Fertility Friday Radio | Fertility Awareness for Pregnancy and Hormone-free birth control

FFP 138 | Post-Pill Amenorrhea | Why It Took 4 Years For Her Period To Come Back | Andrea Petrus 0

May 19, 2017

Andrea struggled with amenorrhea for 4 years after coming off hormonal contraceptives. Andrea had come off the pill to try to conceive. After undergoing multiple failed rounds of IUI and IVF Andrea decided to turn to the world of naturopathic medicine. After a long road, Andrea's period finally returned after she made a number of significant dietary and lifestyle changes.

In today's show, Andrea shares her story, and what it was that finally helped her to turn the corner and bring her period back after so many years.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Andrea's history with hormonal contraceptive over a 12 year period
What happened (or rather didn't happen) when Andrea went off the pill
Andrea's experience with IUI and IVF along her fertility journey
What finally brought Andrea's period back after 4 years of amenorrhea
How the pill masked the underlying issue that caused Andrea's period to be MIA for so long
The possible PCOS-Thyroid connection to Andrea's prolonged amenorrhea
The transition period for Andrea towards a more natural lifestyle that allowed her to nourish and heal her body
The emotional aspect of Andrea's healing beyond the dietary and lifestyle changes
The benefits of a social media detox if your Facebook feed is causing you unnecessary pain and stress
The dietary and lifestyle changes Andrea made to improve her menstrual cycle health
The importance of seeking support from a functional practitioner
Why it's so very important to come off hormonal contraceptives before you're ready to start trying for a baby (at least a year or more).

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us in the Fertility Friday Facebook Group

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

This episode is sponsored by Cora! Made from 100% organic cotton, Cora tampons were designed not only to help you manage your periods but also to preserve your health. For every month of tampons you buy, Cora gives a month of pads along with menstrual health education to a girl in need in India. Click here to receive your first month's supply free of charge.

*Please note that Cora only ships within the United States.

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

FFP 137 | Panic Attacks, Emotional Breakdowns, and Recurrent Yeast Infections | The Truth About Hormonal Birth Control | Briana & Cieara 0

May 12, 2017

In today's episode, I share two powerful stories with you. I recently reached out to the members of the Fertility Friday Facebook Community and asked if anyone had experienced negative side effects on hormonal contraceptives. The responses were overwhelming, and I decided to invite two of the women who reached out to me to share their stories on the show. Both Briana and Cieara share their reflections about their time on hormonal birth control and the impact that it had on their moods.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Briana shares her experience taking hormonal contraceptives
Why Briana had to stop taking the pill 3 days after she started taking it for the first time
How hormonal birth control impacted Briana's moods the second time she was put on them
Why Briana didn't attribute many of the side effects of the pill to the pill until she finally stopped taking it
The scientific evidence that validates the effect the pill has on mood and painful sex
Why doctors often recommend a different pill instead of suggesting you stop altogether when you have a bad reaction to it
The political implications associated with telling the truth about the pill and the way it affects women
Cieara shares her experience taking hormonal contraceptives
The connection between the pill and chronic yeast infections
The roller coaster Cieara went on going from yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis
Why it was the headaches that Cieara experienced that finally made her come off the pill
Why Cieara didn't make the connection between the yeast infections and the pill until after she stopped taking it.

Connect with Lisa

You can connect with Lisa on the Fertility Friday Website and in the Fertility Friday Facebook Community

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us in the Fertility Friday Facebook Group

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

This episode is sponsored by Cora! Made from 100% organic cotton, Cora tampons were designed not only to help you manage your periods but also to preserve your health. For every month of tampons you buy, Cora gives a month of pads along with menstrual health education to a girl in need in India. Click here to receive your first month's supply free of charge.

*Please note that Cora only ships within the United States.

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

FFP 136 | Endometriosis, PCOS & Fibroids | Surgical Techniques That Preserve Fertility | NaPro Technology | Dr. Kyle Beiter 0

May 5, 2017

Dr. Beiter is a Board Certified Medical Doctor, with a specialization in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology who specializes in fertility. Dr. Beiter is a trained NaPro Technology Surgeon. For those of you who aren’t familiar with NaPro technology is a specialized form of gynecologic surgery whose primary aim is to reconstruct the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries in such a way that minimized adhesions and protects your tissues.

In today’s episode, we talk about the surgical side of NaPro technology, what it can mean for your health and fertility, and how the NaPro surgical approach can support women with fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, pelvic pain, and infertility.

Topics discussed in today's episode

How the NaPro Technology surgical approach differs from the general approach that is taken by classically trained Obstetrician-Gynecologists
What are the main reasons why women are referred for surgery in the first place?
At what point would surgery be appropriate to remove fibroids?
What are the surgical techniques that minimize bleeding, scarring, and adhesions when removing fibroids surgically?
What exactly is an adhesion, and how do NaPro technology surgical procedures minimize adhesions of your reproductive tissues?
What is endometriosis, and how is endometriosis diagnosed?
Why you can't diagnose endometriosis with an ultrasound alone
How does endometriosis contribute to or cause infertility?
What does endometriosis actually look like in the body?
Does endometriosis just grow back after surgery?
What is adenomyosis and how is it related to endometriosis and infertility?
Can surgery (i.e. ovarian wedge resection surgery) improve PCOS symptoms?
How do ovulatory disorders contribute to or cause infertility?
How ultrasounds can be used to help to identify ovulatory disorders
What is LUF -- Luteinized Unruptured Follicle -- and how does it contribute to and cause fertility challenges?

Connect with Dr. Beiter

You can connect with Dr. Beiter on his Website

Resources mentioned

Related Podcast Episodes:

NaPro Technology

Abdominal Therapy Modalities

Join the community! Find us in the Fertility Friday Facebook Group

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

This episode is sponsored by Cora! Made from 100% organic cotton, Cora tampons were designed not only to help you manage your periods but also to preserve your health. For every month of tampons you buy, Cora gives a month of pads along with menstrual health education to a girl in need in India. Click here to receive your first month's supply free of charge.

*Please note that Cora only ships within the United States.

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your menstrual cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

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FFP 135 | Are Your Menstrual Products Toxic? | The Truth About Conventional Pads & Tampons | Managing Menstruation in Low Resource Settings | Molly Hayward 0

May 3, 2017

Molly is the visionary female founder of Cora. If you haven’t heard of Cora tampons before, Cora is a brand committed to providing healthy, modern menstrual products (i.e. tampons) in a completely new way.

After travelling the world through many developing nations Molly saw how menstruation negatively affects girls and women living in low resource settings. Many of these girls are unable to afford menstrual products and have to resort to using old rags, newspaper, tree bark, and even pieces of old mattresses to manage their monthly bleeds. As you can imagine, using unhygienic methods such as these can cause infections, reproductive health problems, not to mention leaking. When Molly later learned that many of the menstrual products widely sold in North America use harmful chemicals and materials (i.e. pesticides, and other synthetic chemicals) that can cause endocrine disruption, cancer and other illnesses she decided to take matters into her own hands. Molly joined forces with her business partner Morgen and founded Cora.

Not only are Cora tampons made from premium organic cotton (and free from harmful pesticides & synthetic materials), but Cora’s is on a mission to empower girls in developing nations. For every product sold, Cora provides sustainable menstrual products to girls in low resource settings.

In today's episode, we expose the dangers of using conventional menstrual products, and we also have a much-needed discussion of the challenges that girls and women face in low resource settings. What it means for women and girls when they don't have access to the menstrual products they need to manage their periods.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Why women in low resource settings are managing their periods with old clothes, tree bark and pieces of old mattresses
The reality for women and girls in low resource settings who are not able to attend school and work because of their periods
What toxic chemicals are lurking in your menstrual products
The link between synthetic materials like rayon and polyester and Toxic Shock Syndrome
The health benefits of using 100% organic cotton tampons compared to the regular tampons you buy at the store
Why women and girls in low resource settings lack access to menstrual products and what they use instead
How the lack of access to menstrual products prevents girls from attending school during their period in many countries worldwide.
Why menstrual products should be provided free of charge besides every toilet just like toilet paper
How Cora has integrated the fundamental issue of access to menstrual products their company's mission
How your purchase of Cora Tampons benefits girls in India and Kenya
The connection between conventional menstrual products and health issues like painful periods, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
The inspiration behind the design of Cora Tampons and accessories (i.e. say no to the obnoxious pink and purple packaging characteristic of conventional menstrual products)
Why the design savvy carrying case and other accessories are not about hiding your period or being ashamed of it but instead are about embracing it and creating a positive experience of menstruation
Why women who buy Cora tampons don't pay the tampon tax

Connect with Molly

You can connect with Molly on the Cora Website, on Facebook, and Twitter

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us in the Fertility Friday Facebook Group

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

This episode is sponsored by Cora! Made from 100% organic cotton, Cora tampons were designed not only to help you manage your periods but also to preserve your health. For every month of tampons you buy, Cora gives a month of pads along with menstrual health education to a girl in need in India. Click here to receive your first month's supply free of charge.

*Please note that Cora only ships within the United States.

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

FFP 134 | Optimizing Sperm Health | Motility, Morphology & Sperm Count | Why He Needs To Get Tested ASAP | Marc Sklar 0

Apr 28, 2017

For more than 15 years Marc has been helping couples struggling to conceive and have healthy babies. In addition to his Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Dr. Sklar trained at the Harvard Medical School, Mind/Body Medical Institute. He is the creator of MarcSklar.com and ReproductiveWellness.com, the co-author of Secret to Conception and a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine and Medical Advisor for Natural Health International.

In today’s show, we talk about sperm health. I’ve had so many questions about this topic that it is ridiculous, and I’m happy to have Marc here to talk more about this.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Why focusing on sperm health is a hit to the male ego
How to approach your male partner about having his sperm tested
Why you should have your male partner's sperm tested ASAP when you're trying to conceive
Why fertility issues are just as much a man's issue as a woman's -- it's just as likely to be his
Why are we more likely to assume it's a woman's issue?
How a man's semen analysis is an indicator of his overall health
How testing your male partner's semen right off the bat can save you 6 months or more later on
How what we consider to be a "normal" sperm count has changed over the past 50-100 years
What are the 3 main parameters that determine sperm health?
Why has the "normal" sperm count declined by 75% over the past 50 or 60 years?
What is considered to be a "normal" sperm count
What is considered to be normal motility and morphology?
Why the majority of the sperm men produce is abnormal
What can be done to improve sperm quality?
Why excessive exercise can be a problem
Why it's important that his testicles stay cool
How long does it take to see the change in his lab results?
The truth about IUI
What actually constitutes "trying" from both Marc and My perspective
Specific supplements to support sperm quality

Connect with Marc

You can connect with Marc on his Website, his clinic Reproductive Wellness, and on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us in the Fertility Friday Facebook Group

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Download this Episode

FFP 133 | Preparing for Pregnancy and Childbirth Naturally | Mama Natural {Genevieve Howland} 0

Apr 21, 2017

Genevieve, who you may know as Mama Natural has shared hundreds of hilarious and informative videos that have empowered millions of women to embrace natural pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Her YouTube channel gets over a million video views each month, and she has just released her first book The Mama Natural Week to Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth. Her new book is a great resource for mamas to be coming from a natural perspective. What I love about Genevieve's approach is that she recognizes that pregnancy and birth are normal and natural -- not a medical crisis. She is on a mission to inform you of your choices, because as the saying goes...knowledge is power.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What was the inspiration behind the Mama Natural YouTube channel?
Genevieve shares her experience birthing her first child and why she made completely different choices the second time around
How to manage an un-medicated childbirth, how to stay focused without freaking out, and how to stay on top of the mental game during labour
Recognizing that labour is temporary and the real work starts once your baby arrives
The cascade of interventions -- how interventions early on increased the chance that you'll need more serious interventions down the line.
Presenting the routine testing and procedures done in pregnancy as options that you can choose instead of mandatory actions you must take
What you need to know in each trimester of pregnancy
How to manage your risk of developing gestational diabetes, or having a positive test for Group B strep by developing healthy eating habits
Setting yourself up for the healthiest pregnancy and birth from the start

Connect with Genevieve {Mama Natural}

You can connect with Mama Natural on her Website, on Facebook, Twitter, and on her YouTube Channel

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us in the Fertility Friday Facebook Group

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Download this Episode

[On-Air Client Session] FFP 132 | Fertility Awareness Reality Series | Using FAM for Birth Control Successfully & Confidently | Emily & Lisa 0

Apr 14, 2017

In this edition of my Fertility Awareness Reality Series, I am sharing a client session with Emily. Emily was a member of my recent group and is actively avoiding pregnancy at the moment. Emily shares her experience of learning to trust the method and describes the phases she had to go through to get to the point where she feels confident using the method to prevent pregnancy.

In this episode, as in the other episodes in my Fertility Awareness Reality Series, I pull back the curtain and show you inside a real client session. You get to see exactly what it's like to work with me one-on-one!

You still have about 2 weeks to join my April 2017 Group Programs! Make sure to head over to the group program page and apply today to reserve your spot.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What Emily gained from the group program after a full year of charting
How Emily went from thinking she never had any dry days to discover that most of her cycle days are actually dry
The process of deprogramming that has to happen to allow your partner to ejaculate inside of you on your infertile days (i.e. going fully unprotected)
Emily talks about how she manages her fertile window to manage using the method with her comfort level
How your birth control changes change with age and time
The lack of information about the common side effects of the pill given by healthcare providers.
The effect of hormonal contraceptives on testosterone and cervical mucus
Nutrient deficiencies related to the hormonal contraceptive use
Why it's easier to chart when your cycles are healthy even when you're trying to avoid pregnancy
Why the side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives tend to be downplayed by your physician
Why it's important to have all of the information to make informed choices about birth control

Resources mentioned

Related Podcast Episodes

Join the community! Find us in the Fertility Friday Facebook Group

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Fertility Friday | Fertility Friday Group Programs

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Friday Group Programs! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! New groups are starting in April 2017: Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

[On-Air Client Session] FFP 131 | Fertility Awareness Reality Series | Managing Hashimoto’s Naturally | Going Gluten Free | Kelly & Lisa 0

Apr 7, 2017

In this edition of my Fertility Awareness Reality Series, I am airing a client session with Kelly. Kelly is a member of my most recent Fertility Friday Group Program. She recently came off hormonal contraceptives and joined the group in preparation for pregnancy. Although Kelly isn't actively trying to conceive at the moment, she joined the group as a way to better understand her cycles and focus on improving her menstrual cycle health before she starts trying to conceive later on this year.

One of the themes that arise in this episode is the importance of self-advocacy. Kelly recently received a diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis as a result of our sessions together during the group program. In light of her new diagnosis, she has been making a number of changes to her diet and lifestyle to address this, and she is also working closely with a functional practitioner who is supervising her care. With that being said, in Kelly's case, this issue was only identified because she requested testing. An important reminder that we have to take an active role in our own healthcare.

In this episode, as in the other episodes in my Fertility Awareness Reality Series, I pull back the curtain and show you inside a real client session. You get to see exactly what it's like to work with me one-on-one!

You still have about 2 weeks to join my April 2017 Group Programs! Make sure to head over to the group program page and apply today to reserve your spot.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Kelly's experience with hormonal contraceptives
Kelly's recent diagnosis of Hypothyroid (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)
The impact of thyroid disorders on the menstrual cycle chart
What days are optimal for trying to conceive?
Why it's important to have your partner's sperm analyzed right off the bat
The role of cervical mucus in filtering out defective sperm
How to manage a gluten-free diet?
A whole food gluten-free diet vs a junk food gluten-free diet

Resources mentioned

Related Podcast Episodes

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes

Fertility Friday | Fertility Friday Group Programs

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Friday Group Programs! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! New groups are starting in April 2017: Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

[On-Air Client Session] FFP 130 | Fertility Awareness Reality Series | Transitioning from Hormonal Birth Control To Fertility Awareness | Coming Off The Pill | Lisa & Amy 0

Mar 31, 2017

In this special edition of my Fertility Awareness Reality Series, I interview Amy. Amy is a member of my most recent Fertility Friday Group Program. Amy joined the group program right at the time she decided to come off hormonal contraceptives. Amy shares what she has discovered so far. She used the pill for the past 10 years, and although she didn't really experience any side effects, now that she's off the hormones she's since realized how it was affecting her.

One of the key takeaways that Amy shares in this episode are how coming off the pill has reunited her with her sex drive. She had chalked up her lack of interest in sex to a personality trait, but since coming off the pill it is clear the pill was at fault for suppressing her sex drive.

We also spend some time talking about what's normal after coming off hormonal contraceptives, especially when you're wanting to jump in and transition to using fertility awareness for birth control.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain and show you inside a real client session, and you get to see exactly what it's like to work with me one-on-one!

There is still time for you to apply to join my April 2017 Group Programs! Make sure to head over to the group program page and apply today to reserve your spot.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Amy's experience with hormonal contraceptives
How Amy discovered the pill had killed her libido, and why she didn't notice over the past 10 years of using it
Transitioning from hormonal contraceptives to fertility awareness
What is "normal" after you come off the pill?
How to rely on fertility awareness when your temperatures are all over the place?
Why the process of learning fertility awareness for birth control takes 3-5 months to gain complete confidence
Is it possible to rely on fertility awareness for birth control?
What steps are involved in gaining complete confidence in the method?
The role of cervical mucus in fertility
The rationale behind the fertility awareness method

Resources mentioned

Related Podcast Episodes

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Fertility Friday | Fertility Friday Group Programs

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Friday Group Programs! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! New groups are starting in April 2017: Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

[On-Air Client Session] FFP 129 | Fertility Awareness Reality Series | Shifting Your Mindset from Predicting Your Cycle (Rhythm Method Thinking) to Fertility Awareness | Lisa & Leda 0

Mar 24, 2017

In this special edition of my Fertility Awareness Reality Series, I interview Leda. Leda is one of my current clients, and she wanted to be part of the series to share her experience learning fertility awareness to use as hormone free birth control.

One of the key takeaways that Leda shares in this episode how she has learned to interpret her fertility on a day to day basis instead of using past charts to predict her fertility. Leda's experience is also unique, because she somehow managed to escape hormonal contraceptive use altogether, and has what I lovingly refer to as "virgin cycles".

In this episode, I pull back the curtain and show you inside a real client session, and you get to see exactly what it's like to work with me one-on-one!

There is still time for you to apply to join my April 2017 Group Programs! Make sure to head over to the group program page and apply today to reserve your spot.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Leda's story & how she managed to avoid ever using hormonal contraceptives
How to get used to the idea that you can't predict when you'll ovulate
Being patient through the learning process, which typically takes 2-3 full cycles
Using fertility awareness successfully to avoid pregnancy
Is your period fertile?
What is the semen elimination technique and how does it help you use fertility awareness more effectively?
What is the difference between arousal fluid and cervical mucus?
What factors can throw off your temperatures?

Resources mentioned

Related Podcast Episodes

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Fertility Friday | Fertility Friday Group Programs

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Friday Group Programs! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! New groups are starting in April 2017: Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

Mar 17, 2017

In this special solo episode, I address some of the common myths about sex, female sexual response. There are a number of misconceptions about sex that prevail and can have a negative impact on your sexual experiences with your partner, and I decided to tackle them in today's show.

This is a topic that comes up in my one-on-one work with clients as well as within my group programs, and I wanted to share with you some practical ways to transform your sexual experience with your partner and have better sex.

In addition to this episode, I wrote a blog post about female orgasm and sexuality called 5 Ways to Have Better Sex if you'd like to dive deeper into this topic.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Is there something wrong with you if you don't orgasm from intercourse alone?
Why you might want to consider "foreplay" real sex
Why we should develop a broader definition sex
Why scheduling sex is actually sexy
Why it is important to show up intentionally for sex with your partner
Practical ways of staying in the moment during sex
The benefits of using fertility awareness to identify your fertile window
Why you should have sex outside of your fertile window when you're trying to conceive
Why you should take more time for foreplay, and while you're at it, stop calling it foreplay

Resources mentioned

Related Podcast Episodes

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Fertility Friday | Fertility Friday Group Programs

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Friday Group Programs! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! New groups are starting in April 2017: Click here for more information!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Download this Episode

FFP 127 | What Does a Normal Period Look Like? | How Much Am I Supposed To Bleed During My Period? | Lisa | Fertility Friday 0

Mar 10, 2017

In this special solo episode, I address some common menstruation questions. Unfortunately, periods are talking about enough so, often times, women never truly understand what a normal period is supposed to like.

I get asked questions about this topic time and time again by the women in the various programs and groups I run. I realized, if they have these questions, it’s likely you do as well.

In addition to this episode, I’ve also written a blog post about this topic called How Much Am I Supposed to Bleed During My Period.

Topics discussed in today's episode

How long does a normal period last and what is the bleeding pattern like?
How hormonal contraceptives impact your period
Is the period you have on the pill a real one?
How does a menstrual cup change your relationship with your period?
Variations of blood colors and what they may indicate
What are natural ways to improve your cycle?
What does the amount of blood say about your health and your hormonal profile?
Researching your Endometrial lining and how well it is developed
Focusing on your cycle and taking the time to learn about your body
How intimately connected your cycles are with your health
How does your cycle change after coming off hormonal contraceptives?

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Friday Group Programs

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Friday Group Programs! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Download this Episode

Mar 3, 2017

I’m excited to have Lily Back on the show for a record 4th appearance! Make sure to check out the resources section below for the list of our previous episodes together. We’ve covered Gestational Diabetes, Exercise during Pregnancy, and A Real Food Diet for PCOS so far and, in today’s show, we talk about breastfeeding nutrition.

Although your doctor might tell you that it doesn’t much matter what you eat when you’re breastfeeding, Lily begs to differ. We talk about what to do to make sure you’re making the most nutritious milk for your baby and also how to make sure that you’re getting enough nourishment during the critical few months after birth.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What happens to the body during breastfeeding?
How do nutritional requirements for a woman differ when pregnant, trying to conceive, and breastfeeding?
What happens to women when they’re not prepared for being as hungry as you get when breastfeeding?
How does the quality of the food you eat relate to the quality of your breastmilk?
How to be prepared for healthy options when you’re breastfeeding
Good fats vs. Bad fats: what to look for and what to avoid
What is breastmilk made of and how does it change to meet the requirements of the age and gender of your child?
How different kinds of breastmilk impact babies
Details about important nutrients when breastfeeding, such as Choline and Vitamin D
Why do some women have trouble producing breastmilk and what can be done about it?
Debunking the concept of a “pre-pregnancy body” and other myths about breastfeeding
Postpartum depression: How nutrition and diet relate to it, what steps to take if you experience it, and advice on getting help.
The importance of having a lactation consultant

Connect with Lily Nichols

You can connect with Lily on her Website and on Facebook and Twitter

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Friday Group Programs

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Friday Group Programs! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Download this Episode

Mar 1, 2017

Dana Obleman is the founder and creator of The Sleep Sense™ Program. Not only does she support new mothers when they need it most in those first few months and years if you find that your baby isn’t sleeping well, she also trains and certifies sleep consultants worldwide.

In today’s show, we talk about one of the things that you never really think about when you’re planning to have a family or even when you’re pregnant! We’re going to talk about baby sleep.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What inspired Dana to create The Sleep Sense™ Program
Why you shouldn’t expect to have poor sleeping habits after you give birth
Is wanting more sleep a selfish desire as a new mother?
Typical sleep expectations in the first few months after giving birth
What can you do in the first few weeks to help your baby’s future sleep habits?
The first step to creating great sleep habits
The #1 mistake parents make that interferes with creating good sleep habits
Why being too strict in creating good sleep habits can lead to burnout
How to find a balance between working on sleep habits and not being too hard on yourself
The ongoing sleep conversation with your child
How do you know when it’s time to make a change in your child’s sleep habits?
How poor sleep can affect your child’s development and behavior
What are the two things Dana wants you to know?

Connect with Dana Obleman

You can connect with Dana Obleman on her website.

Resources mentioned

Dana's Sleep Sense™ Program

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

Download this Episode

Feb 24, 2017

In today’s episode, I share with you two interviews I recorded live at the Restorative Medicine Conference in Toronto.

Dr. David Brownstein is a Board-Certified family physician and is one of the foremost practitioners of holistic medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, MI. Dr. Brownstein has lectured internationally to physicians, and others, about his success in using natural hormones and nutritional therapies in his practice.

Dr. Denis Wilson developed the concept of Wilson ‘s Temperature Syndrome in 1988 after observing people with symptoms of low thyroid and low body temperature, yet who had normal blood tests. He found that by normalizing their temperatures with T3 (without T4) their symptoms often remained improved even after the treatment was discontinued.

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Topics discussed in today's episode

How a book on nutrition led Dr. Brownstein down this career path
What should we know about iodine as it relates to the thyroid and why is it essential?
What happens when there’s an iodine deficiency?
Why is it important to know your iodine levels before you get pregnant?
Iodine’s connection to cystic breasts
How the thyroid is related to metabolism
Low body temperature: what does it mean and what does it have to do with the thyroid?
Dr. Wilson’s experiments with cycling patients and resetting their thermostat and thyroid
What to do if you have a low body temperature
The direct correlation between metabolism and body temperature and how it relates to fertility
How does hyperthyroidism relate to fertility?
How to tell if, and when, what you’re doing is working
What to eat, and when to eat it, to maintain healthy insulin levels

Connect with Dr. David Brownstein, MD

You can connect with Dr. Brownstein on his website.

Connect with Dr. Denis Wilson, MD

You can connect with Dr. Wilson on his website.

Resources mentioned

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Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

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FFP 123 | Fertility Awareness Training for Physicians & Health Professionals | What Your Doctor Needs to Know About Fertility Awareness | Dr. Marguerite Duane 0

Feb 17, 2017

Dr. Duane is a board-certified family physician and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University. She is trained as a Creighton Medical consultant, and she is the co-founder and Executive Team Leader of FACTS – the Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science.

FACTS was formed to educate physicians and healthcare professionals using medical evidence so they may empower women and engage men to appreciate and care for their fertility, and to change the culture of medicine so that fertility is recognized as normal and healthy. It’s doing what we all want - educating doctors about fertility awareness!

In today’s show, we talk about the work that FACTS is doing to educate medical professionals about fertility and fertility awareness-based methods.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What inspired Dr. Duane to create FACTS?
How FACTS has grown since 2010
The process Dr. Duane uses to educate other doctors and motivate other doctors
Debunking the myth that pregnancy can happen at any time, no matter what
What determines the effectiveness of a method?
Getting over the hurdle of fertility awareness-based methods being entirely dependent on the person doing the method
The idea of the female cycle is “the 5th vital sign” and the information that can be gathered from charting; including important diagnoses
How to talk to your doctor about natural fertility methods
The importance of knowing how your body works and educating women
Details about the FACTS presentation and how to invite speakers
Dr. Duane’s training in the Creighton Model System

Connect with Dr. Duane

You can connect with Dr. Duane on the FACTS website.

Resources mentioned

Symptothermal method fact sheet

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Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

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Feb 15, 2017

Lisa is a Justisse Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who has been working in the field since 1988. She has an extensive background in women’s reproductive health and fertility, and also works as a Natural Health Consultant (at the Pharmasave Health Centre) in Parksville, BC.

In today’s show, we talk about the important role that healthy liver function plays in balancing hormones, fertility, and menstrual cycle health.

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Topics discussed in today's episode

What does the liver do and how does it do it?
How can you reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals?
What are the signs of an overburdened liver?
SKILL: Skin, Kidneys, Intestines, Lungs, Liver - Learning more about these organs of elimination
How liver function is connected to a healthy menstrual cycle
The different types of Estrogen and the effects they have on your body
How does the liver break down toxins?
Detoxing: When is it necessary and how does this relate to women who are actively trying to conceive?
The foods and herbs that are best for a healthy liver
What happens if the liver can’t release toxins?
How hormonal contraceptives impact liver function
How does liver health impact recurring issues, such as headaches, during your cycle?
The importance of keeping track of what your body is doing

Connect with Lisa

You can connect with Lisa on the Justisse Healthworks website or email her at lisa@justisse.ca.

Resources mentioned

[powerpress]

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Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

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FFP 121 | Fertility Awareness Method | Reproductive Justice | Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals | Ilene Richman 0

Feb 10, 2017

Ilene has been a Fertility Awareness Educator since 2001. She first discovered fertility awareness in 1994 and has been teaching through the Fertility Awareness Centre ever since. She is the Executive Director of the Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals, (AFAP); the only international membership organization for fertility awareness professionals.

In today’s show, we talk about Fertility Awareness and the role it plays in advancing reproductive freedoms & justice for women, professionalism in the field, and much more.

Special Note: This interview was recorded before the 2016 Presidential election and Ilene wanted to note the conversation we had about reproductive justice would be different if we were to have it today.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What drew Ilene into the field of fertility awareness?
Ilene’s tragic transition into becoming a fertility awareness educator
The story behind the Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals
Why is it so important to have this professional association for fertility educators?
Does understanding how to chart your own cycle mean you can teach others?
What surprised Ilene when she first started working with clients?
The pros and cons of having such easy access to information
The divide between fertility awareness educators and those who go the DIY route
What is Reproductive Justice?
Where is the AFAP starting in their fight for Reproductive Justice?
How can you become certified as a fertility awareness educator through AFAP?
What are Ilene’s top three myths about fertility?

Connect with Ilene

You can connect with Ilene on her personal website or on the AFAP's website!

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Fertility Friday | Fertility Management Masterclass

This episode is sponsored by my Fertility Management Masterclass! Gain clarity and confidence using the Fertility Awareness Method and improve your cycle health at the same time! Click here for more information!

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Top 5 Reasons Why It’s Harder to Use Fertility Awareness Postpartum While You Breastfeed 0

Jan 24, 2017

If you want to get a lecture from a health professional one of the quickest ways to do it is to tell them that you’re using the Fertility Awareness Method for birth control. In fact, you may not even need to go as far as talking to a health professional to get that response. You… Read More »

The post Top 5 Reasons Why It’s Harder to Use Fertility Awareness Postpartum While You Breastfeed appeared first on Fertility Friday.

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FFP 118 | All About Breastfeeding | Why it Might Not Be As Easy As You Think To Breastfeed Your Baby After Birth | Myths and Facts About Breastfeeding | Lori J Isenstadt, IBCLC 0

Jan 20, 2017

Lori is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has been working with breastfeeding mothers and babies for over 25 years. Lori became a Birth doula and a Postpartum doula and soon became a lactation consultant. Over that time she has worked with over 10,000 mothers and babies in private consultation to help them work through… Read More »

The post FFP 118 | All About Breastfeeding | Why it Might Not Be As Easy As You Think To Breastfeed Your Baby After Birth | Myths and Facts About Breastfeeding | Lori J Isenstadt, IBCLC appeared first on Fertility Friday.

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FFP 118 | Why it Might Not Be As Easy As You Think To Breastfeed Your Baby After Birth | Lori J Isenstadt, IBCLC 0

Jan 20, 2017

Lori is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has been working with breastfeeding mothers and babies for over 25 years. Lori became a Birth Doula and a Postpartum doula and soon became a lactation consultant. Over that time she has worked with over 10,000 mothers and babies in private consultation to help them work through their breastfeeding challenges.

Lori founded All About Breastfeeding, her private practice where she provides education, support, and advocacy for breastfeeding mothers! Lori is also a Podcaster, and her Podcast “All About Breastfeeding” is an amazing resource for breastfeeding mothers that I wish I had had before I embarked on my own breastfeeding journey!

I was recently featured on Lori’s Podcast, "All About Breastfeeding" (the place where the girls hang out), where I shared my experience with breastfeeding.

In today’s show, we are going to talk all about breastfeeding, and why it may not be as “easy” and “natural” as you thought.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What inspired Lori to become a lactation consultant?
The biggest misconceptions about breastfeeding
How you can prepare for breastfeeding
Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?
Why you should assume you will need help breastfeeding
Common breastfeeding challenges
Should your baby be on a feeding schedule?
What you should expect in the first few weeks of breastfeeding
Should you worry about not producing enough milk?
What is the “sweet spot” of breastfeeding?
Why breastfeeding increases the bond between you and your baby
The one thing Lori wants you to take away from this episode
The biggest barrier to successful breastfeeding

Connect with Lori

You can connect with Lori on her website and podcast.

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Sponsored By:

This episode is sponsored by Prep Dish! Click here to receive your first 2 weeks of meal plans completely free of charge!

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FFP 117 | What do Midwives Do? | Is it Safe to Have Babies at Home? | Midwifery Care in Canada | Candice Syme R.M. 0

Jan 13, 2017

Candice is a graduate of the Midwifery Education program at McMaster University in Ontario. Since first learning about midwifery in high school, she has been committed to becoming a midwife herself. She has always had an interest in women’s healthcare and, in particular, the ideals of women-centered care. Candice strives to honor the ability of her clients to voice their opinions and wishes for their care by being open and supportive. Her goal is to make each client’s pregnancy and postpartum experience one that is positively supported and empowering. Another awesome fact about Candice is that she was my midwife - and helped me to birth my youngest son about 1 1/2 years ago.

In today’s show, we delve into what it is that midwives do, what their qualifications are, what their training is like, how they manage home births, and what their role is in the hospital setting. We also talk about the philosophy of birth from a midwifery perspective.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What inspired Candice to become a midwife?
Common misconceptions about midwifery care
What happens if something “goes wrong” during an at-home birth?
Does having a midwife means you must deliver at home?
Is giving birth, by its very nature, dangerous?
Why you shouldn’t let fear dictate your decisions regarding pain medications
How does the midwifery model of care differ from traditional medical care?
What do Candice’s typical appointments look like?
How midwifery care does end after birth
Is seeing an OB when you’re not high-risk excessive?
Midwifery care for high-risk clients
The differences between doulas and midwives
Candice’s thoughts on being present during the moment of birth
What Candice wants you to take away from our conversation
What does Candice want every woman to know about giving birth?

Connect with Candice

You can connect with Candice on the Burlington & Area Midwives website.

Resources mentioned

Association of Ontario Midwives

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Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Sponsored By:

This episode is sponsored by Prep Dish! Click here to receive your first 2 weeks of meal plans completely free of charge!

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Jan 6, 2017

Janie A. Bowthorpe, M.Ed, has spent years as one of the most well-known and heartfelt Thyroid Patient Advocates, fighting for better thyroid care. And what has made her different from others who claim the same title? It's her unique focus, which has always been about reported patient experiences and the wisdom gained from those experiences ... rather than strong opinions or courting the medical establishment.

Like millions worldwide, Janie was a 20-year victim of poor treatment with T4-only meds and the use of the TSH lab test, only to have a miraculous turnaround in the use of Natural Desiccated Thyroid. Those experiences propelled her to represent patients worldwide, totally based on their experiences and wisdom. She is the author of the book, Stop the Thyroid Madness.

In today’s show, we talk about why women who show signs of hypothyroidism often have the hardest time getting support from their doctors; whether it's lab work or getting prescriptions for thyroid medication (other than Synthroid®). We get to the bottom of the common issue of why a woman can feel terrible even if she has "normal" lab results, and what she can do if her doctor isn't supporting her mission to get to the underlying cause.

Topics discussed in today's episode

What events led to Janie writing her book, Stop the Thyroid Madness?
Janie talks about the common symptoms of continued Hypothyroidism
Why the typical tests doctors run Hypothyroidism are not good enough
Why the common treatments for Hypothyroidism don’t usually work
How free T3 and T4 levels are better indicators of your thyroid health
Janie’s advice about how to handle resistance from physicians with regards to testing
Why the commonly prescribed medication, Synthroid®, doesn’t always help
What desiccated thyroid is and how it compares to Synthroid®
What can cause symptoms to get worse after taking desiccated thyroid?
What are some underlying causes of Hypothyroidism and can it be cured?
Janie’s advice for people who’ve had trouble finding a doctor who’ll truly work with them
The one thing Janie wants listeners to know
The one myth about Hypothyroidism Janie wants to address

Connect with Janie

You can connect with Janie on her Website and on Facebook

Resources mentioned

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Sponsored By:

This episode is sponsored by Prep Dish! Click here to receive your first 2 weeks of meal plans completely free of charge!

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Dec 30, 2016

This is the sixth episode of my Fertility Awareness Reality Series! I share the work that I do with clients "on air" with you in these special episodes where I am hosting live mini-sessions with women who I have worked with.

In today's episode, I interview Aarathi. Aarathi was a member of my previous Fertility Friday Group Program, who has been trying to conceive for quite some time. After a failed attempt at IVF Aarathi sought a more natural route which is what lead her to discover the podcast. She wanted to be part of this series hoping that her story may give hope and/or inspiration to others.

Make sure to head over to my Group Programs page to find out more about my upcoming January 2017 group programs and how you can apply to be a part of it! You'll want to apply early as there are a limited number of participants I can accept into each group.

Topics discussed in today's episode

Aarathi’s contraceptive history
How to monitor cervical mucus when you don’t have much to start with
How contraceptive pills can have long-term effects on cervical mucus
What are the key nutrients that are critical for cervical health?
Aarathi’s experience with failed IVF and MTFHR
How excessive fertility testing took its toll on Aarathi
Are there income-based grants for IVF?
Aarathi discusses her experience with charting and what the most difficult part is for her
Lisa and Aarathi break down the observational method as it relates to charting cervical mucous
When is the optimal time for sex when you’re trying to conceive?
How you can change your sleep habits to help with certain aspects of conceiving
How Aarathi’s vegetarian diet affects her fertility
Why Lisa recommends cod liver oil instead of fish oil

Resources mentioned

Other Episodes in the FAM Reality Series

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Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Sponsored By

This episode is sponsored by Circle + Bloom! Click here to receive 20% off Circle + Bloom products! Make sure to use discount code: FertilityFriday at checkout!

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Dec 23, 2016

In this special episode, I celebrate my 2nd "Podcastiversary" (Podcast Anniversary)!

I have learned so much from my experiences working with clients and getting to know you better and it has made a huge impact on me. So, in honor of this milestone, I decided to do a solo episode this week and share with you my top ten biggest takeaways after two years of podcasting and producing over 100 episodes.

If you're new to this show, or to fertility awareness, this is a great episode with lots resources and is a perfect starting point.

To all of my listeners, thank you so much for making 2016 such an amazing year and I'm incredibly excited to see where 2017 will take all of us!

Topics discussed in today's episode

My thoughts on the overall response I’ve received from listeners of the podcast
What keeps me going after 100+ episodes?
Takeaway #1: Women do not deserve to suffer in silence
Takeaway #2: Self-advocacy is difficult but worth it
Takeaway #3: Know how to approach your doctors and get clarity on what they do
Takeaway #4: Healing is possible but sometimes doesn’t take the path we expect
Takeaway #5: An important part of restoring your fertility involves balancing male and female energy
Takeaway #6: Every woman will fit fertility awareness into her life differently
Takeaway #7: Fertility awareness does take work to get to the point where it’s easy
Takeaway #8: The importance of this podcast is evident by how few women know about fertility awareness
Takeaway #9: The pill has a detrimental impact on a woman’s health
Takeaway #10: The power of community
What’s to come in 2017?

Connect with Lisa

You can connect with Lisa on the Fertility Friday website and on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources mentioned

PCOS Related Podcast Episodes

Join the community! Find us on the Fertility Friday Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to the Fertility Friday Podcast on iTunes!

Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Produced by J-Gantic

Sponsored By

This episode is sponsored by Circle + Bloom! Click here to receive 20% off Circle + Bloom products! Make sure to use discount code: FertilityFriday at checkout!

Download this Episode