Fertility co.

How to Support Your Body During Your Period (Even When You’re Trying to Conceive)

If your period feels like a monthly reminder that you’re still not pregnant, you’re not alone — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I break down how to support your body, mind and mood during menstruation so you can feel more in control, more at peace, and more connected to your natural fertility.

We talk about how to work with your menstrual cycle instead of fighting against it — and why this is such a powerful foundation for anyone using cycle charting to conceive naturally.

What we cover:

• Why period symptoms are common — but not always normal
• The emotional impact of getting your period while TTC
• What to eat (and what to skip) during your menstrual phase
• Natural ways to reduce cramping and mood swings
• How gentle movement and sleep can improve fertility
• The role of a fertility coach in cycle awareness

This episode is essential listening for anyone on a natural fertility journey — especially if you want to use cycle charting as a long-term tool for body literacy, hormone health, and getting pregnant naturally.

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with Melissa Finlay – a nutritionist with a love for women’s health. 

She’s passionate about helping people take control of their health, and getting back to feeling great so that life can be lived to its fullest. Her absolute favourite thing is to see people change their lives through understanding how to treat their body with the respect it deserves. 

Not only is Mel a qualified Nutritionist, she is also a Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer with years of experience in helping people reach their health, fitness and wellness goals.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed chatting to Mel about all things nutrition, hormones, fertility and loving your body.

Grab all of the freebies mentioned in today's episode and learn more about Mel at https://www.melissafinlaynutritionist.com/manapodcast

________________ 

Read the show notes, including a transcript of this episode with all links and resources HERE

DM Rachel on Instagram:
 @fertilityco

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

If you’re trying to conceive (or planning to soon), your fertility isn’t just about ovulation tracking — it’s about your whole health. In this episode, I’m walking you through three essential health checks that often get overlooked, especially when you’re focused on timing sex and reading pee sticks.
 We’re talking breast checks, cervical screening, and yes… that awkward-but-important STI test.

These are non-negotiables for protecting your long-term reproductive health — and I’ll make it simple, shame-free, and totally doable.

What we cover:

• Why these three checks are foundational for fertility and overall wellbeing
• How often you need a breast check or mammogram (and how to actually do one)
• The truth about the new cervical screening test — it’s not your old Pap smear
• When to get an STI test, what it involves, and how to make it less awkward
• What to do if you're scared, embarrassed, or don’t have a regular doctor
• Why being proactive with your sexual health isn’t just responsible — it’s empowering

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

Thinking your period is a “safe zone”? Think again.

In this myth-busting episode, I break down the real reason why unprotected sex during your period could still lead to pregnancy — especially if you're using natural birth control or trying to conceive naturally.

What we cover:

• Why you can’t confirm fertility status while bleeding
• What happens between your period and ovulation (and why it matters)
• The two types of basic infertile patterns
• How short cycles can eliminate your “safe” window
• The difference between real periods and mid-cycle spotting

Perfect for anyone practising natural fertility or navigating cycle charting.

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

Should you monitor your heart rate during pregnancy workouts?

This episode breaks down the outdated 140 bpm rule and what the latest guidelines actually recommend for safe, effective exercise during pregnancy.

What we cover:

• Why the 140 bpm rule is out of date
• Changes in your heart and blood volume during pregnancy
• How to use the Borg Scale to monitor workout intensity
• How your workouts may affect baby’s movements
• Signs you need to stop exercising immediately

Whether you’re a first-time mum or trying to conceive naturally again, this episode is packed with practical advice for keeping your workouts safe and supportive.

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

In this episode, I unpack the anatomy and function of the vagina — what’s normal, what’s not, and how it all ties into your fertility. If you’re trying to conceive naturally or curious about cycle charting, this is essential listening.

What we cover:

• Why every vagina is different — and that’s a good thing
• The surprising role of your pelvic floor in your sex life
• What makes a healthy, acidic vagina
• How your vagina changes through life (even without childbirth)
• The clitoris: what you didn’t learn in sex ed
• How your anatomy supports natural fertility

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

In this episode I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered story of how I went from burnout and chronic stress to becoming a fertility coach. I share the health crisis that changed everything, how I healed my body, and why cycle charting became the foundation of my work in natural fertility.

What We Cover:

• Why my promotion left me broken
• My health crisis (and what it taught me)
• How Coeliac disease led to a complete lifestyle overhaul
• Why I stopped the pill and started charting my cycle
• How I use fertility awareness in my relationship
• The birth of my career as a fertility coach

Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or want to ditch hormonal contraception, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to reclaim your health and confidence.

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

In this episode we explore how stress impacts your menstrual cycle, hormones, and ability to conceive naturally — and what to do about it.

What we cover:

• How stress affects ovulation, progesterone, and hormone balance
• Why your period might be irregular right now
• What cycle charting can reveal about your body
• 4 steps to reduce stress and rebalance your cycle
• What a fertility coach wants you to know about supporting natural fertility in challenging seasons

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

In this episode, we dive into the best foods to naturally support your fertility, balance your hormones, and prepare your body for pregnancy. Whether you're actively trying to conceive or just want to learn how to nourish your cycle, these foods will help you optimise your health from the inside out.

What we cover:

• The 5 best fertility superfoods (and how to use them)
• How to get enough folate, iron, and omega-3s from whole foods
• Foods that support ovulation, egg quality, and cervical mucus
• Which nutrients also boost male fertility (yep, your partner matters too!)
• Easy ways to eat for fertility without overcomplicating your diet

Tune in for expert tips from a qualified fertility coach who combines science, strategy, and support — no guesswork required.

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.

You’ve heard about pelvic floor exercises — but are you doing them right? And why do they even matter if you haven’t had a baby? In this episode, I walk you through the top five things you need to know about your pelvic floor and how to take action today.

What we cover:

·       What exactly is the pelvic floor (and where is it)?

·       What your pelvic floor actually does for your body

·       Common signs of weakness and dysfunction

·       A step-by-step guide to activating your pelvic floor

·       When to see a women’s health physiotherapist

Try Hustl - the online training app with Pilates, barre, strength, yoga, HIIT, meditation, and pregnancy/postpartum programs, all on-demand so you can train anywhere, anytime.

With 900+ classes, a weekly workout schedule delivered to your inbox every Monday, a full recipe library, and the most supportive community, Hustl makes staying consistent actually feel doable.

🔗 Use code HUSTLRACHEL to save $15

Support the show

Read the accompanying blog post HERE 

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @fertilityco

Whenever you're ready, here's a few ways I can help you!

FREE MINI-COURSE: Find Your Fertile Window

Maximise your chances of pregnancy with absolute and unshakeable confidence that you've got your timing perfectly right.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: The Collective

Need someone to hold your hand and keep you sane during your two-week wait? Sick of your ovulation obsession? Tired of testing "just in case"? 

Of course you are! You’re already cycle-savvy and you know that timing is everything. So let’s spend these next two weeks together and switch your focus to expert guidance, daily distractions, and personalised podcast picks. Consider this your fast-track to fertility confidence … delivered straight to your inbox!

SIGNATURE COURSE: Fertility School

The proven, step-by-step method to track your cycle in just 5 minutes a day — So you’ll finally know the precise days to try for a baby.