Real Talk: Women's Health & Fertility

Gemma Barry Episode

In today’s episode, I’m talking to Meg Keys. Meg is a fellow sister who has struggled with infertility and an author. While struggling with infertility, Meg received all sorts of advice and comments about trying to conceive. Finally, she said enough is enough and she wrote the book on what to do when someone you love is struggling with infertility.    In this episode you’ll learn: What not to say to someone struggling with infertility How to stay strong after miscarriages Why neutralizing our reproductive organs has long term mental health benefits   Resources: Website: www.thewaitinglinebook.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewaitinglinebook/

Learning To Take Care Of Yourself with Kayla Nedza

In today’s episode, I’m talking to Carrie Wampler. Carrie was a young bride at age 20 and on her wedding night was unable to consummate the marriage. After speaking to some other friends, she figured out that she had vaginismus. Carrie shares her peaks and valleys of her diagnosis and how it’s transforming the small community she grew up in.   In this episode you’ll learn: What vaginismus is How vaginismus is treated Resources to help if you’re struggling with vaginismus Why neutralizing our reproductive organs has long term mental health benefits   Resources: Website: https://www.basketofbreadcrumbs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basketofbreadcrumbs/ Vaginismus treatment: https://www.womentc.com/

My guests today are Joni Davis and Bri Bannick. Joni is the founder of Beli Baby vitamins, a vitamin company that helps with male fertility and sperm quality. She believes that fertility is a shared responsibility between men and women and is passionate about male fertility health.  This episode was really powerful and I think you guys are going to love it.  In this episode you’ll learn: What is Beli Baby Why sperm health is even more important to pregnancy than previously thought How to create a supportive relationship while trying to conceive Resources: Website: https://belibaby.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beli.baby/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belimama/

In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Carly Crewe. For Carly, the birth of her twin daughters and the stress of trying to care for two babies triggered anxiety like she had never experienced before. It manifested itself in the forms of irrational anger and extreme stress and tension relating to the babies’ daily schedule. Today Carly helps other women through her medical practice and her online coaching business reduce anxiety and enjoy life. Let’s tune in! In this episode you’ll learn: How to manage your anxiety What you should look at in treating your anxiety The importance of creating a life that you love Resources: Carly’s website: https://carlycrewe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlycrewe/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/351270935584266/

Ilyssa Herrington is my guest of honor on the podcast today! Ilyssa is a personal stylist and a survivor! Throughout her 20s, Ilyssa experienced pain from a mystery illness so intense that she didn’t know she was going to make it to her 30th birthday. In this episode she shares how she kept moving forward through the pain and you will see her light and joy of life in this episode. I hope you enjoy it!   In this episode you’ll learn: Why it’s important to be your own advocate How chronic illness can transform your ability to move forward What it looks like to stand up for your health   Resources; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilyssa_herrington/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilyssaherrington Website: www.westerlystyle.com

My guest today is actress, writer, and fellow infertility warrior, Meirav Zur! Meirav and her husband struggled with conceiving at a time when infertility was not spoken about openly. After being able to successfully conceive, Meirav experienced secondary infertility. Out of her experiences, she created The Inconceivable Show, which shares the ups, downs, and sometimes hilarious parts of infertility. I adore Meirav and I know you guys will fall in love with her too! In this episode you’ll learn: Why comedy can be healing What is The Inconceivable Show How performance arts can provide education and create compassion Resources: Website: http://www.meiravzur.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inconceivableshow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inconceivableshow/

Ashley Vipond is my guest on today’s episode. Ashley is a new mom, wife, business owner, and exercise advocate! When Ashley gave birth to her son, she struggled with feeling depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed with the responsibilities of motherhood. It was through exercise that she was able to manage her postpartum depression and she has turned that passion into her side business! In this episode you’ll learn: Why exercise is so important for your mental health What you can do to start easing into an exercise routine after childbirth The importance of having a support system as a new mother Resources: Website: www.simplyfitwithashley.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplyfitwithashley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Simply-Fit-with-Ashley-555942991556499/

Today’s guest, Helen Shi, is the founder and CEO of Dr Yang Wellness, a women’s health company that specializes in Crampless Tea - a Chinese Medicine based herbal tea to prevent period cramps. In this episode, she spills all the tea about women’s health in China and how she wants to transform the way women deal with period pain in the United States. Helen has generously offered a discount code for my audience, which is available in the resources section below.  In this episode you’ll learn: The difference approach that Chinese medicine takes on women’s health How women in China manage their period pain How one tea can help alleviate period pain and boost immunity Resources: Website: www.doctoryangtea.com (Code: byebyecramps gets you 15% off 1st order) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.yangwellness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoryangwellness

In today's episode, I update everyone on my two week hiatus from social media and some decisions that I've come to with my health. I'm also revealing a diagnosis that I haven't shared with anyone publicly. This episode dives into that diagnosis and how I'm rejecting medical advice to honor my own intuition. If you've ever wondered how/what/why to do that, tune in to find out my process!

In today's episode, I update everyone on my two week hiatus from social media and some decisions that I've come to with my health. I'm also revealing a diagnosis that I haven't shared with anyone publicly. This episode dives into that diagnosis and how I'm rejecting medical advice to honor my own intuition. If you've ever wondered how/what/why to do that, tune in to find out my process!

Today’s guest, Melissa Fabiano, is a mindset confidence coach, yoga fanatic, food lover, and all around wellness junkie. Her coaching practice was born out of her recovery from a decade long battle with anorexia and exercise addiction and wanting to give back to others after her recovery. She works with women to break free from their inner critic, create healthy relationships with food and fitness, define their self worth and find the confidence to unapologetically live a life of purpose on their own terms.  In this episode you will learn about: Why diet culture is so prevalent When to seek help with your eating disorder Why self acceptance is so important in recovery Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuelyourlifewithmelissa/ Melissa’s website: https://melissafabiano.com/

In today’s episode I’m talking with Laurence Annez. Laurence Annez is a certified nutritional practitioner and health coach.She is passionate about teaching women with PCOS how to ditch the belly fat, cystic acne, irregular cycles, and victim mindset by showing them how to nourish their bodies and free themselves of pain through guided nutritional coaching, personalized and sustainable diet and lifestyle recommendations, and mindfulness. She believes that the key to a healthy life is sustainable change that feels good and is different to each person. It was through her own healing journey with PCOS that bred her passion to helping others heal as well.  Today Laurence coaches women all over the world through her coaching programs. In this episode you will learn about: What is PCOS How to manage PCOS without birth control Why restriction is not the key to manage PCOS Why your gut health is so important Resources: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/laurence.annez/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Laurence-Annez-Health-Wellness-187309491822533/ How to eat out with PCOS freebie: https://www.laurence-annez.com/eat-out-guide PCOS program : https://www.subscribepage.com/PCOSTransformer

In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Tedi Palmer (aka Running with Infertility). Tedi bares her soul in sharing her journey to motherhood that had a rocky start. During her journey, she realized that there was a need to speak openly about infertility, so she started her blog: Running with Infertility. Tedi has a heart of gold and really lays it all out in this episode.  In this episode you will learn about: Her IVF journey with male and female factor infertility The miracle pregnancy after IVF Her foundation: Hope for Infertility which has helped over 8 couples fund their IVF rounds Why she’s not using IVF to conceive her second child Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningwithinfertility1/ Tedi’s Etsy shop: www.runwithinfertility.etsy.com Tedi’s Blog, Running with Infertility: https://www.runningwithinfertility.com/ Hope for Infertility Foundation: https://www.hopeforfertility.org/  

Dr. Jennifer Mercier is an author, former midwife, functional medicine doctor, and creator of the Mercier Therapy. When she was in college, Jennifer was on the path towards becoming a RE. After working at the local fertility clinic, she realized that there was another way to help women become pregnant. So Jennifer followed her heart to massage therapy school and created the Mercier Therapy. Jennifer has helped women conceive children all over the world through her practice. You guys are going to LOVE HER! In this episode you will learn about: What is Mercier Therapy Why you should think about scar tissue in your pelvic region if you’re trying to conceive How to prepare for a medically assisted fertility program Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jennifer.mercier/ Mercier Therapy Website: https://www.merciertherapy.com/ Dr. Jennifer Mercier’s Practice: https://www.expectamiracle.life/

You guys are going to love Dr. Valerie Bobb! Valerie is a physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor health. This episode is so full of solid information to help you understand more about what your pelvic floor is, what is considered “normal,” and why you should pay attention to your pelvic floor. Valerie gives so much information in an informal comfortable way for an area that we don’t talk about openly.  In this episode you will learn about: What a women’s health physical therapist does What is considered a “normal” pelvic floor and it does How to identify if you have an issue with your pelvic floor and what to do about it Why you shouldn’t just assume that you need to do Kegels Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvaleriebobb/ Finding a Physical Therapist: Section on  Women's Health Pt Locator   Herman and Wallace Find a Practitioner  International Pelvic Pain Society  Information on Pelvic Health Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Center   International Pelvic Pain Society  The American College or Obstetrics and Gynecology  DISCLAIMER: In general ACOG is a great resource for annual screening guidelines and education. HOWEVER it is a bit outdated compared to its equivalents in other countries such as Canada  https://www.sogc.org/   ACOG still is behind on representation and recommendation for things like physical therapy and still has an overemphasis on surgery and medication.   Vulva and vaginal health  Painful intercourse  DISCLAIMER: This link puts a lot of emphasis on emotional causes of pain during intercourse...which can be a factor. HOWEVER that is not usually the primary cause and I don't like how it puts the blame on the woman itself....Also over emphasizes need for surgery or medication when  physical therapy is VERY effective for this! However it has good graphics so please take it with a grain of salt.

In today’s episode I’m talking with Cathy McKinnon. Cathy is a yoga teacher, author, and a health coach. She is committed to helping women consciously create a life that women adore. Cathy comes to us with an amazing story, she struggled with infertility and it was because of her struggles that she found out she had thyroid cancer. She is full of wisdom and light. No matter what your journey, you will get something out of this episode. In this episode you will learn about: The blessings of infertility Why therapy should be part of infertility treatment How Cathy is changing the conversation around infertility Resources: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswarriorcoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnesswarriorcoaching/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wwarriorcathy/

On today’s episode, I’m speaking with Nicole Scheitlin who is an online health and fitness expert. Nicole specializes in creating simplified exercise and nutrition plans so that her clients feel empowered to make a lasting change. I loved her practical advice! We went “woo and my recording went wonky but believe me when I say you won’t want to miss this episode! In this episode you will learn about: What are the signs of over exercise  How to come at your weight release journey from a place of abundance versus a place of lack Why mindset shifts are vital to your fitness journey Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolescheitlin/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nicolescheitlin Website: https://nicolescheitlin.com/

In today's episode, I share my epiphany about how infertility is the new body shaming. We've been taught to hate our bodies for so long. Too much fat, too little muscle, and the list goes on and on. Now in my 30s, I've found a new reason to hate my body. It's not helping me get pregnant. Tune in to see how I'm working through those feelings and I want to hear from you!