Happy Baby Fertility Plan: My 5-phase approach to balance hormones naturally and optimize baby's start to life.

My 5 phase approach for getting (and staying) pregnant after 3 miscarriages.

Embarking on a fertility journey can be both overwhelming and empowering. After experiencing three miscarriages without identifiable causes, I was told my doctors that “there was nothing I could do to prevent them.” But after pursuing more testing all on my own, I discovered that I had an underlying thyroid issue and some low progesterone. I grew frustrated with the traditional medical system and how there was never any incentive to get to the root cause of these issues, and I realized I needed a new approach and an organized fertility plan that focused on natural, holistic health.

In my research, I found that with chromosomal errors which are usually to blame for miscarriages, there actually IS a lot that you can do to prevent miscarrying. This revelation led me to develop my 5-phase Happy Baby Fertility Plan, which optimizes baby’s start to life by optimizing mama’s pre-conception health. Here, I’ll share this roadmap with you, complete with actionable steps, trusted products, and resources to guide you along the way.

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A note on miscarriages

In my own journey, I experienced many losses that shook my world. I hope that’s not a part of your story too, but if it is, it’s possible that doctors told you something similar to what I was told: “It was probably just chromosomal, there’s nothing you could have done about it.” While I know this phrase is intended to take the guilt off of moms, something about it didn’t set right with me. I started digging and I came across this incredible book that lays out all of the current research on egg quality and its impact on fertility, miscarriage, and IVF.

It Starts with the Egg is my top recommendation for further reading on this topic, but essentially, she makes the case that poor egg quality contributes to most fertility struggles, and the things that cause a decrease in quality are quite surprising. From fast food and vitamin deficiencies, to stress and undetected inflammation in the body, so many lifestyle factors exist that traditional medicine would never dream of digging into but that lie at the root of fertility issues.

These lifestyle factors influence an egg’s ability to fuel the process of meiosis or dividing up genetic information accurately (the process where most chromosome errors take place). The author also addresses how these lifestyle modifications can positively impact conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, and are foundational in balancing hormones for optimal cycling.

To me, this was extremely empowering, just knowing that there was something I could DO, to help prevent another loss instead of just feeling so helpless. This fertility plan is a collection of the things I’ve put into practice to transform my own fertility health. And I feel amazing!

Phase 1: Detox Your Environment and Home

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are hidden in common household items, and they can interfere with hormone health, making conception more difficult. You would be so surprised at how such seemingly insignificant factors like the plastic leaching from your cup into your drinking water can cause imbalances so significant. Really, it’s the accumulation of these things everywhere that add up and cause the most issue.

EDCs like BPA, phthalates, and parabens mimic or block hormones, causing an imbalance that can impede fertility. In my case, I couldn’t help but wonder if my thyroid issues, which had come out of seemingly nowhere, could be a result of toxins in my home influencing my hormones. Regardless, I knew that getting rid of all the toxins in my home could only help, and what a small price to pay for potentially healing my body and improving fertility!

Detox your life:

Personal Care Products: I started with what goes directly on my skin. I swapped out conventional beauty products for toxin-free alternatives. I threw away all of my makeup and replaced it with Crunchi, a brand that provides clean, high-quality skincare and makeup. They even have a 3-in-1 shampoo bar for my kids that I love!
Home Cleaning Supplies: Ditch harsh chemical cleaners and switch to natural, DIY options using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Food Storage: Avoid using plastic containers and opt for glass or stainless steel to prevent chemical leaching.
Water Filtration: Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and trace heavy metals. Upgrade to a robust system like Epic Water Filters for clean, toxin-free hydration. They even have water bottles that will directly filter your water when you’re on the go!
Mattresses and Furniture: Consider what you’re sleeping on. Mattresses often contain flame retardants that release toxic chemicals. Naturepedic offers organic, EDC-free mattresses for both adults and babies.

For more in-depth insights on detoxing to improve fertility, see this post: Boost Your Fertility with Toxin-Free Tips: Ultimate Guide for Eliminating Endocrine Disruptors

Phase 2: Balance Hormones with Nutrition and Supplements

Nutrition and Fertility: Balanced nutrition is foundational for hormone health and conception, a cornerstone of any good fertility plan. Key nutrients support hormone production and regulation, aiding in ovulation and egg quality. Because it takes 3+ months for an egg to develop, you should optimize your nutrition for at least 3 months before trying to conceive.

Nutrient-Dense Fertility Plan Tips:

Whole Foods: Incorporate more leafy greens, lean proteins, healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil), and complex carbohydrates to nourish your body.
Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: These can increase inflammation and hormone disruption.
Consider Ditching Gluten: I thought this one was crazy but there is a large percentage of the population that has undetected celiac autoimmunity, which is a proven cause of pregnancy loss when untreated. If you have not been tested, just get rid of gluten, it’s not worth the risk!
Choose Organic: Pesticides used on conventional produce can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone balance. Focus on organic options, especially the Dirty Dozen.

Supplements to Consider:

Comprehensive Prenatal Vitamins: Needed’s Prenatal Vitamin is packed with essential nutrients to support you and your baby right from the start. Their formulas are clean, comprehensive, and expertly crafted to optimize fertility and pregnancy. Here are supplements commonly recommended with history of fertility troubles (I use NEEDED for their high-quality, evidence-based dosing and third party testing).
- CoQ10
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Probiotics
Probiotics: A healthy gut microbiome plays a significant role in hormone regulation, as this is the foundation for how nutrients and vitamins get metabolized and absorbed. NEEDED has a high quality prebiotic and probiotic that is evidence-backed. I take it daily!
Evivo probiotics are also something to consider, as this is a specific strain of bacteria for breastfed infants: many moms don’t have this strain which means it won’t be passed down to baby. This is the bacteria that breaks down the sugars in breastmilk and is the foundation of immune health. Moms can take Evivo prenatally and it can also be given to infants to balance the gut microbiome.

While supplements are crucial for an optimal fertility plan that gets you results, it’s important that you work with your doctor to make sure your lab values are where they should be as you supplement.

Phase 3: Mind and Body Practices for Stress Reduction

Why Mind-Body Connection Matters: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone production, leading to imbalances that affect fertility. The Happy Baby Fertility Plan incorporates practices that calm the mind and body can lower cortisol levels and promote reproductive health.

Top Mind-Body Practices:

Yoga and Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga not only increase circulation to the pelvic region but also help reduce stress and balance hormones. Gentle walks and stretching are also effective for relaxation. I personally like to run and did lots of light running for cardiovascular wellness, mood elevation, and blood flow.
Meditation and Deep Breathing: Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing techniques can regulate stress hormones. Circle and Bloom has incredible options for fertility meditations to positively transform the way stress alters fertility.
Acupuncture: Studies suggest that acupuncture can support reproductive health by increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.

Daily Routine Tips: Make time for a morning or evening meditation and commit to at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise several times a week to help manage stress.

Phase 4: Test Hormones, Track Ovulation, and Monitor Fertility

Why Tracking Matters: Understanding your ovulation cycle can increase your chances of conceiving. By identifying your fertile window, you can time intercourse for when it’s most likely to lead to pregnancy. I also took a home test kit for fertility hormone health to see where I was at with my levels and make sure my body was ready.

Best Tools for Tracking:

Mira Fertility Analyzer: I can’t recommend this analyzer tool enough. It offers precise insights into your hormone levels, helping you track ovulation and identify your fertility window with ease. It helped me identify abnormalities in my progesterone levels, which are essential for healthy implantation and nourishment of the baby (I had no issues getting pregnant but rather, issues staying pregnant).
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These tools can be used in conjunction with Mira to monitor fertility.
Thorne Fertility Test Kit– I used this saliva and blood test to see what my levels were for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, LH, DHEA, and cortisol. These levels were a crucial starting point for seeing where I was at and what specifically I needed to work on modifying to balance my levels.

I learned that it’s important to do all the baseline hormone testing and to start tracking my cycle a few months before actively trying to conceive. This way I was able to get familiar with my body’s patterns and make sure I wasn’t showing any abnormalities in any phase.

Learn more about Mira and how it changed the game for me: Mira Fertility Analyzer Review

Phase 5: Keep Learning and Optimize Your Journey

Staying informed throughout your fertility plan helps you make the best choices for your body and future baby. Research, books, and expert resources can guide you through the complexities of fertility and prenatal health.

Top Books and Resources:

“It Starts with the Egg” by Rebecca Fett: A must-read for anyone looking to optimize egg quality and fertility through science-backed strategies.
The Dr. Nurture Podcast: Tune in to episodes to explore topics on infant and maternal health, gut microbiome, and more.
Educational Courses and Support Groups: Engage in fertility courses or join communities for shared experiences and additional tips. There is an “It Starts with the Egg” app for updates in the field of fertility research, getting evidence-based practice to you years quicker than your doctor’s office!

Conclusion

Your fertility journey is deeply personal and can be complex, but with the Happy Baby Fertility Plan, it’s possible to balance your hormones naturally and create a supportive environment for both conception and a healthy pregnancy. By following my 5-phase Happy Baby Fertility Plan—Detox, Nutrition, Mind-Body Practices, Tracking, and Lifelong Learning—you can take control of your fertility health and optimize your baby’s start to life.

Ready to take that next step? Dive deeper with my related posts and check out my trusted resources and affiliates like Crunchi, Naturepedic, Epic Water Filters, Needed, Evivo, and Mira to support you every step of the way.

Dr. Nurture