https://www.sue-ritchie.com/
Let’s walk this path together connect with me on social media @OptiMum Fertility or visit https://www.sue-ritchie.com]]>enHealth & FitnessCopyright Sue Ritchiehttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/2695aba0c4088c87c40be18977d890a3.jpghttps://www.sue-ritchie.com/Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:47:37 +0000Sue RitchieSue Ritchieproducer@transformationtalkradio.comThis podcast is here to open your eyes—and your heart—to the real truth about fertility and why taking the time to prepare for conception is so necessary to increase your chances of success. In today’s world, there are many factors that are having an...
Let’s walk this path together connect with me on social media @OptiMum Fertility or visit https://www.sue-ritchie.com]]>falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-missing-piece-how-your-vaginal-microbiome-could-impact-fertility-ivf-success-and-pregnancy--73094922 In this fascinating episode of The Conscious Conception Show, I am joined by Dr Josiane Chuissseu, founder of Avline Health, to explore the emerging science of the vaginal microbiome and its potential impact on fertility, implantation, IVF outcomes and pregnancy.
We discuss why the balance of bacteria within the vaginal environment matters, how disruptions may affect reproductive health, and what women can do to better understand and support this often-overlooked aspect of fertility. As well as exploring the link between the gut and vaginal microbiome.
If you've been told everything looks normal, are preparing for IVF, or simply want to optimise your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby, this conversation may open your eyes to an exciting new area of fertility science.



]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/the-missing-piece-how-your-vaginal-microbiome-could-impact-fertility-ivf-success-and-pregnancy-39690Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieWhen couples are struggling to conceive, most of the focus is placed on hormones, egg quality, sperm health and timing. But could there be another important piece of the fertility puzzle that many people have never heard about? In this fascinating... In this fascinating episode of The Conscious Conception Show, I am joined by Dr Josiane Chuissseu, founder of Avline Health, to explore the emerging science of the vaginal microbiome and its potential impact on fertility, implantation, IVF outcomes and pregnancy.
We discuss why the balance of bacteria within the vaginal environment matters, how disruptions may affect reproductive health, and what women can do to better understand and support this often-overlooked aspect of fertility. As well as exploring the link between the gut and vaginal microbiome.
If you've been told everything looks normal, are preparing for IVF, or simply want to optimise your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby, this conversation may open your eyes to an exciting new area of fertility science.



]]>1649falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-mindset-creating-the-best-environment-for-conception-pregnancy-and-birth--72553139 In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, Sue Ritchie is joined by Debbie Willis Pregnancy and Birth Coach to explore why preparing emotionally and mentally before conception can have a profound impact not only on fertility, but also on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Together they discuss how the thoughts, beliefs and emotions we carry into conception can influence our experience of pregnancy, affect the environment we create for our growing baby and shape the way we approach birth.
If you've ever felt anxious, fearful or overwhelmed about conception, pregnancy or birth, this conversation will offer practical insights and a fresh perspective on how to create a calmer, more confident and positive journey from the very beginning.
You'll discover:

• Why mindset matters before conception
• How stress, fear and limiting beliefs can affect the conception journey
• The connection between emotional wellbeing and a positive pregnancy experience
• How your baby is influenced by your emotional environment during pregnancy
• Ways to build confidence and trust in your body before pregnancy
• How preparing mentally before conception can support a calmer, more empowering birth experience

Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF or simply planning for the future, this episode will help you understand why birth preparation begins long before labour starts.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/the-power-of-mindset-creating-the-best-environment-for-conception-pregnancy-and-birth-39687Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieMany couples focus on nutrition, supplements and medical support when trying to conceive, but few consider the powerful role mindset plays in shaping the journey ahead. In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, Sue Ritchie is joined by... In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, Sue Ritchie is joined by Debbie Willis Pregnancy and Birth Coach to explore why preparing emotionally and mentally before conception can have a profound impact not only on fertility, but also on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Together they discuss how the thoughts, beliefs and emotions we carry into conception can influence our experience of pregnancy, affect the environment we create for our growing baby and shape the way we approach birth.
If you've ever felt anxious, fearful or overwhelmed about conception, pregnancy or birth, this conversation will offer practical insights and a fresh perspective on how to create a calmer, more confident and positive journey from the very beginning.
You'll discover:

• Why mindset matters before conception
• How stress, fear and limiting beliefs can affect the conception journey
• The connection between emotional wellbeing and a positive pregnancy experience
• How your baby is influenced by your emotional environment during pregnancy
• Ways to build confidence and trust in your body before pregnancy
• How preparing mentally before conception can support a calmer, more empowering birth experience

Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF or simply planning for the future, this episode will help you understand why birth preparation begins long before labour starts.
]]>1692falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-burnout-to-balance-supporting-your-body-to-conceive--72070437 Many women today are juggling demanding careers, responsibilities, emotional pressure, and the constant feeling that they need to keep going, keep pushing, and hold everything together. But what happens when your body has been running in survival mode for so long that it no longer feels safe to slow down?
Together, we explore how burnout, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and disconnection from self can impact overall wellbeing — and why supporting your body begins with rebuilding your relationship with yourself.
In this conversation, we discuss:

• What burnout really looks like in everyday life
• Why high-achieving women are particularly vulnerable to emotional exhaustion
• The role boundaries play in protecting our wellbeing
• Why slowing down can feel uncomfortable or even unsafe
• How self-abandonment and constant “doing” disconnect us from our bodies
• Gentle, realistic ways to begin reconnecting with yourself again

We also reflect on why this matters not only for conception, but for the kind of foundation we create for motherhood, parenting, and the future wellbeing of our children.
This episode is a compassionate reminder that supporting your fertility is not just about doing more… sometimes it begins with learning to listen, honour yourself, and create space for balance again.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/from-burnout-to-balance-supporting-your-body-to-conceive-39558Tue, 19 May 2026 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieIn this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, I’m joined by Briony Lawton from Space Together to explore a topic that so many women quietly experience while trying to conceive… burnout. Many women today are juggling demanding careers,... Many women today are juggling demanding careers, responsibilities, emotional pressure, and the constant feeling that they need to keep going, keep pushing, and hold everything together. But what happens when your body has been running in survival mode for so long that it no longer feels safe to slow down?
Together, we explore how burnout, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and disconnection from self can impact overall wellbeing — and why supporting your body begins with rebuilding your relationship with yourself.
In this conversation, we discuss:

• What burnout really looks like in everyday life
• Why high-achieving women are particularly vulnerable to emotional exhaustion
• The role boundaries play in protecting our wellbeing
• Why slowing down can feel uncomfortable or even unsafe
• How self-abandonment and constant “doing” disconnect us from our bodies
• Gentle, realistic ways to begin reconnecting with yourself again

We also reflect on why this matters not only for conception, but for the kind of foundation we create for motherhood, parenting, and the future wellbeing of our children.
This episode is a compassionate reminder that supporting your fertility is not just about doing more… sometimes it begins with learning to listen, honour yourself, and create space for balance again.
]]>1689falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-self-love-matters-more-than-you-think-on-your-fertility-journey--71527364 And yet… something still feels missing.
In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, we explore a powerful and often overlooked piece of the fertility journey: self-love.
This isn’t about surface-level self-care or indulgence. It’s about the deeper relationship you have with yourself — how you speak to your body, how you respond to challenges, and whether you feel safe, supported, and enough within yourself.
We’ll look at how a lack of self-love can keep the body in a state of stress, impacting hormonal balance, emotional wellbeing, and your body’s ability to prioritise reproduction. And importantly, we’ll explore what begins to shift when you start to build a more compassionate and supportive relationship with yourself.
You’ll also be guided through simple, realistic ways to begin cultivating self-love through small, intentional actions — helping you move away from pressure and towards a place of greater calm, connection, and trust in your body.
Because preparing for your baby isn’t just about physical health… it’s about creating the emotional and physiological environment where new life can begin and thrive.
This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin nurturing the most important relationship of all — the one you have with yourself.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/why-self-love-matters-more-than-you-think-on-your-fertility-journey-39450Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieIf you’re trying to conceive, you may feel like you’re doing everything “right” — tracking your cycle, making lifestyle changes, taking supplements, and doing all you can to support your body. And yet… something still feels missing. In this... And yet… something still feels missing.
In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, we explore a powerful and often overlooked piece of the fertility journey: self-love.
This isn’t about surface-level self-care or indulgence. It’s about the deeper relationship you have with yourself — how you speak to your body, how you respond to challenges, and whether you feel safe, supported, and enough within yourself.
We’ll look at how a lack of self-love can keep the body in a state of stress, impacting hormonal balance, emotional wellbeing, and your body’s ability to prioritise reproduction. And importantly, we’ll explore what begins to shift when you start to build a more compassionate and supportive relationship with yourself.
You’ll also be guided through simple, realistic ways to begin cultivating self-love through small, intentional actions — helping you move away from pressure and towards a place of greater calm, connection, and trust in your body.
Because preparing for your baby isn’t just about physical health… it’s about creating the emotional and physiological environment where new life can begin and thrive.
This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin nurturing the most important relationship of all — the one you have with yourself.
]]>1708falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/parenting-starts-within-breaking-and-healing-cycles-raising-emotionally-secure-children--70689603 Together, Sue and Libby discuss how becoming conscious of these patterns—and learning to meet ourselves with compassion, self-care and emotional awareness—can profoundly shape not only our parenting journey, but our child’s emotional wellbeing too.
This conversation explores:

• How childhood conditioning influences the way we parent
  
• Why emotional regulation and self-love are foundational parenting skills
  
• The connection between nourishment, nervous system health, and mental wellbeing
  
• How healing before baby is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our future child
  

If you’re preparing for parenthood, already parenting, or simply curious about breaking cycles and raising confident, resilient, emotionally secure children—this episode offers gentle insights and grounded guidance to support you on that journey.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/parenting-starts-within-breaking-and-healing-cycles-and-raising-emotionally-secure-children-39167Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieParenting is one of the most challenging roles we will ever step into—especially when, alongside caring for our children, we are navigating unhealed experiences from our own past. These unresolved patterns can show up as triggers, emotional reactions,... Together, Sue and Libby discuss how becoming conscious of these patterns—and learning to meet ourselves with compassion, self-care and emotional awareness—can profoundly shape not only our parenting journey, but our child’s emotional wellbeing too.
This conversation explores:

• How childhood conditioning influences the way we parent
  
• Why emotional regulation and self-love are foundational parenting skills
  
• The connection between nourishment, nervous system health, and mental wellbeing
  
• How healing before baby is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our future child
  

If you’re preparing for parenthood, already parenting, or simply curious about breaking cycles and raising confident, resilient, emotionally secure children—this episode offers gentle insights and grounded guidance to support you on that journey.
]]>1668falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fertility-and-stress-how-stress-influences-conception-and-how-to-create-more-calm--70114215 In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, we explore the relationship between fertility and stress, and how chronic emotional, mental and physical stress can interfere with the body’s natural ability to conceive.
When the nervous system is under constant pressure, the body prioritises survival over reproduction. Hormones can become disrupted, cycles can change, and the body may struggle to create the optimal environment for conception — even when everything looks “fine” on paper.
This episode gently explains what is happening beneath the surface, why stress is not a personal failure, and how supporting the nervous system can become a powerful part of preparing for conception.
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IVF, this conversation offers reassurance, clarity and practical insight, helping you work with your body rather than against it.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/fertility-and-stress-how-stress-influences-conception-and-how-to-create-more-calm-39166Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieStress is often brushed off as “just part of life”, but when it comes to fertility, its impact can be profound. In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, we explore the relationship between fertility and stress, and how chronic emotional,... In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, we explore the relationship between fertility and stress, and how chronic emotional, mental and physical stress can interfere with the body’s natural ability to conceive.
When the nervous system is under constant pressure, the body prioritises survival over reproduction. Hormones can become disrupted, cycles can change, and the body may struggle to create the optimal environment for conception — even when everything looks “fine” on paper.
This episode gently explains what is happening beneath the surface, why stress is not a personal failure, and how supporting the nervous system can become a powerful part of preparing for conception.
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IVF, this conversation offers reassurance, clarity and practical insight, helping you work with your body rather than against it.
]]>1565falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-silent-fertility-disruptors-and-what-you-can-do-about-them--69523178 In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, we explore how reducing exposure to toxins and endocrine disruptors can help create a healthier internal and external environment — not only to increase your chances of conceiving, but to protect the health and wellbeing of your future child.
This is not about fear or perfection. You don’t need to throw everything away or live a “toxin-free” life overnight. Instead, we focus on simple, realistic changes that can significantly reduce risk and support hormone balance, fertility, and a calmer, healthier home.
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, or simply wanting to make safer choices for your family’s future, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and supported — not overwhelmed.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/the-silent-fertility-disruptors-and-what-you-can-do-about-them-39046Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieWe live in a world where exposure to toxins and hormone-disrupting chemicals is almost impossible to avoid. From the products we clean our homes with, to what we put on our skin, cook with, and even breathe in — these everyday exposures can quietly... In this episode of The Conscious Conception Show, we explore how reducing exposure to toxins and endocrine disruptors can help create a healthier internal and external environment — not only to increase your chances of conceiving, but to protect the health and wellbeing of your future child.
This is not about fear or perfection. You don’t need to throw everything away or live a “toxin-free” life overnight. Instead, we focus on simple, realistic changes that can significantly reduce risk and support hormone balance, fertility, and a calmer, healthier home.
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, or simply wanting to make safer choices for your family’s future, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and supported — not overwhelmed.
]]>1705falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/awakening-the-mother-within-intuition-healing-soul-work-before-conception--69082665 Together they explore how intuition, emotional healing and spiritual alignment can open the pathway to conception. Karen shares how listening to your body, connecting with your inner child, and allowing your soul to guide you can create a more receptive, nurturing environment for both you and the baby you hope to welcome.
This episode is for women who sense that fertility is about more than hormones and timelines — it’s about becoming the mother you are meant to be, from the inside out.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/awakening-the-mother-within-intuition-healing-and-soul-work-before-conception-38881Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieIn this beautifully grounding episode of The Conscious Conception Show, Sue is joined by Empowerment Mentor & Soul Growth Therapist Karen Bashford for a conversation about the deeper, often overlooked aspects of fertility. Together they explore... Together they explore how intuition, emotional healing and spiritual alignment can open the pathway to conception. Karen shares how listening to your body, connecting with your inner child, and allowing your soul to guide you can create a more receptive, nurturing environment for both you and the baby you hope to welcome.
This episode is for women who sense that fertility is about more than hormones and timelines — it’s about becoming the mother you are meant to be, from the inside out.
]]>1704falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/preparing-to-conceive-the-vital-step-most-couples-skip-before-ivf-natural-fertility--68724163 So many women are told that fertility simply declines with age and there’s little they can do. But the truth is more hopeful. Science now shows that egg and sperm quality, hormone balance and overall reproductive health are profoundly influenced by lifestyle, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and even our mindset.
Join Sue as she shares how to create the most fertile foundation for conception by addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your wellbeing. You’ll discover:
? How constant busyness, stress and negative self-talk affect hormones and fertility
? Why gut health and good nutrition help nurture healthy eggs and sperm
? The impact of everyday toxins on reproductive health — and how to reduce them
? The power of self-love, rest and emotional safety to support conception
✨ How spiritual alignment and reconnecting to your true self can help you welcome new life
Whether you’re in the early stages of trying for a baby or preparing for IVF, this conversation will help you feel calm, empowered and confident about your next steps.
Because conception isn’t just about making a baby — it’s about creating the best environment for your future child to grow healthy and thrive.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/preparing-to-conceive-the-vital-step-most-couples-skip-before-ivf-and-natural-fertility-38763Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieIn this deeply nurturing episode of The Conscious Conception Show, host Sue Ritchie explores one of the most important — yet often overlooked — steps in the fertility journey: preparing your whole self before trying to conceive, whether naturally or... So many women are told that fertility simply declines with age and there’s little they can do. But the truth is more hopeful. Science now shows that egg and sperm quality, hormone balance and overall reproductive health are profoundly influenced by lifestyle, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and even our mindset.
Join Sue as she shares how to create the most fertile foundation for conception by addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your wellbeing. You’ll discover:
? How constant busyness, stress and negative self-talk affect hormones and fertility
? Why gut health and good nutrition help nurture healthy eggs and sperm
? The impact of everyday toxins on reproductive health — and how to reduce them
? The power of self-love, rest and emotional safety to support conception
✨ How spiritual alignment and reconnecting to your true self can help you welcome new life
Whether you’re in the early stages of trying for a baby or preparing for IVF, this conversation will help you feel calm, empowered and confident about your next steps.
Because conception isn’t just about making a baby — it’s about creating the best environment for your future child to grow healthy and thrive.
]]>1694falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/before-baby-why-self-care-alignment-healing-matter-for-fertility--68724164  
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/before-baby-why-self-care-alignment-and-healing-matter-for-fertility-38617Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieWhat if your fertility struggles weren’t just a hurdle… but a wake-up call from your body? In this week’s Conscious Conception Show, I talk with Andrea Clarke about self-care, alignment, and the deeper healing that can transform not just your...  
]]>1759falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/parenting-starts-before-conception-how-emotional-wellbeing-shapes-your-child-s-future--68724166 But what if it actually starts much earlier — with you?
 
In this powerful episode of The Conscious Conception Show, I’m joined by parenting expert Camilla Miller from Keeping Your Cool Parenting to explore how preparing yourself and your relationship physically, mentally, and emotionally, before conception can make all the difference to your fertility, your parenting, and your future child’s wellbeing.
 
Together, we will be discussing:
✨ Why emotional wellbeing before conception is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child
✨ How preparing as a couple strengthens your relationship and reduces stress on your fertility journey
✨ The link between healing your own patterns and creating a more confident, resilient future for your child
✨ Simple, practical steps you can take now to feel more aligned and ready for parenthood
 
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IVF, this conversation will help you see how your own healing and alignment today can shape the parent you’ll become and the life your future child will grow into.
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/parenting-starts-before-conception-how-emotional-wellbeing-shapes-your-childs-future-38458Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieWe often think parenting begins the day our baby arrives. But what if it actually starts much earlier — with you?   In this powerful episode of The Conscious Conception Show, I’m joined by parenting expert Camilla Miller from Keeping Your Cool... But what if it actually starts much earlier — with you?
 
In this powerful episode of The Conscious Conception Show, I’m joined by parenting expert Camilla Miller from Keeping Your Cool Parenting to explore how preparing yourself and your relationship physically, mentally, and emotionally, before conception can make all the difference to your fertility, your parenting, and your future child’s wellbeing.
 
Together, we will be discussing:
✨ Why emotional wellbeing before conception is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child
✨ How preparing as a couple strengthens your relationship and reduces stress on your fertility journey
✨ The link between healing your own patterns and creating a more confident, resilient future for your child
✨ Simple, practical steps you can take now to feel more aligned and ready for parenthood
 
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IVF, this conversation will help you see how your own healing and alignment today can shape the parent you’ll become and the life your future child will grow into.
]]>1744falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-gut-fertility-connection-why-a-healthy-gut-microbiome-matters-for-conception--68724165 Whether you are just starting your fertility journey, preparing for IVF, or stuck with a diagnosis of "unexplained infertility", this episode will help you to see your path forward with more clarity and confidence.

Watch livestream here: https://www.transformationtalkradio.com/watch.html
 
]]>https://www.thetransformationnetwork.com/episode/the-gut-fertility-connection-why-a-healthy-gut-microbiome-matters-for-conception-38307Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000Sue RitchieI am sure you have heard about how important gut health is for our physical health and wellbeing, but did you know it can be the big missing factor if you are trying to conceive. In today's conversation, we explore the powerful and often overlooked... Whether you are just starting your fertility journey, preparing for IVF, or stuck with a diagnosis of "unexplained infertility", this episode will help you to see your path forward with more clarity and confidence.

Watch livestream here: https://www.transformationtalkradio.com/watch.html
 
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