Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Lisa Lee, Scientific Director at Thrive Fertility to discuss what happens after egg collection during an IVF cycle. I speak a lot about the importance of creating healthy eggs and sperm but today we delve into what happens after. What happens after your precious egg and sperm are collected?

Dr Lee shares her experience and insights into the intricate process, explaining what happens to eggs and sperm after collection, how they are fertilized, and the factors influencing embryo viability. Dr Lee demystifies grading (AA or CC) and shares her insights into laboratory technologies enhancing fertilization.

Dr Lee also emphasizes the importance of your health in the 90 days leading up to ovulation, when egg and sperm are developing, to optimise both egg and sperm quality at collection, as well as sharing her insights into the technologies and techniques used to enhance embryo development after collection.

This in depth episode offers invaluable insights for anyone considering or undergoing an IVF cycle.

Key Takeaways:

• Role of an Embryologist: Embryologists are crucial in the IVF process, from handling eggs and sperm to fertilization and embryo culture. They are often referred to as the "actual baby makers."
• Egg and Sperm Quality: The quality of eggs and sperm is paramount. Factors such as age and lifestyle significantly impact these gametes, influencing the success of fertilization.
• Embryo Grading: Embryos are graded (AA, BB, CC, etc.) based on the quality of the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm. This ranking helps embryologists choose the best embryos for transfer.
• Advanced Techniques: Cutting-edge techniques like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), laser-assisted hatching, and various sperm preparation methods are used to optimize fertilization and embryo development.
• Communication and Trust: Patients should actively communicate with their medical team and can trust in the regulated and high-standard processes of IVF clinics.

Timestamp Summary

0:03 The Role of an Embryologist in the IVF Process

6:20 The Crucial Role of Embryologists in the IVF Process

15:07 Embryo Development Milestones and Grading for Successful Pregnancy

20:06 Understanding Embryo Grading and Its Impact on IVF Success

23:41 Advanced IVF Technologies Mimic Natural Body Processes

30:33 Navigating the IVF Journey with Trust and Proactive Questions

About the Guest:

Dr. Lisa Lee is the Scientific Director at Thrive Fertility, with a distinguished career spanning multiple fertility clinics across Hong Kong and Australia. Her roles have included leadership and management, as well as research and embryology positions. Dr. Lee has served as a committee member for the professional group Scientists in Reproductive Technology and has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles.

• Dr. Lisa Lee on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lee-5140309b/
• Thrive Fertility: Website - Fertility Treatment Melbourne - Thrive Fertility, Epping

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, Functional Nutritionist Alexandria Devito joins me to  discuss the proactive measures women over 40 can take to boost their fertility wellbeing.  We discuss actionable steps you can take to increase your chances of creating your healthy pregnancy over 40, even after the challenges of failed IVF cycles, miscarriage and natural conception hurdles.

Together we bust the myths around Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and why it should not be used to dictate your fertility potential.  We talk through the various factors affecting fertility, including stress, hormones, and diet, as well as debunking myths surrounding age and conception. You’ll leave this podcast empowered with knowledge and strategies to enhance your reproductive health through targeted testing, nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and understanding the hormone symphony!

About the Guest:

Alexandria DeVito is a renowned

functional nutritionist, author, and entrepreneur with a deep-seated passion

for enhancing preconception health and fertility. She has distinguished herself

as a thought leader in the reproductive wellness arena. DeVito is the creator

behind the book "Nine Months Is Not Enough," which offers a

comprehensive guide to building a fertile body and generational health. She's

also the founder and CEO of Poplin, an innovative pre-pregnancy wellness

company devoted to helping individuals optimise their fertility.

Key Takeaways:

• AMH levels are not indicative of natural fertility; rather, they reflect ovarian reserve in the context of assisted reproductive technology cycles.
• Your body's biological age, influenced by lifestyle and health, can differ significantly from chronological age, impacting reproductive wellness.
• Hormonal balance is crucial, and factors like chronic stress and sleep quality can affect reproductive hormones
• Preconception health is essential for both partners, especially during the 90 days it takes for eggs and sperm to mature.
• Adopting a fertility-friendly lifestyle by reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors and improving diet can enhance egg and sperm quality, regardless of age.

Mentioned in this episode:

The 5 Game Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on Fertility

If you are trying to conceive over 35 or over 40, I have something for you! One of the most common questions I get, is what are the best supplements to boost my chances of conceiving over 40?

So, I’ve put together a comprehensive FREE guide for you – The 5 Game Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on Fertility.

In this guide I deep dive into the top 5 supplements including doses, specific forms of nutrients, ideal reference ranges you should be looking for and more, that have been proven to help reverse the impact of ageing to help you conceive and carry your healthy baby over 40! ACCESS HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I welcome Surrogacy Lawyer Nicole Russell to explore the complexities and nuances of surrogacy in Australia. Nicole Russell is an accomplished surrogacy lawyer and together we delve into a subject often shrouded in mystery and misconception. Seemingly common in celebrity circles, we discuss what surrogacy looks like in the context of Australian law and culture.

Nicole Russell shares her personal surrogacy experience and professional insights into the world of surrogacy, detailing the step-by-step process that intended parents must navigate to start a family via surrogacy in Australia.  Nicole highlights the importance of cultivating strong relationships, mandatory counselling sessions, and the legal frameworks that surround surrogacy. Throughout the podcast, Nicole emphasizes the attainability and positivity of surrogacy when conducted within our country's carefully regulated system.

About

the Guest:

Nicole Russell is an accomplished surrogacy lawyer with a background as a senior commercial litigation and insolvency lawyer at some of Australia's top law firms and as

legal counsel for one of the country's largest financial institutions. After a personal journey through the surrogacy process, Nicole found a new direction in her legal career. She established Russell Walker Lawyers, a firm dedicated to assisting Australians in creating their families through surrogacy arrangements. With firsthand experience as an intended parent in an Australian surrogacy arrangement, Nicole brings a unique and compassionate perspective to her practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Surrogacy in Australia is a legally viable and positive pathway to creating a family, with structured regulations in place to ensure successful outcomes.    

• The foundational relationship between intended parents and the surrogate is crucial for a seamless surrogacy journey, with counselling playing a key role.

• Medical clearance for both intended parents and surrogates is an initial and critical step before proceeding with legal and practical arrangements.

• Surrogacy laws and processes vary by state in Australia, necessitating tailored legal advice and guidance for successful parentage transfer.

• Practical aspects, such as birthing plans and changing dynamics in the third trimester, can present challenges that require patience and adaptability.

CONTACTS FOR NICOLE

Website -

https://www.russellwalkerlaw.com.au/

Email - [email protected]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/russellwalkersurrogacy/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/russellwalkersurrogacy

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

About the Guest(s):

Sarah and her partner embarked on their journey to parenthood later in life, experiencing heartbreak of multiple miscarriages and the devastation of numerous failed IVF treatments before the wonderful natural conception of their daughter, Hattie. With a science background and a knack for research, Sarah was proactive in taking ownership over her fertility journey. As a new Mum to thriving little Hattie, Sarah is kindly sharing her story to help you overcome similar challenges to help create your healthy pregnancy and your happy, healthy baby.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, host Tasha Jennings, a fertility naturopath and nutritionist, leads a heartfelt discussion with Sarah Cumming, whose fertility journey epitomizes courage and the will to pursue every available option towards achieving parenthood. Sarah's candid recount of her experiences, from natural conception efforts to the whirlwind of IVF and nutrition strategies, provides invaluable insights for those navigating a similar path.

Sarah Cumming's personal story begins with the optimism of conceiving naturally and progresses through the trials of recurrent miscarriages and IVF cycles, interlaced with a determination to leave no stone unturned.

She advocates for proactivity in fertility health, especially for women over 35, and integrates scientific evidence into her approach, emphasizing the role of specific dietary modifications and supplements. Following three demanding years of hope and loss, Sarah's story of natural conception and birth of her daughter, Hattie, is a testament to perseverance and the power of hope. She hopes her story can offer hope, advice and inspiration for others on their journey to pregnancy over 35.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of maintaining hope despite the challenges of a fertility journey marked by miscarriages and IVF.
• Embracing dietary and lifestyle changes as a means to improve fertility outcomes, focusing on what can be added to the diet instead of restrictions.
• The effectiveness of combined medical and naturopathic approaches to fertility, acknowledging both science and nutrition.
• The value of being informed and proactive about fertility options, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices.
• Accepting and managing the emotional roller coaster of the fertility journey, including the grief and hope cycles.

Mentioned in this episode:

The 5 Game Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on

Fertility

If you are trying to conceive over 35 or over 40, I have something for you!

One of the most common questions I get, is what are the best supplements to

boost my chances of conceiving over 40?

So, I’ve put together a comprehensive FREE guide for you - The 5 Game

Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on Fertility.

In this guide I deep dive into the top 5 supplements including doses,

specific forms of nutrients, ideal reference ranges you should be looking for

and more, that have been proven to help reverse the impact of ageing to

help you conceive and carry your healthy baby over 40! ACCESS HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I am joined by Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva who provides expert insights into  the transformative advancements in reproductive medicine, particularly international egg donation. Dr. Dorofeyeva brings a wealth of knowledge, having pioneered groundbreaking work in assisted reproduction technologies. Our discussion centres around how international egg donation functions in Australia, the way donors are selected, the detailed information provided about donors, and the prospects of achieving a healthy pregnancy through egg donation.

The rise of egg donation has provided hope for many couples battling insurmountable fertility barriers. Dr. Uliana explains the recruitment and ethical considerations in the process of egg donation in Australia while clarifying the misconceptions around compensation in such arrangements. As we delve deeper into the selection mechanisms, Dr. Uliana talks about the AI-driven processes that enhance the quality and potential of the donor eggs, improving the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

• International egg donation is offering hope to couples facing significant fertility challenges, operating within the legal and ethical frameworks of the respective countries.
• Egg donors are meticulously screened and educated about the process, with their motivation being largely altruistic in nature.
• Advanced AI technology is employed to select high-quality eggs, considering multiple factors to increase the efficacy of egg donation treatments.
• Prospects for successful pregnancies using donor eggs are considerably high, especially with the advancement of AI and thorough genetic testing.
• It's important for the recipient mother to adopt a healthy lifestyle to create an optimal environment for embryo implantation and pregnancy progression.

Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva is an esteemed figure in the realm of assisted reproductive technology with comprehensive expertise in advanced fertility treatments. Her professional journey began with a deep-seated desire to enter the medical field, inspired by the profound impact medical professionals had on saving lives and improving quality of life. Dr. Dorofeyeva's extensive knowledge base covers a multitude of techniques including artificial insemination, ovarian stimulation, embryo transfers, and reproductive medicine. With a focus on the latest research and technologies, she specialises in intricate procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection, assisted hatching, and mitochondrial donations. 

Currently, she is associated with Ovogene, a global European egg bank, and actively engages in assisting international patients with their fertility challenges.

Contact Information:

LinkedIn: Uliana Dorofeyeva https://www.linkedin.com/in/uliana-dorofeyeva?originalSubdomain=ua

Instagram: @dr.uliana.dorofeyeva

Ovogene:

https://www.facebook.com/ovogene.bank

https://www.instagram.com/ovogene.bank/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovogenebank/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCduzzCBc7atXckj40fvWEzg

Mentioned in this episode:

The 5 Game Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on

Fertility

If you are trying to conceive over 35 or over 40, I have something for you!

One of the most common questions I get, is what are the best supplements to

boost my chances of conceiving over 40?

So, I’ve put together a comprehensive FREE guide for you - The 5 Game

Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on Fertility.

In this guide I deep dive into the top 5 supplements including doses,

specific forms of nutrients, ideal reference ranges you should be looking for

and more, that have been proven to help reverse the impact of ageing to

help you conceive and carry your healthy baby over 40! ACCESS HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast IVF and Fertility Specialist Dr. Daniel Lantsberg joins me to dive into the evolving topic of genetic carrier screening in preconception care and IVF. 

Dr Lantsberg shares valuable insights into what genetic carrier screening is and who should consider testing. We also explore how genetic carrier screening can influence reproductive outcomes and the options available to couples who are found to be carriers of genetic conditions. Dr. Lanstberg highlights the accuracy and limitations of genetic testing and discusses the future of genetic screening and potential advancements in the field. This informative episode empowers you with valuable information, enabling you  to make informed decisions.

• Genetic carrier screening is a form of preconception care that can identify the risk of passing on genetic conditions to offspring, even if there’s no known family history of illness.
• Screening is meant for the general population and is ideally done before starting a family to maximize the available preventative options.
• Basic genetic carrier screening in Australia covers the three most common conditions and is now bulk billed by Medicare.
• Expanded screening can test hundreds of genes, offering a higher chance of detecting carrier status but at a higher cost.
• Knowledge from these tests empowers prospective parents to make informed reproductive choices, including IVF with pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) to select healthy embryos.

Dr. Daniel Lantsberg is a respected consultant gynecologist with a specialization in fertility, reproductive endocrinology, and fertility preservation. He serves as the clinical director of education at Melbourne IVF and has a rich professional background with special interests that include elective egg freezing, age-related infertility, unexplained infertility, male infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and fibroids. Dr. Lantsberg’s commitment to reproductive health extends to his role at the Reproductive Services Unit at the Royal Women’s Hospital, as well as a senior lecturer position at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

You can find out more about Dr Daniel Lantsberg at the links below.

Website

Facebook Page

Instagram

Egg Freezing Melbourne Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

The 5 Game Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on

Fertility

If you are trying to conceive over 35 or over 40, I have something for you!

One of the most common questions I get, is what are the best supplements to

boost my chances of conceiving over 40?

So, I’ve put together a comprehensive FREE guide for you - The 5 Game

Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on Fertility.

In this guide I deep dive into the top 5 supplements including doses,

specific forms of nutrients, ideal reference ranges you should be looking for

and more, that have been proven to help reverse the impact of ageing to

help you conceive and carry your healthy baby over 40! ACCESS HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, my wonderful colleague, fellow Fertility Naturopath Rhiannon Hardingham joins me to discuss the unique challenges and solutions involved in managing endometriosis and creating a healthy pregnancy.  

Endometriosis is common yet often misunderstood condition that impacts millions of women, yet diagnosis can take an average of 7 years or more, with considerable suffering in between. 

We dive into the complex nature of endometriosis, and explore how this condition extends far beyond its diagnosis of ‘misplaced endometrial tissue’. With a focus on practical resolutions, we unpack the underlying drivers including immune dysregulation, inflammation, and the intertwining of genetics and microbiome health and draw a clear picture of what you can do to reduce symptoms, improve fertility, and increase your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. 

Expert Guest - Rhiannon Hardingham is a renowned naturopath, presenter, practitioner, educator, mentor, and author with over 16 years of experience specialising in infertility and IVF support. She has made significant strides in the integration of natural and conventional medicine, often working alongside top fertility doctors in Melbourne to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Rhiannon is a respected voice in her field, routinely invited to present on collaborative patient care to medical specialists and naturopaths. She also fulfils her passion for education by providing professional mentoring to functional medicine practitioners. Authorship is among her achievements; co-authoring "Create a Fertile Life," a preconception healthcare guide, stands as a testament to her commitment and expertise in fertility health.

Website: https://www.rhreproductivehealth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhihardingham/

Key Takeaways

• Endometriosis is more than just tissue growth outside the uterus; it involves immune dysregulation and microbiome dysbiosis, making it a multifactorial condition.
• Diagnostic strategies for endometriosis include ultrasound, laparoscopy, CA-125 blood tests, and there is an emerging role for MRI assessments.
• Diet and lifestyle modifications, such as consuming high-fibre foods and omega-3-rich fish, avoiding processed foods, and engaging in regular exercise, can have significant impacts on managing endometriosis.
• The microbiome plays a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammation and immunity; specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, reuteri, and crispatus are beneficial for uterine health.
• Individualised approaches in treatment, testing, and supplementation, including considerations for hormone clearance pathways, are critical for optimal outcomes in managing endometriosis and fertility challenges.

Mentioned in this episode:

The 5 Game Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on

Fertility

If you are trying to conceive over 35 or over 40, I have something for you!

One of the most common questions I get, is what are the best supplements to

boost my chances of conceiving over 40?

So, I’ve put together a comprehensive FREE guide for you - The 5 Game

Changing Supplements Reversing the Impact of Ageing on Fertility.

In this guide I deep dive into the top 5 supplements including doses,

specific forms of nutrients, ideal reference ranges you should be looking for

and more, that have been proven to help reverse the impact of ageing to

help you conceive and carry your healthy baby over 40! ACCESS HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

Top 10 Foods to Boost Fertility with Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, 1 in 7 women in Australia, causing pain, infertility and emotional distress. Yet diagnosis can take an average of 7 years.

We are exposed to hundreds of thousands of chemicals each and every day. What impact is this having on our ability to create a healthy pregnancy?

As my guest today, embryologist Lucy Lines explains, it has a big impact and we need to take action now.

Lucy is an embryologist who likes to describe herself as a Fertility Educator and an IVF Advocate, with her sole purpose being to help women and couples find the information they’re searching for, in the knowledge that it is science based, comes from a reputable source and from someone who isn't trying to sell you anything more.

I have previously interviewed Lucy about the biology of what’s needed to create a healthy pregnancy. Today, we’re discussing all the chemicals we are exposed to in our modern world and how they can:

• Reduce egg quality

• Reduce sperm health

• Affect our risk of miscarriage

• Reduce our ability to create a healthy pregnancy.

In this episode Lucy explains what endocrine disrupting chemicals and the specific impact they are having on the creation of healthy sperm, healthy eggs and a healthy pregnancy.

Unfortunately, the release of chemicals to market is largely unregulated, which means we need to take matters into our own hands.

If you would like to work further with Lucy or join her DetoxWTF Program, you can find more details here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast I have the pleasure of speaking with one of my lovely patients Emily Gentles.

Emily started her fertility journey at 41 and was greeted with some pretty scary statistics about her chances. After failed IVF cycles and miscarriage, it felt like a near impossible task.

Emily is kindly sharing her story to help others who are on their journey to pregnancy over 40.

Emily he openly shares

• The challenges she faced trying to conceive over 40

• Being told her test results were all ‘fine’

• Advised that IVF was really her only option

• In Emily’s words “we failed really badly at IVF!”

• Her struggle through multiple miscarriage

• The toll it took, physically and emotionally

• The specific steps she took to improve her chances

• The importance of having her partner involved in the journey

• Her joy at conceiving naturally

• Her journey through a healthy pregnancy and birth at 43

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Tamara Hunter, a Certified Specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI) based in Perth. Dr Hunter is dedicated to identifying and addressing reproductive health concerns and guiding her patients through personalized treatment options.

We discuss the updated ESHRE guidelines on recurrent implantation failure and implantation failure testing and treatment. Dr Hunter shares her insights into these updates around recurrent implantation failure.

We discuss

• What the new guidelines really mean for you

• Which testing options are best

• Alternative testing methods, their evidence and efficacy

• The impact of the uterine microbiome on implantation

• PLUS proactive ways you can help advocate for yourself, overcome recurrent implantation failure and create your healthy pregnancy

I hope you enjoy this informative discussion!

You can find out more about Dr Hunter at her website https://www.drtamarahunter.com.au/

Mentioned in this episode:

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide