140: Why you should start with your vaginal microbiome when planning for pregnancy with Ara Katz

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.  

Today’s episode explores the complex issue of mold toxicity and its wide-ranging impacts on health, particularly fertility and overall well-being. Erica Garber provides insights into how mold can silently affect the body, discussing symptoms, testing methods, and gentle detoxification approaches for optimizing fertility outcomes. Our conversation dives into the complexities of a mold detoxing protocol, how to listen to your body, and taking a patient, holistic approach to healing. We also touch on the broader implications of mold toxicity for gut health, nervous system function, and hormonal balance, offering hope and practical advice for those struggling with unexplained health issues. Episode Highlights:  Discover the surprising places mold can lurk in your home—even when you can’t see or smell it. Are your mysterious symptoms more than just stress or allergies? Learn why mold toxicity is often overlooked and hard to spot. Curious about the real story behind mold testing and detox? Find out which tests matter and why expert guidance is crucial. Uncover the hidden link between mold exposure and fertility struggles—plus a real-life story that might surprise you. Explore how mold can disrupt your gut, nervous system, and hormones in ways you never expected. What does true mold recovery look like? Get a peek into unconventional treatments and why there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. Hear about Erica’s unique 12-week brain health program for perimenopause, inspired by her own journey and client breakthroughs. 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/144 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 complex interplay between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the Low FODMAP diet, and fertility. For many women trying to conceive, chronic symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular digestion aren’t just uncomfortable, they can signal deeper imbalances that may be impacting reproductive health. Emerging research highlights how gut inflammation and microbiome disruptions, common in IBS, might influence hormone regulation and even contribute to conditions like endometriosis. The Low FODMAP diet is a science-backed approach to managing IBS and offers a potential pathway to calm gut distress and create a healthier internal environment for conception. But is it safe long-term? And how do we balance restrictive eating with the nutrient diversity critical for fertility? Today I unpack the different types of IBS, its root causes, the low FODMAPS diet along with practical strategies to optimize digestion, reduce inflammation, and support your body while TTC. Episode Highlights: The four types of IBS Your exhaustive list of root causes that cause digestive imbalances  How IBS is diagnosed and why you still might not have answers to your digestive imbalances Nutritional therapies for supporting IBS Top “prokinetic foods” and how they can support digestion What is a Low FODMAPS diet? How to properly use a Low FODMAPS diet  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 Get Started with The Get Pregnant Program Today! For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/143 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 podcast with holistic nutritionist Krista Znebel, we explore Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and its connection to fertility. We dive deep into SIBO's symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, honing in on the importance of a holistic approach that addresses root causes and supports overall digestive health. Krista shares her insights into how gut health directly impacts fertility, inflammation, and overall well-being, offering a unique understanding of digestive issues and potential healing strategies. Our conversation highlights the complex interconnections between gut health, stress, and bodily systems, as always, providing you with hope and practical guidance for those struggling with digestive challenges. Episode Highlights: Krista’s background as an urban planner and her severe health challenges Her transition from her previous career to becoming a holistic nutritionist after overcoming her own health issues An in depth explanation of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and its main symptoms How to identify potential SIBO through symptom timing and severity The SIBO breath test and the recent recognition of SIBO as an official medical diagnosis A typical holistic treatment approach, including herbal supplementation and a specific diet How to support digestive organs through the process The connection between SIBO, endometriosis, and fertility 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/142 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.  

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, are often brushed off as a normal inconvenience, but they can be a sign of deeper health issues that may impact fertility and your ability to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. In today’s episode, I’ll be diving into the underlying causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, why addressing them is crucial for optimizing fertility, additional tests to help you get some more answers and actionable tips you can start implementing today to help mitigate some of their side effects. Heavy periods don't just affect your cycle, they can also interfere with implantation, egg quality, your overall reproductive health and quality of life. Episode Highlights: How heavy is too heavy a period? Learn how to quantify blood loss to see if its a red flag Top 15 causes of heavy periods and why they shouldn’t be ignored Options for further testing to identify the root cause of your heavy bleeds How to eat to rebuild your red blood cells Why knowing your estrogen metabolism picture can be the game changer for supporting your estrogen dominant condition Top tips to improve your estrogen metabolism How your stress and cortisol levels directly influence your heavy periods and hormonal picture 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: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here and get access to Vaginal Microbiome testing and a personalized treatment plan IG Post - How Much Blood Is Healthy To Lose On Your Period Ep 91: How this hormone test can help you get pregnant Click here for my top Dessicated Liver supplement - use NORA10 at checkout for 10% off For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/141 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 explore the vaginal microbiome with Ara Katz, co-founder of Seed Health. We discuss the scientific understanding of microbiomes in the vagina and its critical role in reproductive and overall health. Ara shares her personal journey in microbial science, explains the importance of maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome, and shares how various factors can disrupt this delicate ecosystem and the potential impact it can have on fertility and reproductive health. Episode Highlights: Ara Katz background in science and passion for understanding the human microbiome Her mother's pancreatic cancer sparked her interest in science and understanding the human body The concept of the microbiome and the complexity and importance of understanding microbes in our body How the vaginal microbiome differs from the gut microbiome Learn about the various factors that can disrupt the vaginal microbiome Explore the connection between vaginal microbiome and fertility, including how antibiotics and other treatments can impact reproductive health Insights on proper vaginal hygiene 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: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here and get access to Vaginal Microbiome testing and a personalized treatment plan Discount code for 25% off your first month of VS-01, DS-01, or PDS-08 on www.seed.com  is “TTC25” For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/140 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 is all about transforming your grocery cart into a fertility-boosting powerhouse. We'll dive into my absolute non-negotiable foods that should make it onto your weekly shopping list, I'll share my golden rule for navigating the grocery store aisles and also explore how to swap out those sneaky neurotoxic foods for healing alternatives that'll make your cells (and future baby) thank you. And because I know you're all curious cats, I’'ll wrap up with frequently asked Q&A, addressing those burning questions about fertility-friendly shopping. So grab your reusable bags, put on your comfiest shoes, and let's embark on this delicious journey to optimize your fertility, one grocery trip at a time. Remember, every choice you make is an act of self-love and a step towards your dreams of parenthood. Let's make it fun, let's make it count, and most importantly, let's do it together! 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: Sign up for 1:1 Fertility Coaching with Nora Get access to your self guided Get Pregnant Program here Link to Fertility Friendly Grocery Checklist (categorized by topic) Link to Dirty Dozen, Clean 15 List (list is from 2024) For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/139 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 complex world of genetic testing, with a specific focus on fertility and health. Jaclyn Downs, a functional genomics analyst, provides in-depth insights into how genetic variations, particularly MTHFR, can impact overall health and fertility. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive genetic interpretation, debunking common myths and explaining how genetic testing can provide personalized insights into an individual's health potential. Our discussion covers topics ranging from detoxification and cellular health to nutrition and supplement choices, offering you a holistic understanding of how genetics intersect with fertility and wellness. Episode Highlights:  Jaclyn’s journey from birth work and midwifery to genetic research, specifically focusing on MTHFR and genetic pathways. The misconceptions about MTHFR, clarifying that it's a genetic variant affecting nearly 50% of the population, not a rare mutation. How genetic variants impact health and are not simply "on or off". The basics of genetic testing, including how it works, the process of collecting and analyzing genetic data, and the importance of comprehensive genetic interpretation. Detoxification pathways, oxidative stress, and how genetics influence cellular health Practical ways to support detoxification through diet, water, and air quality. Insight into folic acid, methylfolate, and B12 supplementation, explaining the importance of understanding genetic variations when choosing supplements. The benefits of genetic testing before fertility treatments. Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/138   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’ll be sharing some insights into the idea that your health doesn't have to be perfect to successfully conceive. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to achieve optimal health before starting your fertility journey, you're not alone. I want to reassure you that conception is possible even when things aren't picture-perfect. Our bodies are remarkably resilient and capable, often working their magic even when we feel we're falling short of ideal health standards. Remember, your journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to fertility. Related Links: Sign up for the Bronze Package Private Fertility Coaching (March Enrolment closes Sunday Mar 16th) Client Success Stories & Testimonials For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/137 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.