Your Circle of Care: Fertility
Navigating your Fertility Journey and How your Circle of Care can Support you
The process of building your family - from the moment you decide it’s time, to the moment you hold your baby in your arms - can be one that isn’t always linear. In Canada, 1/6 of couples struggle with infertility, for various reasons. Having a circle of care to support you mentally, emotionally, and physically through this time can make a huge difference in how that process looks and feels for you. No matter what stage you are at in your fertility journey, you are welcome to see any of our practitioners at Crafted Balance and you can expect care that supports you as a whole person.
Naturopathic Medicine with Dr. Fiona Callender, ND
As a naturopathic doctor with a focus in fertility and perinatal care, I approach fertility through a compassionate lens, always aiming to meet you where you are at. This is a time in many people’s lives that can be both exciting and emotional. Many have probably spent most of their adult life focusing on preventing pregnancy and this shift and challenge in trying to get pregnant can often come with stressors and emotions that are unexpected. My goal is always to support you with the information you need to be able to make the right choices for you.
Together, we take the time to understand you,, your health history, family history, current symptoms and concerns, and usually run some blood work to investigate further. Trying to understand the reasons behind your fertility challenges helps guide us in how we support you.
I often refer to therapy and/or acupuncture for additional support and, if needed, we get the ball rolling on a fertility clinic referral so it’s ready if we need/want it. We can also discuss pelvic health as part of an assessment if this makes sense for you. A lot of the work we do is to help get you as healthy as possible, while addressing any underlying factors that might be getting in your way.
My approach focuses on lifestyle or what we call the “pillars of health” - how we move, eat, think, rest and connect. We use intentional supplementation as needed to manage symptoms, optimize egg quality, support ovulation etc. Though supplements are often part of the plan, my goal is not to overload you with handfuls! You will always understand the reasons behind anything I recommend and if you don’t, I’m happy to clarify or explain further. I am here as a resource for your questions and to support you through this process. We can also continue our care through pregnancy and postpartum, supporting you as symptoms and goals change.
Psychotherapy with Nicole Armstrong, RP
Psychotherapy can support you in your fertility journey, whether you are trying to conceive, have experienced loss, or are facing fertility challenges. As a therapist, I aim to provide a safe space where you can openly explore your experiences, thoughts, and feelings without judgment. Fertility challenges can bring up a variety of emotions; Therapy can offer a place for you to connect and create space for these emotions, helping to better understand their impact on your life. If you are facing fertility challenges with a partner, it can be useful to explore communication tools to help you navigate these challenges alongside your partner to ultimately feel more supported and connected.
Difficult thoughts and feelings often impact individuals throughout their fertility journeys. Many women experience heightened symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which can feel isolating. Therapy provides an opportunity for connection and coregulation when needed. Depending on the individual and their needs, therapy can support you in learning new and effective coping strategies to reduce stress and anxiety or move through depressive symptoms. Exploring self-care measures, including movement, nutrition, relaxation, connection with others, and sleep habits, can all be integral parts of a self-care plan. While starting therapy can feel daunting, many find that having a space to explore and validate their feelings can have a positive impact on their emotional and mental well-being.
Acupuncture with Nicole brown R.Ac.
Acupuncture can play a supportive role for patients navigating fertility, whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) by addressing both physical and emotional factors.
Acupuncture promotes and supports overall wellbeing and can be incredibly supportive in managing anxieties, fears and stress that may arise throughout one’s fertility journey.
With regular acupuncture treatments we can:
Improve blood flow and uterine environment
Enhancing overall circulation and specifically blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Improving their function and creating a more favorable environment for conception.
Improving the thickness of the endometrial lining, which is crucial for successful implantation of an embryo.
Regulate Hormonal balance
Regulates hormones involved in ovulation and menstrual cycles.
Help to normalize levels of hormones, like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) - key in the ovulation process
Enhance ovarian function
Supporting follicular development, improving the quality and quantity of egg production, especially for women experiencing diminished ovarian reserve or PCOS.
Increase sperm health
Improving sperm count, motility and morphology.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Promoting relaxation by stimulating the release of endorphins and reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
Boosting overall wellbeing
Supporting digestion, sleep and overall energy levels.
Acupuncture can also support you throughout your pregnancy by managing any symptoms that may arise, in preparing the body for labour and post-natal recovery.
Curious?
Interested in how our team can support you? Our Naturopathic Doctors, Acupuncturists and Psychotherapist all offer complimentary meet and greets to allow you to ask questions and feel confident that it is the right fit for you.