The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast

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.  

Manifestation is a multi-layered experience, magnetizing, reflecting, and manifesting your soul lessons and desires. When we look at the creation process through a unity consciousness lens, we are gifted with many new perspectives on how it can work in our lives.  What happens when you harness focused intention and trust on your fertility journey? You are able to meet the sometimes harsh experiences of reality as well as stretch into something new.  In today’s episode, I dive into the energetics of manifesting your baby and how you can use your physical life as a co-creation process with the universe to consciously create and manifest your baby.  Related Links:  Sign up for private fertility coaching with the Bronze Package here (limited spots available) Check out my Client Success Stories here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/114 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.  

Supporting your gut when trying to conceive is essential for balancing hormones and improving fertility outcomes, not to mention its importance for your growing baby’s health when you’re pregnant and also for delivery. Everything in your body is connected and at the center of this connection is your gut. So how is the gut connected to fertility and how can improving it help you get pregnant? In today's episode I dive into what the gut microbiome is and why it's essential to consider when trying to conceive. I share different factors that impact your gut health, how to test your gut microbiome, top nutrition and lifestyle tips for improving your gut health and things to consider when evaluating whether your gut health is a healthy pregnancy.  Episode highlights: How your digestion is connected to fertility The gut microbiome and its function on your overall health Top things to consider when evaluating your gut health How to test your gut microbiome  Top nutrition tips for improving your gut health and fertility Three lifestyle factors that you never thought were connected to your gut Related Links: Apply for the Bronze Package here and get added to the waitlist (limited spots available) For full show notes and related links: naturallynora.ca/blog/113 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.  

To dairy or not to dairy? Unfortunately most dairy in the United States comes from factory farms, where cows are fed products not natural to their diet such as grain, corn and soy. This creates significant inflammation in their bodies which can then be passed on to the humans who consume it. In today’s episode, I share my stance on dairy and whether or not you should consume it while trying to conceive.  Episode Highlights: A short history on dairy and where it came from Telltale signs on whether or not you should consume dairy Pasteurized vs. non pasteurized dairy The case for raw milk The health benefits of raw dairy  How to choose the best dairy for you Top things to consider when buying dairy  Related Links:  Check out my 1:1 Private Coaching package options here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/112   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 podcast episode, I interview Gina Mundy, an experienced childbirth attorney who shares her insights and expertise on how to have a safer childbirth experience. While I typically focus on preconception health, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to interview Gina on this very important topic about how to have a safer childbirth. She emphasizes the importance of preparing for childbirth, understanding your delivery team, choosing the right doctor, and having a birth partner or advocate to support you during the process. Gina’s goal is to empower parents to make informed decisions and avoid the mistakes and complications she has witnessed in her career. Although you may not be pregnant yet, make sure to save or bookmark this episode for when you do, it will provide you with great tools to help you have a safe and healthy childbirth. Episode Highlights: Gina's background and how she got into this field of law  The importance of preparing for childbirth and understanding the delivery team Key factors to consider when choosing an OB/GYN doctor The role of a "baby advocate" during labor and delivery  Common issues and mistakes seen in childbirth cases, including pitocin (oxytocin) use, busy labor units, and water breaking  Preparing physically for childbirth through pelvic floor therapy Gina's advice for those trying to conceive Related Links: For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/111   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’ll be sharing common causes of recurrent pregnancy loss and then I will focus on different tests you can do to help mitigate your risk for miscarriage before you even start trying or testing options that you can do after experiencing a miscarriage or recurrent loss. My goal is not only to provide you with knowledge, but also to offer support and a sense of hope to those who might feel defeated and frustrated with their medical providers. Whether you're personally affected, know someone who is, or simply want to understand more about this important topic, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: The risk of loss as a woman moves from her 20’s to her 40’s Hormone dysfunction and its contribution to miscarriage The leading cause of pregnancy loss and how to test for it Anatomical and uterine obstruction tests to help identify risk for miscarriage How the gut and vaginal microbiome contribute to loss Identifying microbial pathogens and how to properly treat them The antibody test Poor sperm parameters and how they correlate to pregnancy loss Related Links: Check out my 1:1 Private Coaching package options here Fertility Blood Labs Blueprint Guide  Episodes related to pregnancy loss: Ep 102 - How she got pregnant after loss & 2 years of trying + Alessandra’s story Ep 91- How this hormone test can help you get pregnant Ep 68 - How she got pregnant after healing from a chronic gut infection + Maria’s story Ep 38 - How do I know if/when I’m ovulating? + Jessica’s story Ep 16 - Miscarriage signs, causes + Amy’s story  What Can Miscarriage Tissue Testing Tell Us About Fertility For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/110 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 podcast, I interview Samantha Chandler is a wellness and womb coach who specializes in helping those struggling with infertility. We dive into a comprehensive overview of iron regulation and its importance for fertility and overall health. Sam shares her personal journey of discovering the impact of iron imbalances, and outlines the key principles of understanding and addressing iron-related issues through natural, whole-food approaches rather than relying on supplements or transfusions. We discuss the nuances of measuring iron levels, identifying symptoms of imbalance, and the importance of supporting iron movement and balance through co-factors like copper and magnesium. Episode Highlights: Samantha's personal experience with iron and breastfeeding issues Overview of what iron is, why it's important, and how it moves through the body Distinguishing between iron and ferritin, and the importance of testing hemoglobin  Concept of "trapped iron" and how it can manifest in the body  Recommendations for testing iron levels and imbalances Cautions around iron supplements, prenatal vitamins, and synthetic vitamins  Benefits of natural, whole-food sources of iron, vitamin A, and other cofactors  Role of magnesium, adrenal support, and mind-body connection Related Links: Struggling to get pregnant? Check out my 1:1 Private Coaching package options here My favorite desiccated beef liver supplements - Use code NORA10 at checkout for 10% off For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/109   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 Holly Leever, a certified Fertility Awareness Method Educator, Licensed Acupuncturist, and Arvigo Abdominal Massage Therapist. We discuss Holly’s personal journey with anorexia for over 8 years and how she recovered from hypothalamic amenorrhea  and got pregnant with her daughter. Holly now helps women optimize fertility and their reproductive health and is inspired by her passion for healing and helping women reclaim their health. Episode Highlights: Holly's personal journey with anorexia and losing her menstrual cycle for over 8 years  The importance of nutrition, rest, and stress management in restoring menstrual health Holly's experience with fertility awareness charting and how it helped her get her period back  Navigating pregnancy and postpartum with a history of disordered eating Tips for those struggling with eating disorders and hypothalamic amenorrhea who want to conceive  Related Links: For full show notes and related links:https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/108   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.  

Unfortunately, in the fertility world today, women are being sold a label of being “infertile” based on their AMH biomarker. News flash for everyone, AMH alone is not intended to predict fertility. Not only is this now proven in a variety of research studies, but I also see this with my own clients in my practice. In today’s episode, I share the concept of AMH, what it is, the benefits of using it and the limitations when interpreting it, along with debunking some important myths on what it means when a fertility doctor tells you have low AMH and won’t be able to get pregnant naturally or with your own eggs.   Episode Highlights: What is AMH? What does AMH measure and why do fertility clinics use it? The benefits of testing AMH The limitations when interpreting AMH Debunking the myth on getting pregnant with low or non existent AMH Top 3 ways on how to improve your egg quality Related Links: Get Personalized Fertility Coaching with Nora - Check out pricing and package options here For full show notes and related links:https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/107 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.  

Electromagnetic fields (EMF’s) have been known to contribute to fertility challenges, sperm parameter decline, reduced sperm quality, hormonal changes and could impair fetal development. Today, I interview Sophia Ruan Gushée, a non-toxic lifestyle expert and author of "The A to Z of Detoxing." Sophia shares her personal journey into the world of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and how she became passionate about helping others reduce their toxic exposures, especially when trying to conceive and while pregnant. Episode Highlights: Sophia's background and how she became interested in detoxing and EMF exposure Understanding what EMFs are and how they can impact overall and reproductive health Sophia's personal experience with EMF sensitivity and the effects on her sleep and nervous system The impact of EMFs on sperm health and fertility Tips for reducing EMF exposure in the home, especially for those trying to conceive or pregnant Related Links: Struggling to get pregnant? Download my FREE Guide on the Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting A Positive Pregnancy Test For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/106   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.