In this episode of the AllPaths podcast, we welcome guest Shannon Cook to share her journey. Shannon recounts her experience navigating fertility struggles, including early attempts at conception, misdiagnoses like hydrosalpinx and stage three endometriosis, and multiple miscarriages. Despite feeling defeated at times, she emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and trusting your intuition throughout the process. Shannon’s journey ultimately led her to IVF, surgery to address a tubal issue she suspected early on, and finally, a successful transfer. She shares openly about the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, the impact of the journey on her relationships, and the process of grieving her losses. Currently ending her second trimester of pregnancy, Shannon talks about resilience, self-care, and finding community throughout her journey.
Shannon also discusses practical aspects of coping, such as the pitfalls of relying too heavily on Dr. Google or even ChatGPT for emotional support, and the importance of setting boundaries on information seeking. She talks about how taking mindful breaks and engaging in activities unrelated to the fertility journey have helped her maintain a sense of self. Shannon has also found it helpful to get involved in fertility advocacy work, starting with sharing her story in small circles like her yoga classes and aiming for broader conversations and larger advocacy events to break down the stigma surrounding fertility challenges.
Shannon Cook is a registered yoga teacher and marketing professional who lives in the Berkshires (Western MA) with her high school sweetheart, and has a passion for women’s health and fertility advocacy and awareness. After her own journey of infertility, loss and IVF, she’s learned so much about how women default to silence, shame and confusion, and how focusing on your own personal well being and mental health, while being your own champion, greatly helps down your path. She is currently pregnant with her first child due Summer 2025, and is excited to bring a sibling home for her golden retriever and two cats. She loves hiking, teaching yoga, reading and Taylor Swift.
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