Baby or Bust with Dr Lora Shahine

Dr. Lora Shahine
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  • MEDICINE
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Baby or Bust with Dr Lora Shahine

Infertility and miscarriage are more common than we realize, and we need to talk about it. Whether it's interviews with experts or a deep dive into a reproductive health topic, every week on the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, your host, Dr. Lora Shahine, gets real about education, emotional support, and shared fertility experiences. Listen now and learn how to advocate for your own care or support your loved ones with infertility, miscarriage, and early pregnancy. Baby Or Bust is produced by Bray's Run Production and Audiotocracy Podcast Production in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.

  1. Ep 102 Endometriosis Explained: Learn How to Advocate for Your Care with Dr. Karen Tang

    5 DAYS AGO

    Ep 102 Endometriosis Explained: Learn How to Advocate for Your Care with Dr. Karen Tang

    Have you been told your debilitating period pain is normal? Have you ever wondered if you have endometriosis? Maybe you’re curious how you can find out for sure? In this conversation Dr. Karen Tang, author of It’s Not Hysteria and founder of Thrive Gynecology, joins Dr. Lora Shahine to delve into the complexities of endometriosis, a common, often-misdiagnosed condition that affects many women. In this episode you’ll hear the symptoms, challenges, myths, and various treatment options available.  Drs. Tang and Shahine share their experiences caring for women with endometriosis for years - Dr. Tang’s perspective as a minimally invasive gynecology surgeon and Dr. Shahine as a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist. They share how little they learned about endometriosis in early medical training, patient stories of doctor’s dismissing obvious symptoms of the disease, and how much we still need to learn and research to help. You’ll finish this episode empowered to advocate for your care and find the right doctor to help you with your next steps. In this episode you’ll hear: [3:46] Understanding endometriosis [9:18] Causes and theories for endometriosis [17:24] Diagnosis & surgical confirmation [26:57] Treatment options  [35:32] Advocating for yourself and your health   Resources mentioned:  karentangmd.com It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Heath (But Were Never Told) Follow @karentangmd on Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok  Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    55 min
  2. Ep 101 Setting Boundaries & Navigating Others’ Expectations for Your Fertility with Jennifer Edmonds

    DEC 10

    Ep 101 Setting Boundaries & Navigating Others’ Expectations for Your Fertility with Jennifer Edmonds

    Do you dread holiday gatherings because of those awkward “When are you going to have a baby?” questions? Why do people feel it’s appropriate to ask if you’re “trying” [wink wink] yet? Nothing sucks the fun out of a party like “you better not wait too long” or “when are you going to make your mom a grandma”? Painful comments and questions come up year round, but holiday parties can be a real minefield. To help, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, and Breathwork teacher Jennifer Edmonds is joining Baby or Bust to help you navigate inappropriate small talk.  In this conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine and Jennifer discuss the necessity of setting boundaries around your fertility and parenthood journey, particularly during the holiday season. Learn to shut down awkward questions from others, indulge in some genuine self-care, and get the joy of the holiday season back.  Here’s an idea: share this episode with a family member or friend before a gathering, and engage them as your ally. Start setting those boundaries so you can relax and enjoy yourself during the next holiday gathering.  In this episode you’ll hear: [1:10] Meet Jennifer Edmonds [3:30] Jennifer’s fertility story [9:55] Coping mechanisms for family gatherings [17:55] Prepping for nosy questions [20:23] Setting boundaries with kindness [21:44] Handling unwanted advice [25:22] Take care of yourself [27:44] Finding joy amidst the struggle [33:20] Practical tips for daily calm [37:25] Connecting with Jennifer   Resources Mentioned: www.elementpilatesyoga.com  Follow Jen on Tiktok @elementpilatesandyoga  Follow Jen on YouTube @elementpilatesyoga  Follow Jen on IG @jen.elementpilatesyoga   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    39 min
  3. Ep 100 From Miracle to Milestone: The World’s First IVF Baby Louise Joy Brown Shares Her Story

    DEC 3

    Ep 100 From Miracle to Milestone: The World’s First IVF Baby Louise Joy Brown Shares Her Story

    On July 25, 1978, family building changed forever when the world's first IVF baby was born. Over 12 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization worldwide, and Louise Joy Brown was the first.  In this very special 100th episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with now-adult Louise Brown. They discuss her experience as a living symbol of the powers of fertility medicine. Louise shares her parents' journey of choosing IVF, questions she got from friends growing up, and how she advocates for IVF now. You can catch the Netflix movie, Joy starring Bill Nighy, out now, which is the biological drama set in the 1960s and 1970s about the nurse, scientist, and surgeon determined to develop the first “test tube baby.”  In this episode you’ll hear: [0:30] The Birth of IVF: A Historical Milestone [1:21] Growing Up as the First IVF Baby [4:16] Family and Media Challenges [7:05] Personal Reflections and Advocacy [16:31] Modern IVF and Future Hopes [27:09] Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude Resources mentioned:  Joy 2024 film   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    34 min
  4. Ep 99 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Loved Ones Facing Infertility

    NOV 26

    Ep 99 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Loved Ones Facing Infertility

    Do you have a friend or family member struggling to build their family? How about someone in your life who recently experienced a miscarriage or loss? What can we give people that helps them feel better, know that we’re thinking of them, and provides the right kind of support?  In this special episode of Baby or Bust, Dr. Lora Shahine is providing five thoughtful gift ideas for loved ones facing family building challenges. Within each category, Dr. Shahine provides specific examples and ways to personalize these gifts for the person in your life. It can be hard to know how to support those facing the challenges of infertility, pregnancy loss, or IVF treatments. You’ll walk away from this episode with lots of ideas to provide encouragement and meaningful ways to show you care.  If you have other ideas of gifts you think should be added to the list, find Dr. Shahine @drlorashahine on Instagram and drop a comment on the episode post! In this episode you’ll hear: [1:10] Gift ideas overview [2:35] Gift #1: Inspirational books or affirmational cards [4:21] Gift #2: Jewelry or charms [5:44] Gift #3: Self-care kits [7:50] Gift #4: Pineapple-themed items [12:31] Gift #5: Self-care beauty items [14:32] Discount codes! Resources mentioned:  Roxhill Candle Company - Pineapple Candle - portion of proceeds donated to fertility nonprofits Doctor Rogers Restore - safer skincare products. Save 15% with DRSHAHINE code at checkout  Shop Sorette - collection of products vetted for transparency, accountability, and safety profile. Save 15% with DRSHAHINE15 at checkout Dr. Shahine Amazon Storefront - collection of ideas (Using link results in Dr. Shahine receiving small commission)   Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    19 min
  5. Ep 98 Weight Loss Drugs and Fertility: What You Need to Know with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky

    NOV 19

    Ep 98 Weight Loss Drugs and Fertility: What You Need to Know with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky

    Are you curious about the latest weight loss drugs? Considering Ozempic or other semaglutides but also planning to try to conceive? With all the buzz around these medications, it can feel like everyone is trying them—but what do we really know about their impact on fertility? In this episode of Baby or Bust, host Dr. Lora Shahine is joined by Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, a board-certified family physician specializing in obesity and lipidology, and co-host of the popular podcast Docs Who Lift. Together, they dive into the intersection of weight loss medications and fertility, answering your most pressing questions. Topics include: The history and science behind semaglutides. Key differences between popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Short- and long-term side effects of these medications. What fertility patients need to know about using semaglutides while trying to conceive. Dr. Nadolsky shares expert insights and actionable tips, providing clarity on managing the chronic condition of obesity and navigating the latest advancements in weight loss medications. Whether you're on a fertility journey or simply curious about these treatments, this episode is packed with valuable information. Tune in for expert guidance on how semaglutides and weight loss medications could impact your fertility goals! In this episode you’ll hear: [2:20] Meet Dr. Spencer Nadolsky [5:26] Specializing in obesity medicine & lipidology [8:10] The evolution of weight loss medication [12:46] Patient access & experience with weight loss medications [18:25] The reason people lose weight with semaglutides [29:04] Weight loss medication & fertility [41:52] The future of weight loss medication [43:58] Listener questions from IG   Resources mentioned:  drspencer.com  Docs Who Lift Podcast    Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    53 min
  6. Ep 97 Safer Skincare for Fertility and Pregnancy: Essential Tips with Dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers

    NOV 12

    Ep 97 Safer Skincare for Fertility and Pregnancy: Essential Tips with Dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers

    How does your daily skincare routine impact fertility, pregnancy, or your overall health? Which products and sunscreen are ok while trying to conceive and pregnant and which are NOT? Can you do botox, filler, red light therapy while trying to conceive? Dr. Heather Rogers joins Baby or Bust to answer these questions and give valuable advice on finding a safer skincare routine without compromising your safe care. Dr. Rogers is a double-board certified dermatologist and founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care line. She knows building a family isn’t easy for everyone and can take longer than you might like. So her recommendations are in line with putting yourself first and making your skincare routine manageable and safer for the various stages of fertility, pregnancy, and all stages of life. In the education-packed episode, Dr. Lora Shahine and Dr. Rogers discuss endocrine disruptors and toxins, tips for finding the right products for you, practical recommendations for using retinol, fillers, sunscreen, red light therapy, Botox, and IPL before and during pregnancy, and Dr. Rogers shares her top 5 products for your best skin.  In this episode you’ll hear: [2:08] Meet Dr. Heather Rogers, founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care [4:38] So many choices for skincare: Find Safer Ones [8:05] The truth about parabens and endocrine disruptors [13:45] Navigating skincare product safety [19:08] Dos and Don’ts for trying to conceive products and pregnancy products [28:34] The five products you need for amazing skin [35:09] Red light therapy [37:35] Sunscreen recommendations [41:35] Where to find more information from Dr. Heather Rogers   Resources mentioned:  www.doctorrogers.com Enjoy 15% discount with code DRSHAHINE at checkout www.mdinseattle.com Follow Dr. Rogers on Instagram & Tiktok  @drheatherrogers  Follow Doctor Rogers Skin Care @doctor.rogers Ep 80 Finding Safer Products with Lanning Ardente: Let Sorette Do the Research for You    Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    44 min
  7. Ep 96 Protecting Yourself from Surrogacy Scams with Dr. Brian Levine

    NOV 5

    Ep 96 Protecting Yourself from Surrogacy Scams with Dr. Brian Levine

    Have you seen the stories about surrogacy scams out this year? Are you considering using a gestational carrier or financing a fertility or IVF treatment and worried about making the right (or wrong) choice for next steps? Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Brian Levine is Dr. Lora Shahine’s guest for this episode of Baby or Bust. The founder of CCRM Fertility of New York and Nodal Surrogacy, Dr. Levine has a unique perspective, having been on the ground through the evolution of surrogacy in New York since it became legal in 2021. In this conversation, you’ll learn more about the recent surrogacy scams and how to protect yourself. Dr. Levine shares the importance of transparency, addresses some common misconceptions about surrogacy, and shares some of the positive experiences families have had through this process.   In this episode you’ll hear: [1:50] Meet Dr. Brian Levine [2:30] The birth of Nodal and Surrogacy in New York [6:15] Nodal’s approach to surrogacy [8:53] Seam Escrow Agency Fraud [15:23] Protecting yourself against fraud [21:47] Common questions, concerns and misconceptions surrounding surrogacy [47:54] Sharing stories and supporting others [51:28] Connecting with Dr. Brian Levine and Nodal  Resources mentioned:  Follow Dr. Brian Levine on IG - @drbrianlevine   www.nodal.com   Stories mentioned: SEAM Fraud   Couple unable to bring baby home from Mexico Story  Chinese actress accused of abandoning 2 babies in the US     Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    54 min
  8. Ep 95 Caffeine & Your Fertility: Does It Really Matter?

    OCT 29

    Ep 95 Caffeine & Your Fertility: Does It Really Matter?

    Many of us live for that first cup of coffee in the morning. But. How much caffeine is okay when you’re trying to get pregnant? Can cutting out caffeine completely positively impact fertility? What about when you’re pregnant — is caffeine ok then? Where do you find the best information for your situation?  Dr. Lora Shahine explores caffeine consumption and its effects on fertility from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives. You’ll get practical information on caffeine content in various beverages (including that o-so-important coffee), answers to the most common patient questions, and a personalized recommendation for those trying to conceive. After this episode, you’ll feel more equipped to make the best decision for yourself. Be sure and review your personal situation with your doctor.  In this episode you’ll hear: [1:55] A Western evidence-based approach to caffeine and fertility [7:00] The Eastern medicine approach to caffeine and fertility [9:27] How much caffeine is in your favorite pick-me-ups? [10:30] Dr. Shahine’s personal recommendations   Resources mentioned:  Caffeine Chart - find how much is in what you’re having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart 1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility Men's Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned  Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care    Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

    12 min
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4.9
out of 5
119 Ratings

About

Infertility and miscarriage are more common than we realize, and we need to talk about it. Whether it's interviews with experts or a deep dive into a reproductive health topic, every week on the Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, your host, Dr. Lora Shahine, gets real about education, emotional support, and shared fertility experiences. Listen now and learn how to advocate for your own care or support your loved ones with infertility, miscarriage, and early pregnancy. Baby Or Bust is produced by Bray's Run Production and Audiotocracy Podcast Production in partnership with the Seattle Sperm Bank.

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