The Infertility Stress Podcast

As part of the Fertility Clinic Confidence series of episodes, this episode will help you to have a more empowered and confident experience while you are going through your fertility treatment process. In this episode, we will be talking about the three ways you can give yourself permission during your fertility treatment process, to create the best possible experience for yourself. IMPORTANT LINKS Connect With Michelle On Instagram Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Book Your Acupuncture Treatment With Michelle Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Expectations not matching the reality of outcomes? Let's face it, if you live in a human body, you will experience this in the context of your health at some point in time. During the fertility treatment process and IVF, this is a theme that we often face over and over and over again. In this episode, I talk about what to do and what not to do when this happens. By the end of this episode, you will have a few ideas to help you find some relief when you're inevitably faced with that theme of “Oh yeah… Sometimes human bodies do weird things and don't respond in the way we want them to”. IMPORTANT LINKS Episode 47 - Dealing With Painful Feelings Join The Pineapple Collective Connect With Michelle On Instagram Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Book Your Acupuncture Treatment With Michelle Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Today Emily Ginn is on the podcast for a conversation about shame, trauma and fertility. Emily is a social worker, life coach and IVF warrior and she is with me today to share her wisdom, experience and colourful analogies! My favourite “we put a lot of mustard on our thoughts”! - very enlightening moment for me. If you are doing fertility treatment of any kind - this episode is for you. We discuss: Her story and how she came to do this work Trauma: what it is and how it occurs in the context of fertility treatments Shame: what it is and where it comes from Therapy vs coaching and how to know which one to choose And many MANY amazing analogies and metaphors. About Emily: Emily is a certified life coach and a masters-level Social Worker based in Austin, TX. Her cognitive-behavioural approach brings awareness, clarity, and support for her clients. Emily works with women considering, seeking, or undergoing fertility treatment who want to enjoy their lives even in the midst of infertility. Emily on Instagram Emily on Facebook Emily's Podcast Emily's Website IMPORTANT LINKS Join The Pineapple Collective Connect With Michelle On Instagram Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Book Your Acupuncture Treatment With Michelle Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In today's episode, learn the five signs that you may be experiencing fertility treatment related burnout. And more importantly, what you can do to begin to heal from burnout or prevent it from happening in the first place. IMPORTANT LINKS Join The Pineapple Collective Connect With Michelle On Instagram Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Book Your Acupuncture Treatment With Michelle Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Are you new to fertility treatments and IVF? Or maybe this isn't your first rodeo but you're curious about the title of this podcast? This is the episode for you! In my 12+ years of clinical experience, helping thousands of people during their IVF experience, I have found that I have the same conversations over and over again with my patients and clients. I almost wish that there was a manual for how to do IVF - but we all know that wouldn't work because everyone is different! This episode outlines the top 5 things I think every human should know before they embark on their fertility treatment process (particularly IVF) IMPORTANT LINKS Join The Pineapple Collective Connect With Michelle On Instagram Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Book Your Acupuncture Treatment With Michelle Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Today is the first instalment of a new series called Fertility Clinic Confidence Episodes. During this series of quick and easily digestible episodes, we will be sharing bits of knowledge and questions to ask to help you feel more confident, while navigating your fertility treatment process. This episode is all about the most important questions to ask your care provider when you are offered a new fertility treatment protocol. Today we will cover why you need to know: What is the reason for recommending this next step? What are the risks and benefits of this next level of treatment? What are the risks and benefits of sticking with my current treatment protocol for now? What will the entire cost be for this next level of intervention? How will I know if this treatment protocol is working? How long do you suggest I try this intervention before we know it is time to move on? Are there any alternatives to this suggestion? To download the PDF and print these questions, download the Fertility Stress Relief Toolkit IMPORTANT LINKS Join The Pineapple Collective Connect With Michelle On Instagram Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Book Your Acupuncture Treatment With Michelle Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Today on The Infertility Stress Podcast, we are taking a deep dive into fertility acupuncture and acupuncture for IVF. During the episode, I will answer questions like: What is acupuncture? How does it help with fertility and conception? How does it help with stress and regulating the nervous system? How often do people need to come for treatment? How do I know that the treatments are working? Is acupuncture safe if I am doing medical treatments with a fertility clinic like IVF? How do I find the right practitioner? IMPORTANT LINKS Connect With Michelle On Instagram Book Your Acupuncture Treatment With Michelle Join The Pineapple Collective Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Today on The Infertility Stress Podcast, we are talking about the ONE thing that is missing from most people's IVF or fertility treatment experience. We live in a time when we have access to incredible fertility doctors and medical technology. We have the ability to work with amazing allied health professionals. And there has been no other time in history where we have had unlimited and infinite access to so much information for how we can take our health outcomes into our own hands with lifestyle practices. But there is still something missing for many folks going through IVF and fertility treatments. The community aspect. Fertility treatments can be a lonely and isolating experience for many people. In today's episode, Michelle is going to share some ideas on how to fill that gap. IMPORTANT LINKS Episode 43 - The Problem With The Fertility Wellness Industry Join The Pineapple Collective Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Today Michelle is speaking With Lucy Lines of Two Lines Fertility. They talk about: What information is missing in sex ed in highschool Why it is so hard to get pregnant Egg quality, egg reserve and what happens to eggs over a person's lifetime Lifespan on eggs and sperm Ovulation timing with sex Embryo health, quality and rating (and if that actually matters) Advice for people navigating the IVF experience Lucy's Bio As a fully trained and clinically experienced embryologist Lucy has had the good fortune to travel the world practising her craft in IVF labs in Australia, Sweden, Ireland and the UK. Over her first 17 years in the fertility ‘industry' she became increasingly frustrated over the ‘business' aspect that was creeping into the large IVF companies and the huge gaps that was creating for patients accessing those services. After a redundancy at 37 weeks pregnant, (and at 44 years of age) she saw an opportunity to fill those gaps - with education, care, support, guidance and space for women and couples experiencing difficulties with their fertility - totally independent of the big businesses! She now offers her services through Two Lines Fertility - with her signature program; IVF WTF, her website and blog, e-courses and, of course, 1:1 support, she now helps women and couples feel empowered, and more importantly EDUCATED and in control of their fertility, whether they are right at the beginning of considering growing their families, in the depths of IVF treatment, or anywhere in between LUCY'S LINKS Lucy's Website Lucy on Instagram Lucy on Facebook IMPORTANT LINKS Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Have you ever had that moment where you thought to yourself “if I could just figure out the right foods and the right exercise and the right way to meditate and the correct supplements and avoid all of the wrong things, I would get pregnant”? Have you ever commented on a person's BFP celebration post in the Fertility Support Facebook Group and asked “what did you do during your cycle”? with the hopes that if YOU do those things, you'll get pregnant too? This is classic perfect potion seeking and it happens to so many people during their fertility treatment process. This is rooted in healthism, which is the idea that a person is wholly responsible for their health outcomes - and therefore morally inferior if they experience health challenges. IMPORTANT LINKS Become a founding member of The Pineapple Collective (limited spots available) Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In this episode, Michelle is sharing an interview she did on The Day1 Podcast with Emily Getz. They talk about: Infertility Socialisation Feminism Thought work and coaching and the humanness of our brains Emily's Bio: Emily Getz, is a mindset coach, founder of Day 1 Fertility and the host of The Day 1 Podcast. Day 1 was founded because of Emily's own personal fertility journey, which you still find her navigating today. Over the past three years Emily has experienced everything from a late pregnancy loss to three rounds of IVF to years of cycle monitoring and most recently an 8-week miscarriage. Day 1 is a first-of its-kind fertility support network on a mission to expose the unspoken side of the fertility journey. Day 1 is comprised of a podcast, which takes a no bullshit storytelling approach to the unspoken side of the journey, a unique support membership program, 1:1 mindset coaching with Emily and a highly engaged social community. Emily's Info: Day1 Fertility Website Day1 Fertility Podcast Emily on Instagram IMPORTANT LINKS Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

This episode is all about making hard decisions and really getting to the bottom of why these decisions are so hard to make. How do you react when you have a decision to make? Do you voraciously search for data and info to try to create the feeling of knowing that you can make the “right decision”? Do you ask everyone and their aunt's sister's cousin for advice, even though these people can't possibly make the decision for you? Do you numb out and avoid making the decision altogether? If so, what can we do about it? Here are my top suggestions: It's not about the data or evidence or anything else outside of yourself. Its all about how you want to think and feel about it. It ultimately comes down to what you think you're up for Don't expect to feel good or comfortable about making the decision. These situations often come with a tremendous amount of discomfort. IMPORTANT LINKS Sign Up For The Fertility Stress Solution FREE Class Download the making decisions worksheet from the Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

A baby won't make you happy and fulfilled. In today's episode, Michelle talks about the thought error, that a baby is the way to happiness and fulfilment and why this is not actually the case. IMPORTANT LINKS Sign up For The Fertility Stress Solution Live Class Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Today we are offering the audio replay of Michelle's class Unravelling Infertility Burnout. This class was all about exploring the concept of burnout (which is usually something that people think about when it comes to their job/career). In this class, Michelle teaches about how burnout can happen in the context of fertility treatments too. She talks about: What is burnout What causes it (the obvious and the not-so-obvious stuff) What we can do to begin to heal from it or prevent it from happening in the first place. IMPORTANT LINKS Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In this episode, Michelle is interviewing Kristina Virro - a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, Canada. They explore the concept of disenfranchised grief, when it comes to infertility. They talk about: What is disenfranchised grief When someone is going through disenfranchised grief, what are some of the emotions they might experience? Ways that an individual can cope with disenfranchised grief How a friend/partner/family member can support someone experiencing disenfranchised grief Kristina's Bio Kristina Virro is a Registered Psychotherapist and Holistic Nutritionist who is dedicated to helping people feel less stuck in life and reducing stigma overall. She honours this mission through providing psychotherapy and nutritional counselling at her wellness clinic, Fresh Insight, which offers support for people of all ages and backgrounds. Kristina's determination to spread her knowledge and passion to others has allowed her clinic to help people nationally and internationally, and she has shared her expertise with a number of media outlets, including FLARE, Canadian Living, ELLE Canada, and a number of podcasts. When she isn't at work, she can be found knitting her 900th pair of socks and forcing affection on her cats. Kristina on Tik Tok Kristina on Instagram Kristina's Clinic on Facebook Kristina's Website IMPORTANT LINKS SIGN UP FOR UNRAVELING INFERTILITY BURNOUT Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

We are celebrating 50 episodes! Today, Michelle will be zooming out to explore some of the common themes she has seen come up time and time again, after seeing thousands of fertility patients over the course of her 12-year career as a fertility acupuncturist. She talks about: Body literacy and how our youth are not adequately taught about how women's bodies operate and how this affects people during infertility How it is nearly universal that people experiencing infertility think there is something wrong with them or they are broken How perfectionism shows up in many different forms but it is so common to many people going through infertility IMPORTANT LINKS SIGN UP FOR UNRAVELING INFERTILITY BURNOUT Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In this episode, we are talking about fertility diets and eating to “optimize” fertility. We also talk about: Diet culture and how it has infiltrated the fertility wellness industry What the research has actually shown to support fertility in a sustainable way, when it comes to our diets What doesn't work and what doesn't matter Some perspectives to consider when it comes to making food choices when it comes to your fertility and conception IMPORTANT LINKS SIGN UP FOR UNRAVELING INFERTILITY BURNOUT Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Information gathering. Is this something that you're done a lot of in your infertility process? Gathering information about your own body Gathering information about other people's results Gathering information about lifestyle practices and dietary recommendations and supplements and exercise Gathering as much medical data as possible. In this episode, we will talk about how this can be empowering but also anxiety inducing. We also talk about how to begin to unpack it if you find yourself on the more anxious end of the spectrum. IMPORTANT LINKS Episode 47 - Dealing With Painful Feelings SIGN UP FOR UNRAVELING INFERTILITY BURNOUT Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In this episode, we are talking about the four ways that humans deal with their painful or negative emotions during their infertility process. Acting Avoiding Resisting Allowing We will look at this through the rather unpleasant yet relatable dentist chair analogy. There will also be some useful tools and questions for how you can begin to process your painful emotions during your infertility process, so you don't lose emotional resilience or burnout. IMPORTANT LINKS SIGN UP FOR UNRAVELING INFERTILITY BURNOUT Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Comparisons are so common when navigating the infertility treatment process. Sometimes this looks like going down the rabbit hole on Google or Reddit and comparing other people doing fertility treatments to your own treatment process. Do they have the same diagnosis? What is their treatment protocol and how does it compare to mine? What results did they get and how do they compare to my results? Sometimes it is comparing yourself to other people in your life: My sister is pregnant with her third baby, and she is younger than me. My best friend has a baby shower next week. There is another cake in the break room at work to celebrate another coworker going on maternity leave. Comparisons are a natural human tendency, especially when experiencing adversity. In this episode, we break it all down and then give you some tools to find relief from the pain caused by comparisons. IMPORTANT LINKS Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Have you ever felt like your partner is just doing all the wrong things and doesn't know how to support you in your infertility process? If so, this episode is for you. We are going to unpack the underlying reason why your partner can't seem to get it right and what you can do about it, without them even having to be part of the conversation! IMPORTANT LINKS Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In this episode, we are talking about rehearsing for disappointment. This looks a little like: Telling yourself that you will probably only get one embryo from your IVF cycle so you will be prepared for the disappointment Taking an early home pregnancy test before your blood test at the fertility clinic so you can prepare yourself for when the nurse calls with the results Telling yourself that your PGTA results will probably be that all of your embryos are genetically abnormal so you aren't too surprised when the doctor calls you with the bad news. We do this because we think that if we rehearse and prepare for disappointment ahead of time, that when the disappointing thing actually happens, it will be less painful. But it doesn't exactly work that way. When we do this, it simply means that we are going through the pain and disappointment twice. Once in our imagination And once in reality IMPORTANT LINKS Work With Michelle Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In today's episode, I'm diving into what's problematic with the fertility wellness industry, where we are basically told that if you: Eat the “right” diet Do the “right” exercise Manage our stress in the “right” way Take the “right” supplements and vitamins Participate in all the “right” lifestyle practices Not to mention all the “wrong” things that you shouldn't do That you will get a baby. This perfectionist fantasy is detrimental to your mental health AND your fertility process. Tune in to find out why and what you can do about it. IMPORTANT LINKS Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

In today's episode, I'm discussing the reasons why infertility is stressful. I review some of the obvious reasons why people struggle first. And then I dive into some of the deeper reasons including Our socialization as women Our cultural conditioning about our purpose as women And then I offer some questions to ask and an exercise for how to start to unpack this. IMPORTANT LINKS Grab The Infertility Stress Relief Toolkit For FREE Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

Welcome back! I have taken a break for a while to work on some other projects but I'll be back now, every week, with a new episode of the Infertility Stress Relief Podcast. In this newer version of the podcast, I will be talking about how to care for your mental health and your nervous system, during your infertility process. For those of you who are new to the podcast, I wanted to do an intro episode about myself - and also answer the questions: Who am I? And why should you listen to me? IMPORTANT LINKS Sign Up For Michelle's Email List

This week, we are back with another episode from our Fertility Stories Series. I'm going to be interviewing my clinical patient, Amanda G. She's been doing IVF for nearly five years now and her journey is still ongoing. I want to share her story because I think her resilience and self-awareness will really inspire you. Important Links: Book a free consultation call with Michelle Michelle's Website Michelle On Instagram

In this episode, we are talking all about what to eat to optimize fertility - and how to manage the vast amounts of information on healthy eating and fertility diets. In my conversation with Dr. Liz, we are going to distill down the information available to what's evidence based and applicable. But also talk about the idea that there is no one-size fits all approach to food and nutrition in any context - not even fertility. In today's episode, we talk about: The naturopathic model of care and how it relates to fertility How our diet influences our fertility How long we can expect it to take to see positive changes How to navigate the infinite amounts of food advice in the fertility world Some specific dietary suggestions And so much more! Dr. Liz's Professional Bio: Dr. Elizabeth Cherevaty ND is an integrative fertility, women's & children's health expert with a passion for successful feminine leadership. She is the creator of the Well-Conceived Fertility Method™, an evidence-based program designed to help women & couples build fertile foundations, break through obstacles to pregnancy, and bring their healthy, happy babies' home. Dr. Liz is also the founder of Fempowered Global™, a movement that inspires women globally to embrace their feminine power and create their own definitions of “having it all.” Dr. Liz is a graduate of the University of Guelph and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She founded Two Rivers Health, an integrative fertility & family care clinic in the heart of Guelph, Ontario, and also serves clients globally through telemedicine, online programming, and coaching. She hosts the “Natural Fertility BOOSTCamp Private Chat Group”, a positive space for women restoring confidence and self-care in their fertility journey. Her first book, IVF Meal Plan, shows us how to nourish egg quality and fertility success through the power of food. Important Links: Dr. Liz on Instagram Dr. Liz's Clinic Website Buy Dr Liz's Book IVF Meal Plan Michelle's Website Michelle on Instagram

In this episode, I'm going to share my interview with Dr. Olivia Rose, one of my Naturopathic colleagues. In this conversation, we are going to talk all about the uterine lining and how to support it naturally. We will discuss: What are the hormones behind lining development and how do they work? What is the purpose of the uterine lining? How does a normal uterine lining behave? What are some reasons why someone's lining might not be developing properly? What are some lifestyle and dietary factors that can contribute to the health of the uterine lining? And so much more! Dr. Rose's Professional Bio Dr. Olivia Rose is a naturopathic doctor, writer, and speaker with 15 years of experience under her belt. She has built a thriving private practice centred around evidence-based and traditional naturopathic medicine and has a special interest in digestive and immune health, infertility, weight management, skin rejuvenation and chronic disease prevention. In addition to being the clinic director and founder of Rose Health Clinic, she is also the CEO of ReLiv Organics, a natural and organic skin care line. Before the pandemic, Dr. Rose and her team, Fertility Acupuncture Services would support couples and individuals undergoing IVF and IUI with acupuncture onsite at fertility clinics across the GTA. Dr. Rose is consistently featured in television segments, podcasts and publications reaching thousands of people with her natural health expertise and wellness advice. Important Links Dr. Rose's Website Dr. Rose on Instagram Michelle's Website Michelle in Instagram

Today I'm going to talk about some common thought errors that I see happening for my clients when they are going through fertility challenges, and these thought errors can often lead to a lot of suffering. A thought error is part of a greater cycle that we talk about in the system of life coaching that I apply in my practice when working with my clients. In this episode I talk about: How thought errors fit into the think, feel, act cycle Some of the most common thought errors I hear about when working with my clients What to do about thought errors A simple exercise to get started So much more Important Links: Take The Free Video Course - Fertility Stress Solution Sign Up To Get Your Free 20 Mini Coaching Session Michelle on Instagram Michelle's Website

Today I'm going to share my conversation with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack. She is the expert that I often refer to when people want to learn more about cycle awareness and cycle health. I have been listening to her podcast, the Fertility Friday Podcast, for years! I love her approach to education on menstrual health and her work in teaching people body literacy and self-advocacy. She is such a powerhouse of knowledge on this (and many other subjects), and I have so much respect and appreciation for the movement she has created and is continuing to grow. Lisa's Bio: Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner who teaches women to chart their menstrual cycles for natural birth control, conception, and monitoring overall health. In her book The Fifth Vital Sign, Lisa debunks the myth that regular ovulation is only important when you want children by recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Drawing heavily from the current scientific literature, Lisa presents an evidence-based approach to fertility awareness and menstrual cycle optimization. She hosts the Fertility Friday Podcast, a weekly radio show devoted to helping women connect to their fifth vital sign by uncovering the connection between menstrual cycle health, fertility, and overall health. Important Links: Lisa's Website Lisa on Instagram Lisa on Facebook Lisa's Podcast - Fertility Friday Michelle's Website

This episode is all about making hard decisions and really getting to the bottom of why these decisions are so hard to make. How do you react when you have a decision to make? Do you voraciously search for data and info. to try to create the feeling of knowing that you can make the “right decision?” Do you ask everyone and their aunt's sister's cousin for advice, even though these people can't possibly make the decision for you? Do you numb out and avoid making the decision altogether? If so, what can we do about it? Here are my top suggestions: It's not about the data or evidence or anything else outside of yourself. It's all about how you want to think and feel about it. It ultimately comes down to what you think you're up for. Don't expect to feel good or comfortable about making the decision. These situations often come with a tremendous amount of discomfort. You can also download the making decisions worksheet at www.michellekapler.com/decisions to help you work through this. Important Links: Making Decisions Worksheet Book Your Free Mini Coaching Session With Michelle Get The Free Course - The Fertility Stress Solution Michelle's Website Michelle on Instagram

Today, I'm going to be sharing another installment of the fertility stories series. I'm talking with my patient Melanie today who is going to tell us her story of persistence. After 12 years, 6 miscarriages, surgeries, medications, all of the testing, poking, and prodding, and a whole lot of self-awareness, she is finally feeling like her family is complete. I really admire Melanie's intuition and gut instinct and how she continually insisted that it be her main guidepost. Important Links: Michelle's Website Fertility Academy on Instagram

In this episode, we are going to dive into some ideas to help you navigate the two week wait. And this is applicable no matter how you're conceiving, whether it's without medical intervention, with IVF, or even through surrogacy. The two week wait is the period of time after you have potentially conceived when you are waiting to find out if a conception has occurred. This might mean that you had intercourse around ovulation. This might mean you've had an IUI. It might mean that you've just completed an embryo transfer in an IVF cycle. Or it might mean that you're waiting to see if a transfer was successful in a surrogacy relationship. Regardless of how you are making the baby, this two week wait is notorious for being stressful, anxiety ridden, and just an all-around hard time. During this waiting period, the brain likes to offer us many thoughts; some of them useful and most of them not. It's easy to feel like the insanity is setting in. There are 4 main strategies I offer people who are going through this time: Allow your thoughts and feelings. But don't make them mean anything. Stay off the Google. Stay out of the chat rooms. Take Rest. Say NO to Toxic Positivity. On July 1, I'm going to be releasing my brand new free video course called The Fertility Stress Solution. In this course, I'm going to break down a really simple method for working through anxiety and stressful emotions during your fertility experience. This course is applicable during any stage of your experience, whether you're just starting out and are feeling overwhelmed or maybe you're about to do your first (or fifth!) round of IVF and your anxiety feels like it's taking over. No matter where you are, I can help. This course is totally free. And it's going to be available on July 1, 2021. Follow the link below to sign up for instant access the day it comes out! Important Links: Sign up for the FREE Fertility Stress Solution Video Course Book a Free 30 Minute Fertility Stress Coaching Mini Session with Michelle Connect with Michelle on Instagram Michelle's Website Michelle's Clinical Practice

In this episode, I'm going to be talking with Dr. Jodie Peacock ND about preconception planning. That is, getting your body ready to conceive before you start trying. Dr. Jodie and I are going to talk about: What is preconception What aspects of health you need to consider What to eat and how to exercise What blood work might be a good consideration How to choose a good prenatal vitamin How to approach preconception for male fertility And so much more! Dr. Jodie's professional bio: Dr. Jodie Peacock is a naturopathic doctor, author and public educator. Jodie is passionate about educating couples on the role of the environment and lifestyle to help optimize their fertility and the health of their future children. She authored Preconceived to support as many couples as possible through the wealth of research on the impact of diet and lifestyle changes with regards to conception. Preconception health is critical to ensuring the optimal health of our future generation. She feels very strongly about the opportunity to educate patients and the general public in the use of effective alternative treatments, empowering them to take control of their own health. This is one of the reasons she started the Canadian Fertility Show to educate the general public. Jodie is also the Chief Medical Officer at Enhance Fertility. She is also the proud mom of 3 boys, Maddox and twins Cooper and Carter. Important Links: Dr. Jodie's Article: How to Choose a Prenatal Enhance Fertility The Canadian Fertility Show Michelle's Website

In this episode, I'm talking about preparing for IVF. I'm going to be offering this info. to you as if you were brand new to the IVF experience. But if you've already done some treatment with IVF, there will be lots of good info for you here too! I want to talk about a few important aspects of preparation for IVF. It can be an all-encompassing experience, especially if you don't have all of the information. People who go into it knowing little about it can sometimes find themselves feeling overwhelmed. So, I want to offer some suggestions today for things to consider. This top 5 list is certainly not exhaustive. And some may need to lean into certain aspects more than others. This list is coming from 10 years of clinical experience and the conversations I have over and over, every day, with my patients. My Top 5 Considerations For IVF Prep: Be sure to FULLY understand what will be happening medically. Get On The Same Page As Your Partner Prepare Your Body Physically Find Community and Set Yourself Up With a Support System Think About How You Want To Show Up For This Experience Important Links: Book a free consultation call with Michelle Michelle's Website Michelle On Instagram

In this episode, I discuss a truly integrative model of healthcare where we take multiple practitioners, with multiple lenses and skill sets, with different recommendations, and apply each perspective when appropriate. I also give you some tips on how to get the most out of your medical experience while on your path to building your family. Important Links: Book a free consultation call with Michelle Michelle's Website Michelle On Instagram

I'm going to be talking with Kristina MacRory in my interview today. She is a Registered Nurse in a fertility clinic here in Toronto. With many years of experience working in Fertility Medicine and seeing thousands of people through their fertility cycles, she has a lot of really good insight to share. Today we are going to talk about: Her role as a fertility nurse What to expect when attending a fertility clinic Some of the challenges she sees coming up for people How to make the best of your IVF cycle Loads of good advice along the way Kristina's professional bio: Kristina MacRory has been practicing nursing for almost 6 years now, which five of those years have been a focused practice specializing in fertility. Prior to becoming a nurse, she had a background in Kinesiology, in which she graduated with a Bachelor's of Science from Laurier University. Apart from her career, she lives a life with her husband and two boys and another set of twins on the way! Important Links: Michelle's Website Michelle On Instagram

I'm so excited to share my conversation with Nicola Salmon today. She is a fertility coach and activist for better fertility care for people of size. I've been following her work for a few years now - I first heard her on Amanda Laird's podcast called Heavy Flow - obviously all about menstrual health and periods. I was so inspired by her passion for advocacy for a high level of health care at all sizes. Today we are going to dive into some important topics around Fat Positive Fertility such as: Some of the common myths surrounding fertility for fat folks What the research says (and what it doesn't say) Why weight loss and dieting is not helpful What people can do instead to help their fertility process How people can advocate for better care Any much more Nicola's professional bio: Nicola is a fat-positive fertility coach and author of “Fat and Fertile.” She helps fat folks navigate getting pregnant in a weight-obsessed world and advocates for change in how fat people are treated whilst accessing help with their fertility. Nicola uses her unique fat positive framework to support people in finding their own version of health (without diets), advocating for their bodies, relearning how to trust their body, and believing in their ability to get pregnant. Important Links: Nicola's Website Nicola's Book Nicola On Facebook Nicola On Instagram Michelle's Website Fertility Academy on Instagram

On today's episode, I'm going to be talking with Amrit Singh - a fellow registered acupuncturist in Toronto. She and I go way back, over a decade ago. We went to acupuncture school together and I remember always really admiring Amrit's knowledge of pop culture and social media. She was definitely one of the cool kids in class. And now, over ten years later, she is still one of the coolest acupuncturists I know! She is super active on her social accounts and has a huge following. And the reason why I love this so much is because she is spreading the word about the benefits of acupuncture and natural medicine! Today, we are going to talk about her experience in treating many women's health cases over the years and her observations about what might contribute to modern day health struggles. And she gives some really basic yet unexpected tips for optimizing fertility according to Chinese Medicine. This is such a great conversation! Amrit's professional bio: Amrit Singh is a Registered Acupuncturist and 'Healthcare Professional of the Year' Notable Award winner. She has been working with women and their health for over a decade and is passionate about bringing Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to the forefront. Through her experience as an Acupuncturist focusing on Cosmetic Acupuncture, fertility, and digestive issues, Amrit began to see the impacts of how lifestyle, societal expectations, and numerous relationships were taking a toll on women's health, self-esteem, and mental health. She continues to educate through her Instagram account (@6babebeauty) and through her practice to help bring natural solutions to women's healthcare. Important Links: Amrit on Instagram Amrit's Website Michelle's Website Michelle on Instagram

Today, I'm going to be talking with you about miscarriage - which is a topic that frequently comes up in my clinical practice. At this point in my career, I have seen hundreds of women go through miscarriages and infant loss. It's a really hard thing for people to go through. And it's not talked about enough. In today's episode, I'm going to talk about: Miscarriage rates by week and what those numbers mean How miscarriage can be a normal part of physiology How to determine if you are experiencing recurrent miscarriage What having a miscarriage is really like My top three recommendations for how to navigate life post miscarriage Important Links: Miscarriage stats by week Causes and Treatments for Recurrent Miscarriage Book A Free Call with Michelle Michelle's Website Michelle on Instagram

Today, I'm going to be chatting with my friend and colleague Dr. Meghan MacKinnon - a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on women's health and hormones. We work together at the Women360Care obstetrics and gynecology practice in Aurora. We are going to talk all things birth control in this episode. If you are on the pill, have recently come off the pill, or if you have ever been on the pill at any time, you don't want to miss this episode. Today we will discuss: How the pill actually works Consequences of being on the pill Ways to support your body while you're on the pill What to do when you want to come off the pill And, of course, the discussion that always comes up on the podcast, around deeper cultural conditioning, gender dynamics and how that affects women's healthcare in our modern medical system. Dr. Meghan's bio: Dr. Meghan MacKinnon helps women harness their hormones for optimal energy, mood, and performance at all ages and life stages. Meghan is a women's health and hormone naturopathic doctor. She works with women in a fully integrative manner, both in-person and virtually, helping them achieve their health goals. Meghan has a background in comparative physiology, which nourished her analytical and curious mind. This curiosity and drive to understand 'how things work' is now something that she applies daily to patient care. Dr. Meghan is particularly interested in how hormones affect mood and brain health and is a passionate advocate for women to have true informed consent regarding their healthcare decisions. She is a regular lecturer and guest speaker and she has advanced training in bioidentical hormones, registered acupuncture, natural fertility support, and environmental medicine. Important Links: Get Dr. Meghan's Free Guide Dr. Meghan's Website Dr. Meghan on Instagram Dr. Meghan on Facebook Michelle's Website Contact Michelle for a Free 15 min consultation

Today, we are going to talk all things male fertility - sperm, semen, men's health. All of it! In my clinical practice, most of my patients are women and people with eggs and ovaries. I would say close to 90% of the people I work with. Yet, the data shows that of all infertility cases, approximately 40–50% is due to “male factor” infertility. And yet, 90% of the people seeking clinical fertility care from me are women and people with eggs and ovaries. They are doing all of the work (going to acupuncture, taking the supplements, eating healthfully AND they are carrying the vast majority of the emotional labour in the process. They are managing doctors appointments and schedules, attending appointments, doing research, getting therapy and so much more. I think that's really interesting…and is likely to be rooted in a lack of education. And that's what this episode today is all about. Important Links: Male Factor Infertility Rates Research Episode 7 - Fertility and Sleep Sleep Deprivation, Late Bedtime and Anti Sperm Antibodies Research on Smoking and Sperm Research on Cannabis and Sperm Research on Alcohol and Sperm

Today, I'm talking with one of my dearest friends, Renee Pilgrim. She and I went to acupuncture school and she is my GO-TO referral for folks who are needing extra support in the emotional health part of things. In this episode, we talk about: Managing expectations Sitting with limitations Managing expectations of others Expectations for the care providers you are working with on your journey Renee's Professional Bio: Renee Pilgrim began her Acupuncture Practice in Toronto in 2009. Since then, she taught at TCM schools, mainly Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine, produced training opportunities for professional development, taught workshops and continued to build her knowledge and practice. In the last several years, she began coaching, connecting people to the wisdom on their own bodies. Recently, Renee moved back to her hometown on the island of Newfoundland. Reconnecting to her roots, nourishing yin, cycling closer to the rhythms of the seasons while watching the tides wash in and out. Currently, she is establishing an Acupuncture practice on the GNP, Great Northern Peninsula. She's building a community, travelling the 4-hour coast, planning workshops and retreats for locals and eventually the Come From Aways'. Renee Pilgrim is registered with the NLCHP and the CTCMPANL. She is dedicated to the education and accessibility of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for those that can benefit with in-person treatments, events, and online coaching. Important Links: Renee's Website Renee on Instagram Michelle's Website Michelle on Instagram Work with Michelle In-Person or Virtually

Today, in this solo episode, we are going to talk about relationships and how fertility challenges can impact relationships. In this episode, we talk about: What common scenarios I see between couples when they are going through fertility challenges. Some of the larger cultural and social dynamics that can contribute to how these scenarios play out. Some mind shifts that might help to improve the dynamic between you and your partner. Managing expectations. And some tools that might be useful to you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- How did the episode sit with you? Are you interested in continuing the conversation with me? Let's set up a call to see if we could do some work together - either in person or virtually. Head on over to the contact form on my website and fill it out. (Linked below) Important Links: Episode 6 - Nikki Bergen Brook Castillo's Podcast Work with Michelle - fill out the contact form Michelle's website Fertility Academy on Instagram

**trigger warning - infant loss and fertility trauma** In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation with Leah Micallef. Leah and I met when she was my patient years ago. She is now someone who I not only consider a colleague in the fertility world, but also a friend. This is both an educational and fertility-story based episode. Leah is a social worker and mental health professional and has been for many years. Her own path to parenthood has inspired her to professionally offer her support to those going through reproductive challenges. And the fertility community is lucky to have her. Today, we are going to talk very honestly about her story, and she is going to share some insights about mental health and the tools she found helpful along the way. Leah Micallef's Bio: Leah lives in Milton Ontario. She is a mother and a Social Worker with a Bachelor and Masters degree in Social Work. She is a registered member of The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and also the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. Leah has been in the business of helping people for more than 16 years and has worked in community mental health, harm reduction, and substance use programs serving homeless and economically marginalized populations in Toronto. Parenthood began in the most challenging and painful way possible for Leah and her partner Brendan. In 2015, after struggling with fertility and using Assisted Reproductive Technologies for about 4 years by that point, Leah went into premature labour at 19 weeks and 2 days gestation and their firstborn daughter Aibhlinn (pronounced Ave-leen) died. After subsequent IVF treatments, their son Finnlay was born in 2016, and twins Charlotte and Adelynn completed their family in 2019. Leah is considering a compassionate embryo transfer for her two remaining frozen embryos. Leah founded Conceive Resilience to meet an unmet need that she herself struggled with when she couldn't find the right providers or programs to support her mental health in the ways she needed it at the time. Leah is committed to ensuring Conceive Resilience helps to fill the gaps by providing one to one support, education and counselling, and free and easy access to coping and resiliency support for people who are using ART to build their families. These days, when she is not busy in a house full of noise and energetic kids, Leah is either talking with her own therapist or using her mindfulness tools to recover from her traumatic fertility related experiences. Learning to live with the grief of losing her firstborn child is a work in progress and for now, her hobby. That and learning how to grow a Square Foot vegetable garden with her kids and finding time to hike the beautiful trails in and around Halton Region. Important Links: Leah's Website Leah's Instagram Leah's Free Workbook Michelle's Website Fertility Academy on Instagram

Today, in this solo episode, we are going to dive into a topic that comes up a lot in the fertility world. Stress. There is a lot to unpack with this topic. Far more than I could possibly hope to cover in one episode. But I want to try to at least touch briefly on a few aspects that might be interesting for you to consider today, while you are going through your current stage of your family building. In this episode, we discuss: The definition of stress and what it means The physiological impact of stress The parasympathetic vs sympathetic nervous system (and which state you want to be in for making babies) Perspectives on thought work and how we can impact our physiology with our thoughts and feelings Some good hacks to help support your nervous system Important Links: Episode 7 - Sleep and Fertility Find an ABORM certified Acupuncturist Work with Michelle - fill out the contact form Michelle's website Fertility Academy on Instagram

Today, my guest is Dr. Jessica Dupont, a naturopathic doctor with years of experience in the fertility specialty. We are going to be talking specifically about toxins and heavy metals and how exposure to these things might negatively impact your fertility. We will walk about: How people are exposed to these toxins The role they might play in unexplained infertility How it doesn't just stop with us but may affect future fertility, future pregnancy, future health, and the health of our future children How people can get started with minimizing exposure to toxins and repairing past effects from toxins How far in advance people should address this issue before trying to get pregnant And so much more! I'm really excited to share today's interview with you because I believe that environmental health is a really important consideration when it comes to fertility. And it is rarely discussed in the typical medical fertility clinic setting. Dr. Jessica Dupont's Bio Dr. Jessica Dupont is a Naturopathic Doctor, Birth Doula, Fertility Strategist, and a mother of 2 boys. Her practice focuses on Hormonal Regulation, Women's Health, Fertility, & Perinatal Care. Dr. Jessica has made it her mission to empower women worldwide to embrace their divine feminine power, take control of their health, and realize their optimal health potential so they can feel energetic, vibrant, and beautiful inside and out. It is her belief that by educating and supporting healthy women and mothers, we will have healthier children and healthier communities. Dr. Dupont is founder of York Region Naturopathic Doulas, and is the Creator of the noteworthy online fertility program Baby Bloomers. Important Links: Dirty Dozen Clean Fifteen Dr Jessica's Website Fertility Detox Program Baby Bloomers Online Comprehensive Fertility Program Dr Jessica on instagram Dr Jessica on Facebook The Missing Pillar of Health Podcast Michelle Kapler's Website Fertility Academy Facebook Group

Today on this solo episode, I'm going to be answering some of the most common questions I get in my clinical fertility practice. You might be wondering about a few of these questions yourself. I haven't done a solo episode in a while - so its time! Today, I want to dive into a few questions I commonly get from patients in my clinical practice. Each time I do a new patient intake, I end up answering these questions - so I figured that some of you out there might have the same thoughts. I answer: When should I seek a referral to a medical fertility specialist? I had a miscarriage. Does this mean there is something wrong with me? I'm trying the new supplement or acupuncture or dietary protocol or stress reduction technique. How long will it take to know if it's working? I've been offered IVF as a next step for treatment. What do I need to know? Important Links: Contact Michelle for a Free 15 min consultation Michelle's Website Miscarriage Stats Canada Top 10 Causes of Miscarriage Blog Post Episode 2 - Mastering Health Basics To Optimize Fertility Episode 4 - IVF Questions

*Trigger warning: infant loss and death* Today I'm talking with Michelle O'Brien who has generously offered to share her story of losing her daughter, Harper, a few days after birth. This one is a tough one, so I would like to offer a trigger warning for those who might have been through miscarriage or infant loss. Michelle lives in Toronto, Ontario. She is a mother to four girls, three in her arms and one in her heart. Her first daughter, Harper, passed away due to complications three days after birth. She aims to bring awareness, compassion, and hope to other women's lives who have also suffered heartbreak in regards to pregnancy through Well Together Health. Well Together is an online platform that aims to provide resources for families who have experienced pregnancy related loss. Through mindfulness, nutrition, and movement, she hopes to help other women navigate their own journeys. Important Links: Well Together Health Michelle O'Brien on Instagram Michelle Kapler Fertility Academy Facebook Community

On this episode, I'm talking with Amira Posner, a therapist and social worker, with an exclusive focus in the area of fertility and infertility challenges. Amira and I have known each other professionally for years and I refer local patients to her all the time. They always have good feedback about her programs and offerings. Today we talk about: Her Mindbody Fertility Group What type of techniques she recommends to her clients for mental health support and resilience Her own journey with secondary infertility and IVF Stress and how it relates to fertility Relating to your partner when going through fertility challenges And so much more About Amira: Amira and her husband experienced secondary infertility. After several failed in uterine inseminations, Amira conceived her twins through IVF. It was her own personal experience with infertility that was the catalyst for healinginfertility.ca. She is a therapist with a private practice in Toronto, Ontario. Amira has both a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Manitoba. She works with individuals and couples who are struggling with infertility. Amira developed and now facilitates the Mind-Body Fertility Group and co-facilitates the Online Mindfulness Fertility Series. In addition to working with individuals, couples, and families -- providing therapy in a secure and safe setting -- Amira is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Amira is a certified Hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner. Amira is also the mother of three miracles. She supports couples worldwide. Important Links: Amira's website Amira on Instagram Michelle's website Fertility Academy Facebook Group

On today's episode, I'm going to be chatting with Dr Jennah Miller who is one of the incredible naturopathic doctors that I have had the pleasure of working with at my clinic, The Toronto Reproductive Acupuncture Clinic. We are going to be diving into a topic that's mysterious and frustrating - unexplained infertility. Today we talk about: What is unexplained infertility and what does it mean? How is someone diagnosed with unexplained infertility? What are some of the most common underlying causes of unexplained infertility? What types of treatments are typically offered to people with an unexplained infertility diagnosis? How a Naturopathic Doctor assesses and treats unexplained infertility. And Dr Jennah shares some good advice for people who have just received an unexplained infertility diagnosis. Dr. Jennah's bio: Dr. Jennah Miller is a Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for co-creating the health of weird, wild, and badass women. Focusing strongly on fertility and menstrual health, Dr. Jennah understands that women are not simply small men and is resolute in her belief that you deserve more than one size fits all medicine. Dr. Jennah provides a female-centered healthcare model that empowers women and allows them to feel safe and heard, while working through their health and fertility concerns in a sustainable way. Dr. Jennah graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine with a special interest in fertility and reproductive health, as well as a passion for teaching women how to connect with the shifting tides of their own bodies. While finishing her degree, Dr. Jennah completed additional training though a fertility and reproductive health-focused internship, where she learned how to support couples and individuals from pre-conception to pregnancy. Important Links: Toronto Reproductive Acupuncture Clinic Dr Jennah Miller's Website Dr Jennah on Instagram Book a free virtual consultation with Dr Jennah Michelle Kapler's Website Fertility Academy Facebook Community