The Untold Truth About IVF, Egg Donation & Surrogacy: Ethics, Health Risks & What Couples Aren't Being Told with Jennifer Lahl

The Untold Truth About IVF, Egg Donation & Surrogacy: Ethics, Health Risks & What Couples Aren't Being Told with Jennifer Lahl

In this thought-provoking and deeply important episode, Deidre sits down with Jennifer Lahl, bioethicist, filmmaker, and founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, to discuss the ethical, medical, and long-term implications of assisted reproductive technologies. The global fertility market is approaching $40 billion annually and is projected to nearly double within the next decade. When that much money is at stake, it's worth asking: who benefits from the story being told and who decides what patients know? Together, they explore the realities of the modern fertility industry, the health implications for women and children, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding embryo creation, egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy. Key Takeaways * Why many couples are offered IVF before receiving a thorough root-cause evaluation. * The realities of IVF success rates and why treatment often fails. * Research linking assisted reproductive technologies to higher rates of certain health concerns in children. * How the IVF laboratory environment may influence embryonic development. * Why male fertility deserves more attention and a more complete workup. * What AMH testing actually measures and why low AMH does not automatically mean pregnancy is impossible. * The ethical and emotional complexities surrounding frozen embryos and embryo adoption. * Concerns about egg donation, ovarian stimulation, and the lack of long-term research on donors. * The medical and ethical issues involved in commercial surrogacy. * How financial incentives shape the fertility industry. * Why couples deserve complete information before making life-changing decisions. This episode isn't about shame or blame. It's not about telling anyone that their family is less than whole. It is about honoring the truth that you deserve more information than you were likely given. Resources mentioned * CBC Network YouTube channel (all films free, many with subtitles): search "CBC Network" on YouTube * Website: thecbcnetwork.org * The Mother Machine by Gena Corea * Everything Conceivable by Liza Mundy If this episode resonates, take the next step. Book a free Clarity Cal [https://calendly.com/always-growing/complimentary-consult]l to explore your fertility journey, uncover what’s missing, and see if our approach is right for you.  And if you want more in-depth education on functional fertility, detox pathways, and protocols, subscribe to our Substack [https://substack.com/@deidrebloomquist] for exclusive content, research breakdowns, and case studies you won’t find anywhere else. ➡️ Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist [https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist] for more education Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to a be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician for medical advice. We always recommend working with a trained practitioner if you would like to do any testing and/or commence any protocols.

How Pelvic Floor Health Impacts Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Recovery with Dr. Kayla Borchers

In this in-depth episode, Deidre sits down with Dr. Kayle Borchers, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health, to unpack one of the most overlooked foundations of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery: pelvic floor function. Dr. Kayla shares her personal journey, from being told leaking urine as a teenage athlete was “normal,” to discovering that pelvic floor dysfunction is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated. Together, they explore what the pelvic floor actually is, why Kegels are often doing more harm than good, and how breath, posture, movement, and nervous system regulation all influence pelvic health. The conversation spans preconception care, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pain with intercourse, leakage, constipation, prolapse,  and even how pelvic floor dysfunction shows up in children and men. This episode reframes pelvic health as a dynamic, whole-body system, one that deserves attention before symptoms arise, not just after.  Key Takeaways * The pelvic floor is a dynamic system that must lengthen, contract, and coordinate, not just “tighten.” * Why Kegels alone can worsen leakage, prolapse, pain, and dysfunction. * How improper breathing patterns disrupt pressure management and pelvic floor function. * Why addressing pelvic health preconception improves fertility, pregnancy comfort, birth outcomes, and postpartum recovery. * The role of nervous system regulation, stress, and exercise intensity in fertility and miscarriage risk. * Signs of pelvic floor dysfunction in women, men, and children including constipation, bedwetting, pain, and leakage.  Timestamps * 00:00 – Introduction & why pelvic health is overlooked * 01:00 – Dr. Kayla’s story: athletics, leakage, and being told it was “normal” * 04:00 – What the pelvic floor actually is (and why it’s more than Kegels) * 08:30 – Breathing, pressure management, and why most people breathe incorrectly * 12:00 – Pelvic floor therapy in preconception care * 15:00 – Stress, nervous system regulation, and fertility * 18:30 – Why Kegels can worsen symptoms * 24:00 – Pain with tampons, intercourse, and tight pelvic floors * 27:30 – Sedentary lifestyles, movement, and pelvic dysfunction * 31:00 – Postpartum expectations & when to seek pelvic floor support * 37:00 – Pelvic floor issues in children and men * 42:30 – How to work with Dr. Kayla Borchers  If this conversation opened your eyes to how pelvic health, movement, and nervous system regulation impact fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery, we encourage you to keep going. 👉 Learn more about Dr. Kayla Borchers and explore her pelvic floor therapy services, virtual care, and holistic programs [https://drkaylaborchers.com]designed to support the body before, during, and after pregnancy and follow here at @drkaylaborchers [https://www.instagram.com/drkaylaborchers/] 👉 And to kick-start your preconception care at any stage, download our Understanding Your Bloodwork Guide [https://expert-pioneer-928.kit.com/bd16597150]. This free resource will help you make sense of key fertility markers, identify gaps that are often overlooked, and begin building a strong foundation for conception, pregnancy, and long-term health. Whether you’re just starting to think about pregnancy or actively trying to conceive, these two resources together give you powerful insight into how your body is functioning and where support can make the biggest difference. ➡️ Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist [https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist] for more education Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to a be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician for medical advice. We always recommend working with a trained practitioner if you would like to do any testing and/or commence any protocols.

Erasing HPV Naturally: Protecting Fertility, Pregnancy & Cervical Health with Dr. Doni Wilson

In this powerful episode, Deidre sits down with Dr. Doni Wilson, a leading naturopathic doctor and midwife known for her HPV and cervical health protocol. Together, they unpack one of the most common (and most feared) women’s health issues: testing positive for high-risk HPV or abnormal cervical cells while trying to conceive or during pregnancy. Dr. Doni explains why HPV is so frequently discovered when women are preparing for pregnancy or already pregnant, how her natural HPV protocol can clear the virus, and how healing the cervix often leads to improved fertility outcomes. She also shares actionable steps women can take to safely address HPV during pregnancy without jeopardizing the baby or relying solely on procedures that may weaken the cervix. They discuss escharotic treatments, how to avoid unnecessary LEEP procedures, and why a holistic, root-cause approach not only protects fertility but can also result in HPV clearing, even during pregnancy. Key Takeaways * HPV is extremely common and often discovered right before or during pregnancy. * The standard medical approach often advises “wait and see,” leaving women anxious for 9–10 months. * There are safe, natural approaches to support immune health and help clear HPV during pregnancy. * Addressing HPV and abnormal cells can improve fertility, reduce miscarriage risk, and protect cervical integrity. * Escharotic treatments are an effective alternative to LEEP for properly selected cases of CIN2/3. * HPV is not a contraindication to pregnancy; the risk to the baby is extremely low. If you’re navigating HPV while trying to conceive or during pregnancy, you’re not alone and you don’t need to wait in fear. Follow Dr. Doni to leearn more: @drdoniwilson [https://www.instagram.com/drdoniwilson/?hl=en]and learn more about her Say Goodbye to HPV Program. [https://doctordoni.com/say-goodbye-to-hpv/] Dr. Doni provides a FREE How to get rid of HPV workshop: https://doctordoni.com/hpv-workshop/ [https://doctordoni.com/hpv-workshop/] Ready for answers and real support? Explore our evidence-based approach to fertility, detoxification, and women’s health. ➡️ Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist [https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist] for more education Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to a be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician for medical advice. We always recommend working with a trained practitioner if you would like to do any testing and/or commence any protocols.

Low AMH and Natural Fertility: Why IVF Isn’t Your Only Option

In this episode of The Birthright Blueprint, Deidre Bloomquist challenges the conventional wisdom around low AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) and fertility. Too often, women are told that a low AMH number means they must rush into IVF, and that it’s their only chance. Deidre pulls back the curtain on what AMH really measures, what it doesn’t, and why natural conception can often still be possible with the right support. You’ll hear why low AMH isn’t a verdict on your fertility potential, how toxins, mitochondrial health, and nervous system regulation impact ovarian function, and why “forcing” the body with aggressive interventions may not be the answer. Through real-life client stories, Deidre shows how addressing root causes and creating safety in the body can help restore ovulation, improve egg quality, and even lead to natural pregnancies, sometimes after women were told it was impossible. Key Takeaways * AMH measures egg quantity, not quality or fertility potential * Why low AMH does not automatically mean IVF is the best or only choice * How toxin burden, mitochondrial function, and nervous system regulation affect ovarian health * The difference between forcing the body and supporting it to function naturally * Real client success stories of natural conception after low AMH diagnoses If this episode resonates, take the next step. Book a free Clarity Call to explore your fertility journey, uncover what’s missing, and see if our approach is right for you. No pressure,just support.  Book your complimentary consult here [https://calendly.com/always-growing/reversinginfertility-complimentary-30-minute-consult] And if you want more in-depth education on functional fertility, detox pathways, and protocols, subscribe to our Substack [https://deidrebloimquist.substack.com/p/how-to-actually-support-fertility] for exclusive content, research breakdowns, and case studies you won’t find anywhere else. ➡️ Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist [https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist] for more education Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to a be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician for medical advice. We always recommend working with a trained practitioner if you would like to do any testing and/or commence any protocols.

How to Remove Stored Toxins and Restore Fertility Naturally

In this solo episode of The Birthright Blueprint, Deidre Bloomquist tackles a misconception that many women face, believing that “clean living” automatically leads to improved fertility. Drawing from her work as a functional nutritionist specializing in toxin reduction, Deidre explains why removing environmental toxins is only the first step, and how stored toxins can continue to block fertility, increase miscarriage risk, and disrupt hormone and immune function. Listeners will learn what real detoxification looks like, why nervous system regulation and drainage pathways must come first, and how supporting the body’s innate processes can restore safety signals and unlock fertility. Deidre also shares how women in her practice have experienced dramatic shifts (sometimes even conceiving mid-protocol) by addressing what’s truly holding them back. Key Takeaways * Why “non-toxic living” and detoxification are not the same * How stored toxins can mimic hormones, disrupt the immune system, and block implantation * The link between nervous system regulation, drainage, and successful detox * Foundational steps to prepare the body for safe and effective toxin removal * How removing biochemical interference helps the body naturally resume reproduction If this episode resonates, take the next step. Book a free Clarity Call to explore your fertility journey, uncover what’s missing, and see if our approach is right for you. No pressure,just support.  Book your complimentary consult here [https://calendly.com/always-growing/reversinginfertility-complimentary-30-minute-consult] And if you want more in-depth education on functional fertility, detox pathways, and protocols, subscribe to our Substack [https://substack.com/@deidrebloomquist?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] for exclusive content, research breakdowns, and case studies you won’t find anywhere else. ➡️ Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist [https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist] for more education Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to a be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician for medical advice. We always recommend working with a trained practitioner if you would like to do any testing and/or commence any protocols.