Imperfectly Fertile

Egg quality and the mighty mitochondria with Dr Lynae Brayboy

In this episode, Emily sits down with the founder of Ovom Care Dr. Lynae Brayboy to discuss the coolest cell in the body - the oocyte (or egg cell). We discuss IVF, egg freezing, egg quality, the mitochondria (energy in the cell) and SO much more. A truly fascinating episode that you don't want to miss! Dr Lynae (MD) is an obstetrician-gynaecologist specialising in reproductive endocrinology and the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Ovom. She has also conducted extensive research into oocyte mitochondria, exploring their role in egg quality and quantity—critical indicators of reproductive ageing. She has received several prestigious grants to support her work in this important field. Ovom Care is dedicated to helping individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood by offering accessible, personalised, and technology-driven fertility services. With clinics in the scenic and affordable settings of Lisbon, Portugal, and London, UK, Ovom Care provides comprehensive reproductive care supported by a world-renowned team of fertility specialists. Visit Ovom's website: https://www.ovomcare.com/ Follow Ovom on Instagram: @ovomcare Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/] and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Secondary Infertility with Alex O'connor

This weeks episode is about secondary infertility and what happens when you’ve had one of more successful pregnancy but come up against road blocks the next time around. Emily sits down with fertility specialist, acupuncturist, and clinical investigator Alex O'Connor. We discuss the isolation many secondary infertility mums can feel on this journey, some investigations that can help shed some light and some key things to consider if you’re struggling to have another baby. Visit Alex's Website at⁠⁠⁠: [https://www.laurajwilkes.com/] http://www.fertilitydecoded.co.uk/ Follow Alex on Instagram: @fertilitydecoded Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/] and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Using fertility yoga to help navigate stress on your fertility journey

This week's topic is around stress and infertility and is one that I know will resonate with most, if not all of you. Emily sits down with Jennifer Edmonds, a yoga, pilates and meditation teacher who specialises in fertility and women's health. We talk about the impact stress and trauma on your fertility, the power of fertility yoga and breathwork, as well as tools to support yourself through stressful times whilst releasing the pressure to be 'stress free' and do things perfectly. 2:22 - Jen's fertility journey 13:00 - Jen's take on stress and infertility 21:49 - Tools for supporting yourself through the stress and infertility 23:19 - Trauma and infertility and ways to navigate this 34:00 - Yoga as a way to connect to and trust your body again 39:00 - Jen's key takeways If you've ever felt your blood boil when someone has informed you that 'stressing makes things worse and you just need to relax,' then I hope that this episode will be a soft landing with some real and achievable ways to support yourself. Visit Jen's Website at⁠⁠:https://www.elementpilatesyoga.com/about [https://www.laurajwilkes.com/] Follow Jen on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/laurajwilkes_/]@jen.elementpilatesyoga Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/] and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Nourishing your relationship when TTC with Aly Bullock

One of the hardest parts of TTC (if you are in a couple) is nourishing your relationship alongside the rollercoaster of emotions that can come with trying for a baby. This week Emily speaks to Aly Bullock, a couple & family therapist who specialises in helping couples communicate with intention for a healthier relationship. 3:06 - Common things Aly sees with the couples she's supporting through infertility - couples having different reactions to the journey and the conflict and disconnect that can sometimes come along with that 4.40 - What things does Aly recommend couples can do to feel more connected when navigating disconnect and reacting differently to the journey 5:49 - How do you navigate your relationship when you feel you are doing more or making more effort than your partner or your partner is less on board 12:20 - How trying to follow all the rules and putting more pressure on yourself can have a negative impact on your relationship and how to support yourself and each other 16:00 - Sex while you are TTC. Normalising how hard this is, ways to incorporate fun into sex on your fertility journey to make things feel less strain 19:30 - Tools and activities to help couples feel more connected 26:00 - Aly's key takeaways We talk about common issues that can come up for couples while going through the stress of infertility and miscarriage, as well as some key tools couples can lean on to support themselves and each other, and work towards a more harmonious and connected relationship. Visit Aly's Website at⁠: [https://www.laurajwilkes.com/]alysonbullock.com⁠ [http://alysonbullock.com/] Follow Aly on Instagram ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/laurajwilkes_/]@relationshipswithaly Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠ [https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/] and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Exercise and movement when you are trying for a baby with Hollie Grant

Do you feel like knowing what to do in terms of exercise when TTC is a bit of minefield? Can I do HIT? Do I have to give up spinning and what about if I'm going through IVF? In this episose, Emily sits down with PT, pilates expert and founder of online prenatal online fitness platform The Bump Plan to bring you the evidenced-based low-down on moving your body when you are TTC and beyond. We talk about some common misconceptions, listening to your body, finding a form of movement you love and how to move your body if you are going through fertility treatment. Visit Hollie's website The Bump Plan at: ⁠https://thebumpplan.com/?v=7885444af42e [https://thestorkandi.com/] Follow Hollie on Instagram: ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i/?hl=en]https://www.instagram.com/thebumpplan/ Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/] and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility