This is Infertility is a bi-weekly podcast where we fuse narrative storytelling with experience and science to give you a new perspective on what it’s really like to go through a family building journey. Each episode dives into the emotional, physical, and financial burdens carried by those who experience infertility on their path to parenthood. Be it IVF, IUI, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption, etc., the path is never the same and it can be long, painful, and lonely. It’s our mission to give those struggling a platform to be heard, a community connection, and an opportunity to raise awareness of the 1 in 6 who, for many reasons, struggle with infertility.
Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Stitcher Podcasts Google Podcasts
This is Infertility

Episode 217: Redefining Family: Choosing to Move on After Recurrent Loss

Guest: Justine Galloway, Progyny Member
Host: Dan Bulger, Progyny

Many of the stories we share on this show end with successful pregnancy, that’s the goal of family building, after all. But not every journey reaches that destination, and it’s important to shine a light on those stories. Sometimes the family building journey means embracing the family you already have and giving yourself permission to come first.

Today’s episode features Justine Galloway, who is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. As an avid runner, diagnosed with focal dystonia, a neurological condition that made running forward nearly impossible without falling, she reinvented herself, going on to complete two half-marathons, the NYC Marathon, and even setting a Guinness World Record all by running backwards. That same grit carried her into the world of family building.

Justine got married at 38 and was hopeful about starting her family. At first it seemed fairly easy, they got pregnant quickly but soon miscarried, which was not abnormal for a first-time pregnancy. But after three miscarriages in one year, she knew something wasn’t right.

That’s when she turned to IVF. The medications and shots were difficult, but with the support of her partner, it was doable. Still, the cycles didn’t bring the results they hoped for. The couple found new hope when Justine had access to Progyny through her employer. It felt like they could really try again. She got pregnant again, and she even graduated from the fertility clinic into the care of her OB-GYN. But when she came back to check the heartbeat, she was met with the devastating news again.

That’s when Justine knew, after five years of dedicating their time to having a baby, they needed to move on. She needed to put her mind and body first. She wants people listening to this podcast to know that it’s okay to make that decision, to choose yourself and your partner as family, and that you are not alone in this.

For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.

Watch this episode on YouTube:

Dan Bulger

Host

Dan Bulger
Producer at Progyny

Dan has been in the healthcare industry for the past ten plus years as a multimedia content producer. Better known as ‘Video Dan’ he has interviewed numerous doctors, patients and other experts in the world of fertility. He’s also the producer for this podcast, This is Infertility and the producer behind the Progyny YouTube Channel which features interviews with dozens of the nation’s leading fertility specialists. On a personal note Dan’s parents started fostering kids when he was four years old, and he considers himself a proud older brother to over 100 foster children.

Justine Galloway

Guest

Justine Galloway
Progyny Member

Justine is a biomedical engineer and passionate advocate for open conversations around infertility and reproductive health. Her personal journey through fertility challenges has inspired her to speak candidly about the emotional complexities and unexpected turns that life can take. Justine hopes her story helps others realize that life doesn’t always go to plan—and that’s okay. Outside of work, she finds joy and strength in running and ocean swimming, having completed nine marathons forward and one backwards. Her resilience, both in sport and in life, reflects her commitment to embracing challenges with grace and grit.