Fertility: A Two-Way Street
A healthy baby is more than the act of conception.
Is Fertility Itself more important than a healthy mum and baby?
Something I learned while still a nurse, was that even the most unhealthy parents could have babies. But how much did that affect the health of the unborn child? If it has finally been proven that a mother’s intake of excess alcohol, smoking and a poor diet affects not only pregnancy outcomes but the health of the baby, what of the father whose role is widely seen as merely being fertile?
After all, 50% of the baby’s DNA is the father’s and research is finally showing that his health can significantly impact a newborn's health, with studies indicating that chronic illnesses in fathers may increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and the need for NICU care. While the father's contribution is important, the overall health of the child is influenced by both parents' health and genetics.
How can we possibly hope for a healthy pregnancy outcome if only the mother takes care of her health while the father has been led to believe his only contribution is to get her pregnant? Or that fertility is still treated in most health fields as a female thing? Studies show that low fertility rates are often due to not only the hopeful father’s sperm count but his own health.
The Chrysalis Original fertility protocol has been in continuous use since my very first week of private practice in 1991. Since then, the Chrysalis Original family has grown year after year, with some of the earliest babies supported through this protocol now becoming parents themselves — even more awesome, many of whom still seek my guidance and care.
Over more than three decades, this protocol has evolved into a comprehensive, integrated approach for both mother and father, that is unique to Chrysalis Original for several key reasons:
• Support ideally begins prior to conception, although the protocol can be commenced at any stage once pregnancy has occurred, for the best possible outcome
• The approach is centred on the health and preparedness of both parents, not fertility in isolation
• Care continues throughout pregnancy, supporting both mother and baby
• An empowering blend is included for labour
• Post-partum support is provided to assist recovery and restoration
• The fertility kit includes remedies intended to support the baby, including Tormina for colic and Lacta for lactation support
While the protocol can be introduced during pregnancy, my experience has shown that the strongest and most sustainable outcomes are achieved when both parents are supported before conception.
Many successful pregnancies have followed periods where assisted reproductive pathways had not brought the hoped-for results; however, I wholeheartedly encourage both prospective parents to consider this protocol BEFORE subjecting themselves to such demanding processes.
Earlier iterations of the protocol also incorporated acupuncture during labour; however, despite repeated success, this is no longer permitted within hospital settings.
My ongoing aim is to make this long-established protocol more accessible to prospective parents and midwives, so that more families can be supported toward their best possible outcomes.
Studies:
Lifestyle factors, fertility and embryo health
Paternal epigenetic factors, embryo development and disease
Paternal habits, age & weight and effects on placental & maternal health