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A Few Things I Would Do if I Were Planning to Have a Baby: Health, Fertility, Parenting, and More🐣

Author

Leigh Erin Connealy
August 17, 2025

I wanted to find a way to create a deeper connection with my followers and provide more insights into the content I share on other platforms. I'm excited to give you all a closer, more personal look into my world—sharing insights from my life, my research, and work.

Being a mom is truly the most important job in the world. The environment we create for our children shapes the future of our planet. The lessons we impart, the food we provide, and the stories we share form the very fabric of society. It’s the most incredible experience.

As a mom of 3, a stepmom of 4, and now a grandma to 4, I’ve had the privilege of walking this road for many years. I have seen nearly every season of parenting and know firsthand the joys, challenges, and lessons it brings. Along the way, I’ve learned so much, and I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned here for parents and anyone who is planning on having children. 💗

1. Optimize my diet.

Maternal nutrition matters SO much. It directly influences the health of the baby throughout their entire life. What the mom eats becomes the building block of every cell:

  • Grass-fed beef – including bison and lamb

  • Eggs

  • Oxtails, lamb shanks, beef shanks

  • Organ meats – liver

  • Bone marrow

  • Baked or roasted chicken

  • Milk, butter, cheese, crème fraîche, ghee

  • Raw orange juice

  • Raw coconut water

  • Coffee with cream and honey

  • Raw coconut meat

  • Gelatin – preferably as broth or soup but powder also

  • Honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis

  • Fruit – bananas, plantains, berries, melons, dates, guavas, oranges, pineapple, cooked apples, cooked pears

  • Potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes

  • Grains – homemade sourdough einkorn bread, oatmeal, creamed rice, creamed einkorn wheat

  • Vegetable fruits – savory squash, pumpkin

  • Oysters on the half shell

  • Carrots, well-cooked mushrooms

Every bite casts a vote!

2. Limit exposure to toxins.

Many xenoestrogens in personal care products can interfere with fertility and proper fetal development. The baby is exposed to everything the mother is, so what you put on your skin, breathe in, or eat truly matters. Choosing clean products, avoiding plastics, and being mindful of pesticides and household chemicals can go a long way in protecting both your health and your baby’s

A few of my favorite non-toxic brands:

3. Read, read, read. As many books as possible. As much as possible.

There is so much wisdom out there - in the traditions, stories, and lessons passed down from our ancestors. Generations before us understood things about birth, family, and raising children that we’ve lost in the rush of modern life. Learning from both science and timeless wisdom gives us a fuller picture of how to nurture the next generation.

A few good ones:

4. Check my hormone levels.

  • Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormone output increases by 50 percent during pregnancy. The baby relies on entirely on the mother’s thyroid hormones, especially in the first trimester. They guide proper cell differentiation, ensure oxygen is used efficiently, and help regulate glucose so that energy is available for rapid growth. A mild deficiency can impact the baby’s development and raise the risk of autism, chronic disease, and cancer.

    Thyroid support:

  • Adrenal health, especially DHEA-S: The adrenal glands make stress hormones like cortisol, but they also produce DHEA, a protective, antistress hormone. Healthy DHEA-S (the storage form of DHEA measured in blood) is a marker of adrenal resilience and overall hormone balance. If the adrenals are overworked from chronic stress, DHEA levels often fall, which can reduce fertility in both men and women. Low DHEA-S has been linked to poor egg quality, irregular ovulation, and reduced sperm production. On the other hand, healthy adrenal function ensures the body has enough raw material to support reproductive hormones, stabilize mood, and regulate energy, all of which are essential for conception and a healthy pregnancy.

  • Fasting insulin with hemoglobin A1C: Blood sugar regulation is key during pregnancy. High insulin or poor glucose control increases the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and developmental issues. These simple labs show how well your body is handling sugar.

  • Progesterone especially after ovulation (around day 21 of the menstrual cycle) : Progesterone stabilizes the uterine lining, calms inflammation, and helps prevent miscarriage. Levels naturally rise after ovulation, but many women are low, especially if they’ve been under stress or exposed to estrogen dominance. Testing levels can give us a clearer picture of luteal phase health and whether the body is making enough progesterone to support conception and early pregnancy.

5. Sit down with my partner and make a plan.

Having children is the greatest project and privilege. It requires INTENTION. Before you have a child it’s important to think about what’s required to be an excellent parent. Read and educate yourself. Set out to make the kids exceptional. Map it out. Learn how to raise the miracle you have been blessed with. How do you want to raise this baby—spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Talk about how you will operate day to day, education, food, everything.

For example, I used the Doman Method with my kids to develop vision, hearing, movement, manual skills, balance, and language. The idea is that a child’s brain grows fastest in the first years of life, and what you expose them to during that window has a huge impact on their potential. For me, it was about making learning a natural part of daily life. You can learn more about it here!

Take the time to research as much as you can—especially about fertility, pregnancy, birth options, even the little details of postpartum life. The more you learn ahead of time, the more confident and peaceful you’ll feel when the moment comes. Today, a lot of families are exploring alternatives to the hospital, like home births or midwife-led birth centers, because they want a more personal, supportive experience instead of the current corporatized system. There’s no one “right” way, but the point is to be intentional and informed, rather than just going with the default.

Creating life requires incredible intention. It’s not something to leave to chance or autopilot. How you spend your time, what values you model, the environment you create become the blueprint your children carry with them for life. ❤️

6. Prioritize my partner’s health.

Sperm quality and quantity matter just as much as egg health when it comes to conception. Fertility is a two-person project, and what the father brings to the table influences not just the ability to conceive but also the long-term health of the child. Unlike eggs, which a woman is born with, sperm are constantly being produced which means lifestyle changes can directly improve sperm quality in just a few months. Unfortunately, sperm counts have been steadily declining worldwide, so it’s more important than ever for men to focus on their nutrition, reduce toxin exposure, and support healthy hormone balance to give their future children the best start.

Nutrients for sperm health:

  • Zinc – Essential for testosterone production, sperm count, and motility. Even mild zinc deficiency lowers fertility.

  • Vitamin C – Protects sperm DNA from oxidative damage and reduces clumping, improving motility.

  • Vitamin E – Works together with vitamin C to prevent oxidative stress and support healthy sperm membranes. My favorite option is a product called Unique E. You can call the Perfectly Healthy store to purchase: 866-616-7474.

  • Selenium – Required for proper sperm formation and reduces DNA fragmentation.

Habits to improve sperm quality:

  • Avoid heat exposure. Hot tubs, tight underwear, and laptops on the lap can raise testicular temperature and impair sperm production.

  • Limit EMF exposure.Keep cell phones out of pockets and avoid prolonged exposure to wireless devices near the reproductive area.

  • Get good sleep. Rest is critical for hormone balance, testosterone, and sperm production.

  • Eat nutrient-dense foods. Grass-fed red meat, shellfish, eggs, raw dairy, honey, and fruit provide the building blocks for hormones and sperm.

7. Spend time in the sun!

Vitamin D is required for the baby’s brain, bones, and immune system. Sufficient levels also lower the risk of pregnancy complications. Rays of light can actually pass through the mother’s belly and reach the baby, helping to stimulate development. Sunlight exposure supports circadian rhythms, improves mood, and helps both mother and baby use calcium more effectively for bone growth.

8. Rest.

Whatever the mom experiences, the baby also experiences. It’s important to keep stress low. Pregnancy and childhood are so short, and the season passes quickly. Rest is not wasted time—it’s what allows both mother and baby to grow in peace. Taking naps, slowing down, and allowing space for recovery helps the body handle the huge energy demands of pregnancy. It’s also good to simply soak up the moments and enjoy the experience, because it goes by fast.

9. Supplement with progesterone.

Progesterone is the “pro-gestation” hormone. It is essential for fertility and to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Higher levels are associated with greater intelligence and emotional regulation in babies.

My favorite progesterone & a few other supplement recommendations:

  • Raena Progesterone Cream

  • Raena Progesterone Capsules

  • Vitamin C - Vitamin C is essential for fertility. It protects eggs and sperm from oxidative damage, supports healthy hormone production, and helps build strong collagen in the ovaries, uterus, and blood vessels that nourish a growing baby. It also boosts progesterone levels and improves iron absorption—both key for a healthy pregnancy.

    One of the best natural sources is camu camu, a small Amazonian fruit that contains some of the highest levels of vitamin C found in any food. Unlike synthetic vitamin C, camu camu also provides bioflavonoids and plant compounds that enhance absorption and make it more gentle on the body.

  • Vitamin E - Vitamin E is the fertility vitamin. The Greek word “tokos” (in tocopherol) means childbirth. Vitamin E behaves similarly to progesterone: it boosts oxygen to the uterus and embryo, counteracts excess estrogen, and even helps prevent menopause in aging animals. Vitamin E is a progesterone-sparing agent, meaning it helps extend and enhance the effects of your body’s natural progesterone. It’s best to use a natural, full-spectrum form of vitamin E, which contains all 8 compounds (the 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols), rather than an isolated synthetic version. My favorite option is a product called Unique E. You can call the Perfectly Healthy store to purchase: 866- 616-7474.

  • Magnesium glycinate, magnesium malate, topical magnesium - Magnesium helps maintain a blood supply to the fetus by relaxing smooth muscles that line blood vessels. Magnesium is also needed to turn cholesterol into pregnenolone, progesterone—hormones required to stabilize the uterine lining so that the embryo can implant itself.

  • Thiamine (code: CONNEALY) - Thiamine (vitamin B1) is central for energy metabolism. Adequate thiamine ensures that both mother and baby can properly use oxygen and fuel for growth and development.

  • Chlorella - A nutrient-dense green algae rich in chlorophyll and B vitamins. It helps bind and remove toxins (like heavy metals and pesticides) from the body, supporting a cleaner environment for conception and pregnancy. Chlorella also provides folate, which is essential for proper fetal development, and contributes magnesium and antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress. Some studies suggest chlorella supplementation during pregnancy may lower the risk of anemia, reduce swelling, and improve maternal outcomes. My favorite product is Chlorenergy. You can call the Perfectly Healthy store to purchase: 866-616-7474.

10. Become whole.

The best thing we can do for our kids is model an excellent life. Children don’t do as we say, they do as we do. They eat the way we eat, adopt our patterns, and they absorb the way we handle stress, relationships, and challenges. Children mirror us.

When you are whole within yourself, you can show up as the best version of yourself for those who depend on you. If we’re drained, overwhelmed, or neglecting our own well-being, they will sense that. As mothers, we have the power to shape their understanding of self-worth, love, and respect through how we care for ourselves.

11. Recognize motherhood is a gift.

As a parent your job is to cultivate and draw out their gifts to the world. You have the ability to create babies and raise them, materializing through them more of what the world needs - excellence. Teach everything you know, offer up yourself, everything: as truthful as you can. It's not for the parent to stake the path ahead, just give them a world to conquer. It won’t always be perfect, but it’s one of the most transformative and meaningful experiences. It is an adventure and it reveals all of life’s mysteries. ❤️

A few notes on infertility:

Reproduction is one of the most energy-intensive processes in the human body. When the body is in a chronic state of stress: hormone imbalances, toxin exposure, low energy production, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or even emotional strain, the body instinctively redirects resources away from reproduction to preserve energy and protect itself. This is an ancient survival mechanism. If conditions aren’t favorable, the body will hold off on creating new life until it’s safer and more sustainable.

Every effect has a cause, so if you’re experiencing infertility, it’s worth exploring all the potential factors. For example, I often see women with hypothyroidism struggling to conceive—low thyroid function slows metabolism, lowers body temperature, and reduces hormone production, all of which can disrupt ovulation and implantation. The good news is that many of these issues can be corrected with a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, stress reduction, nutrient repletion, and tools like thyroid support or bioidentical progesterone.

We have to create an internal environment where a baby can thrive. This means optimizing energy production (thyroid and metabolism), hormonal balance, and nutrient status before conception. While fertility interventions like IVF have their place, they’re often recommended as the first step—despite being expensive, physically demanding, and not always addressing the root causes. Supporting the body’s own fertility first can improve the chances of conception but also lay a healthier foundation for both mother and child.

The second edition of The Cancer Revolution is here!!!

I’m so excited that the updated edition is now available for purchase!:

Thank you to everyone who attended the book launch party! ❤️

It was such a joy to see so many of you in person and celebrate together. The night was a huge success—full of great energy, meaningful conversations, and so much support. I’m truly grateful for this community and couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate.

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Talk soon ❤️,

Dr. C