Up the Duff

On this episode of the Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling is joined by Leonie Akhidenor, certified relationship coach and host of the Parenthood Pod. Together, they delve into the complexities of relationships and parenthood amidst fertility struggles. They tackle topics like resentment, unequal partnership dynamics, maintaining intimacy, handling differing opinions, and coping when one partner considers ending the fertility journey. Leonie's expertise as a relationship coach shines as they navigate the challenges of infertility and relationships. A must-listen for anyone on a fertility journey.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

[00:02:41] Managing relationships during infertility.

[00:07:33] Small gestures in relationships.

[00:08:26] Dealing with resentment in infertility.

[00:13:39] Planning for fertility decisions.

[00:16:34] Seeking Relationship Therapy.

[00:19:30] Making tough fertility decisions.

[00:24:31] Recovering post-infertility and parenting.

[00:28:54] Prioritising self-care for relationships.

[00:29:28] Prioritising self-care and fertility journey.

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

This episode of the Up The Duff podcast delves into the crucial topic of male factor infertility. Host Brittany Darling is joined by Tabitha McIntosh, an experienced Naturopath, founder & director of Awaken Your Health in Sydney, where she has run her own private clinical practice for fifteen years, integrating Naturopathic healing principles with the latest scientific research to educate and empower her clients. After attaining her Bachelor of Medical Science (University of NSW, 2001), she went on to pursue her passion for Integrative healthcare by completing an Advanced Diploma Naturopathy & Diploma Nutrition (Nature Care College, 2005), and Post Grad Dip of Applied Science in Nutritional & Environmental Medicine (Swinburne University, 2006). She has also completed a Masters in Reproductive Medicine through the School of Medicine (University of NSW 2022). Together, they explore the impact of diet, lifestyle, and environment on male fertility. The conversation sheds light on the significant role men play in fertility and emphasises the importance of considering male factors in the journey to parenthood. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how male health influences embryo development and overall fertility.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

[00:01:58] Male partner role in fertility.

[00:04:49] The forgotten male.

[00:09:30] DNA fragmentation and early pregnancy loss.

[00:13:26] Environmental factors affecting male fertility.

[00:17:17] Future-proofing fertility.

[00:19:24] Alcohol and drug intake and fertility.

[00:22:43] Men's Preconception Health

[00:25:54] Fertility journey support.

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

This episode of Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling dives into the world of egg freezing with experts including Dr. Raelia Lew, CREI Fertility Specialist, Gynaecologist and Women's Health Melbourne Director, Lucy Lines from Two Lines Fertility, an independent embryologist, fertility educator, and IVF patient advocate, and Stefanie Valakas APD, an expert certified fertility and pregnancy dietitian and nutritionist, and egg freezer herself. They discuss the process, considerations, and preparations involved in egg freezing, providing a well-rounded view with both expertise and lived experience. Tune in to learn about egg freezing, age factors, using frozen eggs, and more!

In this episode you’ll discover: 

00:01:36 - Dr. Lew Explains Egg Freezing Process

00:04:42 - Monitoring and Planning Egg Retrieval

00:07:15 - Age Considerations in Egg Freezing

00:09:23 - Circumstances for Early Egg Freezing

00:10:18 - Ideal Age for Elective Egg Freezing

00:11:03 - Does Egg Freezing Deplete Egg Reserves?

00:11:59 - Stefanie Valakas Early Egg Freezing Decision

00:12:44 - Data on Egg Freezing Success Rates

00:13:27 - The Value of Egg Freezing for Future Use

00:14:06 - Preparing for Egg Freezing: Nutrition and Toxins

00:15:01 - Supplements for Egg Freezing vs. Conception

00:17:11 - What Happens When You Want to Use Your Eggs

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

In this episode of the Up the Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling speaks with Stefanie Valakas APD, an expert certified fertility and pregnancy dietitian & nutritionist and founder of The Dietologist, about endometriosis and its impact on fertility. They discuss the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, how it can affect your chances of getting pregnant, the process of getting a diagnosis, and the role that nutrition and diet play in managing the condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with endometriosis or wanting to learn more about it.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

[00:02:19] Endometriosis and its symptoms.

[00:04:19] Delay in endometriosis diagnosis.

[00:08:32] Inflammation and fertility.

[00:13:38] Over-attributing symptoms to endometriosis.

[00:17:12] Gut microbiome's link to endometriosis.

[00:22:16] Gluten and endometriosis.

[00:24:43] Vaginal microbiota and endometriosis.

[00:29:30] Pregnancy and endometriosis.

[00:34:08] Prostaglandins and period poops.

[00:36:58] Antioxidant combinations and fertility.

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

In this episode of the Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling is joined by Amy Raupp, an acupuncturist and fertility detective. They discuss the topic of AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and its role as an indicator of ovarian reserve. They also explore the differences between egg quality and quantity, as well as the role of NAD+ in ovarian aging. If you're looking for fertility support and want to debunk some myths, this episode provides valuable insights and hope for those in their thirties and forties.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

00:01:05 - Discussing AMH and Ovarian Reserve

00:01:49 - Understanding AMH in Fertility

00:02:11 - AMH as an Indicator of Ovarian Reserve

00:03:03 - Comparing AMH and FSH

00:05:10 - AMH and IVF Response

00:05:26 - Hope for Low AMH Results

00:11:04 - Improving Egg Quality

00:11:16 - Endocrine Disruptors and Fertility

00:12:32 - NAD+ and Fertility

00:13:35 - CoQ10 and Fertility

00:15:02 - Lifestyle Changes for Fertility

00:15:19 - Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors

00:20:28 - Hypothetical Case Study: Woman in Late 30s/Early 40s

00:25:56 - Advocating for Personalised Fertility Treatment

00:26:07 - Taking Time Off from Fertility Treatments

00:27:37 - Improving Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs

00:28:22 - Techniques for Increasing Blood Flow

00:30:28 - Vitamin D and Fertility

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

In this episode of the Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling is joined by nutritionist Monique Cormack to discuss the two-week wait, a nerve-wracking time for fertility seekers. They explore what foods are helpful during this period, what to avoid, and whether anything can aid implantation, with a special focus on beetroot juice. They also delve into the topic of supplements and nutrients that can be taken or avoided during the two-week wait. Tune in for a juicy and informative discussion on navigating this crucial stage on the path to parenthood.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

00:01:31 - Understanding the Two-Week Wait

00:02:12 - The Limbo Period of Conception Explained

00:03:32 - Emotional Wellbeing During the Two-Week Wait

00:04:10 - Nutritional Recommendations for the Two-Week Wait

00:05:04 - Foods to Support Uterine Receptivity

00:06:08 - The Role of Nitrate-Rich Foods

00:08:14 - The Science Behind Beetroot Juice

00:10:24 - Ways to Incorporate Beetroot into Your Diet

00:12:17 - Additional Benefits of Watermelon and Ginger

00:15:43 - Foods to Avoid During the Two-Week Wait

00:16:10 - The Role of Caffeine in the Two-Week Wait

00:18:08 - Supplements and Nutrients During the Two-Week Wait

00:20:04 - Continuing or Stopping Supplements Post-Transfer

00:22:24 - Progesterone and Related Supplements

00:26:07 - Timing for Dietary Nitrates and Implantation Support

00:34:05 - Continuing Nitrate-Rich Foods During Pregnancy

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

In this episode of Up The Duff, host Brittany Darling is joined by Gabriela Rosa, a clinical researcher and fertility specialist. They discuss the topic of miscarriages, covering why they occur, underlying causes and investigations, the role of IVF, and medical or genetic conditions that may contribute to miscarriages. They also address the important question of how to get started after a miscarriage, when it is safe to try again, and steps to reduce the risk of future miscarriages. With one in four pregnancies in Australia ending in miscarriage, this episode provides valuable information and insights for fertility seekers.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

00:02:54 - Commonality and Misconceptions of Miscarriage

00:04:31 - The Problem with Dismissing Miscarriages

00:05:03 - The Timeframe of Recovery Post-Miscarriage

00:06:38 - Importance of Investigating Even the First Miscarriage

00:08:57 - The Flaw in Waiting for Multiple Miscarriages Before Investigating

00:09:37 - Healthcare System Constraints and Testing

00:10:31 - The Importance of Optimal Ranges in Test Results

00:14:15 - The Impact of Nutritional Deficiencies on Miscarriage

00:18:13 - The Role of IVF in Preventing Miscarriages

00:19:06 - The Importance of Addressing Underlying Causes

00:24:26 - The Overuse of IVF and the Need for Detailed Diagnosis

00:26:55 - The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Fertility

00:30:30 - The Validity of Choosing Not to Pursue Parenthood

00:31:45 - Practical Advice Post-Miscarriage

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram

In this episode of Up The Duff, host Brittany Darling is joined by Lucy Lines from Two Lines Fertility, an independent embryologist, fertility educator, and IVF patient advocate. They discuss recurrent implantation failure and why some embryos don't stick during IVF. They also explore tips for increasing chances of implantation and how to choose which embryo to transfer first. If you've experienced multiple miscarriages or recurrent implantation failure, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

▶️ Lucy's Background and Role in Fertility

▶️ IVF as a Business and Patient Advocacy

▶️ Human variations in medication efficacy.

▶️ Embryo Transfer and Implantation Challenges

▶️ Natural Conception and Embryo Statistics

▶️ Genetic Testing of Embryos

▶️ Impact of sperm on embryo development.

▶️ Vaping and fertility.

▶️ Lifestyle factors and fertility.

▶️ Post-Embryo Transfer Advice

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠

Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram

In this episode of Up the Duff we chat with Jennifer Ward, Senior Naturopath, owner of Hälsa Health, and currently completing a Masters of Reproductive Medicine. We discuss the power of antioxidants and how they support fertility in both males and females. 

We explore what antioxidants are and how they help balance out oxidative factors in the body and emphasise the importance of antioxidants in supporting cellular health and fertility. We discuss the vulnerability of reproductive cells to oxidative stress and the role of age in fertility. Jennifer explains that while a healthy diet can provide some antioxidants, supplementation may be necessary for those with specific needs. We also highlight the importance of finding the right balance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

00:00:00 - Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgement
00:00:42 - Guest Introduction: Jennifer Ward, Naturopath
00:01:12 - Understanding Antioxidants
00:02:31 - Food Sources of Antioxidants
00:04:06 - Antioxidants and Fertility
00:05:27 - Antioxidants and Aging
00:06:18 - Antioxidants in IVF
00:07:17 - Supplemental Antioxidants and Diet
00:08:05 - Types of Antioxidants for Fertility
00:09:03 - Quality and Safety of Supplements
00:10:21 - Antioxidants During Pregnancy
00:11:03 - Free Radicals and Antioxidants Balance
00:12:51 - Lifestyle Choices and Oxidative Stress
00:14:34 - Reducing Exposure to Free Radicals
00:16:40 - Red Wine and Antioxidants

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠

Follow us on ⁠Instagram

In this episode of Up the Duff, we chat with Ceci Jeffries, Fertility Coach, founder of the Fertility Collective, and voted “Best Fertility Advocate’ globally in 2023.

The conversation explores the importance of education and communication in the context of fertility struggles. It emphasises the importance of open communication, understanding different perspectives, and finding ways to support each other emotionally when dealing with infertility. Ceci also unpacks the strain that fertility struggles can put on relationships and gives advice on how to navigate this challenge and maintain a strong partnership.

In this episode you’ll discover: 

00:03:09 - Ceci's Personal Fertility Journey
00:04:23 - The Reality of IVF
00:05:51 - The Role of a Fertility Coach
00:08:12 - Decision Fatigue
00:09:12 - Infertility's Impact on Mental Health
00:12:12 - Supporting Mental Health During Fertility Treatment
00:17:35 - Managing Workplace Communication and Stress During Fertility Treatment
00:22:08 - Relationship Strain During Fertility Struggles
00:27:17 - Post-IVF Intimacy Issues

Thank you to our sponsors 

Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Join our Facebook Community - ⁠Up the Duff Podcast

Follow us on Instagram