As part of my Mindfulness series, in today’s short solo episode I talk about how Mindfulness training is a safe and effective treatment with many benefits for women and men undergoing infertility, particularly IVF.

Anxiety and stress may actually make it more difficult to conceive. In fact, recent studies found that higher rates of infertility treatment success in people who were undergoing a mind–body interventions. So, reducing stress and anxiety may be beneficial for conception. Since mindfulness training has been shown to reduce anxiety (see http://contemplative-studies.org/wp/index.php/category/research-news/anxiety/) and stress (seehttp://contemplative-studies.org/wp/index.php/category/research-news/stress/) it is reasonable to believe that mindfulness training may be helpful for conception in women with fertility issues.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

Podcast freebie: 7 day fertility optimizing meal plan with recipes and grocery list available for download through my website www.fertilityfundamentals.com.

Tips to Optimize Your Next Frozen Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer is a very important part of an IVF cycle; everything you have gone through in the previous weeks (possibly months) before, have all led up to this moment. In this episode, I’ll be talking about ways to optimize your next FET.

This episode was brought to you by Fertility Fundamentals (www.fertilityfundamentals.com). Fertility fundamentals is a naturopath led collective of women supporting each other in their fertility journey. Join the collective for free at www.facebook.com/groups/fundamentalfertility and come join your tribe!

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

n this episode, I will be talking about natural ways of dealing with PCOS through diet and lifestyle changes. As always, consult with your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor.

1. Eat a Fibre Rich diet

2. Eat adequate protein and fats

3. Reduce and limit refined foods

4. Optimize gut health

5. Limit and manage stress

6. Adequate sleep

7. Daily exercise

8. Limit environmental toxins

This episode was brought to you by Fertility Fundamentals (www.fertilityfundamentals.com) Fertility fundamentals is a naturopath led collective of women supporting each other in their fertility journey. Join the collective for free at www.facebook.com/groups/fundamentalfertility and come join your tribe!

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

5 Tips to Optimize Fertility:

1. Don’t smoke.

2. Protect yourself from STDs.

3. Eat well and Keep a Balanced Diet

4. Acupuncture

5. Know your Body

This episode was brought to you by Fertility Fundamentals (www.fertilityfundamentals.com). Fertility fundamentals is a naturopath led collective of women supporting each other in their fertility journey. Join the collective for free at www.facebook.com/groups/fundamentalfertility and come join your tribe!

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

In this companion episode to Tara’s interview, I talk about endometriosis and how it affects fertility.

In addition to infertility, other symptoms of endometriosis include:

* pain during sex

* pain with ovulation

* fatigue

* painful cramps

* frequent urination

* low back pain

* painful bowel movements

* constipation or diarrhea

In this episode, I also talk about some diet and lifestyle changes that can help with endometriosis. Consult with your healthcare professional if you suspect that you have endometriosis and seek advice before implementing diet and lifestyle changes to see if they are right for you.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

Podcast freebie: 7 day fertility optimizing meal plan with recipes and grocery list available for download through my website www.fertilityfundamentals.com.

“Be your own advocate. Ask questions. You have every right to walk out of each appointment with your questions answered and validated.”-Tara

Today’s guest is Dr. Tara Brandner from rural North Dakota. She is a nurse practitioner and infertility warrior turned full-time fertility coach. She is certified through the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Tara is also a natural family planner with the Marquette Method and a Certified Hormone Puzzle Fertility Coach. Tara offers 1:1 and group fertility coaching. She also offers a self led fertility course.

Tara shares her journey of endometriosis, miscarriage, IUI, and IVF and is now a mom to a 3 year old boy. I’m thrilled to have Tara on the podcast, sharing her amazing journey with us.

Follow Tara on Instagram @tarabfertility. To learn more and meet Tara, go to www.tarabrandner.com. Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarabfertility

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

Links to medical conditions/ procedures discussed in this episode:

Miscarriage: https://anchor.fm/fertilitystories/episodes/Miscarriage-edcebv

IUI: https://anchor.fm/fertilitystories/episodes/IUI-ef5jq9

Podcast freebie: 7 day fertility optimizing meal plan with recipes and grocery list available for download through my website www.fertilityfundamentals.com.

I’m back for Season 2 of the Fertility Stories podcast! The new season starts next week. I can’t wait to share it with you!

“Have hope. Believe that you’re worthy. You’re worthy of having a child. Seek advice, gather wisdom, see a doctor, meditate or pray. Take action!” -Stephanie

Today’s guest is Stephanie. She is the author of “Angel Wings”, a memoir inspired by her infertility journey. She is an entrepreneur and founder of Baby Blessings Ministry. Stephanie is also a lead singer in a rock band and mother of 3. Stephanie suffered from secondary infertility and experienced 7 miscarriages. She went through IVF but this resulted in a partial molar pregnancy. She then decided on surrogacy and through her surrogate was able to have twins!

I’m thrilled to have Stephanie on the podcast, sharing her amazing journey with us. Follow Stephanie on Instagram @angelwingssteph. To learn more and meet Laura, go to www.yourangelwings.net. Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniejohara.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

Podcast freebie: 7 day fertility optimizing meal plan with recipes and grocery list available for download through my website www.fertilityfundamentals.com.

Coping with Pregnancy Loss

1. Understand that it's not your fault. Pregnancy loss or complications can strike anyone. Talk openly and honestly with your partner about what's happened and how it's affecting you. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to deal with grief. Accept your feelings as they are and don't judge yourself or your partner for how you respond.

2. Give yourself time to heal. Don't pressure yourself to get past the sadness quickly. Your healing will be more complete if you deal with your grief as it comes. You may find yourself reliving the pain, especially around your due date or other milestones. Over time, things will change and you'll feel better.

3. Take time off from work. Even if you feel physically fine, taking some time away from your job may be helpful. You need a chance to process what's happened, and taking a break from your regular routine will help you acknowledge and accept all that you're going through.

4. Don't expect your partner to grieve in the same way. I

5. Don't close yourself off from others.

6. Seek out professional help through a counsellor or join a support group near you.

Resources:

Nationalshare.org

https://community.babycenter.com/groups/a15155/miscarriage_stillbirth_infant_loss_support

https://www.mend.org/home/

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org

https://firstcandle.org

https://babyloss-awareness.org

https://stillstandingmag.com/2016/06/01/welcome-to-still-standing-magazine/

https://healgrief.org/national-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-awareness-day-10152014/

This episode was brought to you by Fertility Fundamentals. Fertility fundamentals is a naturopath led collective of women supporting each other in their fertility journey. Join the collective for free at www.facebook.com/groups/fundamentalfertility and come join your tribe!

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.

Losing a baby is hard -- no matter how old they were and it happens more often than you think.

One in four women have a miscarriage and 1 in 160 babies are born stillborn.

This month is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and it gives parents a chance to open up about their personal stories and find comfort in others.

Resources:

Nationalshare.org

https://community.babycenter.com/groups/a15155/miscarriage_stillbirth_infant_loss_support

https://www.mend.org/home/

http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org

https://firstcandle.org

https://babyloss-awareness.org

https://stillstandingmag.com/2016/06/01/welcome-to-still-standing-magazine/

https://healgrief.org/national-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-awareness-day-10152014/

This episode was brought to you by Fertility Fundamentals. Fertility fundamentals is a naturopath led collective of women supporting each other in their fertility journey. Join the collective for free at www.facebook.com/groups/fundamentalfertility and come join your tribe!

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe to the Fertility Stories podcast and leave a review.