Real Talk: Women's Health & Fertility: Recent Episodes
Jessica Milanes
The Real Talk: Women’s Health and Fertility podcast is a platform for women to speak openly about their health. Each week I will bring you a guest who will share her health journey and how she navigated through it.
My hope is that you will hear a little bit of yourself in each and every woman and learn more about the health struggles that our fellow sisters face. Let’s lift each other up and dive in!
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Meg Keys. Meg is a fellow sister who has struggled with infertility and an author. While struggling with infertility, Meg received all sorts of advice and comments about trying to conceive. Finally, she said enough is enough and she wrote the book on what to do when someone you love is struggling with infertility.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What not to say to someone struggling with infertility
- How to stay strong after miscarriages
- Why neutralizing our reproductive organs has long term mental health benefits
Resources:
- Website: www.thewaitinglinebook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewaitinglinebook/
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Kayla Nedza. Kayla is a Jersey girl with a passion for self love, heavy lifting, and stress management. She is a woman who wears many hats, including a holistic health coach, a franchise marketing leader for a national fitness brand, and the founder of the Wellness Glow Up community. Kayla’s community is a community dedicated to helping people become their healthiest selves by providing the tools and knowledge to be their own health advocates.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- A new definition for self care
- Why diet and exercise is a helpful tool in managing stress
- The importance of getting enough fat and protein
Resources:
- Website: https://www.kaylanedza.com/
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kaylanedza/?hl=en
- Stress Reduction Masterclass: Stress Reduction Masterclass
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Carrie Wampler. Carrie was a young bride at age 20 and on her wedding night was unable to consummate the marriage. After speaking to some other friends, she figured out that she had vaginismus. Carrie shares her peaks and valleys of her diagnosis and how it’s transforming the small community she grew up in.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What vaginismus is
- How vaginismus is treated
- Resources to help if you’re struggling with vaginismus
- Why neutralizing our reproductive organs has long term mental health benefits
Resources:
- Website: https://www.basketofbreadcrumbs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basketofbreadcrumbs/
- Vaginismus treatment: https://www.womentc.com/
My guests today are Joni Davis and Bri Bannick. Joni is the founder of Beli Baby vitamins, a vitamin company that helps with male fertility and sperm quality. She believes that fertility is a shared responsibility between men and women and is passionate about male fertility health. This episode was really powerful and I think you guys are going to love it.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What is Beli Baby
- Why sperm health is even more important to pregnancy than previously thought
- How to create a supportive relationship while trying to conceive
Resources:
- Website: https://belibaby.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beli.baby/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belimama/
In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Carly Crewe. For Carly, the birth of her twin daughters and the stress of trying to care for two babies triggered anxiety like she had never experienced before. It manifested itself in the forms of irrational anger and extreme stress and tension relating to the babies’ daily schedule. Today Carly helps other women through her medical practice and her online coaching business reduce anxiety and enjoy life. Let’s tune in!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to manage your anxiety
- What you should look at in treating your anxiety
- The importance of creating a life that you love
Resources:
- Carly’s website: https://carlycrewe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlycrewe/
- Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351270935584266/
Ilyssa Herrington is my guest of honor on the podcast today! Ilyssa is a personal stylist and a survivor! Throughout her 20s, Ilyssa experienced pain from a mystery illness so intense that she didn’t know she was going to make it to her 30th birthday. In this episode she shares how she kept moving forward through the pain and you will see her light and joy of life in this episode. I hope you enjoy it!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why it’s important to be your own advocate
- How chronic illness can transform your ability to move forward
- What it looks like to stand up for your health
Resources;
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilyssa_herrington/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilyssaherrington
- Website: www.westerlystyle.com
My guest today is actress, writer, and fellow infertility warrior, Meirav Zur! Meirav and her husband struggled with conceiving at a time when infertility was not spoken about openly. After being able to successfully conceive, Meirav experienced secondary infertility. Out of her experiences, she created The Inconceivable Show, which shares the ups, downs, and sometimes hilarious parts of infertility. I adore Meirav and I know you guys will fall in love with her too!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why comedy can be healing
- What is The Inconceivable Show
- How performance arts can provide education and create compassion
Resources:
- Website: http://www.meiravzur.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inconceivableshow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inconceivableshow/
Ashley Vipond is my guest on today’s episode. Ashley is a new mom, wife, business owner, and exercise advocate! When Ashley gave birth to her son, she struggled with feeling depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed with the responsibilities of motherhood. It was through exercise that she was able to manage her postpartum depression and she has turned that passion into her side business!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why exercise is so important for your mental health
- What you can do to start easing into an exercise routine after childbirth
- The importance of having a support system as a new mother
Resources:
- Website: www.simplyfitwithashley.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplyfitwithashley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Simply-Fit-with-Ashley-555942991556499/
Today’s guest, Helen Shi, is the founder and CEO of Dr Yang Wellness, a women’s health company that specializes in Crampless Tea - a Chinese Medicine based herbal tea to prevent period cramps. In this episode, she spills all the tea about women’s health in China and how she wants to transform the way women deal with period pain in the United States. Helen has generously offered a discount code for my audience, which is available in the resources section below.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The difference approach that Chinese medicine takes on women’s health
- How women in China manage their period pain
- How one tea can help alleviate period pain and boost immunity
Resources:
- Website: www.doctoryangtea.com (Code: byebyecramps gets you 15% off 1st order)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.yangwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoryangwellness
In today's episode, I update everyone on my two week hiatus from social media and some decisions that I've come to with my health. I'm also revealing a diagnosis that I haven't shared with anyone publicly. This episode dives into that diagnosis and how I'm rejecting medical advice to honor my own intuition. If you've ever wondered how/what/why to do that, tune in to find out my process!
Today’s guest, Melissa Fabiano, is a mindset confidence coach, yoga fanatic, food lover, and all around wellness junkie. Her coaching practice was born out of her recovery from a decade long battle with anorexia and exercise addiction and wanting to give back to others after her recovery. She works with women to break free from their inner critic, create healthy relationships with food and fitness, define their self worth and find the confidence to unapologetically live a life of purpose on their own terms.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Why diet culture is so prevalent
- When to seek help with your eating disorder
- Why self acceptance is so important in recovery
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuelyourlifewithmelissa/
- Melissa’s website: https://melissafabiano.com/
In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Tedi Palmer (aka Running with Infertility). Tedi bares her soul in sharing her journey to motherhood that had a rocky start. During her journey, she realized that there was a need to speak openly about infertility, so she started her blog: Running with Infertility. Tedi has a heart of gold and really lays it all out in this episode.
In this episode you will learn about:
- Her IVF journey with male and female factor infertility
- The miracle pregnancy after IVF
- Her foundation: Hope for Infertility which has helped over 8 couples fund their IVF rounds
- Why she’s not using IVF to conceive her second child
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningwithinfertility1/
- Tedi’s Etsy shop: www.runwithinfertility.etsy.com
- Tedi’s Blog, Running with Infertility: https://www.runningwithinfertility.com/
- Hope for Infertility Foundation: https://www.hopeforfertility.org/
In today’s episode I’m talking with Laurence Annez. Laurence Annez is a certified nutritional practitioner and health coach.She is passionate about teaching women with PCOS how to ditch the belly fat, cystic acne, irregular cycles, and victim mindset by showing them how to nourish their bodies and free themselves of pain through guided nutritional coaching, personalized and sustainable diet and lifestyle recommendations, and mindfulness. She believes that the key to a healthy life is sustainable change that feels good and is different to each person. It was through her own healing journey with PCOS that bred her passion to helping others heal as well. Today Laurence coaches women all over the world through her coaching programs.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What is PCOS
- How to manage PCOS without birth control
- Why restriction is not the key to manage PCOS
- Why your gut health is so important
Resources:
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/laurence.annez/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Laurence-Annez-Health-Wellness-187309491822533/
- How to eat out with PCOS freebie: https://www.laurence-annez.com/eat-out-guide
- PCOS program : https://www.subscribepage.com/PCOSTransformer
Dr. Jennifer Mercier is an author, former midwife, functional medicine doctor, and creator of the Mercier Therapy. When she was in college, Jennifer was on the path towards becoming a RE. After working at the local fertility clinic, she realized that there was another way to help women become pregnant. So Jennifer followed her heart to massage therapy school and created the Mercier Therapy. Jennifer has helped women conceive children all over the world through her practice. You guys are going to LOVE HER!
In this episode you will learn about:
- What is Mercier Therapy
- Why you should think about scar tissue in your pelvic region if you’re trying to conceive
- How to prepare for a medically assisted fertility program
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jennifer.mercier/
- Mercier Therapy Website: https://www.merciertherapy.com/
- Dr. Jennifer Mercier’s Practice: https://www.expectamiracle.life/
You guys are going to love Dr. Valerie Bobb! Valerie is a physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor health. This episode is so full of solid information to help you understand more about what your pelvic floor is, what is considered “normal,” and why you should pay attention to your pelvic floor. Valerie gives so much information in an informal comfortable way for an area that we don’t talk about openly.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What a women’s health physical therapist does
- What is considered a “normal” pelvic floor and it does
- How to identify if you have an issue with your pelvic floor and what to do about it
- Why you shouldn’t just assume that you need to do Kegels
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvaleriebobb/
- Finding a Physical Therapist:
-
- Section on Women's Health Pt Locator
- Herman and Wallace Find a Practitioner
- International Pelvic Pain Society
- Information on Pelvic Health
-
- Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Center
- International Pelvic Pain Society
- The American College or Obstetrics and Gynecology
DISCLAIMER: In general ACOG is a great resource for annual screening guidelines and education. HOWEVER it is a bit outdated compared to its equivalents in other countries such as Canada https://www.sogc.org/ ACOG still is behind on representation and recommendation for things like physical therapy and still has an overemphasis on surgery and medication.
- Vulva and vaginal health
- Painful intercourse
DISCLAIMER: This link puts a lot of emphasis on emotional causes of pain during intercourse...which can be a factor. HOWEVER that is not usually the primary cause and I don't like how it puts the blame on the woman itself....Also over emphasizes need for surgery or medication when physical therapy is VERY effective for this! However it has good graphics so please take it with a grain of salt.
In today’s episode I’m talking with Cathy McKinnon. Cathy is a yoga teacher, author, and a health coach. She is committed to helping women consciously create a life that women adore. Cathy comes to us with an amazing story, she struggled with infertility and it was because of her struggles that she found out she had thyroid cancer. She is full of wisdom and light. No matter what your journey, you will get something out of this episode.
In this episode you will learn about:
- The blessings of infertility
- Why therapy should be part of infertility treatment
- How Cathy is changing the conversation around infertility
Resources:
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswarriorcoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnesswarriorcoaching/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wwarriorcathy/
On today’s episode, I’m speaking with Nicole Scheitlin who is an online health and fitness expert. Nicole specializes in creating simplified exercise and nutrition plans so that her clients feel empowered to make a lasting change. I loved her practical advice! We went “woo and my recording went wonky but believe me when I say you won’t want to miss this episode!
In this episode you will learn about:
- What are the signs of over exercise
- How to come at your weight release journey from a place of abundance versus a place of lack
- Why mindset shifts are vital to your fitness journey
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolescheitlin/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nicolescheitlin
- Website: https://nicolescheitlin.com/
In today's episode, I share my epiphany about how infertility is the new body shaming. We've been taught to hate our bodies for so long. Too much fat, too little muscle, and the list goes on and on. Now in my 30s, I've found a new reason to hate my body. It's not helping me get pregnant. Tune in to see how I'm working through those feelings and I want to hear from you!
On today’s episode, I’m speaking with Shelby Avann. Shelby is a multi-faceted woman with many interests! Through a series of events, she was introduced to Reiki by her best friend and her life was changed. Shelby dove into Reiki and quickly became a Reiki master. In this episode, she shares what Reiki is and how it has transformed her life and the life of others around her.
In this episode you will learn about:
- What is Reiki
- Why energy treatments are so effective
- Who should try out Reiki
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelby.avann/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shelby000011
- Website: www.thehappyhippiesacademy.com
- Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happy-hippies-podcast/id1447773345
In this week's solo episode, I am sharing how I redefined who I am in light of the health struggles I'm facing. Tune in to find out how I did it and how you can redefine yourself outside of your health too!
In today’s episode I’m talking with Megan Stratton. Megan is the girl next door, bestie, girls girl, and all around amazing woman. She is a wife, mama to her adorable two year old daughter, McCartney, Digital Sales Manager for NBS Affiliate in Chattanooga, TN, Co-Host of the Unshaken Podcast, and blogger. In this episode, she shares her struggle with postpartum depression and her rebirth into the woman she is today. It was an honor having Megan on my podcast, she just brings such truth and authenticity on heavy topics. I adored talking with her and I can’t wait for you to listen. So let’s dive in!
In this episode you will learn about:
- Redefining postpartum depression
- Why you should always check on your strong friends
- Life after motherhood
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstratt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlwaycaster
- Website: www.meganstratton.com
- Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unshaken/id1451775831
You guys, I'm back with solo episodes! In this episode, I'm sharing an update on what's going on with me. A lot has changed and I've been going through it. Tune in to listen to this week's wisdom. I'm so happy to be back!
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessmilanes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.milanes.927
- Website: https://www.jessmilanes.com/
Today’s guest, Kari Wood is one of the kindest souls that I have ever met. She is a Stage IV Endometriosis warrior and in this episode she bravely shares her journey with how she was diagnosed with Endometriosis and the path that it has taken in her life. You will fall in love with Kari as she shares her heart and her hope for the future. This episode will definitely make you laugh, bring tears to your eyes, and give you goosebumps with how the Universe works.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- About the different treatments for endometriosis
- How to arrive at a place of peace when the odds seem against you
- What you can do to support someone with endometriosis
Resources:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatwoodkarido/
Today’s guest, Kate Dwinell is a mindset coach that helps emotional eaters to find food freedom & break through their body struggles. I had so much fun talking with her and I know you’re going to love listening to her. Her bubbly spirit is infectious and so inspirational after all that Kate has been through. She drops so much knowledge on this podcast, you will not want to miss it!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The actual key to weight loss - it’s not what you think!
- How taking care of your internal world is the most important thing
- Her recent diagnosis of PCOS and how she’s using her tools in her own coaching program to shift her mindset
Resources:
- Website: www.katedwinellcoaching.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katedwinell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katelyn.dwinell
Today’s guest, Emmanuelle Audouard, is a holistic health coach that specializes in burnout recovery. In this episode she shares her story of burnout and how important it is for women to set boundaries to create harmony in their life.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why balance isn’t something you should strive for
- Signs that you are headed towards or experiencing burnout
- What to do to prevent burnout
Resources:
- Website: https://emmanuelleaudouard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmanuelle.audouard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmanuelle.j.audouard/
Today’s guest, Vanessa Vernaza, is a fellow TTC sister. She talks about her personal journey of trying to conceive, a surprise diagnosis, and what she wished she knew about getting pregnant. Vanessa’s heart shines in this episode and if you want more of her, be sure to check out her podcast: Something’s Gotta Give: Dying to Live While Trying to Conceive! The link is available below.
Resources:
- Endometriosis Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/418136991574617?ref=share
- Something’s Gotta Give: Dying to Live While Trying to Conceive Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/somethings-gotta-give-dying-to-live-while-trying-to/id1460038519
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingsgottagivettc/
Today’s episode is so powerful! I’m speaking with Karen Finney on all things emotional eating, goal weights, and the blurred lines of disordered eating. Her practical advice wrapped in sharp wit and a loving heart will leave you wanting more. You will laugh, you will cry, you are going to fall in love with this woman!
In this episode you will learn about:
- The question you should ask yourself about your goal weight
- The blurred lines of disordered eating and health
- Why the body bounce back after kids is a lie
Resources:
- Instagram (@karenfinneycoaching): https://www.instagram.com/karenfinneycoaching/
- Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/719361954841053/?ref=share
In today's solo episode:
- I talk about winter seasons and how it is ok to not be ok
Giveaway details: Podcast Giveaway Details
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On today’s episode I’m interviewing health expert, Jennifer Merchant. Jennifer Merchant had never planned on being in the Health industry but through a series of health issues she discovered holistic healing techniques that have reduced the severity of her endometriosis and candida and is now using those techniques to help other women not only survive but thrive! Tune in to find out more!
In this episode you will learn about:
- What an Integrative Health Practitioner is
- The impact of your diet on your overall health
- What are the most common vitamin deficiencies
Resources:
- Chemical Free Product List: https://www.jennifermerchant.com/toxic-free
- Jennifer’s Facebook group where she shares daily tips, motivation, and recipes: https://www.jennifermerchant.com/facebook
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmerch456/
In today's solo episode:
- I talk about transitioning at work while trying to conceive - let me know if you've done it, would love to have you on to chat!
- Hop on my soapbox of the week. I'm giving advice about unsolicited advice. OH THE IRONY!
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I am so excited to introduce today’s guest, Kelly Flynn! Kelly is an amazing soul who goes above and beyond in serving her community. She was a single mom who felt a nudge that there was more to life and decided to become a surrogate to support families who cannot carry their own children into the world. Through that experience, Kelly learned more about the surrogacy process and felt it could be improved. So she has started a surrogacy and egg donation agency with a friend who also was a surrogate. In her spare time, Kelly is growing a PR agency for wellness businesses. This woman is a POWERHOUSE you will not want to miss this episode!
In this episode you will learn about:
- The differences between surrogacy, gestational carrier, and egg donation
- How to choose a surrogacy agency and surrogate
- Kelly’s story on how she became a gestational carrier
Resources:
- Instagram (PR Agency for Wellness Businesses):https://www.instagram.com/curationconsulting/
- Instagram (Surrogacy journey):https://www.instagram.com/making.4.babies/
- Instagram (Surrogacy agency):https://www.instagram.com/hatchedsurrogacy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyflynn110
In today's solo episode:
- I give an update on my fertility journey.
- Hop on my soapbox of the week. Hint: stop waiting and start living is the theme!
- Book Review
Giveaway details: Podcast Giveaway Details
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Book Review: The Women Code by Alisa Vitti
Today’s guest is Dr. Sarah Roseberry, DC. When Sarah was 17 years old she was a professional ballerina (so cool!). While dancing, she broke her hip and was given two options: surgery or chiropractic care and physical therapy. She chose to heal herself via chiropractic care and physical therapy which changed the trajectory of her life. Within 2 months, she was dancing again and knew she wanted to be a chiropractor. In this episode, she shares valuable insight on what chiropractic care can do for your body, her own health scares and the importance of being your own advocate. I hope you love as much as I do!
In this episode you will learn about:
- How chiropractic care can improve your health and fertility
- The importance of being your own health advocate
- Her journey from a possible cancer and endometriosis diagnosis to a clean bill of health
Resources:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drsroseberry
- Central Park West Wellness: www.cpwwellness.com
- International Chiropractic Pediatric Association: www.ICPA4kids.org