156: How your partner’s sperm health impacts placental development, risk of miscarriage & baby's health

In today’s episode, I interview my client Rose, who shares her comprehensive fertility journey, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and proactive research while navigating her reproductive health. Through persistence, not giving up and deciding to bring a fertility coach on board after a year of negative tests, she uncovered her barriers to fertility that were preventing her from getting pregnant. Her story is inspiring and sheds light on the importance of taking an active, informed approach to her own fertility, including addressing both physical and mental blocks.  Episode Highlights Rose opens up about life abroad, building a business and an unexpected 15-month journey to pregnancy. Discover what she didn’t know about fertility when she started trying to conceive, and what she had to learn the hard way. From unhelpful doctor visits to a surprising discovery during a procedure, Rose reveals the turning point that changed everything. She also dives into the less-talked-about side of fertility: the mindset shifts and emotional work she had to do before she was ready. Now 18.5 weeks pregnant, Rose reflects on what finally made the difference and what she wishes she’d known sooner. 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 Episode Links: CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE BRONZE PACKAGE WAITLIST (limited spots available) For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/157 Previous Bronze Package Success Stories Ep 148: Naturally pregnant at 37 after healing chronic BV, gut inflammation and hormone imbalance + Damaris's Story Ep 118: What to do when you’ve been told you can’t get pregnant + Kira’s Story Ep 115: Low progesterone, egg quality + Mel’s Story Need Nora’s Support To Get Pregnant? Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant Missed the Bronze Package Launch? → Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora 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.  

Today I pull back the curtain on an often-overlooked aspect of fertility: your partner’s sperm health. In this episode, I dive into how sperm quality can profoundly influence placental development, affect the risk of miscarriage, and shape your baby’s long-term health. You’ll also discover why hearing “everything is normal” from your doctor isn’t always the final word and why traditional labs miss the subtle, yet important, nuances hidden beneath the surface, especially in men who appear healthy and do all the right things.   Episode Highlights: Nora is back from her summer break and shares what’s new — including an exciting return of one of her fertility coaching offers. Why men’s sperm quality and quantity are declining, and what does it mean for fertility? Nora digs into the surprising factors most people overlook. Sperm does more than deliver DNA, discover its hidden role in shaping early pregnancy from the very start including the placenta Could poor sperm health be quietly contributing to miscarriage risk? Nora unpacks the science you may not have heard. Practical steps you can take right now: how advanced testing and a deeper look at “optimal health” (not just normal ranges) may transform fertility outcomes. 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 Episode Links: CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR SEPT BRONZE PACKAGE WAITLIST (limited spots available) For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/156 Previous Bronze Package Succes Stories: Ep 148: Naturally pregnant at 37 after healing chronic BV, gut inflammation and hormone imbalance + Damaris's Story Ep 118: What to do when you’ve been told you can’t get pregnant + Kira’s Story Ep 115: Low progesterone, egg quality + Mel’s Story Need Nora’s Support To Get Pregnant? Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant Missed the Bronze Package Launch? → Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora 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 Elizabeth King, a Certified International Fertility Expert, and we discuss a holistic approach to fertility, emphasizing the critical connection between emotional, spiritual, and physical health. She shares her personal experiences and professional insights on how unresolved emotional patterns, stress, and lack of body trust can impact conception. This episode explores innovative approaches to supporting fertility, including creative practices for nervous system regulation and building a compassionate relationship with one's body. King's approach goes beyond traditional medical interventions, focusing on the whole person and their unique journey to parenthood. Episode Highlights: How Elizabeth King turned personal heartbreak into a mission to help others conceive - the pivotal moment that changed her path forever Why advocating for your own health could be the game-changer in your fertility journey What surprising lessons Elizabeth learned from the medical system. Elizabeth’s unconventional method for calming the nervous system and opening new doors to conception Why so many women lose trust in their bodies during fertility struggles—and what it really takes to rebuild that trust Elizabeth’s unique coaching philosophy, where science meets soul 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 Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/155 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 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 Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant 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 Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant 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 Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant 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 Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant 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  Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant 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) Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant 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) Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant 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.