In today's episode, Caitlin answers a question submitted by one of our listeners: Why is the Creighton Model System more useful than basal body temperature based methods? She gives an overview of the main differences between the methods, including the reproductive biomarkers observed and the different information they provide, as well as the unique benefits of the cervical-mucus only fertility appreciation method, the Creighton Model System. If you're trying to decide which fertil...

Learning a Fertility Awareness Method can feel intimidating, which is why having a step-by-step game plan for starting NFP can help so much. If you're looking to begin learning the Creighton Model System or any other cycle tracking method, this episode is meant to walk you through what you need to do before beginning. We discuss how long it takes to learn, what is helpful when things get difficult, how to find the right instructor, and more. NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all audiences...

Filmmaker Savannah Crossfield is exploring some of the ethical, medical, and legal complications of IVF in her documentary, Cradled in Glass. She was inspired by the frozen embryos across the world and hopes to shed light on some of the topics not always shared with couples before they begin the process. While everyone lands in different places in regards to ethical and moral solutions for IVF, the conversation is one worth having for all of us. NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all audie...

Arianna knew something wasn't right with her cycle, but when she went to her doctor, they just prescribed birth control. It didn't work. So they added a second form of birth control. Then, a third! Without ever getting to the underlying issue causing the issue in the first place. Finally, she had had enough. The journey she took from that point is an inspiration to us all. I know you'll enjoy this episode with fellow FCP, Arianna Bañuelos. NOTE: This episode is appropriate for most audiences ...

After you deliver a baby, the hormonal changes don't stop. For many women, navigating those postpartum months is challenging on its own, but add in the daunting return of fertility and things can feel overwhelming. How can we approach these unique seasons? What are our options? Is there any way to know whether or not we're fertile before the first period returns? In this episode, Caitlin chats with NaProTechnology trained Family Nurse Practitioner, Laura Ducote, to discuss the influence of fe...

Is your wife or fiancée interested in using natural family planning or a fertility awareness method? If so, this episode is a basic introduction of : how fertility awareness methods functionhow effective they are for family planninghow you can participate in the learning process and beyond one method worth exploring due to its effectiveness and health benefits. (Women interested in using NFP or FABM -- send this episode on to the man in your life who you'd like to introduce to the t...

Is there a difference between strength training and general exercise? And does it matter for your reproductive health and balancing hormones? Professional Strength Trainer, Nate Johnson, says YES. In this episode, we discuss the benefits of strength training for women and explore the differences in training and outcomes for women vs men. We explore what makes strength training impactful and, spoiler alert, it's NOT bodybuilding or extreme body manipulation. (Phew!) I hope you enjoy the episod...

When it comes to women's health, why could you possibly need more than an OBGYN?? Well, there are a few reasons! In today's episode, I sit down with Registered Dietitian and Woven friend, Chiara Estes (no relation), to discuss the importance of your own personal "dream team" when addressing your reproductive health as a whole. We even talk through several mutual clients and how our different specialties worked together to provide demonstrable change for them. This episode was FUN and I think ...

Kelley, a Woven client and Mental Health Counselor, joined me today to talk about her journey working with Woven Natural Fertility Care to make sense of her cycles and the effects of PCOS, but the conversation took a truly meaningful turn as we talked about the significance of understanding our mental, physical, and spiritual creation and how that impacts how we understand our female design. It was so rich that we've broken the episode into two parts so you wouldn't miss out on it. We explore...

Kelley, a Woven client and Mental Health Counselor, joined me today to talk about her journey working with Woven Natural Fertility Care to make sense of her cycles and the effects of PCOS, but the conversation took a truly meaningful turn as we talked about the significance of understanding our mental, physical, and spiritual creation and how that impacts how we understand our female design. It was so rich that we've broken the episode into two parts so you wouldn't miss out on it. We explore...

Infertility is more than a medical symptom; it affects every aspect of your life. For Paula Gallagher, it impacted her sense of self, her conception of God, her vision for her future, and her idea of family. A decade later, her struggle has become her ministry as she walks alongside women in the midst of infertility. This episode touches on her own story and the aspects of struggling to conceive that are often the hardest. But it doesn't end without hope. She shares the peace that God provide...

Did you know that blocked fallopian tubes can be UNBLOCKED? Very often, women who discover blocked fallopian tubes during an HSG hear that their only option is to go on to IVF, but that's not the only path forward. There are actually ways to restore the healthy function of blocked tubes through a very simple procedure. Dr. Naomi Whittaker joins us today to talk about this easy approach and give you helpful information as you advocate for your own care! In this episode, she discusses: · ...

Have you heard of LDN or Low Dose Naltrexone? It's gaining popularity after several studies revealed its support for reproductive health issues like PMS, PMDD, endometriosis, and infertility. Today's episode with NaProTechnology trained nurse midwife, Ashley Jensen, discusses what it is, why it's effective, how it works, and whether you should ask your doctor about it for your own use. She also discusses common side effects, other benefits outside of the reproductive realm, and other options ...

NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all audiences. GUEST BIO: Lexi is the wife to her husband, Brandon, whom she's been married to for about 10 years. And she's the mother of two children, ages three and three months. OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES: Ep. 178: Dealing with PCOS as a single woman, with Jen Ep. 152: Do PCOS cycles work with fertility awareness methods? Ep. 128: Healing irregular cycles and reversing PCOS -- Emily's story Ep. 20: Nutrition for PCOS with Tracy Mann, RD Ep. 19: PCOS 101 ...

Women's health can cause a lot of frustration. Whether you're displeased with your birth control, upset that you haven't figured out the cause of your symptoms, or you're in the midst of learning a new fertility awareness method, it can be tough. Today's episode is about these frustrations and how we can use them to our advantage to make progress, what it takes, and how to make it easier along the way. These frustrations aren't just annoyances, they can help us get to a bett...

If you're looking to quit birth control, you'll want to make sure to do so safely. Does it matter when you stop taking it? What do you need to do before hand? What can you expect when you stop taking the birth control pill? We invited OBGYN, Dr. Monica Minjeur, to share her top tips, including her key advice: make a plan before you quit. She walks through making a solid plan and what to consider. NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all audiences. GUEST BIO: Dr. Monica Minjeur is the f...

Did you know your cycle charting or cycle tracking can actually help your OBGYN? Cycle charting (through a formal fertility awareness based method) not only helps you identify your window of fertility when you're trying to get pregnant (or avoid pregnancy), but some can also highlight reproductive health issues. Your chart can reveal signs and concerns that help your OBGYN narrow down how to investigate, diagnose, and treat these underlying health issues. In today's episode, we talk with Nurs...

Guest, Elizabeth Tiglau-Guss, opens her heart to us in today's episode to share about her fertility journey. After marrying her husband later in life, they pursued assisted reproductive technology and adoption, but ultimately remained childless. She shares the grief of her journey and how they've come to the point where they feel they are thriving instead of merely surviving. We appreciate Elizabeth's honesty and willingness to share on the show! Caitlin had the privilege of...

Amanda and her husband had tried everything but IVF on their road to try to conceive. After failed IUIs and no known diagnosis beyond unexplained infertility, they felt stuck and frustrated. Amanda had had cycle issues for years, but had always used birth control to suppress symptoms. Now, it seemed like they could be contributing to their infertility. A friend reached out with a different option and a new perspective: restorative reproductive healthcare. The rest is history. Hear Amanda's st...

Why do women seem to be so fed up with birth control? I mean, they should just be grateful not to be pregnant, right? Wrong. Recently, a client sent me an article where researchers question the experience of women on birth control and I just had to respond. Maybe your own side effects and experiences have been doubted? Maybe you've been told it's all in your head? Well, that is unacceptable and today's episode dives into why. In this episode we talk about: Birth control aspects that wom...