On this episode of the podcast, spiritual thought leader Shereen Öberg and I delve into the intersection of spirituality and fertility struggles. Drawing from her research on how women utilise religious and spiritual practices to cope with fertility challenges, Oberg shares her main findings, including the significant role of community support and the psychological benefits of faith. We also explore some of the negative aspects of religious coping, the potential for spiritual practices in enhancing fertility, and the profound personal transformations these challenges can ignite. A candid conversation bridging science, spirituality, and the personal journey through fertility.

About Shereen Öberg
Shereen is an integrative healer, spiritual teacher and doula who holds a master's degree in sexual and reproductive health and rights. She has years of experience teaching yoga, meditation and healing, and she is also a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner. She is the author of the book The Law of Positivism - Live a life of higher vibrations and love, the creator of the Healing Oracle card deck, and is the heart behind the Law of Positivism instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/lawofpositivism/) and podcast (https://www.lawofpositivism.com/lawofpositivismpodcast.html).

This episode features Michelle Strong, a nutritionist specializing in fertility. After facing her fertility struggles and an ectopic pregnancy, Michelle realized she needed to change the way in which she approached her fertility journey. She emphasizes the importance of identifying 'blind spots' in one's fertility, including mental health, supplementation, and nutrition. Michelle shares insights into the significant roles of gut health, inflammation, and male fertility. The conversation also delves into practical advice on nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle modifications to support fertility, advocating for a personalized approach based on comprehensive testing and individual needs.

About Michelle Strong: 

Michelle Strong is a registered nutritionist with a specialty in fertility and has been in private practice for the past 17 years. After struggling to conceive, Michelle now dedicates her time to helping women understand the root cause of their fertility challenges. Addressing gaps or blind spots in a fertility journey is a critical first step in supporting parents-to-be. This plus the right testing, coupled with research-based strategies has proven instrumental in helping couples get and stay pregnant. You can find out more about her work on her website https://mymindbodybaby.com/ or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mymindbodybaby/

I just got back from Ireland, where I trained to become an Abdominal Therapist. This work is so important, not only for fertility but for everyone who would like to improve their (female) health.

On this episode of the podcast, I tell you a bit more about how abdominal therapy works and why it is especially beneficial for anyone who’s trying to conceive. This is a basic self-care tool that has been used by women around the globe to nurture their female health and I am so happy that more and more of us are starting to remember what we can do to optimize our fertility and our health more generally. 

Book a call with me if you want me to teach you this great technique: thatfertilefeeling.com/bookings

Other relevant episodes:

Maya fertility wisdom - https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/922c4a9d/episode-62-maya-fertility-wisdom

A Mayan healer’s take on (in)fertility - https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/9119acf0/episode-26-a-mayan-healers-take-on-infertility 

On this episode of the podcast, I talk with initiated Vodou priestess Nicole Nyiama Costerus, about the lessons from her fertility journey and the Vodou teachings that provide her with a holistic understanding of fertility, its challenges, and the importance of trusting life's timing. In the Vodou tradition, fertility is notably significant and linked to various spirits. Fertility issues and pregnancy loss are manifestations of deeper emotional or energetic circumstances that need to be addressed.

About Nicole Costerus
Nicole Nyima Costerus, Mystic, Medium, initiated Priestess and here to take you into the mysteries of Purpose, Power, Ritual & Intuition. May you embody your Unique Essence so deeply, that your vibration naturally teaches, assists and inspires others. You can find out more about her work at https://www.womenofancientfutures.com/, on her podcast Seeing in de Dark or on Instagram.

Stress can have a significant impact on fertility because it affects various systems in the body, such as the immune system, sleep patterns, digestion, and muscle tension. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss these links in more detail. I also outline an action plan for you with short-term and longer-term strategies that you can use to activate your parasympathetic nervous system (your ‘rest and digest’ state of being) on a regular basis to create the balance you need to conceive from a place of love, trust and surrender. This episode will not make you feel bad about the stress you may experience in your life but will provide you with the tools to help you get out of a chronic state of stress.

Other relevant episodes:

Episode 71 - Creating fertility intentions that work
Episode 74 - Fertility as a creative process

Yoni steaming is an ancient practice that we find in healing traditions all across the globe. It has physical benefits, such as by increasing blood circulation in your womb, and more spiritual and energetic benefits. It’s an excellent tool to start connecting to your womb and your intuitive wisdom On this episode of the podcast, womb wisdom keeper Marina Lyshova explains how you can use yoni steaming to improve fertility and how to set up your own yoni steaming practice. 

About Marina Lyshova
Marina is a womb wisdom keeper from Newcastle, Australia. She offers a range of modalities carefully woven together to support well-being and help you reclaim your sacred feminine essence. From soothing massages and energy-balancing reiki sessions to the transformative benefits of herbalism, shamanic tools, intuitive listening, and NAET, Marina brings forth a comprehensive approach to tap into your  innate ability to heal. You can find out more about her work on her website: https://marinalyshova.com/ or follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinalyshova/

This week on the podcast, womb wisdom keeper Marina Lyshova shares her personal experiences, which includes the emotional rollercoaster of (in)fertility, the pain of a miscarriage, and the healing that occurred afterwards. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing the connection with your womb and the role it plays in redefining the conception of self and navigating through emotional traumas. She also touches upon her work with yoni steaming, her learning through the miscarriage experience, and the importance of self-trust along the journey.

About Marina Lyshova:
Marina is a womb wisdom keeper from Newcastle, Australia. She offers a range of modalities carefully woven together to support well-being and help you reclaim your sacred feminine essence. From soothing massages and energy-balancing reiki sessions to the transformative benefits of herbalism, shamanic tools, intuitive listening, and NAET, Marina brings forth a comprehensive approach to tap into your  innate ability to heal. You can find out more about her work on her website: https://marinalyshova.com/ or follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinalyshova/  

In this episode of That Fertile Feeling, host Françoise Molenaar explores the connection between fertility and creativity. Drawing from personal experiences and conversations with experts, Françoise discusses how the creative process and fertility are intertwined. She emphasizes the importance of surrendering and allowing life to flow, rather than forcing outcomes. Francois shares practical tips and tools for embracing creativity and enhancing fertility. Whether you're struggling with conception or seeking a more effortless approach to life, this episode offers insights and inspiration for nurturing your creative energy.

Book recommendation: "The Artist Way" by Julia Cameron

Native Canadian healer Cindy Simpson Jurado is both a fertility shaman and a psychic surgeon who believes in connecting with feminine flow for effortless conception. She shares her personal and ancestral experiences in healing, spirituality, and helping many women overcome fertility issues. She emphasises the importance of spiritual healing and nurturing positivity, linking infertility to suppressed emotions, trauma, and negative energy that may block conception. Cindy also explains her ability to connect with pre-born spirit babies and how these souls have a role in choosing their parents based on frequency compatibility.

About Fertility Shaman Cindy
Shaman Cindy is a spiritualist peacemaker that comes from a First Nations background holding generations of healers passed down from her  family lineage- also known as a “medicine woman” aka “psychic surgeon”. As a former Certified (HUC) Hospital Unit Clerk, with struggles in the past to accept her rare abilities, she is now gaining international recognition as a sacred shaman- Trance-Medium Energy Alchemist, Fertility Whisperer, now providing Doula Support as a Life Coach. You can find out more about her work on Instagram @fertilityshamancindy or on her website: https://soulsanctuaryblessing.com/

Can the stars tell you whether you will get pregnant in 2024? Unfortunately not, but they do provide you with some unique insight into the aspects of your fertility journey that you could strengthen or leverage to conceive. On this episode of the podcast, I talk with astrologer Juan Belmar about working with your natal moon, the full moon, and your fifth house to improve your chances of conceiving. We also touch upon the eclipses and how to work with those. Juan also gives some pointers for specific signs (sun/moon/asc) and how to work with their influences in 2024. 

About Juan Belmar:
Juan Belmar has worked with astrology for more than 20 years. His approach of Western astrology is about personal growth and self-empowerment as well as personal enlightenment. In his readings, he uses different tools, like feminine and masculine oracle cards, numerology, astrological transits, and Western-oriented astrology. All to uncover the messages for you. You can find out more about his work at: https://www.akashastrology.com/