Let’s Get Pregnant!

Many of us spend years focusing on how not to get pregnant, so shifting into trying to conceive can feel surprisingly disorienting. Today, Dr. Sarah chats with Dr. Beth Taylor, infertility specialist and co-founder of Olive Fertility Centre in Vancouver, to walk us through the true basics of getting pregnant.

This episode focuses on the heteronormative paradigm of a cis woman and cis man trying to conceive through intercourse - and we’ll explore many other paths to conception in future episodes.

You’ll learn:

• How to time intercourse for the best chance of pregnancy

• Simple lifestyle choices that boost fertility (including the truth about cannabis + hot tubs)

• Why sperm health matters just as much as egg health

• When it’s time to seek help and what tests/treatments are available

Dr. Taylor breaks down what really matters, what doesn’t, and how small changes can make a meaningful difference on your conception journey.

Find Dr. Taylor: @bethtaylormd | @olivefertility | And check our our FREE Preparing for Pregnancy Guide.

Pregnancy to Parenthood Masterclass: www.shefoundhealth.ca/masterclass

*This episode is a re-release. Original release date: July 28, 2021.

In this episode of the She Found Motherhood podcast, Dr. Alicia sits down with registered midwife Heidi Machnee for a deep, evidence-based conversation about water birth and water immersion during labour. Whether you’re planning a home birth, curious about using a tub for labour comfort, or simply want to understand your options, this episode is packed with practical, research-backed insights.

Heidi brings both her experience as a midwife and her background as a pediatric RN to break down what the evidence actually says - the benefits, the risks, and who is (and isn’t) an ideal candidate for labour or birth in water.

Sign up for our Free Birth Preferences Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day!

*This episode is a re-release. Original release date: July 28, 2021.

Babywearing is the timeless practice of holding your baby close using a sling, wrap, or structured carrier - and it offers far more than convenience. In this episode, Dr. Alicia breaks down the science behind babywearing, the physical and emotional benefits for both parent and baby, and how to position your newborn safely and comfortably.

We’re joined by Megan Tennant and Sam Bright, Physiotherapists at Island Kids Physio, who share expert insights into optimal alignment, developmental considerations, and how to choose the right carrier for your family. Together, they explore the pros, cons, and key features of ring slings, wraps, soft-structured carriers, and more.

You’ll also hear practical tips for getting started, red flags to watch for, and trusted resources for selecting a professionally recommended baby carrier that supports healthy development - and keeps your baby snug, secure, and close to your heart. For further reading, tips & tricks, check out:

• T.I.C.K.S. Rules for Safe Babywearing
• Hip Healthy Carriers from The International Hip Dysplasia Institute
• www.kidsphysio.ca
• IG: @islandkidsphysio

With the holidays coming up, check out our She Found Motherhood Amazon Page, and Our Favourite Gifts, for the perfect gift for those expecting parents in your life - including this amazing Boba Wrap!

*This episode is a re-release. Original release date: August 25, 2021.

The transition into new parenthood can feel… a lot. We spend months prepping for labour and delivery, only to be completely blindsided by the postpartum roller coaster 0 the hormones, the relationship shifts, the sleep (or lack thereof), the identity shake-ups - all of it.

In this episode, Dr. Alicia sits down with Dr. Pip Houghton to unpack the realities of perinatal mental health and why a little anticipatory guidance goes a long way. They dive into the most common challenges new parents face, why sleep is non-negotiable, how expectations (societal and self-imposed) shape our experience, and what a truly supportive postpartum setup can look like.

They also get real about maternal guilt - why it shows up, how to recognize it, and what you can actually do about it. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode is equal parts grounding, practical, and “oh thank goodness, it’s not just me."

Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

*This episode is a re-release. Original release date: June 9, 2021.

Pregnancy is undeniably a time of rapid physical change, and for women with a history of avoiding their bodies or engaging in behaviours that reinforce negative body image, that avoidance suddenly becomes impossible. While this can feel incredibly challenging, it can also open the door to meaningful healing around your relationship with food and your body.

Join Dr. Sarah and Shannon Smith, a Registered Nurse with over 14 years of experience in mental health and a specialty in eating disorders, as they explore the foundations of negative body image, practical steps toward cultivating a healthier one, the impact of diet culture, and the principles of intuitive eating.

This episode is grounded, compassionate, and deeply needed - especially if you’ve ever struggled with how you see or care for your body. It’s one you won’t want to miss!

For more great resources on Body Image, Diet Culture and Intuitive Eating, check out:

• Evelyn Tribole, author of Intuitive Eating Every Day-365 Practices & Inspirations
  • IG: evelyntribole

• Kristi Harrison, author of Anti-Diet
  • IG: chr1styharrison

• Shannon Smith, today’s guest
  • IG: shannon.the.therapist

*This episode is a re-release. Original release date: September 15, 2021.

Today’s podcast starts and ends with a BANG! We’re diving into a topic that bridges neuroscience, hormones, human connection, the physical body, and even the societal body. Yet sex and libido in pregnancy and postpartum remain topics so rarely discussed - leaving many couples to struggle in silence.

Enter Dr. Kelly Casperson! Originally a urologist with advanced training in pelvic medicine and surgery, Dr. Casperson shifted her practice toward sexual health and intimacy after realizing how many women - especially postpartum - felt lost, broken, and helpless.

The truth? You are not broken. In fact, data shows that 70% of people struggle with sex after having a baby. And there IS something you can do about it - starting with tuning into this candid, illuminating, and empowering conversation.

Dr. Casperson's book is now out! You can find it here, along with the other resources mentioned, for a deeper dive:

• www.kellycaspersonmd.com
• You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life
• Rekindling Desire by Barry & Emily McCarthy
• Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers by Peggy Kleinplatz
• Better Sex through Mindfulness by Lori A. Brotto

In today's episode, Drs. Sarah and Alicia dive into what low iron and anemia in pregnancy really mean, and how they can affect both childbirth and your newborn. They break down how to test your iron levels and share practical recommendations for treating low iron or anemia during pregnancy.

We’re also highlighting a trusted resource we love: Kidstar Nutrients, who make an great iron supplement called BioFe.

Use promo code SFH15 for 15% off at kidstarnutrients.com!

Sign up for our FREE Birth Preferences Mini-Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day!

*This episode is a re-release. Original release date: March 3, 2021.

The experience of pain in labour is shaped by many factors - previous experiences, as well as emotional, physical, motivational, cognitive, social, and cultural circumstances.

In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Sarah explore both medicinal and non-medicinal strategies for managing pain, with a special focus on epidurals (a topic we’re often asked about!). Understanding your options is key to making decisions that feel right for you, even when labour doesn’t go entirely according to plan.

To support you, we’ve put together a free handout on the Risks and Benefits of Epidurals and How to Support Your Partner in Labour, along with related episodes on Hypnobirthing and Waterbirths.

Subscribe to The Pregnancy to Parenthood Podcast Series! For the low, one-time cost of $47, get full access to over 40 informative episodes supporting you week by week, focused on the trimester and stage of pregnancy you are in. Tune in every week, or binge listen all at once and come back to the episodes you found most helpful as you move through pregnancy to parenthood!

*This episode is a re-release. Original release date: April 19, 2023.