Conceive Baby

Tasha Jennings - Fertility Naturopath

Whether you have just started trying, have diagnosed fertility issues or going through IVF, the Conceive Baby Podcast provides direct access to leading fertility experts to help you achieve your baby dreams

  1. Struggling to get pregnant? Me too. Here’s what worked

    2D AGO

    Struggling to get pregnant? Me too. Here’s what worked

    Getting pregnant is often talked about as something that happens "just like that". But for me, the reality was far more complex, emotional, and isolating. In this episode, I share my personal story of navigating infertility as a health professional, the moment my hope vanished during a winery tour in the Adelaide Hills, and how I eventually reclaimed my power. I speak to those "pivotal moments" of disappointment that so many of us face in silence and explain why "everything is fine" doesn't always mean it really is. You’ll hear how I transformed my own struggle into a mission to help women and couples across the world boost their fertility through science-backed, foundational changes. This episode is for you if you are feeling broken by the process, let down by your body, or lost in the gap between "your results and fine" and a healthy pregnancy. You’ll learn how to:Reconnect with your body and trust your intuition I discuss the danger of becoming "disconnected" from your body and why it is vital to move from blaming your body to listening to it.Look beyond "standard" test results I explain why "within range" results for hormones or sperm health might not be optimal for conception, and why I had to seek a fresh perspective.Use "Eating the Rainbow" to protect egg and sperm health Learn how the specific phytonutrients and antioxidants in colorful foods can protect your eggs and sperm from DNA damage.Identify and reduce your toxic load I share the impact that toxins like BPA can have on your follicular and seminal fluid, and give you practical tips for making the switch to glass and stainless steel.Implement consistent, simple movement for metabolic health I explain how small daily habits—like squats before you brush your teeth—can help regulate your blood sugar and insulin.Take back control of your journey This episode is my reminder to you that even when things aren't going as planned, you have more influence over your fertility than you might think. [00:00] The "easy pregnancy" myth vs. my reality [01:11] The winery tour: My pivotal moment of hope and heartbreak [02:04] How I dealt with the "social pain" of others' quick success [02:44] Taking control: How I dived into medical journals and emailed global researchers [03:19] Why I realized "normal" results aren't always "optimal" [04:48] My three foundational tips to start improving your fertility today [05:40] The hidden impact of BPA and toxins on your eggs and sperm [06:33] Why consistency beats intensity when it comes to movement [07:12] A message of hope and my invitation for you to take the next step MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMy Free Ultimate Egg Quality Guide – tashajennings.com.au/eggqualityguideYour Fertile Pantry Program – a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=http://yourfertilepantry.com"...

    9 min
  2. Infertility at Christmas: Tips for the Festive Season

    12/20/2025

    Infertility at Christmas: Tips for the Festive Season

    Christmas is meant to be joyful. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can quietly become one of the hardest times of the year. In this special Christmas episode, Tasha speaks honestly about losing the joy of the festive season during her own fertility journey, and why Christmas can feel like a painful reminder of what hasn’t happened yet. You’ll hear from a group of trusted experts and advocates, all with lived or professional experience of infertility, pregnancy loss and IVF. Together, they share compassionate, practical advice to help you protect your heart, navigate family gatherings, and move through this season with more steadiness and self-kindness. This episode is for anyone dreading the questions, the triggers, or the quiet grief that can surface at Christmas. You’ll learn how to: 1. Protect your energy during Christmas events You don’t have to attend everything. Kirsten Mclennan shares why being selective, leaning on the infertility community, and creating new traditions can make this season feel more manageable. 2. Use movement, breath and boundaries to stay grounded Jen from Element Pilates & Yoga explains how gentle movement, sunlight, breathwork and having prepared responses can help you regulate your nervous system before difficult conversations or gatherings. 3. Remember that you are not alone Meg from For the Barreness gives you a permission slip to opt out of events and conversations if you need. And reminds you that you’re never alone in this journey. 4. Communicate clearly and allow space for grief Psychologist Cath Corcoran outlines why explicit communication with partners and family matters, how authentic gratitude differs from toxic positivity, and why grief, sadness and disappointment are allowed to exist during the festive season. 5. Slow down and honour the pause Jennifer Tupaea from Pink Elephants reframes the holiday shutdown as a chance to rest, reduce overwhelm, and create small rituals that support healing after miscarriage or loss. 6. Find moments of joy without forcing them This episode reminds you that joy doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Small pockets of peace, rest and meaning still count, and they matter more than ever right now. 00:00 Christmas and the quiet grief of infertility 01:26 Why the festive season can magnify what’s missing 02:04 Kirsten Mclennan on selective events and community support 03:26 Jen on movement, breath and setting boundaries 06:15 Kath Corcoran on communication, grief and self-care 10:54 Jennifer Tupaea on loss, rest and creating rituals 13:45 A message of hope and kindness for the new year MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Kirsten Mclennan - Straight Up Infertility https://www.straightupinfertility.com/ Jen - Element Pilates & Yoga https://www.elementpilatesyoga.com/ Meg - For the Barreness https://www.forthebarreness.com/ Cath Corcoran - Conception, Fertility & Perinatal Psychology https://cathcorcoran.com/ Jennifer Tupaea - Pink Elephants Support Network https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ Tasha’s Your Fertile Pantry Program yourfertilepantry.com Mentioned in this...

    18 min
  3. Before You Do IVF - Listen to this...

    11/20/2025

    Before You Do IVF - Listen to this...

    In this episode I speak with fertility and IVF specialist Dr Mark Amols about what IVF can actually do, what it can’t, and why so many women are sent down the IVF path without anyone ever asking the most important question: why. We explore the myths, the medical realities and the emotional toll of IVF, and Mark shares the practical, compassionate guidance he wishes every couple had before starting treatment. His insights blend clinical experience, personal IVF experience, and a deep respect for women’s autonomy in their fertility journey. You’ll learn how: 1. IVF is powerful, but it’s not a magic fix. Most women are led to believe IVF has near-perfect success rates or will guarantee multiple embryos. Mark breaks down what IVF is actually designed to do (help you get one healthy pregnancy) and why failed cycles never mean you’re “infertile” or out of options. 2. The ‘why’ behind infertility matters more than the protocol. Many couples are pushed into IVF without anyone investigating ovulation issues, sperm quality, endometriosis, PCOS, inflammation, medications or timing. Mark shows how identifying the root cause can completely change outcomes, and why failed cycles often reflect untreated issues, not that you’re “broken”. 3. Preparation transforms outcomes for both men and women. Even small shifts to lifestyle, inflammation and hormonal balance can improve embryo development. Mark explains why diet, environment and timing matter, why sperm health needs equal attention, and how a few months of targeted preparation can radically improve IVF success. 00:00 Debunking IVF Myths 00:51 Empowering Women Through IVF 02:10 When IVF is Necessary 03:13 The Importance of Preparation 05:45 Understanding the Why 22:30 Personal Experiences with IVF 26:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned in this episodeTasha’s Your Fertile Pantry Program Work with Tasha When Nature Meets Science - Dr Mark Amols Interview with Tasha Mentioned in this episode: Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

    31 min
  4. Is Trauma Affecting Your Fertility

    10/15/2025

    Is Trauma Affecting Your Fertility

    In this episode I speak with Nicole Lange, founder of Life Healing Life, about the hidden link between trauma, stress, and the mind-body connection in fertility.  We explore why so many women experience IVF and infertility as deeply traumatic, and how unhealed stress patterns can disrupt the body’s natural reproductive balance. Nicole shares a compassionate, science-backed approach that blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern psychology, helping women move from burnout to body trust. You’ll learn why it’s not the stress itself that harms fertility, but how you relate to it. You’ll learn how: Trauma and fertility are deeply linked.Repeated emotional stress (like failed cycles or seeing others fall pregnant) can create complex PTSD patterns that affect hormones and the nervous system.It’s not the stress, it’s how we frame it.Research shows reframing stress and speaking emotions aloud moves the body from fight-or-flight into a state where it can rest, digest, and reproduce.Healing is more than protocols.Fertility thrives when mind, body, and community are aligned. Nicole’s salutogenic approach focuses 75–80% on creating health, through joy, safety, connection, and authentic self-expression.  Mentioned in this episode TED TALK (making stress your friend) The Artist’s Way (available for purchase many places) Nicole’s Fertility Freebies Tasha’s Your Fertile Pantry Program Work with Tasha Mentioned in this episode: Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

    35 min
  5. Why Embryo’s Stop Growing - And What You Can Do To Help Them Thrive

    09/24/2025

    Why Embryo’s Stop Growing - And What You Can Do To Help Them Thrive

    In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I’m diving into a question that comes up so often in my clinic and online consultations—why do my embryos stop growing? It’s one of the most heartbreaking and frustrating experiences for anyone going through IVF. You've gone through an IVF cycle, had eggs retrieved, they’ve fertilised… and then you hear those crushing words: 'I'm sorry, the embryos didn’t make it'. Today we’re talking about why this happens as well as practical steps you can take to optimise your chances of creating healthy, viable, thriving embryos. And to help us better understand this complex process and how we can improve our odds, I’m joined by the wonderful Dr. Lisa Lee, Scientific Director at Thrive Fertility. Together we explore what’s happening behind the scenes from fertilisation right through to blastocyst. We delve into that critical day three mark— why it’s a significant milestone for embryos and what it may mean if your embryos stop growing at this point. We talk about the vital role that egg and sperm quality play in embryo viability, and why what you do in the 90 days before conception matters so much. We also touch on how lab conditions, culture media, and modern IVF technologies can make a real difference to embryo outcomes—and how we can use information from past cycles to improve future ones. Whether you’re in the thick of treatment, or preparing your body to conceive, this conversation will give you clarity, insight and practical steps to boost your chances of creating that beautiful healthy, thriving embryo to create your healthy pregnancy. Mentioned in this episode Fertility Over 40 Guide Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40! If you have been told your eggs are ‘old’. You have low AMH. You’ve struggled with miscarriage. You have been recommended IVF or had failed cycles. It’s been suggested to use donor eggs. Then this guide is for you! Download your FREE Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide FREE Ultimate Egg Quality Guide This comprehensive FREE Guide outlines 5 Key Actions to take over the precious 90 days of egg development to boost your chances of creating healthy, viable eggs that WILL have the potential to become your future baby Download your FREE Ultimate Egg Quality Guide Connect with Tasha and LisaDr Lisa Lee Instagram Tasha Jennings Instagram Thrive Fertility Mentioned in this episode: Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

    37 min
  6. 09/05/2025

    The Hidden Factor - Rising infertility rates and why sperm health matters more than ever

    Infertility is so often seen as a women’s issue—but in this enlightening episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, we dive into the other half of the fertility equation with my guest, renowned urologist, Dr Justin Houman. We unpack the critical role that male fertility plays in conception accounting for nearly half of all infertility cases—yet it’s something we still don’t talk about enough. We explore the concerning global decline in sperm health and the rising impact of lifestyle and environmental exposures—things like sedentary behaviour, poor nutrition, toxins, and stress. But more importantly, we look at what men can do about it. Dr Houman shares actionable steps men can take to improve their fertility, starting with simple but essential testing like a semen analysis. He also explains advanced testing like DNA fragmentation analysis and unpacks the real causes behind male factor infertility—and what can be done to correct them. Together, we explore how improving sperm health doesn't just support fertility—it's also a window into his overall health and longevity and sperm isn’t just a DNA carrier, it’s role in reproduction goes way beyond fertilization. Sperm health is involved in embryo health, miscarriage, pregnancy health and healthy sperm DNA helps set your future child up for the best start in life. If you're on this journey with a partner, this is a powerful conversation to listen to together. You can connect with Justin on Instagram and his website You can find out more about my popular programs and private online consultations on Instagram and my website

    30 min
  7. 07/02/2025

    Ozempic and Fertility - The Important Facts You Need to Know About Weight Loss Medications and Fertility

    In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, expert Fertility Naturopath and Nutritionist Tasha Jennings engages in an eye-opening discussion with colleague Wendy Burke, about the relationship between GLP1 agonists like Ozempic and fertility. Initially developed for diabetes management, these medications have surged in popularity for their weight loss benefits, potentially, indirectly, positively impacting pregnancy outcomes. The episode delves into how these medications work, their safety, side effects and critical support strategies. Throughout the episode, Tasha and Wendy examine the evolving landscape of utilizing GLP1 agonists beyond their traditional applications. Addressing key concerns around metabolic health, weight management, and fertility, they provide insights into the use of these medications as potential enhancers of fertility through weight loss and inflammation reduction. However, they emphasize that these are not standalone solutions but part of an integrative approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and possibly other supportive medications or supplements to help ensure the best outcomes. Key Takeaways: Complex Effects on Fertility: GLP1 agonists like Ozempic, though not initially intended for fertility use, impact fertility by managing weight and metabolic health, aiding in improved reproductive outcomes.Gut-Health Connection: The release and function of GLP1 agonists are closely linked with gut health, affecting inflammatory responses and overall metabolic function.Integrated Approach is Vital: Successful outcomes with GLP1 agonists require a comprehensive plan, including diet, exercise, and medical monitoring, rather than relying solely on medication.Potential Candidates: Women with PCOS or those with insulin resistance might benefit significantly from these medications when used in a holistic treatment plan.Precautionary Measures: This episode delves into the importance of planning, preparation, understanding side effects, limitations, the crucial impact of gut health and holistically supporting metabolic health as well as ensuring a monitored withdrawal before conception. About the Guest: Wendy Burke is a mum, a wife and a perimenopausal human who also happens to be a naturopath and business owner. She is the owner of the Healthy Hormone Naturopath located in Brisbane, which is a clinic that loves to treat all things female hormones from vaginal infections, menstrual concerns, fertility right through to menopause. Previously in corporate and once a very unhealthy person. Her own experience of recovering from postnatal depression through diet and lifestyle changes is what prompted her to go back and retrain as a naturopath. And recently, fascinated by the rise in this new class of weight loss medications, and with her background of living in a larger body providing a unique perspective on them, she has spent hundreds of hours pouring through the research so she can support her patients and now kindly sharing her insights with us. Mentioned in this episode: Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

    53 min

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Whether you have just started trying, have diagnosed fertility issues or going through IVF, the Conceive Baby Podcast provides direct access to leading fertility experts to help you achieve your baby dreams