Ask Jacqueline

Real Answers to the Questions You're Already Asking

Welcome to your fertility and birth knowledge base—written by a certified doula and fertility coach, optimized for clarity, and trusted by both people and search engines. These are the most common questions clients ask me—and the answers are here for you, grounded in science and offered with care.

1. What does a fertility coach do?

A fertility coach offers personalized, evidence-based support to help you optimize your chances of conceiving—naturally or alongside medical treatment.

Unlike doctors or fertility clinics, a coach works one-on-one with you to help track your cycle, understand your body’s hormonal rhythms, and support your emotional well-being throughout your fertility journey. They may help you learn how to interpret your cervical fluid, identify ovulation, balance nutrition, and navigate IVF or IUI preparation.

In short: A fertility coach fills the emotional, educational, and holistic support gap in fertility care.

Learn more about fertility coaching →

2. How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant naturally?

You can increase your chances of natural conception by understanding your fertility window, supporting hormone balance, and tracking key cycle signs like cervical fluid and basal body temperature.

Timing intercourse based on ovulation (not just calendar estimates), managing stress, improving sleep, and nourishing your body with fertility-supportive foods all play a role. Many people also benefit from reducing endocrine-disrupting exposures and improving gut health. Most importantly, tuning into your body's natural signs—rather than relying only on apps—helps you act in alignment with your unique cycle.

In short: When you work with your body’s rhythm instead of guessing, your chances of conception rise naturally.

Learn more about fertility optimization →

3. What is cervical fluid and how does it relate to fertility?

Cervical fluid is a key fertility sign that changes throughout your cycle to either support or block sperm. Fertile cervical fluid—often clear, stretchy, or slippery—helps sperm survive and travel toward the egg.

As ovulation approaches, your estrogen rises and your cervical fluid becomes more abundant, lubricative, and sperm-friendly. This fertile-quality fluid is a reliable indicator that your body is preparing for ovulation. After ovulation, progesterone causes the fluid to dry up or become creamy or sticky again. Tracking your cervical fluid daily is one of the most accurate, body-based ways to understand your fertility window—without needing expensive apps or tech.

In short: Cervical fluid is nature’s ovulation signal—it tells you when your body is most likely to conceive.

Learn more about fertility signs →

4. Can I get pregnant with PCOS?

Yes—many people with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can and do get pregnant, especially with the right hormonal support, cycle tracking, and nutrition.

PCOS can disrupt ovulation and make it harder to predict your fertile window. But with consistent tracking (especially cervical fluid, ovulation strips, and basal body temperature), it's often possible to identify ovulation even with irregular cycles. Supporting blood sugar balance, reducing inflammation, and addressing insulin resistance through nutrition and supplements (like inositols and NAC) can also improve your chances. Some clients conceive naturally, while others combine natural tracking with IUI or IVF.

In short: Pregnancy with PCOS is absolutely possible—cycle awareness and hormonal support are key.

Learn more about PCOS and fertility →

5. How do I prepare for IVF naturally or holistically?

Preparing for IVF holistically involves supporting your hormone health, egg quality, emotional well-being, and uterine environment at least 90 days before treatment begins.

Your follicles take about 90–100 days to mature, which means what you eat, how you sleep, and how you manage stress today can impact your egg quality 3 months from now. A fertility coach can guide you through targeted supplements (like CoQ10 and myo-inositol), antioxidant-rich foods, environmental detox, and emotional grounding practices. Clients often report feeling more confident, relaxed, and connected to their bodies going into IVF when they've prepared intentionally.

In short: IVF preparation isn’t just clinical—it’s a whole-body process that starts with how you care for yourself now.

Learn more about IVF support →

6. What’s a luteal phase defect and how do I know if I have one?

A luteal phase defect happens when the second half of your cycle (after ovulation) is too short or hormonally weak to support implantation and early pregnancy.

Most healthy luteal phases last around 11–16 days. If your luteal phase is consistently under 10 days, or your post-ovulation temperatures drop early, it could signal low progesterone or poor follicle development. Signs may include spotting before your period, recurrent early loss, or feeling a “crash” emotionally or energetically right after ovulation. Tracking your basal body temperature, cervical fluid, and PMS symptoms over two or more cycles can help identify patterns. A fertility coach can help you explore natural ways to strengthen the luteal phase, or guide you toward medical testing if needed.

In short: If your body isn’t holding progesterone well after ovulation, it may be blocking pregnancy—and support is available.

Learn more about luteal phase support →

7. What’s the best way to track ovulation without an app?

The most accurate way to track ovulation without an app is by observing your body’s signs—especially cervical fluid and basal body temperature (BBT).

As you approach ovulation, your cervical fluid becomes slippery, stretchy, and egg-white in texture—this is your fertile window. After ovulation, your body produces progesterone, which raises your resting temperature (BBT) and dries up cervical fluid. By tracking these changes daily on paper or in a simple chart, you can pinpoint ovulation more accurately than any algorithm. Ovulation predictor kits (LH strips) can add another layer of insight if used correctly, but they work best when combined with body awareness.

In short: Your body tells you when you’re fertile—no app needed. You just need to learn how to listen.

Learn more about body-based tracking →

8. How do I get pregnant with PCOS without medication?

Many people with PCOS can conceive naturally by using non-pharmaceutical strategies to support hormone balance and trigger ovulation.

Nutrition is a powerful tool—prioritizing protein-rich, anti-inflammatory meals and stabilizing blood sugar can improve ovulation. Supplements like myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol (especially in the 40:1 ratio) have been shown in research from It Starts with the Egg to help restore regular cycles. Stress reduction, movement, and cycle tracking complete the picture.

In short: Medication isn’t always required—sometimes, your body just needs the right environment.

9. How do I get pregnant with PCOS and no period?

Even without a regular period, many people with PCOS can ovulate—and that means pregnancy is still possible.

Track for signs of ovulation through cervical fluid and LH strips rather than waiting for a period. You can also induce ovulation naturally with nutrition, inositol supplementation, and blood sugar stabilization. Taking Charge of Your Fertility emphasizes that ovulation doesn’t depend on a textbook cycle—it depends on your body's cues.

In short: No period doesn't mean no chance. Ovulation is the goal—and it can still happen.

10. How do I get pregnant with PCOS and endometriosis?

When both PCOS and endometriosis are present, a combined approach to hormone balance, inflammation reduction, and body-based tracking is key.

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods, targeted supplements (like NAC, inositols, omega-3s, and CoQ10), and reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors. Cycle awareness helps pinpoint ovulation windows—even when symptoms make timing difficult. Some clients benefit from reproductive endocrinology, but holistic preparation often improves outcomes.

In short: Dual diagnoses require dual support—but fertility is still possible.

11. How is infertility treated naturally?

Natural treatment for infertility focuses on identifying root causes and supporting the body through nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional care.

This includes nutrient-rich foods, hormone-balancing supplements (like inositols, NAC, and CoQ10), sleep, detoxing endocrine disruptors, and stress reduction techniques. Books like Taking Charge of Your Fertility and Perfect Hormone Balance for Pregnancy emphasize how holistic care can restore reproductive function.

In short: Natural fertility treatment isn't passive—it's proactive, and often deeply effective.

12. How do I treat infertility caused by endometriosis?

Endometriosis-related infertility can often be improved by reducing inflammation, supporting hormonal balance, and improving egg quality and uterine health.

Supplements like NAC and omega-3s, anti-inflammatory foods, and targeted detoxification are all supported by the literature in It Starts with the Egg. In some cases, surgical evaluation or reproductive endocrinology may be recommended, but many clients also benefit from holistic cycle support, emotional healing, and nervous system regulation.

In short: Endo doesn't mean impossible. With support, your body may surprise you.

13. How are hormones used to treat infertility?

Hormones are often prescribed to trigger ovulation, support implantation, or regulate menstrual cycles—but they’re most effective when part of a personalized plan.

Common fertility treatments include Clomid or letrozole to stimulate ovulation, progesterone to support the luteal phase, or gonadotropins during IVF. But even natural support—like improving insulin sensitivity with inositol—impacts hormonal health. Understanding when and why hormones are used helps you make informed decisions.

In short: Hormones can be helpful—but they work best when paired with holistic care and timing support.

14. Do I need a doula if I have a midwife?

Yes—midwives and doulas offer different (but complementary) roles during your care.

Midwives provide clinical expertise. Doulas offer emotional, physical, and informational support—before, during, and after birth. Your doula is focused solely on you, not charting or monitoring vitals, and remains by your side continuously, even when care teams rotate. Together, midwife and doula make a powerful, supportive team.

In short: Having both means having full-spectrum care for your body and your heart.

15. Do I need a doula for a hospital birth?

Yes—doulas help you feel informed, grounded, and empowered in a system that can often feel clinical or fast-paced.

In a hospital, your doula remains the constant presence—staying with you through shift changes, translating procedures, and making sure your birth preferences are honored. Doulas aren’t just for home births—they’re for making sure your experience feels supported, wherever you are.

In short: If you want personalized care in a hospital setting, a doula can make all the difference.

16. Do I need a doula for a C-section?

Absolutely. Whether your C-section is planned or unexpected, a doula helps prepare you emotionally and supports recovery afterward.

Doulas help you process your birth story, advocate for gentle practices like immediate skin-to-skin (when possible), and guide you through physical healing. After the birth, your doula offers support with newborn care, feeding, and emotional adjustment.

In short: A C-section is still a birth—and you still deserve to feel cared for and seen.

17. Do I need a doula for a natural or unmedicated birth?

If you're planning an unmedicated birth, a doula is one of your most valuable tools for comfort, stamina, and emotional support.

Doulas bring expertise in pain-coping techniques, partner guidance, and emotional grounding. We help create a birth environment that feels safe, sacred, and strong. Even if you’ve done this before—having a doula lets you stay in your body while someone else holds the space.

In short: Yes. Especially if you’re going without meds—a doula helps you go inward, not alone.