The #1 Mistake People Make When a Friend Struggles With Infertility | Alison Cheperdak

As a Woman

Natalie Crawford

Medicine, Health & Fitness

4.8 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 10 March 2026

⏱️ 42 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

It isn’t about being an expert on the medical details of infertility; it is about being a phenomenal, loving advocate for someone walking through a season of loss and lack of control. In this episode, host Dr. Natalie Crawford sits down with Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette and author of Was It Something I Said?, to bridge the gap between those struggling and the people who want to show up for them. They unpack the human element behind the awkward silences and ill-advised jokes, offering a roadmap for navigating one of life’s most delicate social and emotional experiences with grace. What You’ll Learn: The specific "limitation acknowledgment" phrase that transforms frozen, awkward silences into safe spaces for connection. Why "social media self-preservation" is a valid friendship tool and how to manage digital triggers without guilt. The unique "etiquette of the out" when sending invitations to major milestones like baby showers or holiday gatherings. Strategic ways to "switch gears" as a host or ally when the conversation turns insensitive at the dinner table. The critical difference between offering vague help and the "Tuesday school pickup" method of specific, tangible support. Find Alison Cheperdak Book: Was It Something I Said? Website: https://elevateetiquette.com/ Instagram: @elevateetiquette Resources: Pre-Order The Fertility Formula ⁠https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book⁠ Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Project Hail Mary is an extraordinary cinematic experience.
0:04.0	You're a great scientist, Dr. Grace. The world is counting on you.
0:07.0	Starring Ryan Gosling.
0:08.0	So I met an alien.
0:10.0	Two worlds, one impossible mission.
0:12.0	We're gonna save the stars.
0:14.0	Project Hail Mary.
0:15.0	Amaze, amaze, amaze.
0:16.0	Seat first March 14th and 15th in Cinemas Everywhere, March 19th.
0:20.0	It's not about avoiding the difficult conversation.
0:22.6	You don't need to be an expert on infertility to be a phenomenal, loving advocate for someone who is going through it now.
0:29.6	And it does feel like this catch-22.
0:32.6	Look, I truly am thrilled for you, but upset for me because I want to be there and have such loss of control.
0:38.4	I don't think most people have malicious intent, but many people say ill-advised things.
0:44.2	Do you have like a good recommendation for them?
0:46.1	So the first would be thank you so much for sharing that with me.
0:48.6	I don't have the right words, but I really want you to know that I love you and I support you and I want to help however I can.
0:57.6	I love that. Just acknowledging where your own limitations are.
1:06.5	Welcome back to the As a Woman podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Natalie Crawford. And today we're talking about how to truly support someone who's struggling to get pregnant. Infertility isn't just a medical diagnosis.
1:13.3	It's an emotional and social experience that affects every part of your life.
1:17.5	Friendships, family, work, and even your self-worth.
1:21.1	And while most people want to help, many don't know how.
	...

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