162: How to make baby-making sexy, sacred and a source of profound connection with Susan Bratton

Today’s episode is an absolute treat, you’ll hear from Susan Bratton, the legendary intimacy expert who’s about to turn your conception journey from clinical stress-fest to a pleasure-packed adventure. If you thought trying for a baby meant spreadsheets and ovulation charts, Susan’s here to prove that laughter, connection, and a dash of playful technique can make the whole process way more fun (and, dare I say, sexy).  She’s got practical tips for spicing things up in the bedroom, sparking emotional closeness, and keeping both partners sane (and entertained) even when the pressure’s on. Deep down, Susan swears that sexual intimacy is a skill anyone can learn, and she’ll show you how open communication and a little curiosity can shift baby-making from a strict agenda item to a relationship-boosting journey loaded with new discoveries and even more giggles.  Episode Highlights: Susan Bratton, renowned intimacy expert, reveals how her personal journey transformed her approach to sexual wellness and what she’s discovered about bridging pleasure and parenthood. Discover why the path to conception might be more about "erotic play dates" than you think, and learn how a subtle mindset shift can make the experience fun instead of stressful. Explore the three mysterious keys to intimacy that boost both connection and fertility, one in particular may surprise you. Get a fresh perspective on female sexual anatomy and arousal, with hands-on secrets that promise to change how you think about intimacy and desire. Unlock exclusive resources and creative techniques designed to supercharge your relationship, including a method that could redefine how you and your partner experience pleasure 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: Need 1:1 support? Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here Looking to do it on your own? Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to help you get & stay pregnant For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/162 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 unravel the mysteries of ovulation predictor kits with hands-on advice for anyone trying to decode their fertile window while trying to get pregnant. You’ll discover how OPKs work, the key hormones involved, and why timing sex just right can make all the difference for conception. I also explore some of the unique challenges of using OPKs with PCOS and share expert tips for tracking additional fertile signs to maximize pregnancy chances.  You’ll learn how to count your luteal phase correctly, avoid common OPK mistakes, and understand the vital role of cervical mucus in conception. With relatable anecdotes and actionable strategies, this episode will help you transform your fertility tracking from confusing to empowering.  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: $40 OFF only available here → Cycle Mastery Mini Course: Unlock Your Natural Fertility Need 1:1 support? Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here Looking to do it on your own? Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to help you get & stay pregnant For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/161  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 happens when a decade of birth control meets a fierce determination to rewrite a fertility story? In today’s episode, I interview my client Lindsey who cracks open the real challenges behind her quest for pregnancy including unexpected gut troubles, hormonal confusion, and the frustration of a short luteal phase. After trying without success on her own, she signs up for 1:1 private coaching and begins a transformation that reshapes not just her health, but her future. What Lindsey discovered deep inside her healing journey changed everything before she saw those two pink lines. If you’ve ever wondered what’s truly possible beyond the usual advice, don’t miss this intimate look at what it actually takes to shift the path to conception and why getting pregnant is only the beginning. Episode Highlights: For years, Lindsey followed the rules for birth control until a pivotal moment changed everything and set her on an unexpected course. Mysterious symptoms left her searching for answers. What she uncovered about her hormones and skin will surprise you. The battle for better gut health wasn’t easy and came with frustration, setbacks, and then the breakthroughs she never saw coming. Each cycle brought new questions, and as Lindsey dove deeper, she uncovered secrets about her body she’d never known. Hope and heartbreak marked Lindsey’s quest for pregnancy until, finally, a breakthrough arrived in the most unexpected way. The first trimester brought challenges that tested her resolve and revealed why her healing journey mattered more than ever. 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: Need 1:1 support? Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here Looking to do it on your own? Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to help you get & stay pregnant Get Inito Starter Kit for just $89 by using code NORAPODCAST at checkout - click here  For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/160 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 episode, I interview fertility expert Gabriela Rosa who provides an in-depth exploration of reproductive health and the challenges a lot of couples face with conventional approaches to fertility treatment. She emphasizes the importance of viewing fertility as a holistic, whole-body process that requires comprehensive optimization for both partners. Gabriela also critically examines healthcare systems' limitations along with sharing her insight on the complexities of egg quality and egg freezing.  If you’re looking for more support on how to advocate for yourself with a more proactive, personalized approach to conception that goes beyond traditional medical protocols, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: Meet Gabriela Rosa, discover how her blend of health sciences, naturopathy, and reproductive medicine shaped a unique approach to fertility. Can everything you’ve heard about egg quality be wrong? Gabriela unveils why true fertility is about the whole body, not just the eggs. Go inside the world of global fertility treatment: Why do healthcare systems in the US, UK, and Australia fall short, and what are hopeful couples missing? Considering egg freezing? Find out the surprising truths about success rates, timing, and what most people overlook before making the leap. Hear the unexpected advice that could change your reproductive journey: Why does Gabriela urge her clients to “act pregnant now” and what could that mean for your future family? 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 help you get & stay pregnant Get Inito Starter Kit for just $89 by using code NORAPODCAST at checkout - click here For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/159 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 dive into the world of progesterone and reveal why this “pregnancy protector” might just hold the missing piece to your fertility puzzle. If you’ve ever wondered when you’ll need progesterone suppositories, how ovarian function really evolves through your 30s and early 40s, or how to spot subtle hormone shifts before they impact your fertility journey, this episode is for you. You’ll get insight into my actionable strategies, expert tips, and my top pick on hormone assessments that could help extend your reproductive health. You’ll also learn about what root cause transformations look like, and how personalization in fertility makes all the difference in successfully getting and staying pregnant.  Episode Highlights A detailed explanation of how progesterone supports implantation and early pregnancy. Insight into how reproductive hormones work together for optimal cycle function. How ovaries change with age: get clear guidance on how cycles shift in the 30s and early 40s, and why monitoring is vital. The value of cycle charting and DUTCH hormone testing to understand personal hormone trends. How PMS symptoms can signal changes in progesterone and overall balance. Root Cause First: Why exhausting nutrition, lifestyle and egg quality interventions is essential before considering suppositories. The importance of functional testing, practitioner partnerships, and avoiding blanket treatments for fertility success. Suppositories Protocol: Evidence-based guidance on when to consider prescription support, timing, and how to maximize benefits safely. 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 SIGN UP FOR SEPT BRONZE PACKAGE (limited spots available) For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/158 Previous Bronze Package Success Stories Ep 157: Persistence Pays Off: How Rose got pregnant after overcoming fertility barriers 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 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.