Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health copertina

Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health

Start Smart: Fertility - Pregnancy - Hormone Health

Di: Kristen Williams
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A proposito di questo titolo

 Start Smart is the podcast for the messy, beautiful side of early pregnancy—the symptoms, the surprises, and the stories no one talks about. Hosted by the CEO of Materna Health, Kristen Williams, we bring you real conversations with OB/GYNs, midwives, and moms navigating everything from positive tests to Hyperemesis Gravidarum, spotting, IVF, and first-trimester freakouts. Whether you're TTC, newly pregnant, or supporting someone who is, Pregnant-ish is here with facts, empathy, and zero judgment.2025 Disturbo fisico e malattia Genitorialità e famiglie Igiene e vita sana Relazioni
Episodi
  • Rethinking Fertility & Early Pregnancy Care with Dr. Julie Von

    Rethinking Fertility & Early Pregnancy Care with Dr. Julie Von
    Feb 17 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of Smart Start, host Kristin Williams speaks with Dr. Julie Vaughn about the complexities of women's health and fertility. They discuss the importance of early pregnancy care, the role of nutrition and anemia in fertility, the impact of trauma, and the benefits of acupuncture and alternative medicine. Dr. Vaughn emphasizes the need for self-care and resourcing, the significance of preconception care, and the importance of reframing fertility challenges. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to women's health and fertility.


    Takeaways

    Women's health is complex and multifaceted.
    Trauma can significantly impact fertility and wellbeing.
    Anemia is a common issue that can delay conception.
    Acupuncture can help regulate the body and support fertility.
    Self-care should be viewed as resourcing, not indulgence.
    Preconception care is essential for better outcomes.
    Chronic anemia can affect thyroid function.
    Finding personal pillars of support is crucial for health.
    Women often carry the burden of fertility planning.
    Reframing challenges in fertility can lead to empowerment.

    Sound bites

    "We have complex hormonal cycles."
    "Traumas can impact our wellbeing."
    "Acupuncture is very regulating."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Julie Vaughn
    02:14 The Complexity of Women's Health
    05:01 Preconception Care and Self-Advocacy
    09:10 Understanding Optimal Health Before Pregnancy
    11:00 The Impact of Anemia on Fertility
    14:12 Nutrition and Its Role in Conception
    17:29 The Emotional Aspects of Fertility
    19:59 The Journey to Expansion in Fertility
    23:18 Collaborating with Healthcare Practitioners
    24:57 The Role of Acupuncture in Preventative Care
    28:33 Practical Changes for Supporting Fertility
    33:52 Understanding Your Body Before Pregnancy


    About Dr. Julie Von

    Dr. Julie Von is a Manhattan-based holistic physician specializing in fertility, reproductive health, and integrative women's care. Her path into medicine began unusually early, apprenticing with healers, shamans, and physicians across multiple healing traditions before formal medical training.

    She went on to become one of the youngest practitioners in the United States to study Chinese medicine and continued her education in China, earning a doctoral degree from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Von also holds a degree from the American College of Traditional Medicine in San Francisco, grounding her work in both classical Eastern medicine and modern clinical practice.

    For over a decade, Dr. Von has worked with patients in New York City, collaborating alongside some of the most advanced and well-known names in fertility medicine. Her clinical approach integrates rigorous medical training with earth-based and intuitive traditions, allowing her to address fertility through physiology, environment, emotional health, and energetic balance. Her work is known for bridging science and tradition in a way that is both deeply personalized and clinically thoughtful.

    Learn more at drjulievon.com

    About Materna Healthcare

    Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy and preconception care. From fertility planning through the earliest stages of pregnancy, Materna provides expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and deeply supported during a critical window of health.

    Learn more at www.maternahealthcare.com

    Materna Healthcare on Social Media
    Instagram: @materna_health_
    TikTok: @maternahealthcare
    LinkedIn: Materna Healthcare

    We'd love to hear from you.
    Have a question, a story, or something you'd like us to cover? Reach out anytime — we're listening.
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    41 min
  • The Mythology of Birth: A Conversation with Dr. Britta Bushnell

    The Mythology of Birth: A Conversation with Dr. Britta Bushnell
    Jan 23 2026

    In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Britta Bushnell shares her insights on the transformative journey of parenthood, emphasizing the importance of mythology and psychology in understanding childbirth. She discusses the illusion of control that many expectant parents face, the significance of childbirth as a rite of passage, and the dynamics of family roles as new parents navigate their identities. Dr. Bushnell also highlights the critical role of partners during the birth and postpartum periods, advocating for the practice of receiving help and the power of storytelling in reframing birth experiences for healing and resilience.

    "Stories are how we remember."
    "Partners need to embody 'bank' energy."
    "Practicing receiving help is crucial."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Britta Bushnell
    02:58 The Illusion of Control in Parenthood
    05:41 The Intersection of Mythology, Psychology, and Childbirth
    11:52 Childbirth as a Rite of Passage
    17:33 The Transformative Family Wheel
    29:23 Partner Support During Birth and Postpartum
    44:50 Reframing Birth Stories for Healing

    Keywords

    birth, parenthood, transformation, mythology, psychology, childbirth education, rites of passage, family dynamics, partner support, healing

    About Britta Bushnell
    Britta Bushnell, PhD, is a childbirth educator, birth advocate, and author known for her work on the neurobiology of birth and the mind–body connection in labor. She holds a doctorate in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, and she brings a unique, research-informed perspective to understanding how physiology, environment, and emotional safety influence birth outcomes.

    Britta is the author of Transformed by Birth, a widely respected book that explores how birth experiences shape women neurologically and psychologically. Her work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and childbirth education, helping parents and providers better understand how to support labor in ways that promote safety, confidence, and optimal outcomes.

    Through teaching, writing, and speaking, Britta Bushnell continues to challenge fear-based narratives around birth and advocates for care models that honor the intelligence of the birthing body and brain.
    https://brittabushnell.com/

    About Materna Healthcare:

    Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy care. From preconception through the earliest stages of pregnancy, we provide expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and connected to the support they need.

    Learn more at www.maternahealthcare.com or reach out at hello@maternahealthcare.com

    Materna Healthcare on Social Media
    📍 Instagram: @materna_health_
    🎵 TikTok: @maternahealthcare
    💼 LinkedIn: Materna Healthcare

    We'd love to hear from you!
    Have a question, a story, or something you'd like us to cover? Reach out anytime, we're listening.

    We'd love to hear from you!
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    53 min
  • Iron Deficiency: A Silent Global Epidemic with Dr Michael Auerbach

    Iron Deficiency: A Silent Global Epidemic with Dr Michael Auerbach
    Dec 14 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Michael Auerbach, a renowned hematologist and oncologist, discusses his extensive experience with intravenous iron therapy, debunking myths about its dangers and highlighting its efficacy. He shares insights on the importance of iron in pregnancy, the challenges of iron deficiency, and the need for updated guidelines in obstetrics. Dr. Auerbach also emphasizes the significance of proper iron supplementation and the impact of iron deficiency on global health. Takeaways Intravenous iron therapy is safe and effective, debunking myths of its dangers.Iron deficiency is a top global health issue, affecting over 3 billion people.Proper iron supplementation is crucial, especially in pregnancy, to prevent developmental issues.Dr. Auerbach has pioneered studies in iron therapy for various conditions, including pregnancy and chemotherapy-induced anemia.Iron deficiency is often overlooked in obstetrics, with many women undiagnosed due to outdated guidelines.The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has yet to adopt international guidelines for iron deficiency screening.Oral iron supplements can be ineffective and even harmful in certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.Dr. Auerbach advocates for universal iron screening and intravenous iron therapy for iron-deficient women.Iron deficiency can lead to significant health issues, including fatigue, postpartum depression, and developmental delays in children.Updated guidelines and awareness are needed to address iron deficiency effectively. Sound Bites Intravenous iron is safe and effective.Iron deficiency affects over 3 billion people.Proper iron supplementation is crucial.Iron therapy in pregnancy prevents issues.Outdated guidelines overlook iron deficiency.ACOG needs to update iron guidelines.Oral iron can be harmful in some cases.Universal iron screening is essential.Iron deficiency leads to health issues.Awareness is key to addressing iron deficiency. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Background00:00:00 Intravenous Iron Therapy00:00:00 Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy00:00:00 Challenges in Iron Supplementation00:00:01 Global Impact and Guidelines Michael Auerbach, MD, FACP, is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist and an internationally recognized authority on iron deficiency anemia, including its management in pregnancy. A Clinical Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University, he serves on the American Society of Hematology Guidelines Committee and has authored more than 220 peer-reviewed publications, including multiple UpToDate chapters on iron deficiency. Dr. Auerbach is a pioneer in intravenous iron therapy, leading landmark educational sessions and the first U.S. prospective study of IV iron in pregnancy. For more information on Dr. Michael Auerbach you can find information at https://ccbdmd.com/physician/michael-auerbach-md-facp/ About Materna Healthcare: Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy care. From preconception through the earliest stages of pregnancy, we provide expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and connected to the support they need. Learn more at www.maternahealthcare.com or reach out at hello@maternahealthcare.com. Follow us on instagram @materna_health Materna Healthcare Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/materna_health_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maternahealth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maternahealthcare We'd love to hear from you!
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    38 min
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