The Many Paths to Parenthood

The Many Paths to Parenthood

Author: Women's Health Melbourne March 15, 2026 Duration: 22:36

What happens when the path to parenthood looks different from what you imagined? In this episode of Knocked Up, CREI fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew explains donor conception and the extraordinary ways families can be created through donor sperm, donor eggs or donor embryos.

We discuss who might consider donor conception, the emotional and legal considerations in Australia, and the careful screening and counselling that supports families along the way. Most importantly, we talk about what many hopeful parents worry about most: connection. As Dr Raelia explains, the bond between parent and child goes far beyond genetics, and for many families, donor conception becomes the beginning of a deeply loved and meaningful story.

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Ever found yourself with a question about your body or your journey to parenthood that felt too awkward or complex to ask? That’s exactly the space where Knocked Up: The Podcast About Fertility and Women's Health lives. Hosted by Dr Raelia Lew, a specialist from Women's Health Melbourne, alongside Jordi Morrison, this series digs into the realities of fertility, pregnancy, and overall health without the jargon or judgement. Each episode feels like a candid chat with knowledgeable friends who aren’t afraid to tackle the tough topics, translating complicated medical concepts into conversations you can actually follow and use. It’s more than just a fertility podcast; it’s a resource for anyone curious about how their body works, from preconception through to postpartum and general wellbeing. The tone is straightforward, empathetic, and grounded in real experience, making often overwhelming subjects feel manageable. You’ll come away with clearer insights, practical knowledge, and perhaps a bit of reassurance for your own path. For regular updates, the team can be found on social media, but the heart of it all is in these frank and essential discussions. Tune in for a genuinely accessible take on women’s health, where no question is off the table.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Knocked Up: The Podcast About Fertility and Women's Health
Podcast Episodes
Fertility Futures with Professor David Gardner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
We welcome back Prof David Gardner to the Knocked Up Podcast to talk to us about the latest developments in fertility treatment and what to expect in the future. Listen to our previous episode with Prof David Gardner on…
How to interpret a Semen Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:52
Understanding Male Fertility: What You Need to KnowDid you know male factors contribute to infertility in over 50% of couples struggling to conceive? In this episode, Dr. Raelia breaks down what a semen analysis really t…
Why the Media Doesn't Get Egg Freezing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:56
With elective egg freezing being so new, how we interpret the data in the context of today's population doesn't quite give the accurate story. Dr Raelia Lew explains. We recommend listening to the 'Beyond Expectations' p…
The New Definition of Fertility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:00
This week Australia's Medicare has broadened the definition of infertility, aligning with recommendations from the Gorton Review and the 2018 MBS review. So, we ask Dr Raelia Lew, what does this mean for us? We quickly m…
An AGES Surgeon's Perspective on Endometriosis with Dr Lima Wetherall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:23
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Lima Wetherall, an AGES Specialist Gynaecologist and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon. Dr. Wetherall brings her expertise to a comprehensive discussion about endometriosis, exploring cri…
Pregnancy After Fertility Treatment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:32
Pregnancy after fertility treatments can differ from spontaneous conception. Patients typically discover pregnancy earlier through blood tests, receive more intensive monitoring in the first trimester, and face slightly…
Big Miracles and Fertility for Singles with Dr Daniel Lantsberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:04
We speak to Dr Daniel Lantsberg, featured in the channel 9 show "Big Miracles" with his patient, Anna. Dr. Daniel Lantsberg is a Fertility Specialist at Melbourne IVF. After graduating with honors from Israel's Ben Gurio…
Big Miracles and Unexplained Infertility with Dr Kokum Jayasinghe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:13
With Big Miracles back on TV for 2025, we speak with one of the Doctors featured in the series, Dr Kokum Jayasinghe. Dr Kokum combines extensive medical expertise in fertility and IVF with deep personal understanding fro…