Episodes

  • Episode 128: Welcome to Her Village (Trailer)
    May 8 2026

    If you’ve been here for a while, you know this podcast has always been rooted in real conversations.

    From the very beginning, Motherhood Intended was a space for the stories behind the highlight reel—centered around infertility, family building, and the journey to motherhood.

    But life evolves… and so do we.

    In this trailer episode, I’m sharing why this podcast is shifting, what this new season looks like, and what you can expect moving forward.

    Welcome to Her Village—a space for real women, real stories, and honest conversations about the things we don’t always say out loud.

    Whether you’re navigating motherhood, identity, relationships, growth, or everything in between… you’re not alone.

    And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

    I’m so glad you’re here.

    Follow along for weekly conversations and new episodes as they’re released.

    Connect with me:
    Instagram: @hervillagehq
    Join the email list: joinhervillage.co

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    3 mins
  • Life After Infertility: An Honest Update and the Beginning of Her Village
    Mar 19 2026

    What happens when the season of life that shaped your story begins to change?

    In this episode, I’m sharing an honest update about the evolution of Your Fertility Village, how my own infertility journey has shifted now that our family is complete, and the new vision that has been growing on my heart: Her Village.

    When I first started the Motherhood Intended podcast, I was still in the thick of processing my infertility journey. I had experienced infertility, loss, IVF, the NICU, and eventually grew our family through surrogacy. During that season, supporting women navigating infertility felt like the most natural extension of my story.

    But life has changed over the past few years.

    Our family is now complete, and while infertility will always be part of my story and something I care deeply about, it’s no longer at the center of my everyday life in the same way. I realized that leading a community centered entirely around infertility wasn’t where my heart felt most aligned anymore.

    Instead, I began thinking about a different kind of community — one that supports women in the many seasons of life that come after infertility and early motherhood.

    That idea became Her Village.

    Her Village is about creating spaces where women can build real friendships and meaningful connection in the communities where they live. A village for women who may feel like they’re in-between seasons of life — raising young kids, rediscovering themselves after motherhood, navigating life after infertility, or simply craving deeper conversations and real connection again.

    I’m starting small here in Naperville with the first gathering called Her Village: Founders Night, and I’m excited to see where this vision grows from here.

    If you’re local to Naperville and the idea of building real friendships, and community resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.

    Thank you for being here and for continuing to grow alongside me.

    However your journey to motherhood unfolds, I’m really glad you’re not walking it alone.

    xo, Jacqueline

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    16 mins
  • This Is What My Days Look Like Right Now
    Feb 10 2026

    A real day in the life of a stay-at-home mom in this season of motherhood.

    What does a real day actually look like in this season of motherhood?

    In this solo episode, Jacqueline walks you through a true day in the life — from the moment she wakes up to when the house finally goes quiet at night. Not the highlight reel. Not the optimized routine. Just the honest rhythm of life right now as a stay-at-home mom of three, balancing motherhood, mental load, and creative work.

    Jacqueline shares what mornings look like getting two kids out the door for school, how her days shift depending on whether her toddler is home with her or at her school program, and how her work as a podcaster happens in small pockets of quiet time. She talks about the invisible labor of motherhood, the constant emotional regulation, and the tension between being present with your kids while still wanting space for your own purpose.

    This episode is for any mom who feels like her days are full but invisible, meaningful but hard to quantify — and who needs the reminder that showing up counts, even when there’s no checklist to prove it.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    • A real day in the life of a stay-at-home mom
    • Managing the mental load of motherhood
    • Parenting multiple kids in different stages
    • Working and creating during naps and school hours
    • After-school chaos, activities, and evening routines
    • Why some seasons of motherhood are about maintenance, not growth
    • Letting go of productivity pressure in motherhood

    Reflection prompt:
    What does your day actually require of you — emotionally, mentally, and physically?

    🔗 Connect + Resources Mentioned

    • Get on the email list
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Join the Motherhood Intended Podcast Community on Facebook
    • Become a member of Your Fertility Village
    • Check out Beddy’s and see how much they’ve simplified morning routines and bedtime in this season of life!

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    27 mins
  • The Part of Infertility No One Warns You About: Your Marriage
    Jan 30 2026

    Infertility doesn’t just affect your body—it can quietly strain your marriage in ways no one prepares you for.

    In this solo episode, Jacqueline talks openly about how infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, and long fertility journeys can impact a relationship—not just during treatment, but long after you’ve successfully grown your family.

    She talks about the emotional survival mode couples often slip into, why communication can break down, how grief and coping styles differ between partners, and why those patterns don’t automatically disappear once a baby arrives. If anything, they can be harder to address when you’re busy raising a family and expected to “just be grateful.”

    Jacqueline also shares why she believes therapy should be part of the fertility process—not because something is wrong, but because infertility is traumatic and relationships deserve support.

    If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your partner during or after infertility, this episode is for you.

    In This Episode, We Cover:

    • Why there should be a “warning label” on fertility treatments
    • How infertility quietly rewires a marriage
    • When love starts to feel like logistics and survival
    • Different coping styles and emotional labor between partners
    • Why therapy can be a powerful support during fertility treatment
    • How infertility impacts relationships after pregnancy or completing your family
    • Lingering trauma, grief, and coping mechanisms that don’t just disappear
    • A gentle journaling prompt to help you reflect and reconnect

    Join my email list
    Be the first to hear about upcoming events, resources, and community offerings: https://motherhoodintended.kit.com/

    Connect with me on Instagram
    Daily reminders, honest posts, and behind-the-scenes moments: https://www.instagram.com/motherhood_intended/

    Apply to be a guest on the podcast
    Have a story or perspective you feel called to share? I’d love to hear from you: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddd2-w53Jag6RVUghaJ85YTLoHjYXj_P7gxKz3sLz2QhYQBw/viewform

    If this episode resonated, you might journal and reflect on:

    • What coping habits did we develop during infertility that helped us survive—but may not be serving us anymore?
    • Where do I notice protection or distance showing up in our relationship?
    • What kind of support do I wish we had—during infertility or now?

    You don’t need answers today. Awareness is enough.

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    26 mins
  • From Egg Freezing to Motherhood: A Full-Circle IVF Story (Single Mom by Choice)
    Jan 15 2026

    This episode marks a powerful full-circle moment on Motherhood Intended.

    Three years ago, Alison joined the podcast to share her decision to freeze her eggs in an episode titled “Egg Preservation: A Story of 10 Maybe Babies.” At the time, she was preserving her fertility and creating options for her future — without knowing exactly where the journey would lead.

    Today, Alison is back to share what happened next.

    In this Season 7 premiere, Jacqueline and Alison reflect on the path from egg freezing to single motherhood by choice, including:

    • deciding to pursue motherhood on her own
    • choosing a sperm donor
    • pursuing IVF
    • navigating pregnancy after infertility decisions
    • and welcoming her now almost six-month-old son

    This honest conversation explores both the emotional and practical sides of fertility preservation — from the uncertainty of freezing eggs to the realities of IVF, pregnancy, and early motherhood. Alison shares what surprised her most, what she wishes she had known earlier, and how she defines success now, looking back on the journey.

    This episode is for anyone who:

    • is considering freezing their eggs
    • is navigating fertility timelines or delayed parenting
    • is exploring single motherhood by choice
    • or is wondering how today’s fertility decisions can shape tomorrow’s possibilities

    It’s a story about options, agency, patience — and what can unfold when you give yourself time.

    Stay Connected

    Jacqueline will be hosting both in-person and virtual meet-ups in the coming months and sharing updates about Your Fertility Village!
    To stay in the loop, join her email list here: https://motherhoodintended.kit.com/

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Egg Preservation: A Story of 10 “Maybe Babies” (Re-Air + Season Finale)
    Dec 18 2025

    This week on Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline closes out Season 6 with a meaningful re-air of one of the earliest and most impactful episodes from Season 1: “Egg Preservation: A Story of 10 Maybe Babies.”

    This episode intentionally follows last week’s solo conversation about freezing your eggs and fertility timelines — and serves as a bridge into what’s coming next.

    In this episode, Jacqueline chats with Alison, who shares her personal experience choosing to freeze her eggs. Alison walks through what the egg freezing process actually looked like, what she felt emotionally along the way, and what it meant to preserve her fertility and create options for her future — not guarantees, but possibilities.

    This re-air also marks the end of a season that looked different. Jacqueline reflects on balancing motherhood, work, and growth; learning new systems; building Your Fertility Village; and embracing the idea that there is power in the pause.

    And this story doesn’t end here.

    When Season 7 begins, Alison will return to share where her egg-freezing journey from three years ago ultimately led her — offering listeners a rare, full-circle update.

    Whether you’re considering egg freezing, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand your fertility options, this episode offers an honest, real-life perspective that continues to resonate.

    What’s Coming Up

    • Season 7 premieres on January 8, 2026
    Your Fertility Village officially launches in the new year
    • Founding members can join now for $7/month, locked in for life
    • An in-person gathering is coming in January — follow along to stay updated!

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    1 hr
  • Should You Freeze Your Eggs in 2026? What the Latest Data Really Says
    Dec 11 2025

    As we head into 2026, more women than ever are asking themselves a deeply personal and surprisingly common question: “Should I freeze my eggs?” In today’s solo episode, Jacqueline breaks down everything you need to know about egg freezing right now — including age-related success rates, how many eggs you actually need, what the process looks like, and what the emotional side of delayed motherhood really feels like.

    Whether you’re considering freezing your eggs for peace of mind, navigating an uncertain timeline, or simply curious about what egg freezing in 2026 can offer, this episode is your warm, big-sister style guide to understanding your options.

    Jacqueline also shares why this topic matters now more than ever and sets up an upcoming two-part story you won’t want to miss. Next week, she’s re-airing a powerful conversation with a woman who froze her eggs a few years ago — and in early January, you’ll hear her updated journey through donor sperm, IVF, and the arrival of her miracle baby boy.

    If fertility, family planning, or delaying motherhood is on your mind, this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and truly helpful information as you head into the new year.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

    • Why egg freezing is trending as we enter 2026
    • The biggest question: “Should I freeze my eggs?”
    • How age impacts egg quality, quantity, and success rates
    • What egg freezing success looks like in 2026 (by age group)
    • How many eggs you actually need for a future pregnancy
    • What the egg freezing process involves — step-by-step
    • The real costs women should expect in 2026
    • Common myths about egg freezing (and what’s actually true)
    • The emotional side of delayed motherhood
    • How this episode connects to next week’s re-air and the Season 7 premiere

    Join Your Fertility Village — A supportive membership community for women navigating infertility, fertility preservation, and motherhood → https://your-fertility-village.mn.co/landing

    Follow along on Instagram → @motherhood_intended

    Connect with other listeners → Motherhood Intended Podcast Community

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    23 mins
  • Re-Air: Boy Moms Talk Gender “Disappointment” + Why This Season Looked Different
    Dec 5 2025

    This week on Motherhood Intended, Jacqueline opens the episode with an honest reflection on why this season of the podcast has looked different — and why that difference has actually been a gift.

    In this heartfelt intro, Jacqueline shares what life has looked like behind the scenes, including:
    • balancing toddlerhood, therapies, and packed family schedules
    • navigating a season of growth in marriage and motherhood
    • learning new systems and outsourcing for the first time
    • building Your Fertility Village from the ground up
    • and embracing the idea that there is power in the pause

    As the podcast approaches a short season break, Jacqueline also shares an update on the official launch of Your Fertility Village in the new year — and how listeners can join now as founding members for just $7/month, locked in for life.

    After the intro, we revisit one of the most downloaded and consistently listened-to episodes in Motherhood Intended history:
    “Boy Moms Talk Gender ‘Disappointment.’”

    In this candid conversation, Jacqueline sits down with a fellow mom to discuss the rarely talked about — and often misunderstood — emotions surrounding gender disappointment. Together, they explore the complexity of these feelings, especially in the context of infertility, pregnancy after loss, and the pressure many parents feel to “just be grateful.”

    This episode continues to resonate because it offers something many women need: permission to feel honestly, without judgment.

    Whether you’re hearing this episode for the first time or returning to it years later, this conversation remains just as relevant — and just as validating.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Join Your Fertility Village as a founding member → https://your-fertility-village.mn.co/landing
    • Follow Motherhood Intended on Instagram → @motherhood_intended

    Support the show

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

    Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

    If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

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    51 mins