The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast

In today’s podcast episode, I’m diving into the game-changing world of functional lab testing and why it's revolutionizing the approach to fertility. By examining hormones, nutrients, and your microbiome, functional lab tests provide invaluable insights that can help identify and address the root causes of health problems and fertility challenges, outside of just regular blood labs. Whether you're just starting your fertility journey or have been struggling to conceive, this episode will help you get clear on next steps for additional testing to improve fertility outcomes. Episode Highlights: Where blood labs fall short. What a functional lab test is and how it differs from traditional blood labs. Different types of collection methods for functional lab testing (urine, saliva, stool, swab) and the benefits of each. Comprehensive hormone testing for understanding hormones and their metabolites. Why hormone metabolites are just as important as understanding your hormone levels Items tested in a gut microbiome test and expected protocol timeline. Items tested in a vaginal microbiome test and expected protocol timeline. Related Links: Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here Apply for Labs Only package with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/129   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.  

Happy New Year my friends! I hope you enjoyed your time over the holidays and welcome to 2025. This is going to be your best year yet and I’m honored to be supporting you on your journey to getting pregnant. In today's episode, I'm sharing my top 3 things to do to help you get pregnant. I've divided this episode into 2 sections (1) for those who’ve been trying for a while without success and (2) for those who haven't started trying yet, or just getting started on your fertility journey.  Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here Check out the self guided online Get Pregnant Program here Download your FREE Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide Download the Fertility Blood Labs Blueprint Guide For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/128  Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting Pregnant 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.  

If you’re trying for a baby in 2025, this week's episode is packed with my top 10 tips that will help you get prepared and stay healthy over the holidays. The holiday season can be overwhelming and I know you’ve been working hard all year to optimize your health, balance your hormones, support your gut and improve your menstrual cycle parameters. Don’t let it all go to waste this holiday season. Enjoy my 10 simple tips so that you can feel better about your fertility over the holidays.  Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/127 Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting Pregnant Wondering what supplements to take to help you conceive? Download my Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide 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.  

In today’s episode, I interview Dr. Marc Sklar, a natural fertility specialist helping couples successfully get pregnant. We dive deep into the topic of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) including the challenges of working with the conventional medical model with a PCOS diagnosis compared to the holistic perspective on diagnosis and treatment. Marc shares his expertise on the importance of personalized care, comprehensive testing, and lifestyle modifications for women struggling with PCOS and fertility issues. Marc offers hope and practical insights, asserting that most women with PCOS can conceive naturally with the right support and guidance. Episode Highlights:  Dr. Sklar’s personal journey into reproductive health and fertility. Explanation of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), its characteristics, symptoms, and how it affects ovulation.  The different presentations of PCOS and the complexity of diagnosing the condition. The problematic approach of prescribing birth control pills to women with PCOS and how this delays proper treatment. Comprehensive lab testing recommended for PCOS patients, including blood work, hormone tests, and functional tests. Why we believe 80-90% of women with PCOS can conceive naturally with proper support and care. Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/126 Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting Pregnant Wondering what supplements to take to help you conceive? Download my Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide 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.

In today’s episode, I interview Dr. Rebecca Dekker on diabetes and the role of blood sugar during preconception and pregnancy. She gives a comprehensive overview of diabetes and its impact on fertility and pregnancy while explaining the different types of diabetes and how blood sugar levels can affect conception and pregnancy outcomes. Our conversation dives into the importance of early screening along with practice tips and advice for managing metabolic health through nutrition and lifestyle.  Episode Highlights:  Rebecca’s personal journey of experiencing challenging pregnancies.  The different types of diabetes: Type 1 (autoimmune condition affecting insulin production), Type 2 (metabolic issue with insulin resistance), and gestational diabetes. How diabetes can impact fertility and overall health. Blood sugar screening methods. Tips on how to manage blood sugar through nutrition. Gestational diabetes, its risk factors, screening process, and potential impacts on mother and baby.  The HAPO study and the continuous relationship between blood sugar levels and pregnancy outcomes. The importance of postpartum care for those who experienced gestational diabetes. Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/125 Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting Pregnant Wondering what supplements to take to help you conceive? Download my Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide 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.  

Have you ever wondered why some workouts feel effortless one week, but leave you exhausted the next? Or why your motivation to hit the gym fluctuates throughout the month? In today’s episode, I share why this happens and how to tailor your fitness routine to each phase of your cycle to maximize your energy and hormone production while minimizing discomfort, and achieving your fitness goals when preparing for pregnancy and while trying to conceive.  Episode Highlights: Any movement is better than no movement, here’s why! How to safely exercise during your period Why we build more muscle and have more motivation in week 2 The top reason you should exercise in your luteal phase Safe exercises for the two week wait. Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/124  Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting Pregnant Wondering what supplements to take to help you conceive? Download my Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide  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.  

In today’s episode I interview Dr. Sarah Wilson, a Naturopathic Doctor and founder of Advanced Women’s Health. She shares her personal health journey and expertise as a naturopathic doctor to the complex connections between inflammation, hormones, and fertility. We dive into conversations on the importance of understanding your body's signals with menstrual cycle symptoms, and how to use that information to advocate for your health. Dr. Sarah also delves into the critical role of gut health and fertility and provides practical tips for supporting reproductive wellness when preparing for pregnancy. Episode Highlights: Dr. Wilson's background and personal health journey overcoming undiagnosed celiac disease for 18 years.  How to identify signs of inflammation, such as period-related symptoms like pain, bowel changes, and irritability. How inflammation can impact hormones and potentially lead to fertility challenges or unexplained infertility. The importance of gut health and the connection between the gut, inflammation, and reproductive health. Common lab tests that can give critical insight into someone's reproductive health and immune function. Natural approaches to supporting the connection between the immune system and hormones. How to trust your intuition and advocate for yourself when it comes to your health and fertility journey. Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/123 Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting Pregnant Wondering what supplements to take to help you conceive? Download my Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide 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.  

Starting your conception journey should be exciting! You might ask your doc what you can do to improve your chances, all eager about boosting your baby-making journey, and what do you get? Dull, cookie-cutter advice like "have sex every other day, start taking those prenatals and if you can’t get pregnant, come back in 6 months or a year and we will refer you to a fertility clinic.” This is a disservice and a complete let down from the conventional medical community if you ask me. The good news is that you can 100% improve your fertility outcomes to help you get and stay pregnant with my online self guided Get Pregnant Program and I’ll tell you how in this episode.  Related Links: SIGN UP HERE FOR THE GET PREGNANT PROGRAM AT 50% OFF (limited time only) For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/122     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.  

Today’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.  

The vaginal microbiome is the population of microorganisms that live in the vagina, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, and these microorganisms have a complex network of interactions with each other and with their human host.  Research now shows that the vaginal microbiome has been linked to some very important health outcomes, including the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis or thrush, issues with fertility, pregnancy complications, and problems around menopause – and there is still much that is not well understood about this topic, but we are making strides. In today’s episode, I’ll share the main reasons why your vaginal microbiome might become imbalanced, different signs and symptoms of vaginal infections along with risk factors for fertility and pregnancy. Episode Highlights: What is the vaginal microbiome? The essential role of Lactobacillus species in the vaginal environment The top 3 components of a healthy vaginal microbiome Causes that contribute to an unhealthy vaginal microbiome What you might not know about Bacteria Vaginosis, Yeast Infections and Candida Risk factors for fertility and pregnancy with an unhealthy vaginal microbiome Related Links: Apply for Labs Only package with Nora here Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/120   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.

This podcast episode explores how meditation can be a powerful tool to support you on the fertility journey, from preparing the mind and body to getting pregnant, to navigating the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy and postpartum. Today I interview Kelly Smith, a global yoga and meditation teacher and we discuss the physiological and neurological benefits of meditation, as well as specific practices like womb clearing and soul baby meditations that can help bring your baby to this physical realm.  Episode Highlights  Kelly’s personal journey and why she became a meditation teacher. The power of meditation and how it can positively impact the brain and nervous system. How to use meditation while TTC to quell heightened anxiety. Learn about womb clearing and soul baby meditations which are designed to energetically and emotionally prepare the womb and welcome in a new soul. Kelly’s personal experience with postpartum anxiety and how meditation practices helped her have a very different experience with her second child. Related Links Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/119 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.  

You’ve been diagnosed with unexplained infertility or have been trying to get pregnant without success and you’re wondering what to do next. In today’s episode, I share my top 5 recommendations on the best next steps for how to help you get pregnant, even when you’ve been told you can’t. Then you’ll hear from my client Kira, who at 35 years old, was diagnosed with unexplained infertility after 1.5 years of trying without success. She shares her journey of struggling with infertility, but then uses it as a catalyst to put the power back into her hands and take control of her body and reproductive health where she ultimately ended up getting pregnant naturally.  Episode Highlights: How to identify if you are in a sub-fertile state Top 5 things to do when you’re not getting pregnant Kira's history as an active, health-conscious athlete who struggled with irregular periods and hormonal imbalances after going on birth control  How her performance as an athlete was impacted by her menstrual cycle, and how birth control masked underlying hormonal issues The process of getting her IUD removed and working to restore her natural cycle and hormone balance through supplements, herbs, acupuncture, and gut health support  Kira and her husband's experience with being diagnosed with unexplained infertility How the DUTCH test helped identify Kira's estrogen dominance and aromatization issues, and the protocol they used to address it  Kira's natural pregnancy after working with functional health practitioners  Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/118   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.  

This podcast episode explores the importance of addressing the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the fertility journey. I interview Julie Zhenning, an experienced acupuncturist and intuitive healer, and we discuss her insights on overcoming common misconceptions about fertility after 40, cultivating a positive mindset, connecting with spirit babies, and rebuilding trust in the body's innate wisdom. Julie provides practical steps for integrating self-care rituals and routines to support holistic wellbeing while moving towards your path to motherhood. Episode Highlights: Julie's background and journey into women's health and fertility work  Common myths and misconceptions about fertility after age 40 Overcoming mental barriers and false narratives to achieve positive fertility results  Building stronger mind-body-spirit connections during the fertility journey Practical steps to integrate mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing into fertility prep  Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/117  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.  

Today’s podcast is all about the relationship and intimacy aspects of trying to conceive. I interview Alexandria Devito, a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility and preconception health. We dive into common barriers to intimacy, the impact of pleasure on fertility, and the balance of masculine and feminine energies in your reproductive years. Alexandria offers practical insights and suggestions for couples navigating the journey of preparing for pregnancy while placing an emphasis on the intimacy of a couples partnership. Episode Highlights: Alexandra’s background and her preconception testing platform called Poplin  Barriers to intimacy and communication when trying to conceive The impact of pleasure and orgasm on fertility for both men and women  The balancing of masculine and feminine energies at play with fertility Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/116 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.  

When most people think about having low progesterone, the topic of egg quality doesn’t always come top of mind for being a top contributing factor to their low progesterone problem. Lots of women are recommended vitex and progesterone suppositories to solve their issue. However, this isn’t necessarily the solution. In today’s episode, I dive into two of the sexiest topics in the fertility space, low progesterone, egg quality and how they are closely interconnected and contribute to a positive pregnancy test and a healthy pregnancy. Then you’ll hear from a client of mine Melissa who has PCOS and was struggling with secondary infertility for over a year until we started working together and got her cycles where they needed to be for a natural pregnancy in just 4 months of working together.  Episode Highlights: The role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle and fertility Progesterone’s role in early pregnancy How to know if you have low progesterone Common health conditions associated with low progesterone Egg quality and its essential role for optimal hormone production Egg quality and its connection to progesterone production Mel’s story with secondary infertility and how she got pregnant naturally after 4 months of personalized fertility coaching Related Links: Sign up for private fertility coaching with the Bronze Package (limited spots available, enrolment closes Wed Sept 18, 2024) Check out the Silver and Gold Private Coaching packages here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/115 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.