Fertility Coaching 101: What It Is and How Hormone Health Coaches Can Help You

Ever had a question about fertility… but you didn’t know who to turn to?

Perhaps it felt too personal to ask a friend or family member. Or, maybe you just didn’t quite know how to work it into a conversation with your doctor. 

This is where a fertility coach can step in. And they can do so much more than just answer all of your awkward questions! 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what fertility coaching is, what fertility coaches do (and what they don’t do), and how to find the perfect fertility coach to support your journey. 

Ready? Let’s go! 

What is Fertility Coaching?

Fertility coaching is a structured form of support for individuals who are interested in conception, actively trying to conceive (TTC), and/or struggling to balance their sex hormones. 

Unlike a doctor who can diagnose, treat, or provide medical advice, the role of a fertility coach is to offer practical, holistic guidance on all things lifestyle, nutrition, and general wellness surrounding fertility. Fertility coaches can also offer emotional support by giving clients a safe space to discuss sensitive issues. 

What fertility coaches do

Fertility coaches provide support in a number of different ways. This includes (but is not limited to): 

• Creating actionable fertility plans to maximize their clients’ chances of conception
• Educating clients on the practicalities of getting pregnant and tracking fertility  
• Guiding clients through the process of making healthy lifestyle changes (for example, in the areas of nutrition, exercise, weight gain and weight loss, smoking, and substance use/abuse)
• Providing emotional support and practical guidance on all aspects of conception, fertility, and general wellbeing
• Helping clients explore and evaluate their options for IVF (in vitro fertilization) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs)
• Helping clients navigate other reproductive health challenges such as hormone imbalance, infertility, and menopause

Fertility coaches who are familiar with Mira can also help to review Mira charts. For example, Mira’s own virtual fertility coaches have first-hand experience with the Mira App and Monitor and can help clients understand and interpret their data. 

It’s important to note that fertility coaches are not medical doctors or OB-GYNs. Although there is no specific certification in fertility coaching, fertility coaches typically have professional backgrounds in nursing and natural family planning. 

What fertility coaches don’t do

Fertility coaches provide invaluable support – but they can’t do everything! Here is a quick rundown of what fertility coaches don’t do: 

• Provide medical advice 
• Review medical records
• Diagnose or provide medical treatments
• Write prescriptions

Generally speaking, a medical doctor should be the first point of contact for any questions regarding personal health or fertility status. Once a plan or recommendation has been made by a doctor, a fertility coach can then support the practicalities of implementing that plan in an individual’s day-to-day life.

Do I Need a Fertility Coach? 

Anyone interested in fertility can benefit from the support of a fertility coach. Here are just a few specific scenarios where a fertility coach can be helpful. 

You are thinking about getting pregnant

The thought of pregnancy can sometimes feel a bit intimidating. You may know that you want to start a family at some point, but you don’t really know how to plan for it. 

A fertility coach can help answer all of your questions about the process of getting pregnant – including how long (on average) it may take, what to expect, how to plan sex around your fertile window, and what lifestyle changes you may need to make in order to maximize your chances of success. 

In short, fertility coaches are there to answer any question you may have about pregnancy in a safe, non-judgmental space. 

 

You have been struggling to conceive

If you have been actively trying to conceive but it just hasn’t happened yet, a fertility coach can help to evaluate your situation and make recommendations for what to try next. They can also offer emotional support during this stressful time. 

For example, maybe you’re struggling to plan sex with your partner around ovulation. Or, maybe you’re struggling to maintain a healthy weight. A fertility coach can fill in the gaps between doctor appointments to help you stay on track with your goals. 

If you have been actively trying to conceive for over a year with no success (if under the age of 35) or over six months (if over the age of 35), make an appointment with your doctor. They can offer the best guidance for your individual situation. 

You are considering or currently undergoing IVF

It’s no secret that IVF is expensive, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions about the process, success rates, and how to evaluate IVF clinics. Fertility coaches can help answer some of your questions about IVF so that you can make the best decision for your family. 

If you are currently undergoing IVF, you will no doubt want to maximize your chances of success. Fertility coaches can help you navigate all of the various lifestyle factors that influence IVF success rates – such as managing weight, alcohol and tobacco use, diet, and stress. 

You are struggling with hormone imbalance

Fertility coaches aren’t just for those who are trying to get pregnant. They can also help individuals who are struggling with hormone imbalance.

Hormones play a critical role in organ functioning – and when they are out of balance, this can lead to frustrating symptoms such as acne, unexpected weight loss or weight gain, unwanted hair loss or hair growth, and irregular periods.  

A fertility coach can help individuals better understand the underlying causes of their hormone imbalance. They can also provide practical advice and tips on how to balance hormones naturally to help alleviate any unwanted symptoms. 

Individuals who have received a medical diagnosis for a hormonal condition, such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), can also benefit from the practical and emotional support of a fertility coach. This is especially true for individuals struggling to implement any lifestyle changes. 

You are approaching menopause

The run-up to perimenopause and menopause can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel a bit unsure about what your body needs, what symptoms to look out for, and when to seek help from a doctor who specializes in HRT (hormone replacement therapy). 

A fertility specialist can help you navigate this new world of menopause from a place of strength and empowerment. 

To learn more about menopause, check out our article The 34 Symptoms of Menopause + 5 Treatments. 

Where Can I Find a Fertility Coach?

When it comes to finding a fertility coach, the best place to start is by asking around in your personal network. Do you know anyone who has recently become pregnant, struggled to conceive, or struggled to balance their hormones? Do you know any doctors, nurses, or therapists who may be able to recommend someone to you? 

Next, do a good old-fashioned Google search. If you want to find a fertility coach that you can meet in person, search for “fertility coach in [name of your area]”. 

There are also hundreds of virtual fertility coaches who advertise their services online. While they do not typically meet with clients in person, they can run sessions virtually via video or voice call. For example, Mira has its own virtual fertility coaching service where you can easily book online sessions. 

Choosing the Right Fertility Coach: 3 Practical Tips

Once you’ve decided to seek help from a fertility coach, it’s important to invest a bit of time in finding the right one. 

Here are three practical tips to help: 

1. Gather your thoughts. Take a moment to write down your goals and expectations for a fertility coach. What are you aiming to achieve? How do you envision a fertility coach helping you achieve that? What is important to you in terms of a fertility coach’s experience and personality? 

2. Make some key decisions. Virtual or in-person? Do you want a coach to have a specific certification? Specific experience? What is your budget? Decide on what factors are the most important to you – this will help you to stay focused during your search. 

3. Research & evaluate. Explore all of your options that fit within your requirements. Read through every website, check every review, and keep asking around in your network. Once you’ve established a few favorites, you can start reaching out to them to book an introductory consultation to see if you’re a good fit. 

If you are currently using Mira (or planning to use it to plan a pregnancy), we recommend choosing a coach who is already familiar with reading Mira charts. This will ensure that you get the most out of your experience with Mira and your experience with your fertility coach. 

Final Thoughts

Fertility and hormone health is a deeply personal topic that’s not always easy to talk about. It’s also not always easy to admit when you need some extra support in between doctor’s appointments. 

At Mira, we want you to know that it’s perfectly normal to need help. In addition to seeking advice from a fertility coach, you may also find the following resources helpful: 

• Article: How to Find an Infertility Support Group
• Article: 7 Steps to Help Choose the Right Fertility Provider for You
• Ebook: The Ultimate Guide to Fertility 

You’re also welcome to attend any of our free fertility webinars or join our supportive Facebook group: Mira Fertility Club.