We recently connected with Shannon Chaney and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I was 22 years old and just escaped my abusive husband, only to find out three months later that I would never be able to conceive children naturally due to blocked fallopian tubes. At the time I was devastated because there was nothing more I wanted in this life than to be a mother. So finding out that I may never get that opportunity it really broke me. I always had a love for children my whole life. I always babysat and took care of those that were younger than me. I came from a really big family I am the oldest of 16 grandchildren and the second oldest of 8 children. First, I went into depression, then came acceptance, followed by faith. I knew that God would one day give me a child, I just wanted to be ready when the moment came. I didn’t want my childhood trauma of me being abandoned by my own mother to pour into my parenting. So I went to college to get things in order, and later I went to counseling. Finally, when I was 28 years old, I decided to move forward with IVF. I had been doing research and gaining knowledge for 5 years at that point so by the time I started, it felt like a walk in the park for me. I already knew what to expect. I had also purchased donor semen about three years prior. I was just undecided on whether I was gonna use it or wait for my on and off partner at the time to do IVF with me. He encouraged me to move forward with IVF with my donor and we remained friends. I did a fresh 5 day embryo transfer and my son just turned 4 this year. I am also currently 7 weeks pregnant with twins from another 5 day fresh embryo transfer. I went public on Facebook sharing my whole journey with family, friends and strangers when I did IVF with my son. I never knew the attention that it would bring me. I was just being brave and standing in my truth. I even had men who I was friends with on Facebook tuned in to my journey and women who I went to school with throughout the years started flooding my inbox with questions. They were experiencing Infertility issues and some of them were even struggling in silence. It made me feel bad to realize this because I knew how hard it was for me to go through this journey with no knowledge at first and having no one around me to understand my struggles because they all had kids and had no issues conceiving. I did not want that for them. That is when I found my purpose helping women conceive or just providing the information to those who were struggling with Infertility issues. I have helped over six women whom I know personally to either start their journeys, have children, or freeze eggs. I think that it is so important for women to know they do not need to be ashamed of having infertility issues. I hope instead, the woman who are struggling start to share their stories and show other women who may not have the support system they need, that everything will be ok. Helping women is my passion and my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am 32 years old, from the Bronx NY. I work with children and I recently created a journal for women who are undergoing IV. I also have a YouTube channel where I document my IVF process and I answer some questions that people may have. I constantly get questions about the IVF process or about the sperm donation process so I felt like it was be easier to address on a bigger platform such as YouTube. My goal is to reach as many women as possible, hopefully one day start a non profit or even a support group.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back its my faith in God that played a major part in everything. Knowing that every single thing happens for a reason, even in the mist of struggle there will be purpose. I was always the type of person to figure things out and never stop pushing. So faith, Resilience, and independence have definitely kept me going. My advice for anyone struggling with infertility issues is that infertility does not make you unworthy. You are worthy and made perfectly in Gods image. learn your body and know your limits financially, physically and mentally. If you need a break, take one. A family can come in many different forms, how we get there does not make it any less of a family.
Family is not one size fit all, it looks different for everyone. Always do your research find the best prices and information. You’re not alone there is a community of us. I am with you and god is with you.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Trying to figure out how to reach people, and join more platforms is my biggest challenge right now. I’m open to podcast, tv, magazines anything that helps me reach others and bring awareness to infertility issues.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@somedaymama92?si=rlJ_OswD3CsTyDzt
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9694192773?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
