My dream came true: I am featured in Stylist Magazine

My vision board 5 years ago in 2020

This is not your usual blog post about supporting your fertility.

This is a blog post to share that life is about dreaming BIG.

I have been a fan of Stylist magazine for many years and 5 years ago, I decided to cut a photo of me of glue it onto a Stylist cover.

Well, my dream became a reality and I am thrilled to announce that my business has been featured in Stylist magazine.

My dream became a reality in 2025

I truly hope that featuring in Stylist will help me reach more women who are looking for support.

Feel free to have a read and never forget to dream and believe in yourself.

If you wish to schedule a free discovery call with me, click here.

The Unseen Impact: How Stress Quietly Affects Fertility

Fertility can be a complex and emotional journey for many individuals and couples. While there are several well-known factors that influence fertility, such as age, hormonal balance, and physical health, one often overlooked element is stress. Stress is a silent disruptor that can interfere with the body's intricate reproductive processes. Understanding the impact of stress on fertility is essential for those seeking to conceive.

The Link Between Stress and Fertility

Stress triggers a cascade of biological responses within the body. When faced with stressors, the body goes into a "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are essential for managing immediate threats, chronic stress can lead to an imbalance that negatively affects reproductive health.

How Stress Affects Women's Reproductive Health

For women, the effects of stress on fertility can manifest in various ways:

• High prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia): Prolactin is a hormone usually associated with lactation but regarding fertility, elevated prolactin levels can interfere with ovulation.

  
  

• Ovulatory Disruptions: Stress may delay or even prevent ovulation. High levels of stress can disrupt the release of key hormones, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is essential for ovulation.

  
  

• Shorter Luteal Phase: A healthy luteal phase lasts at least 12 days but stress can make it shorter. A shorter luteal phase can reduce your chances of conception as it can make implantation more difficult.

  
  

• Irregular Cycle Length: Stress can impact the hypothalamus, a critical brain region that regulates the menstrual cycle and can then lead to unpredictable periods.

  
  

• Longer & Heavier Periods: Increased cortisol levels may intensify menstrual symptoms.

  
  

• Lower chances of conception: A study has shown that stress can reduce the probability of conception during the fertile window.

The Impact of Stress on Men's Fertility

Men are not immune to the effects of stress concerning fertility.

• Chronic stress can affect testosterone levels, sperm production, and overall semen quality.

  
  

• Elevated cortisol levels can lead to decreased libido.

  
  

• Stress can contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or excessive alcohol.

Lifestyle Factors and Coping Mechanisms

Understanding the impact of stress on fertility emphasises the importance of managing stress effectively. Here are 5 practical strategies to help mitigate stress levels:

1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

   Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress levels. These techniques not only calm the mind but also promote hormonal balance and improve overall well-being.

   
   

2. Physical Activity:

   Regular exercise releases endorphins, natural stress relievers that contribute to a more positive mood. It also supports physical health, which is essential for optimal fertility.

   
   

3. Balanced Nutrition:

   Avoiding processed foods and caffeine as well as healthy food choices help maintain hormonal harmony.

   
   

4. Support Systems:

   Building a strong support network is crucial. Engaging with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional relief and foster a sense of community during challenging times.

   
   

5. Professional Help:

   For those experiencing chronic stress that significantly affects daily life, seeking help from a mental health professional may be beneficial. Therapy can offer valuable coping strategies and emotional support.

   
   

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, stress is a subtle yet significant factor that can influence fertility in both men and women. The hormonal imbalances caused by chronic stress can disrupt reproductive functions, complicating the path to conception.

By prioritising mental health alongside physical health, it's possible to enhance overall reproductive wellness and improve the chances of starting a family.

If your journey to parenthood has become difficult and you are feeling stressed, do not hesitate to book a call with me. I'm here to help <3

Unveiling the Truth: Dispelling 5 Common Myths About Breakfast and Fertility

I am sure you have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A well-balanced breakfast keeps you fuller for longer, stabilises energy levels, and provides essential nutrients to power your day. However, there are a lot of myths around breakfast, nutrition overall and reproductive health. In this blog post, we will uncover 5 common myths about breakfast and its impact on fertility to support you in making more informed choices each day.

Myth 1: Skipping Breakfast Doesn’t Affect Fertility

Eating food on a regular basis and enough is essential to support the menstrual cycle and fertility.

We ideally want to eat a minimum of 3 meals per day to be full for about 3 to 4 hours.

Whether it be because we are in a rush in the morning or because of intermittent fasting, breakfast is a meal that is often skipped.

Here are a few ways skipping breakfast can impact your fertility:

• Research shows that women who skip breakfast are more likely to undereat even though they eat larger portions at lunch and dinner which in turns can deprive our body of essential nutrients that support our hormones, egg quality and overall health.

• Skipping breakfast is detrimental to the reproductive function and menstrual cycle.

• Skipping breakfast can lead to irregular cycles and period pain.

Myth 2: Any Breakfast is Better than No Breakfast

Now that we have established the importance of having breakfast, we need to understand that it needs to be nutritious to avoid mid-morning cravings and sustain energy.

A typical breakfast as we used to see on television with sugar-packed cereals, milk and a glass of processed orange juice does not constitute a healthy option that supports your fertility.

When choosing what to eat for breakfast, think about having a minimum of 20g to 30g of protein, fiber, healthy fats and carbs.

Here are a few easy options for you:

• Scrambled eggs with black beans, chopped tomatoes and half an avocado.

• Greek yogurt with berries, nuts, seeds and protein powder.

• Tinned sardines on sourdough toast, half an avocado and a side of chopped veggies.

Myth 3: I Need to Drink a Glass of Orange Juice to Have Vitamins

Again, this has been advertised a lot. However, a glass of orange juice bought in the supermarket contains as much sugar as a glass of Coca-Cola, so be extremely mindful of the sugar as it can only contribute to more cravings and energy dips throughout the day.

Instead, eat a whole orange: this will contribute to your daily fibre intake and vitamins.

Overall, it is a more cost effective and healthy way to get your vitamins and something sweet in the morning.

Myth 4: Only Women Should Focus on Breakfast for Fertility

Too many times, men are not part of the conversation when it comes to fertility, even though it is a 50/50 ratio between men and women.

Poor eating habits for men lead to lower sperm quality similar to women with egg quality.

So if you are a man reading this blog post, you will also benefit from the recommendations given.

Myth 5: Breakfast Should Look Very Different From Lunch and Dinner

Speaking about advertising again, breakfast has been shown in the media to be this very specific, sugar-packed meal.

But in reality, and similar to your lunch and dinner it should be made of fibre, healthy fats, protein and carbs which are the same guidelines recommended for any meals.

I have already shared 3 breakfast options in the blog but I invite you to have your leftovers for breakfast. You have a bit of roast chicken and veggies in the fridge? That makes a good breakfast too.

The idea is to keep things simple. You do NOT need to buy expensive so-called breakfast foods, the chances are that you already have what you need in your fridge and cupboards.

As we explore the myths surrounding breakfast and fertility, it becomes clear that the choices we make at the start of the day can significantly influence reproductive health.

Making informed food choices today can create a positive impact on fertility in the future. Remember, prioritising a balanced breakfast is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about nurturing your body for optimal health.