Nicola Morgan, a specialist in birth and postnatal care, has launched Optimising Fertility After Loss: The Ultimate Guide, a resource designed to provide practical nutritional advice and lifestyle tips for women navigating the path to conception following the emotional experience of miscarriage.
As the founder of Doula of Belfast, Morgan has long been an advocate for women’s maternal health and well-being, offering essential support during one of life’s most vulnerable phases. Her new ebook reflects her commitment to helping women who have suffered loss improve their chances of conceiving again.
In anticipation of Pregnancy & Infant Loss Day on October 15, Morgan expressed the motivation behind her ebook: “Having walked alongside friends and clients through their losses, I recognized a gap in nutritional guidance for fertility, particularly after a miscarriage. With lengthy waiting times and the complexities of medical treatment, I aimed to create a resource where both parents could engage in practical steps to enhance their fertility and overall well-being.”
Statistics reveal that one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, often occurring before women even realize they are expecting. Morgan’s ebook is the result of her completion of a perinatal nutrition course and aims to fill this critical gap in resources.
Available for free download from the Doula of Belfast website, the guide addresses several key aspects of fertility health. It emphasizes the significance of reducing oxidative stress and managing blood sugar levels—factors that can profoundly affect fertility. Morgan underscores that “small, but effective lifestyle changes” can lead to substantial improvements.
“Sperm quality can enhance within 74 days, and it takes about 100 days for an egg to mature,” she explained. “Making wholesome dietary changes can be an effective first step in optimizing fertility.”
Morgan’s journey to becoming a doula is both personal and transformative. After experiencing three successful water births with a private midwife, she felt empowered and changed by the experience. “I realized I could tackle challenging and difficult things,” she noted. Her sister-in-law’s request for her to be a birth partner ignited her passion for the role of a doula, although it would take nearly two decades for her to pursue this calling.
Despite her initial belief that she was too old to become a doula after homeschooling her children, a Canadian training program that visited Belfast in 2019 provided the impetus she needed. She completed the three-day in-person training, followed by an intensive two-year online program in just one year.
Morgan’s expertise encompasses a wide array of topics, including pregnancy, childbirth, holistic living, breastfeeding, trauma processing, biomechanics, and perinatal nutrition. Her commitment to supporting women through their pregnancy journeys is evident in her comprehensive approach.
“I aim to support and encourage women throughout their pregnancy journeys, helping couples prepare for birth,” she shared. “A woman’s experience of her birth—how she was treated, listened to, and respected—shapes her transition into motherhood, regardless of whether it’s her first child or her eighth.”
Addressing common misconceptions about doulas, Morgan clarifies that “doulas are not just for hippies or home births. We support clients regardless of their birth plan—be it natural, home birth, planned or unplanned cesarean, or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Our goal is to provide continuity of care during pregnancy, fostering a relationship built on trust.”
Another prevalent myth is that doulas replace partners during childbirth, which Morgan strongly disputes. “I love collaborating with partners. Together, we can combine our strengths, creating a beautiful opportunity for the couple to bond and deepen their connection.”
Beyond her role during pregnancy and childbirth, Morgan also recognizes the necessity of providing postnatal support for new parents. “New parents are remarkable, but we must acknowledge how much support they require to manage their new responsibilities,” she said. Her postnatal doula services involve assisting families at home with various needs, whether it’s light cleaning, meal preparation, or simply providing companionship to counter the isolation new parents often feel.
Morgan’s work is grounded in the belief that education and empowerment are vital for expectant mothers. “By educating both parents about birth, their rights, and advocating for their choices, we foster confidence, empowerment, and self-trust, regardless of how the birth unfolds.”
Optimising Fertility After Loss embodies this philosophy, offering actionable steps for women to regain control of their fertility health following a loss. The guide addresses crucial topics such as supporting egg and sperm health, managing oxidative stress, balancing blood sugar levels, and ensuring a nutrient-rich diet. It also includes practical advice and recipes to facilitate these changes.
“This resource aims to help women and their partners take the first step in optimizing their fertility after a loss, providing both comfort and practical guidance,” Morgan concluded.
Related topics:
- Erectile Dysfunction: Prevalence, Health Implications, and Treatment Options
- IVF Faces Political, Financial, and Ethical Challenges as Families Seek Parenthood
- IVF Linked to Increased Risk of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, Study Finds
