Hey there! Welcome back to the Pregnancy Success Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Karen, and I am beyond excited to have you join me today for another enlightening episode where we dive deep into the connection between diet and fertility.

00:00 Dr. Karen's Body Basics Series

03:33 "Balanced Diet's Impact on Hormones"

07:50 "Balance Healthy Fats and Carbs"

13:16 Mediterranean Diet for Fertility

16:39 "Diet and Fertility Insights"

19:09 Smart Nutrition Over Intensive Fasting

23:12 Thyroid Health Through Balanced Diet

26:44 "Whole Foods Boost Energy & Satiety"

28:22 Nutrient Swaps and Spiritual Nutrition

31:45 Disclaimer: Non-Medical Self-Help Content

In this episode, we're exploring how crucial your diet truly is when it comes to boosting your fertility and creating the ideal hormonal balance for conception. Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of disappointment, worried about your age, or maybe feeling like your body is working against you in your quest to hold a baby in your arms? You're certainly not alone, and I'm here to assure you that your history doesn't define your destiny. Together, we can uncover and reclaim your body's natural wisdom.

Today, we're focusing on 'Doctor Karen's Body Basics' series, stepping into our third pillar: diet and nutrition. We’re unpacking the fertility food framework and how certain nutrition strategies can turn your baby-making possibilities into probabilities. Forget about the latest fad diets—today, we're talking about solid dietary foundations that are scientifically backed to enhance fertility.

Did you know that Harvard's TH Chan School of Public Health has identified a fertility-focused diet that can reduce the risk of ovulation-related infertility by up to 66%? That's incredible! We also explore how iron and vitamin D deficiencies can potentially double your time to conception.

We delve into what makes up the optimal fertility diet, with a focus on the four fertility-friendly pillars: protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients. Each of these components plays a crucial role in balancing your hormones, supporting your immune function, and maintaining healthy reproductive tissues. For instance, did you know that protein from sources like legumes and organic poultry is essential for enzyme production and muscle health?

Equally important are healthy fats, which not only serve as an energy source but also assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and support cell membrane integrity. Plus, we explore how complex carbohydrates serve as your body's primary energy source and why balancing them with whole grains and root vegetables can help avoid sugar spikes.

Micronutrients, particularly folate, iron, and vitamins like B12, are vital for tissue health, immune function, and reducing risks of neural tube defects. We also touch on the importance of being aware of pesticide exposure when choosing fruits and vegetables, introducing you to the "Clean 15" and "Dirty Dozen."

You might be wondering how a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle affects fertility. It's a fantastic way to live, but ensuring adequate protein and micronutrient intake is essential. We discuss how the Mediterranean diet mirrors our fertility framework with its balanced approach to proteins, fats, and carbs.

The episode also touches on common concerns around carb intake and fad diets like keto, urging caution due to their potential to disturb hormonal balance. I share personal anecdotes and stories from clients who have successfully aligned their diet with their fertility goals.

As always, my mission is to guide you toward informed choices that nurture not only your fertility journey but your overall health, regardless of age or past experiences. Visit www.thebabymakinggenius.com for more resources, tips, and to book a free discovery session to start crafting your personalized baby success plan today.

I'm here with you every step of the way. Take action this week—what one food will you swap to bring you closer to your dream of holding your baby? Until next time, remember that you have the power to set the course for your fertility health. If ever in doubt, feel free to borrow my belief in you. Have a fantastic week, and let's reconnect next time with renewed hope and strategies. Take care!

Hey there! Welcome back to the Pregnancy Success Podcast. I'm Dr. Karen, your host, and I'm thrilled to have you join me for today's episode. We're embarking on an insightful journey as we explore a topic that profoundly impacts your fertility—water. In this episode we’ll uncover why hydration plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and overall well-being.

00:00 Hydration's Impact on Fertility

06:31 "Winter Hydration and Fertility Insights"

08:21 Hydration Guidelines for Women's Weight

12:13 Hydration's Role in Reproduction

16:35 Hydration Influences Menstrual Health

19:07 Hydration's Impact on Health

23:30 "Hydration Hacks: Easy Daily Tips"

25:20 Reconsider Carbonated Water Consumption

29:20 Disclaimer: Self-Help Content Only

Are you feeling the stress of the monthly emotional roller coaster? Concerned about your age, or perhaps feeling betrayed by your body? You're not alone, and sometimes what seems like a minor adjustment can make a significant difference on your path to pregnancy success. I've always believed that every woman who desires to have a baby can and does achieve that dream. Remember, your history is not your destiny. I'm here to share practical, often neglected strategies to help you reclaim your body's natural wisdom.

Today, we’re focusing on one of my Four Body Basics that's essential for fertility: water intake. Did you know that if you're feeling thirsty, you're already dehydrated? It's true! Mild dehydration, just a mere one or two percent, can affect your hormone balance, circulation, and even cognitive function. But here's the good news—we can change this. Together, we'll explore how increasing your water intake can transform your fertility journey.

Dive into the concept that water is foundational to bodily functions. The average woman's body consists of about 60% water, and when you think about our reproductive organs, hydration becomes even more critical. Studies show dehydration can impair fertility by 20 to 30 percent, especially crucial for women over 40 using assisted reproductive technologies.

I share a personal story of how hydration improved my performance while training for a half marathon, and relate it back to fertility success. Whether it’s your brain's 80% water composition impacting hormonal balance, or the role of water in maintaining optimal cervical mucus for sperm transport, every drop counts.

We also discuss the often overlooked fact that environmental factors like colder climates could lead to decreased water intake. This is eye-opening for many, especially in regions with harsh winters. Remember, hydration impacts everything from egg quality to uterine lining and even the developing embryo's health.

You might ask, "How can I ensure I'm drinking enough water?" Here's a simple formula: take your body weight in pounds, divide it by two, and that's the number of ounces you should drink daily. It might seem daunting, but I'll provide easy-to-implement hacks to make hydration a seamless part of your routine. Start your morning right with two glasses of water, carry a bottle with you, and track your intake with apps or simple logs.

For those of you who find plain water unappealing, I recommend changing your mindset—consider it the best beverage you can give your body daily. Add a pinch of salt for electrolyte balance, explore the refreshing taste of coconut water, or infuse your water with flavors like lemon or cucumber.

I'd love for you to take on a challenge with me: for the next week, drink two extra glasses of water each day. Track how you feel and notice the changes in your body—it might be the boost you need in your fertility journey.

As always, I'm here with you every step of the way. Remember to reclaim your body's innate wisdom and believe in your ability to transform your fertility journey. If you're ever in doubt, feel free to borrow my belief in you. Don't forget to check out our show notes for additional resources, and visit www.thebabymakinggenius.com for more insights and to book a free discovery session.

Thank you for tuning into the Pregnancy Success Podcast. I can’t wait for our next episode. Until then, stay hydrated, stay hopeful, and let's work together toward holding your baby in your arms.

Hey there! Welcome back to the Pregnancy Success Podcast. I'm Dr. Karen, and today we're diving into something truly transformative for your fertility journey—breathwork. In this episode, titled "Body Basics - Breath," we're going to explore how the quality of your breath can influence the quality of your health and ultimately, your fertility success.

00:00 "The Four Essential Body Basics"

04:15 Breath's Impact on Body Tension

09:29 Breathing's Impact on Fertility Health

10:54 Optimizing Hormones Through Conscious Breathing

16:49 Exploring Global Breath Work Practices

20:05 Global Breathing Study Findings

23:46 Breathing Practices Abundance: Optimize Daily

26:55 Breathing Practice Improvement Tips

28:35 "Box Breathing Technique Explained"

34:45 Brain Balancing for Cycle Harmony

37:22 Mindfulness Technique for Balance

40:33 The Buteyko Breathing Technique

43:41 Breathwork Benefits in Labor

46:58 Disclaimer: Non-Medical Content

Are you tired of that monthly emotional roller coaster? Concerned about your age or feeling like your body is betraying you? You're not alone, and I'm here to tell you that there's hope. I firmly believe that every woman who desires to have a baby can and does achieve that dream. Your history is not your destiny, and I'm on a mission to prove that by sharing powerful, often overlooked strategies to reclaim your body's natural wisdom.

Today, we're kicking off a series on the Four Body Basics that can significantly enhance your fertility. We're talking movement, sleep, diet, water, and most importantly, breath. Now, I know you're breathing right now, but how's the quality of that breath? Let's dive into why it's so crucial.

First, consider this: You can survive weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without breath. That’s how vital it is. Quality breathing can significantly improve the quality of your health. It's about enhancing your body's oxygenation, impacting everything from your heart health to how your delicate reproductive organs function.

Talking about breathing, it's not just a physiological need; it's a link to different cultures and practices around the world. From yoga’s pranayama in India to Vipassana meditation, breath has historically been considered as a connection to life force energy. In my personal journey, I discovered the magic of breathwork at a yoga teacher training in India, learning the impact of conscious, relaxed breathing on stress and physical capabilities.

I walk you through techniques like the basic breath (or box breath), alternate nostril breathing, and the four-seven-eight breath—each designed to help you relax, balance your hormones, and improve your overall well-being. These are simple practices you can start integrating today to relieve stress, enhance focus, and ultimately support your fertility goals.

Did you know there’s over 20,000 studies about breath practices since 2010 on PubMed alone? The science is there, and it’s compelling—proper breathing isn’t just about staying alive; it’s about thriving. It's about giving your body the oxygen it needs to produce ideal conditions for fertility.

Stay tuned as next week, we continue our series with body basics about water and its role in your health and fertility journey. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for resources, including worksheets and links to further reading. And as always, you can find more details and book a free discovery session with me at www.thebabymakinggenius.com.

Remember, if you're struggling or doubting yourself, borrow my belief because I truly believe in you. Reclaim your body’s natural wisdom and transform your fertility journey with me, Dr. Karen. I can’t wait to share more insights with you. Until next time, keep breathing, and let’s work towards holding your baby in your arms.

In this debut episode of the Pregnancy Success Podcast, I dive deep into the power of creating your "Beautiful Baby Blueprint" - a transformative vision-setting exercise that can help increase your chances of pregnancy success.

00:00 Preparing for Fertility Success

03:55 "Baby Vision Blueprint Essentials"

09:32 Thoughts Influence Emotions and Actions

13:07 Tools for Reproductive Success

15:34 Choosing Family and Personal Happiness

19:59 "Defining and Planning for Success"

23:03 "Envisioning Life 5 Years Ahead"

27:13 Present-Tense Positive Affirmations

31:04 Engaging All Senses & Emotions

32:42 Grateful Baby Blueprint Insights

37:58 Manifest Goals with Positive Recordings

41:12 "Body Basics Series: The Hows"

42:16 "Baby Blueprint Guidance Offer"

As someone who personally struggled with fertility challenges, I understand the monthly emotional rollercoaster many women experience when trying to conceive. That's why I'm passionate about helping women realize that their history does not have to be their destiny. Through my own journey and years of working with clients, I've discovered that our thinking patterns and vision for the future play a crucial role (about 90%) in achieving pregnancy success.

I introduce the concept of the "language of success" - a proven process originally developed by Napoleon Hill and later codified by Mary Morrissey. This approach focuses on the power of our thoughts, which create vibrations in our body, leading to emotions that drive our actions and ultimately determine our results.

To illustrate this concept, I share a relatable example of how different people react to being cut off in traffic. This demonstrates how our thinking patterns directly influence our emotional responses and subsequent actions, creating either positive or negative ripple effects throughout our day.

The core of this episode focuses on creating your Beautiful Baby Blueprint, which includes several key components:

1. Timing - Writing from a future perspective (3-5 years ahead)

2. Using the power question "What would you love?" instead of "What do I want?"

3. Incorporating four main life areas:

- Health and wellness

- Relationships

- Vocation

- Time and money freedom

I provide specific guidance on crafting your blueprint effectively:

- Use present tense language

- Include specific details

- Incorporate all five senses

- Express positive emotions

- Include gratitude

- Focus on approach goals rather than avoidance goals

To demonstrate these principles, I share a client's beautiful baby blueprint example, which perfectly illustrates how to weave together specific details, emotions, and sensory experiences into a compelling vision.

The key takeaway is that this isn't just a one-time exercise - I recommend working with your blueprint twice daily until you achieve your desired outcome. While this may seem like a significant commitment, it's a small investment compared to the potential impact on your fertility journey.

I wrap up by emphasizing that while the "what" (your vision) accounts for 90% of success, the "how" is still important. I invite listeners to join me in the following episodes where I'll be diving into my Body Basics series, covering four fundamental pieces critical for fertility success.

Remember, if you're struggling with creating your Beautiful Baby Blueprint, you can visit thebabymakinggenius.com to book a call with me. I'm here to help you bridge the gap between where you are now and holding your baby in your arms.

And if you're ever feeling doubtful, I invite you to borrow my belief in you - because I truly believe that every woman who desires to have a baby can and does achieve that dream.

For resources mentioned in this episode, including the Beautiful Baby Blueprint worksheet, visit thebabymakinggenius.com.

In this premiere episode of the Pregnancy Success Podcast, I, Dr. Karen Stillman, share my personal journey with fertility challenges and how I overcame them to have my two beautiful children. I discuss my vision that every woman who desires to have a baby can and will succeed in doing so.

00:00 Struggles of Aspiring OB GYN

04:44 Mother-Daughter Heart-to-Heart Moment

08:26 "Faith, Pregnancy, and Parenthood Journey"

13:19 "Empowering Women through Creative Vision"

16:19 Simple Steps to Restore Balance

20:40 "What Would You Love?"

21:38 Reclaim Natural Healing Wisdom

In this premiere episode of the Pregnancy Success Podcast, I, Dr. Karen Stillman, share my personal journey with fertility challenges and how I overcame them to have my two beautiful children. I discuss my vision that every woman who desires to have a baby can and will succeed in doing so.

I open up about my own struggles, beginning with an emergency appendix surgery at age 13 where I lost a fallopian tube. The surgeon told my mother I would likely struggle to conceive, and I carried that limiting belief with me for many years. When I finally met "Mr. Right" and started trying to conceive, those struggles became reality - but not for the reasons I initially thought.

As an OB-GYN resident at the time, I had access to all the medical testing and monitoring available, yet month after month went by without success. I felt like a failure as a woman and watched my relationship strain under the pressure. It wasn't until a pivotal conversation with my mother that everything changed. She reminded me of something I had completely forgotten - my own fierce determination as a 13-year-old girl who declared that no one would stop me from having my two babies, just like she did.

This reminder sparked a complete shift in my approach. I stopped obsessing over medical interventions and instead focused on leaning into what I loved - spending time with family and friends, returning to hobbies like sewing and baking, and enjoying intimate time with my husband naturally rather than on a schedule. Within three months, I was pregnant with my son Jacob!

Despite a breech position requiring a C-section, I was overjoyed to finally hold my baby boy. Two years later, when we decided to try for our second child, I maintained my positive mindset and successfully had a natural VBAC delivery with my daughter Sarah - exactly what I had envisioned while still on the operating table during my C-section.

These experiences transformed not just my personal life but my professional practice as well. I learned that the "how" of getting pregnant is only a tiny fraction of the equation - as little as 1% according to transformational coaching practices. The real key lies in knowing what you truly want and why you want it. I began helping my patients explore their deeper motivations and beliefs rather than focusing solely on medical interventions.

I emphasize that we are all self-healing organisms with natural wisdom and capabilities. Just as our bodies know how to heal a cut or mend a broken bone, we have innate fertility wisdom that can be accessed when we release limiting beliefs and align with our true desires.

The episode concludes with an invitation to download my Beautiful Baby Blueprint PDF from my website, which helps women take their first steps toward awakening their natural baby-making capabilities. I encourage listeners to ask themselves two powerful questions: "What would you love?" and "Why would you love it?"

My message is clear - your history is not your destiny. Whether you're struggling with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or other challenges, you have the power to transform your fertility journey by reclaiming your body's natural wisdom and bridging the mind-body connection.

Join me weekly as we explore practical, often overlooked details that can help turn your baby-making possibilities into probabilities. Visit www.thebabymakinggenius.com for free resources, worksheets, instructional videos, and information about booking a free discovery session to create your personalized Beautiful Baby Blueprint.

Let me introduce myself…

I was like YOU!  I lived with the emotional rollercoaster and anguish of monthly failures.  It was like being a pincushion with all the blood tests.  At one point, it felt like I was having more intimate time with the ultrasound probe than my husband!  I was getting depressed, it was affecting my marriage, and I feeling like a failure as a woman. 

It started with the voice of the doctor telling my Mum that I would “struggle to get pregnant” after I had a normal appendix removed. The true reason for my ‘acute appendicitis’ was a knotted and necrotic (dead) fallopian tube which was completely removed.

It turned around when my Mum reminded me of the fact that I was carrying around for over 15 years the false belief that I would “struggle to get pregnant”, as the doctor once said.

The truth is I have the power to choose – to co-create the life I want.  Knowing WHAT I want is more than 90% (maybe even 99%) of the work.  The HOW, including any assisted reproductive technology, is less than 10% of the success process. This includes your history. Your medical history is NOT your destiny.  You can change it!

When I changed my thinking with a couple of lifestyle changes, I got pregnant in 3 months!  I delivered my beautiful baby boy, Jacob, via C-Section at term (he was breech).  When he was 2, we decided to start trying for number 2.  Nine months later, Sarah was delivered by the easiest of VBACs!

Changing my thinking changed my life!

I employed the same principles with my patients, while practicing as an Obstetrician & Gynecologist.  Thinking outside of the box helped them have success, TO HAVE THEIR BABIES.  It all happened while working on their thinking – that there is more to having babies than the medical tests, investigations, prescriptions, and procedures. 

It all starts with asking yourself this Power Question: What would I love?

The next question is WHY? Because when I figured out why I wanted to have my 2 babies, it was the piece that made it all click into place. Because there are Laws in the Universe that govern success.  It’s like the Laws of Gravity or Electricity – which I cannot explain in great detail – but I know the lights come on when I flip the switch.

If I don’t know HOW to use the laws, I won’t get what I want.  When I do use them correctly, miracles happen.

We are created as perfect spiritual beings as self-healing organisms.  We have the power within ourselves to make changes. When we feel distressed over time we develop dis-ease.  Over more time it becomes diseases and diagnoses.  We don’t have to live that way.  You don’t have to live that way.

Changing my thinking changed my results.  Sprinkle in some increased believing power, support, and trusting the process, I now have 2 beautiful adult children.  You can too!

Come borrow my belief if you need it because I believe in YOU!

Website:  www.thebabymakinggenius.com

Beautiful Baby Blueprint: LINK