The Home of Fertility with Liz Walton & Helen Zee

Liz Walton and Helen Zee

The Home of Fertility – Podcast Description Where science meets soul, and your fertility story matters. Welcome to The Home of Fertility, hosted by Liz Walton and Helen Zee — two mothers, practitioners, and passionate advocates for reimagining how we talk about fertility, healing, and creating family. What began as a connection at the Australian Fertility Summit has evolved into a shared mission:To reimagine how we speak about fertility, how we support one another, and how we hold the full spectrum of what it means to create a family. Each episode offers heartfelt insight, inclusive wisdom, and practical tools across the emotional, physical, spiritual, and medical dimensions of fertility. Whether you're on a fertility journey, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what family can mean today — you're welcome here. This is a place where: Vulnerability meets knowledgeMedical meets integrativePersonal stories become medicineNo one walks the path aloneWhether you're navigating your own journey or walking beside someone you love, we invite you in. Subscribe, share, or leave a review to help more people find this space of truth, tenderness, and transformation. Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au To learn more about Liz's work , visit www.lizwalton.org facebook visit (20+) Facebook Instagram visit @lizwalton_fertilitycoach To learn more about Helen’s work, visit helenzee.com 💛 Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit 💛 Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au

  1. 2d ago

    Genetic Counseling For Fertility a Deep Discussion with Mona Saleh

    We sit down with genetic counsellor Mona Saleh to unpack what genetic counseling really is and why it can be a game changer when you are trying to conceive or navigating IVF. We talk through carrier screening, Fragile X confusion in real-world reports, and how preimplantation genetic testing can support clearer choices and better odds. • what a genetic counselor is and why the role combines education with psychosocial support • why family history still matters even with modern genetic testing • how genetic carrier screening works and what it can reveal without any known family history • the common conditions discussed in screening like cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy • a real example of a Fragile X report being misread and how the anxiety gets resolved • what preimplantation genetic testing is in IVF and how euploid vs aneuploid embryos affect outcomes • why asking questions early can protect your peace and improve decision-making • how to find Mona and when to check for in-house clinic genetic counselors A genetic test result can look like a wall of numbers, and when you are already carrying the emotional weight of IVF or fertility treatment, that uncertainty can hit hard. We’re joined by genetic counsellor Mona Saleh, who has three decades of experience helping people make sense of reproductive genetics with clarity, care, and zero shame for not knowing the jargon. We talk about what genetic counselors actually do, how they translate medical reports, and why that “translator” role can be the difference between panic and a plan.  We start with the basics that matter most for real life decisions: family history, inherited conditions, and how genetic counseling supports you as a person, not just a lab result. From there we dig into preconception genetic carrier screening, including common conditions like cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Mona explains why carriers are often healthy, how two carriers can face a one in four risk for an affected child, and how informed choice looks different for different families, partners, and donor situations.  One of the most powerful moments comes from a true story: a Fragile X carrier screening report that was misread because the format was complex, which raised anxiety for both the GP and the patient. Mona walks us through how those reports are structured, how misunderstandings happen, and how a calm, expert conversation can quickly restore perspective and guide next steps.  We also explore preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in IVF, including chromosome screening for euploid vs aneuploid embryos, why imbalance becomes more common with age, and how PGT can improve the chance of pregnancy while reducing miscarriage risk. If you’ve been wondering whether testing embryos increases IVF success, what it can and cannot tell you, or how to advocate for yourself with your clinic, you’ll leave with clearer language and better questions.  Subscribe, share this with someone who needs steadier footing, and leave a review to help more people find support on their fertility journey. Mona's details Website: www.dnadownunder.com.au @DNADownunder on Instagram and Twitter

    31 min

  2. Jun 3

    Your Body Chooses Safety Before Pregnancy And Here Is How To Help It a Great Discussion with Tammy Shemesh

    We talk with fertility nutritionist Tammy Shemesh about why disordered eating and food anxiety are far more common in fertility treatment than most people realize, and how that hidden stress can disrupt hormones and cycle health. We share a more compassionate path that blends evidence-based fertility nutrition with nervous system safety, cycle awareness, and real pleasure in eating. • the research on disordered eating in fertility treatment and why it often goes unspoken • what disordered eating can look like beyond clinical diagnoses, including restriction, orthorexia, binge cycles and rigid rules • how chronic stress shifts the body into survival mode and disrupts ovulation, progesterone and thyroid function • the link between gut health, inflammation, estrogen clearance and common fertility conditions like PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids • feminine energy as receptivity, rest and embodiment, and how diet culture pushes control and distrust • the four menstrual cycle phases and how energy, mood and nutrition needs can change across the month • three practical steps to rebuild trust with food and your body, starting today • resources mentioned, including Brene Brown’s Atlas Of The Heart Food can look “perfect” on paper and still feel like a war in your head. If you have ever followed fertility diets, tracked every bite, or swung between restriction and emotional eating while trying to conceive, you are not alone and you are not broken. Liz sits down with clinical nutritionist and certified fertility nutritionist Tammy Shemesh to talk about the quiet reality that many people bring disordered eating patterns into fertility treatment and often never mention it to their doctor, even though it can meaningfully impact hormones, cycle regularity, and stress levels. We unpack what disordered eating can look like beyond a formal diagnosis: chronic dieting, orthorexia and clean eating fixation, rigid food rules, binge cycles, and using food for control when fertility feels out of control. Tammy explains how chronic stress and food anxiety keep the nervous system in fight or flight, pulling resources away from reproduction. We connect the dots between cortisol, progesterone, ovulation signaling, thyroid function, estrogen clearance, inflammation, and gut microbiome health, and why “more willpower” is not the solution. You will also hear a powerful reframe around feminine energy as receptivity, intuition, rest, and cyclical living, plus a simple guide to the four phases of the menstrual cycle and what each phase tends to need. Tammy shares three practical steps you can start now: add one act of genuine nourishment and pleasure daily, track your cycle as body reconnection, and honor what your current phase asks for, especially rest. If you want a calmer, more sustainable approach to fertility nutrition that supports both body and mind, this conversation is for you. If this podcast resonated, please share it, leave a review or subscribe. And if you'd like to connect or share your story, find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit. Tammy Shemesh details; website - http://www.tammyshemesh.com email - http://www.tammyshemesh.com socials; https://www.instagram.com/tammyshemesh.nutritionist  https://www.facebook.com/tammy.shemesh

    42 min

  3. May 22

    How To Navigate International Surrogacy And Donor Options Conversation with Anita from Growing Families

    We sit down with Anita from Growing Families to talk honestly about international surrogacy and donor pathways, from embryo shipping delays to the paperwork, timing, and trust issues that can shape every decision. We share what helps intended parents stay grounded through the long stretches of waiting and the very real emotional swings that show up from matching to birth and beyond. • how Anita supports intended parents globally through surrogacy and donor journeys • who uses surrogacy and donor eggs, donor embryos, and double donor pathways • real-world challenges with embryo shipping, hand-carry logistics, and changing travel routes • paperwork, reports, notarization, and why exit planning matters early • why mindset becomes the hardest part and where overwhelm tends to spike • what makes independent concierge-style support different from going it alone • Anita’s personal story of cancer, embryo loss, and rebuilding trust with better due diligence • practical first steps like consultations, webinars, and understanding country rules • common early mistakes like ignoring timelines, donor dropouts, and surrogate screening setbacks The hard part of surrogacy is not just getting a “yes” from a clinic. It’s the waiting, the paperwork, the cross-border rules, and the moments where you realize you cannot control the timeline the way you want to. We’re joined by Anita from Growing Families, a global support manager with both professional expertise and lived experience, to talk through what intended parents really face on international surrogacy and donor conception paths. We get practical about the logistics that can stall a dream, including embryo shipping and biomaterial transport, flight-route disruptions, hand-carry delays, and the mountain of documentation different countries require. Anita explains who she supports, from heterosexual couples who cannot carry, to gay couples and single men who need an egg donor and surrogate, to single women considering donor eggs, donor sperm, or double donor options. We also discuss why “know the exit plan” matters early, especially when return-home and citizenship steps can be time-sensitive. Just as important, we talk about the emotional reality. Mindset gets tested at every stage: IVF updates, surrogate matching, gaps in communication, and the countdown to birth when excitement and fear can hit at the same time. Anita shares how her own cancer diagnosis and surrogacy journey shaped her approach, and what she wishes more people understood before they sign with an agency or choose a destination like Georgia, Colombia, or the USA. If you’re researching surrogacy abroad, listen for the questions you should ask, the mistakes to avoid, and the support that can make the process feel steadier and safer.  Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so we can reach more families building their future. Find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit. Growing Families details; website - https://www.growingfamilies.org https://www.facebook.com/GrowingFamiliesGlobal  https://www.linkedin.com/company/growingfamilies/  https://www.instagram.com/growing_families_global For Anita - anita@growingfamilies.org

    57 min

  4. May 22

    Part 2 - What Egg Freezing Estimators Measure And What They Miss - Fertility Naturopath Insights

    Join fertility-focused naturopath Nicole Haak to unpack Australia’s egg freezing estimators and why a single percentage cannot capture your full fertility picture. We break down what the calculators measure, where they fall short, and the practical steps that can improve egg quality, sperm health, and IVF outcomes over time.  • How the federal egg freezing calculators are built from population data  • Why IVF cannot improve egg quality and why inputs matter before retrieval  • Male factor as a common blind spot and the value of deeper testing  • Why age influences results but does not define individual success  • The fertility context gap: endometriosis stage, thyroid, metabolic and gut health  • Modifiable risk factors that shift outcomes: endocrine disruptors, diet, weight, exercise, stress and sleep  • Why digestion and nutrient absorption matter for hormone balance  • The three to four month preconception care window for meaningful change  • Targeted nutrients: vitamin D, zinc, choline and antioxidants like CoQ10 and vitamin C  Show notes: Research study showing the impact of fertility with lifestyle changes. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8812443/ About Nicole: With over 12 years of clinical experience, Nicole Haak is a naturopath with a strong focus on fertility, preconception care, and reproductive health. She is passionate about supporting individuals and couples on their journey to conceive, using practical, evidence-informed strategies that fit into everyday life. Nicole has a special interest in hormone balance, thyroid health, gut health, and stress—key factors that influence fertility outcomes. She provides personalised care for natural conception as well as IVF and assisted reproductive support, with a warm and empathetic approach. She is a registered member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine) and an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy. As a mother of three, Nicole understands the emotional and physical aspects of the fertility journey, offering realistic, supportive care tailored to each stage. https://nicolehaak.com.au/

    40 min

  5. May 19

    Part 1- What Egg Freezing Estimators Measure And What They Miss - Fertility Specialist Insights

    In Part One of the series, we unpack why egg freezing estimators can feel definitive while still missing the details that actually drive fertility outcomes. Dr. Sasha Edelstein explains how to use population statistics as a starting point without letting a calculator replace personalised medical advice and real-life planning. We also discuss: • How government and clinic calculators use population data  • Why limited inputs create a ballpark figure not a forecast  • The “set and forget” risk after freezing eggs  • Endometriosis severity and why diagnosis alone is too broad  • Egg freezing as opportunity rather than insurance  • Age, egg quality, lifestyle, and missed timing windows  • The full cost picture including storage, thawing, and ICSI  • Emotional burden, reproductive trauma, and decisions about unused eggs  • What informed consent and honest consultations should sound like  Dr Sascha Edelstein is a Fertility Specialist with Thrive Fertility, located at Northern Private Hospital in Epping, Melbourne, Australia. https://thrivefertility.com.au/

    24 min

  6. May 13

    Embryos and Egg Quality indepth Conversation with Tasha Jennings

    We talk with fertility naturopath and nutritionist Tasha Jennings about what embryos need to keep growing and why egg and sperm quality matter just as much in IVF as they do when trying naturally. We share practical ways to advocate for better answers after failed cycles or miscarriage and how to stop carrying the whole burden alone. • how embryo growth is fueled by egg energy through day three • why day-three timing can point to egg vs sperm factors • the 90-day preconception window for meaningful change • five pillars to support egg quality and sperm health: energy, DNA building blocks, antioxidants, cell membranes, environment • why “fine” semen results can still hide major issues, including DNA integrity • how BPA, plastics, fragrances, and device habits can affect fertility • why IVF can’t override poor egg or sperm quality, and what to ask the embryologist • common miscarriage drivers, including chromosomal issues and male contribution • when to look deeper at vaginal microbiome and immune balance • why “just relax” is unhelpful, and what support actually looks like Embryos don’t “just stop” for no reason, and hearing “everything looks fine” can be one of the most frustrating parts of trying to conceive. We sit down with fertility naturopath, nutritionist, author, and podcast host Tasha Jennings to get specific about what actually drives embryo development, why day three matters so much, and how to use that timeline to ask better questions after a failed IVF cycle. We dig into the overlooked truth that early embryo growth is fueled by what’s already inside the egg, including the mitochondria and nutrient reserves needed for rapid cell division. From there, Tasha lays out her five-part framework for improving egg quality and sperm health during the critical 90-day preconception window: boosting energy production, supplying DNA building blocks, increasing antioxidant protection, strengthening cell membranes with omega-3s and DHA, and reducing environmental stressors like BPA and fragrances. We also talk about male fertility in a way that’s practical and empowering, including why “normal” semen analysis results can still miss DNA integrity issues that affect embryo growth and miscarriage risk. If pregnancy starts but doesn’t continue, we walk through the most common reasons, including chromosomal abnormalities and what to consider when testing shows an embryo is chromosomally normal. Tasha explains when vaginal microbiome testing might matter, what to know about lactobacilli, and why immune balance and the uterine environment can be part of the story. We also name the emotional weight of this process and why “just relax” is not a plan. If you want clearer next steps, smarter questions for your clinic, and a grounded approach to fertility nutrition and lifestyle, listen through and share it with someone who needs it. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what takeaway you’re trying first. And if you'd like to connect or share your story, find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit. So you can download the my free guide go to  tashajennings.com.au/ egg quality guide. Tasha's details; Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tashajenningsnd/ website - https://tashajennings.com.au/

    50 min

  7. May 7

    Why Omega-3 Balance Drives Inflammation And Fertility great discussion with Leoni Tilley from Zinzino

    We talk with applied health specialist Leoni Tilly about why omega-3 deficiency is so common and how an out-of-balance omega-6 to omega-3 ratio can keep the body stuck in low-grade chronic inflammation. We share how at-home testing makes the problem measurable, why this matters for fertility and pregnancy outcomes, and how to shop smarter in a seed-oil world. • what “test-based not guess-based” health means and why it changes decision-making • omega-6 vs omega-3 explained as inflammation accelerator and brakes • why the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio matters and the 3:1 target • how fatty acid balance affects cell membranes, nutrient delivery, and waste removal • fertility and pregnancy links including preterm birth risk, postpartum mood, and fetal brain DHA needs • how ultra-processed foods and seed oils quietly drive omega-6 intake • what the at-home finger-prick dry blood spot test measures and how results are reviewed • signs that may point to inflammation including brain fog, low energy, joint pain, recovery issues, PCOS, endometriosis • “modern-day detective” label-reading tips and focusing on whole foods with protein, fat, and fiber If you feel tired, inflamed, foggy, or stuck in “why won’t my body bounce back,” the answer might not be another guess. We sit down with applied health and human performance specialist Leoni Tilly to talk about omega-3 deficiency, why it’s showing up almost everywhere in modern diets, and how fatty acid balance can shape inflammation, hormones, and fertility readiness. We get clear on the basics without dumbing it down: omega-6 and omega-3 are both essential, but the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio can decide whether your body has working brakes on inflammation. Leoni explains how an imbalanced ratio affects cell membranes across the whole body, from energy and recovery to joints, brain function, and skin. We also connect the dots to fertility and pregnancy, including research-backed links to early preterm birth risk, postpartum mood, and the baby’s brain and eye development through DHA. A big theme is measurement. Leoni walks us through a simple at-home finger-prick dry blood spot test, why “test-based nutrition” beats guessing, and why not all fish oil supplements reliably change your results. We also talk ultra-processed foods, hidden seed oils in everyday products, and practical “modern-day detective” label-reading habits you can start on your next shop. If you want a smarter way to support preconception health, pregnancy nutrition, and long-term wellness, listen now, then subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find these conversations. If you'd like to connect or share your story, find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit. How to contact Leoni Tilley; https://longliveyou.net.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/long_live_you_wellness  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longliveyouwellness  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonie-tilley-706748229/

    33 min

  8. Apr 29

    How To Talk About Pregnancy Loss With Care a deep discussion with Sam Payne from Pink Elephants

    We sit down with Sam Payne, co-founder and CEO of Pink Elephants, to talk about miscarriage, early pregnancy loss, and why no one should be left to navigate grief alone. We share practical language, workplace rights, and the small acts of care that help people feel seen when the worst happens. • Sam’s story of recurrent pregnancy loss and why she built Pink Elephants • Why miscarriage stays silenced and how missing data hides the true scale • What needs to change across government, community, and workplaces • How to support someone after pregnancy loss using validation, empathy, and connection • Why “at least it was early” and quick fixes can deepen harm • How to handle baby news, baby showers, due dates, and giving an opt-out • Leave for Loss in Australia and what compassionate workplaces can add • Permission to grieve and letting go of self-blame after miscarriage or IVF loss “At least it happened early.” “At least you can get pregnant.” Most people mean well, but those words can land like a punch when you’re grieving a miscarriage or early pregnancy loss. We’re joined by Sam Payne, co-founder and CEO of Pink Elephants, to name what so many families are carrying in silence and to offer a better way forward: validation, empathy, and connection. We talk through Sam’s lived experience of recurrent pregnancy loss, the moment she realized there was nowhere to turn for support, and how that gap became a national movement. Together we unpack why miscarriage is still treated as a private issue, how missing data keeps the real numbers hidden, and what needs to change at multiple levels, from government policy reform to everyday community language. We also speak directly to partners’ grief, because pregnancy loss is not only a women’s health issue. The conversation gets practical. We share what to say (and what not to say) after a loss, how to show up in ways that actually reduce the burden, and why grief doesn’t end after the first few days. We also cover workplace support, including Australia’s Leave for Loss provisions, and what compassionate leave policies, trained peer supporters, and well-equipped leaders can do to reduce stress, anxiety, and longer-term mental health impacts. If you’ve experienced miscarriage, supported someone through it, or lead a team where this will inevitably touch a colleague, this is a toolkit you can return to.  Subscribe and share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find real support when it matters most. How ot contact Pink Elephants; http://www.pinkelephants.org.au Instagram - @pinkelephantssupport @sampaynepinkelephants LinkedIn -  @samanthapayne

    29 min
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About

The Home of Fertility – Podcast Description Where science meets soul, and your fertility story matters. Welcome to The Home of Fertility, hosted by Liz Walton and Helen Zee — two mothers, practitioners, and passionate advocates for reimagining how we talk about fertility, healing, and creating family. What began as a connection at the Australian Fertility Summit has evolved into a shared mission:To reimagine how we speak about fertility, how we support one another, and how we hold the full spectrum of what it means to create a family. Each episode offers heartfelt insight, inclusive wisdom, and practical tools across the emotional, physical, spiritual, and medical dimensions of fertility. Whether you're on a fertility journey, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what family can mean today — you're welcome here. This is a place where: Vulnerability meets knowledgeMedical meets integrativePersonal stories become medicineNo one walks the path aloneWhether you're navigating your own journey or walking beside someone you love, we invite you in. Subscribe, share, or leave a review to help more people find this space of truth, tenderness, and transformation. Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au To learn more about Liz's work , visit www.lizwalton.org facebook visit (20+) Facebook Instagram visit @lizwalton_fertilitycoach To learn more about Helen’s work, visit helenzee.com 💛 Find us on Instagram & Facebook @australianfertilitysummit 💛 Visit: www.australianfertilitysummit.com.au

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