If you've ever been told "IVF just works" and then found out the hard way that it doesn't, this episode is for you.

I sit down with Katelyn Hardman, who shares her journey to motherhood after meeting her husband Tom later in life. Katelyn and Tom started trying for a baby at 39 and were quickly moved to IVF. Like so many of us, she thought it would be straightforward. It wasn't.

Katelyn takes us through the failed cycles, the physical toll, and the moments she had to fight to be heard by her medical team, all the way through to our work together and her successful pregnancy at 42 (and she is now pregnant with baby number 2!) .

We talk about what it actually feels like to be in the thick of fertility treatment. The naivety going in. The grief that builds with every failed cycle. The exhausting work of advocating for yourself in a system that doesn't always make that easy. And how Katelyn found her way through it, including the role naturopathy and joining my Your Fertile Pantry Program played in helping her not only get pregnant, but supporting her through a healthy pregnancy and to their beautiful healthy baby.

What we cover:

• Why IVF isn't the guaranteed fix so many of us are led to believe and why going in informed matters so much
• The emotional and physical weight of treatment, and why you need people around you who get it
• How small, consistent changes can significantly shift your fertility outcomes
• Why advocating for yourself isn't optional
• Holding onto hope even when everything in you wants to brace for bad news

Some quotes Katelyn shared with me:

• "We thought, like a lot of people, that IVF just works. To say that we were naive was an understatement."
• "Any glimpse of hope is amplified because the troughs of depression, heartache, desperation were continual and deeper each time."
• "You have to advocate for yourself because no one else will."
• "You get conditioned for bad news. That's all you know, so that's all you envisage is going to happen."
• "You don't want to leave a stone unturned”

Thank you, Katelyn, for trusting me with your journey. If you're in the middle of your own journey right now, I hope this one makes you feel a little less alone.

If you've ever had that call, "I'm sorry your embryos stopped growing", yet been left without answers as to why, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I sit down with Embryologist Dr Lisa Lee to pull back the curtain on what's really happening inside the lab during embryo development — and why some embryos simply stop growing.

We cover

• Why embryos stop growing and what you can do to help them thrive
• What embryo grading really means for your chances of pregnancy,
• The facts you need to know about PGT testing
• Why transfers can fail even when the embryo looks perfect
• Day 3 versus Day 5 transfer
• Plus so much more.

Dr Lisa also shares her expertise on egg and sperm quality, including how energy levels and DNA integrity shape outcomes, and we dispel some common myths around IVF along the way!

Mentioned in this episode:

Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this episode Dr. Ameratunga (or Dr Dev as her patients and colleagues like to call her) explains how AMH can be a very helpful test when it comes to fertility planning and IVF preparation, offering insight into how the ovaries may respond to treatment and helping guide clinical decisions along the way, but….

Importantly, she highlights a message every woman needs to hear—that while AMH reflects the number of eggs available, it does not measure the quality of those eggs, and it does not define a woman’s fertility or her chances of pregnancy. It is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole story.

Dr Dev also explores other key fertility assessments, including antral follicle count and FSH levels, and explains how looking at these results together can provide a more complete and meaningful picture of fertility potential. Because fertility is never determined by a single number—it’s influenced by many factors, many of which can be supported and optimised.

The conversation also touches on the important role of diet, lifestyle and targeted nutrition in supporting reproductive health. These are areas where women can feel empowered to take action, helping to protect egg quality, support hormone balance and create the best possible environment for pregnancy.

Supplements are also discussed, highlighting their role in fertility health and AMH, as well as the importance of an individualised, holistic approach—one that combines professional expertise with personalised care.

By the end of this episode, you will feel clearer about your fertility testing, you’ll understand how AMH fits into the bigger picture, and have practical strategies you can start implementing right away to optimise your chances of pregnancy success. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by numbers, you will feel equipped to make informed decisions, ask the right questions, and take meaningful steps to support your fertility and prepare your body for pregnancy.

• Understanding AMH: AMH gives insight into the quantity, not the quality, of eggs, and should not be seen as a definitive fertility score.
• Holistic Assessment: Fertility should be evaluated using a combination of AMH, antral follicle count, FSH levels, and other hormonal tests.
• Lifestyle's Role: Diet, exercise, and lifestyle significantly impact fertility, with a focus on Mediterranean diets for optimizing reproductive health.
• Supplements Caution: While supplements can be of great support for fertility health, they should be approached with a clear understanding of their use and individualised in their prescription
• Expert Guidance: Consulting with fertility experts can empower individuals by providing tailored insights and informed decisions regarding fertility planning

Noteable Quotes:

• "All my patients have to sit through me talking about diet, exercise, and lifestyle because they do make a difference." - Dr. Devina Ameratunga
• "If having a family is a really important thing...information and knowledge is power." - Dr. Devina Ameratunga

Dr. Devina Ameratunga is a renowned Associate Professor, double board-certified gynecologist, and reproductive endocrinologist. As the medical director of Life Fertility and the clinical lead of the Queensland State Fertility Preservation Service, Dr. Ameratunga is affectionately known as Dr. Dev by her patients. Her expertise spans fertility preservation and reproductive medicine, making her an invaluable guest in discussions concerning fertility assessments and hormonal influences on reproductive health.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Getting pregnant is often talked about as something that happens "just like that".

But for me, the reality was far more complex, emotional, and isolating.

In this episode, I share my personal story of navigating infertility as a health professional, the moment my hope vanished during a winery tour in the Adelaide Hills, and how I eventually reclaimed my power.

I speak to those "pivotal moments" of disappointment that so many of us face in silence and explain why "everything is fine" doesn't always mean it really is.

You’ll hear how I transformed my own struggle into a mission to help women and couples across the world boost their fertility through science-backed, foundational changes.

This episode is for you if you are feeling broken by the process, let down by your body, or lost in the gap between "your results and fine" and a healthy pregnancy.

1. Reconnect with your body and trust your intuition I discuss the danger of becoming "disconnected" from your body and why it is vital to move from blaming your body to listening to it.
2. Look beyond "standard" test results I explain why "within range" results for hormones or sperm health might not be optimal for conception, and why I had to seek a fresh perspective.
3. Use "Eating the Rainbow" to protect egg and sperm health Learn how the specific phytonutrients and antioxidants in colorful foods can protect your eggs and sperm from DNA damage.
4. Identify and reduce your toxic load I share the impact that toxins like BPA can have on your follicular and seminal fluid, and give you practical tips for making the switch to glass and stainless steel.
5. Implement consistent, simple movement for metabolic health I explain how small daily habits—like squats before you brush your teeth—can help regulate your blood sugar and insulin.
6. Take back control of your journey This episode is my reminder to you that even when things aren't going as planned, you have more influence over your fertility than you might think.

[00:00] The "easy pregnancy" myth vs. my reality

[01:11] The winery tour: My pivotal moment of hope and heartbreak

[02:04] How I dealt with the "social pain" of others' quick success

[02:44] Taking control: How I dived into medical journals and emailed global researchers

[03:19] Why I realized "normal" results aren't always "optimal"

[04:48] My three foundational tips to start improving your fertility today

[05:40] The hidden impact of BPA and toxins on your eggs and sperm

[06:33] Why consistency beats intensity when it comes to movement

[07:12] A message of hope and my invitation for you to take the next step

1. My Free Ultimate Egg Quality Guide – tashajennings.com.au/eggqualityguide
2. Your Fertile Pantry Program – yourfertilepantry.com
3. Conceive Baby Podcast – Right here where interview top fertility experts

Christmas is meant to be joyful.

But when you’re trying to conceive, it can quietly become one of the hardest times of the year.

In this special Christmas episode, Tasha speaks honestly about losing the joy of the festive season during her own fertility journey, and why Christmas can feel like a painful reminder of what hasn’t happened yet.

You’ll hear from a group of trusted experts and advocates, all with lived or professional experience of infertility, pregnancy loss and IVF. Together, they share compassionate, practical advice to help you protect your heart, navigate family gatherings, and move through this season with more steadiness and self-kindness.

This episode is for anyone dreading the questions, the triggers, or the quiet grief that can surface at Christmas.

You’ll learn how to:

1. Protect your energy during Christmas events

You don’t have to attend everything. Kirsten Mclennan shares why being selective, leaning on the infertility community, and creating new traditions can make this season feel more manageable.

2. Use movement, breath and boundaries to stay grounded

Jen from Element Pilates & Yoga explains how gentle movement, sunlight, breathwork and having prepared responses can help you regulate your nervous system before difficult conversations or gatherings.

3. Remember that you are not alone

Meg from For the Barreness gives you a permission slip to opt out of events and conversations if you need. And reminds you that you’re never alone in this journey.

4. Communicate clearly and allow space for grief

Psychologist Cath Corcoran outlines why explicit communication with partners and family matters, how authentic gratitude differs from toxic positivity, and why grief, sadness and disappointment are allowed to exist during the festive season.

5. Slow down and honour the pause

Jennifer Tupaea from Pink Elephants reframes the holiday shutdown as a chance to rest, reduce overwhelm, and create small rituals that support healing after miscarriage or loss.

6. Find moments of joy without forcing them

This episode reminds you that joy doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Small pockets of peace, rest and meaning still count, and they matter more than ever right now.

00:00 Christmas and the quiet grief of infertility

01:26 Why the festive season can magnify what’s missing

02:04 Kirsten Mclennan on selective events and community support

03:26 Jen on movement, breath and setting boundaries

06:15 Kath Corcoran on communication, grief and self-care

10:54 Jennifer Tupaea on loss, rest and creating rituals

13:45 A message of hope and kindness for the new year

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Kirsten Mclennan - Straight Up Infertility https://www.straightupinfertility.com/

Jen - Element Pilates & Yoga https://www.elementpilatesyoga.com/

Meg - For the Barreness https://www.forthebarreness.com/

Cath Corcoran - Conception, Fertility & Perinatal Psychology https://cathcorcoran.com/

Jennifer Tupaea - Pink Elephants Support Network https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/

Tasha’s Your Fertile Pantry Program yourfertilepantry.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this episode I speak with fertility and IVF specialist Dr Mark Amols about what IVF can actually do, what it can’t, and why so many women are sent down the IVF path without anyone ever asking the most important question: why.

We explore the myths, the medical realities and the emotional toll of IVF, and Mark shares the practical, compassionate guidance he wishes every couple had before starting treatment. His insights blend clinical experience, personal IVF experience, and a deep respect for women’s autonomy in their fertility journey.

You’ll learn how:

1. IVF is powerful, but it’s not a magic fix.

Most women are led to believe IVF has near-perfect success rates or will guarantee multiple embryos. Mark breaks down what IVF is actually designed to do (help you get one healthy pregnancy) and why failed cycles never mean you’re “infertile” or out of options.

2. The ‘why’ behind infertility matters more than the protocol.

Many couples are pushed into IVF without anyone investigating ovulation issues, sperm quality, endometriosis, PCOS, inflammation, medications or timing. Mark shows how identifying the root cause can completely change outcomes, and why failed cycles often reflect untreated issues, not that you’re “broken”.

3. Preparation transforms outcomes for both men and women.

Even small shifts to lifestyle, inflammation and hormonal balance can improve embryo development. Mark explains why diet, environment and timing matter, why sperm health needs equal attention, and how a few months of targeted preparation can radically improve IVF success.

00:00 Debunking IVF Myths

00:51 Empowering Women Through IVF

02:10 When IVF is Necessary

03:13 The Importance of Preparation

05:45 Understanding the Why

22:30 Personal Experiences with IVF

26:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tasha’s Your Fertile Pantry Program

Work with Tasha

When Nature Meets Science - Dr Mark Amols Interview with Tasha

Mentioned in this episode:

Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this episode I speak with Nicole Lange, founder of Life Healing Life, about the hidden link between trauma, stress, and the mind-body connection in fertility.

We explore why so many women experience IVF and infertility as deeply traumatic, and how unhealed stress patterns can disrupt the body’s natural reproductive balance.

Nicole shares a compassionate, science-backed approach that blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern psychology, helping women move from burnout to body trust. You’ll learn why it’s not the stress itself that harms fertility, but how you relate to it.

You’ll learn how:

1. Trauma and fertility are deeply linked.
2. Repeated emotional stress (like failed cycles or seeing others fall pregnant) can create complex PTSD patterns that affect hormones and the nervous system.
3. It’s not the stress, it’s how we frame it.
4. Research shows reframing stress and speaking emotions aloud moves the body from fight-or-flight into a state where it can rest, digest, and reproduce.
5. Healing is more than protocols.
6. Fertility thrives when mind, body, and community are aligned. Nicole’s salutogenic approach focuses 75–80% on creating health, through joy, safety, connection, and authentic self-expression.

Mentioned in this episode

TED TALK (making stress your friend)

The Artist’s Way (available for purchase many places)

Nicole’s Fertility Freebies

Tasha’s Your Fertile Pantry Program

Work with Tasha

Mentioned in this episode:

Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast, I’m diving into a question that comes up so often in my clinic and online consultations—why do my embryos stop growing? It’s one of the most heartbreaking and frustrating experiences for anyone going through IVF. You've gone through an IVF cycle, had eggs retrieved, they’ve fertilised… and then you hear those crushing words: 'I'm sorry, the embryos didn’t make it'.

Today we’re talking about why this happens as well as practical steps you can take to optimise your chances of creating healthy, viable, thriving embryos.

And to help us better understand this complex process and how we can improve our odds, I’m joined by the wonderful Dr. Lisa Lee, Scientific Director at Thrive Fertility. Together we explore what’s happening behind the scenes from fertilisation right through to blastocyst. We delve into that critical day three mark— why it’s a significant milestone for embryos and what it may mean if your embryos stop growing at this point. We talk about the vital role that egg and sperm quality play in embryo viability, and why what you do in the 90 days before conception matters so much.

We also touch on how lab conditions, culture media, and modern IVF technologies can make a real difference to embryo outcomes—and how we can use information from past cycles to improve future ones.

Whether you’re in the thick of treatment, or preparing your body to conceive, this conversation will give you clarity, insight and practical steps to boost your chances of creating that beautiful healthy, thriving embryo to create your healthy pregnancy.

Mentioned in this episode

Fertility Over 40 Guide

Learn the 5 Things you need to do NOW to boost your chances of pregnancy over 40!

If you have been told your eggs are ‘old’. You have low AMH. You’ve struggled with miscarriage. You have been recommended IVF or had failed cycles. It’s been suggested to use donor eggs.

Then this guide is for you!

Download your FREE Fertility Over 40 Supplements Guide

FREE Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

This comprehensive FREE Guide outlines 5 Key Actions to take over the precious 90 days of egg development to boost your chances of creating healthy, viable eggs that WILL have the potential to become your future baby

Download your FREE Ultimate Egg Quality Guide

Connect with Tasha and Lisa

Dr Lisa Lee Instagram

Tasha Jennings Instagram

Thrive Fertility

Mentioned in this episode:

Ultimate Egg Quality Guide