Seed Cycling – Fertility Fabulous or another Fecking Fad? My thoughts…

Today, we’re diving into the buzzing world of seed cycling—ya know, the whole seeds-for-fertility deal. Let’s get real about it, spill the tea on recent studies, see what advocates are saying, and find out if it’s all it’s cracked up to be.

🌱 Seed Cycling 101: What’s the Hype?

In case you’re new to the party, seed cycling is like a dance for your hormones. Advocates swear by it, saying you shuffle between specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle. Picture this: flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds in the first half, and then sunflower and sesame seeds in the second half. The idea? It’s supposed to nudge your hormones in the right direction, regulate your cycles, and give fertility a boost.

📊 Cutting Through the Science Noise: Studies & Stuff

Now, we know you’re curious—so were we. There have been a couple of studies on seed cycling that turned up some interesting nuggets but, like so many fertility related questions, not nearly enough research has been done to make a conclusive decision. 

One small study of 18 women encouraged them to eat their normal diet for three cycles and then consume flax seeds along with their typical diet during the next three cycles. They then compared the data of the second and third cycles to the fifth and sixth (to allow the diet to begin taking effect). The researchers found that there were a total of three anovulatory cycles among the 36 cycles the women experienced before eating flax seeds, and there were no anovulatory cycles after.

The most recent study, The Seed Cycling PCOS Study found several benefits for women with PCOS, which found several benefits, including weight management and hormonal changes, which may indicate that women suffering with PCOS may well benefit. 

We’re talking smaller groups and limited scopes. So, take it with a grain of, well, chia seeds.

🌾 What Advocates Say: Fertility Fairytales?

Now, let’s chat about what the seed-cycling cheerleaders are saying. Advocates claim it’s like a magical potion for fertility. They say it helps balance your hormones, keeps your cycles ticking like clockwork, and can even make your body more baby-friendly. Sounds dreamy, right?

🧐 Let’s Keep It Real: Caution on the Fertility Highway

Before you start sprinkling seeds on everything from your smoothie to your salad, let’s keep it real. While the studies and the advocates hint at something promising, we’re not throwing a fertility party just yet. 

In a normal week I work with women who are trying to drastically change their BMI, bring back their menstrual cycle, eat whole, home cooked foods sometimes for the first time in their lives. They have bigger, and more immediate issues to address. 

As always, I suggest you start with the basics and work your way up. Ask if your body is well hydrated, are you eating enough protein and veg? Are you hitting the caffeine a little too hard? 

Only when you are comfortable that these, bigger, more urgent issues are in good shape should you consider seed cycling, IMHO.

🌈 Your Journey, Your Call

So, here’s the takeaway: seed cycling might have some potential, but it’s not the golden ticket (yet). Keep it in your toolbox of fertility tricks, but don’t forget to tap into the wealth of knowledge from your trusty healthcare team. Your journey is as unique as a fingerprint, and we’re here to support you through it all.

Sending good vibes and fertility wisdom your way,

Clara 

PS – not long till we open the list for new clients – in February I will have three spaces for one to one clients, so why not drop me a note and we can see if you are a good fit? 

What you’re missing and how to get it…

Today, let’s dive straight into a topic crucial for your fertility journey – protein intake. No fluff, just science-backed essentials. Let’s get to it!

Why Protein Matters for Your Eggs and BMI:

Protein is the unsung hero for your fertility journey. It’s not just about building muscles; it plays a significant role in egg quality and maintaining a healthy BMI. Eggs need the right nutrients to flourish, and protein is their VIP ticket.

The Protein Gap:

Let’s face it – many Western women are missing the protein memo. Typically when I start working with women, one of our first priorities is to get their protein intake up to help them feel fuller for longer and to help nourish their body and eggs. 

Top 5 Tips to Boost Your Protein Intake:

  • Morning Power-Up: Start your day right with a protein-packed breakfast. Eggs, Greek yogurt, or a protein smoothie are quick, delicious options. No more skipping the most important meal!
  • Snack Smart: Swap out those empty-calorie snacks for protein-rich alternatives. Almonds, cheese, or a piece of jerky can keep you energised and on track.
  • Protein pack your carbs: Instead of white bread, pasta, potatoes, opt for quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas as your starchy carb. They are not only nutrient-packed but also versatile in your favorite dishes. Most importantly, they will help minimise a blood sugar spike. 
  • Protein on the Go: Life gets busy, but that’s no excuse to neglect your protein intake. Keep protein bars or shakes in your bag for those hectic days. Easy, convenient, no excuses.
  • Mix It Up: Variety is the spice of life, right? Same goes for your protein sources. Don’t stick to one type – explore fish, poultry, lean meats, and plant-based options. Your taste buds and eggs will thank you.

No more guesswork. Just straightforward, actionable steps to power up your protein game. Your eggs deserve the best, after all.

Remember, we’re in this together. You’ve got The Fertility Mentor in your corner, ready to provide solutions, not sympathy.

P.S. Need more guidance? Reach out, and let’s tackle this journey head-on. No bullshit, just results. Here is the link to book a complimentary call with me.

Why it’s even harder at this time of year.

Always on your side

Hi there, superstar. 

Hope you’re rocking the last of the season and pumped for 2024! I wanted to share a killer article that totally hits home with what we’re all about at The Fertility Mentor. No, I didn’t just stumble upon it—I pitched for it because spreading the word about the real struggles of infertility is what we’re all fired up about.

Check out Metro’s recent piece, “This is what Christmas is like when you’re struggling to conceive” It’s the real deal, diving into the tough stuff about infertility. You know, the kind of stuff we talk about and advocate for every single day.

I pitched for this article as a hardcore advocate, pushing to shine a spotlight on the complexities of infertility. It’s all about amplifying the voices of folks like Vicki, a rockstar from our community. Her openness about the rollercoaster ride of emotions, societal pressures, and the unwavering hope despite the hurdles hits home for so many of us.

Vicki nails it when she says, “It’s a constant reminder of what you don’t have.” That raw honesty speaks volumes about the courage it takes to tackle this journey.

At The Fertility Mentor, we’re not just your average support crew. Nah, we’re advocates, allies, and partners in crime for those navigating the fertility maze. We are here if you want to ugly cry (nobody wants to ugly cry, but you know what I mean), laugh, share, rant or ask for help.

It’s about boosting women up, building resilience, and being the compass through uncharted territory.

This article? It’s proof that our hustle to shift conversations, erase stigma, and build a community of empathy and understanding is paying off.

Let’s take this energy into the new year, keeping our promise to support, empower, and shout from the rooftops for those on the wild ride of fertility.

Catch you on the flip side!

Claire Innes Founder, The Fertility Mentor

PS – I still have spaces in January for complimentary consultations – so if you have ever wondered what it’s like to work with me, now is the time to find out.  Here’s the link.

Is age really the be all and end all? Nope…

In recent headlines, the journeys of Victoria Corren Mitchell and Tana Ramsay have shone a beacon of hope, celebrating the arrival of their children at 51 and 49, respectively. Beyond the glamour, these stories herald a paradigm shift, challenging the misconceptions surrounding fertility after 40.

🔍 Redefining Fertility Statistics
Diving into the data, recent analyses from the National Center for Health Statistics have uncovered eye-opening statistics: women aged 40-44 boast a monthly conception rate of approximately 5%. Moreover, the realm of assisted reproductive technologies showcases a doubled chance for successful conception, as supported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

🔬 The Evolution of Egg Quality
Egg quality, often associated solely with age, has undergone a revolution. Studies published in prestigious journals like the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics and the Journal of Ovarian Research affirm a crucial revelation: the quality of eggs is not solely dictated by chronological age.

🌿 Optimising Egg Quality: The Science Behind It
Digging deeper, studies in Reproductive Biomedicine Online and the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology uncover the transformative potential of lifestyle modifications and targeted nutritional interventions in bolstering egg health.

While the journey to conception after 40 may pose its challenges, perseverance becomes the cornerstone of hope. It’s important to acknowledge that the path may require more time and effort, yet this journey toward parenthood stands as one of life’s most meaningful pursuits.

At The Fertility Mentor, we’re here to stand by you, armed with evidence-based strategies and an unwavering commitment to pioneering possibilities. We invite you to discover the realms of possibility, challenge boundaries, and embark on this voyage armed with knowledge, resilience, and hope.

💡 Unlocking Your Fertility Potential
Curious to explore how our coaching packages can assist you on this incredible journey? Let’s embark on a conversation together. 

Book a complimentary call with me to delve into your unique path, discover personalised strategies, and determine if our approach aligns with your aspirations. Here we will talk about your journey to date, then decide if our unique four-pillared pathway (nutrition, body, hormones and mind) is what you need to move forward with your goals.

Your journey toward parenthood deserves every ounce of dedication and guidance. Let’s pave the way together.

PS – Here is the link to book that call. You might just make it in time for our Black Friday discount

References:
National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Births: Final Data for 2019,” National Vital Statistics Reports, Volume 69, Number 13, January 2021.
Edgar Hernandez-Rey et al., “A High Proportion of Blastocysts With aneuploidy Associated With Advanced Maternal Age Are Result of a Meiotic Chromosomal MI Suggestion” Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Volume 30, Issue 11, 2013.
Emre Seli, “Assisted Reproductive Technology and Ovarian Aging: Are Antioxidants the Answer?” Journal of Ovarian Research, Volume 5, Issue 11, 2012.
Kristen A. Matteson et al., “The Effects of Ovulatory Factors, Lifestyles, and Infertility Treatments on the Human Ovarian Reserve and Assisted Conception Outcomes,” Reproductive Biomedicine Online, Volume 36, Issue 5, 2018.
J.C. Silber et al., “The Use of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A): A 2018 Perspective,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Volume 219, Issue 3, 2018.

The reality check you might need…

1 June 2023

This week, we’re getting real and telling it like it is. Let’s talk about the difference between keeping it real with yourself and spinning those self-made stories. We all know how we can convince ourselves of anything, but let’s face it, that doesn’t always get us closer to our goals. So, let’s dive into a few key areas of your fertility journey where being brutally honest and consistently awesome can make all the difference!

Caffeine and Alcohol: To Sip or Not to Sip? Yep, I’m calling you out on this one! Take a good, hard look at your commitment to cutting down on caffeine and alcohol. Did you go all-in and make a bad-ass lifestyle change, or did you pull a one-week wonder and slip back into your old habits? It’s time to face the music and be honest about what’s truly best for your fertility game.

Supplements: Are You a Rockstar or a Forgetful Rebel? Let’s get down to business, shall we? Are you consistently rocking that supplement routine, or are you occasionally giving it the cold shoulder? I get it; life can get hectic. But staying consistent with those little fertility superheroes can make a world of difference in supporting your overall health and fertility. So, get them out of the cupboard and take them every single day. It’s not hard!

Now, let’s serve up some tips on how to stay consistent throughout your incredible fertility journey:

a. Goals: Get Specific! Set your sights on the prize, my friend! Clearly define those fertility goals and create a plan to make them a reality. Having a crystal-clear target in your crosshairs will keep you motivated, focused, and ready to conquer. If you need help – get in touch, this is the first thing I do with my paying clients.

b. Surround Yourself with Fertility Warriors! You need a tribe that speaks your language, baby! Find your people, those who understand and support your fertility goals. Join forces with like-minded warriors in kick-ass communities or support groups. Together, you’ll slay the challenges and celebrate the victories. Here’s the link to my amazing group – but be warned – if you don’t like swearing/crass jokes/stupid memes, it might not be for you 🙂

c. Track Your Awesomeness: Write It Down, Own It! – Time to unleash your inner fertility detective. Keep tabs on your efforts and progress. Track your actions, outcomes, and anything else that makes you feel like a fertility superstar. It’s all about gaining insights and identifying areas where you can crank up that consistency. My clients are made to track like MI5 and I make no apologies for this, although I do give them all of the tools and training they need to make it work. Having solid data to review and use to plan is GOLD!

d. Pop That Champagne (Or Sparkling Water): Celebrate the Wins! It’s time to break out the confetti and celebrate like a boss! Acknowledge and embrace those small victories along the way. Reward yourself for your consistency, because damn it, you deserve it. Confidence and motivation will be your trusty sidekicks.

e. Love Yourself, Damn It!: Fertility journeys can be a whirlwind of emotions. Cut yourself some slack, sister! Show yourself some love, practice self-compassion, and let go of the guilt. Minor setbacks are just bumps on the road to your ultimate growth and success.

We hope these nuggets of wisdom ignite your fire and keep you real and consistent on this mind-blowing fertility journey. You’re never alone in this wild ride. The Fertility Mentor community has your back, cheering you on, wiping away your tears and stamping our feet to your rhythm when needed.

I hope this ‘McSession’ has ignited some fire and given you some ideas.

I’m absolutely PUMPED to confirm that my signature one-to-one coach programme, F&cking Fertile is accepting new clients. If you’d like to learn more, please book a free consultation today and we can see if we are a good fit.

As always, look after you and reach out if you have any queries at all.

Very best

Claire

Goof, goof and more goof

18 May 2023

🌟 Celebrating the Power of Change!

First things first, let’s raise a glass and toast to the incredible magic happening in our client group! Our clients, just like you, have embarked on a journey that’s as exciting as it is challenging. But fear not, darlings, because together we’re conquering every obstacle and embracing our inner fertility superstars!

💃 Say Hello to Jen – The Fertility Warrior Extraordinaire!

Hold onto your fertility hats, ladies, because we have a showstopper of a success story to share! Say hello to Jen, the ultimate Fertility Warrior who has transformed her health and vitality to boost her chances of conceiving. This fierce lady has waved goodbye to excess body fat, empowering herself to take control of her fertility destiny. She has removed two dress sizes from her body, worked hard and made huge improvements to her stress levels and boundaries but most of all – her fertility!

💃 Sustainable Is the New Sexy!

Let’s get real for a moment. We’re all about that sustainable lifestyle, and we’re not talking about fad diets or fasting here. No, no! At The Fertility Mentor, we believe in nourishing our bodies with delicious meals every day, because let’s face it, who wants to live off shakes alone? Or skipping breakfast and calling it intermittent fasting? Or being so strung out you can’t think of what to eat so have cereal for dinner. 

💁 Confidence Is Our Middle Name!

Ladies, let’s take a moment to bask in the glow of our unwavering confidence. At The Fertility Mentor, we know that each and every one of you has the power within to achieve greatness. We’re here to remind you that you are fierce, fabulous, and fully capable of bringing your dreams to life. So, embrace your inner Davina McCalls and strut your stuff with a confidence that screams, “I am the queen of my fertility domain!”

🎉 Let’s Party Like Fertility Rockstars!

Remember, darlings, The Fertility Mentor is here to be your guide, confidante, and cheerleader throughout this incredible journey. We believe in you, and we’re committed to helping you embrace your power, conquer stress and anxiety, and transform your health for the better.

If you have any questions, triumphs, or hilarious stories you’d like to share, don’t be shy! Reach out to us because we’re all ears and ready to cheer you on.

If you know you need a little extra help, why not book a free call with me to chat about your fertility journey and also nail yourself an awesome subscriber-only bonus if you decide to work with us?

Here is the link to my diary. 

With sass, laughter, and endless fertility sparkle,

Claire

Summer Ravin’

3 May 2023

What are your weekend plans? Spring and summer is finally making it’s way to Scotland. I was delighted to sample lots of April showers last weekend when my husband and I really showed our age and headed to a daytime rave. Dancing by day and tucked up in bed by 10pm after a few too many watered down festival lagers. Even had dry hair because my cheap Amazon wig took the brunt of the inevitable rain. 

I understand that the journey to parenthood can be overwhelming and isolating at times. But rest assured, you are not alone. With fertility awareness, we can work together to understand your body and make informed decisions about your sexual and reproductive health.

I know that the fear of never having a baby can be daunting, but let’s face it, life is too short to not find the humor in our struggles. So, in honor of the long weekend here in the UK, I’m taking my family camping to the lake district to sample their rain. I promise to come back with some good stories to share with you all!

In the meantime, I want you to know that you are wanted and valued in this community. We are all here to support each other and share in both the highs and lows of this journey. Let’s continue to navigate this together with empathy and humor.

Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed and overwhelmed at times. But by taking small steps and making informed decisions, we can overcome these obstacles and ultimately achieve our goal of becoming parents.

Speaking of community, have you joined our Facebook group yet? It’s a great place to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and find the support you need. Consider this your official invitation to join us!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/841584130562481

Wishing you a wonderful long weekend and looking forward to connecting with you soon.

All my rainy and ravey regards

Claire

National Infertility Awareness Week

25 April 2023

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a time when we come together to raise awareness about infertility and its impact on individuals and couples around the world. The most recent statistic is that infertility affects one in eight couples, but the reality is likely to be double this, as it is still treated with such stigma and not all couples seek or get the help they need.

One of the biggest challenges with infertility is the stigma associated with it. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their struggles, which can lead to feelings of isolation and despair. But it’s super important to remember that infertility is not a choice and it does not define who you are as a person.

It’s a medical condition that requires support, compassion, and understanding. And action.

That’s why I created The Fertility Mentor – to offer nutrition and emotional support to women who are struggling to conceive a baby. Dedicated removing the stigma associated with infertility and creating a safe and supportive community where women can connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another.

Every day I talk to women who are dismissed by their doctors for being overweight, or due to their age, told there is nothing that can be done, or in some cases referred for IVF without the most basic of tests being carried out. They are frustrated, isolated, disassociated from their body and can’t remember the last time they felt happy, relaxed and chilled. They don’t deserve this, you don’t deserve this.

Our free Facebook group is the perfect place for you if any of this sounds familiar. In this private group, you’ll find a community of women who are going through similar struggles, as well as a wealth of specialist information and resources to help you on your journey. I know how lonely and isolating it can be to deal with infertility, but want you to know that you are not alone.

As a top-tier fertility coach, I want to remind you that there is hope. Infertility is a challenging road, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and strength. By taking care of your emotional and physical wellbeing, you’re not only increasing your chances of conceiving, but you’re also setting yourself up for a healthy and fulfilling pregnancy.

Here are a few statistics to help raise awareness about infertility:

Infertility affects approximately 1 in 8 couples
30% of infertility cases are caused by female factors, 30% by male factors, and 30% by a combination of both male and female factors
The chances of conceiving naturally decline as a woman ages, with the most significant drop occurring after the age of 35. Although we can’t change our age, we can change our egg quality and improve our chances
10% of women will experience infertility-related depression. A heartbreaking statistic as this leads to increased cortisol and contributes further to hormone imbalances.
These statistics highlight the importance of taking action and seeking support if you’re struggling with infertility. There are many treatments and interventions available, and the earlier you seek help, the better your chances of success. I help women specifically with the things they can fully control – their lifestyle, weight, nutrition, movement and healthy habits. All of the interventions I help my clients with are based on improving egg quality and overall help, to hugely boost your chances not only of conceiving, but carrying a healthy child.

So, as we wrap up National Infertility Awareness Week, let’s continue to raise awareness, remove the stigma, and support one another on this journey. Remember, you are not alone and there is always hope.

Thank you for being part of our community at The Fertility Mentor. If you haven’t already, please join our Facebook group to connect with other women and access our specialist resources. We’re here for you every step of the way.

Reach out any time if you need me,

Claire xx

PS – if you think you need a little more than the free group support, drop me a DM and quote NIFW. This will entitle you to an awesome discount on my one to one coaching if we both feel it’s a good fit. Finding out costs nothing, so why not make the enquiry?





Looking after future you…Now

11 May 2023

Well hello there and happy Friday to you and yours !

My family and I headed to the Lake District last weekend and enjoyed some surprising sunshine, gorgeous walks and lots of laughs in between. During our last evening together, our campsite neighbor came to say goodbye, explaining that the weather forecast was predicting heavy rain showers from the middle of the night, right into the following day, so they had made the decision to pack up early and leave.

Mr Innes and I had already enjoyed a few beverages by this point, so driving home early was not an option for us, plus we had promised the kids we were staying an extra night. But the thought of taking down our enormous awning in the rain (see pic!) didn’t sound like much fun at all.

So we put our beers down, and packed the awning away right there and then. It took about 40 minutes and meant that we didn’t have it playing on our minds all evening, and the next morning we woke up in our camper feeling happy, dry, and smug that we didn’t have to go out and get soaking wet.

This made me think about the future friend theory that I speak to my clients about very regularly. It’s true that when dealing with infertility, nobody really truly understands your exact feelings or scenario. You are the only one who has access to that. 

But what if you could start looking after your tomorrow self now? Or your next year self tomorrow?

I’m not talking about time warps, I’m talking about investing now to make it easier tomorrow. Just simple things like leaving your supplements next to the kettle before you go to bed, planning a few meals ahead before you go shopping. These small habits really do add up. And it means you can replace that feeling of overwhelm, fear, cant-be-arsedness with a feeling of pride and happy smugness. Does that make sense?

Wishing you an awesome weekend and please do reply to this email or join my many communities for more banter, fertility chat and tips.

All my best

Claire xx

PS – Always here if you need me.