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Do you feel like knowing what to do in terms of exercise when TTC is a bit of minefield? Can I do HIT? Do I have to give up spinning and what about if I'm going through IVF? In this episose, Emily sits down with PT, pilates expert and founder of online prenatal online fitness platform The Bump Plan to bring you the evidenced-based low-down on moving your body when you are TTC and beyond. We talk about some common misconceptions, listening to your body, finding a form of movement you love and how to move your body if you are going through fertility treatment. Visit Hollie's website The Bump Plan at: ⁠https://thebumpplan.com/?v=7885444af42e Follow Hollie on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebumpplan/ Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠⁠ and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

A very personal episode this week about my own fertility journey. The ups and downs and trying for a baby as well and rollercoaster of IVF and how I navigated things (imperfectly of course). I talk about navigating IVF, testing, diet and supplements, my individual roadblocks and all of the relatable emotions and issues that come with trying to get pregnant. I hope many of you can relate to this episode and that it brings you some hope and makes you feel a little less alone on your trying to conceive journey.

When am I ovulating? Am I even ovulating? Am I seeing Fertile Cervical Mucus? Is it enough? If you've ever wondered or worried about these questions, then this episode is for you. In this episode Emily talks to Reflexologist and Fertility Awareness Educator Katy Ewen. Katy explains the best way to track and understand your cycle and fertile signs to identify any issues that might be getting in the way and help you maximise your chances of conceiving. What is fertility awareness is and why it’s important when TTC Best way to track your cycle and find out when we are most fertile What are the ‘red flags’ to look for when working with cycle tracking? Cervical mucus - what are we looking for? What if we’re not seeing it? Tips for surviving the 2WW Katy's three key takeaways Visit Katy's website at: https://www.reflexeast.com/ Follow Katy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflex_east/?hl=en Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠ and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Are you considering a solo parent journey or already walking that path? In this episode, Emily sits down with Mel Johnson, The Solo Parenthood Coach. Mel talks about her own journey to solo parenthood and going from navigating the grief around not being able to become a parent in the way she’d imagined to thriving as a solo mum to her daughter Daisy. 2:00 - Mel’s story and journey to solo parenthood 4:41 - Creating Mel’s business, ‘The Stalk and I’  7:20 - Navigating the decision to become a solo parent - letting go of the fairy tale we’ve been sold 14:00 - Rethinking what perfect is - letting go of binaries and embracing your own way 16:50 - Grieving the loss of an imagined future and letting  20.35 - Mel’s advice for women considering going down the sold parent route  23:45 - Fears vs reality of becoming a solo parent  26:44 - Navigating finding a sperm donor 30:00 - Being single in a couple-centric world 35:00 - Self-care non-negotiables and Mel’s ‘Life Raft’ as a solo parent  39.45 - Mel’s three key takeaways  Mel gives her advice around making the decision to pursue the path in the first place, doing the work to feel confident in embracing the journey, and letting go of the fairytale we’ve been sold about how becoming a mum should look. She explores the things she wished she knew when she was starting to navigate the journey herself as well as some valuable gems of insight for anyone on this path or considering a solo parent journey. Visit Mel’s website at: https://thestorkandi.com/ Follow Mel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_stork_and_i/?hl=en Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠ and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Have you ever wondered why you feel different throughout your menstrual cycle? In this episode of Imperfectly Fertile, Emily sits down with women’s health expert and yin yoga teacher Laura Wilkes to explore what it really means to live in sync with your menstrual cycle, what “fertile living” is, and how it’s different from simply trying to conceive. You will learn how understanding the natural rhythm of your menstrual cycle phases and hormones can help you feel balanced, reduce stress, and boost fertility naturally. 01:00 – Laura’s Story & Journey to Hormone Healing 06:30 – What Is Cyclical Living? 09:23 – The Difference Between Women’s and Men’s Cycles 13:10 – How Modern Living Affects Your Menstrual Cycle 15:00 – The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle 20:20 – Yin Yoga for Hormone Balance & Fertility 25:12 – What Does “Fertile Living” Really Mean? 32:25 – TRE: Tension & Trauma Release for Women 36:00 – Three Key Takeaways for Living Cyclically Laura shares her powerful personal story of burnout, hormonal imbalance, and healing through cycle syncing and cyclical living. Learn how to recognize the signs your body gives you throughout each phase — from menstruation to ovulation — and how to support your energy, nutrition, and movement to align with your body instead of fighting against it. Visit Laura’s Website at https://www.laurajwilkes.com/ Follow Laura on Instagram @‌laurajwilkes_ Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/ and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Endometriosis is often misunderstood as just painful periods, but its impact goes far beyond cramps. In this episode of Imperfectly Fertile, Emily explains what endometriosis really is, and the hidden symptoms and underlying causes of endometriosis, from immune dysfunction and gut imbalances to hormonal disruption and environmental triggers. 00:43 — Common Misconceptions About Endometriosis 01:41 — What Endometriosis Actually Is & How It Happens 04:30 — Symptoms and Diagnosis 06:08 — The Genetic and Hormonal Component of Endometriosis 08:20 — The Gut Connection in Endometriosis 13:10 — Endometriosis and Immune System 15:55 — Testing for Endometriosis 17:20 — 3 Quick Things You Can Start Doing Today You will learn how to identify your personal triggers, which tests are truly useful, and why anti-inflammatory nutrition and addressing food intolerances can make a real difference. If you’re navigating endometriosis, infertility, or unexplained symptoms, this episode explains strategies to support your immune system, balance your hormones, and take actionable steps toward healing from the inside out. Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at ⁠https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/⁠ and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Getting ready for IVF can feel overwhelming, and knowing how to get your body and mind ready can make all the difference. In this episode of Imperfectly Fertile, Emily breaks down the essential steps to take while waiting to prepare for IVF to improve your success rate. 01:10 – Functional Nutrition for IVF Preparation 06:28 – Key Tests to Do Before Your IVF Cycle 16:45 – Nutrition, Diet, and Lifestyle for IVF Success 21:45 – Movement and Exercise 22:35 – Managing Stress During IVF Whether this is your first cycle or your fifth, you’ll learn realistic, science-backed actions that help you feel confident and prepared. If you’re asking yourself, “What should I do before IVF?” or “How can I improve my IVF success naturally?”, this episode will give you the roadmap you need. Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/ and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility

Are you on a fertility journey, trying to conceive (TTC), and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to do everything perfectly? Welcome to Imperfectly Fertile — the podcast that helps you let go of guilt and find clarity on your path to pregnancy. Hosted by Emily Barker, registered fertility nutritionist, each episode explores the real, raw, and often messy side of trying to get pregnant in today’s world. Inside, you’ll hear: - Expert conversations on fertility, nutrition, and holistic health - Practical guidance on where to focus your energy (and what to let go of) - Supportive stories that normalize the ups and downs of TTC - Alternative health approaches that can make a real difference in your fertility journey Whether you’re navigating IVF, exploring nutrition for fertility, or just beginning your TTC journey, this podcast is here to help you release the pressure to be perfect, and remind you that you don’t have to do it all to conceive. Learn more about Emily Barker (CNMdip, mBANT, CNHC) at https://www.rootsandshootsldn.com/ and on Instagram @‌rootsandshoots_fertility