The Kindbody Blog
Your resource for all things fertility, wellness, and women's health
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- Early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is found early, treatment is more effective, and survival rates are significantly higher.
- Screening finds issues before they’re felt. A mammogram can detect lumps or abnormalities long before they can be seen or felt during a physical exam.
- Peace of mind. Even if no concerns are found, knowing you’ve taken this step for your health can reduce worry and help you feel empowered.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that most women begin screening mammograms at age 40, repeating them every 1–2 years. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your provider may recommend starting earlier.
Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover screening mammograms at no cost to you. That means you won’t pay a copay, coinsurance, or deductible when getting your routine screening — removing one of the biggest barriers to care. This coverage applies to women age 40 and older who are eligible for preventive screenings.
How to Schedule Your Mammogram
Scheduling a mammogram is simple:
- Check your eligibility: If you’re 40 or older, or have a family history of breast cancer, it’s time to schedule.
- Contact your provider: Call your primary care physician to get a referral, if needed.
- Choose a location: Many hospitals, imaging centers, and specialty women’s health centers offer mammography services. Your Kindbody team can guide you to an in-network provider.
- Make it routine: Just like your annual checkup, put your mammogram on the calendar every year or two — and treat it as a non-negotiable part of your self-care.
Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Taking Action
This October, join us in celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month by prioritizing your health. If you’re due (or overdue) for your screening, don’t wait — schedule your mammogram today. Early detection is the best protection, and by taking this important step, you’re investing in your future.
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Why Menopause Awareness Matters
Menopause is a natural biological transition, but its symptoms can deeply affect quality of life. From hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances to changes in mood, memory, and bone health — the experience can feel overwhelming without the right support. For some, the journey begins earlier with perimenopause, which can last years before periods officially end.
Despite how common it is, too many people suffer in silence, unsure of what’s happening to their bodies or where to turn for care. That’s why awareness and education are essential — so that no one feels alone in their journey.
The Power of Support and Care
At Kindbody, we believe menopause care should be personalized, compassionate, and holistic. Support goes beyond symptom management — it’s about empowering people to thrive through this transition. That includes access to board-certified OB/GYNs, hormone and non-hormone treatment options, lifestyle coaching, nutrition support, therapy, and a community that understands.
How You Can Take Action on World Menopause Day
- Schedule a Check-Up: If you’re experiencing symptoms, book an appointment with your provider. Early support can make a big difference.
- Start the Conversation: Talk openly with friends, family, or colleagues about menopause. Every conversation helps break down stigma.
- Prioritize Wellness: Sleep, nutrition, and stress management play a key role in symptom relief.
- Empower Others: Share resources, join events, or support advocacy efforts to ensure menopause is recognized as a vital part of healthcare.
Looking Ahead
Menopause is not the end of vitality — it’s a new chapter. On this World Menopause Day, let’s celebrate resilience, raise awareness, and commit to better support for everyone on this journey.
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In this conversation with Kindbody’s Founding Physician Dr. Fahimeh Sasan, Ashley, and Carlos share the personal journey that led to the foundation’s creation, the impact they hope to make, and why no one should face the cost of fertility treatment — or the weight of infertility — alone.
What inspired you to create the Carlos Rodón Foundation?
The Carlos Rodón Foundation was born from a deep desire to give back, something both Carlos and I were raised to value. We come from humble beginnings, where community meant a lot, and generosity wasn't about how much you had, but how willing you were to help. Our life experiences, especially our struggles with fertility and miscarriage, showed us just how many people are silently fighting similar battles. We wanted to transform our personal pain into purposeful action. The foundation became a way to support families in meaningful ways, and The Willow Grant became its heartbeat.
Can you share more about the journey that led to Willow’s birth — and how that experience shaped your desire to help others?
Willow’s birth was the culmination of an emotional and trying journey. We experienced two devastating miscarriages that left us heartbroken and searching for answers. We were fortunate to have access to fertility care and holistic specialists, but we quickly realized how many others can't afford this type of care. It's not because they lack hope or strength, but because they simply can't afford it. Before we were set to start IVF to try to minimize our chance of having another miscarriage we found out we were pregnant. Willow is our rainbow baby, our light after the storm, and every time I hear her laugh or watch her play, I’m reminded that this joy should be possible for every family. That’s why helping others became a mission. More people should be able to experience the profound love of parenthood.
Why was it important to you to turn something so personal and painful into something public and purposeful?
Grief can be isolating, especially when it comes to miscarriage and infertility. I remember how lost I felt, when a nurse, a woman who had walked a similar path, offered me comfort that she had been in my shoes. That moment didn't become easier to handle, but it did become less lonely. Sharing our story was difficult, but it felt necessary. If our vulnerability can make even one person feel less alone or give them the strength to keep going, it’s worth it. Turning pain into purpose has been a beautiful part of our journey.
What is the Willow Grant, and what kind of support does it offer?
The Willow Grant is a financial assistance grant that helps families facing infertility access the care and treatment they need to try and build their families after pregnancy loss. Whether it's helping cover IVF costs, or other clinic related services. The goal is to remove the financial burden that often stands in the way of people becoming parents. It's not just about the money, it's about giving hope, encouragement, and support during a time that can feel overwhelmingly lonely and out of reach.
How does the grant process work — and what do you want applicants to know when they apply?
The Willow Grant process is rooted in compassion. This cycle, we’re proud to partner with Kindbody, who share our mission of making fertility care accessible, not just for the 1%, but for everyone.
We ask applicants to share their story, their needs, and where they are in their journey through our grant software. After submitted, each application goes through a multi-phase selection committee review. Please know you are not just a number. You are seen, your story matters, and we believe in your dream.
While we can't fund every application, we’re doing everything we can to help as many families as possible.
Families can apply for the grant here. If you are an existing Kindbody patient in need of financial assistance, we encourage you to apply as well.
Fertility struggles and miscarriage are still difficult for many people to talk about. What do you hope to change about that?
I hope we can create a world where these conversations aren’t whispered or hidden in shame. Fertility struggles and loss are more common than we think, yet so many people suffer in silence. I want to normalize talking about these experiences, to help people feel supported rather than isolated. When we share our stories, we take away the power of shame and replace it with empathy. I hope the Willow Grant not only helps financially but also opens the door to healing through community and open conversation.
Was it hard to share your own story publicly? What has the response been like?
Yes, it was hard at first. These are some of the most raw, vulnerable parts of our lives. But once we opened up, the outpouring of love, support, and “me too” messages was overwhelming in the best way. So many people reached out to share their own stories, many of them for the first time. It reminded us that we’re all more connected than we realize, and that sometimes being brave enough to share your story can help someone else feel seen, heard, and less alone.
What’s your hope for the Willow Grant in the next few years? How do you want it to grow?
Our hope is to expand the reach of the Willow Grant so we can support more families every year, not just dozens, but eventually hundreds. We want to build a community around it, one where recipients stay connected, share their journeys, and uplift others. Eventually, we’d love to offer emotional support resources through partnerships, care to make the IVF process easier, and maybe even fun events with all the Willow Grant babies. Dreams are big, and they should be. The families we're helping have big dreams too.
How can others support this mission — whether by donating, spreading the word, or sharing their own experiences?
There are so many ways to help. Of course, donations make a direct impact by allowing us to fund more treatments, but just as important is spreading the word. Share the foundation, talk openly about infertility, or simply listen to a friend going through it. If you’ve walked this road yourself, sharing your experience can be a lifeline to someone else. Every story, every dollar, every post, and every conversation brings us closer to a world where no one is denied the chance to become a parent simply because they can’t afford it.
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How old are you?
How many kids are in your ideal family?
How old will you be when you have your first child?
How old will you be when you have your last child?
Now, think about the basics.
You were born with all the eggs you’re ever going to have–about 2 million. By the time of your first period, that number is down to 400,000-500,000 and you lose eggs every month regardless of whether you take birth control or not.
Doctors typically point to the age of 35 as the point in which fertility declines. However, this isn’t a switch that turns off one day. As you age, your eggs age with you. Both quantity and quality declines.
Poor egg quality can result in an increased risk of miscarriage or genetic abnormalities.
So what is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is the process of extracting eggs from the ovaries and freezing them for later use. Frozen eggs are stored in a secure facility and they can be kept there for as long as you wish. Your frozen eggs will be the same age as you were when you froze them, so if you end up needing them in the future, you can use them through in-vitro fertilization or IVF.
Reasons to consider egg freezing
There are many reasons to consider egg freezing. A few that have been outlined by some of our patients include:
- You are currently focusing on your career
- You have personal goals to meet before starting a family
- You haven’t found the right partner yet
- You are waiting for financial stability
- You have a medical condition that can affect your fertility
- You are not sure you want children, but would like to have younger eggs available if you decide to have children
Does egg freezing guarantee a baby?
The truth is not every egg will result in an embryo, not every embryo will result in a pregnancy, and not every pregnancy will result in a baby.
As such, there is no guarantee that freezing your eggs will result in a future pregnancy or baby.
Knowledge is power
To help you make an informed decision about freezing your eggs, a Kindbody physician will start off your journey with a fertility consultation, which includes an ultrasound of your ovaries and a medical history review. Your fertility consultation will provide a better sense of your current ovarian reserve.
" ["post_title"]=> string(25) "Egg Freezing: Yay or Nay?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(23) "egg-freezing-yay-or-nay" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2025-06-30 15:37:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-06-30 19:37:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(28) "https://kindbody.com/?p=8428" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post_count"]=> int(6) ["current_post"]=> int(-1) ["before_loop"]=> bool(true) ["in_the_loop"]=> bool(false) ["post"]=> object(WP_Post)#5219 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(11552) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2025-09-17 09:00:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2025-09-17 13:00:00" ["post_content"]=> string(4295) "This year marks five years of helping build and grow families in the Bay Area through our clinics in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek (Kindbody East Bay). We’re proud to take the next step with the opening of our new state-of-the-art IVF lab in Walnut Creek — designed to deliver the highest standards of care and outcomes for our patients. To mark the occasion, we sat down with Dr. Shawn Breen, Regional Laboratory Director and Clinical Laboratory Program Director, for a behind-the-scenes look at what this milestone means for patients, providers, and the community.
Why was it important to open a new IVF lab at Kindbody East Bay? How does having the lab integrated inside the clinic change the patient experience?
The demand for fertility care in the Bay Area continues to grow, and we want patients in the East Bay and beyond to have access to the highest quality care close to home. Having a lab on-site makes the entire process much smoother for patients. Everything happens under one roof, which means greater efficiency and peace of mind. Our physicians and embryologists are in constant communication, so patients benefit from real-time coordination between their care team and the lab. It also reduces unnecessary travel and stress for patients — they can come to one location for every step of their journey, knowing their care is closely connected from start to finish.
For those who might not know, what exactly happens inside an IVF lab?
The IVF, or embryology, lab is where the true magic of fertility care takes place. Think of it as the ‘NICU before the NICU’ — a carefully protected environment where eggs and embryos are nurtured during their earliest and most delicate stages. Inside the lab, every detail is controlled and closely monitored to minimize stress and optimize conditions for growth. The journey begins with egg collection, followed by preparation for insemination, fertilization with sperm, and the incubation period, or culture. From there, embryos are either prepared for transfer, tested, or cryopreserved for future use. At Kindbody, we’re proud to use the most advanced technologies available — including electronic witnessing systems and continuous environmental monitoring for air quality and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — going beyond today’s requirements to ensure the safest, most supportive environment possible.
What can you tell us about safety in the lab?
Safety is absolutely central to everything we do in the lab. Every step — from how embryos are handled to how equipment is monitored — is guided by strict protocols as well as internal quality control measures in order to protect patients and consistently improve outcomes. Oversight in our Bay Area labs includes board certified high complexity lab directors (HCLDs), board certified Technical Supervisors (TS) lab supervisors and very skilled senior embryologists. Patients can feel confident knowing their embryos are cared for in one of the safest, most tightly controlled environments possible. At Kindbody we believe in the quality and standards of our system that we voluntarily chose to have all our sites College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited and Society of American Reproductive Technology (SART) registered to allow full transparency of outcomes.
Is there anything else you want patients to know?
Providing high-quality fertility care has always been our North Star — the foundation on which Kindbody was built. We’re grateful to be part of the East Bay community, and with the addition of this new lab, we look forward to continuing to serve local patients with the highest standards of scientific rigor, clinical excellence, and compassionate care.
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This year marks five years of helping build and grow families in the Bay Area through our clinics in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek (Kindbody East Bay). We’re proud to take the next step with the opening of our new state-of-the-art IVF lab in Walnut Creek.
Brian E. Miller, PhD Joins Kindbody as Chief Operating Officer
- Leadership |By Kindbody
Veteran Fertility Executive Joins Kindbody to Add Industry Knowledge, Optimize U.S. Clinic Operations, Enhance Patient Experience, and Advance the Company’s Mission to Provide Access to Family Building and High-Quality Care.
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Importance of Scheduling Your Mammogram
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the critical role early detection plays in saving lives. One of the most effective tools for early detection is the mammogram […]
World Menopause Day: Breaking the Silence, Empowering the Journey
Every year on October 18th, we recognize World Menopause Day — a global effort to raise awareness, break stigma, and support women and all people experiencing menopause. It’s a time […]
Turning Personal Heartbreak into Purpose with the Willow Grant: A Q&A with Ashley and Carlos Rodón
After experiencing two heartbreaking miscarriages before the birth of their daughter Willow, Ashley, an infertility advocate, and Carlos Rodón, pitcher for The New York York Yankees, knew they wanted to turn their story into something that could help others.
Egg Freezing: Yay or Nay?
- Preservation |By Kindbody
If you’re wondering whether or not you should freeze your eggs, start by asking yourself these questions: How old are you? How many kids are in your ideal family? How […]
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