154: Should you be eating low carb with PCOS when TTC?

In today’s episode I’m diving deep into one of the most debated questions of PCOS and fertility - should you be eating a low-carb diet when preparing for pregnancy with PCOS? If you’ve ever wondered why blood sugar seems to fluctuate more when you have PCOS, or why so many experts talk about insulin resistance and its impact on your fertility journey, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I break down the science behind why PCOS makes you more susceptible to insulin resistance and what that actually means for your body and your hormones. I’ll explore why blood sugar swings are more common with PCOS, how those ups and downs can affect ovulation and egg quality, and—most importantly—what you can do about it with your food choices. But here’s where it gets really interesting. While low-carb and keto diets are often promoted as the “fix” for PCOS, the truth is much more nuanced. I’ll share why these diets can sometimes backfire, especially when you’re trying to conceive, and what you need to know to truly support your fertility and hormone health for the long term. If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/154 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 Lauren Enright, a mind/body fertility coach who provides an in-depth exploration of the nervous system's role in overall health and fertility. She breaks down the complex structure of the nervous system, explaining how chronic stress and dysregulation can impact reproductive health and discusses practical techniques for increasing nervous system resilience. Lauren's philosophy integrates scientific understanding with holistic practices, offering you a variety of tools to improve your physical and emotional well-being while preparing for or while currently on your trying to conceive journey. Episode Highlights: Discover what led Lauren from the classroom to the world of fertility and birth support Lauren unpacks the hidden layers of the nervous system and reveals why understanding it could change everything for your well-being Is your body sending you signals you’re missing? Learn why balancing your nervous system matters Explore the surprising ways your nervous system might be holding you back from getting pregnant and what you can do to create a sense of safety for your body Learn unexpected strategies to build resilience and peace in the two week wait, helping you handle discomfort and uncertainty with new confidence If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/153 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.  

Today I’m diving into top strategies on how to prepare for baby #2 (or #3), especially if you’re still breastfeeding, working on getting your health back to baseline, and juggling life with a toddler. Whether you’re just starting to think about growing your family or you’re actively trying to conceive, this episode is packed with evidence-based tips to help you feel empowered and prepared. I’ll cover topics like the ideal time to start trying for your next pregnancy, if you can get pregnant while breastfeeding, your chances of having twins while breastfeeding and top nutrition and lifestyle tips on how to get your health back to baseline and ready for your next baby. Episode Highlights: If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: ASK ME ANYTHING FOR THE PODCAST - GOOGLE FORM SUBMISSION Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/152 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 Ayla Barmmer, the Founder and CEO of FullWell. We get into the weeds of male reproductive health, focusing on the critical importance of sperm quality and its broader implications for fertility and healthy children. Our conversation offers practical advice for individuals trying to conceive, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to reproductive health that includes diet, lifestyle modifications, and strategic supplementation. Our conversation challenges traditional views of fertility by emphasizing the equal importance of male reproductive health and the long-term consequences of preconception care.  Episode Highlights:  Ayla’s background in nutrition, fertility work, and how she started her supplement company FullWell Why sperm health goes beyond fertilization How sperm health can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes and the long-term health of offspring The global decline in sperm quality over the past 70 years Critical insights into nutritional approaches for supporting reproductive health The importance of high quality ingredients in fertility supplements for both him and her How to evaluate supplement quality and tips on what to look for in supplement testing and transparency If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below.   PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/151  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’m diving into the fascinating world of genetic testing for fertility, unpacking the differences between traditional genetic carrier screening and the innovative Grow Baby Genetic Test. While carrier screening is a powerful way to discover if you or your partner carry hidden genetic risks for serious inherited conditions, what if you could go even further? That’s where the Grow Baby Genetic Test comes in.  Unlike standard carrier screening, Grow Baby zeroes in on your own genetic blueprint, maternal health and pregnancy optimization by analyzing key genes that influence your fertility, hormone balance, nutrient needs, and pregnancy health. Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or in the thick of it and experiencing recurrent loss or preparing for fertility treatment, this episode will show you why this affordable genetic test is more than just a precaution, it’s your roadmap to confident, empowered pregnancy planning. If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below.  PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRONZE PACKAGE (limited spots available) Missed the June Bronze Package Launch, but still interested in the Grow Baby Genetics Test? Apply for Functional Labs Only  For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/150  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.  

On today’s episode, I interview Dr. Tony Francis, a distinguished scientist, who exposes the hidden dangers of PFAS, those "forever chemicals" that are found in everyday products that quietly disrupt hormones and fertility. You’ll discover where these forever chemicals lurk, how they impact your health, and why they’re so tough to avoid. Dr. Tony shares practical, actionable tips to reduce your exposure and shares top nutrients that are designed to help your body defend against these contaminants.This episode will continue to help you fight back against the invisible threat of forever chemicals as you prepare for pregnancy and try to get pregnant. Episode Highlights: Meet Dr. Tony Francis, CTO of PFAS Guard and expert in environmental health, as he reveals the shocking truth about “forever chemicals” and their hidden impact on women’s fertility. Discover how PFAS—found in everything from non-stick pans to water-resistant clothing—linger in our bodies for decades, disrupting hormones and even crossing the placental barrier. Learn how these chemicals sabotage estrogen, trigger irregular cycles, and threaten reproductive health. Get Dr. Tony’s top strategies to reduce your PFAS exposure, from smarter water filtration to safer cookware and personal care swaps. Hear about an innovative supplement designed to defend your thyroid, balance hormones, and support your body against PFAS—especially vital for those planning to conceive. If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: CLICK HERE FOR JUNE BRONZE PACKAGE WAITLIST (limited spots available) For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/149 Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here - seeing this episode outside of June, apply for fertility coaching here 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 my beautiful client Damaris, who shares her fertility journey from experiencing two miscarriages to becoming naturally pregnant at 37 through a holistic approach to her health. Her story involves underlying issues with chronic bacterial vaginosis, compromised gut health which led to hormonal imbalances. Her story emphasizes the importance of personalized care, self-advocacy, and a comprehensive approach to fertility that goes beyond traditional medical treatments. Through patience, targeted interventions, and trusting the process, Damaris was able to overcome her fertility challenges and finally achieve a healthy natural pregnancy at 37.  Episode Highlights: Damaris, an ICU nurse, opens up about her journey through two miscarriages and now being 20 weeks pregnant. She reveals how chronic bacterial vaginosis was dismissed by doctors but deeply affected her fertility. A surprising gut health discovery changes everything; learn how she uncovered hidden issues and what helped her heal. From being clueless about cycle tracking to mastering her fertile window, Damaris shares the eye-opening lessons that transformed her understanding of her body. Facing low AMH and considering IVF, she found unexpected encouragement to explore natural fertility methods. Tune in for a heartfelt reflection on trusting intuition, personalized coaching, and the path that led to her pregnancy. If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: CLICK HERE FOR JUNE BRONZE PACKAGE WAITLIST (limited spots available) For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/148 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.  

Today’s episode explores the critical role of a healthy uterine and vaginal microbiome when preparing for pregnancy and trying to conceive (TTC). Despite mounting evidence linking microbiome balance to improved fertility, successful implantation, and better pregnancy outcomes, most OB/GYN offices still overlook routine testing and proactive care in this area. I dive into how conditions like chronic endometritis and Ureaplasma infection can silently undermine your fertility, often going undetected in standard evaluations and contributing to unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. I’ll then share how advanced microbiome testing paired with a functional treatment protocol in my practice can finally provide answers and targeted solutions for a healthy pregnancy. Episode Highlights: The difference between the vaginal and uterine microbiome, and why both matter for reproductive success How chronic endometritis and ureaplasma infections can silently sabotage your fertility, even when you have no symptoms Why standard doctor’s visits and routine tests often miss these underlying issues How advanced microbiome testing along with holistic fertility protocols can finally give you answers and a clear path forward The importance of biofilm disruptors and supporting microbiome before, during and after treatment matters for preventing recurrent infection If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: CLICK HERE FOR JUNE BRONZE PACKAGE WAITLIST (limited spots available) For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/147 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. Christy Lane and Laura Macdonald, the founders of Flora Fertility, an innovative insurtech platform aimed at providing affordable and accessible fertility insurance for Gen-Z and millennial women. The company offers a proactive insurance model that covers fertility treatments and supports women through personalized lifestyle interventions. Their approach focuses on early intervention, community support, and addressing the financial barriers to fertility care. Both Christy and Laura emphasize the importance of understanding one's body, reducing stress, and taking a holistic approach to fertility. Listen in as we discuss how they are empowering women like you by providing financial security and resources throughout a woman's reproductive years. Episode Highlights: Discover why the current system fails so many, and how Flora’s personalized approach is flipping the script on fertility benefits Learn how Flora’s unique underwriting process could open doors for women ages 20–34-and how your lifestyle might tip the scales. Can small lifestyle tweaks truly boost your fertility?  Uncover the surprising science behind stress, nutrition, and exercise-and how Flora’s model turns these insights into action. Get insight into a future where fertility insurance is community-driven and truly supportive.  Hear the founders’ bold vision and their advice for anyone navigating the fertility journey. If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below.  PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: Claim Your 50% OFF The Get Pregnant Program Here (limited time only) Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/146 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.  

What if your fertility journey took years longer than you ever imagined-and the answers you needed weren’t what you expected? In today’s episode, Nicole pulls back the curtain on her four-year quest to conceive, revealing the twists, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs that led to her long-awaited IVF pregnancy. Nicole shares how she was able to transform frustration into fierce self-advocacy, why she refused to settle for dismissive care and how hiring a fertility coach helped her rewrite her story. From hidden diagnoses to the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, Nicole shares the raw realities and unexpected lessons that changed everything. If you’re longing for hope, real talk, and the secrets to persevering when the odds feel stacked against you, don’t miss this inspiring, eye-opening conversation. Nicole’s journey will leave you believing in what’s possible for you on your fertility journey. Episode Highlights: After confidently starting her TTC journey in 2021, Nicole shares how her expectations were quickly challenged when pregnancy didn't happen as planned. When doctors dismissed her concerns, Nicole became her own advocate-diving into research, tracking, and understanding her body's signals. Discover the moment routine testing revealed surprising challenges, leading Nicole and her husband through the emotional terrain of medicated cycles and IUIs. How working with Nora transformed Nicole's approach to preparing for pregnancy with functional testing that uncovered hidden barriers conventional medicine missed. The heartbreak and hope of retrieving dozens of eggs only to end with a single viable embryo Nicole reveals her emotional first positive pregnancy test and reflects on her journey at 15 weeks pregnant, offering insights for others facing similar challenges. If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below. PLUS FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM PAGE HERE FOR BITE SIZED TTC TIPS! Related Links: Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/145 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.