121: A conversation on finding purpose and meaning when struggling to conceive with Dr. Amy Balete
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Release Date: 10/27/2024
149: PFAS's, forever chemicals and how they affect fertility with Dr. Tony Francis
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
On today’s episode, I interview Dr. Tony Francis, a distinguished scientist, who exposes the hidden dangers of PFAS, those "forever chemicals" that are found in everyday products that quietly disrupt hormones and fertility. You’ll discover where these forever chemicals lurk, how they impact your health, and why they’re so tough to avoid. Dr. Tony shares practical, actionable tips to reduce your exposure and shares top nutrients that are designed to help your body defend against these contaminants.This episode will continue to help you fight back against the invisible threat of forever...
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148: Naturally pregnant at 37 after healing chronic BV, gut inflammation and hormone imbalance + Damaris's Story
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today’s episode, I interview my beautiful client Damaris, who shares her fertility journey from experiencing two miscarriages to becoming naturally pregnant at 37 through a holistic approach to her health. Her story involves underlying issues with chronic bacterial vaginosis, compromised gut health which led to hormonal imbalances. Her story emphasizes the importance of personalized care, self-advocacy, and a comprehensive approach to fertility that goes beyond traditional medical treatments. Through patience, targeted interventions, and trusting the process, Damaris was able to overcome...
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147: Is this silently sabotaging your fertility? Endometritis and Urea Plasma
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Today’s episode explores the critical role of a healthy uterine and vaginal microbiome when preparing for pregnancy and trying to conceive (TTC). Despite mounting evidence linking microbiome balance to improved fertility, successful implantation, and better pregnancy outcomes, most OB/GYN offices still overlook routine testing and proactive care in this area. I dive into how conditions like chronic endometritis and Ureaplasma infection can silently undermine your fertility, often going undetected in standard evaluations and contributing to unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss....
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146: Fertility treatment planning, insurance and costs with Dr. Christy Lane & Laura McDonald
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today’s episode, I interview Dr. Christy Lane and Laura Macdonald, the founders of Flora Fertility, an innovative insurtech platform aimed at providing affordable and accessible fertility insurance for Gen-Z and millennial women. The company offers a proactive insurance model that covers fertility treatments and supports women through personalized lifestyle interventions. Their approach focuses on early intervention, community support, and addressing the financial barriers to fertility care. Both Christy and Laura emphasize the importance of understanding one's body, reducing stress, and...
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145: Pregnant after 4+ years of trying, Nicole's story of resilience and hope
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
What if your fertility journey took years longer than you ever imagined-and the answers you needed weren’t what you expected? In today’s episode, Nicole pulls back the curtain on her four-year quest to conceive, revealing the twists, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs that led to her long-awaited IVF pregnancy. Nicole shares how she was able to transform frustration into fierce self-advocacy, why she refused to settle for dismissive care and how hiring a fertility coach helped her rewrite her story. From hidden diagnoses to the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, Nicole shares the raw realities...
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144: Mold toxicity & its impact on fertility with Erica Garber
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Today’s episode explores the complex issue of mold toxicity and its wide-ranging impacts on health, particularly fertility and overall well-being. Erica Garber provides insights into how mold can silently affect the body, discussing symptoms, testing methods, and gentle detoxification approaches for optimizing fertility outcomes. Our conversation dives into the complexities of a mold detoxing protocol, how to listen to your body, and taking a patient, holistic approach to healing. We also touch on the broader implications of mold toxicity for gut health, nervous system function, and hormonal...
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143: IBS, low FODMAPS diet and improving digestion when TTC
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today’s episode, I’m diving into the complex interplay between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the Low FODMAP diet, and fertility. For many women trying to conceive, chronic symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular digestion aren’t just uncomfortable, they can signal deeper imbalances that may be impacting reproductive health. Emerging research highlights how gut inflammation and microbiome disruptions, common in IBS, might influence hormone regulation and even contribute to conditions like endometriosis. The Low FODMAP diet is a science-backed approach to managing IBS...
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142: SIBO & gut inflammation when TTC with Krista Znebel
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today’s podcast with holistic nutritionist Krista Znebel, we explore Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and its connection to fertility. We dive deep into SIBO's symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, honing in on the importance of a holistic approach that addresses root causes and supports overall digestive health. Krista shares her insights into how gut health directly impacts fertility, inflammation, and overall well-being, offering a unique understanding of digestive issues and potential healing strategies. Our conversation highlights the complex interconnections between gut...
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141: What causes heavy periods and what to do about it?
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, are often brushed off as a normal inconvenience, but they can be a sign of deeper health issues that may impact fertility and your ability to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. In today’s episode, I’ll be diving into the underlying causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, why addressing them is crucial for optimizing fertility, additional tests to help you get some more answers and actionable tips you can start implementing today to help mitigate some of their side effects. Heavy periods don't just affect your cycle, they can also interfere with...
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140: Why you should start with your vaginal microbiome when planning for pregnancy with Ara Katz
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today’s episode, I explore the vaginal microbiome with Ara Katz, co-founder of Seed Health. We discuss the scientific understanding of microbiomes in the vagina and its critical role in reproductive and overall health. Ara shares her personal journey in microbial science, explains the importance of maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome, and shares how various factors can disrupt this delicate ecosystem and the potential impact it can have on fertility and reproductive health. Episode Highlights: Ara Katz background in science and passion for understanding the human microbiome Her...
info_outlineToday’s podcast episode is a deep and emotional conversation with Dr. Amy Balete, a psychologist and life coach who specializes in supporting women through the challenges of infertility. Dr. Balete shares her own personal journey with secondary infertility, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to the process, allowing grief and emotions to move through you, and how to find joy and purpose even when the desired outcome is not achieved. We explore the balance between the strategic, masculine approach to tackling infertility and the more intuitive, feminine approach of self-compassion and emotional processing when struggling to get pregnant. I also share my personal story of navigating the emotions and my desire to become a mom and even shed a little tear myself on this episode.
Episode Highlights:
- Dr. Balete's background and personal experience with secondary infertility
- The grief and surrender process in dealing with infertility
- The importance of addressing environmental factors and toxins for fertility
- Balancing the masculine "strategic" approach with the feminine "surrender" in fertility journeys
- Allowing space for emotions, self-compassion, and finding joy in the process
- Tips for incorporating emotional healing and grounding practices
Related Links:
- Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here
- Sign up for Brave Hearts for Fertile Hopes Summit - Nov 4 - 21, 2024
- For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/121
Please Note: The contents of this podcast are for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not to be interpreted as, or mistaken for, clinical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.