I recently posted this question on my personal social media, “Do you know what breast implant illness is?” and I was shocked that close to 50% of women had no idea. Reason being- breast implants are everywhere! During childhood, the women we looked up to on TV, the majority had implants- perfectly symmetrical, full breasts. In 2019, breast augmentations were the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery in the United States. There were almost 1.8 million (yes, million) breast augmentations performed worldwide in 2019!

​Before I get into this, there is something I want to make very clear. I am not for or against breast implants. Instead, I am for complete and thorough informed consent. That also means I am supportive in my patient’s medical decisions. I am always on your team, rooting for you. I’m hoping this series provides you information and education so you can make an informed decision whether breast implants are right for you or if removing yours may benefit your health. 

​Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that’s gaining attention in the medical community. It is used to describe a variety of systemic symptoms reported by some women following reconstruction or augmentation with breast implants. BII can occur with any type of breast implants, silicone gel-filled or saline-filled implants are the most used nowadays. Breast implant illness can also be referred to as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), also known as Shoenfeld's syndrome. 

BII affects every individual in its own way. There’s no gold standard for how you should feel because it’s poorly understood and there’s no medical diagnosis. The symptoms are broad but typically associated with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, including but not limited to, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.
​
Some of the symptoms of breast implant illness include:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Memory and concentration problems (“Brain fog”)
• Breathing problems
• Sleep disturbance
• Rashes and skin problems
• Dry mouth and dry eyes (Sjögren's syndrome)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammation
• Weigh fluctuation
• Headaches
• Hair loss
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction

Symptoms can also be different depending on what type of implants you have. In 2019, a large multicentered, cohort study was conducted, involving 99,993 women with breast implants. In this study, 56% of participants had silicone implants. What they found was that silicone implants were associated with higher rates of capsular contracture, melanoma, rheumatoid arthritis Sjögren's syndrome, stillbirth, and scleroderma. However, saline implants were more likely to rupture in the short term.

​Typically, surgery to remove the breast implants improves or completely resolves the BII symptoms.

There are two common procedures, an en bloc capsulectomy or a total or complete capsulectomy.

• En Bloc Capsulectomy: removing the implant and capsule in one piece. Thoughts behind this approach are that it may diminish biofilms from escaping into the body.
• Total or Complete Capsulectomy: removing both the implant and the capsule, just not in one piece. ​This is what I did, picture below.

​You want the entire capsule removed- it just depends how. I suggest leaving that suggestion up to your trusted surgeon’s suggestions, there are a lot of variables that go into this decision. Fully removing the scar tissue capsules can lower the risk that fluid will collect in that area after the surgery, known as a seroma. If you develop a seroma, you typically need to get it drained. 

The honest answer — anyone that gets implants. There’s no real rhyme or reason as to why some women are affected worse than others. Some doctors say it occurs more in women with personal or family history of autoimmune disorders, genetic predisposition, environmental exposure, diet, and/or lifestyle. However, everyone is impacted differently by BII!
​
Research has shown that substances from breast implants can “bleed” through non-ruptured shell and into the surrounding tissue. However, all women with breast implants are exposed to silicone because all implants have a silicone shell. Substances from an implant can also spread within the capsule of scar tissue surrounding the implant and/or to other parts of the body, typically because an implant has ruptured. The longer a breast implant is in place, the more likely it is to rupture. A rupture brings higher risk for capsular contracture.

When a breast implant is placed, fibrous scar tissue forms around it, creating a capsule. The body does this as a defense mechanism because it recognizes the object as foreign. In some women this capsule becomes unusually hard and dense. Capsular contracture can cause chronic pain and distortion of the breast.

Bottom line, we don’t know exactly why some women develop breast implant illness. Other than the obvious, breast implants are foreign objects that your body can respond negatively to. I firmly believe, that as research continues to evolve, breast implant illness will be one of the biggest women’s global health crises in history. 

I’m hoping this series provides you information and education so you can make an informed decision whether breast implants are right for you, or if removing yours may benefit your health.
​
I will share more of my explant journey in my upcoming blogs! 

When a patient has a food allergy, what do we do? Remove the offending food. What if it’s with a kiddo, with multiple food allergies? What if there’s also an atopic response, like eczema or asthma?

Behind every food allergy there is an immune system that has gone awry.

Behind every food allergy there are a myriad of genetic and environmental influences.

This means, it is imperative to remove environmental irritants to relieve immune burden. 

​As the prevalence of allergic conditions has escalated in recent decades, so have the number of new chemicals in everyday environments. Epidemiological studies suggest that exposures to pesticides, solvents, and air pollution are associated with increased rates of asthma and allergies.

Household dust is mostly a mixture of human skin, animal fur, lint, soil, and particulate matter from cooking. But dust can also harbor flame-retardant chemicals, heavy metals, and even dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Other irritants in the home can include cigarette smoke, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores.
​
The following steps can help your patients combat these irritants and allergy-proof their homes:

• Don’t wear shoes in the house.
• Shampoo your carpets 3-4 times a month.
• Don’t allow anyone to smoke in the house.
• Have air ducts professionally cleaned every year or two.
• Vacuum once or twice a week with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
• Use a high-quality air purifier.
• Use a high-quality water filtration.
• Use an exhaust fan over the stove.
• Wash bedding once a week with MyGreensFills detergent.
• Use dehumidifiers in areas where mold might grow, like basements (keep humidity below 50 percent).

Many conventional cleaning supplies, personal care products, and cosmetics commonly contain chemicals that can disrupt immune function. Synthetic fragrances are also a huge problem; according to the Environmental Working Group, collectively, they’re considered among the top five allergens in the world.
​
Here are some specific immune-disrupting chemicals to avoid in everyday products:

• Triclosan. This endocrine-disrupting chemical is most commonly found in conventional hand sanitizers. Choose natural alcohol based sanitizers instead or wash with a clean soap.
• Ammonia and bleach. Use vinegar, baking soda and other natural cleaning products for all-purpose cleaning. Purchase Dr. Taryn's favorite household cleaning essentials here
• Fragrances.  Avoid dryer sheets, candles, plug ins, sprays, and scented laundry detergents. Purchase Dr. Taryn's favorite laundry essentials here
• Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate [DBP], dimethyl phthalate [DMP], and diethyl phthalate [DEP]). These are common in conventional lotions and shampoos. Choose natural or organic personal care products instead. Purchase Dr. Taryn's favorite beauty products here (Use coupon code DRTARYN for an extra discount)
• Parabens (propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutyl-parabens). These are common in conventional lotions, shampoos, and cleansers, but are rare in natural or organic versions. Purchase Dr. Taryn's favorite skincare/makeup products here

​Food additives include colorings, flavorings, preservatives, and other chemicals that are purposely added during processing. Chemicals from packaging or manufacturing equipment, including adhesives, coatings, paperboard, and plastic, can also contaminate foods.

In a 2018 policy statement, Food Additives and Child Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautioned that many food additives could disrupt endocrine and immune function.
The AAP specifically warned against these immune-disrupting chemicals:​

• Bisphenol-A (BPA). This is found in polycarbonate plastics, like water bottles, and in the lining of some food and soda cans.
• Phthalates. These are found in plastics, like food packaging.
• Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs). These are found in grease-proof paper, cardboard packaging, and some nonstick pans.
• Artificial food colors. These synthetic dyes may be hidden in many processed foods.
• Nitrates and nitrites. These preservatives in processed meats have been associated with allergies and hives.
• Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, and Waxes. These are found on the majority of our grocery store purchased fruits and veggies. Get Dr. Taryn's favorite fruit/veggie cleaner here

​The most effective way to avoid these and other chemical additives is to eat natural, organic whole foods. You are what you eat! Pick anti-inflammatory foods. 

Removing toxic load is a vital component of supporting food allergies. However, some cases of food allergies are straightforward. But many are not.

Once you’ve removed environmental irritants, we need to take a whole-body approach to support immune function. Sometimes we need to go deeper and consider things like heavy metal exposure, chronic viral exposure, or an undiagnosed medical condition. At Stittleburg RHC we're here to help. Contact us to schedule your free phone consult today!

​Umbilical Cord: this connects the baby to the placenta. Allowing nutrients and oxygen to pass from mother to baby- while removing waste products.
Placenta: this attaches to the uterine wall. Shaped like a pancake, it provides nutrients and oxygen for the baby and eliminates waste products.
Uterus: this is the muscular organ where baby grows.
Cervix: this is the lower end of the uterus. The cervix softens, thins, and opens during labor allowing baby into the world.

With my daughter, I suffered from complete placenta previa, placental abruption, and vasa previa. 

Complete Placenta Previa: The placenta is located over the cervix. This can cause bleeding during pregnancy or make vaginal delivery impossible- resulting in a cesarean. (Occurs in about 1 of 250 deliveries)
Placental Abruption: the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This causes the uterus to bleed and reduces the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. (Occurs in 0.4 to 1.5% of all pregnancies)
Vasa Previa: the membranes that contain blood vessels from the baby to the placenta lie across the cervix. (Present in about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 deliveries.)

​Starting next week, I have OB appointments twice a week. On Monday or Tuesdays, I will have a nonstress test on baby. A nonstress test is to check on baby’s health- baby’s heart rate is monitored  to see how it responds to it’s movements. This will be followed up by a check in with my high-risk OB. On Thursday or Fridays, I will have an ultrasound with my maternal-fetal medicine OB. This will be to monitor and watch for potential complications that are arising- especially when we add in a Factor V Leiden mutation as well. I promise, baby and I are in great hands! 

As of right now, I still have severe hydronephrosis in both kidneys. Severe Hydronephrosis basically means that my kidneys are severely swollen from a backup of urine. They aren’t draining properly, due to my scar tissue and malformed uterus, causing constant kidney stone like pain. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to relieve this

Right now, baby is scheduled to come into this world at 38 weeks, on February 22nd. This has every possibility to change- and honestly, I’m betting it will. I will be taking 3 weeks off after baby arrives. Please note my team (and I when possible) will continue to assist you as needs arise during this period. I will be monitoring emails at least once per week. If you have immediate needs or concerns, please email my assistant, Dawn. We will strive to fulfill these requests in a timely manner. We appreciate the understanding when it comes to rescheduling appointments during this time. We truly have the most amazing patients! 

As always, thank you for the continued love, support, and/or prayers- whatever you’re into! Keep it all coming. Please follow us on Facebook for more immediate updates! 

All my love,
Dr. Taryn

​Artificial Christmas trees are becoming more and more popular. There’s no needles to clean up, they can be reused, they can save you money- the list goes on. With this convenience list, at what expense does it impact your health? 

​Most artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in China and made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a petroleum- based plastic. 

​PVC must be combined with other chemicals to create its final products. Phthalates, heavy metals like lead, fungicides, and other toxic substances are used in this process. These additives aren’t chemically bound to the PVC. What does that even mean? It means they can be off-gassing in your home. 

Off-gassing is the airborne release of a chemical.
Are you familiar with that ‘new car smell’ or that ‘new carpet smell’?
​That’s off-gassing. 

PVC can also give off lead dust which is released into the air. Lead, as I’m sure you’re aware, is incredibly toxic to kiddos. In 2008, PVCs were banned from children’s toys in the United States. Why? Because phthalates impact natural hormone functioning in children increasing chances of birth defects, testicular cancer, liver problems, etc.  Unfortunately, they haven’t been banned from school supplies. 

​Artificial Christmas trees typically contain flame retardant chemicals. These chemicals are associated with hormone disruption, infertility, thyroid disorders, oxidative stress, immune system disruption, etc. 

​These flame retardant chemicals are not only used in artificial Christmas trees. They are also added to carpets, furniture, crib mattresses, cars, and many other products. 

​The more you know,
Dr. Taryn

​What is MiraLAX composed of? Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 3350. PEG 3350 is a petroleum derivative- essentially liquid plastic. (You read that right!)

Did you know that the FDA does not approve the usage of MiraLAX in pediatric patients? However, it's often suggested for kiddos. The safety is continually being investigated, BUT nothing has come back conclusive. Interesting, isn’t it? Something that is readily used, hasn’t been thoroughly studied, continually being recommended- and continues to have an influx of negative side effects. Remember I took, "proven safe and effective," right off of MiraLAX's website...

Sure, laxatives like MiraLAX may help you poop. But, at what risk to your body? Why not get to the root issue of why you’re having constipation problems?
​
You body can become dependent on these stimulant laxatives, even causing damage to your muscles, nerves, and tissues of your bowel and intestines. 

​You poop every day, so your gut is healthy? WRONG! Check out our stool chart to see where your bowel movements stack up. Ideally, you want to be type 3 or type 4.

If you or someone you love is struggling with constipation, please, reach out!

Not all supplements are created equal, not all probiotics are created equal, not all medical professionals are created equal.
​If you’d like help navigating what you should be taking to improve your gut health, contact us today! 

​Let’s get back to health,
Dr. Taryn 

Supplements and probiotics need to be purchased through a medical provider.
​ You can order yours here.
Ther-Biotic Complete by Klaire Labs is a great broad-spectrum probiotic. 

​After the baby’s birth, the umbilical cord is attached from baby’s belly button to the placenta. Which means, nutrient-rich blood remains in the umbilical cord and placenta; iron-rich red blood cells, and stem cells that baby needs. 

​A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics shows that waiting five minutes or more before clamping the umbilical cord, while infants are held skin-to-skin with the mother, leads to more myelin development. Myelin is a fatty substance in the brain that wraps around all of the axons of the nerve cells. PMC6259583

Another study concluded “Delayed cord clamping, compared with early clamping, resulted in improved iron status and reduced prevalence of iron deficiency at 4 months of age, and reduced prevalence of neonatal anemia, without demonstrable adverse effects. As iron deficiency in infants even without anemia has been associated with impaired development, delayed cord clamping seems to benefit full term infants even in regions with a relatively low prevalence of iron deficiency anemia.” PMC3217058

Now, delayed cord clamping cannot always be implemented. For example, women with abnormal placentas, women experiencing a hemorrhage, or babies needing immediate medical care would not be candidates for delayed cord clamping.
​
If you’re interested in delayed cord clamping, I urge you to look more into it! Speak with your doctor, midwife, doula, parent, etc. to develop your plan. If you decide to go ahead with delayed cord clamping, make sure it’s in your birth plan!

​Happy birthing,
Dr. Taryn

​As always, I am going to start this by saying, you don’t know until you know. The point of this blog isn’t to hurt feelings or discredit anyone. I simply feel obligated to share my professional doctor opinion on another green washed* brand- one that regularly fills up my personal social media. 

*I tried contacting Herbalife to get some of my questions answered but I have yet to hear back. So that means I have what’s provided on their website.*

I wanted to know the forms of vitamins they have in this drink. Example, it says “Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Magnesium, etc.”- well what active form are these in? Different active forms mean different absorption levels- this is incredibly important. 

These two words make me cringe! They sincerely make me cringe more than the word moist. Folic acid is not our friend and we do not want it in the supplements we take or the food we eat. Folic acid IS NOT the same thing as folate and should NEVER be used as an equivalent. Folic acid can inhibit transport of the necessary active folate across the blood-brain barrier where we need it to be able to support reductions in neuroinflammation.

It’s been estimated that more than 50% of the population has an MTHFR genetic mutation making those people unable to absorb folic acid.

Soy protein isolate is the very first listed ingredient- later down the list, soy lecithin is used as well. Soy is rich in phytic acid, blocking mineral absorption and is rich in goitrogens, negatively impacting the thyroid. Soy is also xenoestrogens and mimics estrogen- causing an estrogen buildup in our bodies. As we learn more about what this does to our body, we know it influences autoimmune disorders, estrogen dominance, and female cancers.

Fun Fact: soy is one of our biggest cash crops in the US- over 94% of it is genetically modified. We know that GMO crops destroy not only our health (thanks Monsanto), but also the health of the environment. They’re smothered in harsh chemicals that seep into our water and air supply.  
​

• These products are not certified GMO-free. And let's be real, if you’ve grossed almost 4 billion dollars in 2019, you can afford the certification. Without a certification, I don't blindly trust anything- you shouldn't either.

This is exactly how it sounds, dried and solidified corn syrup. What’s corn syrup? It’s sugar- 100% glucose.
​
Fun Fact: up to 92% of corn is genetically modified. Yet again, this product isn’t certified GMO-free.

Maltodextrin is technically classified as a complex carbohydrate. It’s an excessively processed additive that should be avoided by anyone with insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood sugar, PCOS, etc. Maltodextrin can also alter gut flora and suppress our beneficial gut bacteria.

Fun Fact: it’s glycemic index shows that it’s absorbed as fast, if not faster, than other true sugars.

​Sucralose (Splenda) is an artificial sweetener, like aspartame. Sucralose is produced by a multi-step chemical process that replaces three hydrogen-oxygen groups with three chlorine atoms. This replacement intensifies the sweetness to 600 times more than table sugar- while containing zero calories. As you can imagine, our gut is not a fan of sucralose. A study on sucralose and the GI microbiome showed that sucralose altered the gut microbiome by decreasing beneficial bacteria by up to 50%. Moreover, 12 weeks after the study the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract had not recovered. The study also found that sucralose may limit the bioavailability of certain orally administered medications- making the medications less effective.1

Each natural flavor may contain up to 100 ingredients. Those 100 ingredients include synthetic chemicals such as the solvent propylene glycol, the preservative BHA, and GMO-derived ingredients (unless organic or Non-GMO Project verified). Natural flavors can be derived from literally anything in nature, even animal parts.

Artificial flavors are made from anything else that doesn’t fall under the “natural” umbrella.
​
Fun Fact: these flavors are made by scientists called “flavorists”. The flavorists use "natural" chemicals when they are creating natural flavors, and "synthetic" chemicals when they are making artificial flavorings.

Now, as I stated previously, you don’t know until you know. I am not here to bash anyone’s profession. What I am here to do is show that we deserve better as consumers. Labels are deceiving- they truly are. We should continue to demand better and demand transparency. 

Let's get back to health,
​Dr. Taryn

I’ve had numerous patients in the past tell me they’ve dabbled in Thrive. Hell, I even did for a hot minute when I was in school! Most recently, I had a new patient ask me if they should continue their Thrive regiment along with her individualized plan from me. I asked her to send me the ingredient list of what she was taking, and I couldn’t believe was I was reading. These types of things really raise my cortisol level. 

I’m including the pictures she sent me and I’m going to break down a handful of things that I have to address. 

These two words make me cringe! They sincerely make me cringe more than the word moist. Folic acid is not our friend and we do not want it in the supplements we take or the food we eat. Folic acid IS NOT the same thing as folate and should NEVER be used as an equivalent. Folic acid can inhibit transport of the necessary active folate across the blood-brain barrier where we need it to be able to support reductions in neuroinflammation.

My patient then told me that you’re supposed to then have your shake 20 to 40 minutes after taking the capsules that I was just referring to. 

Magnesium is a powerhouse mineral that roughly 80% of American’s are deficient in. It’s also needed for over 300 enzymatic conversions inside of your body. Wild, I know!  There are multiple forms of magnesium- magnesium citrate is one I rarely ever use. It is typically used for constipation, if you’ve ever had a colonoscopy prep, you’d have used a lot of it. It’s not absorbed well and it’s not a great wellness, magnesium option- sometimes is can even do more harm than good. 

Each natural flavor may contain up to 100 ingredients. Those 100 ingredients include synthetic chemicals such as the solvent propylene glycol, the preservative BHA, and GMO-derived ingredients (unless organic or Non-GMO Project verified). Natural flavors can be derived from literally anything in nature, even animal parts. The subgroup of BPA plastics are also xenoestrogens, meaning they mimic estrogen. With female autoimmune disorders on the rise, along with female cancers, the last thing we want in our diets are xenoestrogens. 

Sucralose (Splenda) is an artificial sweetener, similar to aspartame. Sucralose is produced by a multi-step chemical process that replaces three hydrogen-oxygen groups with three chlorine atoms. This replacement intensifies the sweetness to 600 times more than table sugar- while containing zero calories. As you can imagine, our gut is not a fan of sucralose. A study on sucralose and the GI microbiome showed that sucralose altered the gut microbiome by decreasing beneficial bacteria by up to 50%. Moreover, 12 weeks after the study the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract had not recovered. The study also found that sucralose may limit the bioavailability of certain orally administered medications- making the medications less effective.1

. Nearly all soy is GMO courtesy of Monsanto. (Insert eye roll emoji.) There are two soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, that increase estrogen activity. Which means soy is xenoestrogens and mimics estrogen- causing an estrogen buildup in our bodies. As we learn more about what this does to our body, we know it influences autoimmune disorders, estrogen dominance, and female cancers. 

• These products are not certified GMO-free. And let's be real, if you’ve grossed over two billion dollars in 2018, you can afford the certification. Without a certification, I don't blindly trust anything- you shouldn't either. 

Now, as I stated previously, you don’t know until you know. I’ve had patients and friends tell me they’d spend $150-$300 A MONTH on their Thrive supplements. That doesn’t sit right with me knowing how subpar and toxic some of their ingredients truly are.
​
It is imperative to get your supplements, herbs, and vitamins from a trusted medical professional. If you have any questions on what supplements you and/or your kiddos should be taking, please, set up an appointment! I am truly here to help you- that’s the purpose of this exposing blog. I sincerely hope I did not hurt any feelings, but the truth needs to be told.

​Let’s get back to health,
Dr. Taryn

​This morning, I came down the steps to, Derek, washing dishes, loading dishes, and starting breakfast. Immediately I was elated. I sat down on the island finishing some emails on my phone. He finished up the dishes, washed the sink, and started making our blueberry pancakes. 

In that very moment, I couldn’t help but think about how grateful I am that he’s mine. How grateful I am that he respects my wants, cares for my needs, and helps me whenever he can.
​
That also made me think about never ending conversations I have about homelife stress.

I cannot tell you the amount of times I’ve had a conversation with whomever about, Derek, doing x,y,z around the house or with the kids followed up with a comment about ‘how lucky I am.'

Now hold on, Karen, I am not being insensitive, I completely understand the hustle and bustle of life- school, sports, band, homework, reading, grocery shopping, laundry, housework, etc. It typically is a never-ending list.
​
However, recruiting help from your partner makes this list a lot more manageable. 

Women are notoriously great at running things at home until they can no longer run anymore. Why at this point do we ask for help?

As women, our bodies were not and are not made to withstand the toxic cesspool of a world we live in. It’s engraved in us to do much more than we physically or mentally can, all with a smile, all while trying to be perfect. It’s engraved in us to order these toxic, miracle creams/serums to help make us feel young. It’s engraved in us that the social media world is real life. It’s engraved in us that this zombie, exhausted from sun up to sun down, mom lyfe thing is ‘normal’. Well, I’m here to tell you that that’s a bunch of crap.

​No, I don’t mean just the food we are eating or the drinks we are drinking. I’m referring to all the negative energy that we consume- the gossip, the negative comments, the negative thoughts. All of it is breaking us down internally. Surround yourself with who brings peace and happiness to your life. I don’t care if you’ve been friends for 25 years- if you aren’t going to make yourself a priority, who is? 

​It’s getting to be the time of year again where extra lotion is needed. Before you grab that Bath & Body Works lotion, do your body a favor and toss it in the trash. Our makeup and skincare routines are FULL of toxins. All the while preaching natural or safe (insert eye roll emoji). Toxins that are linked to endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and the list goes on. One that is very easy to spot and used often is ‘fragrance/parfum’. Anything with this listed in the ingredients deserves a spot in the trash. 

​If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness. If you would like to chat about what Functional Medicine can do for you, please complete our Free Online Health Assessment at the top of this page. 

As always, let's get back to health!
Much love,
​Dr. Taryn

​Lemme dig into these questions…

I somewhat think this has turned into a word vomit question- it seems almost second nature to ask nowadays. However, I also think it is typically asked out of a place of love due to infertility being on the rise.

I speak on infertility often because I can relate. Infertility is hard and it is complex and it is exhausting. It’s something I personally have struggled with and it’s something I treat regularly.

Infertility is also interesting to me because it’s as if no one really wants to talk about actively trying to get pregnant…. As if it’s supposed to be some dirty secret.
​
Well, I’m here to tell you it shouldn’t be and isn’t some type of dirty little secret. 

There is also SO much focus on women’s infertility BUT it takes two to tango. A man’s sperm needs to be viable and healthy to create a baby just like a women’s egg. When trying to conceive both partners need support. A woman cannot exhaust her being, trying to conceive a baby when her partner is equally as responsible.
​
Being an expert in women’s health, I can tell you firsthand, it’s not just your hormones that need to be addressed. It’s your entire health and wellness- physically, mentally, and emotionally. Healing your body from the inside out makes for a healthier pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal. 

As adressed in one of my blogs, my last pregnancy ended in an emergency C-section. This resulted in a little over 6 week stay in the NICU for my daughter, Zirah- along with a long road to recovery for me.

I’m not scared being pregnant again. I am first of all thankful, but also very aware. I am very aware and preventatively treating issues before they have a chance to arise. (I’ll speak on this in a little bit.) I know that any added stress to myself only negatively impacts both me and baby. Reducing stress and reducing added toxins is HUGE during pregnancy. Hell, even before pregnancy, even if you never want to be pregnant- do yourself a favor and cut out the Negative Nancy’s and the positive energy sucking vampires. Reduce the processed foods, added sugars, fast food meals, etc. Your health and well-being will thank you.

From Zirah’s pregnancy to now, I have thoroughly focused on healing my body from the inside out. I feel amazing, so far, besides the being tired- but that’s a given. With my other two viable pregnancies, I was sick the entire time! Pregnancy shouldn’t be miserable; it truly shouldn’t be! This is your body screaming that it needs help. 

Remember, not all supplements are created equal! That's first and foremost. Life changing supplements aren't cheap; cheap supplements aren't life changing.

​I have four prenatal supplement suggestions (almost always):
Prenatal

• It takes a lot of vitamins and minerals to grow a baby! Let alone, support you.

Omega

• Reduces inflammation and promotes overall health. Fun Fact: a high quality omega 3 can double the fat content of your breast milk.

Probiotic

• Building and supporting the gut microbiome is key. 

Magnesium

• A co-factor for over 300 enzymes- helps with sleep, aches and pain, headaches, etc. 

Topical Progesterone Serum

• "The pregnancy hormone"- helps maintain a healthy pregnancy. Low levels in the first trimester can result in miscarriage.

As you can see, I am not listing the specific names for a reason, I don’t want you running to your local grocery store or Amazon to order these products. They MUST be high quality. They also need to be managed and regulated by your doctor. 

Pregnancy can be scary; the uncertainty can be overwhelming. I'm here to help. If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, loss, and/or need prenatal support- please, reach out! 

​As always, I'm sending all my love and support to those struggling with conception,
Dr. Taryn