My Body is Badass: Rest, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy at 43

114. Ruth, an oil painter and children’s book author, shares her journey to welcoming her daughter at 43. Ruth opens up about the reality of facing back-to-back miscarriages in her 40s, how receiving genetic testing results brought unexpected healing, and the radical mindset shift that allowed her to view her body not as failing, but as profoundly "badass."Moving past the fear and labels of a typical clinical setting, Ruth shares her experience working with a practice of supportive midwives to plan a natural home birth. From a sudden, explosive water-breaking moment on the toilet to an efficient, 8-minute standing labor, Ruth's story is a beautiful, primal, and refreshingly positive look at later motherhood. Whether you are currently trying to conceive over 40, recovering from pregnancy loss, or exploring the care model of midwifery, this episode offers a powerful reminder to slow down, practice rest as resistance, and trust the pace of your own life.Get the resources, transcript, and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode114/Get Rejoova Eggs & Rejoova Repair. Use code FAB for 10% offShop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

113. When Jeani scheduled a doctor's visit to address hot flashes, night sweats, and an elevated FSH level, she assumed she was simply following in the footsteps of her mother and sisters who had all entered early menopause. Instead, a routine ultrasound revealed a dislodged IUD, and a month later, on September 11th, a positive pregnancy test that quite literally left her weak in the knees. At 43 years old, with her oldest daughter on the cusp of high school graduation, Jeani found herself forced to completely rewrite the blueprint for her upcoming retirement years. In this episode, she dives deep into the complex, heavy emotions that followed, bravely uncovering the profound sense of shame and unworthiness she carried throughout her pregnancy as she struggled to accept a gift she felt she hadn't planned for or deserved.Jeani pulls no punches when discussing the distinct physical and emotional differences of carrying a baby in her 40s versus her 20s. From an early fetal viability scare and a whole new level of bone-deep exhaustion to a sudden preeclampsia diagnosis at 38 weeks, her path to the delivery room required total mental endurance. She walks listeners through her intense, multi-hour induction in Sioux Falls, detailing the physical agony of a grueling hour-and-a-half push to deliver a sunny-side-up baby—and the incredible labor positioning trick from a seasoned nurse that finally brought her son safely to her chest. Looking back with a heart full of grace, Jeani shares an emotional message for other women navigating later-in-life motherhood, wishing she could tell her pregnant self to banish the embarrassment, accept the support of a baby shower, and fully celebrate the beautiful disruption of a mid-life miracle.Get the resources, transcript, and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode113/Get Rejoova Eggs & Rejoova Repair. Use code FAB for 10% offShop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

112. Dr. Stephanie Gray, a functional medicine practitioner, nurse practitioner, and author of Your Fertility Blueprint. After navigating a complex, 10-year secondary infertility battle that involved eight IUIs, two out-of-state surgeries for endometriosis, and a devastating standstill with multiple failed euploid embryo transfers, Stephanie had to become her own medical detective. She shares how she used PubMed research to advocate for her own health, eventually uncovering a chronic, low-grade uterine infection (endometritis) from a previous birth and a silent blood clotting condition that conventional doctors completely missed.Stephanie shares the powerful cross-section where conventional reproductive endocrinology and functional medicine meet. Dr. Gray explains why she believes the global decline in fertility is being heavily driven by a toxic world, touching on environmental toxins, soil depletion, and EMF radiation. She also shares the exact high-dose antioxidant protocol she used to achieve an incredible 60% euploid embryo rate at age 39. From the traumatic reality of surviving a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage to navigating a high-risk pregnancy with placenta previa, Stephanie’s story is a masterclass in patient self-advocacy. Tune in to discover the practical, root-cause steps you can take to optimize your egg quality and uterine environment, and get a heavy dose of encouragement to trust your intuition when something doesn't feel right.Get the resources, transcript, and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode112/Get Rejoova Eggs & Rejoova Repair. Use code FAB for 10% offShop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

111. Journalist and mental strength trainer, Bettina Gordon shares the raw truth about being ambivalent about kids for years, dealing with a year of unprotected sex where nothing happened, and the exact tipping point that shifted her mindset from fearing a loss of freedom to embracing motherhood at 44. If you’ve ever felt crushed by the loud outside noise telling you you're running out of time, Bettina’s story is the ultimate proof that your mindset dictates your reality, not a number on a calendar.Bettina breaks down the fascinating science of biological versus chronological age, proving why fertility is simply an extension of your overall system, not an isolated ticking clock. From discovering her pregnancy in a majestic alpine hut on a mountain peak to navigating a 100% natural, unmedicated hospital birth run by midwives, Bettina's journey is a masterclass in trusting your intuition. You'll walk away knowing exactly how women in their 40s possess the ultimate superpower for motherhood, how to actively lower your biological age through five foundational lifestyle pillars, and why you should never give your power away to a medical system that relies on outdated statistics.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode111/TTC Sisterhood Circle: Join the waitlist and receive the email to sign up!Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

110. Kezia, Mandy, and Carly join us to share their deeply personal experiences with trying to conceive in their 40s. The conversation cuts through the noise of societal "age limits" and the buzzword of perimenopause, replacing clinical statistics with radical authenticity. From overcoming health hurdles like endometriosis and emergency surgeries to navigating the complexities of vasectomy reversals and secondary infertility, these women open up about the "aha moments" that reignited their desire for motherhood and the mental fortitude required to stay the course when the world says it’s too late.The episode goes beyond the physical journey, diving into the spiritual and emotional shifts that occur during this "second chapter" of life. Listeners will hear a raw look at the daily realities of "workbench sex," the solitary grief of a negative pregnancy test, and the life-changing impact of finding a supportive community. Whether discussing the nuances of breastfeeding while trying to conceive or the importance of trusting one's inner intuition, Kezia, Mandy, and Carly offer a defiant and hopeful perspective. They remind us that the journey isn't just about the outcome, but about the resilience, education, and empowerment found along the way.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode110/TTC Sisterhood Circle: Join the waitlist and receive the email to sign up!Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

109. Jaclyn shares her incredible 12-year gap between children. Jaclyn opens up about the grueling process of IUI and IVF, the emotional toll of a negative pregnancy tests and secondary infertility. She shares how leaving a high-stress 60-hour work week and moving to a new city created the space for a surprise pregnancy just weeks after her 40th birthday.We also dive into the practical realities of being a "geriatric" pregnant woman, from managing extreme nausea and low iron to the logistics of a scheduled C-section during COVID. Jaclyn shares why she chose to embrace a more relaxed parenting style the second time around. Whether you are currently in the thick of infertility or navigating a large age gap between your kids, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late for a new chapter.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode109/TTC Sisterhood Circle: Join the waitlist and receive the email to sign up!Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

108. After five boys and two devastating miscarriage in her 40's, Anne-Marie believed her journey to motherhood was over. She decided to reclaim her body through a health and wellness routine—incorporating a GLP-1 (semaglutide) and a major abdominal surgery—only to discover she was pregnant with her first daughter soon into her tummy tuck recovery.In this raw and authentic conversation, we dive into the reality of "Ozempic babies," navigating a high-risk pregnancy in your mid-40s, and the shock of facing gestational diabetes and post-birth eclampsia. Whether you are looking for hope after loss or curious about the intersection of weight-loss medication and fertility, Anne-Marie’s "second chapter" story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late for a beautiful surprise.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode108/TTC Sisterhood Circle: Join the waitlist and receive the email to sign up!Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

107. Britt Fohrman, a birth doula of 24 years found herself navigating the very journey she had supported hundreds of others through—but with a tragic twist. After years of fertility struggles and the sudden loss of her husband, Britt shares how she honored his final wish by continuing their path to parenthood as a solo mother. From winning a legal battle for her husband's sperm to finding a "miracle" egg donor within her own community, Britt’s story is a masterclass in resilience, spiritual alchemy, and the power of choosing life.We dive into the unconventional and the sacred, exploring how Britt utilized "Sex Magic" and tantric pleasure practices to prepare her womb and nervous system for a successful transfer at 48. Britt pulls back the curtain on the "cognitive dissonance" of pregnancy after loss, the reality of a 42-week induction that ended in a C-section, and the honest, often unspoken challenges of bonding and breastfeeding in your late 40s. Whether you are navigating your own TTC journey or looking for inspiration on how to move through profound grief, this episode offers a visceral look at the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode107/TTC Sisterhood Circle: Join the waitlist and receive the email with the sign link!Britt's Course: Preparing Your Vagina for Birth use code JAMIE for 10% off Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

106. Jamie welcomes Jessianna, a military veteran who shares her incredible 20-year path to becoming a mother at age 48. After nearly two decades of marriage, multiple deployments, and a history of heart-wrenching losses—including several miscarriages and a life-threatening double ectopic pregnancy—Jessianna opens up about the resilience required to keep going. She discusses the medical hurdles she faced, from a pituitary gland microadenoma to the physical toll of multiple failed IVF and IUI rounds, and how she navigated the complex decision to eventually move forward with donor eggs.The conversation dives into the realities of a "geriatric" pregnancy, including managing gestational diabetes with insulin and the unexpected challenges of an emergency C-section. Jessianna offers a raw look at the postpartum period, discussing baby blues, the importance of mental health support, and the logistics of breastfeeding with a lip tie. With three master's degrees and a career of service behind her, she reflects on why 48 was the perfect age for her to finally welcome her daughter. This episode is a powerful testament to the idea that hope prevails and that there are many different, equally beautiful paths to parenthood.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode106/Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/ 

105. After anchoring the news for nearly 30 years, Emmy-award winner Marla Tellez found herself reporting on her own miracle: a successful pregnancy at 48 using her own frozen eggs. In this episode, Marla shares the incredible 12-year timeline from freezing her eggs at age 37 to welcoming her daughter, Sloan, just days before her 49th birthday. She pulls back the curtain on the technical and emotional hurdles of later-in-life parenting, including navigating a partner’s prior vasectomy through sperm extraction and the decision to pause treatments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.Marla’s story is a testament to the power of proactive fertility preservation and the resilience required to chase a dream across decades. From running three miles on the day of her induction to the raw “identity crisis” of the postpartum period, she offers a candid look at what it really takes to conceive and carry a baby in your late 40s. Whether you are currently “TTC” or considering freezing your eggs, Marla’s journey provides a roadmap of hope, scientific possibility, and the reminder that the best headlines are often the ones we write for ourselves.Get the resources, transcript and more information about this episode: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/episode105/Shop the Show 🛍️ To browse every product recommended by our host and guests, visit:  https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/shop/ (Note: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you—it helps keep the episodes coming!)Support the Pod ❤️ If you enjoy our content and want to help us stay independent, you can donate to the show here: https://over40fabulousandpregnant.com/donate/