Why isn’t nutrition part of the fertility conversation?

After being diagnosed with PCOS herself and finding little help beyond birth control, Ginny began digging into the research—learning how diet, gut health, and insulin resistance can directly affect ovulation, miscarriage risk, and overall hormone balance. Now, through her private practice, she helps women restore their health naturally using evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

From practical guidance on what a hormone-healthy plate looks like, to the surprising link between gut infections and infertility, this conversation reveals what most doctors never mention—and how food can become one of the most powerful tools for fertility and long-term wellness.

Get connected with Ginny: 

https://www.instagram.com/thewomenshealthrn/

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

In this inspiring episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen welcomes Dr. Theresa Santos, MD—3W Medical’s newest medical physician and a longtime friend of the clinic. Dr. Santos shares her journey from dreaming of medicine since she was young, to surviving med school while pregnant, to finally joining the 3W team after 13+ years of connection behind the scenes.

They talk candidly about the realities of motherhood in medicine, why psychiatry nearly became her path, and what led her to choose family medicine instead. If you’ve ever struggled to find a provider you trust—or wondered how to balance career and family—this episode is both encouraging and practical.

Come meet the doctor who’s as thoughtful about the patient experience as she is about the science behind it.

Lacrimo-Auriculo-Dento-Digital (LADD) syndrome is an extremely rare genetic condition—so rare that Madison Sisson was only the 13th known case at the time of her diagnosis. Now a mom of two boys who also have LADD, Madison shares what it’s like to raise children with limb differences, hearing loss, and feeding challenges—all while building a joyful, fully lived family life.

In this candid and moving conversation, she reflects on her journey through mom guilt, medical roadblocks, viral TikToks, and the moment People Magazine reached out to share their story with the world. Madison and her husband have faced pressure, judgment, and fear—but their unwavering love for their sons has turned hardship into testimony.

Follow Madison’s family journey: @madisisson on Instagram

Read the People Magazine feature: Mom Opens Up About Raising Sons with Rare Immune Condition

Can food really boost your fertility?

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with Dr. Angela Thyer and dietitian Judy Simon, co-authors of Getting to Baby, a fertility and lifestyle guide born from years of clinical experience—and personal journeys through infertility. They dive into how plant-forward diets, whole grains, legumes, fish, and even soy (yes, soy!) can support hormone balance, regulate cycles, improve egg quality, and in many cases, help women conceive without needing IVF.

From managing PCOS with fiber-rich foods and better blood sugar control, to the power of breakfast and the underestimated role of male nutrition (hello, walnuts and fish!), this episode challenges the “just lose weight” or “just do IVF” narratives so many women hear. Whether you're actively trying to conceive or just want to understand your body better, this is a conversation full of real patient stories, practical food tips, and long-overdue encouragement.

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

Episode Description:

In this deeply moving episode of Wellness Wednesday, host Helen sits down with Laura Belk — founder of Nurturing Nations and mother of nine — to discuss the beauty, heartbreak, and transformative power of adoption. From adopting children with special needs across continents to building a nonprofit that rescues and educates abandoned children in Ghana, Laura shares her remarkable journey of love, sacrifice, and relentless advocacy.

This episode covers:

The shocking reality of how children with disabilities are treated in parts of the world — and what Nurturing Nations is doing to protect them

What it takes to adopt internationally, especially children with special needs

Honest conversations about the trauma, healing, and joy in adoptive families

Why every child is worth the risk — and how saying "yes" can change everything

Practical ways you can help — from sponsorship to life-saving trips abroad

Whether you're an adoptive parent, considering adoption, or simply want to hear a story of radical love in action, this episode will move you and challenge you.

👉 Learn more or support at nurturingnations.org

👉 Follow Nurturing Nations on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurturingnations/?hl=en 

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen is joined by Dr. Jim Heid, a seasoned family physician with decades of experience in women’s health, including over 1,000 births. Together, they take a deep dive into the biology of the menstrual cycle and the importance of cycle awareness for both women and their partners.

Key topics include:

A breakdown of the follicular and luteal phases, and what’s happening hormonally and physiologically during each stage

The role of cervical mucus in fertility, and how different types of mucus signal different phases of the cycle

The use of cycle tracking apps and devices, including options for postpartum and lactating women

An overview of PMS and PMDD, including symptoms, treatment options, and how stress impacts the cycle

Why cycle health is being called the “fifth vital sign” — and why this matters for women’s overall well-being

Dr. Jim also shares his experience tracking cycles in his own family and offers insights into how men can support women more effectively by understanding these natural rhythms.

Whether you’re seeking to improve your reproductive health, explore fertility awareness, or simply want to better understand your body, this episode is for you!

In this vulnerable conversation, Helen sits down with Diana Jorda—a mental health professional with a powerful story of healing and purpose. Diana opens up about growing up as a military child in a Filipino-Chamorro household, the impact of emotional neglect, and the pressure to perform and “keep it together” in her work. She shares how trauma shaped her early identity, and how entering the mental health field forced her to confront, unpack, and ultimately heal the parts of herself she had hidden. Whether you're navigating your own healing or supporting someone who is, this episode is an honest, hopeful look at what it means to come home to yourself.

To learn more about Diana's work, check out her Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tobeholdyou/) or her website (www.dianajjorda.com)!

Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges when it comes to mental health and access to care. In this episode, Christopher Archiopoli shares his journey as a queer advocate and discusses the barriers many face when seeking compassionate mental health support. From personal experiences to systemic issues, we dive into the realities of mental health care, the power of peer support, and how we can all do better in treating others with dignity and compassion. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about advocacy, kindness, and the urgent need for change.

In this deeply moving episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with Joann Andrews, who shares her powerful story of adoption, resilience, and discovering her biological roots. From growing up in a loving foster home to uncovering the truth about her family and birth parents through DNA testing, Joann's journey is one of hardship, healing, and the transformative power of love. This conversation explores the complexities of adoption, identity, and the courage it takes to seek the truth while embracing life's unexpected paths.

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

Dr. Clay Brigance returns to our podcast for an in-depth conversation about the ways reproductive loss impacts couples and some strategies that can help. 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions.