Rethinking Fertility & Early Pregnancy Care with Dr. Julie Von

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.