In this informative episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Christina Burns shares 10 things to avoid during the implantation period following an IVF transfer, IUI, or trying naturally to conceive. She explains why she calls these days “princess days”—a time to slow down, create white space, and allow yourself to be cared for rather than trying to accomplish more. Dr. Burns discusses avoiding unnecessary new supplements and protocols, cosmetic and chemical exposures, major bodywork, excessive sugar, intense exercise, heavy physical work, overcommitting, and unnecessary stress. She also shares guidance on nourishing foods, steady blood sugar, warm foods from an Eastern medicine perspective, and the importance of letting go of control and cultivating trust during the fertility journey.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why Dr. Christina calls the implantation period “princess days”
• Why less may be more when it comes to adding new supplements or protocols
• Which elective cosmetic and chemical exposures may be worth postponing
• Why gentle bodywork is preferred during this time
• How to support steady blood sugar through balanced, nourishing meals
• Why intense exercise and overexertion may not be appropriate during the implantation window
• Why it’s okay to slow down and avoid heavy physical work
• How setting boundaries and saying “not this week” can create more white space
• How to reduce unnecessary stress without creating additional pressure
• The Eastern medicine perspective on warm, nourishing foods
• Why letting go of control and cultivating trust can be an important part of the fertility journey

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:21 Welcome Back & Understanding the Implantation Period
• 00:43 “Princess Days” — Creating Space to Rest and Slow Down
• 02:13 #1: Don’t Treat Your Body Like a Project
• 03:13 #2: Avoid Unnecessary Chemicals and Cosmetic Exposures
• 04:16 #3: Be Gentle with Bodywork
• 05:10 #4: Don’t Make Sugar a Major Part of Your Diet
• 06:19 Fertility Formula & Herbal Spotlight
• 07:06 #5: Don’t Over-Exercise
• 08:30 #6: Don’t Lift, Haul, or Take on Extra Physical Work
• 09:26 #7: Don’t Say Yes to Everything
• 10:00 #8: Don’t Underestimate Stress
• 10:39 #9: Don’t Live on Cold and Icy Foods
• 11:35 #10: Let Go of Control & Trust the Process
• 12:49 Podcast Closing Message

About Dr. Christina Burns:

Dr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs. Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of "The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook."

Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:

Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/

Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOo

Join the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/

Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/

Follow along with the Naturna Institute:

Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/list

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/

In this informative episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Christina Burns shares her expertise on how to choose the best prenatal supplement for your individual needs. She discusses important factors to consider, including folate, iron, B vitamins, omega-3s, DHA, nutrient forms, dosage, absorption, and timing. Dr. Burns explains why simply choosing a supplement labeled “prenatal” may not be enough and why your nutritional needs should be considered based on your health history and fertility goals. This episode is perfect for anyone preparing for pregnancy who wants to better understand what to look for when choosing a prenatal supplement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why prenatal vitamins vary widely in quality and formulation
• What to look for on the Supplement Facts panel
• Why folate is important before and during pregnancy
• How to approach iron supplementation based on individual needs
• Why omega-3 and DHA deserve special attention
• Why choline is an often-overlooked prenatal nutrient
• The importance of iodine, vitamin D, and B12
• How timing can affect prenatal absorption and tolerability
• Why more ingredients do not necessarily make a prenatal better
• When a customized supplement plan may be appropriate

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:20 Welcome Back & Choosing the Right Prenatal
• 01:05 Tip 1: Prenatals Vary Widely in Quality and Content
• 01:46 Fertility Formula & Herbal Spotlight
• 02:38 Tip 2: Folate Matters
• 04:15 Tip 3: Iron Is Not a Case of More Is Better
• 05:45 Tip 4: Focus on the Actual Nutrient Profile
• 06:40 Tip 5: Fat-Soluble & Water-Soluble Vitamins
• 07:40 Tip 6: Timing, Absorption & Consistency
• 09:05 Tip 7: Don’t Assume the Omega-3 Is Enough
• 10:45 Tip 8: Choline
• 12:05 Tip 9: Iodine, Vitamin D & B12
• 14:35 Personalized Supplementation & Your Fertility Needs
• 15:30 Tip 10: More Ingredients Doesn’t Mean Better
• 16:46 Podcast Closing Message
• 18:21 Outro

About Dr. Christina Burns:

Dr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs. Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of "The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook."

Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:

Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/

Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOo

Join the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/

Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/

Follow along with the Naturna Institute:

Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/list

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/

In this enlightening episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Christina Burns sits down with Dr. Kevin Jovanovic, MD, a leading expert in reproductive medicine and hormone optimization. Dr. Jovanovic shares his expertise on the intersection of fertility, hormones, and overall reproductive health, offering practical insights into improving egg quality, addressing hormonal imbalances, and supporting long-term reproductive wellness. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking to understand the science behind fertility and innovative strategies to enhance reproductive outcomes.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The role of testosterone in reproductive health
• Potential uses in fertility treatment
• The role of testosterone in overall hormonal health and well-being
• How HRT got a bad reputation
• Cosmetic gynecology options for women
• How low-level hCG may improve IVF outcomes
• The benefits of peptides

Timestamps:

[00:01] Introduction to the podcast and today’s topic

[02:10] Meet Dr. Kevin Jovanovic and his background in OB-GYN and innovation

[05:30] The history of hormone therapy and the impact of the 2002 WHI study

[09:45] What are bioidentical hormones and how do they work?

[14:20] Testosterone in women: Myths, benefits, and fertility impact

[20:10] Signs of hormonal imbalance and testosterone deficiency

[27:30] Birth control and its effects on fertility markers like AMH

[35:00] Hormone therapy and its potential to improve ovarian function

[42:15] Male fertility: Testosterone therapy and sperm production

[48:30] Peptides explained: Benefits, uses, and safety considerations

[55:40] Weight loss, metabolism, and fertility optimization strategies

[01:05:10] Vaginal rejuvenation and integrative women’s health treatments

[01:12:00] Final thoughts and where to find Dr. Jovanovic

Connect with Dr. Kevin Jovanovic:

• Website: Dr.Jovanovic.com
• Location: 935 Fifth Avenue, East 74th Street, Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York, NY
• Phone: (212) 249-6709

About Dr. Christina Burns:

Dr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs. Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of "The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook."

Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:

Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/

Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOo

Join the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/

Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/

Follow along with the Naturna Institute:

Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/list

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/

In this insightful episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Christina Burns sits down with Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov, MD, FACOG, Board-Certified OB/GYN & REI Specialist, founder of Fleura Fertility. With over 16 years of experience and training at Johns Hopkins and Yale, Dr. Kulp-Makarov shares her patient-centered approach to IVF, individualized protocols, and cutting-edge fertility treatments. Discover how she is transforming the patient experience, optimizing egg quality, and supporting couples, women, and LGBTQIA+ families through a more personalized, stress-free, and effective IVF journey.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How a boutique, patient-focused approach improves IVF outcomes.
• The benefits of mini IVF and the Goldilocks method for women over 40 or with low AMH.
• Why individualized FSH monitoring matters for egg quality and success.
• The importance of considering sperm quality and male fertility in IVF.
• Advances in PRP and emerging treatments to enhance egg quality.
• How to set realistic expectations for IVF cycles, stress management, and long-term family planning.
• How to assess whether a center has a good lab
• The scoop on rapamycin
• Ins and outs of IVF for egg quality challenges
• Should you consider Ovarian PRP

Timestamps:

[00:01] Introduction: Meet Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov and her patient-first philosophy.

[01:48] Moving from large IVF centers to a boutique practice: Why patient experience matters.

[03:17] The impact of stress, billing, and communication on IVF success.

[05:42] Mini IVF and the Goldilocks approach: Personalized, lower-dose protocols.

[14:50] Monitoring FSH levels: How adjusting doses improves egg quality.

[19:10] Optimizing outcomes for challenging cases: Sperm quality, egg quality, and individualized care.

[29:43] Experimental and promising treatments: Rapamycin, ovarian PRP, and future innovations.

[32:43] PRP procedures and how they enhance ovarian function.

[35:00] Supporting patients emotionally: The importance of a tailored, long-term IVF plan.

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Kulp-Makarov & Fleura Fertility:

Website: Fleura Fertility

Instagram: @FleuraFertility

Location: New York City, NY

About Dr. Christina Burns:

Dr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs. Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of "The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook."

Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:

Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/

Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOo

Join the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/

Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/

Follow along with the Naturna Institute:

Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/list

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/

Welcome back to another deeply moving episode of the Fertility in Focus podcast.

This week, Dr. Christina Burns sits down with Dr. Andrea Ali Panzarella—a pediatrician, mom of three, and author of Every Family is a Tree. Andrea opens up about her emotional journey through infertility, ectopic pregnancy, recurrent loss, and IVF, all while navigating a demanding medical career. Her candid reflections shed light on the physical, emotional, and mental toll of fertility challenges—and how her family came to be with the help of gestational carriers.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Andrea’s experience with ectopic pregnancy and her first encounter with miscarriage
• How medical knowledge helped—but didn’t shield—her from the emotional weight of fertility struggles
• The physical and emotional rollercoaster of multiple failed IVF cycles, D&Cs, and testing
• The complexities of embryo testing, immune protocols, and the shift in medical opinions over time
• What led Andrea and her husband to choose gestational surrogacy—and the hurdles they faced along the way
• How Andrea’s new children’s book is helping represent and empower families of all kinds
  
  
  

Timestamps:
[00:26] Meet Dr. Andrea Panzarella and hear how her fertility journey began
[02:16] Ectopic pregnancy and the emotional toll of early loss
[06:04] Discovering male factor infertility and beginning IVF
[10:45] First IVF cycle, twin pregnancy, and navigating miscarriage
[14:06] Exploring embryo testing and transferring genetically normal embryos
[20:25] The impact of IVF on the body, environment, and mental health
[29:04] Decision to pursue surrogacy and the legal/emotional steps involved

Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:

Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/

Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOo

Join the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/

Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/

Follow along with the Naturna Institute:

Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/list

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of the Fertility in Focus Podcast with your host, Dr. Christina Burns.

In this episode, Dr. Christina is joined by Michelle Villatoro, a hospitality strategist and founder of Just Think Hospitality, who courageously shares her deeply personal and emotional fertility journey. Together, they explore the emotional highs and lows of trying to conceive, how she struggled with a very low ovarian reserve, multiple IVFs, an ectopic pregnancy, and more. They talk through the suggestions on how to speak to someone going through a fertility challenge and the effects of the medications and process on the mental health of the patient. As always Dr. Christina is solutions focused and so covers ways to find peace and power in the process. The conversation explores everything from logistical aspects of the fertility journey such as self advocacy and the deeper, very powerful effects of spirituality and manifestation. Michelle happens to have a great sense of humor and brings a lightness to the conversation with her hilarious anecdotes.

Whether you're going through fertility treatments or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a powerful mix of vulnerability, wisdom, and inspiration.

In this episode, you will learn:

How Michelle’s fertility experience shaped her work in improving patient care

• The emotional impact of IUI, IVF, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy and hormone treatments
• Why compassion and validation matter in fertility treatment

The power of mindset, self-advocacy, and community in fertility journeys
Michelle’s inspiring story of becoming a mom—and the unexpected miracle that followed

Timestamps:

[0:26] Meet Michelle and her work in hospitality and patient experience
[2:17] Empathy gaps in fertility care and what to say instead of “I know how you feel”
[8:45] Michelle’s fertility journey begins and her first pregnancy loss
[15:04] IUI struggles, Clomid side effects, and switching to Letrozole
[18:25] Going all in with IVF and lifestyle changes
[23:12] Embryo loss, emotional lows, and staying committed
[26:41] The B embryo transfer—and the long wait
[28:35] The call that changed everything

Michelle's info:

In this insightful episode of Fertility in Focus, Dr. Christina Burns sits down with Dr. Zaher Merhi, the visionary founder of Rejuvenating Fertility Center (RFC), the first non-conventional IVF center in the U.S. With decades of experience as a top fertility expert, Dr. Merhi shares groundbreaking advancements in fertility treatments, including low-level laser therapy, ozone, PRP, and stem cell-based ovarian rejuvenation. Discover how these non-toxic, non-invasive therapies are revolutionizing fertility care and providing hope to those struggling with egg quality, ovarian reserve, and implantation challenges.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Research on novel (new) options fertility treatments at RFC.
• The science behind low-level laser therapy and its benefits for egg quality.
• Why PRP and adipose-derived stem cells are changing the landscape of fertility care.
• How inflammation impacts fertility and why ozone therapy works.
• The latest innovations in IVG (in vitro gametogenesis) and how Japanese researchers are leading the way.
• How RFC is making fertility treatments accessible globally, including its new Bahamas clinic.

Timestamps:

[00:01] Introduction: Meet Dr. Zaher Merhi and his pioneering work in fertility.

[01:31] Low-level laser therapy: How it enhances egg quality and ovarian reserve.

[03:02] PRP, stem cell therapy, and ovarian rejuvenation: What you need to know.

[05:10] Japanese innovations in fertility: IVG and skin-to-egg technology.

[08:48] How inflammation impacts fertility and why ozone therapy works.

[11:00] RFC’s global reach: How patients from around the world access their treatments.

[27:04] RFC’s new Bahamas clinic: Advancing fertility care beyond FDA regulations.

Connect with Dr. Zahir Murhi & RFC:

Website: Rejuvenating Fertility Center

Instagram: @RejuvenatingFertility

Locations: Connecticut, Long Island, Westchester, Brooklyn, and Bahamas.

About Dr. Christina Burns:

Dr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs. Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of "The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook."

Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:

Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/

Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOo

Join the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/

Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/

Follow along with the Naturna Institute:

Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/list

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/

Welcome back to the Fertility in Focus Podcast with your host, Dr. Christina Burns, an Eastern medicine doctor and holistic fertility expert. In today’s episode, Dr. Christina unpacks an intriguing nutritional topic: how the temperature of the foods you eat can influence your hormones, weight, digestion, and fertility.

Drawing from traditional Chinese medicine and modern research, she explains why warm, cooked meals are not just for when you are sick. The temperature of your food will impact your appetite, blood glucose levels and circulation. From an Eastern medicine perspective cooked food is also essential for optimal reproductive health. But take just take our word for it. We have a new study to back up these ancient claims and literally break down the physiology of how different food temperatures affect body and mind.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why food temperature is a critical factor in digestion and fertility.
• The negative effects of cold foods on digestion, metabolism, and hormonal balance.
• How warm foods promote better circulation, glucose regulation, and a “warm uterus.”
• Key insights from scientific studies linking food temperature to satiety and metabolism.
• Practical tips to adjust your diet for better digestion, energy, and fertility.
  
  
  
  

Timestamps:
[00:00:01] Introduction: Why food temperature matters in fertility
[00:00:38] Warm food vs. cold food: Insights from traditional Chinese medicine
[00:01:58] The digestive benefits of warm, slow-cooked meals
[00:03:43] Chewing and mindful eating: A key to better digestion and health
[00:05:28] Cold foods, bloating, and modern eating habits
[00:07:01] Scientific study: The link between warm foods, satiety hormones, and metabolism
[00:09:55] Eastern medicine perspective: Food energetics and the “cold uterus” concept
[00:11:04] Practical tips: Transitioning to a warm-food diet for fertility

About Dr. Christina Burns:
Dr. Christina Burns is the founder and Doctor of Chinese Medicine at the Naturna Institute. Committed, compassionate, and highly skilled in multiple disciplines, Dr. Burns has been in practice since 2004. She empowers both women and men to achieve their optimal life and health goals through natural medicine practices, integrative nutrition, lifestyle management, and personalized mind-body programs. Dr. Burns holds advanced certifications in acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, life coaching, and yoga therapy. She is also the best-selling author of "The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook."


Connect with Dr. Christina Burns:
Website: https://www.christinaburns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinaburns/
Order the Ultimate Fertility Guidebook: https://a.co/d/hq0nFOo
Join the Eating for Optimal Fertility Course: https://naturna.mn.co/
Order Junk Juice: https://junkjuicemagic.com/


Follow along with the Naturna Institute:
Book an Appointment: https://naturna.janeapp.com/#/list
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturna_life/