Fat and Fertile – Details, episodes & analysis

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Fat and Fertile

Nicola Salmon

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/48d. Total Eps: 39

Navigating getting pregnant in a weight-obsessed world can be really flipping hard, especially when everyone is telling you that you have to lose weight to access any kind of support.Join Nicola Salmon - fat-positive fertility coach and author of the book “Fat and Fertile” - as she explores the complexities that fat folks face when they want to grow their family.If you identify as fat or being in a bigger body, want to get pregnant and want to find a community of other folks navigating this, this podcast is for you.Learn more and get full show notes and transcripts at [nicolasalmon.co.uk/fatandfertilepodcast](http://nicolasalmon.co.uk/fatandfertilepodcast)

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https://www.instagram.com/fatpositivefertility
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Good

Score global : 74%

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Fat and Fertile with HeavyWeight Midwife

Episode 21

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 01:06:55

In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Alice Keeley – aka The HeavyWeight Midwife. With 20+ years of midwifery experience and a PhD in plus-size pregnancy care, Alice is a powerful voice challenging the weight stigma baked into our maternity systems.

We dig into what it’s really like to be pregnant in a bigger body – from being weighed without consent, to “high risk” labels that show up before anything’s even gone wrong. Alice explains how these experiences affect care, and why personalised, evidence-based, compassionate support matters so much.

We also explore Alice’s journey, including what led her to launch The HeavyWeight Midwife in 2022, and why autonomy and clear communication are key during pregnancy.

We talk about:

Why BMI-based guidelines miss the bigger picture
How to advocate for yourself at appointments
Risks, referrals, and informed consent
Why water birth access is a fat-positive issue
And how Alice’s trimester-by-trimester courses are changing lives

Links & Resources

📘 Fat and Fertile – Buy the book
📰 Join Nicola on Substack
📧 Email: nicola@nicolasalmon.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @fatpositivefertility
🌐 Alice’s site: theheavyweightmidwife.com
📲 Alice on IG: @theheavyweightmidwife
🎧 Listen to The HeavyWeight Midwife Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What is Fat Positive Fertility Coaching

Episode 20

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • Duration 17:24

In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I’m diving deep into something I don’t talk about nearly enough—what fat positive fertility coaching actually is, and why it matters so much.

I’ve been a fertility coach for over seven years now, and while I often share tools, insights, and resources, I realised I haven’t really broken down how coaching works or what it looks like to be supported in a fat-positive, weight-neutral space. So that’s what this episode is all about.

I share how my own experience of being diagnosed with PCOS as a teen—and being told I’d never have children—led me to this work. And I explain how my journey through unlearning diet culture and stepping away from weight loss gave me the clarity and drive to support others doing the same, especially those navigating fertility in bigger bodies.

In this episode, I talk about:

What coaching means to me (and why it’s not about “fixing” you)
The unique challenges fat folks face when trying to get pregnant
Why we deserve support that’s free from judgement and shame
What it means to create safety in your nervous system as you navigate this process
How to explore health-promoting behaviours without dieting
And why separating your worth from your ability to conceive is a game-changer

I also explain what a fat positive approach really looks like in practice—how I work with you to move from where you are now to where you want to be, using tools that centre your autonomy, your lived experience, and your joy.

If you’ve ever felt like you're battling the system just to be seen, heard, or supported—this one’s for you. And if it resonates, I’d love to invite you to book a free 30-minute chat with me. No pressure, no pushy sales pitch—just a space to connect and see if coaching might be the right next step for you.

Resources & Links:

Email me: nicola@nicolasalmon.co.uk
Find me on Instagram: @fatpositivefertility

Finding Fat-Friendly Fertility Clinics: How to Research, Interview, and Choose Your IVF Provider

Episode 19

Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 21:27

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fat and Fertile, Nicola Salmon dives into the practical—and emotional—realities of finding a fertility clinic that supports fat folks with compassion and without weight stigma. Whether you’re just beginning to explore fertility treatment or feeling frustrated by constant barriers, this episode is packed with actionable tips, thoughtful guidance, and much-needed reassurance.

Nicola shares the exciting news of her newly updated Fat-Friendly Fertility Clinic Guide, a powerful resource featuring nearly 150 community-sourced recommendations from fat people who’ve accessed IVF and other fertility treatments. She explains how to use the guide, what to look out for, and why it’s so important to have information upfront—especially when some clinics still impose harmful BMI restrictions or hidden costs.

She also walks you through her top tips for researching, interviewing, and choosing a fertility clinic that will treat you with the respect and care you deserve. From asking the right pre-consultation questions to understanding your legal and medical rights around weighing, diet talk, and treatment access, Nicola empowers you to advocate for yourself at every stage.

If you’ve ever felt disheartened by fertility clinics, this episode is a must-listen. Nicola reminds us that while fat-positive clinics might feel like unicorns, they do exist—and finding the right one can make all the difference in your journey.

Links and Resources

📘 Fat and Fertile – Buy the book

📰 Join Nicola on Substack

📧 Email: nicola@nicolasalmon.co.uk

📸 Instagram: @fatpositivefertility

Get InvolvedSupport the PodcastFollow Nicola on Instagram

Your Fertility, Your Way: Exploring IVF Abroad with Emma Haslam

Episode 18

Thursday, February 27, 2025 • Duration 32:56

In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I’m joined by the incredible Emma Haslam, founder of Your IVF Abroad and a passionate advocate for fertility choice. Emma shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, the barriers she faced due to BMI restrictions in the UK, and how she ultimately found a path to parenthood abroad.

We dive into the realities of navigating fertility treatment as a fat person, the frustration of arbitrary weight-based restrictions, and the emotional toll of being told to lose weight before receiving medical support. Emma opens up about her decision to seek IVF treatment outside the UK, what that experience was like, and how it led her to create Your IVF Abroad—a business dedicated to helping others access safe, transparent, and supportive fertility care without weight stigma.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the fertility industry, this episode is a must-listen. Emma’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and challenging the status quo. She’s proof that fertility care should be accessible to all bodies, and she’s on a mission to make sure others have the information and support they need to explore their options.

Listen in to hear:

✅ The challenges of accessing fertility care with a higher BMI

✅ How Emma found an alternative path to IVF treatment abroad

✅ Why weight stigma in fertility care needs to change

✅ Tips for navigating fertility treatment with confidence and choice

Connect with Emma & Explore Your Options:

Top 5 questions

Episode 17

Thursday, February 13, 2025 • Duration 28:43

Episode Summary

In this episode, I'm answering five of the most common questions I get about fat positive fertility. These questions originally came from a video I recorded for my Ko-Fi Community but they were too good not to share here!

Whether you're curious about navigating fertility in a bigger body, looking for evidence-based insights, or just need some reassurance, this episode is for you. And if you have your own questions, come join me in Substack.

The questions:

Can I really get pregnant in a bigger body?
What do I do if my doctor denies me fertility care based on my BMI?
Can I access fertility treatment in a bigger body if I need it?
Will losing weight make it easier to get pregnant?
Is it safe to get pregnant in a bigger body?

Links and Resources

Get Involved

Nicola would love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share your story, ask a question, or leave a review.

Support the Podcast

If you’re enjoying Fat and Fertile, please share this episode on social or leave a review! Every share helps make this info more accessible to everyone who needs it.

Follow Me on Instagram: Join me here for fat-positive fertility tips, updates, and encouragement.

Fat and Pregnant with Michelle Mayefske

Episode 16

Thursday, January 23, 2025 • Duration 47:58

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I sit down with Michelle, who shares her transformative journey from navigating societal expectations to embracing body positivity. Michelle opens up about the necessity of setting boundaries, particularly in medical scenarios, to safeguard one's well-being. Her insights into finding size-inclusive care and advocating for oneself during fertility treatments are truly empowering. We explore how she shifted from challenging experiences with body image and disordered eating to become an advocate and doula for plus-size individuals, supporting them in having positive pregnancy and birth experiences. I hope her story inspires you to stand firm in your choices and seek supportive healthcare that aligns with your needs.

What to Expect from the Podcast

We dive deep into how to establish care boundaries in healthcare settings, especially for those undergoing fertility treatments. Michelle's stories highlight the significance of finding size-inclusive providers and becoming informed advocates for ourselves. From addressing weight stigma in maternity care to understanding health risks without fear, this episode is a guide for anyone seeking to reclaim their pregnancy and birth experiences with confidence and autonomy.

Highlights:

Setting Boundaries in Medical Situations
Navigating Fertility Treatments with Confidence
Understanding Health Risks in a Supportive Way
Embracing Body Positivity and Self-Advocacy

Links and Resources

Michelle's book, Fat and Pregnant
Nicola’s book, Fat and Fertile
Fat Person's Guide to Getting Pregnant
Join Nicola on Substack

Rediscovering Joy in Fat Positive Fertility - Exciting Plans for 2025

Episode 15

Thursday, January 9, 2025 • Duration 17:28

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fat and Fertile, I open up about my journey from 2024 into an exciting 2025, sharing both personal and professional highs and lows. From grappling with neurodivergence and finding support to winning a prestigious fertility advocate award, it's been quite the roller-coaster! I hope this episode reassures you that joy and passion can be rediscovered, even amidst challenges, and inspires you to embrace self-discovery and empowerment on your fertility journey.

What to Expect from the Podcast

This episode covers my recent experiences and plans for the future. Dive into understanding how embracing neurodivergence has reshaped my path, the joy I found in cold-water swimming, and a new venture on Ko-fi [since moved into Substack], aimed at fostering a nurturing community away from the constraints of social media.

Highlights:

Embracing Neurodivergence: ADHD and Autism Insights
An Award-Winning Year: Best Fertility Advocate 2024
Launch of my Community: A Supportive Space for Fat Folks
Plans for Fat and Fertile's Second Edition

Links and Resources

Get Involved

Insights from My First Regular Cycle in 2 Years

Episode 14

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • Duration 18:00

Episode Summary

In this podcast episode, I delve into my experience with menstrual cycles and the impact movement has had on my usual (irregular) cycle. I also chat about importance of finding enjoyable and accessible forms of movement, the challenges marginalised bodies face in society, and how consistent self-care can help manage stress and support the nervous system. I hope this episode encourages you to find ways to care for your body and mind in a way that feels good to you!

Highlights:

The Connection Between Movement and Menstrual Cycles
The Importance of Supporting the Nervous System
Movement Without Pressure or Weight-Loss Goals

Links and Resources

Nicola’s book, Fat and Fertile

Get Involved

Nicola would love to hear from you! If this episode resonates, share your story, ask a question, or leave a review.

Support the Podcast

If you’re enjoying Fat and Fertile, please share this episode on social or leave a review! Every share helps make this info more accessible to everyone who needs it.

Explore More with Nicola

Join me on Substack
Follow Me on Instagram: Join me here for fat-positive fertility tips, updates, and encouragement.
Free Resources for Fat Folks: designed to support your fat-positive fertility journey, including guides, checklists, research summaries, and my popular workshop.

How to use research to support you in accessing fertility care

Episode 13

Thursday, February 15, 2024 • Duration 15:02

Episode Summary:

Let’s look at two ways we can use research to support us in navigating fertility care as a fat person

What to Expect from the Podcast:

Focuses on navigating the complexities of fertility for people in bigger bodies in an anti-fat world.

Explores research, advocacy, and mental health tools to empower listeners in their fertility journeys.

Encourages listeners to question fat-phobic narratives in medicine and build confidence in their body's capabilities.

Highlights:

Nicola's Master's in medical engineering and physics and her experience working in the NHS and accessing complex medical research.
Insight into barriers to accessing research, such as paywalls and elitism.
Evidence that people in bigger bodies get pregnant at rates similar to those in other body sizes.
Research showing BMI-based treatment restrictions are not supported by science.
Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet and exercise) often have no impact on pregnancy rates.
Encourages listeners to ask healthcare providers for evidence supporting their policies.
Using research to counter internalised fat-phobia and build confidence in fertility.
Emphasising the importance of believing in your body's ability to conceive for mental well-being.

Links and Resources

Do you need supplements when you want to get pregnant?

Episode 12

Monday, January 29, 2024 • Duration 24:40

What to Expect from the Podcast

A refreshingly fat-positive perspective, exploring the unique nutritional challenges faced by those in bigger bodies, such as the impact of diet culture, higher potential nutritional needs, and barriers to access. With a focus on informed decision-making, we debunk myths around supplement quality.

Highlights

Navigating Supplementation for Fertility in a Bigger Body
Debunking Myths About Supplement Quality
Unique Nutritional Needs and Context for Fat Folks
Specific Recommendations for Key Supplements
Empowering Listeners to Take Control

Links and Resources

Nicola’s book, Fat and Fertile
Subscribe to my Substack
Follow Me on Instagram: Join me here for fat-positive fertility tips, updates, and encouragement.
Free Resources for Fat Folks: Access a hub of tools designed to support your fat-positive fertility journey, including guides, checklists, research summaries, and my popular Can I Get Pregnant in a Bigger Body? workshop.
Explore all these resources here and take your first step toward parenthood without stigma or shame. I’m cheering you on every step of the way!Episode Summary