That Fertile Feeling

In this final episode of 2024, I reflect on why our modern lifestyle disrupts balance, how reconnecting with your body can reveal essential healing clues, and the profound role stress plays in fertility. I also explore tracking symptoms, embracing your unique fertility frameworks, and shifting limiting beliefs to truly open up to conception. Ready to transform your fertility journey into a nourishing experience? Listen now and prepare to thrive in 2025. Book a discovery call ⁠HERE⁠ Other relevant episodes: Episode 79 - Optimize your fertility and health with abdominal therapy Episode 91 - Sperm matters (for fertility) Episode 93 - Four simple steps to reduce fertility-harming chemicals Episode 103 - Trauma and fertility

Do you ever feel drained after meals, struggle with cravings, or find it hard to lose weight? This might be your metabolism affecting your fertility. On this episode of the podcast, I break down the link between metabolism, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation—and how they impact hormonal balance. I share practical tips like mindful food pairing and stress management, alongside my own personal journey of overcoming chronic health challenges. Whether you're managing PCOS, endometriosis, or just want to support your reproductive health, this episode offers actionable insights for a healthier, more balanced body. FREE PDF on regulating your nervous system for fertility: thatfertilefeeling.com/nervous-system The Glucose Goddess: https://www.instagram.com/glucosegoddess/

Why would an academic fertility doctor start her own holistic fertility practice? On this episode of the podcast, I interview Dr. Kimiko Kleiman who did just that when she founded Sakura Clinics. We discuss combining medical and alternative approaches to fertility, emphasizing hormonal health, diet, mental well-being, and emotional healing. Kimiko shares her personal journey with miscarriages and IVF, which inspired her integrated approach. Together, we explore the benefits of blending Western medicine with Eastern practices to address underlying fertility challenges.  Book recommendation: Kimiko Kleiman - Verbeter je VruchtbaarheidAbout Kimiko Kleiman: Kimiko Kleiman is a PhD-certified fertility doctor, hormonal therapist, and experienced practitioner. After becoming a patient herself twice, she developed a broader perspective on fertility. Through her practice, Sakura Clinics, she supports individuals on their journey to parenthood, helping them holistically optimize their chances of a healthy pregnancy. You can find out more about her work on her website https://sakuraclinics.nl/ or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sakuraclinics/ 

Trauma leaves an imprint on the body, impacting how we regulate our nervous system and, consequently, our reproductive health. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss different types of trauma—from childhood experiences to intergenerational influences—and how they can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, affecting fertility. I also talk about the concept of heart rate variability (HRV) - a critical measure of nervous system health - that you can use to find your way back to balance. Listeners can download a free PDF guide to identify and address nervous system imbalances at thatfertilefeeling.com/nervous-system

What if, instead of following each bit of advice out there, there was a full-fledged framework for your unique fertility and hormonal health? That’s what Ayurveda offers. On this episode of the podcast, Ayurvedic practitioner Rachel Jackson and I explore core Ayurvedic principles, such as the importance of balanced doshas and the role of Agni (digestive fire). Rachel emphasizes that healing isn’t just about what we consume physically but also emotionally. We dive into how tuning into your cycle can help you harness inner strength and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. By aligning with natural rhythms, you’re empowered to transform difficult emotions and find balance within, connecting with deeper layers of yourself and the world around you. About Rachel Jackson: Rachel Jackson trained as an Ayurvedic and Lifestyle Therapist with the European Institute of Vedic Studies under Vaidya Atreya Smith. I am committed to helping women understand their sacred, cyclical natures and returning to health and balance by working with their own bodies. I created the Women’s Health package to empower my female clients to understand how their bodies and hormones work, so they can take their health back into their own hands. Find out more about my work at https://www.anadiayurveda.com/ or follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anadiayurveda/

The fertility journey can be an emotional rollercoaster filled with uncertainty, disappointment, and a constant sense of being out of control. In this episode, we explore why seeking control often leads to burnout and share strategies to shift your mindset, live in the moment, and focus on what you can control to find peace. Learn how to develop a deeper connection with your body, embrace small moments of joy, and reframe negative thoughts using Byron Katie’s techniques. Tune in for practical tips to navigate the ups and downs of your fertility journey with more strength and resilience. For my baby loss ceremony on November 1st, see www.thatfertilefeeling.com/ceremony

After giving birth prematurely at 22 weeks, Kimberly lost her daughter Amelia at birth. Her other daughter, Quinn, fought for life in the NICU for 365 days before passing away on their shared first birthday. On this episode of the podcast, Kimberly opens up about the challenges of navigating grief, finding resilience, and transitioning into a new career as a coach for others facing similar struggles. Her story is one of deep love, unyielding strength, and the importance of honoring her daughters' legacies. On Friday November 1st, I’ll organize a ceremony for the babies we lost. We’ll light a candle for our babies, share about the impact they’ve had on our lives and I’ll guide us through a guided trance journey where we’ll visit our babies in a safe and loving manner. You can sign up here: thatfertilefeeling.com/ceremony.  About Kimberly Shapiro:  Hi! I’m Kimberly Shapiro. After a 10 year school counseling career, I have pivoted into starting a new business as a personal growth + empowerment coach for adults and social emotional learning coach for kids. The catalyst for this change was personal tragedy, in which, after years of infertility and pregnancy loss, I lost one of my twin daughters to stillbirth and the other at one year old, after spending 365 days in the NICU. I have had to dig deep to find my own resilience and coping skills, and now it is my mission to help others to find the light in their darkness. For anyone who wants to learn more, you can find me at @fiercelykind, @kindmindscoaching, and @kindmindskids on Instagram or www.kindmindscoach.com.

Have you ever wondered why so much fertility advice centers around your diet? It’s because your gut - especially the trillions of bacteria that constitute your gut microbiome - help regulate hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy immune system—all vital factors for optimal fertility. On this episode of the podcast, I explain these links in more detail and give you practical hacks that you can incorporate in your daily routine to improve your gut health. Nourishing your microbiome could be key to improving fertility outcomes. Free download: thatfertilefeeling.com/chemicals  Nourished - 10 practices to conceive with love, trust and surrender https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/nourished  Other relevant episodes: -Episode 39 - The magical power of food w/ Nancy Wolfson-Moche https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/9150a879/episode-39-the-magical-power-of-food -Episode 93 - Four simple steps to reduce fertility harming chemicals https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/359c1b34/episode-93-four-simple-steps-to-reduce-fertility-harming-chemicals

If you're on a fertility journey, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the advice out there. What if I told you it all came down to your mitochondria? In this episode, I sit down with Manuela Fortunato, a biologist and dietitian who combines her deep knowledge of science with an intuitive understanding of the feminine body. Manuela shares her powerful story of healing from PCOS and how she used her knowledge of mitochondrial health to reset her body’s natural balance. We also explore the connection between nourishment, ancestral wisdom, and the role of minerals in optimizing fertility.  About Manuela Fortunato: Manuela Fortunato is a registered dietitian and Plant Medicine Woman. Former researcher in Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research at Washington University, she quit and moved to Italy where she has her own online clinical practice and teaches to women all over the world all about ancestral nourishment. Her focus is on mitochondria, minerals, metabolism, hormonal health, fertility, fascia, quantum biology, GNM, nervous system and emotional body, but especially to remember what it means to feel good in the body. Want to learn more how to align ancestral nutrition, metabolism and hormones with female biology? https://theholisticvenus-academy.thinkific.com/courses/thefemininebody https://theholisticvenus-academy.thinkific.com/  https://instagram.com/theholisticvenus

If you're on a fertility journey, chances are people have told you to 'just relax and it will happen.' But that's not as easy as it sounds. In this episode, we dive into the historical and societal influences that have made it so difficult for women to embrace rest—a vital practice for fertility. We explore how patriarchal shifts devalued the feminine qualities of rest and surrender and how reclaiming these practices can positively impact your fertility at a cellular level. Learn practical steps to integrate rest into your life and discover the profound connection between rest, your body, and your fertility. Book recommendation: ‘Sacred Rest’ by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Get on the waitlist for Nourished: thatfertilefeeling.com/nourished Join my new and full moon ceremonies on Insight Timer: https://insig.ht/jXn3FNOugMb

Endometriosis can have a huge impact on your fertility and your quality of life more generally. On this episode of the podcast, I converse with Annette Green, an abdominal therapist with extensive experience in treating endometriosis. Annette shares a wealth of information on what endometriosis is, its symptoms, and its impact on fertility. She explores holistic treatments like abdominal massage, castor oil packs, and perineal steams, detailing how these can help alleviate pain, improve blood and lymph flow, and balance the immune system. The conversation also delves into personal journeys, emotional stress related to infertility, and the empowering belief in the body’s innate wisdom to heal. The one thing you should take away from this episode is that endometriosis is a verb - not a noun - meaning that it can definitely be reversed! 00:00 Introduction to That Fertile Feeling Podcast 00:40 Meet Annette Green: Abdominal Therapist 02:32 Understanding Abdominal Therapy 06:47 What is Endometriosis? 11:15 The Immune System and Endometriosis 20:24 Causes and Theories of Endometriosis 28:27 Holistic Therapies and Body Balance 31:38 Tools and Techniques for Endometriosis 34:07 Castor Oil Packs and Their Benefits 35:37 Perineal Steams: An Ancient Practice 42:19 Finding Joy Amidst Fertility Challenges 46:17 Coping with Societal Pressure and Personal Loss 51:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Book recommendation: Heal Endo by Katie Edmonds About Annette Green Annette Green is a holistic therapist. She loves helping women to overcome their fertility challenges and other issues related to your cycles, pregnancy, periods and/or anxiety.  She treats women with abdominal and womb massage techniques known as Abdominal therapy (formally the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage) and reflexology. She teaches Fertility Awareness to help women better know their bodies and improve their chances of conceiving or prevent pregnancy naturally. Annette lives in Modi’in, Israel and that’s where she spend her days helping women during their fertile years, pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal conditions. You can find out more about her work on her website https://www.annette.co.il/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_annette_green/

A while back I was interviewed on Ka'yaleeya Hunneybee's Herbal Womb Wisdom Podcast. I got to share about why I do the work that I do, about some of the key moments on my own fertility journey and about why it's so important to really take care of yourself along the way. Send me an email at francoise@thatfertilefeeling.com or send me a DM on Instagram @thatfertilefeeling if you'd like to join my free fertility ritual community Sparks of Light which starts on August 4th 2024.

Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your fertility journey? Know that - although you ultimately cannot control whether you’ll get pregnant or not - there are certainly things that you can do to improve your chances of success. On this episode of the podcast, I talk with Alexandria DeVito, a functional nutritionist specializing in preconception health and fertility. Alexandria shares insights from her book, 'Nine Months is Not Enough,' and discusses her transition from corporate consultancy to fertility nutrition. This episode dives into the significance of preconception care, the impact of epigenetics, and practical steps to improve fertility through diet and lifestyle. Listen in to uncover empowering strategies for a healthier, more intentional path to parenthood. About Alexandria Devito:  Alexandria DeVito, MS, CNS, is a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility and preconception health. She is the author of 9 Months Is Not Enough: The Ultimate Pre-pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby-Ready Body and Build Generational Health. She is also the founder and CEO of Poplin, the first pre-pregnancy wellness company. Prior to founding Poplin, Alexandria worked in management consulting at McKinsey & Company. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. She also has a master’s degree in nutrition; extensive training as a doula, yoga teacher, and personal trainer; and is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, all of which inform her approach to pre-pregnancy wellness.

Our environments do not necessarily support our fertility. Over the last couple of decades, we’ve become exposed to no less than a thousand chemical substances that disrupt our hormones - with detrimental effects not only for our own reproductive systems but those of our offspring as well. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss the most notorious EDCs like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS, and provide practical steps to minimize EDC exposure, including improving air quality, mindful food choices, and using safer skincare and cleaning products. I also highlight how you can support your body's detoxification capacity. Download your free pdf guide at thatfertilefeeling.com/chemicals Find out more about abdominal therapy here: thatfertilefeeling.com/abdominal-therapy   Check your skin care products using the INCI Beauty app or the EWG Skin Deep Database Book recommendations: It starts with the egg - Rebecca Fett Nine months is not enough - Alexandria Devito

It can be really challenging to keep intimacy alive while trying to conceive. On this episode of the podcast, I talk with tantric coach Helen Zee about reconnecting with your body and partner during the fertility journey. Helen shares insights from her experience and offers practical tips to enhance intimacy, navigate fertility challenges, and prepare for conscious conception. Discover the healing potential of Tantra and reclaim the joy and aliveness in your relationship. This episode is perfect for anyone facing fertility issues or looking to deepen their intimate connection. Don't forget to leave a review for a chance to win a private coaching session! Book recommendation: Consciously Conceive Your Baby: Inner Secrets to Boost Your Fertility and Getting Pregnant About Helen Zee:Helen is a fertility and relationship educator, author and menstrual health practitioner. Helen combines medical science, whole-body health, menstrual health, relationships, and energetics to boost fertility markers. Her programs create a holistic approach to conception which factors the mind-body-spirit connection. She’s also the author of the book ‘Consciously Conceive Your Baby; The Inner Secrets to Boosting Your Fertility and Getting Pregnant’. You can find our more about her work on her website https://www.synergyfertilityhealthstudio.com/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/helen.zee/ and https://www.instagram.com/synergyfertility_healthstudio/. Sign up for her free six-day-course here: https://www.synergyfertilityhealthstudio.com/courses/fertile-ready-in-6-days

The role of sperm is often overlooked when we talk about fertility. It’s strange really, because we know that sperm makes up 50 percent of the equation when it comes to conception. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss how sperm quality has actually been declining over the last couple of decades and what that means for your chances to conceive. I also walk you through the different sperm parameters, so that you know how to interpret your partner’s or donor’s lab results. Finally, I mention a couple of actionable steps that men can take to improve sperm quality. Don't forget to leave a review for a chance to win a private coaching session!

Herbs can be powerful allies on your fertility and loss journey. We’ve co-evolved with herbs over millions of years - meaning that our bodies are naturally attuned to the beneficial components found in herbs. On this episode of the podcast, I talk with Herbal Womb Wisdom podcast host ​​Kay'aleya Hunnybee about how you can best integrate herbs on your fertility journey. Kay’a discusses some of the key herbs that you can use to support your fertility or to guide yourself through loss. She also gives some pointers on how to start integrating herbs in your daily life.  About Kay'aleya Hunnybee:Kay’aleya is an herbalist and integrative health educator specializing in menstrual, hormonal, sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Therapeutic Herbalism from the Maryland University of Integrative Health, is certified as both a Women's Herbal Educator with Aviva Romm, MD, and a Women's Health Coach with a focus on nutrition through the Integrative Women's Health Institute. As a trained yoga teacher and an experienced massage therapist with a background as a doula and student midwife, she brings a uniquely integrative lens to her work as an herbalist. Her greatest wish is for others to know the healing potential and kinship with the earth and the plants like she does. You can find out more about her work on her website https://www.herbalwomb.com/, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/herbalwombwisdom/ or on the Womb Wisdom Podcast https://www.herbalwomb.com/podcast

This is the final episode in a four-part series on harnessing the power of your cycle for fertility. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss how you can use the hormonal changes that happen during ovulation to conceive from a place of openness, aliveness and joy. In addition, I provide some practical advice on how to protect your body and its boundaries - both during treatment and during the more ‘forced’ type of lovemaking that may have started to happen.  I also announce that I’m giving away a free 1:1 session to one of the listeners who leave a review on Apple podcasts or gives me a 5-star rating on Spotify during the month of June. Send in a screenshot to francoise@thatfertilefeeling.com or DM me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thatfertilefeeling/  I have two spots for private coaching available if you could use some support implementing these steps: thatfertilefeeling.com/private-coaching Other relevant episodes: Episode 12 - 3 steps to create a magical embryo transfer https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/8fb6ac20/episode-12-3-steps-to-create-a-magical-embryo-transfer-or-any-other-medical-procedure Episode 27 - How to improve your gynecological experience https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/915e59ef/episode-27-how-to-improve-your-gynecological-experience  Episode 63 - How to reclaim your power in fertility treatment https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/915478ab/episode-63-how-to-reclaim-your-power-in-fertility-treatment

This is the third podcast in a four-part series on harnessing the power of your cycle for fertility. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss how you can use the hormonal changes that happen during the follicular phase as an excellent diagnostic tool to see if you’re out of balance or not. In addition, I provide some practical tips on how you can work with the surge in playful energy to calm your nervous system and help your fertility.  I have two spots for private coaching available if you could use some support implementing these steps: thatfertilefeeling.com/private-coaching Book recommendation: Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Wurlitzer Other relevant episodes:  Episode 6 - Let’s talk about s#x w/ Diana Ciolca https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/92022644/episode-6-lets-talk-about-sx Episode 33 - Three ways to (re)connect with your partner during fertility treatment https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/91653251/episode-31-3-ways-to-reconnect-with-your-partner-during-fertility-treatment

Pregnancy loss is one of life’s biggest initiations. It cracks you open and shakes you to your core. So why is there so little information out there on how to support yourself through pregnancy loss? On this episode of the podcast, I describe the 5 phases of pregnancy loss: physical loss, physical recovery, renewal, emotional loss and emotional integration. I discuss how you can best support yourself throughout each of these phases and provide you with some examples of what healing could look like.  If you could do with a dedicated community to have your back throughout this process, you can now sign up for my 3-month group program Healing / Fertility, which starts May 5th. thatfertilefeeling.com/healing-fertility Other relevant episode on loss: Episode 28 - The healing power of pregnancy loss: https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/9064ca09/episode-28-the-healing-power-of-pregnancy-loss Episode 75 - Embodied pregnancy loss w/ Marina Lyshova https://www.thatfertilefeeling.com/podcast/episode/2b1a436e/episode-75-embodied-pregnancy-loss-with-marina-lyshova