In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART), discussing various methods such as IUI and IVF. They explore the emotional and physical demands of these processes, the importance of supportive healthcare providers, and the diverse paths to parenthood available to individuals and couples facing infertility. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's options and the impact of mindfulness in the fertility journey.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

In this episode, we explore the role of acupuncture in enhancing fertility and reproductive health. Sadie Minkoff joins us to discuss how acupuncture works both physically and emotionally to prepare the body for pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of egg quality and the maturation process. The conversation also covers the integration of acupuncture with fertility treatments like IVF, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and the potential risks and benefits. Personal experiences highlight the emotional support acupuncture can provide during the fertility journey.

Website: https://reproductiveacupuncture.com/

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

This conversation focuses on the critical role of nutrition in the journey of conception and pregnancy. Amber Frauenholtz, a functional nutritionist, emphasizes the importance of preparing the body nutritionally before and during pregnancy, as well as postpartum recovery. The discussion covers the significance of reducing toxins, managing inflammation, and practical tips for making dietary changes to support fertility and overall health. This conversation delves into the essential aspects of nutrition and supplements for individuals trying to conceive. They discuss the importance of foundational nutrition, the role of supplements, and specific vitamins and minerals that support fertility.

Amber Frauenholtz NTP, RWP Website: https://amberdawnwellness.com/

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

In this conversation, Tracy Donegan, a trained midwife and founder of Gentle Birth, joins Samantha Kelly to discuss the integration of mindfulness and self-compassion into fertility support. She shares her personal experiences with fertility challenges and emphasizes the importance of emotional health during fertility treatments. Tracy provides insights into mindfulness techniques that can help manage stress and improve mental well-being, particularly for those undergoing IVF. The discussion highlights the need for self-compassion and offers practical steps for individuals navigating their fertility journeys.

https://fertilemind.app/

Red Light Therapy / Photobiomodulation

https://solasta.health/

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

In this conversation, Maja Miller shares her unique fertility journey, including her experiences with IVF and the importance of nutrition and mineral balance in preparing for pregnancy. She discusses the challenges she faced, including a miscarriage, and how she approached her health holistically to ensure a successful pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of individualized care and the role of minerals in overall health, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Ciarra Morgan and Dr. Stephanie Chan discuss the different aspects of fertility. Dr. Chan emphasizes the role of functional medicine in addressing hormone and fertility challenges, and shares practical tips for tracking cycles, recognizing signs of ovulation, and debunking common fertility myths. The discussion also highlights the significance of personalized approaches to fertility preparation and the importance of seeking help early in the process.

Dr. Stephanie Chan is originally from New York City and is a mom of two. She is passionate about helping women find answers and trusting their body again—because fertility isn’t just about getting pregnant, it’s about thriving through the journey. After navigating her own struggles with hormone issues and fertility challenges, she realized how many women were being dismissed or given band-aid solutions. That’s what led her to functional medicine—and to helping women finally feel seen, supported, and empowered in their fertility journeys.

Using a root-cause approach and mineral-based testing, she supports women with irregular cycles, unexplained infertility, or conditions like PCOS to build strong foundations for a healthy pregnancy, without jumping straight to IVF.

To connect with Dr. Stephanie Chan, you can contact her at:

IG: @‌dr.stephchanrx Email: stephanie@fertilerootsrx.com Discount: Mention the Birth, Baby! Podcast at booking for $100 off coaching

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Lacey Castilleja Fisher joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the emotional complexities surrounding fertility struggles and perinatal mental health. She highlights common mental health challenges faced by individuals trying to conceive, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Lacey offers coping strategies, emphasizes the importance of support systems, and discusses the significance of setting boundaries to protect mental health. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of jealousy, grief, and the need for open communication between partners. Lacey provides insights on how friends and family can support those experiencing fertility challenges, fostering understanding and compassion throughout the journey.

Lacey Castilleja Fisher is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician and founded Open Heart Counseling of Austin PLLC, a small group practice in Austin, Texas. Lacey became passionate about working with parents that struggle with PMAD’s, specifically PTSD, after her own experience of becoming a mother and experiencing trauma after her newborn was unexpectedly admitted to the NICU. This led to Lacey learning as much as she could about perinatal trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, NICU trauma and fertility struggles. Lacey served as the Clinical Director for The Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas, now Nurtured Tx, from 2018-2023 and loves teaching other clinicians about reproductive mental health.

Website: http://www.openheartcounselingatx.com/lacey-reproductive-mental-health-sandtray.html

FB and IG: @‌openheartcounselingofaustin

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Host Samantha Kelly interviews Kim Yancey, a mother, foster mom, and gestational surrogate. Kim shares her journey through motherhood, including her experiences with pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the unexpected news of carrying twins. The conversation delves into the emotional complexities of high-risk pregnancies and the impact of loss, as Kim recounts her experience with the loss of twins. In a future episode, Kim will be back to discuss her journey into surrogacy.

Kim is a dedicated mom of 9 kiddos, both biological and adopted, proudly embracing the chaos! She's also had the privilege of being a 6-time gestational surrogate, helping families grow through every twist and turn. Survivor of late-term pregnancy loss, forever changed but more passionate about spreading love and support. Through it all, she's learned to cherish every moment and advocate for family building in all its beautiful forms.

Want to connect with Kim? Website: https://confettiandconnection.com/ Email: Kim@confettiandconnection.com

Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Website: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!