Interview by Paul Salfen
Tara Lipinski is a name synonymous with grace and triumph, having won an Olympic gold medal in figure skating at just 15 years old. But beyond the ice, Tara has faced a profoundly challenging journey through infertility, marked by five years of multiple miscarriages, failed IVF transfers, surgeries, and ultimately, surrogacy. Now a passionate advocate for those navigating similar struggles, Tara is breaking the stigma surrounding infertility and endometriosis through her “Unexpecting” podcast and social media platforms. In honor of World IVF Day, which celebrates advancements in reproductive medicine and commemorates the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first baby born through in vitro fertilization in 1978, Tara joins AMFM Magazine alongside Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a leading reproductive endocrinologist with RMA New York, to share her story and offer hope and resources to aspiring parents.
AMFM Magazine sat down with Tara and Dr. Sekhon to discuss their experiences, the importance of community, and how initiatives like Fertility Out Loud are empowering those on their fertility journeys.
Paul Salfen: Tara, we’re so excited to have you on today to share your journey. I know it’s been a challenging but rewarding experience. How does it feel to open up about something so personal?
Tara Lipinski: Thank you, Paul. It took almost five years to publicly share my story, which was long overdue. The response has been so overwhelming and supportive. I regret not sharing earlier because that support is so crucial when you’re going through infertility or miscarriage. Our journey was long—24 procedures over five years, eight egg retrievals, six failed transfers, and four miscarriages. It was one of the most painful parts of my life. I always say winning the Olympic gold medal was easy compared to this. Sharing my story and having these vulnerable, honest conversations helps break down the stigma around infertility, miscarriage, and IVF. Today, on World IVF Day, it’s something to celebrate and honor.
Paul Salfen: Absolutely, and you’re partnering with Fertility Out Loud, which sounds like an incredible resource. Can you tell us more about that?
Tara Lipinski: I’m so excited to be working with Fertility Out Loud. It’s an amazing online resource for anyone starting or continuing their fertility journey. They offer vetted, reliable information, access to fertility coaches, and a wonderful community where you can hear stories similar to your own. I hope it provides support and hope to so many people.
Paul Salfen: Dr. Sekhon, when should someone seek help from a fertility specialist? How do you know it’s time to address this head-on?
Dr. Lucky Sekhon: This is such an important topic because fertility is time-sensitive, with the biological clock to consider. If you’re under 35, don’t wait longer than a year to seek expert care for testing and treatment. If you’re 35 or older, six months is the threshold. For those in their 40s embarking on this journey, be proactive and see a doctor after three months. Early intervention can make a big difference.
Paul Salfen: Tara, for those going through infertility, how do you recommend talking to friends and family about it? And for loved ones, what’s the best way to offer support?
Tara Lipinski: It’s a personal decision, and you don’t have to share unless you’re comfortable. There’s still a lot of stigma and shame around infertility, which shouldn’t exist because it can affect anyone. It’s not your fault, and it’s extremely common—1 in 6 couples or individuals may face infertility. If you’re comfortable opening up, it can be incredibly powerful. The mental health component of this journey is huge; it’s not just physical. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it can be exhausting. Sharing with your inner circle—friends, family, or a community—helps them support you better. Be honest about what you need, because people often don’t know what to say or do.
Dr. Lucky Sekhon: For those supporting someone going through infertility, avoid unsolicited advice or sounding judgmental. Listen more than you talk, and let them share what they’re comfortable with. Don’t shy away from checking in, even if they don’t respond right away. A simple text like, “I’m thinking of you, no pressure to update me,” can mean so much. Be compassionate—understand that events like baby showers might be triggering, so give them grace if they can’t attend. Just show up and be there, even if you don’t fully understand their emotions.
Tara Lipinski: Exactly. I have friends now going through surrogacy or infertility, and I’ve learned so much. People don’t always know what to say, but showing up consistently and listening to what they need is so meaningful.
Paul Salfen: Both of you have inspiring careers that people look up to. What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps, whether as a fertility advocate or a reproductive endocrinologist?
Dr. Lucky Sekhon: Becoming a fertility advocate is something anyone can do. Many, like Tara, share their journey to pay it forward after finding community support. Even after overcoming infertility, the experience can leave lasting trauma, so banding together and sharing resources like fertilityoutloud.com is key. It’s a great place for accurate information, coaching, and community. For aspiring reproductive endocrinologists, it’s a long road but incredibly rewarding. You’re working with individuals and couples, navigating complex mental health aspects, and building special relationships to help them through their journey.
Tara Lipinski: For figure skating, it’s still my first love. Being on the ice is home, and seeing young skaters warms my heart. I might commentate on them one day! But now, advocating for those facing infertility, miscarriage, or considering surrogacy is so validating. For years, I felt isolated, but now I’m grateful to be part of this community, sharing my journey to offer hope and make others feel less alone.
Paul Salfen: You’ve both had “Hail Mary” moments—times you went for it and it worked out. Tara, was this journey one of those for you?
Tara Lipinski: Definitely. There were so many disappointments, times I thought I’d get my win, but it felt like Groundhog Day. I wondered if I’d ever become a parent. But when my daughter Georgie was born, it was incredible. We went through so much, and I carry trauma from it, but I also gained a community of friends I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Paul Salfen: That resilience is inspiring. What do you tell yourself to stay on the right path during tough times?
Tara Lipinski: It’s a lot like skating. There were competitions where I fell three times, but I had to get back up and keep going. With IVF, it’s about pulling yourself up, making that next appointment, and starting again, even when it’s daunting. Honor your feelings—sometimes you can’t push forward, and that’s okay too. It’s about doing your best.
Paul Salfen: Before we go, can you share the resources people should know about?
Tara Lipinski: Absolutely. Fertilityoutloud.com is an incredible resource for vetted information, fertility coaching, and emotional support. It’s a place to find community and feel less alone.
Paul Salfen: Thank you both for sharing your insights and helping so many people. We’re excited to spread the word.
Tara Lipinski & Dr. Lucky Sekhon: Thank you so much!
Tara Lipinski and Dr. Lucky Sekhon are shining a light on infertility, proving that vulnerability and community can transform a challenging journey into one of hope and connection. Visit fertilityoutloud.com to learn more and join the conversation.
