Please Note: We will be discussing hormonal health in greater detail in Week 7. For appropriate information on optimising your hormonal health, I recommend working closely with both your primary healthcare provider (western medical model) and a naturopath, chinese medicine doctor or herbalist who specialises in womens health.
PREPARE AT LEAST THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE
The process of folliculogenesis (the growth of follicles inside the ovaries), is a lengthy process. It takes around a year for follicles to grow from a primary follicle right through to a mature follicle – with the majority of this growth occurring during the last three months prior to ovulation.
The process of spermatogenesis (the growth of sperm within the testes) also takes around three months to complete.
Because of this, it is recommended that couples who are trying to conceive begin taking a prenatal and implementing healthy diet and lifestyle changes at least three months prior to trying to conceive. This applies to the male partner just as much as it does to the woman.
It is recommended to work closely with your primary health care provider and a Naturopath/Herbalist/Chinese Medicine Doctor to obtain advice and high-quality prenatal supplements to ensure you are starting the conception process with good nutrient stores. This is especially important if you have recently discontinued hormonal contraceptives, which have been shown to interfere with micronutrient absorption in the body.
THE BASICS OF PRECONCEPTION HEALTHCARE
This course is not intended to provide any medical advice. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider extensively before trying to conceive.
You may wish to discuss the below information with your healthcare provider:
You may wish to discuss lifestyle health factors such as:
Preparation for conception should also include your male partner. Ideally, both of you will implement healthy changes for a minimum of three months prior to conception. Keep in mind that this is the minimum recommended amount of time to prepare for pregnancy – the more time you both spend optimising your health, the better.
For further detailed information about all of the above, please visit your healthcare provider before trying to conceive to ensure that you are receiving accurate and safe information.
FURTHER RESOURCES
For further information on optimal prenatal and pregnancy health and nutrition, I recommend the following books:
If you are hoping to become pregnant and wanting to learn more about natural physiological birth, postpartum and breastfeeding, you may enjoy the following websites, podcasts, books and social media accounts. Please keep in mind that these accounts are not affiliated with Fertility Charting nor do they necessarily share the same values. Fertility Charting may not necessarily agree with, and is not responsible for, any of the content that you will find on these accounts:
Podcasts:
Websites:
Books:
Instagram Accounts: (try searching for midwives and doulas near you to find more)
Documentaries:
Breastfeeding Resources
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