In this episode, Jennifer talks with Alyssa Rose. Alyssa walks with those navigating life's most profound transitions. As a Grief Tender and Death Doula in Portland Oregon, she bridges ancient ritual practices with modern somatic therapies to create sacred spaces for those facing loss, death and deep change.

Drawing from her extensive work with hundreds of families and communities, Alyssa’s unique approach to grief care honors the somatic, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the liminal and alchemical process of grieving.

Alyssa is passionate about creating a grief literate culture that is resilient and compassionate enough to hold us through life’s challenges and uncertainties. It is here that we practice belonging and transform a culture sick with loneliness into one ripe with connection.

Key topics discussed:

• The many ways that grief shows up in a fertility journey
• The 5 gates of grief
• When grief coincides with joy
• Making the invisible visible
• The power of rituals, practices or grief connection to help mark your grief
• Ask for what you want from others, such as, “Do you need to be helped, heard or hugged?”
• Grief is an ongoing expression of our love, and is not linear
• What to do when grief feels too hard
• Navigating grief as partners
• Practical tips for handling grief when it catches you off guard

Resources Mentioned:

• Frances Weller

Connect with Alyssa:

• www.alyssarosehealingarts.com
• alyssarosehealingarts@gmail.com
• Instagram: @alyssarosehealing
• Alyssa’s Retreats/Rituals

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Kendra Quincy Knauf. Kendra is a licensed mental health counselor with a specialization in perinatal mental health, particularly supporting people dealing with fertility challenges, pregnancy after loss, and postpartum identity. She has worked in multiple settings, particularly in the community mental health space with a diverse group of clients over the past ten years. Currently she has a telehealth private practice.

Kendra spent years undergoing fertility treatments and is a NICU mom. Kendra lives in the metro-Boston area with her family, and volunteers with her town government, undergraduate alumni organization, and is a dog foster parent. Kendra is an avid reader, a fiber artist, dog mom, and enjoys spending time outdoors. She is often spotted at the local library. Kendra received her bachelor's degree in history from Dartmouth College and holds a Master of Education from University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Counseling from University of Massachusetts Boston.

Kendra is also a beloved former client of Jennifer’s.

Key points discussed:

• 1 in 6 struggle with infertility, and rates of anxiety and depression are higher in those men and women
• Everybody’s fertility journey is unique, and feeling isolated is a common thread in those journeys
• Kendra’s fertility journey
• Support is available and how to find reliable and trusted sources of information
• The benefits of group support
• The importance of self-advocating for your care, assembling a team and becoming a partner in your care
• Practical ways to support your mental health day-to-day
• How to find a therapist or mental health provider who is a good fit for you

Resources Mentioned:

• AllPaths Family Building
• Resolve: The National Infertility Association
• Spirit Babies book
• Postpartum Support International
• Psychology Today therapist search

Connect with Kendra:

• Kendraknauf.com
• info@kendraknauf.com
• Instagram: @kendra.knauf.lmhc

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free fertility Support Session

Episode 12: Fertility awareness cycle tracking

In this episode Jennifer talks with Julie Lipsett, a licensed therapist and certified fertility awareness educator who helps people feel more connected to their bodies and cycles. Through her work, she empowers individuals to navigate hormonal shifts with confidence, use cycle awareness to feel more at home in their bodies, and advocate for their health.

Key topics discussed:

• What the fertility awareness method is, and how it can be helpful when you’re trying to conceive
• The value in tracking basal body temperature and cervical mucous in understanding your menstrual cycle and ovulation
• Charting your menstrual cycle – how and why
• PCOS, irregular cycles and understanding your unique menstrual cycle
• Your menstrual cycle is a vital sign
• Julie’s PCOS story and how the Fertility Awareness method supports her

This episode provides the perspective that understanding your menstrual cycle is not only a helpful resource when you’re trying to conceive and can also be a window into your hormone health and overall health.

Resources mentioned:

• Monthly Cycle Charting Meetups

Connect with Julie:

• Website
• Instagram

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights:@jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.

Episode 11: Sleep Wisdom for Women

In this episode Jennifer talks with Jen Patenaude, the founder of Jennifer Eve Wellness. With a passion for guiding entrepreneurs and busy executives to their best selves, she specializes in transforming sleep from a mere afterthought to the cornerstone of peak performance and wellness.

• Key topics discussed:
• Root causes of poor sleep
• Sleep hygiene and sleep environment
• Synching up your body’s rhythm with nature’s rhythm
• Melatonin orchestrates the sleep process
• Tips for restorative sleep
• Sleep and fertility, perimenopause and hormone health

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Jen Patenaude: Website; Instagram; LinkedIn
• Free Sleep Quiz

Connect with Jennifer Redmond:

• Schedule a free Fertility or Perimenopause Support Session
• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.