 18:00 – Stephanie’s story & why she built Family Match
  • 21:00 – Surrogacy timelines, process & expectations
  • 24:00 – Emotional + physical realities of pregnancy complications
  • 30:00 – IVF as a “battle” — mental, physical & spiritual
  • 35:00 – Cost of surrogacy & accessibility challenges
  • 40:00 – What makes a qualified surrogate
  • 45:00 – Why genetic testing can save lives
  • 50:00 – Listening to your intuition in pregnancy & health
  • 55:00 – Building Genevieve Health + proactive care
  • 58:00 – Final thoughts: releasing shame around family building

CONTACT INFO

Lila Dayani
Founder, Genevieve Health
🌐 https://genevievehealth.com

Stephanie Levich
Founder, Family Match Consulting
🌐 https://familymatchconsulting.com


Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode of Heal 2 Feel.

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We’ll see you next week 💛

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