In today's episode you will guided through my favorite visualization for starting a new year. I highly suggest this visualization anytime you are starting something new, need to get unstuck, or are making big decisions. We are going to harness the connection between our heart and our womb for this one. Get comfy and let's dive deep together. 

This meditation was part of a 3 day series I taught at the end of 2023. You can still access the replays here until Feb 1st, 2024. Don't miss this special opportunity to learn from me on a deeper level.

Hello, wonderful listeners! I'm back with the fifth season of Fertile Minds Radio, and I couldn't be more excited. It's incredible to think about the journey we've embarked on together, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated listeners. Your support is what makes this podcast so special.

In this season opener we are shedding light on the role of Vitex, a herbal remedy. Tune in for a detailed exploration of how Vitex can impact prolactin levels, luteal phase insufficiency, and progesterone deficiency—all crucial factors affecting a woman's reproductive journey. 

After listening to this episode you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how Vitex might be the natural solution you've been searching for.

If you would like access to my fertility supplement guide based on up to date research click here. 

If this episode resonates with you and you want to take this work deeper, I invite you to join my Conscious Conceptions program by going to https://www.FertileMindsRadio.com to learn more. 

Research mentioned: 

Walker MH, Tobler KJ. Female Infertility

Batool Hossein-Rashidi, Maryam Nemati, Effects of Vitex agnus-castus extract

Luteal phase deficiency in regularly menstruating women:

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Disclaimer * 

You must not rely on the information in this podcast as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in this podcast.

Explore the complex world of reproductive rights & environmentalism with Representative Lindsay Cross where we discuss the process of passing critical healthcare legislation, crisis pregnancy centers, abortion restrictions, & more.

Summary:

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of reproductive rights and environmentalism, discussing recent issues in Florida and the potential impacts on reproductive technologies like IVF and medical care during emergencies. Joined by Representative Lindsey Cross, we explore the increasing prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their potential connection to infertility, miscarriages, and possibly even gender dysphoria. We also break down the complicated process of how a bill becomes a law and the role of committees, the House of Representatives, and the importance of majority control. Additionally, we examine the frustrating aspects of pregnancy counting in the medical system, the funding for crisis pregnancy centers, and the impact of extreme policies on reproductive healthcare and education. Finally, we discuss the long-term implications of our convenience-driven lifestyle on our health and the environment, as well as the role of lobbyists in shaping legislation. This conversation is crucial to understanding how these issues affect not only Florida residents but the wider population as well.

Chapters:

(0:00:01) - Environmentalism in Fertility

(0:05:39) - The Complex Rules of Passing Legislation

(0:12:37) - Funding Crisis Pregnancy Centers

(0:21:10) - Impact of Abortion Restrictions

(0:30:01) - Politically Motivated Disinformation

(0:40:41) - Impact of Convenience Lifestyle

(0:52:50) - The Impact of Lobbyists on Society

(0:59:19) - Environmentalism and Reproductive Health

Do I need more time to prepare my body before I start trying for a baby? Or am I running out of time and need to start trying ASAP? The answers to those questions are unique to each person thinking of starting a family, and today we discuss the factors we should consider when trying to answer those questions and how to do so without creating more anxiety for yourself & your partner. 

We dive into conditioning around having a child and the importance of knowing your "why," when it comes to starting a family. 

This is a must listen if you are at the beginning of thinking about starting a family or if you have been in the throws of infertility for some time and need to find your bearings. 

If this episode resonates with you and you want to take this work deeper, I invite you to join my Conscious Conceptions program by going to https://www.FertileMindsRadio.com to learn more. 

Subtitle: We discuss the major influence that methylation has on our cells’ genetic expression, and how we can manipulate it to our advantage with proper folate supplementation.

Our Guest: Ricardo Miranda is the CEO and MTHFR consultant for MTHFRdoctors.com. He is a leading clinician and one of the top researchers in the field of MTHFR genetic mutation. With over 28 years of clinical experience, he is able to assess the direct link between his patient’s genetic mutations and their health issues. He developed a unique approach combining Functional Medicine, Genetics, Epigenetics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Nutrition and Integrative Medicine diagnostics. He has done extensive research in the MTHFR area, and with the understanding of multiple disciplines, he has coached doctors from all over the country on how to treat patients with MTHFR mutations and methylation issues, including mitochondrial dysfunction. With a passion for helping people reverse their long-lasting illnesses, Ricardo founded MTHFRdoctors.com. Today MTHFRdoctors.com is one of the leading websites in the field of MTHFR with the biggest research database on MTHFR related studies available.

Description: We take a deep dive into how our body's natural ability to detoxify itself can be inhibit by as much as 70% depending on our genetics. The innability to detox naturally can have significant impact on both male and female fertility as well as the health of our future children. We discuss in depth the antagonist relationship between folate and folic acid and how to avoid folic acid causing issue even though it is widely prescribed to OB patients across the US. 

For more insight like this on the daily join our online fertility coaching program and course, Conscious Conceptions. Go to www.FertileMindsRadio.com to find out more. 

Zulgeil Ruiz Ginés, born and raised in Puerto Rico, is affectionately known as “Zul”. After the birth of her first daughter, she was forever changed in how she understood pregnancy and birth. Supporting families in their pregnancy, birth and postpartum care became her passion. She has studied with birth workers in Los Angeles, Mexico and now Florida.

Zul is the owner of UMA Midwifery & Homebirth Services assisting families in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area.

We discuss challenges women, especially women of color, face while seeking proper birth care.

Description:

There is an alarmingly high maternal mortality rate among women of color in the United States- 40 deaths per 100,000 compared with a 12.4 deaths per 100,000 for white women. This is on par with women experience in developing nations. Why is this continuing to happen in one of the wealthiest nations and no one is talking about it? More importantly- What are the solutions?

Takeaways

[7:05] The pandemic skyrocketed demand for midwives, as some women were being forced to birth at home, or couldn’t have family in the room during the delivery.

[12:07] Not everyone needs a home birth, but everyone can benefit from a midwifery model.

[14:03] Becoming a doula or taking a doula course gives a great introduction into midwifery, and the journey can help us heal from traumatic birth experiences. [19:30] Pain is physical, but suffering is mental. When we anticipate pain, we experience it.

[24:40] Since the pandemic, some women are getting induced as early as 37 weeks, but such early inductions can often lead to caesarian births.

[36:15] Certain areas have hospitals that are understaffed or under equipped to handle certain birth situations, especially for women of color, or people needing translation services.

[45:08] Women of color are often left unheard in hospitals, leading to traumatic experiences that create a distrust and fear of going to hospitals.

[49:19] CDC: 60% of the current US maternal deaths are preventable.

[57:00] The right to choose the type of birth you will have depends on the state you live in.

[67:07]Home births cost around 6k including all pre- and post-partum care. Hospital births range from $8000 to $60000

https://umamidwifery.com

https://www.nacpm.org/

https://www.fertilemindsradio.com/

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2020/maternal-mortality-rates-2020.htm

https://www.who.int/news/item/16-06-2021-caesarean-section-rates-continue-to-rise-amid-growing-inequalities-in-access

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/who-statement-on-caesarean-section-rates-frequently-asked-questions

https://www.cesareanrates.org/

https://www.consumerreports.org/c-section/biggest-c-section-risk-may-be-your-hospital/

Subtitle: What is the fantasy fallacy and how can it affect us on our fertility journey and after we become parents?

Description: We fall victim to the arrival fallacy when we forbid ourselves to feel happy until we accomplish that *one* thing, but oftentimes, even when the goal is achieved, we still have trouble feeling complete. In this podcast, we discuss the prevalence of fantasy fallacy in our society and methods that can help us find happiness in our present.

If you want to avoid arguments with your partner about lifestyle changes from diet to drinking in the name of conceiving, this is the episode for you. 

Most of us think of consent as something we give for something big- like a medical procedure, or in sexual exchanges. Obviously we want to give consent to be intimate. What I want to talk about today, are the more subtle aspects of consent in the context of your path to parenthood and all of the well intentioned changes we might be making or thinking about making in regards to lifestyle changes.