Minneapolis & Saint Paul, MN
763-363-2511
Minneapolis & Saint Paul Birth Doulas
Minneapolis
& Saint Paul th Doulas
Stress doesn't cause infertility.
But infertility sure does cause stress.
It's possible to find peace and power so that you can overcome fertility challenges and build the family of your dreams.
Stress Doesn't Cause Infertility.
But Infertility Sure Does Cause Stress.
It's possible to find peace and power, so that you can overcome fertility challenges and build the family of your dreams.
Maybe you know what it's like to...
live your life in two-week cycles, stuck in the loop of hurry up and wait for the next positive OPK or Cycle Day 1.
feel disconnected from your relationship because your typically supportive partner can't grasp why you're so consumed with diet, supplements, exercise and eliminating every bit of plastic from your household...
experience the elated high of a positive pregnancy test, only to have your heart broken by loss
.be vulnerable and seek out help only to have your doctor tell you to just keep trying -- and maybe lose some weight for good measure?
feel hopeless because, for the first time in your life, hard work and dedication is not resulting in the success you so desperately desire.
Me too.
It's Heavy.
Maybe you know what it's like to...
live your life in two-week cycles, stuck in the loop of hurry up and wait for the next positive OPK or Cycle Day 1.
feel disconnected from your relationship because your typically supportive partner still doesn't quite grasp why you're "so consumed" with diet, supplements, exercise and eliminating every bit of plastic from your household.
experience the elated high of a positive pregnancy test, only to have your heart broken by loss.
be vulnerable and seek out help, only to have your doctor tell you to just keep trying -- and maybe lose some weight for good measure?
feel hopeless because, for the first time in your life, hard work and dedication is not resulting in the success you so desperately desire.
Me too.
It's Heavy.
Welcome. I'm Jillian.
Come inside. Let me take your baggage.
Welcome. I'm Jillian.
Come inside. Let me take your baggage.
If you're here, chances are that you're having a tough time getting or staying pregnant. I'm so sorry you're going through this.
I'm a doula and fertility coach who helps people struggling with fertility challenges navigate evidence based information, release stress, and take intentional actions to build their family. I'm also an IVF mom who has been there and gets it, so no sneaky shame or blame invited to this party.
I promise I won't tell you to overhaul your entire life, insinuate that you did something to cause your situation, or guarantee that I know the one secret you need to carry a healthy full-term pregnancy. God, I wish I did...
I will, however, help you determine what is within your control so that you can advocate for yourself in a super necessary -- but pretty messed up -- medical system. I'll also work with you to release built-up stress and find emotional balance so that you can reconnect with your body, your partner, and your life.
And, if the fate's allow (I believe they will...) all of the skills and tools you learn along the way will continue to serve you in your coming pregnancy and parenthood journey.
When is it a good a time to work with a fertility coach?
You have a known complication like PCOS or endometriosis
You've been trying to get pregnant for 6+ months
You've experienced a loss
You're planning or undergoing a cycle of IUI or IVF
You're pregnant (but disconnected due to fear)
You're overwhelmed with decisions
What You Can Expect to Get Out of Fertility Coaching with Jillian
My 5-Part Coaching Model Includes:
Evidence-Based Information: Stop falling down the black hole that is Google.
Mindset Coaching: Gain clarity, reduce overwhelm, and make decisions with confidence.
Integrative Restoration iRest: Reset emotionally with custom meditations that transform suffering into growth, build deep resilience, inspire insight and promote lasting equanimity.
Action Plans: Create practical, well-informed action plans so that you can advocate for yourself with assurance and ease.
Supportive Relationship: Share a completely unbiased, nonjudgemental relationship where you don't have to censor yourself, put on a happy face, or spend all your time educating me on the basics of fertility.
Ways We Can Work Together
Initial Consultation ($100)
90 minutes
We will discuss a detailed history of your reproductive health, experiences, and values and spend some time clarifying your current challenges and goals.
We will then explore your inner world through Integrative Restoration iRest Yoga Nidra to help you build resilience and find emotional equilibrium.
Finally, I will follow up with a written summary of our conversation, including resources, referrals, and next steps.
Follow-Up Calls ($50)
50 minutes
We will check in about how things have been going, creating space for you to process any updates or emotions before diving in to progress on your goals. We'll bust through any mental or emotional blocks that are preventing you from taking action and create a new action plan that address your upcoming challenges.
Evidence-based education will be woven in throughout.
As always, we will spend time sinking into relaxation and stress reduction with Integrative Restoration iRest Yoga Nidra.
Finally, I will follow up with a written summary of our conversation, including resources, referrals, and next steps.
Work with Me
Initial Consultation ($100)
90 minutes
We will discuss a detailed history of your reproductive health, experiences, and values and spend some time clarifying your current challenges and goals.
We will then explore your inner world through Integrative Restoration iRest Yoga Nidra to help you build resilience and find emotional equilibrium.
Finally, I will follow up with a written summary of our conversation, including resources, referrals, and next steps.
Follow-Up Calls ($50)
50 minutes
We will check in about how things have been going, creating space for you to process any updates or emotions before diving in to progress on your goals. We'll bust through any mental or emotional blocks that are preventing you from taking action and create a new action plan that address your upcoming challenges.
Evidence-based education will be woven in throughout.
As always, we will spend time sinking into relaxation and stress reduction with Integrative Restoration iRest Yoga Nidra.
Finally, I will follow up with a written summary of our conversation, including resources, referrals, and next steps.
What is Integrative Restoration iRest Yoga Nidra?
iRest is a contemporary form of meditative self-inquiry that has been adapted from the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra into a 10 step framework which is simple to learn and easy to practice.
The 10 steps include:
Connect to your Heartfelt Desire
Set Your Intention
Connect with your Inner Resource
Feel Your Body
Become Aware of Your Breath
Welcome Your Emotions
Witness Your Thoughts
Experience Joy
Find Lasting Peace
Reflect on Your Practice.
iRest is practiced and taught by thousands of people worldwide in a number of different organizations that support well-being including yoga studios, community centers, clinics, schools, hospices, correctional facilities, and U.S. military hospitals. Based on current studies with iRest in the military, the Defense Centers of Excellence has approved iRest as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine warranting continuing research for its use in the treatment of PTSD. In addition, the U.S. Army Surgeon General has listed Yoga Nidra (based on research with iRest) as a Tier 1 approach for addressing Pain Management in Military Care
You can find out more about it here.
Do I need to be doing IVF or trying to conceive for a very long time to benefit from coaching?
No, there are no time requirements. There will always be someone who "has it worse," but I honor your unique experience, and this is not the pain olympics; I affirm and validate your suffering, in addition to your strength, no matter where you are on your fertility journey.
What if I'm on the other side of the country?
No problem! Services are virtual, and I see clients all around the United States. In another country? I'm still happy to support you! I just may not know as many details about typical medical practices in your country.
How can I justify spending money on this?
Many of us have a hard time spending money on ourselves, especially when it comes to the field of emotional wellbeing. In the Patriarchy, we have been conditioned to downplay our own needs and desires to prioritize the comfort of others. I'm calling b.s. on that. You are worth the investment, just as you are.
However, I also understand that we often need numbers to back us up. Maybe these facts from the Mayo Clinic will help:
-Research has shown that women with infertility have the same anxiety and depression levels as women with cancer, heart disease and HIV.
-Research has shown that women with a history of depression are twice as likely to experience infertility. Anxiety also can prolong the time needed to achieve pregnancy.
-Research has shown that 55% of women involved in a mind-body program got pregnant while undergoing IVF, compared to 20% of women who were not in such a program.
How is coaching different than therapy?
While some history may be helpful for context, coaching centers the present and the future in order to move forward with intentional action, whereas therapy often looks back to childhood and formative moments to create self-awareness. Both modalities can integrate healthy habits and mind-body techniques.
I practice coaching in a trauma-informed way, meaning I am aware of the impact trauma has on people, and I do what I can to avoid retraumatization. Practically, this means that I work to promote safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment in my coaching practice. I am not, however, equipped to provide clinical interventions for trauma, which should always happen within the context of therapy with a trained professional.
If you aren't sure which modality is right for you, set up a connection call, and we can explore it together.
Do I need to complete a certain number of sessions?
While recommended, there is no commitment or requirement for follow up sessions after the initial consultation.
What qualifies you to do this work?
I have completed the following trainings:
Level I Teacher Training
iRest Yoga Nidra
December 2023
Fertility Doula
Bebo Mia
Spring 2022
Certified Professional Coach
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching
May 2020
Trauma Informed Practitioner
Childbirth International
December 2019
Additionally, I am a mom who struggled with secondary infertility and IVF treatments. You can read my story and see my full list of credentials here.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples and/or single parents by choice?
Yes, happily! All families. All bodies.
explore our space
© MSP Doulas - All Rights Reserved - Terms & Conditions - Site by Jillian Carpenter - Photos by Gather Birth Cooperative, the Divine Group, and Lem and June