Ep. 30 - The PreTrimester Playbook: Preparing for Pregnancy and Beating Secondary Infertility with Dr. Laura Costello

Trigger Warning: MiscarriageMoms, it’s easy to feel betrayed by our body when we’ve given birth once and then struggle to get pregnant again. This is called secondary infertility and it can affect 1 in 5 couples. In this vulnerable episode, we sit down with Dr. Laura Costello, a doctor of physical therapy and a passionate advocate for women taking charge of their fertility.  She founded The PreTrimester, a method that focuses on the 3-6 months before conception as a time to prepare the body and mind for pregnancy. It’s a passion that stemmed from her own battle with infertility and subsequently helping other couples navigate the same diagnosis. We learn her story and strategies, plus:* Reframing our fertility as a snapshot, not a long-term state. As we age, both our body and our egg quality change* Infertility is not solely a woman’s issue—men are 50% of the equation and have serious roles in creating a health embryo* With testosterone levels plummeting over the past 50 years, Dr. Costello offers timelines for when to seek professional help for conception* We dive into the importance of creating a toxin-free environment, from household chemicals to personal care products, and how they can impact fertility*Sometimes, stress is overlooked.  We brainstorm ways to manage stress, improve mental health, and moreDr. Laura mentions the Environmental Working Group as a resource that she trusts.  You can learn more at drlauracostello.com and you can follow her @drlauracostello Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]