• Overcoming Resentment and Differing Opinions in Fertility Journeys - With Leonie Akhidenor
    Apr 4 2024

    On this episode of the Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling is joined by Leonie Akhidenor, certified relationship coach and host of the Parenthood Pod. Together, they delve into the complexities of relationships and parenthood amidst fertility struggles. They tackle topics like resentment, unequal partnership dynamics, maintaining intimacy, handling differing opinions, and coping when one partner considers ending the fertility journey. Leonie's expertise as a relationship coach shines as they navigate the challenges of infertility and relationships. A must-listen for anyone on a fertility journey.


    In this episode you’ll discover:

    [00:02:41] Managing relationships during infertility.

    [00:07:33] Small gestures in relationships.

    [00:08:26] Dealing with resentment in infertility.

    [00:13:39] Planning for fertility decisions.

    [00:16:34] Seeking Relationship Therapy.

    [00:19:30] Making tough fertility decisions.

    [00:24:31] Recovering post-infertility and parenting.

    [00:28:54] Prioritising self-care for relationships.

    [00:29:28] Prioritising self-care and fertility journey.


    Thank you to our sponsors

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/


    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Eius Fertility

    • @leonie.akhidenor

    • @parenthoodpod


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    31 mins
  • The Impact of Diet, Lifestyle, and Environment on Male Factor Infertility - With Tabitha McIntosh
    Mar 21 2024

    This episode of the Up The Duff podcast delves into the crucial topic of male factor infertility. Host Brittany Darling is joined by Tabitha McIntosh, an experienced Naturopath, founder & director of Awaken Your Health in Sydney, where she has run her own private clinical practice for fifteen years, integrating Naturopathic healing principles with the latest scientific research to educate and empower her clients. After attaining her Bachelor of Medical Science (University of NSW, 2001), she went on to pursue her passion for Integrative healthcare by completing an Advanced Diploma Naturopathy & Diploma Nutrition (Nature Care College, 2005), and Post Grad Dip of Applied Science in Nutritional & Environmental Medicine (Swinburne University, 2006). She has also completed a Masters in Reproductive Medicine through the School of Medicine (University of NSW 2022). Together, they explore the impact of diet, lifestyle, and environment on male fertility. The conversation sheds light on the significant role men play in fertility and emphasises the importance of considering male factors in the journey to parenthood. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how male health influences embryo development and overall fertility.


    In this episode you’ll discover:

    [00:01:58] Male partner role in fertility.

    [00:04:49] The forgotten male.

    [00:09:30] DNA fragmentation and early pregnancy loss.

    [00:13:26] Environmental factors affecting male fertility.

    [00:17:17] Future-proofing fertility.

    [00:19:24] Alcohol and drug intake and fertility.

    [00:22:43] Men's Preconception Health

    [00:25:54] Fertility journey support.


    Thank you to our sponsors

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/


    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Eius Fertility

    • Awaken Your Health

    • @awakenyourhealth

    • Facebook - Awaken Your Health

    • Book - One Bite at a Time and other e-books

    • Book - Countdown by Shanna H. Swan, PhD


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    26 mins
  • Navigating Egg Freezing: Expert Insights and Personal Stories
    Feb 29 2024

    This episode of Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling dives into the world of egg freezing with experts including Dr. Raelia Lew, CREI Fertility Specialist, Gynaecologist and Women's Health Melbourne Director, Lucy Lines from Two Lines Fertility, an independent embryologist, fertility educator, and IVF patient advocate, and Stefanie Valakas APD, an expert certified fertility and pregnancy dietitian and nutritionist, and egg freezer herself. They discuss the process, considerations, and preparations involved in egg freezing, providing a well-rounded view with both expertise and lived experience. Tune in to learn about egg freezing, age factors, using frozen eggs, and more!


    In this episode you’ll discover:

    00:01:36 - Dr. Lew Explains Egg Freezing Process

    00:04:42 - Monitoring and Planning Egg Retrieval

    00:07:15 - Age Considerations in Egg Freezing

    00:09:23 - Circumstances for Early Egg Freezing

    00:10:18 - Ideal Age for Elective Egg Freezing

    00:11:03 - Does Egg Freezing Deplete Egg Reserves?

    00:11:59 - Stefanie Valakas Early Egg Freezing Decision

    00:12:44 - Data on Egg Freezing Success Rates

    00:13:27 - The Value of Egg Freezing for Future Use

    00:14:06 - Preparing for Egg Freezing: Nutrition and Toxins

    00:15:01 - Supplements for Egg Freezing vs. Conception

    00:17:11 - What Happens When You Want to Use Your Eggs


    Thank you to our sponsors

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/


    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Eius Fertility

    • @drraelialew

    • @womenshealthmelbourne
    • @loversproducts
    • @Knockeduppodcast
    • womenshealthmelbourne.com.au

    • @twolinesfertility

    • Twolinesfertility.com.au

    • @futurefertilitysafe

    • thedietologist.com.au

    • Instagram @the_dietologist and @endo.dietitian

    • TikTok: @the_dietologist

    • Facebook Pages: The Dietologist and The Endometriosis Dietitian

    • Podcast: Fertility Friendly Food


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    19 mins
  • The Role of Nutrition in Managing Endometriosis and Improving Fertility - With Stefanie Valakas
    Feb 15 2024

    In this episode of the Up the Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling speaks with Stefanie Valakas APD, an expert certified fertility and pregnancy dietitian & nutritionist and founder of The Dietologist, about endometriosis and its impact on fertility. They discuss the signs and symptoms of endometriosis, how it can affect your chances of getting pregnant, the process of getting a diagnosis, and the role that nutrition and diet play in managing the condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with endometriosis or wanting to learn more about it.


    In this episode you’ll discover: 

    [00:02:19] Endometriosis and its symptoms.

    [00:04:19] Delay in endometriosis diagnosis.

    [00:08:32] Inflammation and fertility.

    [00:13:38] Over-attributing symptoms to endometriosis.

    [00:17:12] Gut microbiome's link to endometriosis.

    [00:22:16] Gluten and endometriosis.

    [00:24:43] Vaginal microbiota and endometriosis.

    [00:29:30] Pregnancy and endometriosis.

    [00:34:08] Prostaglandins and period poops.

    [00:36:58] Antioxidant combinations and fertility.


    Thank you to our sponsors 

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/


    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Eius Fertility 

    • Website: thedietologist.com.au

    • Instagram @the_dietologist and @endo.dietitian

    • TikTok: @the_dietologist

    • Facebook Pages: The Dietologist and The Endometriosis Dietitian

    • Podcast: Fertility Friendly Food


    Join our Facebook Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Up the Duff Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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    39 mins
  • Understanding AMH: Is it Really the Best Indicator of Ovarian Reserve? - With Aimee Raupp
    Feb 8 2024

    In this episode of the Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling is joined by Amy Raupp, an acupuncturist and fertility detective. They discuss the topic of AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and its role as an indicator of ovarian reserve. They also explore the differences between egg quality and quantity, as well as the role of NAD+ in ovarian aging. If you're looking for fertility support and want to debunk some myths, this episode provides valuable insights and hope for those in their thirties and forties.


    In this episode you’ll discover: 

    00:01:05 - Discussing AMH and Ovarian Reserve

    00:01:49 - Understanding AMH in Fertility

    00:02:11 - AMH as an Indicator of Ovarian Reserve

    00:03:03 - Comparing AMH and FSH

    00:05:10 - AMH and IVF Response

    00:05:26 - Hope for Low AMH Results

    00:11:04 - Improving Egg Quality

    00:11:16 - Endocrine Disruptors and Fertility

    00:12:32 - NAD+ and Fertility

    00:13:35 - CoQ10 and Fertility

    00:15:02 - Lifestyle Changes for Fertility

    00:15:19 - Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors

    00:20:28 - Hypothetical Case Study: Woman in Late 30s/Early 40s

    00:25:56 - Advocating for Personalised Fertility Treatment

    00:26:07 - Taking Time Off from Fertility Treatments

    00:27:37 - Improving Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs

    00:28:22 - Techniques for Increasing Blood Flow

    00:30:28 - Vitamin D and Fertility


    Thank you to our sponsors 

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/


    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Eius Fertility 

    • @aimeeraupp

    • aimeeraupp.com


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    40 mins
  • How to Improve Implantation Rates Through Food - With Monique Cormack
    Feb 1 2024

    In this episode of the Up The Duff podcast, host Brittany Darling is joined by nutritionist Monique Cormack to discuss the two-week wait, a nerve-wracking time for fertility seekers. They explore what foods are helpful during this period, what to avoid, and whether anything can aid implantation, with a special focus on beetroot juice. They also delve into the topic of supplements and nutrients that can be taken or avoided during the two-week wait. Tune in for a juicy and informative discussion on navigating this crucial stage on the path to parenthood.


    In this episode you’ll discover: 

    00:01:31 - Understanding the Two-Week Wait

    00:02:12 - The Limbo Period of Conception Explained

    00:03:32 - Emotional Wellbeing During the Two-Week Wait

    00:04:10 - Nutritional Recommendations for the Two-Week Wait

    00:05:04 - Foods to Support Uterine Receptivity

    00:06:08 - The Role of Nitrate-Rich Foods

    00:08:14 - The Science Behind Beetroot Juice

    00:10:24 - Ways to Incorporate Beetroot into Your Diet

    00:12:17 - Additional Benefits of Watermelon and Ginger

    00:15:43 - Foods to Avoid During the Two-Week Wait

    00:16:10 - The Role of Caffeine in the Two-Week Wait

    00:18:08 - Supplements and Nutrients During the Two-Week Wait

    00:20:04 - Continuing or Stopping Supplements Post-Transfer

    00:22:24 - Progesterone and Related Supplements

    00:26:07 - Timing for Dietary Nitrates and Implantation Support

    00:34:05 - Continuing Nitrate-Rich Foods During Pregnancy


    Thank you to our sponsors 

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/

    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Eius Fertility 

    • @moniquecormacknutrition

    • moniquecormack.com


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    36 mins
  • The Important Questions to ask After a Miscarriage - With Gabriela Rosa
    Jan 25 2024

    In this episode of Up The Duff, host Brittany Darling is joined by Gabriela Rosa, a clinical researcher and fertility specialist. They discuss the topic of miscarriages, covering why they occur, underlying causes and investigations, the role of IVF, and medical or genetic conditions that may contribute to miscarriages. They also address the important question of how to get started after a miscarriage, when it is safe to try again, and steps to reduce the risk of future miscarriages. With one in four pregnancies in Australia ending in miscarriage, this episode provides valuable information and insights for fertility seekers.


    In this episode you’ll discover: 

    00:02:54 - Commonality and Misconceptions of Miscarriage

    00:04:31 - The Problem with Dismissing Miscarriages

    00:05:03 - The Timeframe of Recovery Post-Miscarriage

    00:06:38 - Importance of Investigating Even the First Miscarriage

    00:08:57 - The Flaw in Waiting for Multiple Miscarriages Before Investigating

    00:09:37 - Healthcare System Constraints and Testing

    00:10:31 - The Importance of Optimal Ranges in Test Results

    00:14:15 - The Impact of Nutritional Deficiencies on Miscarriage

    00:18:13 - The Role of IVF in Preventing Miscarriages

    00:19:06 - The Importance of Addressing Underlying Causes

    00:24:26 - The Overuse of IVF and the Need for Detailed Diagnosis

    00:26:55 - The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Fertility

    00:30:30 - The Validity of Choosing Not to Pursue Parenthood

    00:31:45 - Practical Advice Post-Miscarriage


    Thank you to our sponsors 

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/


    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Pink Elephants

    • Eius Fertility 

    • @gabrielarosafertility

    • @fertilitybreakthrough

    • Fertilitybreakthrough.com


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    41 mins
  • Recurrent Implantation Failure - why some embryos don’t stick - With Lucy Lines
    Jan 18 2024

    In this episode of Up The Duff, host Brittany Darling is joined by Lucy Lines from Two Lines Fertility, an independent embryologist, fertility educator, and IVF patient advocate. They discuss recurrent implantation failure and why some embryos don't stick during IVF. They also explore tips for increasing chances of implantation and how to choose which embryo to transfer first. If you've experienced multiple miscarriages or recurrent implantation failure, this episode is a must-listen.


    In this episode you’ll discover: 


    ▶️ Lucy's Background and Role in Fertility

    ▶️ IVF as a Business and Patient Advocacy

    ▶️ Human variations in medication efficacy.

    ▶️ Embryo Transfer and Implantation Challenges

    ▶️ Natural Conception and Embryo Statistics

    ▶️ Genetic Testing of Embryos

    ▶️ Impact of sperm on embryo development.

    ▶️ Vaping and fertility.

    ▶️ Lifestyle factors and fertility.

    ▶️ Post-Embryo Transfer Advice


    Thank you to our sponsors 

    Eius Fertility https://eiusfertility.com/


    Items mentioned in this episode include:

    • Eius Fertility 

    • @twolinesfertility

    • Twolinesfertility.com.au

    • @futurefertilitysafe

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    34 mins