FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton

Dr. Ashley Burton, BSc, DC, RHN, FAMM
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FERN Rising is a women’s health and fertility podcast focused on hormonal balance, strength training, nutrition, and cyclical wellness, hosted by Dr. Ashley Burton. This show is the evolution of The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast and reflects the growth of a holistic movement rooted in evidence-based care and body literacy. Dr. Ashley Burton is a chiropractor and fertility nutrition coach who helps women restore their health naturally by supporting hormones, optimizing metabolism, and building strong, resilient bodies. Each episode explores practical strategies for improving fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing for pregnancy, supporting postpartum recovery, and creating long-term hormonal health. Topics include fertility awareness, cycle tracking, metabolic health, prenatal and postnatal fitness, real food nutrition, stress physiology, and modern women’s health through a functional and cyclical lens. Whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or simply seeking to understand your body better, this podcast offers grounded education and actionable tools for every stage of womanhood. FERN Rising is your space to build strength, reclaim trust in your body, and rise into your most vital season of health.

  1. 5d ago

    100: The Pivotal Season

    100 episodes. I thought reaching this milestone might make me want to look back at everything that has happened since starting this podcast. Instead, I find myself looking forward — because I genuinely feel like I’m standing in one of the most pivotal seasons of my life. I’m three months postpartum, learning how to be Harlan’s mom, slowly returning to work, rethinking what I want my business to look like, and questioning some of the decisions and identities I’ve held onto for years. In this episode, I’m talking openly about why I’ve struggled to niche down, why I’m stepping away from trying to help everyone, and why FERN Rising is moving back toward the work that started so much of this in the first place: helping women who are missing their periods, coming off birth control, and trying to understand and trust their bodies again. I also share a realization I’ve been coming back to again and again: I don’t need another certification. I don’t need another set of letters behind my name. I need to trust that I already have something valuable to teach. And behind all of that is an even bigger question happening in our house right now: What do Derrek and I actually want our life to look like? Motherhood has changed our perspective on work, time, family, creativity and what we’re willing to build our lives around. So this isn’t a perfectly packaged “100 episodes!” celebration. It’s a real-time conversation from the middle of a transition — about motherhood, business, identity, trusting yourself, changing direction and having the courage to ask: What do I actually want from this next season of my life? Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

  2. Sep 25

    99: When Healthy Hurts: Why Too Much Fiber Can Slow Pelvic Floor Healing

    We hear it all the time: eat more fiber. And for many people, that is great advice. But what happens when you are postpartum, healing from a perineal tear, dealing with pelvic floor tension, scar tissue, or trying to get an anal fissure to finally heal? In this episode of the FERN Rising Podcast, I’m sharing a lesson I learned firsthand during my own postpartum recovery: stool softness and stool size are not the same thing. My stools weren’t hard. I wasn’t constipated. I was going every day. But they were simply too large for tissues that were still healing, and the repeated mechanical stress was contributing to ongoing bleeding and irritation. We talk about why postpartum anatomy changes the conversation around fiber, including healing perineal tissue, scar tissue, low estrogen while breastfeeding, and a pelvic floor that may be tight and guarded rather than simply “weak.” In this episode, I cover: The difference between stool consistency and diameterSoluble versus insoluble fiber and why both can have very different effects on stoolWhy more fiber isn’t always better during certain stages of healingHow scar tissue and pelvic floor hypertonicity can make larger bowel movements more traumaticThe high-fiber foods I temporarily reduced during my own recoveryHow I’m preparing vegetables, fruit and carbohydrates differently while healingProtein and nutrient-dense foods that can support postpartum tissue repair without creating excessive structural bulkBathroom positioning, breathing and pelvic floor relaxation strategiesWhy this is a temporary healing strategy, not an argument against fiberThe takeaway is not that fiber is bad. It’s that fiber recommendations need to match your tissue, your symptoms and the season your body is in. Sometimes the healthiest choice isn’t adding more. Sometimes it’s reducing mechanical stress long enough to give injured tissue the opportunity to heal. Because in postpartum recovery, our goal isn’t simply to have a bowel movement. Our goal is to have a bowel movement that allows our tissues to heal. If this episode resonates with you, share it with another postpartum woman who may be quietly struggling with the same thing. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

  3. Sep 18

    98: What Really Happens After a Perineal Tear? The Anatomy, Healing, and Science of Postpartum Recovery

    In this episode, I’m diving into a part of postpartum recovery that affects so many women, yet is rarely explained in enough detail: perineal tearing and tissue healing after birth. After delivering my son, Harlan, I was told I had sustained a deep second-degree tear. Even as a healthcare practitioner, I quickly realized there was so much I hadn’t fully appreciated about what was happening beneath the surface. What actually tears during birth? Which muscles are involved? Why can everything look healed externally while still feeling weak, heavy, tight, numb, or uncomfortable? And what does being “cleared” at six weeks really mean? In this episode, we explore: • The anatomy of the perineum and pelvic floor • The differences between first-, second-, third-, and fourth-degree tears • The muscles and connective tissues involved in a second-degree tear • The inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of healing • Why stitches can heal long before the tissue regains its strength • Scar tissue formation and collagen remodeling • Tingling, itching, burning, numbness, and other signs of nerve healing • How low estrogen and breastfeeding hormones can affect postpartum tissues • Why standing, walking, lifting, and pressure can feel different after birth • The importance of breathing, pressure management, and gradual rehabilitation • Why postpartum recovery continues for many months beyond the six-week checkup I also share parts of my own recovery, including the heaviness I experienced while standing and the lesson that healing cannot always be measured by what we see on the outside. This episode is not intended to create fear around birth or perineal tearing. It is about understanding the remarkable anatomy of the female body, respecting the time required for tissue repair, and giving postpartum women more realistic expectations for recovery. Six weeks does not mean fully healed. Your body may continue rebuilding collagen, restoring muscle function, reorganizing scar tissue, and improving coordination for many months after birth. Your body is not failing you. It is still healing. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

  4. Sep 11

    97: Why Your Magnesium Isn't Working: The Truth About Magnesium, Constipation & Postpartum Recovery

    Why does one magnesium help you sleep while another helps you poop? If you've ever stood in the supplement aisle wondering why there are so many different forms of magnesium, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, I'm breaking down the science behind the most common types of magnesium, including bisglycinate, citrate, oxide, and hydroxide, and explaining why they each have very different jobs in the body. I'll also share my own postpartum experience navigating hemorrhoids, pelvic floor healing, and the importance of avoiding straining after birth. We'll talk about why constipation is so common during the postpartum period, how fibre and stool bulk aren't always the same thing, and why choosing the right magnesium can make all the difference. Whether you're postpartum, struggling with occasional constipation, or simply trying to understand which magnesium supplement is right for you, this episode will help you make sense of the confusion with practical, evidence-based information. In this episode, we cover: • Why not all magnesium supplements work the same way • Magnesium bisglycinate vs. citrate vs. oxide vs. hydroxide • How magnesium supports bowel movements • The role of magnesium during postpartum recovery • Common myths about constipation and stool softeners • Other gentle options for constipation support • When constipation is a sign to seek medical care As always, my goal is to help you better understand your body so you can make informed decisions and build your health from the roots up. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

  5. Sep 4

    96: What No One Tells You After Surgery

    Most patients are well prepared for surgery; but not for what happens after. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down a common gap in post-surgical care: the lack of support around scar tissue, biomechanics, and long-term movement patterns. Whether you’ve had a mastectomy, C-section, knee replacement, or cosmetic surgery after weight loss, healing doesn’t end when the incision closes. Many patients experience ongoing tension, pain, or dysfunction months or even years later without realizing it may be connected to how their body adapted after surgery. In this episode, you’ll learn: How scar tissue affects tissue glide and movementWhy pain and tightness can show up long after surgeryThe role of the nervous system in post-surgical recoveryHow chiropractic care can support mobility, function, and recoveryThis episode is for anyone who feels like their body hasn’t fully recovered after surgery,  even if they’ve been told everything has “healed.” Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

  6. Aug 28

    95: Returning to Your Body: Yoga, Purpose & Intentional Living with Talia Snitchuk

    In this episode, I sit down with Talia Snitchuk for a beautiful conversation about yoga, meditation, spirituality, self-awareness, and what it means to intentionally create a life that feels authentic to you. Talia shares how living with anxiety and panic attacks led her to begin a daily meditation practice, ultimately changing the direction of her life. That practice opened the door to yoga, not simply as physical movement, but as a way to understand herself, reconnect with her body, and move through the world with greater intention. We talk about Talia’s transition from working with plants in the cannabis industry to becoming a certified Hatha and Kundalini yoga teacher, as well as her journey toward becoming a birth and postpartum doula. Talia also shares how growing up in a religious environment shaped her early understanding of spirituality and why exploring yoga and meditation helped her develop greater trust in her own inner wisdom. We explore the connection between yoga and doula work, the power of mindfulness and breath, and how returning to the body can help us uncover our passions, purpose, and what genuinely lights us up. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you have more agency than you may realize. When you become curious about yourself, get clear about what you want, and begin taking intentional steps toward it, possibilities can open that you may never have imagined. Connect with Talia: Instagram: @yogawithtal Personalized one-on-one yoga sessions are available in the comfort of your own home. Email: taliafsnitchuk@gmail.com Talia also teaches at Return to Form: returntoform.ca Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

  7. Aug 21

    94: Pregnancy, Birth & What's Next with Grace Parce

    Grace Parce is back on the podcast for another honest and heartfelt conversation about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and everything that comes next. In this episode, Grace and I catch up on where life has taken us since our last conversation. We reflect on her pregnancy journey, revisit my birth experience, and talk about the physical and emotional transition into motherhood. We also explore what this new season has taught us, how our perspectives have changed, and what we are looking forward to next. Of course, baby Harlan joins us as our very special co-host. This is a warm, real-life conversation between friends about growth, change, motherhood, and learning to meet ourselves where we are. Find Grace At: Ovafreak on Ig Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

  8. Aug 14

    93: Birth Debrief with My Doula, Mindan

    A few weeks after welcoming my son into the world, I sat down with my doula, Mindan from Harbour City Doulas, to reflect on one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Together, we revisit my home birth from two very different perspectives. I share what I experienced as the birthing mother, while Mindan offers the unique insight of someone who was there to support, observe, and guide me through every stage of labor. From the comfort of my couch, with baby Harlan in our arms, we talk about the unfolding of labor, the emotions, the unexpected moments, and the incredible support that made our home birth possible. In this episode, we discuss: How labor unfolded from both of our perspectivesThe role of a doula during pregnancy, labor, and birthWhat surprised us throughout the birth experienceThe importance of feeling safe, supported, and informed during laborLessons we both took away from my birthThe early days of postpartum and adjusting to life with a newbornWhether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or simply love hearing honest birth stories, this conversation offers a candid look at what birth can be when you're surrounded by a supportive team and trusted care providers. And yes, you'll hear Harlan throughout the episode. At just a few weeks old, he joined us for the recording, making this conversation an authentic snapshot of the beautiful, messy, sleep-deprived, love-filled postpartum season we're living in. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

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About

FERN Rising is a women’s health and fertility podcast focused on hormonal balance, strength training, nutrition, and cyclical wellness, hosted by Dr. Ashley Burton. This show is the evolution of The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast and reflects the growth of a holistic movement rooted in evidence-based care and body literacy. Dr. Ashley Burton is a chiropractor and fertility nutrition coach who helps women restore their health naturally by supporting hormones, optimizing metabolism, and building strong, resilient bodies. Each episode explores practical strategies for improving fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing for pregnancy, supporting postpartum recovery, and creating long-term hormonal health. Topics include fertility awareness, cycle tracking, metabolic health, prenatal and postnatal fitness, real food nutrition, stress physiology, and modern women’s health through a functional and cyclical lens. Whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or simply seeking to understand your body better, this podcast offers grounded education and actionable tools for every stage of womanhood. FERN Rising is your space to build strength, reclaim trust in your body, and rise into your most vital season of health.

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