What if the fertility journey is inviting you to remember who you truly are?

In this episode of Sacred Fertility Flow, Ashley Holmes sits down with yoga teacher, meditation guide, somatic practitioner, author, and artist Yvette Lehmann for a thoughtful conversation about self-discovery, healing, and reconnecting with your authentic self through yoga, meditation, and creativity.

Yvette shares her powerful concept of "The Great Forgetting and The Great Remembering"—the idea that many of us lose touch with our true nature through conditioning, expectations, and life experiences, and that practices like yin yoga, restorative yoga, meditation, and creative expression can help us find our way back.

Together, Ashley and Yvette explore how these practices can support women navigating infertility, IVF, secondary infertility, and other fertility challenges by creating space to listen to the body's wisdom, process emotions, and cultivate greater self-awareness.

They discuss the difference between active and receptive yoga practices, the importance of learning to receive, and how meditation can help quiet the noise of the mind so we can hear what our bodies are trying to tell us. Yvette also shares how creativity—including mandala drawing, art, and journaling—can reveal patterns, beliefs, and insights that support healing and personal growth.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're trying to conceive, moving through fertility treatments, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, this conversation offers gentle reminders about the wisdom that already exists within you.

Connect with Yvette and explore her writing, guided meditations, and creative offerings through her Substack community.

https://substack.com/@yvettelehmann?utm_source=global-search 

Connect with Ashley through her new website

https://www.holisticfertility.ca/ 

If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this message today.

Preparing for pregnancy isn't just about getting a positive pregnancy test — it's about creating the healthiest possible foundation for yourself and your future child.

In this episode of the Sacred Fertility Flow Podcast, Ashley Holmes welcomes maternal health advocate, author, and founder of the Pre-Motherhood Movement, Khristee Rich, for a thoughtful conversation about preparing the body, mind, and spirit for conception.

Drawing from her own experience of overcoming a life-altering chronic illness through holistic healing, Khristee shares why she believes women deserve better education about fertility, pregnancy, and the entire perinatal journey—not just conception.

Together, Ashley and Khristee explore:

This episode is a reminder that fertility is about far more than reproductive health. It's about supporting your whole self so you can enter pregnancy feeling informed, empowered, and connected to your body.

Whether you're just beginning your fertility journey, preparing for IVF, navigating unexplained infertility, or looking for a more holistic approach to conception, this conversation offers both practical guidance and compassionate encouragement.

Connect with Ashley:

Connect with Khristee:

Meditation is Medicine for the Mind.

If you've ever believed you "can't meditate," this episode is for you.

In this heartfelt solo episode of Sacred Fertility Flow, holistic fertility coach Ashley Holmes explores how meditation can become one of the most transformative practices on your fertility journey—not because it guarantees pregnancy, but because it changes the way you experience uncertainty, stress, and the waiting.

Ashley shares how meditation supports the nervous system, why it helps regulate chronic stress, and how it cultivates greater resilience, presence, and self-trust while navigating infertility, secondary infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, or trying to conceive naturally.

She also explores a variety of meditation practices—including breath awareness, chakra meditation, visualization, Yoga Nidra, Loving Kindness meditation, and mantra meditation—so you can discover an approach that feels aligned with you.

Drawing upon the timeless wisdom of the Yoga Sutras, Sankara Bhagavadpada, Krishnamurti, and Madhu Sai, Ashley weaves together ancient philosophy with practical guidance to help you understand how meditation can become a way of living, rather than simply another item on your wellness checklist.

In this episode you'll discover:

Whether you're new to meditation or have an established practice, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical tools to help you cultivate more peace, presence, and trust—wherever you are on your fertility journey.

If this episode speaks to your heart, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this message today.

In this earnest episode of the Sacred Fertility Flow Podcast, I sit down with Alicia Hurt, Certified Doula, Holistic Wellness Coach, minister, author, and founder of I See My Baby Incorporated.

Alicia shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, identity loss, emotional trauma, chronic illness, and ultimately healing. What began as a struggle to conceive became a profound invitation to rediscover herself, heal old wounds, and align with her true purpose.

Together, we explore:

✨ The hidden ways infertility can impact a woman's identity and sense of self

✨ How unprocessed emotional pain can manifest physically

✨ Alicia's journey with rheumatoid arthritis and healing

✨ The power of writing and journaling as therapeutic tools

✨ Why community and support matter during difficult seasons

✨ The importance of examining your intentions and purpose

✨ Faith, spirituality, and developing a deeper relationship with God

✨ Practical tools for stress relief and emotional healing

Whether you're navigating infertility, a major life transition, chronic illness, grief, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that healing is possible.

Connect with Alicia Hurt:

http://www.iseemybaby.org

https://www.instagram.com/all_me_alicia_/

https://www.facebook.com/sweetlicia2

Email: [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/ashley_holmes3202/

https://www.facebook.com/ashley.holmes.3979

This conversation was a podcast interview between Ashley and Alicia Hurt, a certified doula and holistic wellness coach who founded the nonprofit I See My Baby Incorporated. Alicia shared her personal journey through infertility, trauma, and healing, discussing how she lost her sense of self while working as a minister and later as a corporate manager before finding her calling in supporting other women through fertility struggles and major life transitions. She described how internal pain manifesting physically, including developing rheumatoid arthritis and experiencing a car accident, ultimately led her to quit her job and pursue her true purpose of helping women heal and rediscover their voice. The conversation covered the importance of writing and journaling as therapeutic tools, the need for community support during difficult times, and the concept of examining one's intentions to ensure they align with spiritual fulfillment rather than just external achievements. Alicia also shared a breathing exercise for stress relief and emphasized the critical importance of developing a strong relationship with God as the foundation for healing and finding purpose.

Alicia and Ashley discussed their plans for a recording session, with Ashley offering to send a recap and notes to Alicia afterward. The conversation then shifted to introducing Alicia as a guest for an upcoming discussion about fertility, healing, and transformation. The meeting appeared to be setting up for an interview or podcast where Alicia would share her journey as a certified doula, holistic wellness coach, and founder of a nonprofit organization supporting women and families.

Alicia shared her personal journey of struggling with authenticity and self-identity while dealing with infertility, describing how internal pain affected her relationships with her husband, employer, and faith. She explained how she realized she had lost herself through feedback from her husband, mother's subtle observations, and a supervisor's direct comment about her unhappiness despite her successful career. Alicia's story highlighted how fertility struggles can deeply fracture a woman's self-identity, a point Ashley acknowledged as resonating with many people's experiences.

Alicia and Ashley discussed the therapeutic benefits of writing to process difficult experiences and emotions. Alicia shared her personal journey of writing a book to document and heal from her experiences, emphasizing how writing helps people feel understood and less alone. They both agreed that writing or recording thoughts can help uncover subconscious feelings and provide therapeutic relief, with Alicia recommending clients record themselves when they don't have time to write.

Alicia shared her experience of developing rheumatoid arthritis while dealing with multiple stressors, including caring for her father, having a son, and facing relationship and career concerns. She described how moving away, quitting her job, and opening a nonprofit significantly improved her physical condition over the past three years. Alicia credited a conversation with her beautician and a compassionate doctor who told her "there's hope" as pivotal moments in her healing journey.

Alicia shared her experience of a traumatic car accident and how she overcame it through faith and support from others, which helped redirect her toward her calling. She discussed how many people carry hidden trauma, insecurities, and unhealed emotional wounds from past experiences, including negative comments and lack of parental acceptance. Alicia emphasized the importance of both spiritual support and therapy in healing, advocating for moving forward rather than staying stuck in past pain.

Alicia shared her personal experience of overcoming spiritual and emotional barriers by removing two gold chains that were symbolically holding her back from fully embracing her calling as a minister. She emphasized the importance of taking "baby steps" toward healing and self-discovery. Ashley discussed how healing is not linear and that people must find completeness within themselves rather than relying on others to fill voids, noting that modern culture often avoids healing due to fears of re-traumatization.

Alicia and Ashley discussed the importance of having a supportive community and village, particularly for women navigating challenges like infertility and motherhood. Alicia shared a breathing exercise to help center oneself and manage stress, emphasizing the value of mindfulness and self-reflection. They also talked about the significance of understanding one's intentions and purpose, with Alicia highlighting the role of a strong relationship with God in providing clarity and focus. Alicia mentioned her personal healing journey, including her goal to come off medications by the end of 2026, and encouraged listeners to prioritize their relationship with God amid overwhelming information.

In this honest and heartfelt episode of Sacred Fertility Flow, Ashley Holmes welcomes former client Nuria to share her compelling journey through secondary infertility, multiple failed IVF transfers, and ultimately achieving pregnancy after exploring a different approach to fertility care.

After being told donor eggs were her only option, Nuria found herself searching for answers beyond conventional fertility treatment. Through education, lifestyle changes, nervous system support, acupuncture, counseling, and holistic fertility care, she discovered a new path forward that led to pregnancy and the birth of her son.

Nuria openly shares the emotional highs and lows of her journey, including failed IVF cycles, traveling to the United States for treatment, conceiving twins, experiencing vanishing twin loss, and how these experiences transformed her perspective on health, motherhood, and resilience.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

This conversation offers compassion, encouragement, and insight for anyone navigating infertility, IVF, pregnancy after loss, or the complexities of trying to grow their family.

Connect with Ashley:

Follow Ashley on Instagram:

Download Free Resources:

https://nourished-reading.subscribepage.io/

This was a podcast interview between Ashley Holmes, a holistic fertility coach, and her former client Nuria, where Nuria shared her fertility journey including secondary infertility, multiple failed IVF attempts, and ultimately achieving pregnancy through a different approach in the United States. Nuria described her experience with three failed IVF transfers in Canada, including one doctor telling her she was too old and should consider donor eggs, which left her feeling defeated. She explained how her husband's suggestion to explore other options led them to find a holistic fertility doctor in the US who took a different approach, including acupuncture, counseling, and a more simplified medication regimen. After trying three egg collections and transferring frozen embryos, Nuria discovered she was pregnant with twins but later learned during a 12-week ultrasound that one twin had vanished, leaving her with a healthy singleton baby boy who is now 9 months old. Throughout the conversation, Nuria emphasized the importance of education, being open to learning new approaches, and not feeling alone in the fertility journey, while also sharing her insights about the significant differences between her positive experience with holistic fertility care versus the dismissive treatment she received from clinics in Canada.

Ashley introduced a podcast episode about fertility journeys, welcoming Nuria as a guest who shared her experience with secondary infertility, unsuccessful IVF attempts, and the decision to travel from Canada to the United States for treatment. Nuria explained that she hoped to connect with others who could relate to fertility challenges, as she had kept her journey private during her experience. The conversation began with Ashley asking Nuria to share the beginning of her family building journey, including whether fertility treatments were involved in conceiving her first child.

Nuria shared her fertility journey, describing her first child as a "miracle baby" conceived without IVF after exploring fertility treatments. She explained that after her son turned one, her husband wanted to have another child, but their second attempt at fertility treatment involved three failed IVF transfers and one IUI transfer, with a doctor ultimately suggesting donor eggs as their only option. After the third failed attempt, Nuria became emotional and shut down from discussing the situation, but her husband's online support group helped provide new information and recommendations that gave them hope for continuing their journey.

Nuria shared her experience exploring fertility treatment options, including reading a book called "It Starts with Egg" by Rebecca Fett. After having a positive one-hour consultation with a US doctor who took a holistic approach to fertility, Nuria decided to pursue treatment in the US rather than in Canada. She described how the experience transformed her perspective and led her to start acupuncture treatments and work with a counselor, implementing various lifestyle changes including different vitamins and dietary adjustments.

Nuria shared her fertility treatment journey, including three egg collections and the transfer of frozen eggs and sperm to the U.S. She described the genetic testing performed on herself and her husband, resulting in three successful embryos, one of which was low mosaic. After the first embryo transfer failed, Nuria experienced emotional distress and disconnected from family, until she found comfort and understanding through reading Ashley's website content about fertility experiences.

Nuria shared her journey of learning about the mind-body-spirit connection during her fertility challenges, including how she initially didn't recognize the stress she was experiencing despite exercising seven days a week. After five months of working with Ashley, Nuria gained insights about stress and the nervous system and had created a fertile foundation within. Nuria reached back out to her doctor in the US about potentially pursuing pregnancy again, despite her husband's interest in using a surrogate, and the doctor provided guidance on next steps for treatment.

Nuria discussed her experience with IVF treatment, explaining how she decided to proceed with another transfer after falling in love with Yoga Nidra during her process. She shared that while her husband was supportive, she felt he didn't fully understand the physical and emotional challenges she was experiencing, which led to frustration in their communication. Nuria also compared her treatment experiences between a doctor in the U.S. and one locally, noting that the U.S. doctor provided a more simplified and less stressful medication schedule.

Nuria shared her experience of discovering she was pregnant with twins during a two-week period, including early pregnancy symptoms and monitoring through an Apple Watch. She described the ultrasound discoveries at different stages, including initially finding two heartbeats but later learning that only one embryo had successfully implanted, which was a low-mosaic quality embryo. Despite initial concerns about the embryo's quality, Nuria explained that the low-mosaic embryo resulted in a healthy baby boy who is now 9 months old.

Ashley and Nuria reflected on their fertility journey collaboration, with Ashley expressing gratitude for their partnership and Nuria sharing how the guidance transformed her approach to nutrition and exercise. Nuria described how she initially underestimated her protein intake and overexercised, but learned through their work to balance high-intensity workouts with restorative practices like yoga nidra meditations and yin yoga. The conversation concluded with Ashley inviting Nuria to share how the lifestyle changes impacted her second pregnancy and motherhood experience, though this portion of the discussion was not captured in the transcript.

Nuria discussed how her holistic learning journey has improved her parenting approach by helping her recognize stress and respond more consciously to her children. She shared how she now has open conversations with her 7-year-old about stress and has implemented practices like acupuncture and meditation to become more rounded and positive in her parenting. Ashley agreed, sharing how her children reflect back her own needs and how she works to consciously respond rather than react, maintaining consistency in her word and actions to create a grounded and secure environment for her children.

Nuria shared her fertility journey, emphasizing the importance of community support and being open to learning different approaches when traditional methods don't work. She described negative experiences with fertility clinics in Canada, including dismissive treatment from doctors and lack of educational support, contrasting this with a more positive experience at a clinic in the US that provided better education and patient-centered care. The discussion highlighted gaps in fertility support systems in Canada, including limited access to gynecologists, inadequate preparation for patients, and the need for more comprehensive educational resources.

In this deeply compassionate episode of Sacred Fertility Flow, Ashley Holmes is joined by Sharna Southan, founder of the Institute of Healing through Pregnancy Loss and host of the podcast “What I Wish I Knew Beyond Pregnancy Loss,” for a powerful conversation about reproductive trauma, pregnancy loss, and embodied healing.

Together, Ashley and Sharna explore why pregnancy loss is often treated solely as grief while the deeper physiological, neurological, emotional, and identity-shifting impacts remain largely unrecognized. This episode creates space for women navigating miscarriage, infertility, IVF, stillbirth, reproductive trauma, or the silent heartbreak that can accompany fertility struggles.

Sharna shares her personal healing journey and the work she now does supporting women through the complexities of pregnancy loss and nervous system healing. Through her lived experience and professional insight, she offers a compassionate perspective on what it truly means to feel witnessed, supported, and safe after loss.

Inside this episode, Ashley and Sharna discuss:

This conversation is an invitation to soften the pressure, honor your experience, and remember that healing does not need to be rushed or performed.

✨ About Sharna:

✨ Connect with Sharna:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharnsouthan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reproductivelossleadership/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharna-southan-4a4684147/

✨ About Ashley Holmes:

✨ Connect with Ashley Holmes:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.holmes.3979

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_holmes3202/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ashley-holmes-b165a1211

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need this conversation and leave a review to help more women feel seen, supported, and less alone in their healing journey.

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Interview Recap

This podcast episode featured a conversation between Ashley Holmes and Sharna, founder of the Institute of Healing through Pregnancy Loss, discussing reproductive trauma versus general grief following pregnancy loss. Sharna explained how traditional grief counseling often misses the deeper physiological and neurological aspects of pregnancy loss, which can leave women feeling dismissed and unresolved. They discussed the importance of giving women permission to process their experiences without external pressure, the role of support systems in providing practical help while allowing space for emotional processing, and strategies for reconnecting with one's body after loss. Sharna shared her personal healing journey and emphasized the need for embodied approaches rather than intellectualizing the experience, while also discussing how pregnancy loss can lead to spiritual questioning but ultimately deepens one's connection to self and purpose.

Sacred Fertility & Reproductive Trauma

Ashley and Sharna began their recorded conversation by addressing technical issues and ensuring audio quality. Ashley introduced the podcast "Sacred Fertility Flow" and outlined its focus on holistic fertility and healing. Sharna was welcomed as a guest and recognized for her work in pioneering the understanding of pregnancy loss as reproductive trauma rather than general grief. The discussion was set to explore Sharna's expertise and the importance of this distinction in healing processes.

Sharna discussed her experience with pregnancy loss and the limitations of traditional grief support, explaining that many women find the support insufficient as it addresses only emotional aspects while overlooking the physical trauma their bodies experience. She noted that pregnancy loss often goes unacknowledged by medical professionals, leading to unaddressed trauma and hindered healing for many women. Sharna emphasized the importance of recognizing the body's role in storing trauma and suggested that a more comprehensive approach is needed to truly support women through their healing journeys.

Women’s Miscarriage Support Experiences

Sharna and Ashley discussed the experiences of women who undergo miscarriages or early deliveries, highlighting the physiological and neurological responses they face that are often not acknowledged by the medical system. Sharna shared her personal experience of feeling dismissed and unacknowledged, emphasizing the impact on identity and the challenge of seeking support. They agreed that recognizing these experiences as valid and providing appropriate support in those moments could help address the gap in understanding and care for affected individuals.

Sharna discussed the psychological and physiological impact of pregnancy loss, explaining how the body and mind become stuck in a state of expectation even after the loss occurs. She described how this creates an inner turmoil as individuals grapple with questions about their identity and sense of belonging. Sharna shared her personal approach to coping with this loss, which involved stripping back her previous identity and allowing herself to redefine who she wanted to become moving forward.

Ashley and Sharna discussed the challenges of navigating grief and loss, particularly during fertility journeys. They emphasized the importance of giving oneself permission to be where they are emotionally, rather than adhering to external pressures or timelines. Sharna highlighted the value of taking a "pause" in the fertility process when needed, suggesting that it's okay to step back and focus on personal needs without invalidating one's experiences. Both speakers stressed the importance of tuning out external noise and focusing on personal values and self-acceptance.

Sharna and Ashley discussed the importance of allowing time for healing after experiencing reproductive trauma or pregnancy loss, emphasizing that taking a break can actually benefit fertility and overall well-being. They explored how friends and family can support someone going through grief, suggesting practical actions like offering specific help with daily tasks, using the baby's name in conversation, and simply sitting with the person in silence without trying to "fix" their pain. The discussion concluded with Sharna advising that reconnecting with one's body after loss can be gradual, starting with small changes and acknowledging that the body may still be in a state of threat.

Sharna and Ashley discussed healing from pregnancy loss, focusing on the importance of acknowledging and processing physical and emotional trauma. Sharna shared her personal experience of reconnecting with her body and womb space after loss, emphasizing the need for deep self-reflection and potentially seeking support from professionals. They highlighted the significance of being witnessed in one's grief and the role of community and validation in the healing journey. Sharna also introduced her podcast, "What I Wish I Knew Beyond Pregnancy Loss," as a resource for those navigating similar experiences.

In this deeply insightful episode, Ashley Holmes is joined by Dr. Ashish Paul for a powerful conversation on holistic fertility, Ayurveda, nervous system healing, and conscious conception.

Together, they explore how chronic stress, unresolved trauma, burnout, and disconnection from feminine energy can impact fertility and conception. Dr. Paul shares Ayurvedic perspectives on infertility, including how Vata, Pitta, and Kapha constitutions influence reproductive health and why preparation for conception must involve both physical and emotional healing.

Ashley and Dr. Paul also discuss:

This episode offers a compassionate and holistic perspective for anyone navigating infertility, IVF, secondary infertility, miscarriage, or preparing consciously for pregnancy.

Connect with Ashley:

You cannot force creation.

In this third episode of Sacred Fertility Flow, I sit down with my mentor, Madhu Sai; someone who witnessed my journey through infertility, healing, and ultimately conception.

We explore:

This conversation is not just information… it’s a transmission.

If you’ve ever felt like your body is failing you, this episode will meet you there and gently guide you home.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple

In this profound episode of Sacred Fertility Flow, Ashley Holmes is joined by her teacher, Sankara Bhagavadpada; a former theoretical nuclear physicist who devoted his life to self-inquiry and the path of Amanaska Yoga.

Together, they explore the deeper dimensions of the fertility journey beyond the physical. Revealing how societal pressure, fragmented consciousness, and the mind’s conditioning can shape a woman’s experience of trying to conceive.

Sankara shares his powerful perspective on:

This episode is an invitation to soften the urgency… quiet the noise… and reconnect with the stillness, intelligence, and love that already exists within you.

Join me in my soulful podcast exploring fertility as a sacred journey of mind, body, and spirit—guiding you back into alignment and flow.