Fertile Minds Radio: Recent Episodes
Hillary Talbott Roland
Fertile Minds Radio is your place to learn how to maximize you & your partner's fertility; physically, mentally & emotionally. Here you'll find tools to help you feel empowered and confident as you move from infertile to pregnancy to parenthood. Hillary Talbott Roland, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Fellow of ABORM and Meditation Instructor shares her clinical insight along with leading experts and thought leaders from the realms of TCM, Mindfulness, Women's Health, Psychology, and Obstetrics & Endocrinology. From unexplained infertility to miscarriage to raging PMS we've got your covered, and are dedicated to bringing you information to help you conceive naturally or through other means like IVF & ICSI all while staying sane.
In today's episode you will guided through my favorite visualization for starting a new year. I highly suggest this visualization anytime you are starting something new, need to get unstuck, or are making big decisions. We are going to harness the connection between our heart and our womb for this one. Get comfy and let's dive deep together.
This meditation was part of a 3 day series I taught at the end of 2023. You can still access the replays here until Feb 1st, 2024. Don't miss this special opportunity to learn from me on a deeper level.
Hello, wonderful listeners! I'm back with the fifth season of Fertile Minds Radio, and I couldn't be more excited. It's incredible to think about the journey we've embarked on together, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated listeners. Your support is what makes this podcast so special.
In this season opener we are shedding light on the role of Vitex, a herbal remedy. Tune in for a detailed exploration of how Vitex can impact prolactin levels, luteal phase insufficiency, and progesterone deficiency—all crucial factors affecting a woman's reproductive journey.
After listening to this episode you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how Vitex might be the natural solution you've been searching for.
If you would like access to my fertility supplement guide based on up to date research click here.
If this episode resonates with you and you want to take this work deeper, I invite you to join my Conscious Conceptions program by going to https://www.FertileMindsRadio.com to learn more.
Research mentioned:
Walker MH, Tobler KJ. Female Infertility
Batool Hossein-Rashidi, Maryam Nemati, Effects of Vitex agnus-castus extract
Luteal phase deficiency in regularly menstruating women:
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Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Explore the complex world of reproductive rights & environmentalism with Representative Lindsay Cross where we discuss the process of passing critical healthcare legislation, crisis pregnancy centers, abortion restrictions, & more.
Summary:
In this episode, we dive into the complex world of reproductive rights and environmentalism, discussing recent issues in Florida and the potential impacts on reproductive technologies like IVF and medical care during emergencies. Joined by Representative Lindsey Cross, we explore the increasing prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their potential connection to infertility, miscarriages, and possibly even gender dysphoria. We also break down the complicated process of how a bill becomes a law and the role of committees, the House of Representatives, and the importance of majority control. Additionally, we examine the frustrating aspects of pregnancy counting in the medical system, the funding for crisis pregnancy centers, and the impact of extreme policies on reproductive healthcare and education. Finally, we discuss the long-term implications of our convenience-driven lifestyle on our health and the environment, as well as the role of lobbyists in shaping legislation. This conversation is crucial to understanding how these issues affect not only Florida residents but the wider population as well.
Chapters:
(0:00:01) - Environmentalism in Fertility
(0:05:39) - The Complex Rules of Passing Legislation
(0:12:37) - Funding Crisis Pregnancy Centers
(0:21:10) - Impact of Abortion Restrictions
(0:30:01) - Politically Motivated Disinformation
(0:40:41) - Impact of Convenience Lifestyle
(0:52:50) - The Impact of Lobbyists on Society
(0:59:19) - Environmentalism and Reproductive Health
Do I need more time to prepare my body before I start trying for a baby? Or am I running out of time and need to start trying ASAP? The answers to those questions are unique to each person thinking of starting a family, and today we discuss the factors we should consider when trying to answer those questions and how to do so without creating more anxiety for yourself & your partner.
We dive into conditioning around having a child and the importance of knowing your "why," when it comes to starting a family.
This is a must listen if you are at the beginning of thinking about starting a family or if you have been in the throws of infertility for some time and need to find your bearings.
If this episode resonates with you and you want to take this work deeper, I invite you to join my Conscious Conceptions program by going to https://www.FertileMindsRadio.com to learn more.
Subtitle: We discuss the major influence that methylation has on our cells’ genetic expression, and how we can manipulate it to our advantage with proper folate supplementation.
Our Guest: Ricardo Miranda is the CEO and MTHFR consultant for MTHFRdoctors.com. He is a leading clinician and one of the top researchers in the field of MTHFR genetic mutation. With over 28 years of clinical experience, he is able to assess the direct link between his patient’s genetic mutations and their health issues. He developed a unique approach combining Functional Medicine, Genetics, Epigenetics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Nutrition and Integrative Medicine diagnostics. He has done extensive research in the MTHFR area, and with the understanding of multiple disciplines, he has coached doctors from all over the country on how to treat patients with MTHFR mutations and methylation issues, including mitochondrial dysfunction. With a passion for helping people reverse their long-lasting illnesses, Ricardo founded MTHFRdoctors.com. Today MTHFRdoctors.com is one of the leading websites in the field of MTHFR with the biggest research database on MTHFR related studies available.
Description: We take a deep dive into how our body's natural ability to detoxify itself can be inhibit by as much as 70% depending on our genetics. The innability to detox naturally can have significant impact on both male and female fertility as well as the health of our future children. We discuss in depth the antagonist relationship between folate and folic acid and how to avoid folic acid causing issue even though it is widely prescribed to OB patients across the US.
For more insight like this on the daily join our online fertility coaching program and course, Conscious Conceptions. Go to www.FertileMindsRadio.com to find out more.
Zulgeil Ruiz Ginés, born and raised in Puerto Rico, is affectionately known as “Zul”. After the birth of her first daughter, she was forever changed in how she understood pregnancy and birth. Supporting families in their pregnancy, birth and postpartum care became her passion. She has studied with birth workers in Los Angeles, Mexico and now Florida.
Zul is the owner of UMA Midwifery & Homebirth Services assisting families in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
We discuss challenges women, especially women of color, face while seeking proper birth care.
Description:
There is an alarmingly high maternal mortality rate among women of color in the United States- 40 deaths per 100,000 compared with a 12.4 deaths per 100,000 for white women. This is on par with women experience in developing nations. Why is this continuing to happen in one of the wealthiest nations and no one is talking about it? More importantly- What are the solutions?
Takeaways
[7:05] The pandemic skyrocketed demand for midwives, as some women were being forced to birth at home, or couldn’t have family in the room during the delivery.
[12:07] Not everyone needs a home birth, but everyone can benefit from a midwifery model.
[14:03] Becoming a doula or taking a doula course gives a great introduction into midwifery, and the journey can help us heal from traumatic birth experiences. [19:30] Pain is physical, but suffering is mental. When we anticipate pain, we experience it.
[24:40] Since the pandemic, some women are getting induced as early as 37 weeks, but such early inductions can often lead to caesarian births.
[36:15] Certain areas have hospitals that are understaffed or under equipped to handle certain birth situations, especially for women of color, or people needing translation services.
[45:08] Women of color are often left unheard in hospitals, leading to traumatic experiences that create a distrust and fear of going to hospitals.
[49:19] CDC: 60% of the current US maternal deaths are preventable.
[57:00] The right to choose the type of birth you will have depends on the state you live in.
[67:07]Home births cost around 6k including all pre- and post-partum care. Hospital births range from $8000 to $60000
https://umamidwifery.com
https://www.nacpm.org/
https://www.fertilemindsradio.com/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2020/maternal-mortality-rates-2020.htm
https://www.who.int/news/item/16-06-2021-caesarean-section-rates-continue-to-rise-amid-growing-inequalities-in-access
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-statement-on-caesarean-section-rates-frequently-asked-questions
https://www.cesareanrates.org/
https://www.consumerreports.org/c-section/biggest-c-section-risk-may-be-your-hospital/
Subtitle: What is the fantasy fallacy and how can it affect us on our fertility journey and after we become parents?
Description: We fall victim to the arrival fallacy when we forbid ourselves to feel happy until we accomplish that one thing, but oftentimes, even when the goal is achieved, we still have trouble feeling complete. In this podcast, we discuss the prevalence of fantasy fallacy in our society and methods that can help us find happiness in our present.
Thanks for listening. If you want to go deeper with this material, I highly encourage you to join our group coaching program and course Conscious Conceptions. You'll find community, and a blend of mindset work and strategy from functional and traditional chinese medicine to help you feel your best on the path to parenthood. You'll have weekly access to me to ask ALL of your fertility and pregnancy questions. We now offer sliding scale pricing so that this knowledge is accessible to any woman on the planet that has a need. Go to FertileMindsRadio.com to get on our email list for the next opening in March 2023.
If you want to avoid arguments with your partner about lifestyle changes from diet to drinking in the name of conceiving, this is the episode for you.
Most of us think of consent as something we give for something big- like a medical procedure, or in sexual exchanges. Obviously we want to give consent to be intimate. What I want to talk about today, are the more subtle aspects of consent in the context of your path to parenthood and all of the well intentioned changes we might be making or thinking about making in regards to lifestyle changes.
There is so much waiting in a fertility journey, and because we really never know how long it will take to hold that healthy baby in our arms, I think this is one of the greatest skills you can learn for the micro of the two week wait to the macro of the entirety of completing your family.
In this episode you will learn...
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What to do when you feel in a hurry to get pregnant.
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What delay discounting is and how to know when you are doing it.
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Learn to understand which part of your brain is guiding your decision making process.
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The understanding of possiblity thinking vs probability.
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The stats on falling pregnant that are often glossed over.
When you get good at delaying gratification and disciplining yourself with healthy habits that make you feel good from a place of self love, from a place of training your brain and taking care of your body, and not because you think they will yield a baby, you can enjoy the wait of any journey in life, even falling pregnant. We call this living in high engagement with low attachment in my Conscious Conceptions program. You are engaged in living your life to its fullest, growing your capacity for uncertainty while growing your capacity to stay in prefrontal thinking and marveling at the magic that happens, which is the baby becomes the icing on the cake instead of the cake itself.
Fertility challenges, mothering. trauma, and conditioning can absolutely get in the way of pleasure. And pleasure is what lights you up and makes this whole life worth living. So what is a girl to do? Join me as I pick the big beautiful brain of Sex Coach, Danielle Savory, and she shares her tips for creating more pleasure and drops some knowledge on how our bodies and minds work to keep us safe and to light us up. If you love our guest as much as I do, head over to https://daniellesavory.com and see how she can help you reclaim your sexiest most lit up self.
When making hard decisions it can feel paralyzing, as if one decision could derail our entire life. You may be asked to make incredibly hard decisions on a path to becoming a parent so I created this for you. It is one of my favorite time out of thinking exercises I use to get in touch with my higher self when I am struggle to make the "right" decision. Enjoy! P.S. Please do not listen to this while driving or operating heavy machinery. Save it for a time when you can listen and be open to all that your mind and body have to offer you.
Decision fatigue describes how our decision-making gets worse as we make additional choices and our cognitive abilities get worn out. Decision fatigue is the reason we feel overwhelmed when we have too many choices to make, especially in the absence of resources. The phenomena of decision fatigue can affect even the most rational and intelligent individuals, as everyone can become mentally exhausted. The more decisions made throughout the day, the harder each decision becomes for us. Eventually, the brain looks for shortcuts to circumvent decision fatigue, leading to poor decision-making. While this is typically a business concept it is rampant in the fertility & parenting world because of the sheer number and weight of each decision we are asked to make on a daily basis.
**Finding yourself in torturous indecision about whether you should join Conscious Conceptions? Let's clear that up together on a call.**
Schedule a FREE Consult
Words have incredible power. Today we are going to explore the story you have been broadcasting to your body about the status of your fertility and how that impacts your perception of the journey. I'll share some personal insights I had working through this same exercise with my own health and the surprising findings in the mansion of the mind. We will go through my ritual for rewriting your story in a powerful way.
www.FertileMindsRadio.com
Seeing that positive pregnancy test can leave us flying high with happiness, until the worry sets in. Today's episode seeks to educate you on what to expect in terms of appointments, symptoms and labs so there is less room in your mind for thinking something is going wrong.
If you are curious about working together or joining Conscious Conceptions you are invited to schedule a free 1:1 session with me here.
What are the five realms of fertility? They are the places in our lives we can look to and examine in order to feel more balanced on our fertility journey. Join me as we explore how fertility challenges may be showing up as more than an empty next in this excerpt from my Conscious Conceptions coaching program. If you are curious about working together or joining Conscious Conceptions you are invited to schedule a free 1:1 session with me here.
What exactly happens in a life coaching session? And why would I ever hire someone to help me do Life? And is that a legit career? These are actual judgey thoughts I myself had when I first learned about life coaching 10 years ago. Listen on to find out about some of the very unexpected and pleasant side effects life coaching had on me after I finally took the plunge.
Traditionally the definition of a Conscious Conception includes the physical aspects of preconception care and then adds in a spiritual dimension of preparation. It engages the, "feminine principle of receiving." It presupposes a spiritual realm from which a baby's spirit can be invited into the '"Earthside" life, and it is modified to suit spiritual belief of the mother and or parents. It spiritualizes sexuality, conception, pregnancy, and birth. It allows for a greater purpose and can thus relieve some burden from the woman as she TTC, helping her to feel like she is in co-creation rather than totally responsible for creation. It allows for practice, ritual, meaning that can also permit depth psychology work and meaningful practices that help to reduce stress and also reinvigorate sex life for couples. Join me to listen to what a Conscious Conception is and is not, no matter what your take is on religion.
Anger is a normal emotion for all humans. Some of us have a harder time acknowledging and/or releasing our anger. Take a 20 minute journey with me to practice allowing and releasing our anger and systematically breaking down the false and poisonous belief that good girls dont get angry. Love these practices? Join us in my Conscious Conceptions Coaching Program. Our next cohort start the end of May. Get on the waitlist so you don't miss a moment! www.FertileMindsRadio.com
As Marijuana and it's component supplement CBD become more mainstream there is a real risk that you could be stunting your fertility with their use, especially in unexplained cases or recurrent implantation failure.
Join us for the education bomb Dr. Gersh drops on how our hormones naturally ebb and flow with our own endocannabinoids and what happens to our hormones we add THC or CBD.
If you suffer from endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or implantation failure and have ever wondered if Mary Jane was to blame or could help you, tune in!
Space for grace is a personal account of where my thought work and spirituality have converged. I want to show you how to up-level your fertility journey into one of growth that will ultimately make your current suffering worth it in the end.
Gut health isn't where your brain would normally go when trying to solve the problem of fertility challenges, but it is thought to be one of the root causes of subfertility. Did you know that low microbe diversity in your intestines can lead to issues like endometriosis, pcos, metabolic syndrome and even obesity? Functional medicine specialist Dr. Jen Horton and I talk all things poo and how and why it should be a part of your fertility workup.
How do we construct a practice that fits our life, one that we will actually keep coming back to? Those questions and more are answered along with a mantra for you to practice for the next 40 days to beckon a child into your life.
Practicing the Art of Silence, with your partner, can help to reveal the stories that you tell yourself about your connection and help to cultivate a deep sense of connectedness. Today you will learn the two most important exercises that will help you begin to feel comfortable in silence and true presence.
Day 5 of our meditation challenge happens to fall on a new moon in Taurus and Earth day. What an auspicious day for setting intentions! We will examine the 5 realms of life (Physical, Mental/Emotional, Relationship, Material and Spiritual) and how our fertility is interfacing with these different parts that make up our lives. We will then set some intentions that we would like to see unfold and seal it with a mantra in celebration of the Earth- Om Shri Gaia Ma Purnatva Gaia Ma.
Today's guided journey can be super helpful anytime you feel that you need a healthy "time out." Often when we are feeling the most constricted, it is because we are wrestling with questions. Today you go on a journey to get answers from the Archetypal women you carry inside. After it is over you will know how to find more space when you are feeling pinned in or couped up. After you practice it a few times, you won't even need my voice.
Today's meditation will guide you through a journey of becoming reunited with the wisdom of your heart. We will discuss the concept of the Heart - Uterus connection as defined by Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In day 2 of our fertility meditation challenge we explore concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine that stresses the importance of a spiritual perspective and strong awareness of our higher self to help with creation or what is sometimes referred to as a conscious conception.
The breath is all about the exhale, and so is finding your center. In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week I am hosting my annual fertility meditation challenge. In today's meditation you will practice 5 different types of breathing techniques. My hope is that you will find 1-2 that really resonate with you that you take into your daily life to help control the stress response.
Brain based coach, Elizabeth Markie, and I will discuss our favorite techniques for down regulating the nervous system out of fight or flight throughout our day. Two heart math techniques that are only 1 and 2 minutes long are covered along with how to bring healing & connection to the world with a Meta Meditation.
As if fertility challenges weren't hard enough, now we are dealing with the ramifications of COVID-19. Today we bring you some sound advice for coping emotionally and the beautiful insight as to why you may be better equipped to handle this than you think.
I’m sure you’ve heard time and time again, stress negatively affects fertility and pregnancy. Maybe you been told, Just RELAX and it will happen more times than you care to count, which really makes you stress out and maybe want to punch said person. Now you can’t exactly go about cutting all of the stress out of your life, I mean, fertility challenges alone are stressful. What are you supposed to do? Give up? Quit? Not a chance. You make a game out of making friends with your stress response. Acknowledge it, know it’s going to happen, get good at catching it before it becomes a freight train careening out of control, AND then see how fast you can change your stress response into a relaxation response by trying on one of these little beauties from our mini mindful moments installments. Meditation & mindfulness techniques and their ability to turn on our parasympathetic nervous system, or what’s known as breed and feed, are evidence based practices that not only enhance your fertility, but they can also help you hold a pregnancy, even if it’s high risk. Remember, it’s not stress that’s the enemy, it’s how fast we can get back into a relaxed state that really matters. These mini relaxation techniques are quick, easy to apply throughout your day and restore your relaxation response in moments, keeping your mind broadcasting the message to your body, "It’s a safe time and place to create life,” helping you to feel back in control of your stress and ready to conceive.
We all have something that we want that sometimes is a struggle to see other people around us getting or having the feeling like you’re the only person that doesn’t have the thing. But, what should you do when everyone around you is pregnant, and you are having a meltdown? Our guest, Erin Gray LMHT, LMT takes us through a four-step approach that you could apply to avoid a meltdown or at the very least lessen the blow.
In today’s episode we dissect the concept of Total Ecology of Health. It’s a term coined by one of my mentors, Dr. Aviva Romm. It has to do with our body’s ability to detox itself in relation to the toxic burden we place on it and our interconnectedness to the planet. We discuss what toxic burden is, the concepts of stress and terrain and what you can do emlimate your toxic burden and super charge your natural detox abilities.
In today’s episode, we are joined by Heidi Brockmyre. She will be helping us understand how acupuncture can help boost fertility and help you conceive.
Heidi is a licensed practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and she has a decade of experience helping women grow their families. She’s supported hundreds of women in her clinic in San Diego and now thousands of women around the world and her online community. She teaches women how to get pregnant, have a faster, healthier, easier and more affordable way in her online program Fertility activation method. She loves teaching women how to renew their faith and their ability to conceive and how to take back control of their health and their bodies.
It is important to note that the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicine don’t end at conceiving; it helps even after childbirth.
Are you a new mom struggling to keep up? Do you feel like taking care of your child is way more work than you anticipated leaving you constantly overwhelmed? Or are you finding yourself in a constant emotional funk, while telling yourself you should feel happy? You could be suffering from postpartum depression. Many women suffer from postpartum depression, and even more go undiagnosed with postpartum anxiety. The magnitude of the depression and/or anxiety can vary from one woman to the other. Some women suffer from severe postpartum depression including suicidal ideation, while others have a mild version constantly feeling like something just isn’t right. When you are stuck in the thick of negative postpartum takedown, it can feel like it’s going to last forever. The good news is, it doesn’t have to, and there is a way out. In today’s episode, we are honored to have Liz Langston join us. Liz is a postpartum coach and a postpartum depression survivor. She shares with us how she made it out of the depression and how she realized her mission to lift up other moms that are suffering like she did.
You may have heard me talk about the MODEL on episodes 48 and 54 when I talked about certainty and thought management, but truly you need to hear it again. These are concepts you can’t hear enough to really understand them. this is because most of us were not taught how to manage our minds. Even fewer of us were taught exercises to really understand our minds, not just how to conceptualize how the mind works. This exercise of using the self coaching model is something I have been working with for two and a half years now in Self Coaching Scholars with Brooke Castillo. It’s been instrumental in me reclaiming my health and my sanity as a step parent. I know this can handle any situation and I want to teach it to you. I truly believe if you work with it and actually write down the models that you run, it can be the #1 tool to help you keep your cool while you are patiently waiting to conceive!
Our guest today, Lindsay Meisel, is the chief science editor at Ava Fertility Tracker with over a decade of experience educating and writing about reproductive health. I got to geek out with her over the science behind this wearable piece of tech and how exactly the Ava bracelet is different from other ovulation predictors. If you have wondered about using the Ava, have tracked your basal body temps (BBT) and are totally over buying ovulation kits, are unsure of your ovulation signs & symptoms, or your just starting out and trying to figure out when your fertile window actually occurs this episode is for you. For a $20 coupon check the show notes at http://www.LadyPotions.com/fmradio/ovulation-calculator-you-wear
Infertility is becoming an epidemic in the world. According to a statistic carried out in the US, 10-12 out of 100 couples in the US struggle with infertility. In today’s episode, we are joined by a woman who has been through the infertility journey and is now a mother. Infertility is isolating and brings with it a sense of hopelessness. According to our guest, there is a great online community that supports couples going through infertility.Our guest today is Tedi Palmer. She’s a wife, a mom and an infertility survivor, and a mama of two. She’s active in the infertility community by running an infertility-related blog. She also runs an Etsy shop selling infertility awareness apparel. Also, she runs a non-profit called Hope for Fertility.
Are you considering having a home birth? This episode is for you. Our guest today loves talking about home birth.
Today, we are joined by Katelyn Fusco. She is the host and creator of Happy Homebirth. As a wife, mother and homebirth advocate, she has a passion for presenting positive, encouraging stories and reliable resources for homebirth mothers. Before becoming a mother, Katelyn worked as a student midwife. She has had two empowering homebirths, the second of which she considers to be the birth, she wishes for every interested mother: mindful, peaceful and powerful at home.
In honor of Recurrent Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month we offer you this wisdom packed episode with Dr. Zev Williams.
If you or someone you know has experienced a miscarriage you owe it to yourself to have a listen.
1 in 10 American women which is somewhere around 5 million women, suffer from symptoms on the PCOS spectrum. I really want you to understand that it is intact reversible in 85% percent of women. The sad part is that your doctors often times aren’t talking to you about reversing it if you have been diagnosed. They only educate you on how to manage it with medications like metformin and Birth Control. Today we cover all of the supplements that can treat the root cause of PCOS to help you be healthier and more fertile.
Take this podcast a step further & become a Fertile Minds Insider today.
Does a sperm analysis matter when trying to conceive? When you should get one and other specifics with world renown reproductive urologist, Dr. Paul Turek.
Does a sperm analysis matter when trying to conceive? When you should get one and other specifics with world renown reproductive urologist, Dr. Paul Turek.
We're back with another meditation to help you get your mind and your heart on the same page during that crucial stage of implantation. This meditation was a listener request and is geared towards someone undergoing an IVF cycle, but really anyone in the implantation window of their cycle will benefit from listening. Let's turn on our relaxation response and turn up our ability to hold life.
music credit: Christopher Lloyd Clarke
For more meditations just like this one at your fingertips visit us here
Has TTC made your mojo go MIA? There's a book to help you find it! This conversation with Denise Wiesner, a fellow ABORM certified acupuncturist, is packed with tips from the taoist traditions of chinese Medicine to help you forget about conceiving and get back to loving, literally.
Download the first chapter of her book here https://www.denisewiesner.com/book
Mindset can be tricky. We can unknowingly be playing negative messages over and over in our minds that make us feel like crap. Today's meditation and lesson will help you learn how to move from the victim mindset of thinking, "Why isn't this happening? I deserve to be a parent," to the abundance mindset of, "Look how much we already have. Being parents will be the icing on the cake." This is an excerpt from the 30 days of fertility meditation program I created just for you.
When people have more awareness, they have better health physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is why how we form thoughts from past experiences, and being aware of those thoughts that become beliefs is so important to observe and become aware of. In today’s episode, Hillary talks about harnessing the power of our brain to rectify its belief, or to create certainty in the future ability to become a parent. She discusses creating certainty to buy your way through the tough moments, so you can keep taking action in the correct direction, along with the and create momentum key to creating positive momentum, and meditation to separate our thoughts from our deep inner wisdom and guidance.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways
[2:48] Certainty is the currency for your dreams of creating a family, yet our brain will try to dissuade us from risking the uncomfortable thoughts of pain and failure.
[4:15] When people are operating at the highest level of consciousness, they have a higher chance of coming up with creative solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. They have more confidence, and when we have more confidence, we gain positive momentum, which is the key to manifesting the life of our dreams quickly. When large groups of us are in this mindset, it’s like a chain reaction around us and it’s almost contagious to all of those we come in contact with.
[5:33] Elizabeth Markie, founder of Tribrain Yoga says, “Thoughts are electric and feelings are magnetic.” Momentum is a force that can take us any direction and has everything to do with beliefs and how we manage our thoughts.
[7:17] Beliefs are just thoughts you have thought over and over until they have become a non-negotiable belief. If beliefs come from the past, certainty comes from the future. Many believe they will never get pregnant, their body can’t hold a pregnancy, or it happens to everyone but them. These are not facts. These are beliefs colored by thoughts and emotions that you have experienced over and over until they have created a thought so strong you believe it as a fact.
[10:14] Potential from a scientific standpoint is kinetic energy waiting to come to life and move something.
Because 70% of our thoughts are on repeat, they are like a broken record based on past experiences playing over and over, all while creating evidence for our brains. Real certainty comes from daring to believe in the future circumstance you haven’t yet created and realizing that either way, you could feel bad. Our actions shift our circumstance and that becomes more evidence and certainty for the future.
[18:58] Mindfulness is key to helping us slow down our thoughts to observe them and see our brain as possibly lying to us and/or being stuck in the past.
[22:47] The brain doesn’t understand the reality of physically doing something, and the brain values emotions and feelings over thoughts any day. You have thoughts and they are stuck in the past at the moment creating the emotion of fear.
[27:37] Meditation begins.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
The Life Coach School
Diagram - Hillary will provide
Continue Your Journey:
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Today we will be covering one of my personal subjects in life, food! Food therapy has always been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It can be really easy to initiate your own healing simply by eating for your current TCM disharmony. I will share with you some easy life solutions and three different approaches that you can start with your very next meal. Food has a lot of ties to our belief system, our past, and emotions we have yet to feel. Changing the way you eat can seem very overwhelming, so today I invite you to just pick a few from these three ideas that suit you and your life.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways
[2:34] This can be a really hot topic for some people. I think most of my patients would rather me ask them who they voted for and how much money they make than for a weekly food journal. The reason why is food has a lot of ties for many of us. It’s got our belief systems all wrapped up in it, this is good, that’s bad, I can never follow a diet, I’ll get fat if I eat that, I’ll feel better if I eat that over there, I’ll eat in secret and no one will know, and so on. And it’s highly tribal and social. Most of us were comforted by food when we were little and as adults in the western world, it is often the center of many social gatherings. So when we start poking at it, and suddenly trying to change the way we eat, it can get a little unnerving.
[5:42] If you do have blood sugar instability and you test positive for gestational diabetes, you could pass that insulin instability down two generations. That’s right, your unborn grandchildren could have trouble with their blood sugar or even PCOS. This is because insulin can compete with your hormones trying to dock in your ovaries, reducing egg quality, or even stopping ovulation. We have the power to affect the health of the next two generations by what we put into our bodies up to one full year prior to getting pregnant.
[6:01] I would rather encourage you to make positive small changes that feel right to you rather than your feeling like your eating is one more thing you have to try and be perfect at. The implications of your DNA occur one full year before you get pregnant.
[8:25] Even a 2% change a day has a cumulative effect. It’s important to start small and adopt habits and a diet that feels positive and nourishing. If you pick what feels right at this stage of the game, you can work with suits you now and always circle back to more of them. If it doesn’t feel good, you are going to make an excuse not to.
[8:39] Pick what feels right for you and your partner, and start small.
[10:24] The first approach is from Daoshing Ni, from his book The Tao of Fertility. He thinks of the menstrual cycle as a season, and there is a systematic way to eat accordingly along with the phases. This can be helpful to improve egg quality, sperm quality, and your menstrual lining. It might be a bit difficult if you are a creature of habit or have a tendency to grab raw cold food as this is pretty much prohibited on the diet. It is a simple approach that can drastically make a difference in less than three months.
[12:10] The second is a general list of what not to eat, and a meal order solution like Green Chef or Hello Fresh. This is great for the on-the-go person that is working too much or overwhelmed by the idea of shopping and cooking. However, it can get pricey, especially if you cave and order take out when you have organic food sitting in your fridge.
[13:09] Third, is the pattern diagnosis of TCM by symptoms that tell you how to eat based on TCM. This will often help you feel the best the quickest and make your overall constitution stronger helping you to achieve optimal fertility. It can be difficult if both of you have completely different imbalances or constitutions. It’s a win if you love strict rules. It gives a list of don’ts and dos.
[14:20] In the Tao of Fertility approach, you think of your menses as the season of winter. Shedding, ending and contracting. The week after your period is like spring where plants and flowers are budding and blooming, and the ovulatory phase is summer. The luteal phase is akin to autumn, the idea that Earth is filled with activity and where the temperature is beginning to drop as we come towards Winter. During the first two weeks of your “seasons,” you want to incorporate foods that will strengthen your egg quality and energy. This includes grains, high protein foods like eggs, meat, and beans. It’s important the food is warm for digestion. If you feel extra fatigued and weak during menstruation, you want to eat a lot of blood-nourishing foods like bone broth. The second phase after ovulation shifts to leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, chard, and berries.
[23:15] Build healthy blood through the addition of foods like eggs, avocados, seeds (chia, flax, sunflower, and pumpkin) and nuts (with the exception of peanuts), unrefined coconut, and full-fat organic grass-fed dairy (as long as there is no intolerance or allergy). Healthy blood encourages good circulation to nourish egg follicles and to build healthy endothelial lining. Must of us go out of our way to make our baby's first nursery the best it could be, really though our womb is really baby’s first home, so let's make the most of it!
[25:44] Always choose full-fat instead of fat-free. Often times when they take the fat out, they replace it with sugar and other unhealthy additives.
[26:40] Method 3 is pattern diagnosis of TCM by symptoms that tell you how to eat for your fertility based on TCM. This will often help you feel the best the quickest and make your overall constitution stronger helping you to achieve optimal fertility. It can be difficult if both of you have completely different imbalances or constitutions. It’s a win if you love strict rules and are good at abiding by a list of do’s and don’ts.
[29:22] I go through the patterns of foods and symptoms depending on the body types, symptoms and deficiencies. You can also download the food quiz here on the website for a further dive into what you should be eating for your specific constitution.
[29:51] In TCM, Chi is translated very loosely to “circulating life force energy.” Kidney Chi deficiency can range from not enough energy, feeling low mood or stagnant, lower back pain, and stale menstrual blood. Foods that are useful in building up the kidney energy include raspberries, seeds, and nuts, venison, and lamb, shellfish and such as basil, fennel, and horseradish.
[32:53] Spleen Chi deficiency can look like changes in appetite, bruising easily, excessive worry, and cramps that feel as though they are bearing down. It can lead to an inability to lose belly fat and water retention. You will want to avoid cold foods, deep fried foods, and dairy. Foods that help are cinnamon, clove, garlic, chestnuts, and all the foods in the kidney yung pattern such as shellfish, roasting chicken or lamb and roasted vegetables.
[36:31] Yin is responsible for moistening and cooling, and foods that rebuild these cooling fluids are things are fish dishes with coconut milk, omelets, sweet potatoes, duck, string beans, fruit smoothies. You want to avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar and pungent spices.
[39:37] Liver Chi stagnation is basically stress and shows up by being prone to depression, irritability, and possibly nipple discharge which is a sign of high levels of stress and hormonal imbalance.
[41:09] Blood stasis or deficiency can show up as more anxiety or a low pain threshold, numb hands and feet, and fibroids or endometriosis. Foods that help to increase blood and decrease stasis include dark leafy greens, alfalfa sprouts, mushrooms, watercress, barley, apricots, kidney beans, mussels, oysters, tuna, and pate.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
The Tao of Fertility: A Healing Chinese Medicine Program to Prepare Body, Mind, and Spirit for New Life,
by Daoshing Ni and Dana Herko
Sun Basket
Feed Your Fertility: Your Guide to Cultivating a Healthy Pregnancy with Chinese Medicine, Real Food, and Holistic Living, by Emily Bartlett and Laura Erlich
Continue Your Journey:
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Our generation has been raised to be goal-oriented and to go after what we want, whether it’s a law degree or a new car. While being independent is great and what the culture values, infertility is way different and it’s important to value receiving to get pregnant and stay pregnant. There's power in learning how to lean into doing things for the purpose of feeling good rather than to achieve a specific result. Finally, Erin and I give some tips for self-care that hopefully will provide listeners with a feeling of hope, relaxation, and gratitude.
Despite having been recognized within medical literature for over a hundred years, Endometriosis remains a very poorly understood condition. In today’s episode, Hillary discusses exactly what it is, why it takes so long to diagnose in the first place, how it can impact fertility, long term implications, and natural treatment options.
Takeaways:
[3:15] Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent benign inflammatory disease. It affects women during their pre-menarcheal reproductive and postmenopausal hormonal stages. It is defined as the presence and growth of endometrial tissue in locations outside of the uterus. Displaced endometrial tissue responds to cyclical hormonal changes, proliferating and shedding outside of the uterus, and the bleeding is then accompanied by inflammation caused by irritation of local tissues such as the peritoneum.
[6:28] The most conservative estimate is that Endometriosis is estimated to affect approximately one in ten women of reproductive age, which is approximately 176 million women in the world. It’s considered one of the most common gynecologic problems in the U.S. and a leading gynecologic cause of both hospitalization and hysterectomy. This may be a conservative number due to the fact that so many diagnoses are missed in teenage girls.
[7:29] Initially, endometriosis was related to retrograde menstruation, but new theories have been launched, suggesting that chronic inflammation can influence the development of endometriosis because inflammatory mediators have been identified elevated in patients with endometriosis.
[10:26] A few of the factors to developing endometriosis include an early period before the age of 12, short menstrual cycles, a D&C procedure, and a genetic predisposition. One of the main ways to diagnose it is through laparoscopic surgery.
[15:20] Signs and symptoms include killer cramping before or during the menstrual cycle that does not respond to treatment, severe backache, bloating, and chronic fatigue. Additionally, women may experience constipation, swollen abdomen, intestinal gas, depression, and insomnia.
[19:22] Given its association with chronic systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, it’s theorized that there is a link between endometriosis and an elevated risk of atherosclerosis and subsequent coronary heart disease. Interestingly, also epithelial ovarian cancers may be higher in women with a history of endometriosis. In nearly 8,000 women with EOC, women with a self-reported history of endometriosis had three times the risk of clear cell EOC and double the risk of endometrioid and low-grade serous EOC, but no changes in risk of high-grade serous, or mucinous EOC. Again, increased risk of ovarian cancer. And finally, and this is really interesting, women with endometriosis have a very clear increased risk of hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, other autoimmune conditions in addition to Hashimoto’s, including systemic Lupus, MS, and Sjogren’s, and also atopic disease is also significantly more common in women with endometriosis than women in the general U.S. population.
[25:32] The holistic approach to dealing with endometriosis encompasses treating both the pain and the root cause.
[36:32] A few of the natural treatments include Devil’s Claw, Melatonin, Adaptogens, and Medicinal Mushrooms. Also, it is important to decrease or eliminate foods that cause inflammation such as a high amount of dairy and animal products. One also must detoxify their liver and reduce stress and environmental exposures.
[36:32] A diet similar to the Mediterranean Diet seems to do well for those with endometriosis, as the focus is on healthy fats, lean meats and plenty of vegetables.
[54:38] Other options and treatments include speaking with a professional practitioner about an IUD, acupuncture and getting a pelvic or abdominal massage. Many places will teach you the art of doing the massage technique on yourself so you can administer it on your own time.
Continue Your Journey:
Jade Disperse 2
Farmer’s Footprint
Arvego.org
Castor oil pack
Website
Ladypotions.com
When it comes to using the chakras there are actually two currents that help the energy to flow, however, most people are only accustomed to using one of them working from the bottom chakra up. This pathway is what is sometimes referred to as the path to liberation or emotional freedom. The other less know current is the downward current from the heavens to the earth plane, sometimes referred to as the current of manifestation. For thousands of years in Chinese Medicine humans have been explained as a divine mix of matter and spirit, a pivot if you will between heaven and earth. When it comes to using the chakras and meditations to help your pursuits of beckoning a healthy happy baby into your life, both currents must be taken into consideration. This meditation will show you how to do just that, all while helping you turn on your relaxation response.
Confronting Your Parents After Motherhood Julia was born in South Korea, but was adopted and raised by a white family. Now that she has her own child—the first biological relative she’s ever known—she’s rethinking her relationship with her own family, and on a search to find her birth mother.
Today’s episode is a re-release of episode three. Missed it the first time around? Well we’re back with a remastered version. Loved it back in the day? Re-listen and re-love it (and maybe pick up on some gems you didn’t hear when it first aired). This episode is meant to give you a glimpse at how herbs can be safely used in treating infertility. I could do an entire show just on herbs alone, so this is meant to give you the basics so you have a better understanding of how herbs might help and why exactly we are prescribing what we are. Herbs can seem scary for a gal that’s used to prescriptions and my hope is that this episode can shed a little light on not only how helpful they can be, but to help you feel more secure about how and why to use them. And if you are one of those that wants to do it all yourself, I’ll point you to some resources to find more information on your journey of self-discovery. For those of you that want to know why, but prefer to let a board-certified practitioner diagnose and prescribe, I’m going to tell you how to find one of those too. So let’s dive in.
Takeaways:
[4:20] Herbs are amazing tools to treat infertility and have been used by most cultures on the planet to enhance fertility for thousands of years. There is historical evidence that the Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Indian cultures all used them in this fashion.
[5:57] The 8 Pillars and the philosophy behind enhancing fertility when using TCM is this. Balance the body out and it will get pregnant on its own. Truly it’s that simple.
If there is heat, cool it.
If there is cold, warm it up.
If there is dryness somewhere in the body, find it, find the herb that moistens that part of the body and use it.
If there is dampness, dry it.
If there is deficiency, supplement it.
If there are signs of excess, drain it.
[6:59] Western Herbalists like an “eye for an eye” treatment; western herbalists tend to get into the makeup of the herb and many of the herbs contain flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids. Eclectic medicine was a branch of American medicine which made use of botanical remedies along with other substances and physical therapy practices, popular in the latter half of the 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries.
[9:22] TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, is incorporated more into their everyday life and cooking. TCM can treat the unexplained and confusing occurrences in the body that sometimes Western medicine can’t.
[11:41] Aryuvedic uses the doshas.
The three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — are derived from the five elements. Also known as mind-body types, the doshas express unique blends of physical, emotional, and mental characteristics. In Ayurveda, health is defined as the dynamic state of balance between mind, body, and environment. You can achieve and maintain a vibrant and joyful state of health by identifying your mind-body type and creating a lifestyle that supports your unique nature.
Continue Your Journey:
Deepak Chopra
Dosha Quiz
Adrenal Thyroid Revolution
Find an Acupuncturist
American Herbalists Guild
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Herbalism on Wikipedia
Website
Ladypotions.com
So much of how we feel and the reality we create relate back to our thoughts. Up to 75% of our thoughts are repetitive ones, and they end up shaping our emotions and eventually much of our physiological state. In today’s episode, Hillary provides a visualization and meditation practice to connect with our future selves and to help us become aware of how our thoughts affect our emotions. This is especially important in fertility, where we often must believe in something that hasn’t happened yet, such as becoming a parent.
Takeaways:
[1:35] With more than one thought a second and 60,000 of them a day, it is completely normal for us to believe that our thoughts are the true reality.
[2:55] Most of our thoughts that continue to cycle throughout our adult life begin in the ages of 5-15 years old. This is when we are most trying to figure out and navigate the world around us, with our brain trying to create connections and realities to keep us safe.
[3:15] Your thoughts and beliefs create a vibration, a feeling, and emotion. They ultimately inform our nervous system and tell us if we are in a threatening situation or one where there are hope and safety.
[8:25] Hillary defines stress as an experience of an unmet need or expectation.
[9:42] A woman’s brain can make fertility issues just as bad as a chronic health condition. It is common in infertility issues for our brains to get stuck on a loop questioning if it will ever happen or why it hasn’t happened yet.
[10:43] By changing your thoughts you will change your outlook, emotions, and nervous system.
[11:01] The brain is always looking for confirmation of our thoughts.
[11:54] The exercise begins. This gives us the opportunity to see how fast you can change your stress response to a relaxation response and turn on our parasympathetic nervous system or what is known as breed and feed. This state not only enhances fertility but can also help hold a pregnancy, even if it is high risk.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Lady Potions Meditations
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator, Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner, and author of The Fifth Vital Sign. She joins the show today to speak with Hillary about using Fertility Awareness as a primary method of birth control, ovulation as a health marker, important things to know about hormone birth control, and an evidence-based approach as to how to set ourselves up for success when it comes to our menstrual cycle and fertility tracking. They discuss the realities of the public education system regarding this topic, hear more about her Fertility Friday Podcast, and ways in which women can connect more with their cycle and fertility.
Takeaways:
[7:11] Lisa herself didn’t discover fertility awareness until about age 18 or 19, and even after that, there has been very little that has progressed in terms of teaching about menstruation and fertility in the public education system.
[9:12] Woman are often made to feel as though the menstrual cycle is something dirty or a nuisance that must be stopped or contained. Their concerns are dismissed and side effects which can be very serious and painful are diminished.
[12:26] Our ovulation is a marker of our health. In the same way that we have come to learn more about men’s health and their fertility being intertwined, Lisa and Hillary hope the same for the near future regarding ovulation and women’s health.
[15:58] Menstruation is a vital sign of what our body needs, how it is doing and is connected to many layers of health.
[24:54] The hormonal birth control pill stops ovulation to some degree, which dramatically reduces the natural production of our bodies estrogen and progesterone, and affects our free testosterone.
[27:02] Although how it plays out is different in everyone, all women who take hormonal birth control do experience effects in their hormones and organs.
[28:54] It is important for women to be upfront and aware of the side effects of the hormone birth control pill. Depression is a big one, along with mood swings.
[29:41] Research shows that hormonal birth control is associated with a temporary delay in the return of normal fertility. The shot is the worst offender, with other methods falling in after.
[33:56] Some women may hear about the side effects of hormonal birth control and decide it’s not for them, while others decide they will still use it but modify the use. Whatever choice that works best for you is the right one, but it’s important to be informed and aware.
[37:16] Birth control stops your normal cycle and replaces it with a fake one, but it doesn’t address or fix the real root of irregular menstrual cycles.
[45:12] Since birth control shrinks the ovaries, there is an established delay between when we come off birth control and when our body is normalized and fertile.
[52:35] There are many options for tracking our menstrual cycle and fertility. Because there is only about one week out of the month we can get pregnant, knowing this fact alone can be a total game changer.
[60:30] Devices such as wearable thermometers can be very helpful, but nothing trumps fertility awareness and training from a professional instructor. Much like learning to drive a car, it is a one-time investment that can lead to years of knowledge and empowerment.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
The Fifth Vital Sign: Master Your Cycles & Optimize Your Fertility, by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
Fertility Friday Podcast
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Today’s episode is a re-release of episode two. Missed it the first time around? Well, we’re back with a remastered version. Loved it back in the day? Re-listen and re-love it (and maybe pick up on some gems you didn’t hear when it first aired). Today’s guests are Marc Sherman and Dr. Kate Webster, creators of the revolutionary online course Organic Conceptions. This course began with Erin and Marc Sherman’s personal struggle in trying to conceive for a decade. In partnership with Dr. Webster, they created a roadmap for themselves and others to chart a course that engages and empowers couples on their path to parenthood. They share the primary goals of Organic Conceptions, the main three chapters and primary expectations that arise and the importance of surrender. Marc and Dr. Webster are really doing some amazing work with helping others achieve emotional health and insight during their process and I thank them for digging deep in their own experience to provide a ton of hope, guidance, and information for others.
Takeaways:
[7:48] I share the impressive backgrounds and bios of Dr. Kate Webster and Erin and Marc Sherman.
[12:15] Dr. Webster covers the primary goals of Organic Conceptions, stemming out of predictable problems and patterns with infertility. She also shares what the program is not so people have appropriate expectations.
[13:08] Depending on the statistics, between 1-in-6 and 1-in-8 couples struggles with infertility.
[21:07] They combine influences from biological, emotional, psychological, and sociological models.
[27:11] The program provides the opportunity for couples to go through the steps at their own time in their own home rather than rushing to appointments.
[31:37] Every story culminated into three chapters and nine transitions: The conception of doubt, couples losing patience, and surrender into life.
[24:31] Dr. Webster lists the five primary expectations that arise: age, sequencing of life events, gender roles, images of success, and trust in the medical model.
[39:38] The stages in the surrender into life chapter: rawness, reaching forward and uniting together, renewal.
[41:48] More than one third of women have pre-conceived doubt about their reproductive abilities before they even try get pregnant.
[49:48] It’s difficult for young women today to try and fit in a career, marriage, and family goals all in one decade.
[60:56] We hear the difference of mal-adaptive vs adaptive coping.
[61:57] Surrendering does not mean just relaxing or giving up on a dream for parenthood. Dr. Webster and Marc share stories of couples that accept the things they cannot change, let go of past disappointment and control over the future to end up finding life again and new interests and passions. A lot of times people have success even after they are significantly older than when they first started on their journey.
[74:23] Every listener gets a free PDF and a monetary discount. They are coming out with a workbook shortly as well.
References:
Organic Conceptions
Dr. Kate Webster
You are the Placebo
Link to free PDF and discount rate on Organic Conceptions: Ladypotions.com
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Quotes
“Sometimes the struggle is the gift and the door closing is just leading you somewhere else.”
“Couples are living to try, rather than trying to live.”
“We have a tendency to … leap to conclusions rather than trying to reframe it.”
“When we have a problem, we tend to check in with the experts first before we check in with ourselves.”
“So often we are held hostage by our beliefs but we can change our minds. What we think may not always be true.”
About Organic Conceptions:
Organic Conceptions began with founders Erin and Marc Sherman’s personal struggle in trying to conceive for nearly a decade. In partnership with Ph.D Kate Webster they used proven scientific practices to dig deep into stories from couples like them who unexpectedly overcame infertility naturally (i.e Adopted then conceived, and other such stories). Each individual story offers insight, but when woven together, they provide a road map that can guide others on their journey. Organic Conceptions’ goal is to chart a course that educates, engages, and empowers couples on their personal path to parenthood.
Jennifer Summerfeldt, MACP, joins the show to talk about how our bodies protect us through trauma, and her wisdom from working in the field of maternal health and psychology for over two decades. Along with being a counselor, childbirth advocate, doula, and maternal educator, Jennifer is the founder and creator of the Healing After Birth Program. She and Hillary talk about the brain and how it works in trauma, what led Jennifer to be a birth crusader, the different lenses of healing, and many of the indicators that may be pointing at trauma in birth that most people aren’t aware of.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[8:17] Jennifer was a college-level athlete and has always had a passion for peak performance and a deep determination to excel in both mindset and physical achievement. She used some of the skills such as mental rehearsal and self-talk for her own birthing experience. Her intimate relationship with her own physiology in performance led to her self-directed choice in her eighth month to switch caregivers to hire a midwife to attend her first birth. The incredible empowerment she felt gave her a new mission to spread the word that there is much behind the veil of birth many women are not informed of.
[14:48] In her second childbirth, she endured a rough time emotionally, but stayed curious in her education, and the consumption of information and stories. This led her to discover just how many births are traumatic and violent for both the mothers and the babies, and it blew open her passion even more deeply.
[19:51] A conscious conception looks at all facets of birth and pregnancy. Jennifer believes we are initiated throughout an entire energetic continuum of bearing life which may include losses, conception issues, complicated childbirth and labor, or postpartum challenges. In our society, we are not often prepared or comfortable with the struggles these bring and in the tendency to suppress or move quickly through it, we miss out on the healing that surrendering to our wisdom and knowledge within brings.
[29:21] The last few years have shown an increase in care and languaging, but Jennifer feels there is a long way to go. She defines trauma as what we experience as the result of having an experience that activated our stress response, leaving us feeling trapped in our survival stress response. There is a physical reaction that instinctively happens, all intended for our safety and protection. However, the psychological component traps us in the stress response, in which we have a hard time discharging suffering and the feeling of threat to our survival.
[33:45] When we understand a disorganized system through the lens of a system, we can start to see how to use our innate intelligence to bring us back into balance and take the information and store it in an appropriate manner.
[40:03] The stress response not only affects digestion but also shuts down our reproductive system. Our bodies know that it is not time to reproduce if we need to protect ourselves from what we perceive as a threat.
[42:25] For those of us that have lived with unresolved trauma, we know that it has a deep and profound impact on our entire mind, body, and soul.
[44:17] Mammals in the wild know how to literally discharge and shake off energy, rage through and eventually restore the somatic repercussion of trauma.
[49:51] If we can cultivate the practice of mindfulness and activate the observer within us, it brings our pre-frontal cortex more back into balance.
[52:40] It’s the meaning behind the feelings that we are actually afraid of. We fear if I feel too much, I may die or hurt someone or myself.
[57:02] We get to a point where the distractions and diversions don’t work, and we are forced to do the work and create a new story in what Jennifer describes as the “collective womb.”
[61:34] Women tend to feel that their story is not important enough and yet storytelling is what makes us feel human and connected.
[66:20] Our unresolved birth experience has a profound impact on our relationships and the story we carry that impacts and ripples out in our life. Jennifer reminds us that the more we can cultivate the practice of “being with” and the less we label or create a biased attachment of meaning, the more we can be in true awe of our physiology and the amazing being that we are.
[69:44] Our biology is in favor of us wanting to thrive and is constantly giving us feedback and rich information.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Healing After Birth: Navigating Your Emotions After A Difficult Childbirth, by Jennifer Summerfeldt MACP
Spiritual Midwifery, by Ina May Gaskin
Birth Without Violence
Immaculate Deception: A New Look at Women and Childbirth in America, by Suzanne Arms
Jennifer Summerfeldt
Iain McGilchrist
Dan Siegel: “Flipping the Lid”
Healing After Birth Podcast
FREE 4 part video series - What Your Doctor Is Likely NOT Telling You About PPD/A CLICK HERE
Are you a soulfully inspired woman looking for next level counseling and coaching programs? CLICK HERE
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Shauna Wetenkamp joins the show to share her immense knowledge on essential oils and examples of ways she has used them in ways many people may not have thought possible. She talks about her own personal journey in using them to help heal after a severe accident, how essential oils can enhance our life and our fertility, the ways the “nose knows” when it comes to sniffing out great quality oils, which oils are great for specific emotions, and how to choose them intuitively.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[6:43] A very severe accident that Shauna endured, led her to appreciate the gift of being able to learn firsthand the healing properties of essential oils both physically and emotionally.
[9:39] A different oil can be applied for both almost every emotional and physical pain.
[12:38] When it comes to essential oils and medicine perfumes, a little goes a long way. The quality also matters, along with making sure it’s the appropriate oil and any emotions that need to be addressed along with the oil usage.
[16:22] Shauna loves to partner with doTerra because of their dedication to community, high quality, and purity, and work to uplift countries with indigenous peoples.
[19:42] For pain, a few that Shauna recommends are: Clary Sage (great for cramps), Frankincense, Lemongrass, Pink Pepper, Thyme, and Marjoram.
[28:12] Essential oils are a great tool for working with your mind and body as you observe emotions that are coming up, and that may have been stuck or pushed down for years.
[29:37] Shauna did her own physical therapy, and was completely committed to the only option of healing and regaining her health.
[33:16] Marjoram and Cedarwood are the oils of community, and the ability to allow true connection with others and to notice the good things present in your life.
[37:22] Geranium (love and trust) and Ylang Ylang (inner child) are great in a bath with Epsom salts to soak away the anger and sadness.
[40:23] Most often the oils we tend to stay away from and resist the most are the ones we could benefit from. Shauna advises bringing it in slowly and working in the emotion that it addresses.
[49:37] Shauna loves to put Sandalwood on her third eye for extra help in her intuition, and Rose to connect more with divine love. For fear, Bergamot is about loving yourself and having the courage to put ourselves first. Ginger, Lavender (clear communication), and Cypress (motion and flow) are also used to summon courage and help alleviate the physical symptoms of fear and anxiety.
[58:29] Journaling is a great way to record where you are at and put out emotions that are stuck.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, by Aviva Romm
Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, by Julia Lawless
Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies, by Stephanie Fritz
Emotions and Essential Oils, by Enlighten
Ep 47: “Bach Flower Remedies for Emotions that Come Along with Fertility Challenges”
Shauna On Instagram
Shauna Wetenkamp Facebook
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
This week’s episode is all about innovation in IVF. The highly esteemed reproductive endocrinologists, Drs. Kathy and Kevin Doody came on to talk about their process of what they call “effortless IVF” and how it helps couples conceive. The Doodys talk about their clinic in Bedford, TX, the specifics of their process, and the changes they have witnessed in over 30 years in the field of assisted reproductive medicine. In my opinion, their use of the INVOcell™ helps to make IVF as close to natural as possible. If you are someone that has hit a wall in terms of the all-natural route or is over the age of 35 and looking to check out your options, I highly recommend you have a listen.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[2:06] Dr. Kathy is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and subspecialty board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility. She has received multiple recognitions as one of Fort Worth's Top Docs, as well as one of Texas’ Super doctors. Dr. Kevin is is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and sub-specialty board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility. Dr. Kevin has received multiple honors as one of Fort Worth's Top Docs, one of Texas’ Super Doctors and one of the Best Doctors in America for the last several years. In 2017, Dr. Kevin was recognized with the Resolve National Infertility Association’s Hope Award for Achievement in recognition for his contributions. While Dr. Kevin was serving as president of the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), he was instrumental in updating the SART National Summary Data to assist patients in making informed decisions about medical care. Dr. Kevin was also recognized as Microsoft Physician of the Year 2004. And they are married! Which is super cool.
[7:04] Their Center for Assisted Reproduction, CARE Fertility, in Bedford, Texas has an outstanding number of firsts in their location: the first ICSI pregnancy in the geographical area, they were first to successfully implement a blastocyst culture system, first in the world to use the INVOcell™ device in a blastocyst embryo transfer, and even trained the doctor in Virginia who helped the first same-sex couple both carry their baby.
[9:22] IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, means that the egg is fertilized outside the body. ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is the placement of a single sperm into the egg. It was invented in Brussels, and the Doodys were at the forefront of its discovery and implementation.
[10:36] A personal happy story! The Doodys had a hand in creating their nephew through ICSI.
[11:11] The INVOcell™ is a plastic capsule shaped like a champagne cork. It is an incubator and allows for the woman to provide the right environment and atmosphere for embryo development. It enters the uterus at the blastocyst stage.
[13:41] Dr. Kathy says it’s important for patients to understand why it makes sense to put the embryo into the body because it reflects what happens naturally in the different stages of ovulation.
[15:30] Part of the quality control is being able to make sure that the egg has normally fertilized, and it does take the place of IUI.
[17:47] The Doodys believe it is better to allow the natural competitive process when you can.
[18:20] Effortless IVF decreases the cost by about 50% and the amount of medication and monitoring that usually come with traditional IVF. The two main factors that are taken into account in a woman are her egg count, which is determined by her Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, and her body weight. The appropriate candidates need to have an AMH higher than 0.8, a body weight less than 190 lbs, and a BMI less than 35.
[23:40] There is a 59% success rate with frozen embryo transfers with no monitoring and transferring only one embryo in patients.
[26:41] The approach is closer to mother nature, as they are able to discern which embryo will transfer successfully.
[30:01] Dr. Kevin explains why the process is so streamlined from a laboratory standpoint, and the minimal interventions that take place in the process.
[33:21] Complex organic systems like variance and the human body is certainly an example of that.
[34:54] The INVOcell™ was founded by Dr. Claude Ranoux, a fertility specialist.
[36:47] This discovery has been a huge win for same-sex couples, as it is opening up new avenues and options for fertilization.
[41:02] Dr. Kathy’s advice for couples looking to conceive, is to realize you aren’t alone, and it is important to be proactive and seek out the options in your area. Dr. Kevin reminds us to not get discouraged, and not to let fear of failure hold you back. It is hard to give up control, and effortless IVF makes the appointments more convenient and less daunting.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Center for Assisted Reproductive Care
American Society of Reproductive Medicine
Ep #30: “Male Infertility with Dr. Paul Turek”
Effortless IVF
“Comparing blastocyst quality and live birth rates of intravaginal culture using INVOcell™ to traditional in vitro incubation in a randomized open-label prospective controlled trial”
INVO Bioscience
@CareFertilityUS
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
In this week’s episode, we welcome back the highly credentialed Reiki master and Meditation Facilitator Sharna Langlais, what moon cycles have to do with fertility, how you can work with the moon when it comes to your emotions and energy levels, and what exactly it means to cycle with the moon. We give you a brief history of how we have connected with La Luna over the years, ways to practice that honor and respect tradition of connecting with the moon’s deep energy, and a view of how to navigate the moon’s cycle with grace and ease.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[5:51] When Sharna talks about the moon with her clients, she also talks about the larger cycles of nature and the solstice energy that comes with releasing and shedding the old to welcome the new.
[7:15] Mercury Retrograde usually happens 3 times a year and is typically a 3-week cycle where Mercury appears to be going backward in the night sky. From an astrological standpoint, Mercury rules communication, travels and thought, and is thought to affect decisions, conversations, technology, etc. Sharna sees it as an opportunity to slow down and get more intentional to reevaluate and repurpose our life.
[13:54] As we cycle more with the seasons and look for the opportunities to connect to spiritual traditions, it even goes further back to times in history where we experienced cultural appropriation for our beliefs and traditions. Sharna would like to reframe “paganism,” not as a demonic and satanic term, but as a way to show that we are aligning ourselves with the elements of nature.
[19:28] Moving ourselves out of fear and into research is a huge element of growth and reclaiming information that was lost and taken away from women, from the structures of power and control.
[23:45] To Sharna, cycling with the moon is about being connected to nature, physical bodies and everything that feminine is about: mystery, chaos, observation, openness. Hillary thinks of it as a time when we are most fertile.
[26:35] White moon is the idea that you bleed at the new or the waning moon, and the period is a time and rest and recovery. The red moon means your cycle follows the full moon, and you are most fertile during the new or waning moon. In ancient times, the red moon cycle was said to demonstrate their creativeness outward, and they are focused on self-growth, mentorship, and creativity. The feminine energy allows us to observe and accept what our body is doing on any different day.
[33:40] One of the first things Sharna recommends to get aligned with the moon is just to observe what it is that is happening with their body for three cycles.
[36:11] In olden times they used to offer menstrual blood to the land and fertilize their plants with it. Sharna finds that the “messiness” itself is a feminine energy and our creative energy at our core. She also recommends charting our cycle, moon gazing and spending time with nature and trees.
[44:54] Sharna says all releases are good releases, no matter how society has told us to be shameful of them.
[48:59] The new moon symbolizes new beginnings, and it begins to wax or become fuller leading to when it’s at its fullest at the full moon. We are usually intention-setting around a new moon, and looking at what we would like to create over the next period. Traditionally, full moon cycles honor fertility and celebrate releasing what is no longer necessary.
[56:02] When you start to observe how the moon cycles affect your energy and period, it becomes fascinating to watch and plan life changes and interactions accordingly.
[58:53] The more Sharna does energy work, the less she finds herself affected by her menstrual cycle.
[63:07] Moon energy is feminine, and sun energy is masculine. Sharna compares it to a dance of two lovers.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Sharna Langlais
Seek Spark Shine
Ep #055: “Could Your Fertility Challenges Be An Unexpected Spiritual Awakening?”
Kissing the Hag, by Emma Restall Orr
Miranda Gray
Ep #035 “Mastering Mindfulness During a High Risk Pregnancy”
Ep #037 “TCM Wants to Help You Conceive”
Sharna’s Full Moon Gathering
Written Full Moon Release — Hillary will add
Leah Whitehorse
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Have you ever walked into a room and felt great only to leave feeling anxiety or fear for no reason? Sometimes we can accidentally take on others feelings, especially when we are in a vulnerable or open state. Join us as Sharna Langlais of www.SeekSparkShine.com offers a valuable self cleansing and shielding exercise that is perfect for doctors appointments, busy venues, or when you are feeling extra vulnerable.
Today's episode is brought to you by Parents on Demand Network. Download it any app store and you'll find Fertile Minds always available right at your fingertips.
Today we talk with a true master of explaining the mystical in an understandable way. Sharna Langlais is a Reiki Master and also certified in Shamanic Healing and many other healing modalities such as Herbalism and Aromatherapy. She and Hillary talk about her new book, Unexpected Spiritual Awakenings, and how it pertains to fertility. They discuss what exactly an unexpected Spiritual Awakening is, how to spot one and what the stages are, and some tips on how to ease the lonely and discomfort when everything feels like it’s crumbling. Then, they cover what our ethereal body is, how we clean it and how we can use it to protect ourselves.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[1:44] Sharna Langlais is a Reiki Master also certified in Shamanic Healing and 5 Element Theory. She is a certified Herbalist, and Aromatherapist and Meditation Facilitator. Sharna has published work on Elephant Journal and MindBodyGreen and has her new book, Unexpected Spiritual Awakenings.
[4:08] Sharna comes from a Marketing and Executive Management background and was an “accidental techie” in her work with a nonprofit. She shares her journey in balancing the “real world” with her spiritual work starting at around her late 20s.
[7:13] All of the modalities that Sharna uses herself help to clear her own energy so that she can be open and compassionate in her work with clients all over the world to bring them a deeper sense of transformation.
[11:07] Sharna gives an analogy that Reiki is the car that she drives, in the sense that there are so many makes and models of energy work. It is a Japanese tradition in its origin and is about channeling life force energy through the bodies to remove blockages — the building block of life. Energy work can be utilized for any ailment or issue, and can deeply clear energy without having to talk through it too much.
[15:08] If Reiki is the car, acupuncture would be the model of car, and Sharna finds that distance work is more concentrated than physical experience.
[18:04] In a larger context, the unexpected spontaneous spiritual awakening is a personal process that creates extreme transformation inside of the cells and shifts. It can look like a crisis, and can very much feel as though everything is “falling apart.” The purposeful awakening is expected, and the context of the structure around it is usually based on a tradition with others to help guide the experience.
[23:34] One of the big messages in our crisis is to stop and listen to what’s really inside of us, and to tune in to our true calling instead of trying to keep up with a path that isn’t right for us.
[26:16] The biggest place we tend to see the spontaneous awakening is crisis and often emerges in transition that looks like health issues, breakups, and career shifts or changes.
[28:51] Going through an awakening can be daunting or scary at first, so it’s common for us to patch holes and return back to our normal life, but it is a real commitment to change and growth.
[35:40] Sharna put together the stages on her own experience and the experience of many clients she sees, but the experience is yin and nonlinear.
[36:34] Stage One: The Crisis Moment. Something breaks, and we must go in and try and fix it.
Stage Two: Find a New Way to Restructure and Change The “honeymoon” period of the awakening, where someone thought they found the answer.
Stage Three: Liminal Phase/The Awakening Process The true dark night of the soul where things fall apart and we already thought we fixed it in stage two.
Stage Fourth: The True Rebirth and Joy Stage The realization that we are a whole different version of ourselves.
Stage Five: The Awareness That We Are Always Changing and Needing to Pay Attention to Our Whisper We have a perpetual sense of humor and are reminded that everything is an opportunity for us to create and produce shifts.
[48:06] It is deeply healing for someone to connect one-on-one with someone while they are going through the process, as it feels isolating and confusing at times.
[49:11] Usually it is one part of the couple going through the awakening, and the relationship shifts as we change inside.
[52:22] The opportunity springs up during fertility because it tends to pop up in the areas of life that feel the most mysterious. Feminine energy also is the energy of chaos, and chaos energy is what is introduced for a system to change.
[56:44] The most important piece of awakening is surrendering and receiving without attachment.
[61:25] If we have to bring a life inside our body, we must be connected to it first.
[65:21] One of the biggest tips is to seek out somebody that can help you, but also to be careful of who you work with and that they are a right fit for you. Having patience with and through this process is also key. Retreats are also helpful to get your bearings with like-minded people by a trustworthy facilitator.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Unexpected Spiritual Awakenings: Navigating a Spiritual Awakening, by Sharna Langlais
Seek Spark Shine
Mindbodygreen
Elephant Journal
Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression — and the Unexpected Solutions,
by Johann Hari
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
After coming back from a super fun yet unstructured Thanksgiving vacation, Hillary thought the topic of patience and planning would be perfect for this week’s episode. Fertility can be an emotional roller coaster, so today, Hillary will share some reminders and pointers that one can do during that anticipatory time of waiting. She gives a few ideas and options on ways to practice self-care and love that you can combine and partake in solo or with friends and loved ones.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[3:58] It can often feel disheartening that pregnancy symptoms are the same as PMS symptoms. We want to take the focus off your body, and onto self-care that will make you feel nurtured and present.
[4:29] Self-care. A warm bath, a massage, facial or manicure are all things you can do as a treat to yourself that don’t involve pressure.
[5:13] Meditation. There are several scientific studies that show the importance of the first 12 minutes on the outlook of our day. Hillary recommends meditating even just for five minutes upon waking and again at night to bookend the day.
[6:12] Recapitulation involves two minutes of just watching yourself during your day and cataloging what happened in an observational and non-judgmental way.
[7:23] The pattern interrupt practice involves breathing for 16 seconds and the key is to watch your breath.
[8:41] Enjoying a date night with your partner to reconnect without focusing on fertility can help both of your stress and interrupt patterns. Also, having a code word that your partner can mention when emotions start to climb is a way to have support when things start to feel out of control.
[9:56] Journaling a few things you are grateful for will let your brain feel trust and releases oxytocin.
[12:24] Meeting with a friend to go on a relaxing walk, light weight lifting, or gentle yoga are perfectly advisable for your body and psyche.
[13:31] Some other ideas include buying yourself a piece of beautiful clothing or lingerie, to come home and have a pattern interrupt with your partner.
[14:06] Implantation typically happens 5-8 days post-fertilization.
[14:54] Take a break from social media, or only use it for what you absolutely need to. Also, refrain from Google-searching questions about fertility.
[16:06] Meal prep/cook for yourself. Preparing meals is a great way both to nurture your body and support mindfulness in action.
[17:28] Laughter brings us joy, which opens the heart and moves us away from fear.
[18:29] Go on a girl’s night out that is nurturing. From fertilization, you have four more weeks until the placenta is fully formed.
[20:02] Volunteer for a cause that personally speaks to you. Whether it’s for people, the earth, animals, or any other option — we feel good when we help others.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Link to Meal Prep Recipes — Hillary will put in
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
It's Turkey time in the U.S. which means lots of family gatherings! These things can be stressful depending on your family dynamic so lets take a minute for ourselves to go deep and feel what we are appreciative in our lives. This will not only help our outlook and perception, but it will help us to be a tractor beam of love at whatever gathering we show up to.
We are on an App! Check out Parents On Demand Network to access us super quick and you control the speed.
Hillary first opens the show with an amazing keynote from her mentor, the late Ray Rubio from the Integrative Fertility Symposium last year. Ray shares a story about Dr. Shen, and why often times the simplest answer right under our nose is the one that will give us our answers. Then, she welcomes back her friend Katrina to share Part 2 of their top picks for yummy (and effective!) green and clean beauty products.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[4:10] Hillary plays a clip of a Keynote from the Integrative Fertility Symposium where her mentor, Ray Rubio, discusses the beauty of using common sense as a practitioner, and a story regarding his mentor Dr. Shen and the fashion icon Chanel.
[14:53] Hillary and Katrina discuss more of Katrina’s top picks!
Dry Shampoo (Katrina recommends putting it in our hair before bed instead of in the morning)
- Kaia Naturals
- Captain Blankenship
Shampoo
- Innersense
- Avalon Organics
Conditioner
- Acure Conditioner
Body Wash
- Aleavia
- Saje Soap Bars
- Meow Meow Tweet
Deodorant
- Agent Nateur
- Meow Meow Tweet
- Kaia Naturals
- Meow Meow Pit Primer
- Once a week do an armpit detox with bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar mask to pull out all of the old aluminum. Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
Beauty Boxes
- Beauty Hero
- Art of Organics
- Organic Bunny Box (@organicbunny on Instagram)
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Ep #049: “Part 1 of Natural Beauty Products Worth Your Money That Won’t Wreck Your Fertility”
Integrative Fertility Symposium
Parents on Demand App
Dr. John Shen - Hillary will put in link
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Most of us are familiar with a placebo, however, do you know what a nocebo is? A nocebo is a detrimental effect on health produced by psychological or psychosomatic factors such as negative expectations of treatment or prognosis by a health care provider. It happens in the fertility and birth worlds more than you think. Today we will go into detail of signs that it is happening, how to be more aware in the moment during healthcare appointments, and how to undo it if it has happened to you. Cheers to happy beliefs, less stress, and being one breath closer to that baby you are dreaming of!
Today's show is brought to you by Parents On Demand Network, the easy peasy app we are now a part of. Download it in any app store today.
Today, Hillary and her friend Katrina talk about beauty products and how they could be interfering with your fertility. They list the top ten chemical and ingredient offenders (out of 1,300!) to look out for and avoid, give recommendations on natural beauty product and product lines, and share some practical ways to make small shifts away from slathering ourselves daily in a chemical cocktail. More women are becoming savvy as consumers, and aware of how much of an effect what we put on our body has in with what happens inside of it.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[1:37] The United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (abbreviated as FFDCA, FDCA, or FD&C), has not been changed since 1938. Europe and Canada have higher regulatory standards, and hopefully, the United States will catch up in the close future.
[9:30] Top 10 ingredients we don’t want in our personal care products:
- Sunscreen Chemicals. Common Names are Benzophenone, PABA, Avobenzone, Homosalate, and Methoxycinnamate.
- Parabens. Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic products. Read more on parabens.
- Synthetic Colors. FD&C or D&C represent artificial colors. F (food) and D&C (drug and cosmetics). These letters precede a color and number (e.g., D&C Red 27 or FD&C Blue 1).
- Synthetic Fragrance.
- Phthalates. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hairspray.
- Triclosan. Triclosan is a widely used antimicrobial chemical found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps, and deodorants.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). This surfactant can be found in more than 90 percent of personal care and cleaning products (think foaming products).
- Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used in many cosmetic products to help prevent bacteria growth.
- Toluene. A petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources and it can be found in nail polish, nail treatments, and hair color /bleaching products.
- Aluminum. Used in antiperspirants. Read more on aluminum.
[18:21] Now on to… what to actually use? Hillary’s friend Katrina Hall shares her evolution into natural beauty, and some of the top natural products she finds to be the ones she can trust the most with great results.
[22:55] Katrina’s gateway product was an oil cleanser from the Crude Personal line, and she still uses it to take off her makeup.
[26:32] Here are some other of Katrina’s top picks! Beauty products are a very personal choice, but hopefully, these will give you some hope that there are some great options out there, and even just changing one is a step in the right direction.
Cleanser
- Marie Veronique Gel Cleanser
- Probiotic Skin Cleanser
Sunscreen
- HYNT
- Suntegrity
- Marie Veronique
Foundation
- Sappho Essentials Foundation
- Crunchi
Setting Powder
- 100% Pure Bamboo Blur Powder
Bronzer/ Contour
- RMS
- Lily LoLo
Brows
- Ecobrow
- Plume
Eyeshadow
- Lily LoLo
Mascara
- Tarte Amazonian Clay
- Harvest
- Fitglow Lash Serum
Eyeliner
- ZuZu Luxe
Lip Gloss
- Fitglow Lip Serum
Chapstick
- Zi Zai
Lip Sticks
- Axiology
Lip Liners
- Gabriel Cosmetics
- ZuZu Luxe
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
@ladypotions4u
Think Dirty
EWG’s Healthy Living App
Parents on Demand App
Crude
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Hillary’s esteemed colleague and friend Erin Gray, LCMHC, returns to dive deep into fertility challenges and the emotions that come with them. Erin has used and studied Bach Flower remedies for some time now, and she shares her experience with these super-safe homeopathic beneficial supplements. They also talk about the highlights of the 38 different remedies, the way Bach Remedies bring emotional balance into the situation, specific remedies as they play into detailed emotions, and Erin’s recommendation for bringing them into your life.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[2:10] Bach Flower Remedies work on specific issues, and are unique in the way that they can support emotional balance. This makes them great for most cases of someone going through IVF.
[3:27] Every medical system has its own way of categorizing supplements. In traditional Chinese medicine, we have the Eight Pillars or the Five Elements. Ayurvedic medicine has it’s Dosha’s and the Bach Flowers have their own two categories. One is by the personality type and ongoing characteristics and the other is a certain mood that relates to the moment and the fleeting marker of the experience.
[4:40] There are 38 different tinctured remedies, categorized into 7 different families. They have a subtle taste and usually go in water or under the tongue.
[8:12] Rescue Remedy won’t take away your personality or fix a life situation but it will help to bring a sense of balance and coping into the situation.
[9:21] One of the biggest things Erin sees when working with fertility clients is fear and anxiety. When you have general anxiety or anxiety of an unknown, she suggests using Aspen. If you experiencing a specific fear and are clear about what it’s about, Mimulus is a good one. If you are overly worried about a loved one, Red Chestnut can come to the rescue.
[11:45] Beech can help us open up our minds, and bring in more patience and peace. Rock Water is useful to go easier on yourself and is one of Erin’s most used remedies. The overly controlling personality type could benefit from Vine. When you are having trouble making decisions or confused about your own judgment, go with Cerato. If you are faced with multiple choices and not sure which one you want to choose, Scleranthus can help you figure out which path to go down. Gorse is also a big one for women in the IVF process, as it can help to connect with the true intention, and in turn, restore a sense of hope.
[16:06] Although the remedies are gentle, if not used properly they can neutralize and do nothing or do the complete opposite and cause the emotion to appear even stronger.
[21:03] Of all the Bach Remedies, the one recommended for difficulty in life transition and conceiving is Walnut. Impatiens is a good one to help manage impatience, loneliness, and frustration. This can be very beneficial during the waiting time in IVF and can be cycled in and out to be taken when you are in the throes of the intense emotions.
[26:03] If you find yourself struggling with being present, or in a dissociative state, Clematis is very helpful in getting grounded and back into reality. Honeysuckle is a good one for past regrets, living too much in the past or a sense of nostalgia that interferes with your present moment. White Chestnut can help in getting your mind to settle down and relax, rather than replaying situations over and over and trying to predict every move in the future.
[29:21] Pine is a good one for forgiveness, and letting go of any guilt or shame you may be holding on for yourself. Star of Bethlehem is a beautiful remedy to help with grief, loss, and trauma and Crab Apple can help shift from body shame or a sense of betrayal in your body into a sense of acceptance and peace.
[33:19] If you can’t forgive someone else, and hold resentment and anger towards them, try bringing in some Willow. When you have a burning hatred (think Mean Girl), feel jealousy and mistrust, use Holly.
[35:29] You can look up Bach practitioners in your area that can do assessments and custom blends for you. Oftentimes people need more than one remedy, but just be sure not to mix them all at once.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
Bach Flower
Rescue Remedy Pets
Ep #10 — 5 Steps to Clearing Unfinished Business with Erin Gray, LCMHC
Erin Gray
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
September was PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Awareness Month, so it is only fitting to do an episode centered around this condition. One in 10 American women, which is somewhere around five million women, suffer from symptoms on the PCOS spectrum. Today, we talk about what exactly PCOS is and the root causes, how the diagnosis occurs, the five Categories of Treatment, some myths surrounding it, and how you can go about reversing your PCOS in 9-12 months naturally.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways:
[2:12] Hillary shares her acceptance into the Women’s Functional and Integrative Training Program, offered by Dr. Aviva Romm. This is a huge honor, and Dr. Romm has been one of Hillary’s trusted teachers and an inspiration for shaking things up in the medical world and applying wisdom and evidence-based medicine.
[2:42] Just because something has been traditionally used, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for us. Hillary gives examples of pharmaceutical debacles from the 1950s up until recently.
[6:52] Hillary recounts her experience with Accutane and the severe side effects.
[8:28] It’s important to know what you are taking, the potential side effects, and whether it is traditional or alternative treatment.
[10:46] How we take care of our bodies in the 12 months prior to falling pregnant has a huge impact on the next two generations. For the first time ever in the United States, children are being born with a lower life expectancy than their parents. And if we are sending down copies two generations at a time of our genes and we’re not teaching people how to ensure that these genes don’t trigger or mutate into various health issues, then we’re not actually practicing preventative medicine.
[12:11] In the U.S., one in 10 American women will have a diagnosis of PCOS at some point in their life, which is the equivalent of five million women. There are about 10 different types that can present and are not what a majority of healthcare physicians think of as PCOS. Usually, they consider it to be someone that’s overweight, with high testosterone, and a 2:1 LH: FSH ratio, and having cysts show on an ultrasound around the ovaries. But in reality, there are so many different presentations that it’s more like a spectrum with women being affected to different degrees causing different symptoms and severities.
[13:43] Although 85% of women affected with PCOS can reverse it naturally, a lot of physicians don’t look at it like it’s reversible.
[16:44] Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome was previously considered a gynecological problem, diagnosed on the presence of polycystic ovarian cysts by ultrasound. Now, it’s actually recognized as a complex endocrine disorder with multiple possible causes and clinical manifestations. Only one of those actually yields polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound.
[18:23] When women begin to understand that it was likely a predisposition was from their mother in utero, based on changes in the food supply, they can have a little more grace and compassion with themselves as well as motivation to try and stop it for the next generation.
[19:23] How is it diagnosed and what are the symptoms? PCOS is a clinical diagnosis and it is primarily diagnosed based on having some or all of the classic symptoms and having other medical conditions being ruled out. While testing the blood on day three, looking at the ratio between LH and FSH, estrogen and testosterone, can certainly be one of the ways that we diagnose PCOS.
[20:31] Traditionally, PCOS was thought to cause weight gain and abnormal hair growth from the excess testosterone, which does happen in one phenotype, but not all.
[21:30] Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can include any of the following: infertility, irregular periods, lapses between periods for months at a time without being pregnant or breastfeeding, acne, weight gain, unwanted facial hair, hair thinning or hair loss, which oftentimes looks like male pattern baldness in PCOS, and then less commonly, you can have darkening of the skin in the armpits, the back of the neck or the groin. The other aspect to consider is that women with PCOS are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, or they have eating disorders, particularly binge eating.
[23:31] You are 20 to 40% more likely to experience a miscarriage due to the insulin resistance and the hormonal problems that it creates. Oftentimes, there is estrogen dominance and there’s not enough progesterone to actually hold a healthy pregnancy. I do see a lot of chemical pregnancies or early stage miscarriages in women that maybe didn't even know that they had PCOS. But then after we do a little bit of deeper digging we find that they have these symptoms, and then it’s really important to control for blood sugar dysregulation as well as the hormones when they’d go to get pregnant again. Diet becomes super important in those women.
[28:00] You have to understand, the key is getting your blood sugar under control first, and the insulin resistance under control, before you start experimenting with the fasting. In terms of the science behind the diet, low inflammatory, low glycemic Mediterranean diet or a modified ancestral diet, meaning Paleo with lots of vegetables in it, not just all meat, has been the one that has been shown in the evidence to have the most dramatic effect on PCOS. And the bottom line is that most patients with PCOS will respond to a diet that is no more than 80 grams of carbohydrates a day and has about 60 to 90 grams of protein, and the rest being good fat.
[29:59] Vitamin D has been associated with insulin resistance in low amounts. Having your vitamin D tested to see where you’re at is super easy and then supplementing depending on how low you are, with 2,000 to 5,000 units a day, and then re-testing again in 30 to 60 days to see if it’s making a difference on the levels themselves can be really helpful. One of the supplements that Hillary uses when encountering a woman with diagnosed or suspected PCOS is inositol. Inositol comes in a couple of different forms and a lot of the studies that have been done actually show that it’s advantageous to have a combination of Myo-inositol with D-chiro-inositol, at a ratio of 40:1 of Myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol. The reason for that is, it’s naturally occurring in the body in that ratio. With the Myo-inositol you want to take up to 4 grams a day and the D-chiro you can go up to 1,200 milligrams a day.
[33:19] Another herb or supplement that is used in blood sugar regulation is cinnamon and we use this all the time in Chinese medicine. In fact, the main formula by which most others are based on for treating PCOS is derived from is Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
[34:03] The second category to consider when treating PCOS is HPA Axis Dysregulation. Now, HPA Axis Dysregulation is the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal axis. One of the biggest things that you can do for yourself is getting adequate amounts of sleep. The most restful hours of sleep for fertility are actually between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
[40:43] Adaptogens are one of the greatest weapons we have, as they regulate cortisol and change our perception of stress. Adaptogens are ginseng, and things like ginseng, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, licorice, Dang Shen or known as Codonopsis from Chinese medicine, milky oats, Schisandra, also known as Wu Wei Zi in Chinese medicine. Oftentimes if you pick up an adrenal axis formula or some are even named HPA Axis Formula, you will find that it’s a combination of these herbs.
[42:22] The only adaptogen that has been studied specifically for PCOS is licorice. Licorice tends to raise the blood pressure, so if you already have high blood pressure, this is one that you would want to avoid. And in terms of ginseng, even though it’s a great adaptogen, it’s very hot energetically. If you have a lot of symptoms of heat, you’re sweating at night, maybe you’re having hot flashes with it during the day as well. You’ve got red itchy skin, loose urgent bowls, ginseng is not the one for you, you would want something more cooling like Dang Shen. Dang Shen is often substituted for ginseng or Ren Shen.
[46:04] Not only do adaptogens regulate the cortisol, but they also help to regulate blood sugar and insulin.
[48:59] If you aren’t properly eliminating those toxins in your bowel, they circulate back around to your liver which only lessens your liver’s ability to get rid of excess hormones. Making sure that you’re having daily bowel movements and detoxifying to the best of your ability is super important. On the flipside, if the bowels are too loose and you’re seeing undigested food, you’re not absorbing everything that you should be from your food.
[52:46] The other aspect of gut health is leaky gut and that is caused by all kinds of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, improper gut flora, improper diet, and any major abdominal surgeries, including C-sections. You want to find out if there are any inflammatory food triggers — anything that is causing thinning or permeability of the gut. If you’re intolerant to gluten or dairy and you’re eating it every day, this can build so much inflammation that it eventually thins the lining of the gut, causing toxins to leak into the bloodstream.
[56:41] If you do have histamine intolerance, if you think you’re having an immune response to sperm or you suspect that, that’s part of your infertility, you could include strains in your probiotic that actually help degrade histamine and an overactive immune response, which would be Bifidobacterium infantis (this is found in breast milk), Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus plantarum. These are helpful as well as soil-based organisms, meaning prebiotics that act as a food source for the good strains of probiotics you are using, as these can help to lower the immune system response.
[58:09] The other category that needs to be considered when you’re cleaning up PCOS and trying to reverse it is environmental toxins and detoxification overload. Oftentimes, this is happening through your skin and beauty products, as well as your foods that are genetically modified and cause what are called xenoestrogens — bad estrogens — to dock in your hormonal receptors. These are huge causes of dysregulation, as are things like BPA, which is found in the lining of cans, so all those cans of tuna and LaCroix that you’ve been consuming thinking that you’re eating healthy, the BPA inside can be detrimental to your estrogen/testosterone balance.
[1:00:57] The last category: Energy production and mitochondrial function. If you are someone that has insomnia and or fatigue, this category is for you. There’s been evidence that’s been accumulating for the role of CoQ10 in the treatment of mitochondrial disorders and infertility for some time now.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
Aviva Romm MD
Thalidomide
DES
Accutane
Gaia HPA Axis
Episode 7
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
This week, we welcome Adriana Lozada, a woman of many accomplishments and talents including the remarkable brand Birthful, and assisting in over 150 births as a doula. Adriana sheds some light on what exactly a doula is, why a couple may want one, the benefits of having a doula, and how to decide which doula is right for your specific needs and desires.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[1:52] Along with creating and running Birthful, Adriana is a birth doula, a postpartum educator, a sleep consultant, and co-author of Soy de Pura Madre, a half autobiography (written by well-known Venezuela actress and radio host, Ana María Simón), half pregnancy guide (written by Adriana), in Spanish.
[5:14] Adriana has been a doula for 13 years and loves sharing information on what it entails and the possibilities it provides that may help the birth experience.
[5:17] There are many types of doulas (birth, fertility, postpartum — to name a few), and they all have the core value of giving physical, emotional, and informational support. Adriana likes to liven up the definition, and thinks of doulas as “birth fairies that have research to back it up.”
[10:56] Adriana’s goal is to have the woman/couple have the best birth experience depending on their personal vision and foster the feeling of consent and empowerment in their own decisions.
[16:52] Doulas create space for the couple to empower themselves and make their own decisions, as opposed to feeling that things were chosen and done for them.
[19:04] There is a doula out there for everybody, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is how you feel and ‘click’ with the person. In the organization Adriana has her certification under, DONA, speaking and deciding for the woman is out-of-scope.
[23:02] If your medical provider is not recommending you have a doula, dig deeper and find out why they feel that way and what their hesitations are.
[24:46] It’s never too late to get a doula, but the earlier you can do it the more benefits you gain. Adriana prefers contacting your potential doula 12-20 weeks to develop a relationship and discuss fears, hopes, and desires.
[28:36] Adriana describes her philosophy on nonlinear birthing and the physiological stages that come with a safe and protected birthing environment.
[33:36] Adriana assigns “homework” using a four-stage birth model to give women a tangible way to support and trust their body. The four stages of her model are: physical, chemical, mental, and emotional.
[35:46] The skills we value in our professional and everyday life such as being effective, organized, clean, and tidy in our ‘everyday,’ aren’t the top ones that help us for birthing and parenting. Instead, messiness, uncertainty, patience, intuition, and trust in the process are key.
[42:10] Adriana discusses the “pregnancy hangover” in postpartum when we are over-touched, and undervalued. She has created a postpartum vacation plan, where women and couples can focus on getting to know and taking care of their baby.
[55:38] Adriana’s one piece of advice for expecting couples “explore things with curiosity.”
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
Adriana Lozada
Birthful Podcast
Birthful Courses
Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery ACOG
Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth
DONA International
Doula Match
Tampa Bay Birth Network
Rethinking the Pushing Stage, with Whapio
Thrive with Your Newborn — use the code FERTILITY for 25% discount.
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Did you know that you can flip the switch on your stress response, turning on a relaxation response in as little as 16 seconds? It's a technique coined by my beloved meditation teacher davidji and it's the quickest way I know to restore calm and clarity to my body. The only trick is, you have to practice it.
This episode is brought to you by the online course- How to thrive with Your Newborn presented by the talented doula Adriana Lozada.
You can find it at birthfulcourses.com or in today’s show notes.
Our periods are signs of how we are interacting with our environment, both internally and externally, and a way for us to use certain signals for fertility. Today, Hillary talks about what to stop and consider about your own period, how to change the quality and quantity of your uterine lining, decreasing inflammation to help clotting and cramping, certain foods to build up the blood, and how to turn back the clock in aging.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[1:45] The symptoms of your period are not something to be flushed and forgotten. They are your body’s way of telling you that something is out of balance.
[2:36] The amount that you bleed is important and should be a steady flow with 1 or 2 days that are heavier, for a total of about 4 to 5 days. In order for the embryo to be nourished and grow, the lining has to be thick and well-vascularized. One important thing that often gets missed is the shedding of the lining every single month, so you don’t have old blood sitting on top of the lining. If you are a scanty bleeder, it is a good indication that your uterine lining is insufficient.
[5:26] Foods that help build up the blood include eggs with the yolk, clean sources of red meat, full-fat dairy and healthy fats such as seeds and avocado. It is also advised to not over-exercise during this time and resort to light stretching, walking, and gentle movement.
[6:53] The clot that you see in your menstrual blood has been forming way before you have your period. So what’s the problem? Implantation depends on establishing a healthy, thriving blood supply. But the whole job of a clot is to stop the flow of blood! A clotted uterine lining is one that is stale and stagnant. It doesn't have the fresh surface it needs to allow implantation to succeed at a high rate. It is important to stay away from inflammatory foods, and employ abdominal massage, and possibly employ a vaginal steam bath.
[9:29] When you feel cramping, it really is your uterine wall spasming. Severe cramping — also called dysmenorrhea — isn’t just a drag, it’s counter-productive for conception.
[11:07] It is common to have one day of heavy bleeding, but the other days should be more even with bright red blood rather than just one day of intense bleeding then right to spotting. Heavy bleeding can indicate an issue with spleen chi deficiency, where your body doesn’t have enough energy to open and shut the uterus and control the blood flow, leading to a feeling of strong fatigue.
[12:02] Red raspberry leaf may be used to tone your uterus, and then Cramp Bark when you are having your period. Some traditional Chinese formulas that include herbs from blood building and breaking categories.
[13:33] Many factors including diet, stress, environment, and even things we were exposed to while in utero can affect our eggs. Even more so for the eggs in our 120-day queue, for what’s called a germ cell to become a ripe and fertile egg.
[15:13] You can turn back the clock. The Chinese had the idea of two ages which we can scientifically prove now using telomeres or a structure at the end of a chromosome. If you are interested in seeing what age you are according to this science, you can order a telomere test.
[16:28] The Chinese had a different take on the Western idea of the advanced maternal age of 35. They say men and women mature differently, and every 7 years for a female and 8 years for a male was a huge transition. Age 27 is when we see the first decline in FSH and AMH, two hormones that collectively approximate what a woman’s ovarian reserve is. There is an even more steep decline at 35, especially in egg quality increasing the risk for miscarriage or birth defect There is hope if you have waited! Egg quality can be positively affected by things like acupuncture, herbs, meditation, proper nutrition, and other various stress reduction techniques.
[18:31] Paternal age matters as well. You can reference a previous episode with Dr. Zev Williams from Columbia for more information on how much paternal age matters when it comes to single gene mutations that can cause things like autism, bipolar disorder, and other mental/emotional disruptions.
[19:02] There are categories of herbs that are said to have been taken by royalty because they were said to help them live forever. Zinc has been shown to help sperm fragmentation, and alpha lipoic acid has been touted to help egg quality in a woman of advanced maternal age when taken 3-6 months. DHEA is a precursor for the other steroids in our body, and studies have shown it helps the quality of the eggs. It is recommended to get your levels tested before taking this, and talk to your provider to see if it’s something to consider.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
Ep #37 — Part 1
Ep #27 with Dr. Zev Williams
Art of Acupuncture
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Today's mini mindful moment answers the questions...
Why would someone use a crystal? What is a mala? How to do japa meditation? How do you infuse an intention into a stone or piece of jewelry? How would this possibly help my fertility?
This week, we are joined again by the very knowledgeable (and one of our most popular Fertile Minds podcast guests) Lily Nichols. Not only is Lily a devoted mom, but she is a stellar author and a registered dietitian/nutritionist with a flair for interpreting scientific data and applying it to the modern-day woman. She speaks with Hillary today on her work helping women learn how to prevent or manage their Gestational Diabetes. She also discusses how we test for it, what makes someone more susceptible to acquiring it, and what the long-term complications are for both mama and baby once they are diagnosed with it.
Lily presents a unique approach in helping women manage their diet and lifestyle in her bestselling books, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and Real Food for Pregnancy.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[2:13] Lily describes what Gestational Diabetes is and is not. It is a type of Diabetes that develops or is diagnosed during pregnancy. Typically, your body is having trouble processing carbohydrates, causing high blood sugar.
[4:06] Lily uses a hybrid approach when screening for Gestational Diabetes, mixing traditional glucose tolerance tests with discussing their diet and lifestyle choices.
[7:08] Diet and lifestyle are two factors we can be proactive about in pregnancy, as well as in pre-conception.
[8:26] We are seeing that even mildly elevated is an issue, so it’s important women find out early. 49 to 52 percent have either diabetes or pre-diabetes, and most of them have yet to be diagnosed.
[8:50] We want to use A1C readings in pre-conception and in the first trimester and after that look at blood sugars. If A1C has not gone down later in pregnancy, that is a warning sign that something is going on. We recommend getting an over-the-counter glucometer and monitoring your blood sugar at home first thing in the morning and one to two hours after meals to get an idea of how your body responds to specific foods.
[12:58] Lily discusses the acceptable levels of fasting and non-fasting blood sugars in pregnant women. We naturally see lower blood sugar levels in a typical pregnancy, along with changes in the significant thyroid and the burning of more fat to send fatty acids to the baby.
[17:32] During pregnancy, if your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, there is a direct line from you to your baby to via umbilical cord. There’s also a physiological reason that women may not feel like eating during pregnancy, to try and push towards ketosis. This makes sense as to why breastfeeding is the best diet ever, as it pulls all the fat to give to the baby.
[22:19] When we have been on a sugar binge and try to come off of sugar, that is happening to the baby the first couple days, so you can imagine how jarring that is until they reregulate.
[23:34] Even with a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, the recommendation of allowable daily carbs is still very high. Lily observed her clients blood sugar getting worse when they followed the protocol and found that a lower level of carbohydrates is ideal.
[27:34] The second part of Lily’s research was looking at ketones and the different part of ketosis. The benefit of the ketogenic diet becoming popular is now there is more discussion on what it means to be in ketosis and what types of ketosis are safe to be in.
[33:39] Lily observes that most women gain their weight in the second and early third trimester and tend to level out unless there is fluid retention.
[36:06] The pancreas is not accustomed to pumping out a large amount of insulin consistently.
[39:11] While it may be annoying and tedious, testing your blood sugar levels daily is well worth it for acquiring interesting data.
[40:41] We discuss the risk factors of how blood sugar issues may affect our children’s fertility and generations down the line. What we may be seeing now may be the epigenetic effect from our low-fat diet from the 1980’s.
[45:21] As you tend to get beyond the 35 and 40 BMI, you do see more pregnancy complications and macrosomia with an epigenetic carryover effect through generations and beyond.
[48:59] People feel like they have acquired a disease, but really your body is adapting to the environment in which it is currently in.
[49:18] Plan of action:
- Start monitoring A1C & post-meal blood sugars pre-conception, if possible.
- Pull an A1C in the first trimester and if it’s suspect get in touch with someone like Lily to get it under control. Check out Lily’s books AND video course, or join her Facebook group.
- Eat real food throughout your pregnancy and a reasonable amount of carbs that works for you.
- Continue to eat the same way, maybe even more good fats while you are breastfeeding to enhance your breast milk.
- Bring up your children on the same diet they were exposed to in utero and educate them about blood sugars and food in general so they can affect the next two generations in a healthy way.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
Pilatesnutritionist.com
Realfoodforgd.com/about/
California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program
PDF Blood Glucose Calendar (Hillary will provide)
Ketosis Harmful in Neurodevelopment of Infants (Hillary will provide [from the 1960s or 1970s!])
Real Food for Gestational Diabetes: An Effective Alternative to the Conventional Nutrition Approach,
by Lily Nichols
Does Gestational Diabetes Occur in Pregnant Mares?
Blog Series Glucose Tolerance Test and Results
Twitter.com/LilyNicholsRDN
Lily’s Instagram
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Todays relaxation response technique is technically called Autogenic Training. It’s a technique that is credited to Dr. Johannes Schultz and was popularized in the 90’s by Dr. Herbert Benson’s book - The Relaxation Response and has to do with the power of verbal suggestion. Now these verbal suggestions called orientations, can be thought of as a type of self hypnosis. This is different than an affirmation because we are going to take the verbal suggestions into the body to help it relax, not just repeat something in our minds. Once you’ve used this phrase though and effectively calmed your body down, you should be able to pull it out in a pinch and repeat it silently to yourself and have some of the same effect. It's perfect to use when your heart is racing before a doctors appointment or during the two week wait when you find yourself extra anxious. When you use autogenic training, you are essentially bypassing your conscious mind in order to instruct your body to relax via your subconscious mind. Autogenic Training sounds so formal and stuffy though- so I decided to rename it today to verbal suggestions so you can calm the frick down.
Today's episode is brought to you by, Pregnancy Brain, by Parijat Deshpande. You can find it anywhere books are sold or at pregnancybrainbook.com.
In this episode I will seek to give the listener a basic understanding of how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics work and what TCM has to say about your menstrual cycle when you are trying to conceive. In part one we will discuss how Timing, Length, and Temperature are viewed in regards to TCM diagnostics, how we get certain imbalances and how to treat them from a TCM perspective.
In part 2 of the series, we will talk about what your period is trying to tell you and what TCM has to say about advanced maternal and paternal age.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Free 29 day fertility challenge is around the corner. If you missed it last time, or signed up and didn’t complete it before time ran out, it will be starting again, August 26th. Doors will stay open until the 29th. Each day you will get an email reminder from me to log in and check out the new mediation. Each meditation will guide you through your chakras, helping you to free stuck emotions, release limiting beliefs and to tone your physical body, readying it for conception. I really want you to experience what a relaxed nervous system can feel like, simply by taking 20 minutes each day to explore your own energetic body. I also want you to see just how easy it is to connect with this part of yourself and to start using it to manifest the life of your dreams, and the only way to do that is to create a habit. So join me in this challenge by going to LadyPotions.com to sign up.
Progressive muscle relaxation is an excellent technique to get you out of your head and into your body so you can learn to be more aware when your body is trying to signal you that something is off. This will help you stay relaxed, and to trust your body while trying to conceive, going through pregnancy, and while giving birth. You get to me your own massage therapist in a quick 10 minute routine. Let's do this!
Need some help getting that meditation practice going? Join us for a another 29 day challenge, beginning August 26, 2018. https://hillary-talbott.mykajabi.com/p/next-meditation-challenge
Parijat Deshpande is the leading high-risk pregnancy expert, perinatal mind-body wellness counselor, speaker, and author who guides women to quickly and effectively release their stress during their high-risk pregnancy so they can give their baby a strong start to life. Her bestselling book “Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy” and popular podcast Delivering Miracles® discuss the real, raw side of infertility and pregnancy in an interesting yet expert manner. Tune in for an episode where we discuss the physical impact of hope, how to surround yourself with a team that feels right to you, and making decisions based on clarity and confidence.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[1:45] Parijat’s unique approach has served hundreds of women to manage pregnancy complications and reclaim a safety and trust in their bodies that they thought was eroded forever. Parijat is not afraid to swim in some deep waters and to talk about the tough aspects of infertility and pregnancy.
[3:28] Parijat is both an expert in this field and someone that comes at it from an organic angle. She understands the feelings of fear, isolation, and frustration that are often present in infertility and high-risk pregnancy.
[7:16] It’s very easy to shy away from hope when you have experienced health challenges. Hope is trust and faith in the outcome without the evidence to feel it. Our body (and baby) can feel our hope and faith, and it can also feel our fear and doubt. When we trust and know our body, and are connected with it, that is the building block and shining light of hope.
[10:52] Parijat combines her Clinical Psychology background with her own experiences and stories from the thousands of other women that have all felt and gone through the same thing.
[13:21] We can’t control the outcome of everything that happens in our life, but we can control our hope, the team around us, and the way we take care of and nourish our mind, body, and spirit.
[16:13] When you are going through high-risk pregnancy and infertility, it’s so important to find a doctor and team that conveys information with compassion, hope, and proactive management. Your providers take you much more seriously when you are straightforward and in touch with what’s happening in your body.
[21:28] Knowing the difference between anxiety and fear is crucial to how we manage stress and influence the physiological responses in our body. We isolate things in Western Medicine when they are very much intertwined between our emotions, thoughts, and manifestations within the body.
[27:58] The ego part of your brain would often times rather be familiar with what we know, even if that’s anxiety and worry. Learning how to relax is like working out a muscle, and something you can practice every day.
[31:11] Processing emotions rather than holding on to them while pregnant can seem daunting, but Parijat invites a gentle approach that works towards uprooting grief from the body so it can safely be let go.
[32:47] Parijat is offering a 15% off discount to the Fertile Minds family for her MasterClasses on Pregnancy and Infertility! Use the code fertileminds at checkout to receive discount.
[36:41] Parijat works with women to recognize their bodies’ anchor points to guide them in making decisions based on clarity, rather than fear.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy,
by Parijat Deshpande
Delivering Miracles®
Parijat Deshpande
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
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Most of us know what mindfulness is, but do you actually practice it. Today's technique gives you a simple to use questions to take your from your past that dictates that conversation in your head, into the present moment, helping you enhance your fertility by changing your stress response to one of relaxation.
Join the 29 Day Fertility Meditation Challenge at https://hillary-talbott.mykajabi.com/p/next-meditation-challenge
Today we are joined by Michelle Gale, bestselling author, speaker, strategic advisor and mother/member of her lovely Family Council. Michelle and I talk about mindfulness as the number one secret to parenting with a clear head and open heart. She shares the intention and inspiration behind her book, Mindful Parenting in a Messy World, her own transformation from anxiety and fear to acceptance and empowerment, how new parents may find time to weave mindfulness and meditation into their jam-packed schedule, and how she herself practices mindfulness in her own family.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[:42] The Free 29 Day Fertility Challenge is just around the corner, starting August 26! Each day you will get an email from me reminding you to log in and check out the new meditation. Each meditation will guide you through your chakras, helping you to free stuck emotions, release limiting beliefs and to tone your physical body, reading it for conception.
[1:45] Meditation is truly the secret weapon when it comes to parenting with a clear head and open heart. Many parents become so busy that they forget the very practice that is there to help them stay grounded, peaceful and sane during the time right after childbirth when they would need it most.
[2:17] Our guest today is Michelle Gale. Michelle was previously the head of Learning and Leadership Development at Twitter, has a bestselling book titled Mindful Parenting in a Messy World: Living with Presence and Parenting with Purpose, and a podcast, Mindful Parenting in a Messy World. In addition to her board work with Holistic Life Foundation, she is currently a strategic advisor to the Mindful Schools and the Wisdom 2.0 Conference.
[5:45] Michelle makes it a priority for herself to weave mindfulness in throughout the day. She shares the different ways we can practice it, whether it’s taking a moment to make eye contact a few seconds longer with our children, meditating in the morning or evening, or using a meditation app for even 5 minutes a day. You can check out Michelle’s 7 Day Series on the app Simple Habit.
[8:53] In knowing ourselves, we create the conditions for peace in ourselves and our communities. If we want a generation that is awake, we need to awaken ourselves first.
[11:08] Michelle revealed in her book that so much of her anxiety as a parent came from a fear of screwing up. She reached a turning point when she realized she wanted to focus on the magic that was her actual kids, instead of the story about them and about how things should be, that she was seeing through a “should” filter.
[14:44] Moments where we overreact and make mistakes as parents become an opportunity for growth, and serve as a teaching moment for ourselves and our children on the importance of handling stress and taking care of ourselves.
[20:02] Michelle shares the experience of enlisting her son Tyler as her teacher to help notice patterns of reactivity and then remind her to breathe.
[24:14] I read an amazing excerpt from Michelle’s book on her take on teenage behavior, unmet needs, and the evolutionary response to separate in adulthood.
[28:25] Meditation may be the formal practice, and mindfulness can be done everywhere at any time.
[31:18] Michelle teaches Mindful Listening to her family and recommends starting out a Family Council in small bits at a time, so everyone practices getting a chance to both listen and speak. Her own Council has evolved over time and is something that has helped strengthen the family and make each member feel seen and heard.
[35:26] Michelle’s first Online Summit has a star-studded, wonderful cast of people talking about all aspects of parenting. For more information, join her online community.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
Mindful Parenting in a Messy World: Living with Presence and Parenting with Purpose, by Michelle Gale
Mindful Parenting in a Messy World
Simple Habit 7 Day Series
The Way of Council, by Jack Zimmerman in collaboration with Virginia Coyle
Happily Family
Michelle Gale
Mindfulness in America
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Meditation is great, but what happens when you need to reset your nervous system during the day from Fight & Flight to Breed & Feed? Mini Mindful Moments are techniques for you to try out throughout your day to help you not only be more mindful and present, they will affect your nervous, immune, and endocrine systems biochemically in a positive way when practiced regularly. Enjoy!
Don't forget to sign up for the FREE 29 Day Fertility Meditation Challenge hosted by LadyPotions.com
Today we welcome Lily Nichols, Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher and an author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition and exercise. Lily draws from the current scientific literature and blends it with the wisdom of traditional culture and nature. We talk about the Western expectation of women managing it all directly after pregnancy and giving birth, and Lily’s prescription for healing and self-care. She shares how she began backing philosophy with results and clinical data to author two of her groundbreaking books, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and Real Food for Pregnancy. She also gives some of her top picks for pregnancy food, embracing mindfulness, and how she feeds her family for months at a time using only two animals. Let your intuition guide you, and then use Lily’s book to prove these decisions with scientifically proven data.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[2:26] Lily wrote Real Food for Pregnancy when her son was 10 months old, and she herself was healing from pregnancy and birth.
[3:48] Lily encourages prioritizing food and self-care at all stages of pregnancy, including the preventative stage prior, and the fourth trimester, the postpartum months.
[7:38] It was almost by accident that Lily got into the nutrition field. She was looking for a part-time role in the nutrition field that did not include a hospital, saw an opening for California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program and starting working clinically in Gestational Diabetes. As she implemented the nutrition element of the protocol in the clinic, she noticed a lack of improvement. The common sense side of her observed the current guidelines didn’t emphasize real foods, and were pretty high-carb.
[8:47] Women with Gestational Diabetes are often not able to tolerate large amounts of carbs without elevated blood sugar. These findings led Lily down the path of researching a low carb and nutrient dense diet from real foods. She started using it clinically and knew she was on to something with excellent results. This led her to author her first book, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. This changed the course of how many viewed their philosophy in the nutrition and pregnancy field.
[14:38] Lily comes at the information from a proactive and informed outcome, not a fear-based one.
[18:12] Lily shares some sample meal plans compared to the current recommended ones, and the breakdown of the ratio between protein, carb, etc.
[21:20] Carbohydrates are in many vegetables and fruits.
[22:07] There is very little nutrition education for MD’s, and much of what they are learning is outdated. One example is the hesitancy for the low carb diet due to ketones in the urine.
[24:27] Organ meats and liver are the most nutrient dense parts of an animal. Supplying a high amount of iron, choline and B12, Lily supplies recipe ideas in her books on incorporating it dishes, so you aren’t eating a whole plate of just liver.
[35:07] When choosing animal products, Lily is a proponent of choosing the highest quality and best sourced meat. Nothing goes to waste and she encourages families to purchase from a farmer and utilize the whole animal.
[38:57] Even the most culinary-challenged person can develop basic skills to make a flavorful and nutritious meal.
[45:14] Lily gives us some good news — her opinion is that small amounts of caffeine are okay. A lot of the foods that are mentioned to avoid due to foodborne illness are also ones that provide critical nutrients. She suggests eating foods sourced from high quality places, and the risk is extremely low.
[52:58] Eating well is one of the ways we can be mindful in pregnancy. Mindful moments, spiritual self-care and moving our body are also key elements to keep our body aligned through the process. It’s not about pushing and resisting, it’s about being mindful and going with the flow in a gentle. guided way.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Reproductive genetics and the aging male
Lily Nichols
Real Food for Gestational Diabetes
Real Food for Pregnancy
California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program
Real Food for Pregnancy — Get the First Chapter Free
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
World-renowned reproductive urologist Dr. Turek joins us today. He has been at the forefront of IVF and ICSI since the early 90’s. He shares the latest happenings in both his research and his clinics in San Francisco and Beverly Hills, along with the ways Eastern Medicine compliments Western treatment, his thoughts on prenatals, single gene vs. chromosomal gene mutations, the sobering reality of advanced paternal age and some groundbreaking discoveries that are both provocative and backed by science. He is a soulful and lighthearted clinician and is committed to making things as easy and relatable as possible for his clients.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[:01] Dr. Turerk advises the ABORM board that I am a fellow of, and is a graduate of both Yale and Stanford University. He teaches at Yo San University and has countless studies he has both authored and advised. The first time I heard him speak at the International Infertility Symposium in Vancouver in 2015, I was blown away. He was so intelligent and generous with his ideas and research and really was the first person that made male fertility issues relatable to me.
[3:01] Dr. Turek explains his comparison of a semen analysis to a game of cards. When the motility is not normal, that is an indicator to him that something isn’t right.
[9:18] The whole story is not all about the semen analysis, but it’s a good way to begin the conversation of man’s habits when it comes to diet, recreational drug use, lifestyle, weight, etc. Dr. Turek is captivated by the thought of going into a deeper dive of the cause behind the semen’s quality and performance.
[11:17] As a TCM practitioner, I feel like I was taught about epigenetics with different languaging, referring to our Jing or essence being affected by our lifestyle dictating what we will pass down. Dr. Turek confirms that science has proven it correct in epigenetic studies that lifestyle really does matter.
[14:02] Dr. Turek explains what epigenetics is, and how he helped to develop Episona, a test for epigenetics and sperm quality through sperm analysis.
[17:15] We discuss how epigenetics may be related to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is about 30-80% of the cause of male infertility.
[18:05] The data for men taking a prenatal is very strong, and is something Dr. Turek recommends and actually developed a supplement for men. The data is still getting more compiled on this, and the research in the field is still new and emerging. Men are not the easiest subjects to keep engaged in study, however, and he is committed to making it easy and sensible for them to share information and data in his studies.
[25:34] The richest man in America lives 5-7 years less than the poorest women. Dr. Turker has an attitude of wanting to engage men and building their trust so they are part of the solution in making their own health better. One of his main goals out of his career is to have men live longer.
[27:25] Dr. Turek shares the current state of advanced paternal age. Himself and co-author Alex Yatsenko published a review entitled, “Reproductive Genetics in the Aging Male” This is a recent problem, as we haven’t lived this long, people are waiting longer to reproduce and we are exposed to more toxicity than ever, affected our epigenetic expression.
[32:56] Dr. Turek talks about the chromosomal issues that occur in women, vs. the single gene mutations in men. He also addresses birth defect rates differing in other countries, and if low sperm counts are being passed on through generations.
[43:33] Dr. Turek has created what I think to be the first Darwinian Obstacle Course.
[54:14] A lot of unexplained infertility can be cleared with a simple visit to a trusted source. Dr. Turek makes it as easy as possible and does virtual consultations. He likes to first see if it’s a good fit, and speak with both partners at the start to select the appropriate care for their situation.
[56:57] Work with what you have.
[60:40] Clinic by the Bay, Dr. Turek’s free clinic, just had a big fundraiser to help people from all walks of life receive medical care.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Reproductive genetics and the aging male
Turek on Men’s Health Blog
Turek Clinic
Episona
Clinic By the Bay
Yo San University
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Today’s mindful moment gives you a little taste of our 29-day meditation challenge, of which we are currently getting phenomenal feedback and results. In keeping with the theme of working with our feminine and masculine energy, we will engage in a meditation to help and honor those who came before us and unblock any blockages that we have with our family. This meditation may have you feeling lighter, more open, and a sense of gratitude and respect for those that made us who we are.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[:51] The results have been astounding so far for our 29-day meditation challenge. The feedback has been great, that we wanted to share a meditation where you will be connecting with your ancestors and clearing up any familial blockages.
[2:25] This meditation honors those that came before us, and removes any blockages that we have with our family. It does not matter how close you are or aren’t with your family, as you will be connecting with the energy in your familial line.
[3:29] Meditation begins.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Today’s episode is full of hope and maybe even some perspective changers for some of you, especially when it comes to what you can handle at once. Our guest today is Alice Crisci. She is an author, fertility preservation spokeswoman and social entrepreneur, and most importantly, a mother on a mission. Her story is incredible. I talk with Alice about the non-profit she founded, Fertile Action, for fertile women touched by cancer, along with her new app MedAnswers, that seeks to connect patients experiencing fertility challenges, oncology issues, or even genetic questions with industry vetted experts.
Within weeks of her own breast cancer diagnosis, Alice harvested her eggs to protect her opportunity to become a mom after surviving cancer, had a nude photography session, launched Fertile Action and published her first book, Too Young for This. She is a game changer in legislation and technology, and an inspiration for women looking for expert education, support, and courage.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[3:43] Within a few weeks of her diagnosis, Alice learned about the scariest potential side effect of breast cancer and it’s treatment: infertility. Egg freezing was still considered experimental, and she needed more insurance than just a 2-3% chance. She then realized embryo freezing was a better way to go, and continued down her path to single motherhood and faced with the tough decision of picking a donor, all while dealing with the severity of her current diagnosis.
[9:59] When picking a potential donor, Alice encourages women to be truthful with who they are, and who they see themselves with. Be specific and rule out any health history concerns that matter to you. Alice picked a donor that spoke to her and matched her own internal values, as it was important that her child know the story of both sides having grit and tenacity.
[17:44] Alice is on a private Facebook group with other families that used the same donor that she used for her son, and she calls them his ‘diblings.’ They share anecdotes and stay connected.
[18:20] Due to all the genetic testing that is available, open donorship has become way more prevalent and necessary.
[21:43] Alice developed her non-profit Fertile Action as a way to take on insurance coverage and a fee reduction for women who found themselves in fertility preservation cases. She created a network of discounted fees for cancer patients and found it required a large amount of effort and resources.
[24:39] Alice gives recognition to the legislators who also helped take Fertile Action and their partnered organizations as their cause.
[27:03] Alice has now turned a major part of her attention and focus on the app MedAnswers. This helps to connect those struggling to conceive with seven different types of fertility experts. Digital tools are critical, especially when facing a health crisis and MedAnswers is a way for women to connect with experts while maintaining anonymity.
[33:46] Both Alice and I are big proponents of empowering people with data about their own bodies, and not waiting until it is too late to have information.
[35:49] Alice brings up a very interesting point about sex education benefiting from being more about reproductive health than the current topics of just pregnancy prevention.
[36:08] Alice created a webinar just for Californians when it comes to insurance and the appeals process.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Fertile Action
MedAnswers
Dr. Paul Turek
Alice Crisci on Huff Post
Too Young for This
Egg Whisperer
Helix.com
@InfertilityAnswers
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer*
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Today’s episode features Zev Williams, M.D., Ph.D. He is the Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center and is a nationally-recognized clinician and researcher in the area of recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility. Not only is he one of the most brilliant minds I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing, he is incredibly humble, gracious, and passionate about his work. His intentions to help couples overcome recurrent pregnancy loss by building healthy happy families came through so clearly during this chat.
We touched on why miscarriage rates are so high and why the public has false perceptions about it being a rare event. He spoke about how his research has even uncovered a way to find out if the cause of a miscarriage was chromosomal even years after the fact in some cases. He explained the differences in PGD and PGS testing when using IVF and when and for whom it might be highly beneficial. We also spoke about MTHFR gene mutation, and what it really means in regards to treatment strategy and further testing. We even touched on his work with stem cells and the potential they have for one day helping women who experience premature ovarian failure to overcome this devastating diagnosis. He explained new ways to treat endometriosis and preserve fertility and new ways to diagnose PCOS.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[1:15] Dr. Williams completed his M.D. and Ph.D. training in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine before continuing to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital for his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. After completing his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Weill Cornell, Dr. Williams then did a post-doctoral fellowship in RNA biology in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Tuschl at Rockefeller University.
[1:45] Dr. Williams has also achieved success in federally-funded research projects in several different areas of study, having received numerous NIH grants to support his work. Currently, as part of an NIH R01 grant, Dr. Williams is engaged with a research project intended to use placental RNA as a screening tool for diseases and complications of pregnancy, to enable early intervention, and to provide insights into disease pathogenesis for things like pre-eclampsia.
[4:35] Dr. Williams works with couples and doctors all over the world, and the research that he and his colleagues find benefits those all over looking for answers on fertility.
[5:16] The PEARL Program that Dr. Williams started stands for Program for Early and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. It is one of the only centers in the world that is both clinically focused, and a basic/translational research program dedicated trying to understand what causes unexplained miscarriages and trying to find ways methods to prevent them in the future.
[12:22] One of the realities of human reproduction is that is a very inefficient process. Of the eggs that get fertilized, very few result in a live birth.
[19:22] Dr. Williams explains the difference between PGD and PGS testing when using IVF, and who may benefit from these tests.
[26:54] We cover the MTHFR gene mutation, and what it really means in regards to treatment, strategy, and further testing.
[32:45] Dr. Williams explains the work on helping the brain to produce its own FSH (follicle stimulating hormones) which is the bodies own version of that hormone compared to traditional injections.
[41:23] Dr. Williams shares the new ways to treat endometriosis and preserve fertility and new ways to diagnose PCOS.
[45:27] Diet is, of course, important to overall health, but also very important to pregnancy success. There are some factors that lead to Dr. Williams’ recommending a diet low in carbs and sugar.
[46:12] Egg freezing has become successful, but the challenge is that women are freezing their eggs in their 40’s when the eggs have already lowered in quality.
[49:58] Once you are trying to conceive (and of course through all of the process), make sure to support each other. It’s a tough journey and you want to be going through it together.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Dr. Zev Williams
Dr. Zev Williams Bio
Columbia University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Efficient Differentiation of Steroidogenic and Germ-Like Cells from Epigenetically Related iPSCs Derived from Ovarian Granulosa Cells
FMR1 targets distinct mRNA sequence elements to regulate protein expression
Nytimes.com/2015/11/26/health/progesterone-may-not-help-women-with-history-of-miscarriages-study-finds
Huffingtonpost.com/science-of-us/miscarriage_b_8000760.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592
Wsj.com/articles/solving-the-mystery-of-miscarriages-1434389396
Columbiaobgyn.org/profile/s-zev-williams-md
Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26000502
Nyp.org/enewsletters/advances/2018/gynecology/2018-Advances-Gynecology-Issue1.html
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer * (please include on all iTunes descriptions and show notes)
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Board-certified hypnotherapist and award-winning author Lynsi Eastburn joins us today to share her experience from over 25 years in the mind-body healing arts. Lynsi is a true pioneer of bringing hypnosis to the treatment of infertility, and we had such a fabulous talk about how belief systems can become a block when trying to fall pregnant, how she was led to her calling, the creation of HypnoFertility®, and how hypnosis can help us switch from fear and doubt into observation and peace.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[0:32] Our guest today is Lynsi Eastburn. Lynsi is a board-certified hypnotherapist and certified hypnotherapy instructor through the National Guild of Hypnotists, along with running the Eastburn Hypnotherapy Center and Eastburn Institute of Hypnosis with her husband Drake. Lynsi is an award-winning author, with one more book in the works entitled Waiting in the Wings, the Pink Starlights.
[8:03] Lynsi said yes to the whispers that were stirring in her at a young age of having an interest in helping women have babies and bringing sensitivity and compassion to those having fertility issues.
[13:54] Lynsi’s book, It’s Conceivable is the art and science of hypnotherapy — how it deeply affects the nervous system and our mental and emotional blocks.
[16:02] Hypnosis impacts the neural pathway, rewires our conditioning, and helps bring in shifts from the subconscious mind to the present moment to manifest our reality.
[28:20] We talk about the spiritual side of fertility and a good exercise in how we experience the spiritual realm.
[30:22] Whether it’s an Indigo, Rainbow, or Crystal child, they all need structure and parental involvement. We are both inspired by the work of Carolyn Myss in the world of spiritual upbringing on a physical plane.
[39:45] Lynsi’s three keys to conception: meditate, listen, and trust.
[50:42] As a parent herself, Lynsi establishes a strong parental role but also isn’t afraid to own her mistakes and apologize when something is her fault. There is an exchange of energy and lessons to be learned but they must have an environment of structure.
[56:42] We explore hysteria, the uterus, and how it was treated in the past, vs. our present-day tendency to “sshhh” women into not expressing their emotions and trauma.
[62:02] She is also graciously giving away 10 copies of her book to the first 10 people that visit our show notes! Click the enter button and winners will be announced on my Instagram page: @LadyPotions4u on April 29, the last day of National Infertility Week.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Lynsi Eastburn
It’s Conceivable: Hypnosis for Fertility, by Lynsi Eastburn, BCH
The 3 Keys to Conception, by Lynsi Eastburn
Carolyn Myss
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Disclaimer *
You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.
Fasten your earbuds, as our topic is rarely talked about but very important from everything to our fertility, overall health, and sexual pleasure. We talk about what the difference is between cervical mucus and vaginal discharge, how to keep our environment alkaline, the four types of mucus, ways around a hostile cervical environment, medications that can impair fertile mucus and herbs and practices that can help restore them, and why Mother Nature is all about timing.
Links & Mentions: episode 23 -basal body temp; BBT episode 18 -fertility lab values explained in plain English episode 13 -vaginal steams episode 7 -avoiding adrenal burnout This episode is brought to you by AVA woman & my 29 day meditation challenge that begins April 29th. Learn more here - bit.ly/FMchallenge
Today’s Mindful Moment session invites you to float away from the everyday stresses and move towards what makes you feel good. Our guided meditation doesn’t use a mantra or breath, just our imagination to teleport you to a place that we associate with comfort and relaxation. This is perfect for yourself and possibly your partner as well, and a great way to start your morning or practice before going to a doctor’s appointment.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[0:33] Today’s episode is brought to you by my 29-Day Meditation Challenge, starting April 29, 2018.
[1:17] Managing and lowering stress is extremely important in everyday life, especially in cases of fertility and conception. For example, a study in 1993 by Domar pointed out that distress scores of depression and anxiety were similar to those engaged in cancer treatment and MORE than those recovering from a heart attack.
[2:15] I suggest the images rather give them to you because what we all find relaxing is subjective and it is up to you to feel in control and calm. The more you practice this guided meditation, the more you access this during stressful or trying times.
[4:14] The guided relaxation begins. Please find a comfortable place to lie down or sit where you are away from distractions.
[16:43] Guided relaxation comes to an end. Know that this is an exercise you can come back to time and time again when you need some relaxation and clarity in your life.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Today’s episode is going to uncover what your basal body temperatures can and can’t tell you about your fertility. There is a ton of information regarding this topic, so by the time you are done listening to today’s episode, I want you to feel confident and motivated about tracking your BBT and working with your practitioner on what it means for you. We will talk about why you should take your temperature, how to do it and then track it correctly, how to use the different methods to your advantage, and the benefits that come from tracking it.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[2:14] When it comes to tracking BBTs or what is known as Basal Body Temperatures, I’ve had two main teachers — Jane Littleton and Kirsten Karchmer from Of Conceivable. Both are a wealth of information when it comes to using and INTERPRETING this technique.
[2:57] Many times when a patient comes to my office they have done BBT in the past and are fed up either with the stress it causes or they have no idea how to read it. This leads to them wanting to dismiss doing it all, or maybe they have had an MD of some sort tell them that it’s pointless and they should move on to something like IUI or IVF if they want results. I’m here to tell you that’s not always the case.
[4:12] When a woman walks into my office with 3-6 months of charts either on paper or in an app I know in all likelihood she has just sped up her chances of conceiving with Chinese Medicine. This is also a way I know how and when to fine tune her herbs, recommend lifestyle and diet adjustments and even when there is a greater chance of miscarriage after a positive pregnancy test. This gives many women increased peace of mind that they able to keep an eye on the miracle that is unfolding within them without any invasive treatments. The other positive reason I recommend charting your temps is that it can be greatly empowering to understand what is having an effect on your body, like alcohol, caffeine, or even certain foods.
[8:17] Calendar rhythm method: Consists of using past menstrual cycles to estimate the time of your ovulation. When used on its own, this is the least reliable method of birth control. It should be avoided if your menstrual cycles are shorter than 26 days or longer than 32 days.
[8:42] Temperature method. You track your BBT for several cycles by using a very sensitive basal thermometer to take your temperature before you get out of bed each morning. Due to hormonal surges, your BBT goes up right after ovulation.
[9:10] Cervical mucus method. You track the color, thickness, and texture of your cervical mucus to monitor your fertility. Your cervical mucus becomes thinner, slippery, and stretchy when you ovulate. Tracking your cervical mucus will require some practice.
[10:14] I cover how to take your BBT:
- Take your daily temperature first thing upon awakening, before any other activity (going to the bathroom, talking on the phone, etc). The exception is 16 seconds of focused breathing.
- If using a digital thermometer, wait about 30 seconds until it beeps. If using glass, leave it in 5 minutes and keep the receipt and return if you think the battery is faulty.
- You can take your temperature orally or vaginally, but always make it from the same place. Pick one and stay with it.
- Try to take it at the very same time each day right when you wake up.
- Make sure you get a minimum of 3 hours consecutive sleep before you take the temperature.
- If you use a glass thermometer, shake it down the day before.
- If you wake up at 5 and then plan to get up at 7, take your temperature at 5, when you wake up. Most digital thermometers will keep the temperature on it until the next use.
[14:38] When charting your temperature, you can use paper or an app. Some that I like are Fertility Friend, Conceivable, and Glow. If the temperature falls between two numbers on a glass thermometer, always take the lowest. Make dots on the appropriate temperature and connect the dots with straight lines. Note events such as stress, or illness in the miscellaneous row. Temperatures taken late should be noted in the ‘time taken’ row.
[16:36] We cover what BBT tracking can and cannot do. It cannot tell you about your partner’s fertility, nor is it great at predicting ovulation.
[17:50] Don’t freak out if you don’t get every single day. As a practitioner. I am looking for the average in the follicular and the average in the luteal phase. It takes about one season of working with someone to make a 50% increase in their chances of fertility.
[19:57] We cover the bleeding, follicular, ovulation and luteal phases and what I look at within each one.
[25:18] If temps are at 98.2 in the luteal phase, your miscarriage chances will drop from 30 percent to 5 percent.
[29:16] I go over some patterns that we see in BBT and the phases, and how I as a practitioner use this information to work with the patient.
[34:12] One reason someone wouldn’t want to track their BBT is when they are taking progesterone supplements, as it affects the temperatures and if it stresses you out completely my suggestion is to meditate directly after. And if that’s still too much for you or you travel a lot or you aren’t able to wake around the same time most days due to life constraints I encourage you to check out the AVA Woman.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
Avawomen.ref-r.com/c/i/10619/9312796 — affiliate link for $30 discount on Ava Temp tracker
Avawomen.com/avaworld/ava-data-means/
fp306.isrefer.com/go/dreamlifea/hillary/
coupon code for $150 discount “dreamlife2018”
Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine, by Jane Lyttleton
Kirsten Karchmer
Ways to Track Your BBT
Guide to Cervical Mucus
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Today’s mindful moments episode is all about setting your morning right with a quiet continuous breathing meditation. Whether you have 30 seconds or 30 minutes a morning, this will help get you clued into your own body every morning, and set you throughout your day with more positive self-talk and intention.
I recommend this meditation both before and after you take your basal body temperature. Nothing fancy, just quiet continuous breathing and some visualization to start your day out with a connection to yourself and your calmest potential. To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaway:
[1:11] Today’s Mindful Moments Meditation focuses on the quiet and continuous breath.
[2:31] Watching bad news early in the day had long-lasting effects and set the tone for a negative day. Shawn Achor and his wife Michelle Gielan, as originally reported in Harvard Business Review, found when you’re exposed to just three minutes of negative news first thing in the morning, you have a 27 percent higher likelihood of reporting that you had a bad day six to eight hours later, compared to a group exposed to positive, solutions-focused news.
[4:18] If you like these meditations and want to sign up for my free 29-day meditation challenge I’ll be offering in April, go to the show notes — click here — and click the link to sign up so you’ll know as soon as it is live.
If you are listening to this past April 2018 you can still click the link and you’ll be able to purchase the challenge to do on your own.
[6:09] The key is to pay attention and observe the breath. This meditation does 4 x 4 breaths, with observing on the inhale and exhale. This is a technique that I just practiced with my teacher davidji and I absolutely love. I have a hard time following my breath, but this practice had me in a trance in a matter of minutes.
[9:02] It is recommended to do this meditation, take your basal body temperature and then practice the meditation again. Even as little as 5 minutes can be key to setting the tone for the day.
[10:45] You will hear a bell at the 5, 10, 15 and 20-minute mark. This will remind us to gently move our focus back on the breath.
[11:21] Meditation begins and offers a sweet spot of quiet and quickness.
[35:59] Meditation ends and we focus on our physical surroundings and the peacefulness we cultivated.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Continue Your Journey:
Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge
fp306.isrefer.com/go/dreamlifea/hillary/
coupon code for $150 discount
“dreamlife2018”
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Today we will be covering one of my personal subjects in life, food! Food therapy has always been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It can be really easy to initiate your own healing simply by eating for your current TCM disharmony. I will share with you some easy life solutions and three different approaches that you can start with your very next meal. Food has a lot of ties to our belief system, our past, and emotions we have yet to feel. Changing the way you eat can seem very overwhelming, so today I invite you to just pick a few from these three ideas that suit you and your life.
To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways
[4:56] Many of us have some body image issues, myself included, that we’ve worked really hard to overcome and I don’t want you to get stressed with the idea of cutting things out or calorie counting. That’s not what today’s episode is about.
[6:01] I would rather encourage you to make positive small changes that feel right to you rather than your feeling like your eating is one more thing you have to try and be perfect at. The implications of your DNA occur one full year before you get pregnant.
[8:25] Even a 2% change a day has a cumulative effect. It’s important to start small and adopt habits and a diet that feels positive and nourishing.
[10:24] The first approach is from Daoshing Ni, from his book The Tao of Fertility. He thinks of the menstrual cycle as a season, and there is a systematic way to eat accordingly along with the phases.
[12:10] The second is a general list of what not to eat, and a meal order solution like Green Chef or Hello Fresh. This is great for the on-the-go person that is working too much or overwhelmed by the idea of shopping and cooking. However, it can get pricey, especially if you cave and order take out when you have organic food sitting in your fridge.
[13:09] Third is the pattern diagnosis of TCM by symptoms that tell you how to eat based on TCM. This will often help you feel the best the quickest and make your overall constitution stronger helping you to achieve optimal fertility. It can be difficult if you both of you have completely different imbalances or constitutions. It’s a win if you love strict rules. It gives a list of don’ts and dos.
[14:20] In the Tao of Fertility approach, you think of your menses as the season of winter. Shedding, ending and contracting. The week after your period is like spring where plants and flowers are budding and blooming, and the ovulatory phase is summer. The luteal phase is akin to autumn, where the temperature is beginning to drop. During the first two weeks of your “seasons”, you want to incorporate foods that will strengthen your egg quality and energy. This includes grains, high protein foods like eggs, meat and beans. It’s important the food is warm for digestion. If you feel extra fatigued and weak during menstruation, you want to eat a lot of blood-nourishing foods like bone broth. The second phase after ovulation shifts to leafy green vegetables and berries.
[25:44] Always choose full-fat instead of fat-free. Often times when they take the fat out, they replace it with sugar and other unhealthy additives.
[29:22] I go through the patterns of foods and symptoms depending on the body types, symptoms and deficiencies. You can also download the food quiz here on the website for a further dive into what you should be eating for your specific constitution.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
The Tao of Fertility: A Healing Chinese Medicine Program to Prepare Body, Mind, and Spirit for New Life,
by Daoshing Li and Dana Herko
Continue Your Journey:
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Feelings of loneliness, fear, and doubt are universal to a woman during her fertility road trip. It is common to feel hopeful and confident one moment and then isolated and frazzled the next. Today’s mindful moment episode will be all about restoring more peace and joy into your space, and to remind you that we are all connected and can send healing energy and love to one another, especially during a time such as implantation.
We will dive deep in a meditation that came out organically as I was working with a lovely woman on her our experience. Today’s meditation will help you connect to your heart, let go of attachment, and breathe in faith and gratitude. To share your own fertility story, please email me at hillary@ladypotions.com. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.
Takeaways
[1:53] The difference between a positive and negative stress experience is the beholder’s perception of time.
[2:35] This episode is dedicated to Lindsey, who inspired Hillary as she is brave and inspiring along her fertility road trip. This meditation that came out organically as they were working together and Hillary recommends this as a useful tool for relaxation during the implantation process.
[8:02] Meditation begins.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Continue Your Journey:
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Today is a very important and relevant topic, as this flu season has been one of the worst in decades! We are going to talk about when to know when antibiotics may be right for you, how over-taking antibiotics may be hurting the future of your children, how to stay healthy during cold and flu season, and what to do if you or your partner gets sick along your fertility journey during an IVF cycle. I also share what herbs and oils can shorten colds and illness, the difference between strains of the cold, and some other natural remedies you can use as preventative measures!
Takeaways
[7:29] In the United States, antibiotics are very overly prescribed. If you do get antibiotics, you want to take some extra special care. Today’s episode is all about how to prevent colds and the flu, and what to do if you actually do get the bug.
[9:44] We talk flu vaccine, what it does to our body and some tips for if you and your children do decide to get the vaccine and have some symptoms.
[13:16] I share the differences between strep, sinus infection and bronchitis and some preventative measures to take before you get sick including a garlic neti pot.
[19:49] Acute and complicated bronchitis is the most common complaint that sends people to their primary care physician. It usually resolves in 1-3 weeks. Hot water with lemon and honey and elderberry are two great natural remedies to soothe coughs. If you do feel like it is extremely bad, it is important to get a lung X-ray.
[22:35] Reaching out to herbalists and acupuncturists before and when you get the common cold is a great idea. One herb to help with the common cold is gan mao ling.
[24:52] Strep throat is a bacterial infection and it does require antibiotic treatment. You won’t have a cough but you will have a fever. One formula is yin chi and a stronger one is andrographis.
[30:22] If you think you have the flu, the most important things are to stay hydrated, rest and stay home for at least 24 hours, and monitor your fever.
[34:37] One of my favorite immune blends is by Saje, and the oil “Thieves” by Young Living Essential Oils.
References:
Fertile Minds on LibSyn
Fertile Minds on iTunes
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
Saje
Young Living Essential Oils
Continue Your Journey:
@ladypotions4u on Twitter
@ladypotions4u on Instagram
My Website: Ladypotions.com
Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music
Today we will be diving into lab values, and specifically what it means to have a complete fertility workup. I cover what it means when we say a fertility workup, what they test for and why, what is “normal” to empower yourself in a non-judgmental way so you and your support system can figure out a plan of corrective action. We also discuss a semen analysis and the total, whole picture of the markers you would be looking at there. This episode is a great way to dive in with understanding what tests should be done based on your age and how long you have been trying, along with who in your healthcare network would be able to help you run the tests.
www.ladypotions.com/episode18
Welcome back and happy 2018 to you. I am happy to be back in the new year and to be able to share some insights with you. Today’s episode covers the tough topic of giving yourself permission to pause when you or someone you love is experiencing grief. My lovely co-host Erin Gray and I discuss how we help ourselves or another through profound loss, specifically a miscarriage. I provide a mini-meditation to open us up to love and warmth, then we share on the topics regarding ritual, things to say and not say to others that are grieving, and how to reach out when you are feeling most alone and isolated. This show is dedicated to all of those who have recently lost someone. You know who you are and we are here for you.
www.ladypotions.com/episode17
When I thought about creating this episode, I wanted to keep the intro short and sweet. We already spend so much time thinking, processing and worrying. Sometimes we just need to “do it” and this comes to manifesting our dreams. Today’s episode features a meditation to help clear clutter internally to manifest the life of your dreams. After today’s episode, we encourage you to lighten your load from the inside out and to remember that you have access to your center anytime, at anyplace.
www.ladypotions.com/episode16
Davidji is the voice that woke me up many years ago, and I am forever grateful for finding his work, as it changed my life and path and this podcast would not be here today without him. Today I am honored to have him on as our guest. He graciously gives us tips on how to manifest true transformation in any area of your life from within, and answering the question “How Do I Stop Being Attached to The Outcome of Something I Want So Badly?” It’s a talk of rejuvenation, renewal, and rebirth.
www.ladypotions.com/episode15
We are thrilled to have the awesome Dawn Herring of Empowered Birth Series back as our guest today. Like myself, Dawn wants to change the conversation in labor to where it can unfold throughout the process and the woman finds it easier to trust her body through grounded knowledge and preparation. Every woman is different, every birth is different, and we are here to share our full-circle journeys to help empower and free us from an exact perception of what birth should look like. I talk with Dawn about the Bishop Score, placentas, and the importance of taking labels off any judgment of looking at any and all options during childbirth and conception. We hope our talk inspires you to allow what is and listen to your own body as a guide.
https://www.ladypotions.com/episode14
Our guest today is my dear friend, Jen Poll. Jen is a Licensed Massage Therapist in St. Petersburg, Florida. We have a great talk with Jen on the techniques of vaginal steams, abdominal massage, and her inspiration from teachings of Don Elijio Panti and Rosita Arvigo. Steaming and Abdominal Massage can be a great way for women to maintain and achieve uterine health, to reconnect with their own body and reclaim any power they may have previously surrendered. We cover what a vaginal steam is, and why a woman may want to steam her lady parts. The massage and steam can be as ritualized as you want or can be a scheduled simple self-care technique. We also cover what to expect during the process and situations where you may want to wait before jumping in.
https://www.ladypotions.com/episode13
I am very thankful for the ability to share today’s episode with you. Creation of life is INTERNAL and it needs a relaxed state to begin, which is exactly why a gratitude practice can help. I invite you to see what unfolds when you commit to an attitude of gratitude. We talk about why it is a matter of health to call on positive emotions, how to start the process of being grateful, and why it’s important to stop waiting until things “are better.” I guide you through a meditation for gratitude to take with you on your day and ongoing journey with fertility.
www.ladypotions.com/episode12
Today I welcome special guest Dawn Herring, wife and mama of two beautiful babies and Happy Birth Way (HBW) Certified Childbirth Educator. Dawn shares with us how she became a childbirth educator and what inspires her to educate couples on evidence to have the most empowered birth experience possible. We cover three very important lessons that Dawn teaches in her class recording breath and movement, the stages and phases of labor, support techniques, the role of mindfulness, intuition and movement, and some practical tips to be armed with information throughout their journey.
www.ladypotions.com/episode11
Our topic today on Unfinished Business may feel really uncomfortable but it can be a game changer. It’s worth every ounce of your energy to shine a light on it so you don’t have to spend an eternity’s worth of energy repressing it. I am joined by the great Erin Gray and together we cover our definition of unfinished business, give specific details on how they could affect fertility, share some exercises to release repressed emotion, and help you decide when you may need to seek professional help on this topic.
Today's sponsor is Organic Conceptions, the online program designed to help you work through the emotions of an infertility journey with your partner yielding a better understanding of yourself, each other, and your relationship, all from the comfort of your own home.
www.ladypotions.com/episode10
We are in interesting times. Everywhere you turn there seem to be intense emotions and angry accusations flying. From the #metoo to righteous anger over recent violent events, I thought it was a good time to record an antidote to all of this anger. Today we will be focusing on the skill of forgiveness.
Special Thanks to Musician:
Christopher Lloyd Clark
www.ladypotions.com/episode9
Today I am here with Mary Ellen Kramp, Physical Therapy Specialist as well as a technician in craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, and visceral manipulation. We have a lively and in-depth talk on the importance of structural integration when you are trying to get pregnant, as well as during pregnancy, and then my favorite part of this topic, what you can do for yourself postpartum. Mary Ellen’s gentle approach has helped many women with issues both during pregnancy and postpartum. It’s rare that women get referred for physical therapy related to fertility issues, but Mary Ellen works hard to change any stigma, open up a dialogue, and be an advocate for the benefits and health-related gains of seeing either her or a practitioner with a similar approach. Finally, we talk with her about self-care being one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your partner, and your baby, along with her advice for those trying to have a baby.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode8
Today’s guests are Marc Sherman and Dr. Kate Webster, creators of the revolutionary online course Organic Conceptions. This course began with Erin and Marc Sherman’s personal struggle in trying to conceive for a decade. In partnership with Dr. Webster, they created a roadmap for themselves and others to chart a course that engages and empowers couples on their path to parenthood. They share the primary goals of Organic Conceptions, the main three chapters and primary expectations that arise and the importance of surrender. Marc and Dr. Webster are really doing some amazing work with helping others achieve emotional health and insight during their process and I thank them for digging deep in their own experience to provide a ton of hope, guidance, and information for others.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode2
Hello and welcome to Fertile Minds Radio! I’m your host Hillary Talbott Roland. I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Certified Meditation teacher, and board-certified reproductive specialist and I practice at Art of acupuncture in the beautiful St. Petersburg, FL.
This episode is meant to give you a glimpse at how herbs can be safely used in treating infertility. I could do an entire show just on herbs alone, so this is meant to give you the basics so you have a better understanding of how herbs might help and why exactly we are prescribing what we are. Herbs can seem scary for a gal that’s used to prescriptions and my hope is that this episode can shed a little light on not only how helpful they can be, but to help you feel more secure about how and why to use them. And if you are one of those that wants to do it all yourself, I’ll point you to some resources to find more information on your journey of self-discovery. For those of you that want to know why, but prefer to let a board-certified practitioner diagnose and prescribe, I’m going to tell you how to find one of those too. So let’s dive in.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode3
I had the pleasure of working with today’s guest, Erin Gray, in a previous practice and fell in love with her unique style and impressive skill set. She can unravel problems and focus on the root of the issue by working with the patient in partnership with their energetic and emotional body. She helps women everywhere gain clarity and insight along their process. Today’s episode is all about doing vs. being and the false notions that we are lazy or passive when we receive. We have been raised to be goal-oriented and to go after what we want, whether it’s a law degree or new car. While being independent is great and what the culture values, pregnancy is way different and it’s important to value receiving just as much. It is a powerful thing to lean into doing things for the purpose of feeling good rather than to achieve a specific result. Finally, Erin and I give some tips for self-care that hopefully will provide listeners with a feeling of hope, relaxation, and gratitude.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode4
Welcome to Fertile Minds Radio! Here you will find wisdom for your fertility journey and beyond, chosen specifically to help you trust your body and elevate your spirit. Join us and see what a fertile mind feels like. I am your host, Hillary Talbot Rowland. I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, a Certified Fellow of American Board of Reproductive Medicine, and a teacher of meditation. I practice at the Art of Acupuncture in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida. I am so excited to start this journey and my number one commitment is to bring you the world’s best experts in the field of fertility and mind/body medicine. This will be information you can trust and apply immediately along your pregnancy journey. You can look forward to interviews with leading experts, my own personal knowledge, and real-life stories. Fertility is about so much more than getting a positive pregnancy test and I want to teach you to embrace your journey no matter how long you have been trying, whether three months or three years or even longer.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode1
Thank you for joining me for the first installment of Mindful Moments on Fertile Minds Radio. If you listened to Episode 1 or you have worked with me in the past, then you already know meditation is a large part of what I do to keep rising towards the best version of myself AND a big part of what I teach to my patients in order to help them have a deeper inner awareness and to achieve high mental clarity. Now, you might be asking yourself what has this to do with fertility? Today’s episode ties together the benefits of meditation along with a guided practice, and how it can be used as a tool to cultivate peace and relaxation during stressful times. We go over The Four Agreements and I go over a guided meditation to start you along your journey. Thanks for tuning in, upping the vibration and for spreading the word.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode5
Special Thanks to Musician
Christopher Lloyd Clarke
In today’s episode we are talking all about burnout — how it happens, how to recover naturally, which herbs to take and why meditation helps. I will also cover how long it takes to fully recover, and why so many of us in our culture experience a higher level of stress than ever before. As we mentioned in previous episodes, our society puts an emphasis on “doing” rather than “being” and accomplishment rather than relaxation and rejuvenation. While both are necessary for a balanced and successful life, we’ve seen more cases of burnout and adrenal fatigue than ever before, and I wanted to tackle the subject of which herbs could help those of you who are just plain burned out. Today, I'll be going through the main adaptogens and highlighting their functions when it comes to treating fertility in both men and women, along with their general functions, so you can make an informed choice for your situation.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode7
Hello and welcome to a fun and juicy episode, all about male and female energies. Today we will be answering the question: what’s the difference between these energies and why does it matter when it comes to conception? Our guest on today’s show is the lovely Erin Gray, mental health counselor and licensed massage therapist extraordinaire. We also talk about balancing the male / female energies, the cultural background of how we got here in the first place, what not to do, and solid examples you can try out today.
http://www.ladypotions.com/episode6