Fertile Minds Radio

Meditation is great, but what happens when you need to reset your nervous system during the day from Fight & Flight to Breed & Feed? Mini Mindful Moments are techniques for you to try out throughout your day to help you not only be more mindful and present, they will affect your nervous, immune, and endocrine systems biochemically in a positive way when practiced regularly. Enjoy!

Don't forget to sign up for the FREE 29 Day Fertility Meditation Challenge hosted by LadyPotions.com

Today we welcome Lily Nichols, Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher and an author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition and exercise. Lily draws from the current scientific literature and blends it with the wisdom of traditional culture and nature. We talk about the Western expectation of women managing it all directly after pregnancy and giving birth, and Lily's prescription for healing and self-care. She shares how she began backing philosophy with results and clinical data to author two of her groundbreaking books, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and Real Food for Pregnancy. She also gives some of her top picks for pregnancy food, embracing mindfulness, and how she feeds her family for months at a time using only two animals. Let your intuition guide you, and then use Lily's book to prove these decisions with scientifically proven data.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[2:26] Lily wrote Real Food for Pregnancy when her son was 10 months old, and she herself was healing from pregnancy and birth.

[3:48] Lily encourages prioritizing food and self-care at all stages of pregnancy, including the preventative stage prior, and the fourth trimester, the postpartum months.

[7:38] It was almost by accident that Lily got into the nutrition field. She was looking for a part-time role in the nutrition field that did not include a hospital, saw an opening for California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program and starting working clinically in Gestational Diabetes. As she implemented the nutrition element of the protocol in the clinic, she noticed a lack of improvement. The common sense side of her observed the current guidelines didn't emphasize real foods, and were pretty high-carb.

[8:47] Women with Gestational Diabetes are often not able to tolerate large amounts of carbs without elevated blood sugar. These findings led Lily down the path of researching a low carb and nutrient dense diet from real foods. She started using it clinically and knew she was on to something with excellent results. This led her to author her first book, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. This changed the course of how many viewed their philosophy in the nutrition and pregnancy field.

[14:38] Lily comes at the information from a proactive and informed outcome, not a fear-based one.

[18:12] Lily shares some sample meal plans compared to the current recommended ones, and the breakdown of the ratio between protein, carb, etc.

[21:20] Carbohydrates are in many vegetables and fruits.

[22:07] There is very little nutrition education for MD's, and much of what they are learning is outdated. One example is the hesitancy for the low carb diet due to ketones in the urine.

[24:27] Organ meats and liver are the most nutrient dense parts of an animal. Supplying a high amount of iron, choline and B12, Lily supplies recipe ideas in her books on incorporating it dishes, so you aren't eating a whole plate of just liver.

[35:07] When choosing animal products, Lily is a proponent of choosing the highest quality and best sourced meat. Nothing goes to waste and she encourages families to purchase from a farmer and utilize the whole animal.

[38:57] Even the most culinary-challenged person can develop basic skills to make a flavorful and nutritious meal.

[45:14] Lily gives us some good news — her opinion is that small amounts of caffeine are okay. A lot of the foods that are mentioned to avoid due to foodborne illness are also ones that provide critical nutrients. She suggests eating foods sourced from high quality places, and the risk is extremely low.

[52:58] Eating well is one of the ways we can be mindful in pregnancy. Mindful moments, spiritual self-care and moving our body are also key elements to keep our body aligned through the process. It's not about pushing and resisting, it's about being mindful and going with the flow in a gentle. guided way.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Reproductive genetics and the aging male

Lily Nichols

Real Food for Gestational Diabetes

Real Food for Pregnancy

California Diabetes and Pregnancy Program

Real Food for Pregnancy — Get the First Chapter Free

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

My Website: Ladypotions.com

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

Disclaimer *

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

World-renowned reproductive urologist Dr. Turek joins us today. He has been at the forefront of IVF and ICSI since the early 90's. He shares the latest happenings in both his research and his clinics in San Francisco and Beverly Hills, along with the ways Eastern Medicine compliments Western treatment, his thoughts on prenatals, single gene vs. chromosomal gene mutations, the sobering reality of advanced paternal age and some groundbreaking discoveries that are both provocative and backed by science. He is a soulful and lighthearted clinician and is committed to making things as easy and relatable as possible for his clients.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[:01] Dr. Turerk advises the ABORM board that I am a fellow of, and is a graduate of both Yale and Stanford University. He teaches at Yo San University and has countless studies he has both authored and advised. The first time I heard him speak at the International Infertility Symposium in Vancouver in 2015, I was blown away. He was so intelligent and generous with his ideas and research and really was the first person that made male fertility issues relatable to me.

[3:01] Dr. Turek explains his comparison of a semen analysis to a game of cards. When the motility is not normal, that is an indicator to him that something isn't right.

[9:18] The whole story is not all about the semen analysis, but it's a good way to begin the conversation of man's habits when it comes to diet, recreational drug use, lifestyle, weight, etc. Dr. Turek is captivated by the thought of going into a deeper dive of the cause behind the semen's quality and performance.

[11:17] As a TCM practitioner, I feel like I was taught about epigenetics with different languaging, referring to our Jing or essence being affected by our lifestyle dictating what we will pass down. Dr. Turek confirms that science has proven it correct in epigenetic studies that lifestyle really does matter.

[14:02] Dr. Turek explains what epigenetics is, and how he helped to develop Episona, a test for epigenetics and sperm quality through sperm analysis.

[17:15] We discuss how epigenetics may be related to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is about 30-80% of the cause of male infertility.

[18:05] The data for men taking a prenatal is very strong, and is something Dr. Turek recommends and actually developed a supplement for men. The data is still getting more compiled on this, and the research in the field is still new and emerging. Men are not the easiest subjects to keep engaged in study, however, and he is committed to making it easy and sensible for them to share information and data in his studies.

[25:34] The richest man in America lives 5-7 years less than the poorest women. Dr. Turker has an attitude of wanting to engage men and building their trust so they are part of the solution in making their own health better. One of his main goals out of his career is to have men live longer.

[27:25] Dr. Turek shares the current state of advanced paternal age. Himself and co-author Alex Yatsenko published a review entitled, "Reproductive Genetics in the Aging Male" This is a recent problem, as we haven't lived this long, people are waiting longer to reproduce and we are exposed to more toxicity than ever, affected our epigenetic expression.

[32:56] Dr. Turek talks about the chromosomal issues that occur in women, vs. the single gene mutations in men. He also addresses birth defect rates differing in other countries, and if low sperm counts are being passed on through generations.

[43:33] Dr. Turek has created what I think to be the first Darwinian Obstacle Course.

[54:14] A lot of unexplained infertility can be cleared with a simple visit to a trusted source. Dr. Turek makes it as easy as possible and does virtual consultations. He likes to first see if it's a good fit, and speak with both partners at the start to select the appropriate care for their situation.

[56:57] Work with what you have.

[60:40] Clinic by the Bay, Dr. Turek's free clinic, just had a big fundraiser to help people from all walks of life receive medical care.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Reproductive genetics and the aging male

Turek on Men's Health Blog

Turek Clinic

Episona

Clinic By the Bay

Yo San University

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

My Website: Ladypotions.com

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

Disclaimer *

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

Today's mindful moment gives you a little taste of our 29-day meditation challenge, of which we are currently getting phenomenal feedback and results. In keeping with the theme of working with our feminine and masculine energy, we will engage in a meditation to help and honor those who came before us and unblock any blockages that we have with our family. This meditation may have you feeling lighter, more open, and a sense of gratitude and respect for those that made us who we are.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[:51] The results have been astounding so far for our 29-day meditation challenge. The feedback has been great, that we wanted to share a meditation where you will be connecting with your ancestors and clearing up any familial blockages.

[2:25] This meditation honors those that came before us, and removes any blockages that we have with our family. It does not matter how close you are or aren't with your family, as you will be connecting with the energy in your familial line.

[3:29] Meditation begins.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

My Website: Ladypotions.com

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

Disclaimer *

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or another professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

Today's episode is full of hope and maybe even some perspective changers for some of you, especially when it comes to what you can handle at once. Our guest today is Alice Crisci. She is an author, fertility preservation spokeswoman and social entrepreneur, and most importantly, a mother on a mission. Her story is incredible. I talk with Alice about the non-profit she founded, Fertile Action, for fertile women touched by cancer, along with her new app MedAnswers, that seeks to connect patients experiencing fertility challenges, oncology issues, or even genetic questions with industry vetted experts.

Within weeks of her own breast cancer diagnosis, Alice harvested her eggs to protect her opportunity to become a mom after surviving cancer, had a nude photography session, launched Fertile Action and published her first book, Too Young for This. She is a game changer in legislation and technology, and an inspiration for women looking for expert education, support, and courage.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[3:43] Within a few weeks of her diagnosis, Alice learned about the scariest potential side effect of breast cancer and it's treatment: infertility. Egg freezing was still considered experimental, and she needed more insurance than just a 2-3% chance. She then realized embryo freezing was a better way to go, and continued down her path to single motherhood and faced with the tough decision of picking a donor, all while dealing with the severity of her current diagnosis.

[9:59] When picking a potential donor, Alice encourages women to be truthful with who they are, and who they see themselves with. Be specific and rule out any health history concerns that matter to you. Alice picked a donor that spoke to her and matched her own internal values, as it was important that her child know the story of both sides having grit and tenacity.

[17:44] Alice is on a private Facebook group with other families that used the same donor that she used for her son, and she calls them his 'diblings.' They share anecdotes and stay connected.

[18:20] Due to all the genetic testing that is available, open donorship has become way more prevalent and necessary.

[21:43] Alice developed her non-profit Fertile Action as a way to take on insurance coverage and a fee reduction for women who found themselves in fertility preservation cases. She created a network of discounted fees for cancer patients and found it required a large amount of effort and resources.

[24:39] Alice gives recognition to the legislators who also helped take Fertile Action and their partnered organizations as their cause.

[27:03] Alice has now turned a major part of her attention and focus on the app MedAnswers. This helps to connect those struggling to conceive with seven different types of fertility experts. Digital tools are critical, especially when facing a health crisis and MedAnswers is a way for women to connect with experts while maintaining anonymity.

[33:46] Both Alice and I are big proponents of empowering people with data about their own bodies, and not waiting until it is too late to have information.

[35:49] Alice brings up a very interesting point about sex education benefiting from being more about reproductive health than the current topics of just pregnancy prevention.

[36:08] Alice created a webinar just for Californians when it comes to insurance and the appeals process.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Fertile Action

MedAnswers

Dr. Paul Turek

Alice Crisci on Huff Post

Too Young for This

Egg Whisperer

Helix.com

@InfertilityAnswers

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

My Website: Ladypotions.com

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

Disclaimer*

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

Today's episode features Zev Williams, M.D., Ph.D. He is the Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center and is a nationally-recognized clinician and researcher in the area of recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility. Not only is he one of the most brilliant minds I've had the pleasure of interviewing, he is incredibly humble, gracious, and passionate about his work. His intentions to help couples overcome recurrent pregnancy loss by building healthy happy families came through so clearly during this chat.

We touched on why miscarriage rates are so high and why the public has false perceptions about it being a rare event. He spoke about how his research has even uncovered a way to find out if the cause of a miscarriage was chromosomal even years after the fact in some cases. He explained the differences in PGD and PGS testing when using IVF and when and for whom it might be highly beneficial. We also spoke about MTHFR gene mutation, and what it really means in regards to treatment strategy and further testing. We even touched on his work with stem cells and the potential they have for one day helping women who experience premature ovarian failure to overcome this devastating diagnosis. He explained new ways to treat endometriosis and preserve fertility and new ways to diagnose PCOS.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[1:15] Dr. Williams completed his M.D. and Ph.D. training in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine before continuing to the Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital for his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. After completing his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Weill Cornell, Dr. Williams then did a post-doctoral fellowship in RNA biology in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Tuschl at Rockefeller University.

[1:45] Dr. Williams has also achieved success in federally-funded research projects in several different areas of study, having received numerous NIH grants to support his work. Currently, as part of an NIH R01 grant, Dr. Williams is engaged with a research project intended to use placental RNA as a screening tool for diseases and complications of pregnancy, to enable early intervention, and to provide insights into disease pathogenesis for things like pre-eclampsia.

[4:35] Dr. Williams works with couples and doctors all over the world, and the research that he and his colleagues find benefits those all over looking for answers on fertility.

[5:16] The PEARL Program that Dr. Williams started stands for Program for Early and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. It is one of the only centers in the world that is both clinically focused, and a basic/translational research program dedicated trying to understand what causes unexplained miscarriages and trying to find ways methods to prevent them in the future.

[12:22] One of the realities of human reproduction is that is a very inefficient process. Of the eggs that get fertilized, very few result in a live birth.

[19:22] Dr. Williams explains the difference between PGD and PGS testing when using IVF, and who may benefit from these tests.

[26:54] We cover the MTHFR gene mutation, and what it really means in regards to treatment, strategy, and further testing.

[32:45] Dr. Williams explains the work on helping the brain to produce its own FSH (follicle stimulating hormones) which is the bodies own version of that hormone compared to traditional injections.

[41:23] Dr. Williams shares the new ways to treat endometriosis and preserve fertility and new ways to diagnose PCOS.

[45:27] Diet is, of course, important to overall health, but also very important to pregnancy success. There are some factors that lead to Dr. Williams' recommending a diet low in carbs and sugar.

[46:12] Egg freezing has become successful, but the challenge is that women are freezing their eggs in their 40's when the eggs have already lowered in quality.

[49:58] Once you are trying to conceive (and of course through all of the process), make sure to support each other. It's a tough journey and you want to be going through it together.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Dr. Zev Williams

Dr. Zev Williams Bio

Columbia University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Efficient Differentiation of Steroidogenic and Germ-Like Cells from Epigenetically Related iPSCs Derived from Ovarian Granulosa Cells

FMR1 targets distinct mRNA sequence elements to regulate protein expression

Nytimes.com/2015/11/26/health/progesterone-may-not-help-women-with-history-of-miscarriages-study-finds

Huffingtonpost.com/science-of-us/miscarriage_b_8000760.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

Wsj.com/articles/solving-the-mystery-of-miscarriages-1434389396

Columbiaobgyn.org/profile/s-zev-williams-md

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26000502

Nyp.org/enewsletters/advances/2018/gynecology/2018-Advances-Gynecology-Issue1.html

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

My Website: Ladypotions.com

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

Disclaimer * (please include on all iTunes descriptions and show notes)

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

Board-certified hypnotherapist and award-winning author Lynsi Eastburn joins us today to share her experience from over 25 years in the mind-body healing arts. Lynsi is a true pioneer of bringing hypnosis to the treatment of infertility, and we had such a fabulous talk about how belief systems can become a block when trying to fall pregnant, how she was led to her calling, the creation of HypnoFertility®, and how hypnosis can help us switch from fear and doubt into observation and peace.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[0:32] Our guest today is Lynsi Eastburn. Lynsi is a board-certified hypnotherapist and certified hypnotherapy instructor through the National Guild of Hypnotists, along with running the Eastburn Hypnotherapy Center and Eastburn Institute of Hypnosis with her husband Drake. Lynsi is an award-winning author, with one more book in the works entitled Waiting in the Wings, the Pink Starlights.

[8:03] Lynsi said yes to the whispers that were stirring in her at a young age of having an interest in helping women have babies and bringing sensitivity and compassion to those having fertility issues.

[13:54] Lynsi's book, It's Conceivable is the art and science of hypnotherapy — how it deeply affects the nervous system and our mental and emotional blocks.

[16:02] Hypnosis impacts the neural pathway, rewires our conditioning, and helps bring in shifts from the subconscious mind to the present moment to manifest our reality.

[28:20] We talk about the spiritual side of fertility and a good exercise in how we experience the spiritual realm.

[30:22] Whether it's an Indigo, Rainbow, or Crystal child, they all need structure and parental involvement. We are both inspired by the work of Carolyn Myss in the world of spiritual upbringing on a physical plane.

[39:45] Lynsi's three keys to conception: meditate, listen, and trust.

[50:42] As a parent herself, Lynsi establishes a strong parental role but also isn't afraid to own her mistakes and apologize when something is her fault. There is an exchange of energy and lessons to be learned but they must have an environment of structure.

[56:42] We explore hysteria, the uterus, and how it was treated in the past, vs. our present-day tendency to "sshhh" women into not expressing their emotions and trauma.

[62:02] She is also graciously giving away 10 copies of her book to the first 10 people that visit our show notes! Click the enter button and winners will be announced on my Instagram page: @LadyPotions4u on April 29, the last day of National Infertility Week.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Lynsi Eastburn

It's Conceivable: Hypnosis for Fertility, by Lynsi Eastburn, BCH

The 3 Keys to Conception, by Lynsi Eastburn

Carolyn Myss

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

My Website: Ladypotions.com

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

Disclaimer *

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

Fasten your earbuds, as our topic is rarely talked about but very important from everything to our fertility, overall health, and sexual pleasure. We talk about what the difference is between cervical mucus and vaginal discharge, how to keep our environment alkaline, the four types of mucus, ways around a hostile cervical environment, medications that can impair fertile mucus and herbs and practices that can help restore them, and why Mother Nature is all about timing.

Links & Mentions: episode 23 -basal body temp; BBT episode 18 -fertility lab values explained in plain English episode 13 -vaginal steams episode 7 -avoiding adrenal burnout This episode is brought to you by AVA woman & my 29 day meditation challenge that begins April 29th. Learn more here - bit.ly/FMchallenge

Today's Mindful Moment session invites you to float away from the everyday stresses and move towards what makes you feel good. Our guided meditation doesn't use a mantra or breath, just our imagination to teleport you to a place that we associate with comfort and relaxation. This is perfect for yourself and possibly your partner as well, and a great way to start your morning or practice before going to a doctor's appointment.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[0:33] Today's episode is brought to you by my 29-Day Meditation Challenge, starting April 29, 2018.

[1:17] Managing and lowering stress is extremely important in everyday life, especially in cases of fertility and conception. For example, a study in 1993 by Domar pointed out that distress scores of depression and anxiety were similar to those engaged in cancer treatment and MORE than those recovering from a heart attack.

[2:15] I suggest the images rather give them to you because what we all find relaxing is subjective and it is up to you to feel in control and calm. The more you practice this guided meditation, the more you access this during stressful or trying times.

[4:14] The guided relaxation begins. Please find a comfortable place to lie down or sit where you are away from distractions.

[16:43] Guided relaxation comes to an end. Know that this is an exercise you can come back to time and time again when you need some relaxation and clarity in your life.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

@ladypotions4u on Twitter

@ladypotions4u on Instagram

My Website: Ladypotions.com

Special Thanks to Christopher Lloyd Clarke for music

Today's episode is going to uncover what your basal body temperatures can and can't tell you about your fertility. There is a ton of information regarding this topic, so by the time you are done listening to today's episode, I want you to feel confident and motivated about tracking your BBT and working with your practitioner on what it means for you. We will talk about why you should take your temperature, how to do it and then track it correctly, how to use the different methods to your advantage, and the benefits that come from tracking it.

To share your own fertility story, please email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you, as you are what this podcast is all about.

Takeaway:

[2:14] When it comes to tracking BBTs or what is known as Basal Body Temperatures, I've had two main teachers — Jane Littleton and Kirsten Karchmer from Of Conceivable. Both are a wealth of information when it comes to using and INTERPRETING this technique.

[2:57] Many times when a patient comes to my office they have done BBT in the past and are fed up either with the stress it causes or they have no idea how to read it. This leads to them wanting to dismiss doing it all, or maybe they have had an MD of some sort tell them that it's pointless and they should move on to something like IUI or IVF if they want results. I'm here to tell you that's not always the case.

[4:12] When a woman walks into my office with 3-6 months of charts either on paper or in an app I know in all likelihood she has just sped up her chances of conceiving with Chinese Medicine. This is also a way I know how and when to fine tune her herbs, recommend lifestyle and diet adjustments and even when there is a greater chance of miscarriage after a positive pregnancy test. This gives many women increased peace of mind that they able to keep an eye on the miracle that is unfolding within them without any invasive treatments. The other positive reason I recommend charting your temps is that it can be greatly empowering to understand what is having an effect on your body, like alcohol, caffeine, or even certain foods.

[8:17] Calendar rhythm method: Consists of using past menstrual cycles to estimate the time of your ovulation. When used on its own, this is the least reliable method of birth control. It should be avoided if your menstrual cycles are shorter than 26 days or longer than 32 days.

[8:42] Temperature method. You track your BBT for several cycles by using a very sensitive basal thermometer to take your temperature before you get out of bed each morning. Due to hormonal surges, your BBT goes up right after ovulation.

[9:10] Cervical mucus method. You track the color, thickness, and texture of your cervical mucus to monitor your fertility. Your cervical mucus becomes thinner, slippery, and stretchy when you ovulate. Tracking your cervical mucus will require some practice.

[10:14] I cover how to take your BBT:

1. Take your daily temperature first thing upon awakening, before any other activity (going to the bathroom, talking on the phone, etc). The exception is 16 seconds of focused breathing.
2. If using a digital thermometer, wait about 30 seconds until it beeps. If using glass, leave it in 5 minutes and keep the receipt and return if you think the battery is faulty.
3. You can take your temperature orally or vaginally, but always make it from the same place. Pick one and stay with it.
4. Try to take it at the very same time each day right when you wake up.
5. Make sure you get a minimum of 3 hours consecutive sleep before you take the temperature.
6. If you use a glass thermometer, shake it down the day before.
7. If you wake up at 5 and then plan to get up at 7, take your temperature at 5, when you wake up. Most digital thermometers will keep the temperature on it until the next use.

[14:38] When charting your temperature, you can use paper or an app. Some that I like are Fertility Friend, Conceivable, and Glow. If the temperature falls between two numbers on a glass thermometer, always take the lowest. Make dots on the appropriate temperature and connect the dots with straight lines. Note events such as stress, or illness in the miscellaneous row. Temperatures taken late should be noted in the 'time taken' row.

[16:36] We cover what BBT tracking can and cannot do. It cannot tell you about your partner's fertility, nor is it great at predicting ovulation.

[17:50] Don't freak out if you don't get every single day. As a practitioner. I am looking for the average in the follicular and the average in the luteal phase. It takes about one season of working with someone to make a 50% increase in their chances of fertility.

[19:57] We cover the bleeding, follicular, ovulation and luteal phases and what I look at within each one.

[25:18] If temps are at 98.2 in the luteal phase, your miscarriage chances will drop from 30 percent to 5 percent.

[29:16] I go over some patterns that we see in BBT and the phases, and how I as a practitioner use this information to work with the patient.

[34:12] One reason someone wouldn't want to track their BBT is when they are taking progesterone supplements, as it affects the temperatures and if it stresses you out completely my suggestion is to meditate directly after. And if that's still too much for you or you travel a lot or you aren't able to wake around the same time most days due to life constraints I encourage you to check out the AVA Woman.

References:

Fertile Minds on LibSyn

Fertile Minds on iTunes

American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine

Continue Your Journey:

Link to sign up for free 29-day meditation challenge

Avawomen.ref-r.com/c/i/10619/9312796 — affiliate link for $30 discount on Ava Temp tracker

Avawomen.com/avaworld/ava-data-means/

fp306.isrefer.com/go/dreamlifea/hillary/

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Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine, by Jane Lyttleton

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Guide to Cervical Mucus

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