We are joined by several of our 2023 expert panelists to discuss the important and all-too-common topic of infertility. As challenges with infertility become ever more pervasive it becomes even more crucial that we continue to have honest and open conversations with experts, across a variety of industries to discover the best ways we can help couples on their fertility journey. It is also essential that we continue to share our personal stories as it is only through this act of bravery that we will be able to dissolve the stigma, shame, and sense of loneliness that often accompanies challenges with infertility.
Today in part two of this conversation, we explore the prevalence of male fertility, the trauma of the fertility journey, the effects of infertility on marriages, its impacts on the body and body image, and how to support loved ones contending with infertility.
If you missed part one of this conversation be sure to check out last week’s episode. We explored issues of fertility planning, the benefits of cycle syncing, issues with Hashimoto’s, Endometriosis, and PCOS, the pervasiveness of diet culture and its impact on women’s health and fertility, and so much more.
This Roundtable from fall 2023 features the following HER Expert panelists:
Emily Chaffee - Birth Doula, Fertility Doula, Massage Therapist, Childbirth Educator, Co-Owner of Carolina Birth & Wellness
Christy Maloney - registered dietitian and owner of Enhanced Nutrition Associates
Kyrsten Spurrier - Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and owner of the Perinatal Pelvis
Dr. Hillary Mandzik -licensed clinical psychologist and I specialize in parenting and perinatal mental health
Katherine Andrew - registered dietitian specializing in hormone and digestive health
To connect with any of our experts, please go to our website directory
Today’s episode includes a discussion of the following topics:
The prevalence of male fertility
Effect of stress on sperm
Focusing on wellness as a couple when trying to get pregnant
The trauma of the fertility journey
Necessity of social support
Impact of the fertility journey on a marriage
Effect of IVF on the body
Processing body image concerns around infertility
The need to connect with and love the body again after battling infertility
How to support loved ones in the midst of infertility
What to say and not say to loved ones struggling to get pregnant
PLOS: Effects of Preconception Lifestyle Intervention
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