Woven Well: Natural Fertility Podcast

Let's talk about period blood clots. Are they normal? A problem? Why doesn't your OBGYN seem to know what to do with them? As a Certified FertilityCare Practitioner, I get these questions a lot. Western medicine doesn't have a lot to offer, though. So, what about eastern medicine? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long focused on the quality of menstruation and has developed patterns related to period clots. This episode with licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, Emily Kuentz, explains this eastern perspective and how it can provide resources to women struggling with blood clots. In this episode, we explore:<...

After repeated pregnancy losses without answers, and trying every natural remedy from supplements to diet to cleanses, Bethany went in search of new options. She wanted the best of the best, but where could she even begin looking? It was her husband that first suggested, "Maybe we should start by addressing your period pain. That isn't normal." (Way to go, husband!) That conversation led her to working with Dr. Patrick Yeung at Restore Endo Clinic and finally getting the dignified care--and treatment--she has long deserved. Hear Bethany's story and be sure to go back to listen to Dr. Yeung...

New research says that 50% of women who have infertility but no painful periods have endometriosis. Those with painful periods and infertility are *90%* likely to have it. But diagnosis isn't always the hardest part. Many physicians will say they can treat it, but very few have the specialization needed to provide a "one and done" surgery, leaving many women with only temporary symptom relief, years of endo suppression medications, and the need for repeat surgeries. Is there a different way? YES. Dr. Patrick Yeung shares the key things to look for in an endometriosis specialist to help you find someone...

Does the Bible say anything more about sex than "thou shalt not"? From married couples using natural family planning or struggling with infertility to single women noticing elevated estrogen and sexual desire around ovulation, it's worth it to explore what role sex could play in our lives not only physically but spiritually. Today, Dr. Juli Slattery from Authentic Intimacy joins Caitlin to talk about these things and describe the beautiful narrative around sex laid out for us in Scripture. This episode is not just for married couples or those who are sexually active, but all believers who want to...

When Magan and her husband weren't conceiving easily like they did with their first, she did everything in her power to see change. She worked with a chiropractor, tried Whole30, used supplements, and met with her local OB. One year later, nothing had changed. She wanted answers quick, but when she read about NaProTechnology and a restorative approach to reproductive health issues, she decided to give it a try. From there, she learned more about herself than she ever thought she would and found a new motivation and peace that she didn't think possible. She was pretty pleased with...

What do you know about N-Acetyl Cysteine? This supplement is all the rage in health and wellness spheres, but does it have anything to offer women interested in reproductive health specifically? This episode explains what NAC is, how it functions and supports the body, and what it can do for reproductive concerns like PCOS, endometriosis, and more. We'll even walk you through some recent studies that speak to concerns specific to women living with chronic period pain and infertility. In this episode, we'll cover: 

⭐ What function NAC plays in the body

⭐ What NAC has to do wi...

When it comes to reproductive health, it can feel like there's always "one more thing" that you can do or try. It can feel exhausting. How much is too much? How do you know when it's time to stop? These are valid questions to ask! But as you do, there are some other factors to first consider.

- Are all the things I'm doing actually moving me toward my goal? Is there another way? An alternative approach?

- How can I advocate for myself so I don't have to do a long list of things...

OBGYN and mom-by-IVF, Susan Caldwell, shares the full, complicated story of her decision to pursue IVF in the past and why she'd never do it now. She's honest with us as she details the physical pain and emotional turmoil she faced due to assisted reproductive technology treatments and offers the hope of an alternative--an approach she's dedicated her professional life to sharing with other women and couples desperate to grow their families.

GUEST BIO: Dr. Susan Caldwell is a primary care physician specializing in women's health and a NaProTECHNOLOGY Medical Consultant practicing near New Orleans, L...

We all want to eat healthier, but it's not always as easy as it sounds. When you walk into a grocery store, how can you know what to buy and what to skip? We can't always make gourmet meals when we have 30 mins to make something healthy happen. Yet we know that the food we eat has a meaningful impact on our overall health and reproductive function. This is why we've invited Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Chandis, to join us to talk about the simplest approach to eating as close to nature as possible. She talks about real snack options...

Outside of a yeast infection, do you know how to gauge the health of your primary sexual organ? If not, you're not alone. Most ladies know very little (if anything) about vaginal health, and Dr. Sarah Pederson wants to help change that. In today's episode, she addresses the most common mistakes made in caring for yourself "down there" and provides tips for topics like lubricants, discharges, and more.

NOTE: This episode may not be appropriate for all audiences; it does include frequent use of anatomical terms.

GUEST BIO: Sarah Pederson, MD...

For Woven client, Abby, the experience of cycle charting provided far more insight than simple family planning. It opened up a whole new world of discovery as she recognized the role her reproductive hormones played in her emotional state and creative potential. After charting her cycles with the Creighton Model System, she began working with these natural rhythms instead of against them and her creative and personal endeavors came alive. As a professional dancer and athlete, she used to berate herself for having needs and strengths that morphed throughout her cycle. Now, she changed her perspective to honor them...

In today's episode, Caitlin answers a question submitted by one of our listeners: Why is the Creighton Model System more useful than basal body temperature based methods? 

She gives an overview of the main differences between the methods, including the reproductive biomarkers observed and the different information they provide, as well as the unique benefits of the cervical-mucus only fertility appreciation method, the Creighton Model System. 

If you're trying to decide which fertility awareness method to use for women's health care or natural family planning use, this episode is designed for you! If you're curious ab...

Learning a Fertility Awareness Method can feel intimidating, which is why having a step-by-step game plan for starting NFP can help so much. If you're looking to begin learning the Creighton Model System or any other cycle tracking method, this episode is meant to walk you through what you need to do before beginning. We discuss how long it takes to learn, what is helpful when things get difficult, how to find the right instructor, and more.

NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all audiences.

Ep. 34: Is Contraception a Faithful Choice for Christians?<...

Filmmaker Savannah Crossfield is exploring some of the ethical, medical, and legal complications of IVF in her documentary, Cradled in Glass. She was inspired by the frozen embryos across the world and hopes to shed light on some of the topics not always shared with couples before they begin the process. While everyone lands in different places in regards to ethical and moral solutions for IVF, the conversation is one worth having for all of us.

NOTE: This episode is appropriate for all audiences but does discuss IVF in detail.

GUEST BIO: <...