Birth control changed the course of women’s health—but not always for the better.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kimberly, a former clinical pharmacist turned holistic health coach, to explore the side of hormonal birth control most women aren’t told about. We’re diving deep into the real effects of the pill—from how it works in the body to its long-term impacts on fertility, metabolism, mental health, and more.
We also unpack how to safely transition off hormonal contraception—including how to support your liver, blood sugar, digestion, and cycle regulation naturally.
Whether you're on the pill, considering coming off, or want to prepare your body for pregnancy down the road—this conversation is packed with the education every woman deserves.
🎧 What We Cover:
How hormonal birth control actually works
The nutrient depletions and hormonal flatline no one warns you about
What the pill does to your natural cycle, even if you “get a period”
The dark history behind the development and testing of birth control
Why so many women feel gaslit by the medical system
How to prepare your body to come off the pill naturally
The truth about the copper IUD and non-hormonal options
A holistic approach to healing and reconnecting with your fertility
The power of Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)
Why ovulation matters—even if you’re not trying to get pregnant
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about working with me: https://holisticconception.org/get-pregnant
Fertility Awareness Coaching: https://holisticconception.org/fertility-awareness-coaching
Follow Dr. Kimberly on Instagram: @kt.wellness
Dr. Kimberly’s website: kimberlytanimotoyoga.com
📌 Disclaimer:
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your trusted provider for personalized support. Full disclaimer at holisticconception.org/disclaimer
Have you ever been told you could get pregnant any day of the month? Or that using a natural method of birth control is basically the rhythm method in disguise?
In this episode of the Prepare for Pregnancy Podcast, I’m joined by Fertility Awarness Educator Hana from Chart Your Cycle to bust those myths wide open. We dive deep into what the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) actually is, how it works to prevent or achieve pregnancy, and why it’s one of the most empowering tools a woman can use — no matter her season of life.
We cover:
The science behind cervical fluid & basal body temperature
Why FAM is not the rhythm method (and is up to 99.6% effective!)
The truth about ovulation strips, apps, and algorithm-based trackers
Transitioning off hormonal birth control and improving egg quality
How FAM can support you whether you're avoiding pregnancy, TTC, or just learning your body
Whether you're FAM-curious or already on your charting journey, you'll walk away with more clarity and confidence about your cycle than ever before.
🎧 Ready to learn FAM yourself? Visit holisticconception.org/fertility-awareness-coaching to apply for 1:1 coaching.
Before you try to balance your hormones, you need to understand your blood sugar. In this episode, we’re breaking down what blood sugar actually is, how it’s connected to your energy, mood, metabolism, and fertility—and what happens when it goes out of balance.
You’ll learn:
What glucose is and how your body uses it for energy
The role of insulin and how insulin resistance develops
How blood sugar imbalances contribute to hormone issues like PCOS, acne, and painful periods
The link between blood sugar, inflammation, and fertility (including egg quality and implantation)
5 practical tips to support your blood sugar naturally, starting with your next meal
Whether you’re trying to conceive or just want to feel more stable and energized throughout the day, this episode will give you the root-cause education you’ve been missing.
Grab my free Happy Blood Sugar Breakfast Guide
Full show notes at found at the blog post version of this podcast.
The Iron Recycling System Explained with Samantha Chandler of Wellness and Womb
If you’ve ever been told you’re anemic, struggled with fatigue, or been offered iron infusions during pregnancy, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Samantha Chandler of Wellness and Womb to talk about the iron recycling system — and how mineral imbalance, not iron deficiency, may be at the root of many fertility struggles.
We’re unpacking the powerful relationship between iron and copper, how to tell if your body is dysregulated (not deficient), and why supporting your minerals is one of the most important things you can do when preparing for pregnancy.
You’ll also learn why heavy periods, pregnancy complications, and stubborn fatigue are often signs of mineral imbalance, and how HTMA testing can provide answers your labs might miss.
Listen If You’re Curious About:
Why most women don’t need more iron — they need to move it better
What the iron recycling system is and why it matters for fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
The key role of copper and vitamin A in iron metabolism
How mineral balance impacts your baby’s future development
What ferritin and “low iron” labs might actually be telling you
Natural ways to support mineral balance before and during pregnancy
Mentioned in This Episode:
Samantha Chandler | Wellness and Womb
The Root Cause Protocol by Morley Robbins
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) with Holistic Conception
Book: Deep Nutrition by Dr. Catherine Shanahan
Ready to Go Deeper?
Want to understand your own mineral status and finally feel aligned with your body as you prepare to conceive?
Apply to work with me inside the 7-Step Holistic Conception Framework.
👉 Learn more: holisticconception.org/get-pregnant
Connect with Me:
Website: holisticconception.org
Instagram: @holistic_conception
YouTube: Holistic Conception
Affiliate Disclaimer
Some of the links shared in this episode and on my website may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. I only ever share products I personally use, trust, and recommend to my clients. Thank you for supporting Holistic Conception in this way!
In this episode, McKenna walks through four powerhouse nutrients that are foundational when preparing for a healthy pregnancy—from hormone production to egg quality to baby’s organ development. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or laying the groundwork for the future, this episode will help you nourish deeply and intentionally.
You’ll learn:
Why protein supports your uterus, hormones, cervical mucus, and blood sugar
How healthy fats like butter and egg yolks actually build your baby’s body—and why industrial seed oils do the opposite
Why B vitamins are vital for preventing early pregnancy loss and supporting fetal development
The truth about Vitamin A and its essential role in organ formation, immune support, and postpartum healing
This isn’t just about “eating healthy”—it’s about giving your body the raw materials it needs to create life.
Resources Mentioned:
In this conversation, McKenna Kyllo and Cara Molina delve into the significance of ancestral nutrition, particularly in the context of prenatal and postpartum care. They discuss the importance of nutrient-dense foods, the role of both parents in preconception health, and the necessity of community support for new mothers. The dialogue emphasizes the need for women to reclaim their health through understanding their bodies, nutrition, and the importance of rest and recovery during the postpartum period.
Takeaways
Blog Post Version of this Episode
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction to Holistic Health Coaching
02:31 Understanding Ancestral Nutrition
04:41 Personal Journey into Ancestral Health
06:20 The Foundation of Perinatal Health
08:42 Core Principles of Ancestral Nutrition
14:14 Preparing for Preconception and Fertility
19:36 The Importance of Metabolism
21:13 Men's Health and Preconception
23:46 Debunking Nutrition Myths
27:31 The Role of Circadian Health
30:45 The Impact of Stress on Nutrition
32:12 Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy
44:08 Postpartum Nutrition and Care
52:44 The Power of Motherhood and Surrender
55:24 Introduction to Holistic Fertility and Pregnancy Prep
56:10 Encouragement and Support for Women
Keywords
ancestral nutrition, pregnancy, postpartum care, women's health, fertility, nutrition, hormonal health, ancestral health, nutrient-dense foods, preconception
If you're trying to conceive—or planning to in the near future—this is your roadmap to preparing your body the right way. In this episode, McKenna breaks down the 5 essential foundations of fertility every woman should focus on before trying to conceive, before pregnancy:
Whether you’re struggling with hormonal imbalances, just coming off birth control, or simply want to support your future baby’s health, this episode will help you build a strong, science-backed foundation—without the overwhelm or restrictive rules.
Download the free Fertility Foundations eBook here
Read the full blog post version
Medical disclaimer
What if conception isn’t just about whether you can get pregnant, but how well your body is truly prepared to support new life?
In this episode, we’re digging into the why behind intentional preconception care—for both women and men. McKenna walks you through 5 powerful, research-backed reasons why preparing your body before pregnancy isn’t just a good idea… it’s foundational to lifelong health for both parents and baby.
You’ll learn:
Why fertility isn’t just fertile vs. infertile—and what “optimal fertility” really means
How your nutrition before pregnancy shapes baby’s health through epigenetics and the “First 1,000 Days”
The real risks of starting pregnancy depleted—and how it affects outcomes from morning sickness to postpartum
What toxins, inflammation, and sperm quality have to do with your future child
Why preconception prep can reduce the emotional pain of fertility struggles—and set you up for a more empowered birth and postpartum
Whether you’re hoping to conceive soon, struggling with fertility, or just want to give your future baby the best start, this episode is your sign to start preparing now.
Grab your notebook—you’re going to want to take notes!
Links + Resources Mentioned:
