Holding Both The Family You Have and Hope for Another Baby: Secondary Infertility with Allie Karagozian

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

Secondary infertility — difficulty conceiving or carrying a subsequent pregnancy — comes with a unique set of challenges. Being a parent with infertility can create tension between feeling grateful for the family you have yet grieving the family you desire. 

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine talks with Allie Karagozian, occupational therapist, business owner, and podcaster. Allie shares her own fertility journey and why she created a special way to support those suffering with secondary infertility. Through her podcast, Secondary Infertility, and her support groups, Holding Both, Allie provides support for mothers struggling with secondary infertility. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:00] What is secondary infertility?

[3:20] What are the unique challenges of secondary infertility?

Guilt for wanting “more” 

Providing a sibling for an existing child

Age gaps between children and societal pressure to have more

[11:18] Secondary infertility support groups

Lack of support for those experiencing secondary infertility

The need for a safe space to discuss the challenges

The importance of emotional support and community

[20:07] Secondary infertility support for men

Men are often sidelined during fertility challenges

Men also need emotional support

Resources mentioned: 

One and Only by Lauren Sandler: https://www.laurenosandler.com/the-book

Episode with Miscarriage Doula Arden Cartrette: drlorashahine.com/podcast/arden-cartrette-on-pregnancy-loss

Finding Allie Karagozian:

Allie on Instagram: @holdingboth 

Allie’s Website: www.holdingbothllc.com 

Allie’s Podcast on Instagram: @secondaryinfertility.pod

Stay Up to Date in Fertility News and Events:  Weekly Newsletter

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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