Are you preparing for an egg retrieval and feeling unsure about what to expect? Curious about what you should—and shouldn’t—do on the day of your procedure? 

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine walks through everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your egg retrieval. She’s covering the logistics, physical and emotional readiness, and what matters most before, during, and after the procedure. 

All this information will help reduce anxiety and ensure a comfortable and more informed experience. This is a must-listen for those at the beginning of IVF or those simply looking to understand the egg retrieval process better. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:16] Understanding the process

[1:42] Preparing for the “day of”

[4:05] During the procedure

[12:52]  Post-retrieval care

[15:09] Next steps

[17:08] Final thoughts & some encouragement

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Are you wondering whether freezing eggs or embryos is the better choice for fertility preservation? How has freezing technology changed and advanced? What are the ethical, financial, and emotional factors behind this important decision?

In this episode of Brave and Curious, host Dr. Lora Shahine takes a deep dive into the complex and personal decision of egg vs. embryo freezing. With a thoughtful look at the evolution of fertility preservation, she compares past practices with today’s cutting-edge technologies, helping listeners understand how far the field has come and what options are now available.

You’ll gain a better understanding of the pros and cons of freezing eggs versus embryos, including important medical, ethical, and legal factors. Dr. Shahine also explores possible future challenges—like legal disputes over embryo use—and breaks down the financial costs and access issues involved.

You may be surprised by some of the tips and will finish the episode better informed about your choices.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:16] Eggs vs. Embryos

[1:11] Advancements in freezing technology

[4:33] Egg freezing: pros & cons

[9:08] Embryo freezing: pros & cons

[11:19] Final thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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What role do prenatal vitamins play in fertility and pregnancy? When should you start taking them to support a healthy pregnancy? And how do you choose the best prenatal vitamin with the right nutrients?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Shahine explores the essential role of prenatal vitamins in supporting both fertility and pregnancy. She explains the importance of these supplements, when to start taking them, the difference between folic acid and folate, and what key nutrients to look for. She also discusses recommended daily intakes and how different vitamins—like folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA—contribute to the health of both mother and baby.

Listeners will learn how to evaluate the quality of prenatal supplements and ensure they meet expert guidelines, including recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Whether you're trying to conceive or already pregnant, this episode is full of the knowledge to make informed choices about prenatal nutrition.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:09] Why prenatal vitamins are essential

[2:43] When should you start taking a prenatal vitamin?

[3:32] Key nutrients in prenatal vitamins

• Folic acid vs folate
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Others

[15:21] Choosing the right prenatal vitamin brand

[15:55] Making an informed choice 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Have you ever wondered what a semen analysis actually measures? What do the numbers mean, and how do you know if the results are normal? If something is off, what are the possible causes, and what can be done about it?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down everything you need to know about semen analysis and its role in fertility evaluations. She explains the key measurements, what’s considered normal, and why male factor infertility is an important part of the conception journey.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of semen analysis results, learn how to prepare for the test, and discover what steps to take if results indicate potential concerns. Dr. Shahine also shares practical advice on treatment options and essential questions to ask your doctor, ensuring you feel informed and empowered in your fertility

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:55] Importance of semen analysis in fertility

[2:17] Understanding results

[5:48] Factors affecting sperm count

[12:00] Motility and morphology explained

[19:07] Next steps and treatment options

[21:41] Questions to ask your doctor

[22:44] Closing thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Have you ever wondered if your menstrual bleeding is heavier than normal? What are the key signs that your flow might be excessive? How can you best prepare for a doctor’s visit if you suspect something isn’t right?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine covers the topic of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and how to determine whether your bleeding is abnormal. She explains what constitutes a normal period, highlights seven clues that signal excessive bleeding, and explores the various potential causes of menorrhagia.

You’ll learn practical strategies for tracking your cycle, why keeping a list of medications and supplements matters, and how small lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms while awaiting medical care. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:20] What is ‘normal’ period bleeding?

[2:58] Seven clues for deciding if bleeding is abnormal

[4:34] Causes of heavy menstrual bleeding

[6:40] Preparing for a visit to your doctor

[7:51] Tips for managing heavy bleeding

[9:28] Final thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Welcome to Brave & Curious with Dr. Lora Shahine: new name, same trusted information.

The mission behind Baby or Bust is not changing! It is still Dr. Shahine’s passion to educate and teach about women’s health and fertility. The new show, Brave & Curious, will continue to explore fertility and reproductive health. 

AND it is also expanding to include broader wellness topics that impact individuals on their reproductive journeys and beyond. With this evolution, Dr. Shahine aims to foster a space where listeners can embrace both bravery and curiosity in navigating their personal health experiences.

In this episode, Dr. Shahine shares her vision for Brave & Curious and what listeners can expect from the new format. The podcast will feature insightful expert interviews, providing medical and holistic perspectives on reproductive health and wellness. 

Additionally, she will highlight personal stories from patients and individuals who have faced fertility challenges, offering real-life experiences that inspire and inform.

Dr. Shahine strongly believes that women need a space like Brave & Curious. 

Why?  

So we can share knowledge and experiences to empower individuals navigating fertility and reproductive health. So we can highlight the roles bravery and curiosity play in advocating for our own wellness.

Brave & Curious is here to guide and empower you. Thanks for being here.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:15] Why is Baby or Bust now Brave & Curious?

[00:51] Bravery and curiosity in fertility

[2:09] What should you expect from Brave & Curious?

[3:17] Let’s build community

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Are you in the dreaded two-week wait and wondering what symptoms to look for? How can you tell the difference between early pregnancy signs and normal cycle symptoms? What are the most common mistakes people make when testing for pregnancy too early?

In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is easing your uncertainty around the two-week wait, explaining the early signs of pregnancy and how they relate to different phases of the menstrual cycle. She explains the role of progesterone, potential implantation symptoms, and what to expect during this time.

Dr. Shahine also shares the biggest misconceptions about detecting pregnancy early and provides expert advice on the best ways to test accurately. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of their body, practical tips for symptom interpretation, and the reasons it’s so important to consult a medical professional for guidance. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:10] Understanding the menstrual cycle

[3:02] Recognizing early pregnancy signs

[6:00] Common mistakes

[9:13] Closing thoughts

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

How long does the IVF process take from start to finish? What are the key stages involved in egg freezing versus embryo creation? What factors can influence the overall timeline to pregnancy?

In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Laura Shahine breaks down the IVF process and its timeline, to help you navigate this complex journey. She explains the four main stages of IVF: the compliance checklist, preparation for stimulation, the stimulation cycle, and for those pursuing embryo creation, the embryo transfer stage.

There are some factors that impact the timeline. So it’s important to understand clinic availability and protocols, set realistic expectations, and do some financial and medical preparations. You can’t really “plan” much during IVF, but this episode can at least help you with a realistic timeline. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:48] Understanding the IVF process

[2:07]  Compliance checklist

[6:37]  Preparation phase

[8:41] Stimulation cycle

[11:31] Embryo transfer and final steps

[16:14] Factors that impact the timeline

[17:35] Clinic policies and timing

[22:04] Keeping your expectations realistic

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Are you wondering how to improve your egg quality for better fertility outcomes? What impact do toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices have on reproductive health? And how can you take proactive steps without feeling overwhelmed or restricted?

In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down five actionable steps to support and improve egg quality. 

She explains the role of limiting harmful toxins (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana) and reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors (BPA and phthalates). She also highlights the importance of managing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and considering antioxidant-rich supplements to support reproductive health.

This episode will give listeners a clear understanding of what egg quality is, why it matters, and how age and other factors influence fertility. You will hear practical, science-backed strategies for enhancing your reproductive health AND learn how to balance the journey with joy and flexibility.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:46] Understanding egg quality

[1:21] Factors affecting egg quality

[7:30] 5 Tips to improve egg quality

[12:35] Supplements are important

[14:27] A little encouragement

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Did you know there are ten types of miscarriage?! What are they? When it comes to a loss, does it really matter what kind of miscarriage you’ve experienced? (Hint: yes it does.) And how can proper diagnosis and evaluation help those facing recurrent miscarriages? 

In this episode, Dr. Shahine breaks down the ten different types of miscarriage, including early and late, clinical and biochemical, threatened, missed, inevitable, complete, septic, and recurrent miscarriages. 

She shares the information from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine on recurrent pregnancy loss and discusses the importance of proper evaluation for those who have experienced multiple losses.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the causes of miscarriage, the importance of proper medical care, and the reassurance that pregnancy loss is never the fault of the person experiencing it. This episode provides knowledge, empathy, and practical guidance for those facing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:51] Understanding miscarriage

[2:33] Emotional impact and misconceptions of pregnancy loss

[4:07 ] Detailed breakdown of miscarriage types

• Timing-Based Miscarriage Types

• Clinical vs. Biochemical Miscarriages

• Labels and Descriptions of Miscarriages

• Recurrent Miscarriage

[17:42] Conclusion & final thoughts

Resources mentioned: 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books