In this episode ofIf You Knew Better, Amber Grimes sits down with Candiace Dillard Bassett for a candid conversation about fertility, IVF, and the deeply personal journey to intentional motherhood. Candiace shares why family planning became a priority [00:00], walks through the beginning of her IVF experience [03:00], and breaks down the importance of genetic testing [06:10] and understanding the IVF process [09:09]. She opens up about navigating hormonal treatments [12:01], overcoming physical and emotional challenges throughout the process [14:54], the realities of egg retrieval [18:11], and processing gender expectations and disappointment [21:01] while learning to trust her own path. Candiace also reflects on the emotional highs and lows of IVF [23:49] and how the experience ultimately reshaped her perspective on motherhood [27:12].

The conversation continues with an honest look at emotional resilience during fertility treatments [32:32], why Candiace chose to publicly share her story to help others [35:54], and the importance of thoroughly researching fertility options [37:50]. Amber and Candiace also discuss the unique healthcare challenges Black women face [40:37], advocating for yourself in medical settings and interracial relationships [43:44], the invaluable role of doulas during childbirth [47:34], and Candiace's labor and delivery experience [50:29]. The episode closes with reflections on balancing music and personal growth [53:34] and how motherhood has transformed her life, purpose, and identity [56:59]. Blending vulnerability, education, and empowerment, this episode offers an insightful guide for anyone navigating fertility, reproductive health, and the evolving journey of motherhood.

Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:

@ambergrimes

Follow Candiace Dillard Bassett:

@therealcandiace

Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack

Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET 

Follow Amber's Book Club 

Get Amber's Book Club Merch 

Read Amber's Favorite Books

In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes sits down with Candiace Dillard Bassett for a candid conversation about fertility, IVF, and the deeply personal journey to intentional motherhood. Candiace shares why family planning became a priority [00:00], walks through the beginning of her IVF experience [03:00], and breaks down the importance of genetic testing [06:10]&nbsp;and understanding the IVF process [09:09]. She opens up about navigating hormonal treatments [12:01], overcoming physical and emotional challenges throughout the process [14:54], the realities of egg retrieval [18:11], and processing gender expectations and disappointment [21:01]&nbsp;while learning to trust her own path. Candiace also reflects on the emotional highs and lows of IVF [23:49]&nbsp;and how the experience ultimately reshaped her perspective on motherhood [27:12].
The conversation continues with an honest look at emotional resilience during fertility treatments [32:32], why Candiace chose to publicly share her story to help others [35:54], and the importance of thoroughly researching fertility options [37:50]. Amber and Candiace also discuss the unique healthcare challenges Black women face [40:37], advocating for yourself in medical settings and interracial relationships [43:44], the invaluable role of doulas during childbirth [47:34], and Candiace's labor and delivery experience [50:29]. The episode closes with reflections on balancing music and personal growth [53:34]&nbsp;and how motherhood has transformed her life, purpose, and identity [56:59]. Blending vulnerability, education, and empowerment, this episode offers an insightful guide for anyone navigating fertility, reproductive health, and the evolving journey of motherhood.
Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambergrimes">@ambergrimes</a>
Follow Candiace Dillard Bassett:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealcandiace/">@therealcandiace</a>
<a href="https://substack.com/@withambergrimes">Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack</a>
<a href="https://youtube.com/@iykbetter?si=WMEDSWNJOsxlRkD0">Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambersbookclub/">Follow Amber's Book Club </a>
<a href="https://ambersbookclub.com/collections/hats">Get Amber's Book Club Merch&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://a.co/d/01GreLFP">Read Amber's Favorite Books</a>

You can’t rewrite the past — but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.

 

If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom — alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.

 

Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships — so you either don’t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.

 

Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better… and does better.

You can&rsquo;t rewrite the past &mdash; but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.
&nbsp;
If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom &mdash; alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.
&nbsp;
Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships &mdash; so you either don&rsquo;t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.
&nbsp;
Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better&hellip; and does better.

If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes

Candiace Dillard Bassett Knows IVF and Family Planning

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/af27bfa7-bcb7-438d-b1a9-b47e012b18a2/transcript