Change is hard, especially when they involve endings of things we’re sad to see go. And we’re definitely sad to see The Whole Pineapple go. 

In this very special, final (for now?) episode, Ruby, Anne, Jamie, and podcast producer Shannon Perry reflect on how difficult it can be to say goodbye. But as A.A. Milne says in the voice of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Given how hard this is, we’ve clearly been very lucky indeed. Then stay tuned for Jamie’s meditation on letting go so you can move forward.

This podcast has been a labor of love, and there has been a lot of joy in talking with amazing guests, hearing from listeners how much you’ve gotten from the episodes, and diving deeper into how fertility appears in research, books, and even popular culture.

We hope The Whole Pineapple has helped listeners learn more about the fertility journey and the options that exist for those who are having challenges building their families. But we also hope it’s helped open the discussion — the stigma that still exists around infertility, and the reluctance many of us feel when talking about bodies and reproduction can make it tough to talk. But these are necessary conversations, and sharing podcasts like The Whole Pineapple can be a gentle way to introduce the topic.

Finally, we have to say “thank you.” Thank you for listening and supporting this podcast. Thank you for sharing episodes and the things you’ve learned. Thank you for coming with us on this journey. Please know that the episodes will continue to be available, and our email, thewholepineapple@gmail.com is still live, if you have comments or questions.

We love and appreciate you. Have a delicious week.

Resources: 

Kahlil Gibran: On Joy and Sorrow

Find Jamie Mammenga on her website, Sound Perinatal and Fertility Counseling, PLLC: www.soundcounseling.org

Audiotocracy Podcast Production: audiotocracy.com

Sorry, folks, it’s official: it’s the end of sex.*

Henry “Hank” Greely, Professor by courtesy of Genetics at Stanford School of Medicine, Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law, and Director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences, is very interested in how new biomedical technologies impact assisted reproduction. He’s authored two books: The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction in 2016, and CRISPR People: The Science and Ethics of Editing Humans, which published in 2021, and is Chair of the Steering Committee of the Center for Biomedical Ethics, among other impressive mouthfuls.

In this episode, Ruby, Anne, and Hank dive into the changes that are already happening in human reproduction — and the possible changes to come. In addition to the scientific challenges, what are the ethical and legal questions we’ll need to tackle as the landscape changes?

Many of us became aware of genetic questions with Dolly the cloned sheep and the controversy over stem cells and how they might be used to repair damaged bodies. But Hank took the question even further, asking, What happens when we can make eggs and sperm from skin cells? Does that signal the end of human reproduction as we know it?

Hank can pinpoint the origin of his curiosity to October 19, 2010 in Muenster, Germany — a conference talk on how induced pluripotent stem cells (iPscs) could be used to make other cells, including, the speaker said off-handedly, sperm and eggs. Wait, what?

Science fiction? Maybe not.

If you’re curious about the possible future of fertility (and sex), this is the episode for you. Be sure to check out the book as well. There’s not only theory about what the future could hold but also a well-researched history of how we’ve gotten here 

As always, please rate and review, and most of all, share the episode and show with anyone you think could benefit. 

*Spoiler: New technologies might mean the end of sex for reproduction and the start of sex purely for pleasure. So the news isn’t bad after all. 

Learn more about Hank Greely on the Stanford Law School Directory: https://law.stanford.edu/directory/henry-t-greely/

Find more episodes from Ruby and Anne at https://thewholepineapple.com.

 

Resources mentioned:

Purchase the book from the Harvard University Press: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674984011

Episode 29: My Embryos are Mosaic? https://thewholepineapple.com/episode-29-my-embryos-are-mosaic-interpreting-your-pgt-results/

 

OK, we knew the human gut had one of these, but the vagina too? What’s actually going on in there?

Microbiomes are incredibly diverse ecosystems: we are more bacteria than we are human. Yep. Read that again — there are more bacteria in us than human cells. You, my friend, are a moving, breathing microcosm that is incredibly cooperative when you’re healthy.

Don’t panic. Katy Bradbury is back to explain what all this means and how we can use this knowledge to be healthier.

Things to know:

• A healthy gut is NOT free from bacteria. We need the friendly bacteria to survive. Yes, it’s a bit icky to think about, but it’s important. 
• “Bad” bacteria is opportunistic, like weeds in a garden, says Katy. You need to keep your “good bacteria” healthy and plentiful so the bad can’t get a foothold.
• We want a diversity of good bacteria in both the gut and the vagina, but these are not the same critters. Lactobacilli are best for the vagina, so knowing how to protect lactobacilli by keeping the vaginal environment at the right pH is a good thing.
• This is important for fertility but also for avoiding infections like yeast infections and UTIs, so care is a life-long need.
• Douching and using other “cleaning products” is NOT vaginal care unless you have a specific medical reason. These products disrupt the natural vaginal pH and aren’t necessary for this self-cleaning organ.

There’s so much good information in this episode, so please give it a listen and share with others. While it may be difficult to overcome the traditional shame around our bodies, this shame is, frankly, not helpful. Sharing information and talking openly are the best way to erase the shame and be healthier.

Ready to learn more? Listen up!

More about Katy Bradbury: Katy is founding member of the Fertility Nutrition Centre, a clinical advisor at Fab Fertile, a content provider for women’s health platform Xena, and a clinical supervisor for nutritional therapy students at the University of West London. You can find her at Katy Bradbury.com. Be sure to check out the robust back catalog of episodes from her podcast Fertility and the First 1000 Days: katybradbury.com/podcast

To hear more from Anne and Ruby, find all their episodes at thewholepineapple.com.

Cue the mood lighting, Marvin Gaye, and high thread count sheets. Let’s talk about sex! 

On today’s short snack we’re covering some juicy stuff you’ve always wanted to know about sex, but (maybe) are afraid to ask your fertility doc. Like should you actually stay horizontal after sex to increase chances of pregnancy? Does a clitoral orgasm have any bearing on fertility rates? How often should you have sex if you’re trying to get pregnant? And can you get pregnant while you’re menstruating? 

Also, did you know Ruby coined a sex position in Taking Charge of your Fertility??

Let’s get it on!

Have you had COVID-19? At this point in the pandemic, the chances are quite high. So what does the virus mean for your reproductive health?

On today’s short snack, we welcome back Dr. Marah Hehemann – who is a fellowship trained surgeon, researcher, educator and patient advocate specializing in the fields of urology, reproductive health, and sexual health – to talk about the direct impacts of COVID-19 on sperm health. 

How does covid impact the testicles and penis? How does a high fever impact sperm? Is there an association between Covid-19 and erectile dysfunction? 

Get all our questions answered on this bite-sized episode. 

Ps. Before you even have a chance to wonder, YES, the COVID-19 vaccine is absolutely safe for testicular health and sperm production.

We spend a lot of time on the Whole Pineapple talking about eggs, ovaries, and tubes. And for good reason! But today, we’re giving some attention to another vital ingredient in the reproduction recipe: sperm. 

Despite our habit of looking to the egg side to locate issues, sperm is often a major factor in infertility (50% of the time, in fact!). So we’re taking you on a trip into the urologist’s office with Dr. Marah Hehemann. Marah is a fellowship trained surgeon, researcher, educator and patient advocate specializing in the fields of urology, reproductive health, and sexual health. Not only is she incredibly credentialed, she is also very attuned to high-sensitivity topics and supporting patient-centered conversations.

So, what can you expect from a urology visit? What can a semen analysis tell you? Is there actually a correlation between sperm count and virility? What should you eat to optimize penile and sperm health? What should you do if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction? There’s a load to talk about.

Amanda Ellis and her husband had made the decision not to have any more biological children. As luck would have it, another option fell into their laps. 

On this week’s short snack, we’re sharing an incredible listener story about one of the many ways to build a family. If you’ve thought about third party reproduction, or you simply want to hear a heartwarming story about a special set of sisters, you won’t want to miss this treat of an episode.

If you’re currently doing fertility injections, or are considering it, you may have some anxiety about giving yourself shots. Feeling nervous about needles is normal. 

So on today’s short snack, we’re delighted to have another Mindful Moment with friend of the pod, Jamie Mammenga, who is here to share some tools to help ease the stress. She also guides us on a meditation to help reduce fear. Whatever is holding you back, this episode will help you let go of your fear, and leave you feeling refreshed and empowered.

Imagine this: you’re standing in the Italian countryside when a tanker truck goes by. You catch a whiff of something odiferous, but it can’t be… or could it be? Is that truck full of pee?

It turns out we can thank some happy accidents, chance encounters, hamsters, and the urine from hundreds of Catholic nuns for our modern fertility medicine. Why and how? In today’s episode, we’re looking back in time for the stories behind the pharmaceuticals.  

Who discovered hormones? How was Clomid first synthesized? When and how were injectables introduced? And do we really share the same steroid receptors as sea sponges, jellyfish & worms? (Hint: Yes, yes we do). If you’re curious where your medicine comes from, buckle up for a wild ride!

References:

Letrozole for Female Infertility - PMC (nih.gov)

The strange story of a fertility drug made with the Pope’s blessing and gallons of nun urine — Quartz (qz.com)

Microsoft Word - s015approval.doc (fda.gov)

Follistim - Food and Drug Administration

The strange story of a fertility drug made with the Pope’s blessing and gallons of nun urine - Quartz

Microsoft Word - 2_9.docx (nih.gov)

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(17)31697-7/fulltext

https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S2661318219500026

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)02308-4/fulltext

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4769851/

https://www.rbmojournal.com/article/S1472-6483(10)60937-6/pdf

On today’s short snack, we’re going past ovulation into the luteal phase of your cycle. Which means it’s time to talk about progesterone! Progesterone is the hormone that signals your uterus to turn into a nice comfy place for an embryo to implant. 

Supplemental progesterone can be an important part of fertility treatment. It’s also one of the most common, confusing, and controversial topics of  conversation in the fertility world. So, how do you know if you should take it? What’s the goldilocks timing? And are there side effects?

Anne even has one of her special songs to explain things.

There are toxic hazards all around us – in plastics, in candles, even in pajamas. But fear not! There are simple and effective tweaks we can make to reduce chemicals in our day-to-day lives.

On today’s short snack, Dr. Natalia Grob – who is an expert on endocrine disrupting chemicals – is back, and going room-to-room in the house to talk about what we should ditch to make our environments healthier. 

For more with Dr. Grob:

https://www.conceptionsrepro.com/dr-natalia-grob.html

IG: @nataliagrob_md

Do you have to throw away all your pans, your plastic containers, your bubble wrap? 

Maybe life is just meant to be sticky…. Since non-stick pans and surfaces are generally not great for preparing or storing food.

There used to be lead in lipstick? REALLY?? In this episode, learn what substances may be affecting your health and the health of your family. And learn steps you can take to make your environment healthier.

Dr. Natalia Grob is an expert on endocrine disrupting chemicals, the effects of environmental toxins on fertility and overall health, and how we can all make healthier consumer choices.

Dr. Grob is double board-certified in obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She uses evidence-based medicine to enhance your fertility naturally with diet and lifestyle recommendations. She believes in patient empowerment and wants to help provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your family. 

Mama to three boys, outdoor adventures keep her grounded. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado and practices with Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado.

Contact Info:

https://www.conceptionsrepro.com/dr-natalia-grob.html

IG:  @nataliagrob_md

Resources:

https://www.millionmarker.com/

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm

https://thinkdirtyapp.com/

https://www.ewg.org/

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Ovulation is just one part of the fertility puzzle, but it’s a really important one. So what is ovulation, exactly, and how can we track it?

On today’s short snack, Ruby and Anne are going back to basics and talking about hormones, ovaries, and menstrual cycles. And then, the question you’ve all been asking: what’s the deal with ovulation predictor kits, and are they worth using? Anne and Ruby are here to bring you the unvarnished truth. And, if you need even more reason to tune it, Anne’s got one of her special songs that explains it all…  

Scheduling to record with this guest was a bit of a journey of its own, but the end result was totally worth it! 

Registered Nurse, nutritional therapist, and former fertility patient Katy Bradbury understands the fertility journey as thoroughly as anyone can. But her own difficult experience had a genuine bright side: it led her into her career in fertility-centered nutrition.

As nutrition often isn’t included in fertility advice or treatment in many places (looking at YOU, USA), this episode can be particularly useful for those who want to optimize their health and physical condition to support a healthy pregnancy.

Fertility treatment in the UK is, as Katy says, a bit of a “postcode lottery” meaning that where you live can determine the level of treatment you receive, and there’s not a national level of service. Some people may wait a year or longer to start, which can be really tough when age is such a factor.

Fortunately, improving nutrition can start (and ideally should start) well in advance of that first round of IVF or before treatment begins. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind!

• Those first 1000 days — conception to age 2 — are so important to a child’s development and health.
• It’s best to work with all partners to fully understand the issues and be proactive about health and nutrition.
• Get ready to work on your gut! Gut health is so important and often so ignored.
• “Bespoke” nutritional guidance is best: bodies, lifestyles, tastes, etc. are all different. A fertility nutritionist can help you learn the foods that work best for you. 

Ready to learn more? Listen up!

More about Katy Bradbury: Katy is founding member of the Fertility Nutrition Centre, a clinical advisor at Fab Fertile, a content provider for women’s health platform Xena, and a clinical supervisor for nutritional therapy students at the University of West London. You can find her at Katy Bradbury.com and be sure to check out the robust back catalog of episodes from her podcast Fertility and the First 1000 Days.

To hear more from Anne and Ruby, find all their episodes at thewholepineapple.com.

Resources:

Fertility Nutrition Centre: fertilitynutritioncentre.org

Xena: xena.life

Katy’s website: katybradbury.com

Fertility and the First 1000 Days podcast: katybradbury.com/podcast

One in eight women in the U.S will be diagnosed with breast cancer...

A year and a week after her previous clear mammogram, Dr. Michelle Tollefson went in for another. This one showed a lump. 

On this week’s short snack, Dr. Tollefson shares her experience as a doctor becoming a patient – of knowing the information but having to face putting it into practice. Tune in for an incredible story, and for actionable steps we can take to prevent and fight cancer with lifestyle medicine. 

For more information:

American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR)

Improving Women’s Health Across The Lifespan

https://www.amazon.com/Improving-Womens-Lifespan-Lifestyle-Medicine/dp/0367627639

Beth Frates - Paving the Path to Wellness 

https://www.bethfratesmd.com/paving-the-path-to-wellness

Paving the Path to Wellness workbook 

https://www.bethfratesmd.com/books

American Institute of Cancer Research Resource page 

https://www.aicr.org/resources/media-library/

Mass General PAVING the Path to Wellness groups for those with breast cancer

https://www.massgeneral.org/cancer-center/patient-and-family-resources/supportive-care/paving/?TRILIBIS_EMULATOR_UA=Mozilla%2F5.0+(Windows+NT+6.1%3B+WOW64%3B+rv%3A26.0)+Gecko%2F20100101+Firefox%2F26.0#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20principles%20of,a%20diagnosis%20of%20breast%20cancer.

American Institute of Cancer Research Resource page 

https://www.aicr.org/resources/media-library/

Your Brain on Food by Uma Naidoo

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49088685-this-is-your-brain-on-food?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YXDfXeexaL&rank=1

Your Body in Balance by Neal Barnard 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46208089-your-body-in-balance?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=pihtZD54kI&rank=2

The Good Germ Hotel by Kwon Soo-Jinn (Author), Kim Sung-Hwa (Author), Kim Ryung-Eon (Illustrator)  

https://bookshop.org/books/the-good-germ-hotel-meet-your-body-s-marvelous-microbes/9781913750169

"Let food by thy medicine..."

We're not sure Hippocrates really said it, but whether he did or not, it's true. What we eat can promote health and healing and may help with fertility challenges. And few people have ever experienced serious side effects from a radish.

Equally, inflammatory foods can make conceiving harder, so it's good to know what foods are often culprits. And because every body is different, it's also good to learn your body's language, so you understand what it's trying to tell you.

In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with Dr. Michelle Tollefsen about food, fertility, and overall wellness. 

Dr. Michelle Tollefson is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in Denver, CO, and a Professor in the Health Professions Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver where she created and oversees the Lifestyle Medicine Program and the Wellness Coaching and Lifestyle Medicine Pathway.

And, be sure to check out the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's new course, Food as Medicine.

Each session within the ACLM Food As Medicine course series builds on practical strategies that help health professionals use nutrition to treat and even reverse common chronic diseases. Led by foremost experts and backed by strong evidence, sessions also consider various life stages, scope of practice, and pharmaceutical implications.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Improving Women’s Health Across The Lifespan: https://www.amazon.com/Improving-Womens-Lifespan-Lifestyle-Medicine/dp/0367627639

Beth Frates - Paving the Path to Wellness: https://www.bethfratesmd.com/paving-the-path-to-wellness

Paving the Path to Wellness workbook: https://www.bethfratesmd.com/books

American Institute of Cancer Research Resource page: https://www.aicr.org/resources/media-library/

Mass General PAVING the Path to Wellness groups for those with breast cancer: https://www.massgeneral.org/cancer-center/patient-and-family-resources/supportive-care/paving/?TRILIBIS_EMULATOR_UA=Mozilla%2F5.0+(Windows+NT+6.1%3B+WOW64%3B+rv%3A26.0)+Gecko%2F20100101+Firefox%2F26.0#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20principles%20of,a%20diagnosis%20of%20breast%20cancer.

American Institute of Cancer Research Resource page: https://www.aicr.org/resources/media-library/

Your Brain on Food by Uma Naidoo: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49088685-this-is-your-brain-on-food?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YXDfXeexaL&rank=1

Your Body in Balance by Neal Barnard: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46208089-your-body-in-balance?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=pihtZD54kI&rank=2

The Good Germ Hotel by Kwon Soo-Jinn (Author), Kim Sung-Hwa (Author), Kim Ryung-Eon (Illustrator): https://bookshop.org/books/the-good-germ-hotel-meet-your-body-s-marvelous-microbes/9781913750169

Clinical studies show that many of us experience an increase in anxiety and depression during the holidays. And yes, this includes the spring holidays going on right now.

So on today’s short snack, friend of the pod Jamie Mammenga shares some tools for navigating a fertility journey during this heightened time. Be sure to listen before heading out to family brunch. Jamie’s wise and soothing words are like a gentle breeze.

We all have different shapes and sizes. And there’s growing awareness that we can enhance health and well-being in every body.

On this week’s short snack episode, we welcome back Judy Simon to talk about how we can engage in gentle nutrition and joyful movement instead of restrictive dieting.

And she talks about the imperative that medical professionals practice respectful patient-centered care and weight inclusivity.

Along the way, she debunks commonly held – and antiquated – beliefs about fatness and fertility.

About Judy:

Judy Simon practices as an RDN, certified health education specialist, and adjunct faculty at the University of Washington. She also owns a private practice, Mind Body Nutrition, PLLC, specializing in reproductive nutrition and eating disorders.

Contact Judy at her email, judy@mind-body-nutrition.com; on Instagram @fertilenutrition; on Twitter @JSimonRD; on her website, www.mind-body-nutrition.com, or find her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judy-simon-9178267/. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

EATING DISORDERS

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

www.anad.org

http://www.diabulimiahelpline.org/resources.html

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/recovery-centers/denver

https://www.emilyprogram.com/

HAES ® (Health at Every Size)

https://asdah.org/health-at-every-size-haes-approach/

https://haeshealthsheets.com/the-health-sheet-library/

https://www.intuitiveeating.org

https://benourished.org/about-body-trust/

BOOKS:

Body Kindness: Transform Your Health from the Inside Out — and Never Say Diet Again by Rebecca Scritchfield

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28110894-body-kindness?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=e8FG1gCPQV&rank=1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/79534/9780761187295

The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34956885-the-body-is-not-an-apology?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=DMkNIvKwDN&rank=1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/79534/9781523090990 

Intuitive Eating 4th Edition Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51291382-intuitive-eating?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GaaCwOqSNk&rank=1

Bookshop:  https://bookshop.org/a/79534/9781250255198

 

If you've had fertility treatment, chances are you filled out some sort of intake form that asked questions about the foods you eat, how much you sleep, medications you take, and so on.

Did any of those forms ask about eating disorders? 

Turns out, asking about eating disorders is really important - always - but especially when it comes to fertility. Nutrition and overall health are certainly reasons to ask about eating habits, but there are also questions of control, body dysmorphia, fear of weight gain, and even an over-emphasis on healthy eating that can lead to disordered eating. 

Judy Simon practices as an RDN, certified health education specialist, and adjunct faculty at the University of Washington. She also owns a private practice, Mind Body Nutrition, PLLC, specializing in reproductive nutrition and eating disorders.

Judy co-developed the successful Food for Fertility Program with Dr. Angela Thyer and is recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and as a national leader in the area of fertility and nutrition.

Judy offers her patients the unique experience of a non-dieting, intuitive approach to healthy eating.

Please have a listen and pass this podcast along to anyone you think could benefit.

Contact Judy at her email, judy@mind-body-nutrition.com; on Instagram @fertilenutrition; on Twitter @JSimonRD; on her website, www.mind-body-nutrition.com or find her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judy-simon-9178267/. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

EATING DISORDERS

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

www.anad.org

http://www.diabulimiahelpline.org/resources.html

https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/recovery-centers/denver

https://www.emilyprogram.com/

HAES ® (Health at Every Size)

https://asdah.org/health-at-every-size-haes-approach/

https://haeshealthsheets.com/the-health-sheet-library/

https://www.intuitiveeating.org

https://benourished.org/about-body-trust/

BOOKS:

Body Kindness: Transform Your Health from the Inside Out — and Never Say Diet Again by Rebecca Scritchfield

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28110894-body-kindness?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=e8FG1gCPQV&rank=1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/79534/9780761187295

The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34956885-the-body-is-not-an-apology?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=DMkNIvKwDN&rank=1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/79534/9781523090990 

Intuitive Eating 4th Edition Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51291382-intuitive-eating?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GaaCwOqSNk&rank=1

Bookshop:  https://bookshop.org/a/79534/9781250255198

 

For Monica Bivas, pain became purpose. After going through years of her own fertility challenges, she became a fertility and IVF coach to support others experiencing the same difficulties.

On this week’s short snack, Monica shares her journey, including grappling with endometriosis, miscarriage, and emotional tumult. And, she explains how a fertility coach supports clients.

If you’re considering a fertility coach, or are interested in finding community with others who are facing fertility difficulties, this episode is for you.

Trigger warning: on this episode, we discuss: infant loss, stillbirth, miscarriage, and relationship challenges. 

https://monicabivas.com/

monicabivasivfcoach@gmail.com

IG  @monicabivas 

FB https://www.facebook.com/monicabivasfertilitycoach

The IVF Planner from Monica: https://www.amazon.com/Ivf-Planner-Personal-Fertilization-Positivity/dp/1982213256/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W9RIIA05Z77U&keywords=monica+bivas&qid=1646334173&sprefix=monica+bivas%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1

Looking for more information on fertility and wellness? Visit our website TheWholePineapple.com!

It’s International Transgender Day of Visibility, so Ruby and Anne are bringing you a bonus short snack episode to talk about identity, allyship, and how you can put your dollars to work for the LGBTQIA+ community. 1.4 million adults in the U.S identify as transgender, gender queer, diverse, fluid or nonbinary. Let’s show our support!

Family Equality

http://FamilyEquality.org

Family Equality Book Nook

https://www.familyequality.org/family-support/lgbtq-books/

Contact your elected officials

https://www.familyequality.org/issues-advocacy/state-advocacy/

Donate:

https://donate.familyequality.org/give/282932/?_ga=2.79196820.1037584484.1648244697-538433170.1646093702#!/donation/checkout

National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center of The Fenway Institute https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/

Contact your elected officials

https://www.familyequality.org/issues-advocacy/state-advocacy/

The Trevor Project 

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Transequality.org

https://transequality.org/state-action-center

The Safe Zone Project

https://thesafezoneproject.com/about/what-is-safe-zone/

ACLU

https://www.aclu.org/issues/lgbtq-rights

Trans Lifeline toll free - a lifeline for trans people run by trans people 

US at 877-565-8860 

Canada at 877-330-6366 

The Trevor Project Lifeline

For LGBTQIA+ Youth under the age of 25

Toll free 24/7 by phone at 1-866-488-7386

Text the word START to 678678 (standard message rates apply)

Chat for free on The Trevor Project’s website’s online portal at https://www.thetrevorproject.org

References used in episode:

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/07/27/rising-shares-of-u-s-adults-know-someone-who-is-transgender-or-goes-by-gender-neutral-pronouns/

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/health/transgender-population.html

https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-adults-united-states/

https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/

https://transequality.org/state-action-center

https://thesafezoneproject.com/about/what-is-safe-zone/

http://FamilyEquality.org

The FDA is hands off when it comes to supplements, which means wading through the claims can be tricky and confusing. How do you know if what you’re getting is the good stuff?

On this week’s short snack, Anne and Ruby chat with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Sarah de la Torre to demystify supplement labels, claims, and certifications. What do the percentages mean? How do you know if your fish oil is mercury-free? What if you’re on a plant-based diet?

Tune in so you can feel more confident finding and consuming nutrition-packed supplements that won’t waste your money. 

Links:

Dietary Supplement Label Database

NSF

FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) Regulations

Consumer Reports: How to Choose Supplements Wisely 

True Label Program

International Fish Oil Standards / International Krill Oil Standards

Marine Stewardship Counsel 

Certified Vegan 

Your average drugstore or grocery store holds a dizzying array of supplements. Gummies versus pills, this brand versus that, one-a-day versus as-needed, and don't get us started on the dosage discrepancies.

The FDA doesn't regulate nutritional supplements the way it does medications, even though some ingredients in supplements can have profound affects on the body. 

When it comes to your fertility or your health in general, how do you know which one(s) to choose?

In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with Dr. Sarah de la Torre, a board-certified OB-GYN who has worked in private practice for over 16 years. 

A medical and wellness consultant for over 7 years, Dr. de la Torre is an ACLM Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician and has specialized training in Functional Medicine. 

She joined SRM in 2019 and has been a leader in launching and developing our Wellness program, which has been a huge success and benefit to our patients here at SRM as well as those referred from clinicians outside our practice.    

Links:

Dietary Supplement Label Database

NSF

FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) Regulations

Consumer Reports: How to Choose Supplements Wisely 

True Label Program

International Fish Oil Standards / International Krill Oil Standards

Marine Stewardship Counsel 

Certified Vegan 

How can such a tiny gland have such big impacts on your health and fertility? 

In this week’s short snack, Ruby and Anne dig into the thyroid. What’s the deal with T3 and T4? What’s the difference between hypo and hyperthyroidism? What about the hypothalamus and pituitary gland? We even included some fascinating thyroid health history (hint: it involves seaweed in the year 2700 BC!).    

If it sounds like a lot, fear not: Anne has a song that breaks it all down. 

As anyone born with a uterus will tell you, living in a body equipped with one of these and all that goes with it comes with a special set of challenges. And many of us don’t really know all we need to know, so think of this episode as a sort of Owner’s Manual.

So what do we need to know through the decades of our life?

TEEN YEARS: Irregular periods are normal, but if they’re super problematic or painful, a discussion with your primary care provider or a gynecologist might be in order. Time to start screening for sexually transmitted diseases if you’re sexually active.

TWENTIES: Is it time to consider protecting your future fertility? This is prime time for fertility, but if you’re not ready yet, it might be good to at least consider what’s ahead.

THIRTIES: Do you know how large of a family you want? As you get into your mid- and late-30s, fertility can be more challenging — definitely know your options!

FORTIES: Celebrities having babies in their 40s should not convince you that you have plenty of time, especially if you’re wanting to use your own eggs to conceive. “Time is eggs!” as Anne says.

HINT: talk to a menopause specialist at this point – perimenopause is a critical stage of life for protecting your future health!

FIFTIES: Pregnancy is still possible, but celebrities at this age are most likely using frozen eggs or donor eggs. 

SIXTIES: Pregnancy is probably not a concern, but STIs are, so protect yourself!

Obviously, this is just a hint of what Ruby and Anne have to share at each stage, so make sure to listen and share! And find more from our hosts at thewholepineapple.com.

Healthy eating can feel daunting. Where do you start? And how can you do it without draining your bank account and sucking all your time?  

On this short snack, Brea Seaburg (@glucoseandgoodness), who is a doctor of nursing practice with expertise in cardiovascular medicine, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention, takes us on a tour of the grocery store. Which sections are brimming with health, and which are better to limit? Tune in for some tips, tricks, and hacks for making healthy eating simple, delicious, and fun for the whole family.  

What exactly are "insulin resistance" and "metabolic wellness," and why are they part of a fertility discussion?

In this episode, Anne and Ruby tackle these topics with expert Brea Seaburg.

Brea Seaburg is a doctor of nursing practice with expertise in cardiovascular medicine, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention. Brea has worked as a heart failure nurse practitioner for most of her NP career, but after a personal health "detour" (she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes!), she felt a strong desire to combine her professional interests with her personal health journey.

Brea has a passion for food as medicine, and after learning so much about her own body through continuous glucose monitoring, she started a metabolic wellness practice to help patients at risk for metabolic dysfunction understand the implications of dietary and lifestyle choices.

She has a special interest in women's health and pregnancy, as her own health story began with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes and there is a massive gap in preventive care for these women. She is a culinary medicine specialist, the queen of "food swaps," an insulin-resistance evangelist, and can be found on Instagram @glucoseandgoodness, spreading the word! 

If you’re facing fertility challenges, there are myriad resources for medical and emotional support. There are podcasts (ahem, like this one!), classes, and…books! On today’s short snack episode, Ruby and Anne are reviewing two fantastic reads.

Fertility Walk by Tamara Tobias (@fertilitywalk, @tamaratobias.fertilitywalk), a nurse practitioner, dives into the medical side of infertility. What's it like in fertility clinics? What’s the science behind the barriers? What are those gray blobs on your ultrasound?

Make IF Make Sense by Regina Townsend (@brokenbrownegg) shares a deeply personal story about the unpredictability – and all the accompanying emotions – of infertility. How do you make sense of such a big IF? Where are the spots of humor in an otherwise difficult situation? How can you locate solace for yourself? 

Both books are excellent companions for your fertility journey.

…Looks like it’s time to head to the library! 

Take a moment to notice how you’re breathing. Is your breath short and shallow? Or long and deep? Our breathing runs on autopilot, but there are ways to control, deepen, and improve it.

Breath is the foundation of a yoga practice. In this short snack episode, Lynn Jensen (@yogaforfertilityLynnJensen) leads us through an ujjayi breathing exercise, which is great for calming down your central nervous system. Get ready to relax and expand your capacity. 

Yoga has come a long way from a bit of a "fringe" activity to a popular way to get and stay fit. But can it help with fertility?

Ruby and Anne’s guest today certainly believes so – in fact, she wrote a book on it! Lynn Jensen is a Registered Yoga Instructor and a Certified Yoga Therapist. 

In 2002, after her own fertility journey, Lynn founded the Seattle-based Yoga for Fertility program, and since then has helped thousands of women and couples on their paths to parenthood. 

Lynn is co-author of the book Yoga and Fertility, A Journey to Health and Healing. She designed and taught the yoga portion of a study on Yoga for Menopause funded by the National Institute of Health and the University of Washington. 

Lynn currently teaches group Yoga for Fertility classes online, as well as offering private instruction and fertility coaching. Yoga teachers certified through Lynn’s Yoga for Fertility Teacher Training programs are now teaching across the U.S. as well as internationally. Find her at yogaforfertility.net.  

Highlights:

About Lynn, her credentials and journey
The advent of yoga for fertility
What is different about yoga for fertility?
How do you structure classes for people who are in different parts of their cycles?
Overcoming the isolation of infertility
The stigma around fertility issues
Safe spaces for those dealing with infertility
Stress reduction/stress hormones
How often should people do yoga?
Adding back to your life energy stores
The benefit of mind/body and support for fertility

Lynn offers online courses, so if there's not yet a yoga for fertility class near you, you can still enjoy the benefits!

We’ve covered the initial fertility tests for eggs and sperm, so on this week’s short snack, it’s time to travel up to the uterus and fallopian tubes. But how?

Ruby and Anne discuss the difference between a Hysterosalpingogram or ‘HSG’ and a hysteroscopy, and what information can these diagnostic procedures reveal.

When should you consider these tests? What can you expect from the office visit? And what’s the deal with the ‘wandering womb’? Get it all on this episode.

Between the medical and cultural layers, weight can be a fraught topic. Does it matter for your fertility?

In this short snack, Ruby and Anne chat with Dr. Nichole Barker about if and how weight impacts fertility. They unpack some of the muddiness around BMI, and explore the more nuanced goal: wellness. Are you curious how your weight might affect your fertility? Are you unsure about how to have those conversations with your provider? Let’s dig in!

 

It can take years before people make their first appointment at a fertility clinic. Whether that's because they don't know how long they "should" try before they seek medical help, or because they're embarrassed, or because they're afraid of what they might learn, waiting rarely makes things better.

In this episode, Ruby, Anne and guest Dr. Nichole Barker demystify that first visit: when it's time to make the appointment, what will likely happen at the clinic, how you can prepare beforehand, and more.

If you've been considering seeking fertility help for starting or extending your family, give yourself the gift of greater clarity with The Whole Pineapple.

Exciting news: Ruby just passed her board exams to become a certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional! But, what exactly does that mean? 

In this short snack, Ruby and Anne discuss the many different kinds of medicine: conventional, complementary, alternative, functional, preventative, lifestyle, and more. And, they get into some of the systemic issues that prevent a more holistic, patient-centered care model. Your wellcare is unique to you, so let’s explore the many options you have!

Close your eyes and take a few moments to relax. A deep breath in. A deep breath out. 

It’s deceptively simple.

That’s why on this minisode, we welcome back Jamie Mammenga, MS, LMHC, a mental health provider at Seattle Reproductive Medicine, to lead us on a guided meditation. 

We promise she’ll make you feel centered, rejuvenated, and whole. Come sail away with us. 

Ectopic pregnancies may be rare, but given how devastating and dangerous they can be, taking steps to prevent them is never a bad idea!

For those worried about ectopic pregnancies, remember they generally amount to only 1-2 percent of pregnancies. For those who have had an ectopic pregnancy, that number may go up to 10 percent, but it’s still unlikely.

That said, it’s understandable that those seeking to be pregnant want to ensure the safest, healthiest, and most viable pregnancy.

Guest Dr. Amy Criniti suggests taking a look via tubal imaging, called an HSG. This procedure can give the doctor an idea of the status of the fallopian tube. Listen to our previous episode on uterine/tubal evaluation for more details: 

Snack 6: The Camera Goes Where? Assessing the Uterus and Tubes 

Additionally, an ultrasound can tell you which side you’re going to ovulate on, so you can aim for trying to get pregnant when the egg is traveling on the side with a functioning, healthy fallopian tube.

Patients may also opt for IVF, which has a lower (but still not zero) chance of resulting in an ectopic pregnancy.

Quick quiz:

1. True or False: ovulation switches sides each month, so if it’s the left fallopian tube in January, it’ll be the right one in February. 
2. True or False: smokers have a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy.
3. True or False: if you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy, there’s nothing doctors can do to decrease the risk next time.
4. True or False: a fallopian tube can be repaired and returned to full function after an ectopic pregnancy.
5. True or False: having your “tubes tied” for contraception is an easy surgery to reverse.

Listen up to hear the answers! If you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy and would like to share your story, we’d love to hear it. Please send us a message at thewholepineapple@gmail.com. 

As always, please be sure to share this episode with anyone who can benefit, and please subscribe, rate, and review. You can find more information about our medical team at seattlefertility.com, and you can hear more episodes at thewholepineapple.com.

A little stress isn't a bad thing: it can motivate us to do what needs to be done.

But too much stress is definitely NOT good — not for our sleep, mood, life choices, health, or fertility.

In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with Jamie Mammenga, MS, LMHC, and mental health provider at Seattle Reproductive Medicine, about how to manage stress for better health. 

Jamie graduated with a Master of Science degree in mental health counseling from Montana State University and began her path as a licensed mental health counselor with at-risk youth and families.  

It wasn’t until she experienced her own fertility journey that her focus began to shift more toward women’s health and fertility. At Seattle Reproductive Medicine, she specializes in fertility-specific care and couldn’t be happier to be a part of a team that is working so diligently to provide a more holistic, wellness-based approach to family building.

Right now, in Washington state, there's no legislative requirement that insurance companies cover infertility care.    This leaves a lot of people paying out-of-pocket for services that can be quite expensive, putting treatment out of reach for many, if not most.    A bill that would authorize coverage of infertility treatment in Washington was finally introduced this month, but it needs all the support it can get.    This bonus episode is to tell you about the bill and the virtual advocacy day on February 2nd. (Register here: https://bit.ly/3Iwnd6D)   Bill sponsors and advocates want people to contact their state representatives, share their infertility stories, and educate them on why it is so important to move this bill forward.   However, registration for the event closes a week before! So you must sign up by Wednesday, January 26.   Ruby and Anne are planning a full episode later to dive further into why advocacy is important and how you can push for mandated coverage. They'll also discuss how to talk with your employer about adding it to your company's health plan. Be sure to subscribe to The Whole Pineapple now, so you won't miss it!   If you have an infertility journey story to share, we'd love for you to share it, to help make treatment possible for all. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3Iwnd6D. 

A semen analysis is a snapshot in time, so what can it really tell you? In this short snack episode, Ruby and Anne reveal the story behind the numbers, debunk some common misconceptions, and take us on the sperm’s journey.  

How are sperm counted? What does that tell you about your fertility? Is there such a thing as an ideal sperm? Hear it all on this episode. 

#SpermEverywhere 

When you deal with fertility in all its ... humanness, things can get messy.

Hang on — you haven't heard the story yet!

Enjoy this little bit of extra content we couldn't quite leave on the cutting room floor. We hope it gives you as hearty a laugh as it did us!

#SpermEverywhere 

When it comes to ovarian reserves, aka egg supply, there’s a lot of gray area. What can tests really show? And what can you do with the information they reveal?

In their first "snack: episode, Ruby and Anne dig into the details – and clarify some of the confusion – of AMH testing, antral follicle counting, and the impact of genetics on fertility. Tune in to learn about the state of your ovaries. 

How did pineapples — once a way of displaying one's wealth — become a symbol of infertility?

In this first episode of The Whole Pineapple, Nurse Practitioners, fertility experts, and podcast hosts Ruby Booras and Anne Judge talk about how pineapples and fertility came to be associated, and whether or not you have to eat the chewy pineapple core to help IVF be more successful.

About one in eight women or couples will experience infertility in their lives, making difficulty conceiving much more common than many believe.

The Whole Pineapple is about helping couples and those with uteruses optimize their health and wellness, both for themselves and for the family they hope to build.

Hear the history and the science, then visit TheWholePineapple.com to learn more!

Nurse Practitioners Ruby Booras (DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, DipACLM/DipIBLM, she/they) and Anne Judge (DNP, ARNP, WHNP-BCare, she/her) know a lot about fertility and wellness in general.

And they want to help you be as ready as possible when it's time to start or extend your family. 

Meet the team who will share information on physical and emotional wellness, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and more — all viewed through the lens of fertility.

Learn more about Ruby and Anne and The Whole Pineapple at thewholepineapple.com!

What do you get when you add two nurse practitioners, a healthy serving of science, a heaping scoop of kindness, a dash of fun, and a microphone? 

The Whole Pineapple podcast takes a whole-person approach to fertility. Join co-hosts Ruby Booras and Anne Judge as they discuss a variety of fertility and wellness-related topics including nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness, stress management, toxic habits, environmental exposures, mental health, sleep, sexual health, relationships, self-care and so much more. 

From thought-provoking interviews with leading experts and straight-forward conversations about scientific research to inspiring real-life infertility stories from listeners like you, The Whole Pineapple is sure to become a source of reliable, knowledgeable support, guiding you through your journey and inspiring your WHOLE life.   

Ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes. As much as 1-2 percent of pregnancies end up in this category, even when the pregnancy results from IVF.

In this episode, Ruby and Anne talk with Dr. Amy Criniti, another member of the Seattle Reproductive Medicine team, about some of the questions (and myths) out there about ectopic pregnancies. 

Why are they so dangerous? If not caught early, the embryo can grow inside the tube. Unlike the uterus, the fallopian tubes aren’t meant to stretch to accommodate a growing embryo. Eventually, the tube will rupture and cause internal bleeding. Left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can endanger the life of the pregnant person.

Can an ectopic pregnancy be “relocated”? Despite wishful thinking among some non-medical persons, no. An ectopic pregnancy, once disrupted, cannot reimplant elsewhere.

Does a “pregnancy of unknown location” always mean an ectopic pregnancy? Not necessarily, says Dr. Criniti; sometimes blood work can indicate there’s a pregnancy, but it’s not yet visible on an ultrasound. If the embryo can’t be located, the patient will be closely monitored until they’re sure the fertilized egg has implanted where it should.

How does an “implanted” pregnancy (like IVF) end up in the wrong place? We don’t entirely understand how the fertilized egg moves around before implantation, and short of attaching a tiny Go Pro, we may never know. But even an “implanted” pregnancy can move before attaching, though like ectopic pregnancies generally, the risk is pretty low.

In this age of conflict over reproduction, it’s important to know about the risks of ectopic pregnancy and what your choices are if you find yourself in that 1-2 percent. 

More about Dr. Criniti: Dr. Criniti joined the medical team of SRM in 2006. Her clinical interests include fertility assessment, PCOS, age-related infertility, as well as the entire spectrum of fertility treatment. She currently teaches University of Washington medical students and is the Medical Director of the donor egg team. She was recognized in 2013, 2015, 2022 and 2023 as one of Seattle Magazine’s Top Doctors in infertility, as well as Seattle Metropolitan Magazine Top Doctor in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Be sure to share this episode with anyone who can benefit, and please subscribe, rate, and review. You can find more information about our medical team at seattlefertility.com, and you can hear more episodes at thewholepineapple.com.

x

Sooooooooo…. Whether it was your choice or not, whether it’s for a happy reason or a difficult one, starting over can be one of the most difficult things we do as adults. 

New job, new home, new realities can mean uncertainty and disruption. So how do we get our heads and hearts ready to take on the challenges of change?

In this episode, Anne and Jamie are discussing exactly this topic, as Jamie announces a big and exciting change in her life (and yes, you’ll have to listen to find out what it is, but it’s good). 

One big takeaway here is that there are two coping strategies most of us tend to fall into when confronted with big change: avoidance and control. Do we duck the change that’s coming until we realize we really can’t breathe with our heads in the sand? Or do we take control (maybe a bit too much, sometimes)? Or do we vacillate between the two, making ourselves and those around us a little bonkers?

And how is any of this related to The Good Place? (If you haven’t watched it, we recommend you do, and you’re welcome.)

There are stages of change when starting over, and it’s important to give yourself grace and acceptance. You might be, as Jamie talks about, “solidly moving forward,” only to find yourself set back and frustrated. 

But knowing your strengths under stress can be so helpful. Concentrate on those to get your self-confidence back and make progress. Or take a break! Let your energy renew, so you can re-engage from a healthy place. 

Hear more about the ways you can stay afloat during the chaos of starting over in this episode, get the mental headspace from Jamie’s soothing meditation, then go back and listen to all Jamie’s episodes at thewholepineapple.com. 

Stay tuned for more information on Sound Perinatal and Fertility Counseling and how you can work with Jamie!

 

Phew! Ruby, Anne, and counselor Suzi Mohn are going to fix All The Things today, so the rest of us can relax by the pool.

OK, maybe not, but they certainly can help, so listen up!

Today’s question is: How can you support your partner in a difficult fertility journey?

Often, the one who will not be carrying the baby feels a little helpless and useless during the process. (For ease of communication, we’ll call this person “the partner.”) Partners want to support the one who will bear the child, but they don’t know how, and it seems everything they say gets tangled up with all the big emotions and the hormones and does nobody any good.

Though attention generally focuses on the one hoping to get pregnant, partners are suffering too. They’re sad and scared and hurting, but their attempts to help are perhaps a bit clumsy because they often can’t understand the ramifications of fertility treatment on the body, the heart, and the psyche. 

And the one going through the fertility treatments may not have the time or language or mental space to teach their partner how to help.

Because of this, a couple of Suzi’s therapy groups undertook the task of creating a list — a list of what those hoping to carry a child wanted to hear so that their partners could truly be as supportive as they wanted to be. 

All the points on the list are powerful and valid. Here are some of the highlights:

“Tell me you love me and know why I’m sad.”

“Share with me your vision of our child.”

Take my fears and doubts seriously, but also remind me that we're a team and we'll work this out.”

If you want someone to climb into the cab and stare at the ground with you (and that’ll make a lot more sense after you hear the episode), ask them to listen to this episode. Share with them the list (with your own additions and subtractions) to help open those critically important lines of communication and mutual support. 

You can find out more about Suzi Mohn and get her contact information at the HERE. You can find more from Ruby and Anne at thewholepineappple.com

Individual and family couples counselor Suzi Mohn has helped families navigate crises for years, and she knows how important support can be during a fertility journey. 

Infertility can put a huge strain on relationships — stress, financial worries, blame and guilt, turning pleasure into obligation, differing expectations or goals, etc. etc. are all legitimate concerns.

Ironically, in the quest to build a family, the family you already have can be put at risk. Fortunately, there are counselors and therapy groups to help couples overcome the difficulties, together.

In this episode, Suzi, Anne, and Ruby discuss the struggles people face when dealing with infertility. Couples may find infertility one of the first major crises they face together — they may not have been married long; they may not have dealt with the trauma of losing a parent or losing a job — and suddenly something they thought would be simple and natural … isn’t. 

Also, people may believe they’ve done All The Things right: they waited until they were financially and emotionally ready. They established their lives before preparing to welcome children into it. And their reward for such responsibility? Trouble conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.

Couples may be on different timelines, too. One partner is ready to go to the doctor TODAY; the other isn’t feeling the same urgency. And that can make both of them feel like they’re taking this journey alone instead of together.

What do you do when you’re facing so much, and the one person you turn to in difficult times is dealing with their own concerns? What do you do when the person who is usually a big part of your solution is suddenly a big part of your problem? (or so you think…)

There’s help! Listen up for ways couples can navigate the challenges of infertility. Then, please share this episode with anyone you think could benefit.

You can find out more about Suzi Mohn and get her contact information HERE. You can find more from Ruby and Anne at thewholepineappple.com.

July 25, 1978 was a great day, and not just because July 25 is Ruby’s birthday. This particular day in 1978, the first IVF baby, Louise Brown, was born!

IVF is a lot different now than it was then — a lot was learned on the way to this first successful human pregnancy, and a lot has been learned since. In this snack, Ruby and Anne are talking about the research and experimentation that got us where we are now.

One of the biggest changes (and dare we say, improvements) from the experience of Lesley and Peter Brown is how much less invasive (physically and frankly, of the Brown family’s privacy) the process is now than it was then. 

Early hurdles included getting past people’s notions of whether or not IVF was ethical. And IVF cycles were so much more involved, including blood draws every four hours. Egg retrieval was a surgical process back then, it involved a single egg, and it was much more often unsuccessful. Transfers were done in the middle of the night until one didn’t and it worked out fine, and that was (thankfully) abandoned.

The fact that Louise Brown was later able to conceive without medical intervention helped allay fears that IVF would create a generation of people unable to reproduce on their own. 

So Happy Birthday, Louise Brown, and thank you, Lesley and Peter Brown and Elizabeth Carr (first IVF baby in the US) for going through so much to get us where we are today. 

Learn more about All Things Fertility at our website: thewholepineapple.com!

With laws and regulations changing so fast and all over the place, it can feel overwhelming and futile to try to do anything at all. But it’s important that we don’t give up and let decisions be made for us.

What can people who aren’t professional lobbyists do to make our voices heard?

According to Sean Tipton, you can do exactly that – you can make your voice heard. Register to vote and then vote. Talk to candidates for political offices, especially when they’re in an election season, as they’re most likely to listen at that time. You have a right to be heard, so get in there and get talking.

Have anecdotes to share (with permission, of course): if you can tell a relevant story, that is often much more effective than straight data. Faces, stories — those are the ways to get folks to listen. Showing how your policy position will solve problems is also effective. Most of us don’t like being presented with problems, so come at policy makers with solutions.

Be sure to check out the Resolve website (resolve.org) for tools to help you get started. Please share resources, including this episode, with anyone who is looking to help preserve medical fertility assistance and reproductive rights in general. Sean’s organization, ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine), is also a great resource: asrm.org.

And of course, please rate, review, and share this podcast to help others be informed about All Things Fertility, including advocacy. thewholepineapple.com.