This Women’s Health Month, we’ll be highlighting the health journeys of four amazingly courageous women and their paths to motherhood. We understand that conversations around motherhood can be difficult for many. That’s why we want to share the topics we’ll be covering ahead of time so you can decide if you’ll be following along. We hope these stories inspire you to take a page out of their book, so you can feel your best.
Dear readers,
We’ve all felt guilty at some point throughout our lives. It’s part of what makes us human. As mothers, that guilty feeling can sometimes feel very prominent.
This was the case for Dr. Laura von Hagen, an IVF mama and naturopathic doctor. As a teenager, Dr. Laura experienced symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, and constant sugar cravings. Deep down she felt that there was something going on within her body. It wasn’t until she was 25 years old that her gut feeling was confirmed with a formal diagnosis: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is a genetic condition where the ovaries produce large amounts of androgens, which can result in hormonal imbalances and fertility issues. Although this diagnosis validated Dr. Laura and allowed her to feel more in control of her health, it did make her a bit nervous when it came time to think about conceiving naturally.
As a naturopathic doctor, she was equipped with the knowledge to take the necessary precautions to help prepare her body for her fertility journey. This meant focusing on reducing her risk factors of miscarriage by controlling her blood sugar levels, supporting egg quality and ovulation, maintaining healthy body weight, and more. However, Laura still struggled with conceiving naturally and decided that taking a holistic approach combined with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was her best option. Although conceiving through IVF felt like a rollercoaster for her, she knew that all her hard work would be worth it in the end. Soon enough, baby Jake was born!
Three months after Jake was born, Laura returned to work, and like many other moms, she experienced guilt over this. Eventually, she came to understand that being a working mom empowers her to be a better mother. It’s the best of both worlds – while at work, she feels rewarded by supporting her patients, making her more excited to spend time with Jake once she’s home.
The takeaway? Give yourself permission – to prioritize your health, to be a powerful working mom, and to simply do what’s best for you and your family. Know that you’re doing the best you can with the circumstances you’re in – so remember to go easy on yourself and keep doing you!
Check out our conversation with Dr. Laura to learn more about her journey with PCOS, pregnancy through IVF, and how she manages to maintain work-life balance.
Until next time,
CanPrev Women
Looking for some guidance on how you can give yourself permission, navigate mom guilt, or learn more about PCOS? Here are some resources that may help you:
- All about PCOS
- An Exploration of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Connection To Health Issues
- Dear readers: Caring for yourself is the first step
Can you relate to Dr. Laura’s story? We’d love to hear from you – let us know what you think in the comments below!
