108: Getting pregnant after an eating disorder with Holly Leever

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.

In today’s podcast episode I interview my client, Erika, who shares her fertility journey spanning over eight years. Erika discusses her struggles with infertility, multiple failed IVF treatments, a diagnosis of endometriosis, low AMH and finding hope and success on her journey to conceive naturally. We discuss how perseverance, self-care, faith, and support got her through this journey along with how she successfully got pregnant naturally with an AMH of 0.18 at the age of 39. Episode highlights: Erika's fertility journey, including struggles with infertility, low AMH, and AFC count Multiple IVF treatments and challenges faced at various fertility clinics Diagnosis of endometriosis and the impact of fertility treatments Importance of nutrition, gut health, and lifestyle changes in improving fertility Finding support from a holistic approach, including hormones, nutrition, gut health and mindset  The role of faith, self-love, and surrender on the fertility journey Erika's successful pregnancy after making lifestyle changes and addressing health issues Related Links:  MINI Private Coaching Package IS BACK! Sign up here --> limited spots available For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/105 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.

Taking the time up front to prepare your body for pregnancy will pay massive dividends down the road and this is precisely what my client Danielle is doing at 39 to prepare her body for pregnancy. In today’s episode, Danielle shares her struggle with getting pregnant over a decade ago with five failed fertility treatments and multiple diagnoses with Hashimoto's, Rheumatoid Arthritis and depression. She was determined to be in the driver seat as she prepared for pregnancy this time around and took all the necessary steps to get her health to where it is today. Today, Danielle is preparing to be a single mother by choice and is on her healing journey with the plan to become a mom later this year. She has gotten off most of her medications, improved her menstrual cycle, gut health and overall vitality and energy and is in the best place health wise she has ever been in her entire life. Her story provides hope and inspiration as she talks about her decision to pursue motherhood on her own, her health improvements, along with sharing some of the challenges she faces in finding a sperm donor.   Episode Highlights: Danielle's fertility journey and struggles with conceiving Why she decided to pursue a holistic approach to health and fertility and her creative solution for investing in a fertility coach  The impact of her autoimmune conditions on her mental health How she got off her medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Depression  How she healed and found more joy than she’s ever felt before Financial considerations and challenges in pursuing fertility treatments The complexities of finding a sperm donor The role of self-love and perseverance in the journey towards motherhood For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/104   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, my colleague Haley Smith and I interview two very important practitioners in the fertility space, Lily Nichols and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack to discuss their newly released book 'Real Food for Fertility.' Our conversation delves into the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle, the impact of emotional stress on fertility, some misconceptions about intermittent fasting, caffeine intake, folic acid vs folate and much more. We also touch on the impact of hormonal contraceptives on fertility and the importance of nutrient optimization before conception. Episode Highlights: Understanding fertility: ovulation and pregnancy in any menstrual cycle The impact of emotional stress on menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalance The impact of under eating on ovulation Debunking myths and realities of intermittent fasting for fertility and weight loss How caffeine affects appetite, health habits and fertility The difference between folic acid and folate for women's health and pregnancy preparation Diving into birth control and how it it influences time to conception Expert tips for preparing your body for pregnancy Related Links: Download your FREE Guide on The Top 3 Things To Do When You’re Not Getting Pregnant For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/103   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 my client Alessandra, who shares her 2 year fertility journey before she got pregnant.  Alessandra discusses her challenges with conception, fertility treatments, failed IVF, pregnancy losses, a vaginal bacterial infection known as ureaplasma and the emotional and physical toll all of this took on her mental health and overall wellbeing. We dive into the importance of personalized support as she moved through this process and the role of patience and resilience when trying to get pregnant. Episode Highlights: When she decided to seek medical advice after months of trying to conceive Low AMH levels and conflicting opinions on IVF Coping with multiple losses before IVF The essential role of a fertility coach along the fertility journey Limitations of relying solely on medical professionals Her surgery experience, immunology treatments, and important lifestyle changes while TTC The discovery of ureaplasma, it's treatment and the impact of bacterial imbalances on fertility Trusting the process, building a support team and learning how to advocate for oneself Related Links: Apply for 1:1 Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/102 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.  

Did you know that you can use your mood as a telltale sign if you’re fueling yourself properly and if you have wonky blood sugar levels? In today’s episode, I interview Tamara Green and Sarah Grossman, both certified holistic nutritionists and the founders of The Living Kitchen. We delve into the impact of food on mood, mental health, hormonal balance and fertility with a laser focus on how to regulate blood sugar levels and why it's essential for reproductive health.  Episode Highlights: The hierarchy of hormones, insulin, and cortisol's influence on reproductive hormones Strategies for managing blood sugar spikes with fiber and polyphenols. Importance of stable blood sugar for hormonal health, menstrual cycles, and fertility The relationship between blood sugar levels and ovulation, fertility, appetite, calorie needs, and PMS symptoms Different methods for testing blood sugar levels The benefits of using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) in providing detailed insights into blood sugar patterns  Related LInks: Check out Pricing & Package options for working 1:1 with Nora here For full show notes and more related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/101 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.  

Timing of sex is of utmost importance when you're trying to conceive, especially since ovulation occurs only once in a menstrual cycle and is over within a 24 hour period. In today’s episode, I'm going to share the top strategies to use on how to accurately time intercourse to help you get pregnant when actively trying to conceive.  Episode Highlights: How to know when you are in your fertile window If you can get pregnant on your period Why you might have limited cervical mucus The best days to have sex when TTC How often to have sex during your fertile window When to have sex when your partner has low sperm count or quality Related Links: Check out Pricing & Package options for working 1:1 with Nora here Ep 29: Top tips to improve sperm health For full show notes and more related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/100 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.  

Progesterone is an important hormone for fertility as it prepares the uterus for implantation by maturing the uterine lining so an embryo has a comfy and cushy place to call home. Since progesterone is the main hormone that rises and falls like a bell curve in the luteal phase, it gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. In today’s episode, I interview Kaely McDevitt, a Registered Dietician who specializes in fertility and we dive into all things progesterone and how it relates to fertility and a healthy menstrual cycle.   Episode Highlights: Understanding the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle and fertility Symptoms and effects of low and high progesterone levels Importance of cycle tracking in determining hormonal health Impact of birth control on fertility and the need for time to regulate hormones post-birth control Progesterone creams and suppositories: what they are and how to use them effectively Tips for women to support healthy progesterone production  Related Links: 1:1 Private Fertility Coaching with Nora Interested in ordering the DUTCH Test, click here  For full show notes and more related links:: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/99 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.