A few weeks after welcoming my son into the world, I sat down with my doula, Mindan from Harbour City Doulas, to reflect on one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

Together, we revisit my home birth from two very different perspectives. I share what I experienced as the birthing mother, while Mindan offers the unique insight of someone who was there to support, observe, and guide me through every stage of labor.

From the comfort of my couch, with baby Harlan in our arms, we talk about the unfolding of labor, the emotions, the unexpected moments, and the incredible support that made our home birth possible.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How labor unfolded from both of our perspectives
• The role of a doula during pregnancy, labor, and birth
• What surprised us throughout the birth experience
• The importance of feeling safe, supported, and informed during labor
• Lessons we both took away from my birth
• The early days of postpartum and adjusting to life with a newborn

Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or simply love hearing honest birth stories, this conversation offers a candid look at what birth can be when you're surrounded by a supportive team and trusted care providers.

And yes, you'll hear Harlan throughout the episode. At just a few weeks old, he joined us for the recording, making this conversation an authentic snapshot of the beautiful, messy, sleep-deprived, love-filled postpartum season we're living in.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

Three weeks after welcoming our son into the world, we're finally sitting down to reflect on one of the most incredible days of our lives.

In this episode, my husband Derrek joins me to share our birth story from both perspectives. We talk through the moments leading up to labor, what surprised us, what challenged us, and what made our home birth such an unforgettable experience.

While I share what it felt like to labor and give birth, Derrek opens up about what it was like supporting me through the process, witnessing the birth of our son, and becoming a father.

You'll hear about:

•  How labor unfolded at home 
•  The moments that surprised each of us most 
•  What it was like giving birth without medical interventions 
•  The role of our incredible birth team 
•  Lessons we learned as a couple 
•  The transition into the first few weeks of parenthood (with our newest co-host making a few guest appearances!) 

Whether you're preparing for birth yourself, supporting a partner through pregnancy, or simply enjoy hearing real birth stories, we hope this conversation gives you an honest and encouraging look at one family's experience.

Thanks for joining us as we relive one of the most meaningful days of our lives.

Fair warning: our three-week-old son makes a few appearances throughout the episode, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Links to what we discussed: 

The Shettles Method Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2K29C9bbeKy483bHjFHvTp?si=5e5816a2b4a64d37

 Derrek and I sit down to answer some “Conscious Parenting”: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SZnNvsAYwW5kvZK5hhoj9?si=1ba87e9bdd4b434a

If you want to connect and reach out to Derrek, find him here: https://www.instagram.com/the.great.cascadian.ape/

Find me here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton
Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about

Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Gustafson, author of 2 Things To Do Today: Healing Without the Hustle, breath and cold exposure facilitator, counselor, nutrition coach, and co-founder of Lift to Rise Fitness.

Our conversation explores what it truly means to be human in a world that constantly encourages us to do more, achieve more, and push harder. Ben shares lessons from his personal journey through addiction recovery, divorce, health challenges, and reinvention, and how those experiences shaped his understanding of healing, resilience, and self-trust.

Together, we discuss the often-overlooked basics that support health and well-being: breath, movement, nourishment, connection, rest, and the power of small, consistent actions. We explore nervous system regulation, why so many people feel disconnected from their bodies, and how healing is often less about finding the perfect plan and more about building a compassionate relationship with ourselves.

This is a thoughtful conversation about slowing down, returning to what matters, and recognizing that meaningful change rarely comes from hustle. It comes from the simple practices we return to every day.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The inspiration behind 2 Things To Do Today
• Addiction recovery, personal transformation, and resilience
• Nervous system regulation and feeling safe in your body
• Breathwork, stress, and modern life
• Why consistency matters more than perfection
• The importance of small, supportive daily actions
• What it means to reconnect with yourself and your body
• Building health from the foundations up

Ben's message is simple but powerful: healing isn't something we achieve through pressure and perfection. It's something we practice through small acts of care, repeated over time.

Connect with Ben:
Pre-order 2 Things To Do Today: Healing Without the Hustle and learn more about his work through Lift to Rise Fitness. He is also offering a complimentary Breath & Nervous System Assessment for those interested in learning more about their stress response and overall well-being.

Email: [email protected]

WebsitE: lifttorise.ca

IG: @lifttorisefitness

IG: @beginaben

Get the book here: https://a.co/d/06ywc9j0

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

• Why muscle loss and reduced strength output occur
• How tendon health and injury risk change
• The connection between cortisol, stress, and visceral fat
• Why your current workouts may not be working the same way
• How to adjust your training, nutrition, and recovery to match this phase

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton
Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about
Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

In this episode, I sit down with Riannon Setterfield, birth and postpartum doula, pediatric sleep consultant, prenatal and postnatal yoga instructor, and co-owner of Harbour City Doulas.

Riannon shares her journey into birth work and how her own experience as a mother opened her eyes to the profound impact that support can have during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. What began as a personal experience with postpartum care evolved into a passion for helping families navigate one of the most transformative seasons of life.

Together, we discuss the importance of movement and exercise during pregnancy, how physical preparation can influence the birth experience, and why pregnancy is not a time to fear movement but rather an opportunity to build strength, confidence, and connection with your changing body.

We also explore common misconceptions about prenatal fitness, birth preparation strategies, the role of doulas in supporting families, and how education can help parents feel more empowered throughout their journey.

Whether you're currently pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or simply interested in learning more about birth and maternal health, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement to help you approach pregnancy and birth with greater confidence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Riannon's journey into birth work and postpartum support
• The role of birth and postpartum doulas
• Why movement matters during pregnancy
• Benefits of prenatal fitness and exercise
• Preparing your body and mind for birth
• Common myths surrounding exercise during pregnancy
• Building confidence and trust in your body's abilities
• The importance of support throughout pregnancy and postpartum
• Pediatric sleep and early family transitions

One of the key messages from this conversation is that pregnancy is not about becoming less capable. With the right support, education, and movement practices, it can be a powerful opportunity to build strength, resilience, and confidence as you prepare for birth and parenthood.

Connect with Riannon & Harbour City Doulas:

Instagram: @harbourcitydoulas

Website: www.harbourcitydoulas.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

In this episode, I sit down with Mindan Gunther-Moore, birth and postpartum doula, educator, mentor, and co-owner of Harbour City Doulas, for an honest conversation about pregnancy, birth, and the realities of the postpartum experience.

Drawing on years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, labour, and the transition into parenthood, Mindan shares valuable insights into how women can feel more informed, empowered, and supported throughout their journey. We discuss the role of a doula, common fears and misconceptions surrounding birth, and how preparation can help families approach labour with greater confidence and trust in their bodies.

We also spend time exploring what is often the most overlooked phase of the journey: postpartum. From recovery and healing to adjusting to life with a new baby, Mindan highlights the importance of support, realistic expectations, and caring for the mother alongside the newborn.

Whether you are currently pregnant, planning for the future, or supporting someone through this season of life, this conversation offers practical guidance, reassurance, and a reminder that you were never meant to navigate this transition alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The role of a birth and postpartum doula
• Preparing for labour and birth with confidence
• Common fears and misconceptions about childbirth
• Advocacy, support, and informed decision-making during birth
• What postpartum recovery really looks like
• The importance of community and support after baby arrives
• Practical ways families can prepare for the postpartum period
• Why caring for the mother matters just as much as caring for the baby

This episode is a thoughtful reminder that birth is not just about bringing a baby into the world. It is also about supporting the transformation of a woman into a mother.

Connect with Mindan & Harbour City Doulas:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/harbourcitydoulas

Website: www.harbourcitydoulas.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

In today’s episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton explores one of the biggest recent updates in women’s health and fertility medicine: the proposed renaming of PCOS to PMOS, which stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.
Inspired by recent discussions shared by Fiona McCulloch and emerging international endocrine consensus statements, this episode dives into why many experts believe the term “PCOS” no longer accurately reflects the complexity of the condition. This conversation goes far beyond “ovarian cysts.”

Dr. Ashley breaks down:
• why insulin resistance is central to PCOS physiology
• how metabolism, hormones, inflammation, and ovulation are interconnected
• why many women with PCOS are overlooked or dismissed
• the differences between lean PCOS and insulin-resistant PCOS
• how elevated insulin impacts testosterone, ovulation, acne, and fertility
• why blood sugar regulation is foundational for symptom improvement

You’ll also learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support PCOS naturally, including:
• protein-focused nutrition
• why breakfast matters for hormone health
• balancing carbohydrates properly
• resistance training for insulin sensitivity
• cycle tracking and Fertility Awareness Method charting
• inflammation reduction and lifestyle support
• commonly discussed supplements including inositol, NAC, magnesium, omega-3s, and vitamin D

This episode reframes PCOS as what it truly is: a complex endocrine and metabolic condition that deserves more comprehensive support than simply “go on the pill” or “lose weight.” Whether you are navigating irregular cycles, fertility challenges, acne, blood sugar instability, or simply wanting to better understand women’s metabolic and hormone health, this episode offers an empowering and evidence-based perspective on modern PCOS care.

Resources and references mentioned:
• Fiona McCulloch
• Emerging PMOS consensus discussions
• Educational PCOS review materials
• Fertility Awareness Method education

Find me here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton
Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about
Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

In today’s episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton dives into the evidence-based realities ofvegetarian nutrition during preconception and pregnancy. 

This episode is heavily inspired by and adapted from the work of Lily Nichols and her book RealFood for Pregnancy, one of the most respected evidence-based resources in maternal nutrition.
We explore the key nutrients that are often more difficult to obtain in adequate amounts on avegetarian diet during pregnancy, including:
• Vitamin B12
• Choline
• Glycine
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K2
• DHA omega-3s
• Iron
• Zinc
Dr. Ashley explains why these nutrients matter for:
• fetal brain and nervous system development
• placental health
• hormone balance
• tissue growth and repair
• postpartum recovery
• fertility and preconception health
This episode is not anti-vegetarian. It is about understanding physiology, increasing awareness, and learning how to build a nutrient-dense foundation intentionally during one of the most nutritionally demanding phases of life.
You’ll also learn practical strategies to optimize a vegetarian diet during pregnancy, including:
• improving mineral absorption
• choosing higher-quality protein sources
• supporting DHA intake
• using fermented and sprouted foods
• selecting supportive supplements when needed
Whether you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, postpartum, or simply interested in women’s health nutrition, this episode offers a balanced and research-informed perspective on vegetarian pregnancy nutrition.

Resources Mentioned:
Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

Find me here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton
Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about
Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

Pregnancy has a way of teaching you things no textbook ever could.

In this casual catch-up episode, I sit down with my friend Grace Parce for an honest conversation about pregnancy, body changes, shifting expectations, and everything we're learning along the way. We share personal updates, reflect on the realities of growing a baby, and talk about the physical, emotional, and mental changes that come with this season of life.

From body image and fitness to energy levels, symptoms, mindset shifts, and the lessons pregnancy has a way of bringing to the surface, this episode feels less like an interview and more like a conversation between friends.

Whether you're currently pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or simply curious about the experience, we hope this episode leaves you feeling informed, supported, and a little less alone.

Topics discussed:
• Pregnancy updates and milestones
• Physical changes and body image
• Fitness and movement during pregnancy
• Expectations vs reality
• Mental and emotional shifts
• Lessons we're learning along the way
• Navigating pregnancy in the real world

Grab a coffee, settle in, and join us for an honest conversation about the journey so far.

Find me here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton
Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about
Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations. 

Postpartum nutrition is one of the most overlooked pieces of recovery after birth — but it plays a
critical role in healing, hormone balance, and breast milk production.
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton (BSc, DC, RHN, FAMM Practitioner) shares her complete
postpartum meal prep plan, including freezer-friendly meals, high-protein snacks, and
nutrient-dense recipes designed to support new moms.
Topics include:
● Best foods for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding
● High-protein meal prep ideas for new moms
● The role of collagen, bone broth, and organ meats in healing
● Supporting thyroid function with iodine and mineral-rich foods
● Balancing blood sugar and energy levels postpartum
● Easy, one-handed meals for busy moms
If you’re looking for practical postpartum meal prep ideas rooted in functional nutrition and
women’s health, this episode is for you

Find me here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton
Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about
Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.