Advertise on podcast: FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton

In this episode, I’m joined by Marta and Zsofia, co-founders of The Fertility Class, an online movement platform dedicated to women’s reproductive health. We talk about how movement can support fertility through pelvic mobility, circulation, nervous system regulation, and a stronger connection to the body. Marta and Zsofia also share their own fertility journeys, including hypothalamic amenorrhea, PCOS, infertility, and the experiences that led them to create The Fertility Class. We also discuss exercise and fertility, preparing for IVF, supporting women with PCOS and endometriosis, and why fertility-focused movement is about much more than simply “working out.” Connect with Marta & Zsofia: www.thefertilityclass.com Instagram: @thefertilityclass Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Fisher, social worker, mom of two, and founder of Gathered in Motherhood, for an honest conversation about the transition into motherhood and why support matters so much. We talk about the identity shift that comes with becoming a mother, why motherhood can feel isolating even when you’re surrounded by people, the pressure to do it “right,” and the importance of finding your village and asking for help. Julie brings both her professional perspective and her own experience as a mother to this conversation, reminding us that you don’t need to have motherhood all figured out. You need connection, honesty, support, and people you can walk through it with. Connect with Julie: Instagram: @gatheredinmotherhood Website: www.gatheredinmotherhood.ca Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

100 episodes. I thought reaching this milestone might make me want to look back at everything that has happened since starting this podcast. Instead, I find myself looking forward — because I genuinely feel like I’m standing in one of the most pivotal seasons of my life. I’m three months postpartum, learning how to be Harlan’s mom, slowly returning to work, rethinking what I want my business to look like, and questioning some of the decisions and identities I’ve held onto for years. In this episode, I’m talking openly about why I’ve struggled to niche down, why I’m stepping away from trying to help everyone, and why FERN Rising is moving back toward the work that started so much of this in the first place: helping women who are missing their periods, coming off birth control, and trying to understand and trust their bodies again. I also share a realization I’ve been coming back to again and again: I don’t need another certification. I don’t need another set of letters behind my name. I need to trust that I already have something valuable to teach. And behind all of that is an even bigger question happening in our house right now: What do Derrek and I actually want our life to look like? Motherhood has changed our perspective on work, time, family, creativity and what we’re willing to build our lives around. So this isn’t a perfectly packaged “100 episodes!” celebration. It’s a real-time conversation from the middle of a transition — about motherhood, business, identity, trusting yourself, changing direction and having the courage to ask: What do I actually want from this next season of my life? Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

We hear it all the time: eat more fiber. And for many people, that is great advice. But what happens when you are postpartum, healing from a perineal tear, dealing with pelvic floor tension, scar tissue, or trying to get an anal fissure to finally heal? In this episode of the FERN Rising Podcast, I’m sharing a lesson I learned firsthand during my own postpartum recovery: stool softness and stool size are not the same thing. My stools weren’t hard. I wasn’t constipated. I was going every day. But they were simply too large for tissues that were still healing, and the repeated mechanical stress was contributing to ongoing bleeding and irritation. We talk about why postpartum anatomy changes the conversation around fiber, including healing perineal tissue, scar tissue, low estrogen while breastfeeding, and a pelvic floor that may be tight and guarded rather than simply “weak.” In this episode, I cover: The difference between stool consistency and diameterSoluble versus insoluble fiber and why both can have very different effects on stoolWhy more fiber isn’t always better during certain stages of healingHow scar tissue and pelvic floor hypertonicity can make larger bowel movements more traumaticThe high-fiber foods I temporarily reduced during my own recoveryHow I’m preparing vegetables, fruit and carbohydrates differently while healingProtein and nutrient-dense foods that can support postpartum tissue repair without creating excessive structural bulkBathroom positioning, breathing and pelvic floor relaxation strategiesWhy this is a temporary healing strategy, not an argument against fiberThe takeaway is not that fiber is bad. It’s that fiber recommendations need to match your tissue, your symptoms and the season your body is in. Sometimes the healthiest choice isn’t adding more. Sometimes it’s reducing mechanical stress long enough to give injured tissue the opportunity to heal. Because in postpartum recovery, our goal isn’t simply to have a bowel movement. Our goal is to have a bowel movement that allows our tissues to heal. If this episode resonates with you, share it with another postpartum woman who may be quietly struggling with the same thing. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

In this episode, I’m diving into a part of postpartum recovery that affects so many women, yet is rarely explained in enough detail: perineal tearing and tissue healing after birth. After delivering my son, Harlan, I was told I had sustained a deep second-degree tear. Even as a healthcare practitioner, I quickly realized there was so much I hadn’t fully appreciated about what was happening beneath the surface. What actually tears during birth? Which muscles are involved? Why can everything look healed externally while still feeling weak, heavy, tight, numb, or uncomfortable? And what does being “cleared” at six weeks really mean? In this episode, we explore: • The anatomy of the perineum and pelvic floor • The differences between first-, second-, third-, and fourth-degree tears • The muscles and connective tissues involved in a second-degree tear • The inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of healing • Why stitches can heal long before the tissue regains its strength • Scar tissue formation and collagen remodeling • Tingling, itching, burning, numbness, and other signs of nerve healing • How low estrogen and breastfeeding hormones can affect postpartum tissues • Why standing, walking, lifting, and pressure can feel different after birth • The importance of breathing, pressure management, and gradual rehabilitation • Why postpartum recovery continues for many months beyond the six-week checkup I also share parts of my own recovery, including the heaviness I experienced while standing and the lesson that healing cannot always be measured by what we see on the outside. This episode is not intended to create fear around birth or perineal tearing. It is about understanding the remarkable anatomy of the female body, respecting the time required for tissue repair, and giving postpartum women more realistic expectations for recovery. Six weeks does not mean fully healed. Your body may continue rebuilding collagen, restoring muscle function, reorganizing scar tissue, and improving coordination for many months after birth. Your body is not failing you. It is still healing. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

Why does one magnesium help you sleep while another helps you poop? If you've ever stood in the supplement aisle wondering why there are so many different forms of magnesium, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, I'm breaking down the science behind the most common types of magnesium, including bisglycinate, citrate, oxide, and hydroxide, and explaining why they each have very different jobs in the body. I'll also share my own postpartum experience navigating hemorrhoids, pelvic floor healing, and the importance of avoiding straining after birth. We'll talk about why constipation is so common during the postpartum period, how fibre and stool bulk aren't always the same thing, and why choosing the right magnesium can make all the difference. Whether you're postpartum, struggling with occasional constipation, or simply trying to understand which magnesium supplement is right for you, this episode will help you make sense of the confusion with practical, evidence-based information. In this episode, we cover: • Why not all magnesium supplements work the same way • Magnesium bisglycinate vs. citrate vs. oxide vs. hydroxide • How magnesium supports bowel movements • The role of magnesium during postpartum recovery • Common myths about constipation and stool softeners • Other gentle options for constipation support • When constipation is a sign to seek medical care As always, my goal is to help you better understand your body so you can make informed decisions and build your health from the roots up. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

Most patients are well prepared for surgery; but not for what happens after. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down a common gap in post-surgical care: the lack of support around scar tissue, biomechanics, and long-term movement patterns. Whether you’ve had a mastectomy, C-section, knee replacement, or cosmetic surgery after weight loss, healing doesn’t end when the incision closes. Many patients experience ongoing tension, pain, or dysfunction months or even years later without realizing it may be connected to how their body adapted after surgery. In this episode, you’ll learn: How scar tissue affects tissue glide and movementWhy pain and tightness can show up long after surgeryThe role of the nervous system in post-surgical recoveryHow chiropractic care can support mobility, function, and recoveryThis episode is for anyone who feels like their body hasn’t fully recovered after surgery,  even if they’ve been told everything has “healed.” Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

In this episode, I sit down with Talia Snitchuk for a beautiful conversation about yoga, meditation, spirituality, self-awareness, and what it means to intentionally create a life that feels authentic to you. Talia shares how living with anxiety and panic attacks led her to begin a daily meditation practice, ultimately changing the direction of her life. That practice opened the door to yoga, not simply as physical movement, but as a way to understand herself, reconnect with her body, and move through the world with greater intention. We talk about Talia’s transition from working with plants in the cannabis industry to becoming a certified Hatha and Kundalini yoga teacher, as well as her journey toward becoming a birth and postpartum doula. Talia also shares how growing up in a religious environment shaped her early understanding of spirituality and why exploring yoga and meditation helped her develop greater trust in her own inner wisdom. We explore the connection between yoga and doula work, the power of mindfulness and breath, and how returning to the body can help us uncover our passions, purpose, and what genuinely lights us up. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you have more agency than you may realize. When you become curious about yourself, get clear about what you want, and begin taking intentional steps toward it, possibilities can open that you may never have imagined. Connect with Talia: Instagram: @yogawithtal Personalized one-on-one yoga sessions are available in the comfort of your own home. Email: [email protected] Talia also teaches at Return to Form: returntoform.ca Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

Grace Parce is back on the podcast for another honest and heartfelt conversation about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and everything that comes next. In this episode, Grace and I catch up on where life has taken us since our last conversation. We reflect on her pregnancy journey, revisit my birth experience, and talk about the physical and emotional transition into motherhood. We also explore what this new season has taught us, how our perspectives have changed, and what we are looking forward to next. Of course, baby Harlan joins us as our very special co-host. This is a warm, real-life conversation between friends about growth, change, motherhood, and learning to meet ourselves where we are. Find Grace At: Ovafreak on Ig Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

A few weeks after welcoming my son into the world, I sat down with my doula, Mindan from Harbour City Doulas, to reflect on one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Together, we revisit my home birth from two very different perspectives. I share what I experienced as the birthing mother, while Mindan offers the unique insight of someone who was there to support, observe, and guide me through every stage of labor. From the comfort of my couch, with baby Harlan in our arms, we talk about the unfolding of labor, the emotions, the unexpected moments, and the incredible support that made our home birth possible. In this episode, we discuss: How labor unfolded from both of our perspectivesThe role of a doula during pregnancy, labor, and birthWhat surprised us throughout the birth experienceThe importance of feeling safe, supported, and informed during laborLessons we both took away from my birthThe early days of postpartum and adjusting to life with a newbornWhether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or simply love hearing honest birth stories, this conversation offers a candid look at what birth can be when you're surrounded by a supportive team and trusted care providers. And yes, you'll hear Harlan throughout the episode. At just a few weeks old, he joined us for the recording, making this conversation an authentic snapshot of the beautiful, messy, sleep-deprived, love-filled postpartum season we're living in. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

Three weeks after welcoming our son into the world, we're finally sitting down to reflect on one of the most incredible days of our lives. In this episode, my husband Derrek joins me to share our birth story from both perspectives. We talk through the moments leading up to labor, what surprised us, what challenged us, and what made our home birth such an unforgettable experience. While I share what it felt like to labor and give birth, Derrek opens up about what it was like supporting me through the process, witnessing the birth of our son, and becoming a father. You'll hear about:  How labor unfolded at home  The moments that surprised each of us most  What it was like giving birth without medical interventions  The role of our incredible birth team  Lessons we learned as a couple  The transition into the first few weeks of parenthood (with our newest co-host making a few guest appearances!) Whether you're preparing for birth yourself, supporting a partner through pregnancy, or simply enjoy hearing real birth stories, we hope this conversation gives you an honest and encouraging look at one family's experience. Thanks for joining us as we relive one of the most meaningful days of our lives. Fair warning: our three-week-old son makes a few appearances throughout the episode, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way. Links to what we discussed:  The Shettles Method Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2K29C9bbeKy483bHjFHvTp?si=5e5816a2b4a64d37  Derrek and I sit down to answer some “Conscious Parenting”: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SZnNvsAYwW5kvZK5hhoj9?si=1ba87e9bdd4b434a If you want to connect and reach out to Derrek, find him here: https://www.instagram.com/the.great.cascadian.ape/ Find me here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Gustafson, author of 2 Things To Do Today: Healing Without the Hustle, breath and cold exposure facilitator, counselor, nutrition coach, and co-founder of Lift to Rise Fitness. Our conversation explores what it truly means to be human in a world that constantly encourages us to do more, achieve more, and push harder. Ben shares lessons from his personal journey through addiction recovery, divorce, health challenges, and reinvention, and how those experiences shaped his understanding of healing, resilience, and self-trust. Together, we discuss the often-overlooked basics that support health and well-being: breath, movement, nourishment, connection, rest, and the power of small, consistent actions. We explore nervous system regulation, why so many people feel disconnected from their bodies, and how healing is often less about finding the perfect plan and more about building a compassionate relationship with ourselves. This is a thoughtful conversation about slowing down, returning to what matters, and recognizing that meaningful change rarely comes from hustle. It comes from the simple practices we return to every day. In this episode, we discuss: • The inspiration behind 2 Things To Do Today • Addiction recovery, personal transformation, and resilience • Nervous system regulation and feeling safe in your body • Breathwork, stress, and modern life • Why consistency matters more than perfection • The importance of small, supportive daily actions • What it means to reconnect with yourself and your body • Building health from the foundations up Ben's message is simple but powerful: healing isn't something we achieve through pressure and perfection. It's something we practice through small acts of care, repeated over time. Connect with Ben: Pre-order 2 Things To Do Today: Healing Without the Hustle and learn more about his work through Lift to Rise Fitness. He is also offering a complimentary Breath & Nervous System Assessment for those interested in learning more about their stress response and overall well-being. Email: [email protected] WebsitE: lifttorise.ca IG: @lifttorisefitness IG: @beginaben Get the book here: https://a.co/d/06ywc9j0 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

Perimenopause is not just a hormonal shift - it’s a change in how your body builds muscle, produces energy, and responds to stress. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton breaks down the physiological changes that occur during perimenopause and how they impact strength, metabolism, recovery, and body composition. From declining estrogen and its effects on muscle and tendon health, to changes in insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function, and nervous system output - this episode connects the science to what many women are actually experiencing in their 40s. You’ll learn:Why muscle loss and reduced strength output occurHow tendon health and injury risk changeThe connection between cortisol, stress, and visceral fatWhy your current workouts may not be working the same wayHow to adjust your training, nutrition, and recovery to match this phaseThis is a practical, evidence-based look at how to train and support your body through perimenopause. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fern_dr.ashleyburton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAshleyBurton Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ashley-burton-9797/about Book a Session: https://drashleyburton.janeapp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Nt5HaW2CpdIixH8bGjTl9 Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

In this episode, I sit down with Riannon Setterfield, birth and postpartum doula, pediatric sleep consultant, prenatal and postnatal yoga instructor, and co-owner of Harbour City Doulas. Riannon shares her journey into birth work and how her own experience as a mother opened her eyes to the profound impact that support can have during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. What began as a personal experience with postpartum care evolved into a passion for helping families navigate one of the most transformative seasons of life. Together, we discuss the importance of movement and exercise during pregnancy, how physical preparation can influence the birth experience, and why pregnancy is not a time to fear movement but rather an opportunity to build strength, confidence, and connection with your changing body. We also explore common misconceptions about prenatal fitness, birth preparation strategies, the role of doulas in supporting families, and how education can help parents feel more empowered throughout their journey. Whether you're currently pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or simply interested in learning more about birth and maternal health, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement to help you approach pregnancy and birth with greater confidence. In this episode, we discuss: • Riannon's journey into birth work and postpartum support • The role of birth and postpartum doulas • Why movement matters during pregnancy • Benefits of prenatal fitness and exercise • Preparing your body and mind for birth • Common myths surrounding exercise during pregnancy • Building confidence and trust in your body's abilities • The importance of support throughout pregnancy and postpartum • Pediatric sleep and early family transitions One of the key messages from this conversation is that pregnancy is not about becoming less capable. With the right support, education, and movement practices, it can be a powerful opportunity to build strength, resilience, and confidence as you prepare for birth and parenthood. Connect with Riannon & Harbour City Doulas: Instagram: @harbourcitydoulas Website: www.harbourcitydoulas.com Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.

In this episode, I sit down with Mindan Gunther-Moore, birth and postpartum doula, educator, mentor, and co-owner of Harbour City Doulas, for an honest conversation about pregnancy, birth, and the realities of the postpartum experience. Drawing on years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, labour, and the transition into parenthood, Mindan shares valuable insights into how women can feel more informed, empowered, and supported throughout their journey. We discuss the role of a doula, common fears and misconceptions surrounding birth, and how preparation can help families approach labour with greater confidence and trust in their bodies. We also spend time exploring what is often the most overlooked phase of the journey: postpartum. From recovery and healing to adjusting to life with a new baby, Mindan highlights the importance of support, realistic expectations, and caring for the mother alongside the newborn. Whether you are currently pregnant, planning for the future, or supporting someone through this season of life, this conversation offers practical guidance, reassurance, and a reminder that you were never meant to navigate this transition alone. In this episode, we discuss: • The role of a birth and postpartum doula • Preparing for labour and birth with confidence • Common fears and misconceptions about childbirth • Advocacy, support, and informed decision-making during birth • What postpartum recovery really looks like • The importance of community and support after baby arrives • Practical ways families can prepare for the postpartum period • Why caring for the mother matters just as much as caring for the baby This episode is a thoughtful reminder that birth is not just about bringing a baby into the world. It is also about supporting the transformation of a woman into a mother. Connect with Mindan & Harbour City Doulas: Instagram: www.instagram.com/harbourcitydoulas Website: www.harbourcitydoulas.com Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.