Setting Boundaries & Navigating Others’ Expectations for Your Fertility with Jennifer Edmonds

Do you dread holiday gatherings because of those awkward “When are you going to have a baby?” questions? Why do people feel it’s appropriate to ask if you’re “trying” [wink wink] yet? Nothing sucks the fun out of a party like “you better not wait too long” or “when are you going to make your mom a grandma”?

Painful comments and questions come up year round, but holiday parties can be a real minefield. To help, Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, and Breathwork teacher Jennifer Edmonds is joining Baby or Bust to help you navigate inappropriate small talk. 

In this conversation, Dr. Lora Shahine and Jennifer discuss the necessity of setting boundaries around your fertility and parenthood journey, particularly during the holiday season. Learn to shut down awkward questions from others, indulge in some genuine self-care, and get the joy of the holiday season back. 

Here’s an idea: share this episode with a family member or friend before a gathering, and engage them as your ally. Start setting those boundaries so you can relax and enjoy yourself during the next holiday gathering. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[1:10] Meet Jennifer Edmonds

[3:30] Jennifer’s fertility story

[9:55] Coping mechanisms for family gatherings

[17:55] Prepping for nosy questions

[20:23] Setting boundaries with kindness

[21:44] Handling unwanted advice

[25:22] Take care of yourself

[27:44] Finding joy amidst the struggle

[33:20] Practical tips for daily calm

[37:25] Connecting with Jennifer

Resources Mentioned:

www.elementpilatesyoga.com 

Follow Jen on Tiktok @elementpilatesandyoga 

Follow Jen on YouTube @elementpilatesyoga 

Follow Jen on IG @jen.elementpilatesyoga

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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