Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast

Hannah Pearn
Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast Podcast

If you're Trying To Conceive and want to know what you can do to improve your fertility and understanding of it, then this podcast is for you. This is the fertility education and information that you wish you'd been given at school. I'm a fertility acupuncturist and fertility awareness educator and have spent the last ten years working with hundreds of people who are TTC. This podcast aims to provide practical and helpful information so you can take control of your fertility and reduce the overwhelm that can come when you're trying for a baby.

  1. How To Get Pregnant- The Importance of Fertility Education

    3 DAYS AGO

    How To Get Pregnant- The Importance of Fertility Education

    Welcome to Series 5 of the Podcast! We're starting this series with a Fertility Education mini series- Teaching To Conceive. Katy and I will be discussing all the basic but so often overlooked fertility information to help you understand how your fertility works and improve your chances of conception. As part of this we are also running a free fertility masterclass also called, Teaching To Conceive. Which offers 6 live webinars to dive into the information we discuss on the podcast in more detail. Each session also offers a live Q & A so you have time to speak to our team of experts. We start the 6th Oct and you can register here. In today's episode we discuss the importance of fertility education and the basics of getting pregnant. We highlight the lack of comprehensive sex education in schools and the need for more open conversations about fertility. We also address the misconception that getting pregnant is easy and quick, and remind listeners that it can take time and patience. Takeaways: Comprehensive sex education in schools often lacks important information about fertility and reproductive health. Understanding your menstrual cycle and tracking cervical mucus can help identify the most fertile days for conception. Getting pregnant can take time and patience, and it is important to remember that it is not always as easy as it is portrayed. There is a need to normalize conversations about fertility and reproductive health to reduce stigma and provide support to those trying to conceive. ACUPUNCTURISTS- you can find out more about the Chinese Medicine Nutrition Diploma at The Northern College of Acupuncture by following this link here. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us online or in our clinics in London and across UK. More information is available on our website. 💛 And for more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

    24 min
  2. Recurrent Miscarriage, low AMH and IVF- Charlotte shares her story

    17 JUL

    Recurrent Miscarriage, low AMH and IVF- Charlotte shares her story

    This is our final episode for this Series, we will be back in September! TRIGGER WARNING: in this episode we discuss miscarriage, IVF failure and pregnancy. We're ending with a positive story, with Charlotte, a lovely patient I have had the pleasure of working with over the last few years. Charlotte shares her journey of trying to conceive and experiencing multiple miscarriages. She shares her emotional toll and the frustration of waiting for appointments and test results and ultimately having to pay for rounds of IVF. I can happily report that Charlotte had her baby boy about a week after recording this episode and both are doing well 💛 Takeaways Trying to conceive can be a challenging and emotional journey, especially when experiencing multiple miscarriages. The process of waiting for appointments and test results can be frustrating and isolating. A diagnosis of low AMH and a low egg reserve can significantly impact the success rates of IVF. Support from friends, family, and online communities can be crucial in navigating the emotional and physical challenges of fertility struggles. It's important to find healthcare providers who are honest, supportive, and provide clear communication throughout the process. Early testing and education about fertility can provide valuable information and help make informed decisions. Finding a supportive community and setting boundaries with others can be crucial during the fertility journey. Self-care and taking time for oneself are important for emotional well-being. The IVF process can be emotionally and financially challenging, but success is possible. Miscarriage is common and can be heartbreaking, but it's important to remember that each person's journey is unique. If you're looking for further support for miscarriage and loss then please see The Worst Girl Gang. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠⁠online ⁠⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

    1h 0m
  3. Why is good sleep so important for your fertility?

    5 JUL

    Why is good sleep so important for your fertility?

    Charlotte Faure Green, a nutritionist specializing in anxiety, stress, and sleep, shares her personal journey with sleep issues and how she became interested in the field. She explains the importance of sleep for overall health and fertility, highlighting the impact of sleep on hormones like progesterone and estrogen. Charlotte discusses the circadian rhythm and its role in sleep, as well as the negative effects of poor sleep and shift work on fertility. She provides tips for improving sleep habits, such as reducing screen time before bed, keeping the bedroom cool, and incorporating calming activities like meditation or breathwork. Takeaways Sleep is crucial for overall health and fertility, as it affects hormone levels and reproductive outcomes. The circadian rhythm, driven by cortisol and melatonin, plays a key role in regulating sleep. Poor sleep, irregular sleep patterns, and shift work can negatively impact fertility. Creating good sleep habits, such as reducing screen time before bed and keeping the bedroom cool, can improve sleep quality. Activities like meditation and breathwork can help calm the mind and promote better sleep. ........................................................................................................... 😴 For more support on sleep see Katy's (Reflex East) up coming Sleep School............ "Sleep School is our signature DIY reflexology course to help you finally get a good night’s sleep. This year we will have both myself, Katy, and our wonderful reflexologist Marta leading your sessions where we will guide you through reflexology, sleep hygiene practices and acupressure points that will help get the most restful night’s sleep you have had in years!   Join us at 8.45pm Sunday 21st-Thursday 25th to get you through the working week. And it’s totally FREE! If you can join us live each night you really will get the most out of the sessions and help you to form new habits around sleep. But don’t panic! All sessions will be recorded and accessible for everyone who has signed up to Sleep School   And, if you join sleep school, you'll enjoy a discount on seeing Marta and me at our Hackney clinic throughout July and August—newbies get 15% off their first consultation and regulars get 10% off follow-ups All you need to do is follow the link to join: https://mailchi.mp/17244c7c768c/sleep-school-2024 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠⁠online ⁠⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

    34 min
  4. The benefit of Yin Yoga for Fertility

    28 JUN

    The benefit of Yin Yoga for Fertility

    Laura Wilkes, a women's health coach and yin yoga teacher, discusses the benefits of Yin yoga for women trying to conceive. Laura will be coming into our community on Wednesday 3rd July at 8 pm to do a free yin yoga class for us. You can join us by registering here. Yin yoga is a slow, gentle practice that focuses on holding poses for an extended period of time, allowing for deep relaxation and release of tension. Yin yoga also helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Laura emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for women to feel and release emotions, as the TTC journey can be emotionally challenging. She highlights the connection between stress and fertility, and the need to prioritize self-care and stress management in order to support fertility. The conversation explores the relationship between stress and fertility, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and managing stress in the journey to conception. Takeaways Yin yoga is a slow, gentle practice that promotes deep relaxation and release of tension. Yin yoga works with the meridian channels in the body, supporting the flow of energy and promoting fertility. Yin yoga helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Creating a safe space for women to feel and release emotions is important in the TTC journey. Stress management and self-care are crucial for supporting fertility. Stress exists and is a natural part of life, but it is important to acknowledge it without blaming oneself or others. Yin Yoga can be practiced during fertility treatment, as it provides a gentle and healing way to release stress and promote relaxation. You can find out more about working with Laura through her website or Instagram page. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠⁠Discovery Call⁠⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠⁠online ⁠⁠and across ⁠⁠four London clinics.⁠⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

    37 min
  5. Navigating Pregnancy After Fertility Struggles and Loss

    21 JUN

    Navigating Pregnancy After Fertility Struggles and Loss

    WARNING: this episode discusses miscarriage, baby loss and failed IVF. Hazel Leonard, a fertility educator, registered midwife from The Prepared Pineapple, discusses the challenges and concerns of getting pregnant after fertility struggles and loss. Hazel emphasizes the need for support and education during this journey, as well as the importance of acknowledging and validating the emotions that come with it. We discuss the anxiety and fear that often accompany pregnancy after fertility struggles, as well as the pressure to have a positive experience. We also discusses the impact of hormones, the role of doulas, and the need for mental health support during this time. Takeaways Pregnancy after fertility struggles and loss can be emotionally challenging and triggering. It is important to acknowledge and validate the emotions that come with this journey. Seeking support from professionals, friends, or support groups can be helpful. Accessing alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or counseling, can provide additional support. Finding a doula or midwife who specializes in fertility and pregnancy can offer personalized care and support. Taking care of mental health and prioritizing self-care is crucial during this time. Hazel will be doing a free webinar in our community group on June 26th. It's free to join just register via the link below. You can follow Hazel on Instagram here. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute ⁠Discovery Call⁠. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both ⁠online ⁠and across ⁠four London clinics.⁠ 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX.

    38 min
  6. Understanding the Importance of the Vaginal and Seminal Microbiome

    14 JUN

    Understanding the Importance of the Vaginal and Seminal Microbiome

    I am joined by Dr. Golnoush Golshirazi, CEO and founder of ScreenMe. We discuss the importance of the vaginal and seminal microbiome in women's and men's health. Golnoush explains that the vaginal microbiome is a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms that plays a crucial role in protecting the reproductive system and modulating the immune system. Dysbiosis, or an imbalanced microbiome, can lead to recurring infections and fertility complications. However, traditional testing methods, such as cultures and PCR, are limited in their accuracy and scope. ScreenMe offers next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests that provide a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of the vaginal and seminal microbiome. The results can help guide personalized treatment plans and improve fertility outcomes. Takeaways The vaginal microbiome is a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms that protects the reproductive system and modulates the immune system. Dysbiosis, or an imbalanced vaginal microbiome, can lead to recurring infections and fertility complications. Traditional testing methods, such as cultures and PCR, are limited in their accuracy and scope. ScreenMe offers next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests that provide a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of the vaginal and seminal microbiome. NGS test results can guide personalized treatment plans and improve fertility outcomes. See Screen Me website for more information about the vaginal and seminal microbiome and testing. 💛 To find out more about working with us you can book a free 15 minute Discovery Call. 💛 You can work with us to support your fertility both online and across four London clinics. 💛 For more information and access to all our webinars, support events and community come and join our fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't Tell Me To RELAX. 💛 For emotional support we have The Pocket Hug: a little guide to help you through. Available for free ⁠⁠here.

    42 min
  7. Sex when you're Trying To Conceive

    31 MAY

    Sex when you're Trying To Conceive

    This is the last in our Men in May Series and we are discussing sex and TTC. Which obviously is for men and women. Sex and TTC, a topic not often discussed but often an area that can quickly become stressful and pressure fuelled leading to issues on both sides. So this week I am joined by Andrea Balboni, a sex, love, and relationship coach. We discuss the challenges couples face with their sex lives when trying to conceive. Andrea discusses why this can become problem, why this is common and very normal and what practical steps couples can take. This includes having open and connected conversations about sex, reducing stress and fatigue, and exploring pleasure in different ways. We discuss: How to reduce stress and fatigue by seeking support from community, friends, and family. Exploring pleasure in different ways and creating intentional time for intimacy. Embrace non-penetrative intimacy and acceptance when sex isn't possible. The advantages of not cycle tracking Andrea has an excellent free resource on her website all about How to Talk About Sex 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

    35 min
  8. What happens to men through IVF treatment?

    24 MAY

    What happens to men through IVF treatment?

    This week we are looking at what happens for the man as they go through IVF. I am joined by Kathryn Hawes,  an embryologist at The Lister, to discuss the process of creating embryos and the importance of healthy semen. We look at what healthy semen looks like, the steps involved in creating embryos, the difference between IVF and ICSI, and the use of additional tests and techniques. Kathryn also provides tips for men and couples going through fertility treatment. We discuss: What healthy semen looks like The process of creating embryos involves timing, with the man providing a sperm sample on the day of egg collection, and the sperm and eggs being mixed together for fertilization. What is the difference between IVF and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) Additional tests and techniques, such as DNA fragmentation testing and the use of the Zymot test Lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and reducing alcohol consumption, can have a positive impact on sperm quality. Communication and support between partners are important during the fertility treatment process, and it's essential to manage expectations and be kind to each other. 💛 If you'd like more information from our Men in May please join our (Don't Tell Me To RELAX) fertility support group ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There are webinars on Nutrition for Men, Testing for Men and general fertility issues relating to male fertility to catch up on. 💛 To find out more about how we can support your fertility either online or in person you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or an ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠appointment directly online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💛 For more information on men & fertility you can download our ⁠⁠⁠Male Fertility Fact Sheet here

    29 min
5
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

If you're Trying To Conceive and want to know what you can do to improve your fertility and understanding of it, then this podcast is for you. This is the fertility education and information that you wish you'd been given at school. I'm a fertility acupuncturist and fertility awareness educator and have spent the last ten years working with hundreds of people who are TTC. This podcast aims to provide practical and helpful information so you can take control of your fertility and reduce the overwhelm that can come when you're trying for a baby.

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