The moment I read the first part of Katrina’s essay, I knew I needed to speak to her. There was something so profoundly raw, unflinching, and—somehow—still full of grace. What she’s been through is something no human should have to endure. And yet, the strength, clarity, and even flashes of humor she brings to her story left me floored.
In this conversation, Katrina Symonds shares what most people never talk about: the gutting realities of IVF, the isolation of repeated loss, and the quiet strength it takes to keep advocating for yourself in a medical system that too often forgets you’re a person, not a patient ID.
We talk about what happens when genetic testing fails, when doctors miss what matters most, and what it means to mother through uncertainty and grief. Katrina’s story isn’t wrapped in a bow—and that’s exactly why it matters. Because motherhood doesn’t start with a baby. It starts the moment you hope. And sometimes, it begins in heartbreak.
We need to tell these stories. Not just for awareness, but for survival. So that conversations like this don’t catch us off guard. So that we can advocate—for ourselves, for our friends, for our future children.Because the truth is, no one prepares you for this part. And if this episode makes even one person feel less alone, then it’s already done something important.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. I hope you’ll listen closely.
If you’re currently navigating infertility, here are some resources Katrina has kindly shared with us:
If this conversation moved you, please consider making a donation to an organization supporting reproductive health, fertility access, or grief support. These stories are powerful—but access to care and community can be life-changing.
You can follow Katrina on Instagram HERE and subscribe to her Substack CYCLE INTERRUPTED HERE to continue following her story and advocacy work
PS: As discussed in the episode HERE is the Study on Genetic Testing Katrina mentions.
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