In today’s episode of The 'So Now What?' Podcast, we’re tackling a deeply personal fear that many women who are childless after infertility and IVF struggle with: the fear of growing old alone. When the dream of motherhood doesn’t become a reality, it’s natural to worry about who will be there to care for us as we age. We often think that without children, we’re missing a safety net for the future. But what if that isn’t the whole story?

Lana Manikowski, certified life coach and advocate for women who are childless after infertility, shares a personal story about the recent outpouring of support she received after a sudden injury. From friends offering rides and food deliveries to unexpected check-ins, Lana’s experience highlights a powerful reminder: family, love, and care come in many forms — not just from children.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

- Why the fear of aging alone affects so many childless women after fertility treatments

- Practical ways to redefine what “family” and “support” can look like in our lives

- Steps to build intentional community and meaningful relationships that bring love, connection, and support

- How to ease the uncertainty of the future by planning and building a fulfilling life without the milestones of motherhood

Join us for this heartfelt discussion on shifting our perspective, letting go of the “what ifs,” and finding reassurance in the connections we’re building today.

Tune in to learn more about:

- How to embrace a fulfilling future as a childless woman after infertility

- Ways to find and nurture a support system beyond biological family

- Practical tips to let go of the fear of aging alone without children

- Strategies to build a strong, caring community after IVF and fertility treatments

Links Mentioned:

-Register for the Free Holiday MasterClass here

- Free Resource: “The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless (…and how to respond)

Download this helpful guide to handle common questions and comments that can feel intrusive or hurtful: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

  Welcome to The "So Now What?" Podcast. I am so glad that you're here. I created this podcast because I remember what it felt like after I left fertility treatments without the child that I dreamed of. When I looked around for resources to help me navigate a life I hadn't planned for, I found so few that truly spoke to the experiences of an unexpected childless life.

In 2021, I became a certified life coach and started this podcast because I knew that other women were searching - just like I was - for ways to thrive and feel fulfilled, even without the children that we dreamed of. On this playlist, I'm sharing a few of my favorite episodes just to help you get started, but I also encourage you to dive in to any of the others that might resonate with you. Each week I release about a 10 or 15-minute episode to offer support, acknowledgement, and real life strategies to help you recognize that you are not alone.

Together, we'll look for opportunities to move forward and redefine what a fulfilling life can look like, even though it turned out so differently than you imagined.

If you want to learn more about my coaching practice and the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind, you can visit my website, lanamanikowski. com. And if you're in the Chicago area, I'd love for you to join my meetup group. We have an awesome group of women who are childless and childfree, We get together every so often and connect, share, and support each other.

And if you find yourself wanting to visit the Chicago area on Mother's Day weekend, I would love for you to join me at the Other's Day Brunch, an annual event that has gotten national media attention. It's a celebration I host every year the day before Mother's Day to create connection, awareness and unity for women who don't have children at a time that feels so hard.

All right, so let's dive in.

Welcome to Episode 147 of The “So Now What?” Podcast with Lana Manikowski. In this special episode, Lana dives deep into the often-overlooked journey that follows fertility treatments for women who leave without a child. Whether you’re a fertility doctor, clinic staff, mental health provider, or a woman navigating life after infertility, this episode highlights the unmet needs and real stories from women who feel unseen after treatment ends.

Highlights:

Free Masterclass on Handling the Holidays

Join Lana’s free MasterClass on November 20 at 6 p.m. CST to learn how to manage holiday gatherings and traditions when childless after infertility. In this live class, you’ll gain strategies for building new traditions, handling family dynamics, and creating a plan for holiday celebrations. Register here to reserve your spot!

When Treatment Ends: What Childless Women Really Want

Lana addresses the gap in support often felt after IVF and fertility treatments conclude. Without a plan or follow-up, patients are left to navigate grief, mental health challenges, and marital and social dynamics alone. Lana shares her recent discussions at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Congress, where she raised awareness about the importance of continued support for patients who leave treatment without a child.

Real Voices from Infertiole, Childless, Women Who Needed More

Lana shares direct feedback from her community of listeners and followers. Hear heartfelt perspectives from women who longed for acknowledgment and empathy post-treatment, as well as a structured care plan including mental health resources, peer support networks, and follow-up care. These women are calling for a roadmap to help navigate the grief and redefine purpose after infertility.

Advocating for Better Resources when IVF Fails

Lana encourages women to advocate for their needs by requesting additional resources and post-treatment support from clinics and mental health professionals. To the fertility community, Lana calls for a more holistic approach, recognizing that when treatments end, the journey is far from over for many women. Support beyond the treatment room can bridge a painful void.

Why It Matters:

This episode sheds light on the immense need for a compassionate continuum of care when ferrility treatment ends without children. From practical resources to sensitive emotional support, The "So Now What?" Podcast aims to uplift women who feel left behind and encourages providers to extend the care they give their patients.

Links Mentioned:

-Register for the Free Holiday MasterClass here

- Free Resource: “The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless (…and how to respond)

Download this helpful guide to handle common questions and comments that can feel intrusive or hurtful: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

For fertility doctors, fertility clinics, and anyone involved in patient care, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the impact of fertility treatments extends far beyond conception. Understanding and addressing these needs can help more women feel seen and supported through their childless journeys.