In this very special episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I sit down with the beautiful Sonia Magliocchi to share a journey that is as heart-wrenching as it is inspiring — a story of deep love, devastating loss, and incredible resilience on the road to motherhood.

Sonia generously shares her deeply personal journey through IVF with her partner Paul. After three IVF cycles, Sonia and Paul were left with one beautiful embryo. Tragically, Paul passed away suddenly. But in the midst of her grief, Sonia knew that she wanted to continue the journey they had started together. She made the decision to transfer their one precious embryo—who they had lovingly called Molly.

It’s at that time, Sonia reached out to me to help her prepare for her transfer at 48 years of age.

Sonia is now the proud mum of her beautiful daughter, Molly Rose and in this episode she shares with us the emotional complexity of making that decision, how she prepared her body for pregnancy, and what helped her stay grounded through it all.

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, expert Fertility Naturopath and Nutritionist Tasha Jennings engages in an eye-opening discussion with colleague Wendy Burke, about the relationship between GLP1 agonists like Ozempic and fertility.

Initially developed for diabetes management, these medications have surged in popularity for their weight loss benefits, potentially, indirectly, positively impacting pregnancy outcomes.

The episode delves into how these medications work, their safety, side effects and critical support strategies.

Throughout the episode, Tasha and Wendy examine the evolving landscape of utilizing GLP1 agonists beyond their traditional applications. Addressing key concerns around metabolic health, weight management, and fertility, they provide insights into the use of these medications as potential enhancers of fertility through weight loss and inflammation reduction.

However, they emphasize that these are not standalone solutions but part of an integrative approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and possibly other supportive medications or supplements to help ensure the best outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Complex Effects on Fertility: GLP1 agonists like Ozempic, though not initially intended for fertility use, impact fertility by managing weight and metabolic health, aiding in improved reproductive outcomes.
• Gut-Health Connection: The release and function of GLP1 agonists are closely linked with gut health, affecting inflammatory responses and overall metabolic function.
• Integrated Approach is Vital: Successful outcomes with GLP1 agonists require a comprehensive plan, including diet, exercise, and medical monitoring, rather than relying solely on medication.
• Potential Candidates: Women with PCOS or those with insulin resistance might benefit significantly from these medications when used in a holistic treatment plan.
• Precautionary Measures: This episode delves into the importance of planning, preparation, understanding side effects, limitations, the crucial impact of gut health and holistically supporting metabolic health as well as ensuring a monitored withdrawal before conception.

About the Guest:

Wendy Burke is a mum, a wife and a perimenopausal human who also happens to be a naturopath and business owner. She is the owner of the Healthy Hormone Naturopath located in Brisbane, which is a clinic that loves to treat all things female hormones from vaginal infections, menstrual concerns, fertility right through to menopause.

Previously in corporate and once a very unhealthy person. Her own experience of recovering from postnatal depression through diet and lifestyle changes is what prompted her to go back and retrain as a naturopath. And recently, fascinated by the rise in this new class of weight loss medications, and with her background of living in a larger body providing a unique perspective on them, she has spent hundreds of hours pouring through the research so she can support her patients and now kindly sharing her insights with us.

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Jon and Laura Summers, the powerhouse couple behind Infertility Man. Jon and Laura’s journey through infertility has been one of resilience, hope, and a shared commitment to helping others. After Jon’s battle with testicular cancer, he was told he could never father a biological child. Together, he and Laura embarked on a challenging fertility journey—27 egg retrievals, two surgeries, thousands of injections—and, against all odds, welcomed their daughter in 2021.

Their story has resonated with thousands, as they openly shared the highs and lows of their experience online, building a supportive community for couples facing similar struggles.

In this personal, proactive and practical discussion we talk through the emotionally tumultuous 'two-week wait'—the period between ovulation or IVF transfer and finding out if you are pregnant! Together we discuss how couples can navigate their way through this challenging phase, maintain their mental health, and nurture relationships amid the anxiety and uncertainty. John and Laura bring their personal journey to the forefront, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective filled with resilience and hope, whilst also offering practical strategies to help you.

John and Laura also open up about the emotional toll of their infertility journey and share their insights to help support you on your journey. We talk about proactive strategies, such as focused distractions, planned communication, and supportive companionship. Jon and Laura bring to light the importance of selecting a supportive network and having open, blame-free communication between partners.

Key Takeaways:

• Proactive Medical Consultation: Seek medical advice early if there are concerns about fertility. Do not wait the recommended six months to a year.
• Strategise and Support: Use planned distractions and supportive measures like "baby making meetups" to deal with emotional stress.
• Stay Hopeful: Holding on to hope is crucial during the two-week wait and beyond, as it won't lessen the pain but can provide strength.
• Blame-Free Relationship: It's important to work as a team and not assign blame to one's partner for fertility issues.
• Curate Your Support Network: Be selective about who you allow into your fertility journey, ensuring they can provide the right support.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're still in the game, we're still in the game." – This mantra helped John and Laura maintain hope and resilience throughout their fertility journey.
• "If you want to be a parent, you will find a way to be a parent." – Laura emphasises hope and determination in achieving parenthood.
• "There’s nothing you can do, it’s done." – John advises surrendering to the process during the two-week wait.
• "Love people, but have some boundaries." – Laura underscores the importance of setting boundaries with those not sensitive to your journey.

Resources:

• Connect with John and Laura Summers and explore more about their advocacy work at Infertility Man on Instagram.
• Learn more about navigating male and female infertility with their book, "The Man's Guide to Infertility," available at various booksellers.

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I welcome Joanna Sampieri, a courageous advocate and leader in the fertility community known for her honest account of her own fertility journey. Joanna's openness about her multiple IVF attempts, the decision to use donor eggs, and the ultimate joy she has found in motherhood, inspires thousands of women grappling with fertility and IVF uncertainties.

Joanna discusses the complex world of IVF and donor conception as she opens up about about her own journey to motherhood, which began at age 43. Amidst the challenging backdrop of COVID-19, Joanna openly discusses the trials faced, including several failed IVF cycles and the emotional aftermath of a pregnancy loss.

Joanna's decision to use donor eggs overseas marked a pivotal turning point. She shares practical insights into sourcing donor eggs and the process of integrating international IVF treatment. Her experience highlights the significance of epigenetics, the selection process for a donor, and the support from professionals that facilitated their path to parenthood. Joanna's story is one of resilience, courage, and the unwavering love that defines family beyond genetics.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating Fertility Challenges: Joanna Sampieri's journey involved numerous IVF cycles and the emotional toll of fertility struggles, showcasing the resilience required to persevere.
• Decision for Donor Eggs: Her pivotal moment came with the decision to use donor eggs, a choice met with emotional and logistical challenges but ultimately resulting in two healthy children.
• Overseas IVF during COVID-19: The process of selecting a clinic abroad during the pandemic presented unique obstacles including travel logistics and managing cycles remotely.
• Mindset and Support: Joanna emphasizes the critical role of mental health support, open communication with her partner, and setting aside quality time to maintain a strong relationship amidst fertility treatments.
• Motherhood Beyond Genetics: Joanna reflects on her profound love for her children conceived with donor eggs, asserting that genetics do not define family.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I look at Charles and Chiara, and I wouldn't change a thing. I literally would not want my own eggs to have worked because I wouldn't have this beautiful boy and beautiful girl."
2. "Most women go through 3, 4, 8 collections, 5, 6 transfers before they get their baby. It's not a guarantee, unfortunately."
3. "Family is not defined by genetics; it's created out of love."
4. "If you're on the fence, just do it. Time is ticking, and in your heart of hearts, you know when it's time to move forward."
5. "There's no way in the world that you can look at this baby that you carry and not love it a thousand million percent, if not more, because you know what you sacrificed for them.”

RESOURCES:

• Joanna’s Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ivf_mumma_tribe/
• Tasha’s Fertility over 40 Guide - https://tashajennings.com.au/fertilityover40/

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I am joined by fellow fertility naturopath Jacqui Lamplugh to discuss the role of progesterone in fertility, pregnancy and miscarriage.

We hear a lot about the importance of progesterone but is low progesterone a cause of miscarriage, or is it a symptom of an underlying issue? What does progesterone actually do? How can you support low progesterone levels? We unpack all this and more, giving you specific insights into how you can help improve hormone balance and reduce your risk of miscarriage.

Jacqui Lamplugh is a fertility naturopath and reproductive medicine expert. With over a decade of experience, Jacqui specialises in miscarriage prevention and supporting women experiencing pregnancy loss. Her journey into this field was shaped by her own experience with early pregnancy loss, which instilled in her a passion to provide better support and investigation into miscarriage causes.

Key Takeaways:

• Progesterone is essential for maintaining a pregnancy but is not the primary marker for pregnancy success; its levels can fluctuate.
• Low progesterone is often a symptom rather than the root cause of a miscarriage; its levels typically drop when a pregnancy is non-viable.
• Potential signs of low progesterone include a short luteal phase, luteal spotting, and symptoms like PMS, pointing towards further investigation.
• Lifestyle and nutritional supplementation, such as with vitamin B6, vitamin C, and Chaste Tree, can support progesterone levels but should be part of a comprehensive fertility plan.
• Testing for progesterone levels should be conducted seven days post-ovulation for accuracy.

Notable Quotes:

• "Progesterone is that like pro-gestation hormone and it is there to hold that endometrial lining steady waiting for implantation."
• "We can't ignore the importance of thyroid; an underactive thyroid can impact progesterone levels."
• "Even if it is chromosomal issues as to why the miscarriage happened - there are markers we can be testing."
• "Bad luck is not a diagnosis; it's not a treatment plan."
• "With the science and knowledge we have, we can identify the cause of 99% of miscarriages."

Resources:

• More about Jacqui Lamplugh's work: www.jacquilamplugh.com
• Episode mentioned - Fertility and the Immune System with Professor Sarah Robertson

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, host Tasha Jennings speaks with Alex Crisp, a MasterChef Australia star and dedicated ambassador for Endometriosis Australia. In light of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Alex opens up about her challenging journey to diagnosis after years of debilitating pain which took 13 years to identify as stage five endometriosis. Together we explore the transformative power of food and nutrition in managing endometriosis symptoms and the importance of awareness and early diagnosis.

We unpack how Alex utilises food not only as a source of nourishment but as a crucial part of her management plan for endometriosis. Discussing the role of diet in controlling inflammation and hormone regulation, Alex shares insights into her personal experiences with food's impact on her health. The discussion highlights the need for wider understanding and better diagnosis processes, as well as Alex's advocacy work as a means to support and empower others in the journey towards health and wellness amidst chronic illness.

ABOUT MY GUEST

Alex Crisp is an esteemed Australian chef and a former contestant from the popular television show, MasterChef Australia. Besides her culinary achievements, Alex is a dedicated advocate for endometriosis awareness. Diagnosed with stage five endometriosis in 2020 after enduring years of debilitating symptoms, she has transformed her life through the effective use of food as a tool to manage her condition. As an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia, Alex leverages her platform to raise awareness and support others in similar situations.

Key Takeaways:

• Alex Crisp discusses the lengthy and challenging journey leading to her diagnosis with stage five endometriosis after 13 years of debilitating and misdiagnosed symptoms.
• The power of food and nutrition is highlighted as a significant part of managing endometriosis, emphasising the importance of a diet that reduces inflammation and balances hormones.
• Misdiagnosis of endometriosis symptoms is common, leading to years of untreated pain and suffering for many women worldwide.
• The episode shares Alex's advocacy work with Endometriosis Australia, focusing on raising awareness and supporting others with similar struggles.
• Mental well-being and self-advocacy play critical roles in managing chronic health conditions like endometriosis, stressing the importance of trusting one’s instincts and seeking multiple medical opinions.

Notable Quotes:

• "Food has very much been the backbone of everything in my life... and being able to whip something up in the kitchen... it's literally like, you know, how different foods can trigger different reactions in your body." – Alex Crisp
• "Painful periods are not normal. Endometriosis is definitely a very experienced condition." – Alex Crisp
• "It's very much a subconscious thing... give her some credit, give her a cuddle and uplift her and recognize that what she's going through is hard and in a way it's really validating." – Alex Crisp
• "One conversation to change your life and I'm kind of living proof of that. So people get talking." – Alex Crisp
• "Trust your gut for a start. And second, it's get, you know, don't settle at one opinion. You hunt it until you feel satisfied." – Alex Crisp

Resources:

1. More about Alex - https://alexcrisp.com.au/ https://endometriosisaustralia.org/alex-crisp/
2. Follow Alex on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexcrisp__/?hl=en
3. Alex Crisp's recipes for managing endometriosis symptoms - https://endometriosisaustralia.org/alex-crisp-masterchef-recipes/
4. Tasha Jennings' free endo foods guide is available at www.tashajennings.com/endofoods.

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, the spotlight is on the inspiring journey of Angie Kent, a beloved figure in Australian media. Angie Kent, widely recognised for her spirited appearances on shows like "Gogglebox" and "The Bachelorette" as well as resident upcycle queen on the Nine Network’s “Space Invaders”, is now sharing her personal path toward solo motherhood on the Channel Nine show, "Big Miracles." At the age of 34, single and facing multiple fertility-related conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis adenomyosis and PMDD, Angie has decided to take her future into her own hands. She is undergoing IVF in the hope of creating and freezing embryos she can use for her future family.

This heartfelt interview delves into Angie's ongoing battle with multiple reproductive health conditions with Angie bravely and openly sharing how these challenges have shaped her decisions and outlook on life. Her story offers both a ray of hope and a source of solidarity for many listeners facing similar struggles. Angie provides encouragement and practical advice for women navigating the complexities of invisible illnesses, fertility and reproductive challenges. Throughout the episode, Tasha and Angie explore topics such as self-awareness, self-care, and the importance of understanding one's body and actively preparing for pregnancy, empowering listeners with the knowledge that despite the challenges, there is always a pathway to motherhood and self-fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust Your Body: Angie's story emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your health when dealing with chronic, invisible illnesses.
• Preparation and Support: Comprehensive preparation and supportive networks are crucial in navigating the intricate process of IVF, especially when dealing with reproductive health issues.
• Empowerment and Self-Love: Embracing one's own journey and deriving strength from it is vital; Angie's decision to pursue solo motherhood exemplifies self-empowerment and self-love.
• Breaking Stigmas: Highlighting the societal pressures and the importance of breaking away from traditional expectations conveys the message of crafting one's own version of happiness.
• Emotional Resilience: Angie's experience serves as a reminder of the emotional highs and lows involved in fertility treatments and the significance of persistence and resilience.

1. Angie Kent: "I am my person and I can create this for myself."
2. Angie Kent: "People need to know that period pain is not normal."
3. Tasha Jennings: "You are running a marathon on the other end. You're building a new human being."
4. Angie Kent: "You know your body better than anyone, even if you don't know the fancy medical terms."
5. Angie Kent: "I'd rather take the chance than have the regret."

• Angie Kent on Instagram (@angiekent_): AngieKent
• Angleon Facebook
• "Big Miracles" TV Show: Tune in on Channel Nine
• Angie onTikTok
• Tasha Jennings - Your Fertile Pantry Online Program: Tasha Jennings Website

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I speak with experienced embryologist Dr. Tiki Ozianlis who shares her insights into embryo development.

If you've been with me for a while, you know I’m passionate about the crucial 90 days before ovulation, where we have the opportunity to really boost the health of your egg and sperm to optimise your chances of creating a healthy embryo and a healthy pregnancy.

In this episode we're dive into what happens next in the context of an IVF cycle. When you’ve hopefully done some great preparation work, to create the healthiest egg and sperm you can, your eggs have been collected and fertilised and now you’re crossing your fingers, toes and anything else you can to see what happens next. And that’s what we cover right here.

What happens to those precious embryos as they develop in the lab? How are they graded and what does the grading mean? What’s the difference between transferring a day 3 embryo and a day 5 embryo? And what PGT Testing and mosaic embryos—how does that fit into the picture?

We’ll be diving into all these questions and more today, with Dr. Tiki Osianlis. Dr. Osianlis has been at the forefront of embryology for over 18 years now, working with some of Melbourne’s most renowned IVF providers.

She’s also an adjunct Senior Lecturer with Monash Health’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, where she enjoys guiding the next generation of researchers in the fields of sperm and egg interaction and embryo selection.

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Tiki Ozianlis is a distinguished embryologist with over 18 years of experience in the field. She has been instrumental in advancing embryology in Melbourne's leading IVF clinics. Dr. Ozianlis also serves as an adjunct senior lecturer at Monash Health's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, where she mentors upcoming researchers in the domain of sperm and egg interaction and embryo selection. As the Scientific Director at Newlife IVF, Dr. Osianlis leads the charge in applying cutting-edge science and technology to reproductive care, ensuring patients receive the very best that modern embryology has to offer.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding developmental stages and grading of embryos are crucial for IVF success, with expansion, inner cell mass, and trophectoderm quality all playing key roles.
• Egg quality significantly influences embryo development, highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyle choices prior to IVF cycles.
• Genetic testing of embryos, including insights on mosaic embryos, offers a window into chromosomal normalcy but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Lifestyle factors, especially for male sperm health, can directly impact embryo viability and should not be underestimated.
• Open communication with embryologists can provide valuable insights for patients, offering clarity and empowerment throughout their IVF journey.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Embryos do have their own developmental potential…every embryo has its own developmental potential." - Dr. Tiki Osianlis
2. "Egg quality is huge. And that also is one of the number one factors affecting IVF success." - Dr. Tiki Osianlis
3. "If the embryo is suitable for transfer or freezing, it means that the embryologist has deemed it a viable embryo and that's the most important thing." - Dr. Tiki Osianlis
4. "And I do want to say that every embryologist that I've ever come across, and I've seen many of them, genuinely care about what they're doing and they care so much about the patients." - Dr. Tiki Osianlis
5. "The embryos are always showing you something different." - Dr. Tiki Osianlis

Resources:

• New Life IVF - Learn more about the cutting-edge work being done at Dr. Tiki Osianlis's clinic.
• Reach out to Dr. Tiki Osianlis via Monash Health or New Life IVF for further insights and consultations.

In the first episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast for 2025, I am joined by the wonderful Tracey Anderson Askew, a distinguished educator in breathing retraining and parenting, who sheds light on a fundamental yet overlooked aspect of our physiology—breathing. Together we explore how intentional breathing techniques can alleviate stress, lower cortisol levels and boost blood flow, which can ultimately enhance fertility and overall reproductive health.

We discuss the connection between breath and the nervous system, revealing how different breathing patterns affect us both physically and emotionally. Tracey introduces practical strategies to combat over-breathing—a common yet misunderstood practice and distinguishes between typical breathwork and breathing retraining.  Her practical advice will be a game-changer if you’re struggling to fall pregnant.

Tracey Anderson Askew is a seasoned teacher, hypnotherapist, breathing retrainer, and educator specialising in childbirth and parenting. She is the director of Transform Parenting and the former director of the Better Breathing Centre in Canberra. With over two decades of experience, Tracey has assisted more than 6,000 new parents with her face-to-face and online workshops. As a mother of four, she combines her vast knowledge and personal insights to guide families through pregnancy and early parenting. Her expertise in breathing retraining aims to enhance physiological wellness and subsequently, reproductive health.

Key Takeaways:

• Breathing is a powerful, free resource that plays a critical role in managing stress and supporting fertility.
• Breathing retraining helps to optimise oxygen utilisation and reduce stress.
• Nose breathing and maintaining an upright posture are cornerstones of optimal breathing habits.
• Over-breathing can lead to lower CO2 levels, impacting the body’s ability to utilise oxygen effectively.
• Simple changes in breathing technique can significantly influence physiological states and promote both relaxation and reproductive health.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The pathway to the deep relaxation response, or one of the most direct pathways, is the breath."
2. "The opposite to the stress response is what’s called the deep relaxation response."
3. "The myth is that CO2 is just a waste gas. No, it's actually vital for oxygenation processes."
4. "Nose breathing is generally much calmer and signals to the body that you're not being chased by a tiger."
5. "When you're stressed, you get dumber because you can't access your whole brain."

In this bonus episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I invite several women within my community, whose advice I trust, to provide their real life advice for you. From personal tips to professional advice, this episode has been created to help you navigate the emotional challenges the festive season can bring while facing fertility struggles.

The episode features contributions from notable community figures including Joanna Sampieri, known on Instagram as IVF Mumma Tribe, Rachael Casella from Macenzies Mission, who you can find on Instagram as My Life of Love, Trish Tselepi from Pink Elephants support, Fertility Psychologist Cath Corcoran and we also have someone my patients would know well and that’s Emilee Nichols, Emilee is my Patient Care Coordinator and Marketing Coordinator who experienced her own IVF journey.

These beautiful guests have kindly taken the time to offer their practical tips and advice around managing difficult conversations, finding time for self care, emphasising the importance of being kind to yourself and finding moments of joy.

Resources:

• Rachael Casella - www.instagram.com/mylifeof_love
• Pink Elephants Support Network - https://www.instagram.com/pinkelephantssupport/

https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/

• Fertility Psychologist Cath Corcoran - www.instagram.com/cathcorcoranpsychologist
• Joanna Sampieri - www.instagram.com/ivf_mumma_tribe