Today, we are diving deep into one of my favorite topics: preparing for pregnancy! My guest, Loren Sofia of Innate Fertility, has played a significant role in my own pregnancy journey and I can’t wait for you to hear her insights on what most doctors don’t tell you, how to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy, and nourishing your body through postpartum!
After healing herself from the birth control pill Loren knew she wanted to empower both women and men with the tools and knowledge to optimize their fertility and wellbeing, putting their best food forward as they step into a thriving pregnancy, a resilient postpartum, and joyful parenthood.
Her methodology is rooted in deep understanding and respect for the physiology of the body, combining the wisdom of traditional nutrition with a bio-energetic, pro-metabolic, and bio-individual approach. She is going to talk to us today about how to prepare your body for pregnancy, how to thrive during pregnancy, and how to have a resilient postpartum experience! Let’s dive in!
Trusting Your Body
One of the first things Loren emphasized was the importance of trusting our bodies. In a world where we often outsource our health decisions to doctors and societal norms, it’s crucial to reconnect with our own bodily intuition.
Loren pointed out that many women have been conditioned to distrust their bodies, leading to a disconnect that can impact fertility and overall health. By taking ownership of our health and becoming more in tune with our bodies, we can empower ourselves to make informed decisions that benefit not just us, but also our future children.
The Importance of Preconception Prep
As we delved into the topic of preconception, Loren explained why preparing for pregnancy is essential. The health of a mother at the time of conception can ripple through generations, affecting not just the immediate child but also future grandchildren.
This concept was mind-blowing to me! It made me realize that the choices we make today can have lasting impacts on our family lineage.
Loren highlighted that preconception prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about making small, manageable changes that enhance our current lifestyle. Whether it’s improving nutrition, managing stress, or understanding our hormonal health, these adjustments can significantly influence our fertility and the health of our future children.
Understanding Fertility
During our conversation, we touched on the fact that many women are unaware of their fertility status until they decide to conceive. Loren shared that it’s vital to understand our bodies and our cycles, even if we’re not currently trying to get pregnant.
By being proactive and informed, we can optimize our fertility and make the process of conception smoother and less stressful.
Loren also emphasized that preconception prep can help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preterm birth. By focusing on our health BEFORE pregnancy, we can set ourselves up for a more resilient postpartum experience.
The Role of the Nervous System
One of the most enlightening parts of our discussion was the role of the nervous system in fertility and pregnancy. Loren explained that our bodies can get stuck in a fight-or-flight state, which can hinder our ability to conceive.
Stress, whether from external factors or internal pressures, can significantly impact our hormonal balance and overall health.
To combat this, Loren suggested several practical strategies for regulating the nervous system. Spending time in nature, practicing deep breathing, and balancing blood sugar levels are all effective ways to help our bodies transition from a stressed state to a more relaxed one.
I can personally attest to the power of these practices, as they have transformed my own approach to health and wellness.
Nutrition: The Foundation of Health
When it comes to nutrition, Loren’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. She advocates for whole foods and emphasizes the importance of proper food preparation.
Many people don’t realize that certain foods contain anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption. By soaking, sprouting, or fermenting foods, we can enhance their nutritional value and make them easier to digest.
Loren also stressed the importance of protein in our diets, particularly for women. Many women underestimate their protein needs, which can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health issues. She recommends incorporating high-quality animal proteins into our meals, as they provide essential nutrients that support fertility and overall health.
Rethinking Prenatal Supplements
A significant portion of our conversation revolved around prenatal supplements. Loren challenged the conventional wisdom that simply taking a prenatal vitamin is enough to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
She pointed out that many prenatals are not tailored to individual needs and often contain low-quality ingredients.
Instead of relying solely on prenatals, Loren encourages women to focus on whole food sources of nutrients. Nature provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals in their most bioavailable forms, which can be more effective than synthetic supplements. This approach not only supports the health of the mother but also lays a strong foundation for the developing baby.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t Loren Sofia amazing?! Her insights on fertility, preconception prep, and nutrition have reshaped my understanding of what it means to prepare for pregnancy and nourish our bodies through postpartum. I hope that by sharing this episode, I can inspire you to take charge of your health and trust your body’s innate wisdom.
If you’re looking for practical tips and a fresh perspective on fertility and pregnancy, I highly recommend following Loren on Instagram! And be sure to check out Loren’s game-changing course, Conscious Conception, if you are hoping to grow your family!
Remember, it’s never too early to start preparing for a healthy future, both for yourself and your family. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can’t wait to share more enlightening conversations with you in the future! Subscribe to the Trust Issues Podcast on Apple Podcasts to never miss another episode!
