Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations ab...
Ep 115 Introducing Brave & Curious with Dr. Lora Shahine
Welcome to Brave & Curious with Dr. Lora Shahine: new name, same trusted information. The mission behind Baby or Bust is not changing! It is still Dr. Shahine’s passion to educate and teach about women’s health and fertility. The new show, Brave & Curious, will continue to explore fertility and reproductive health. AND it is also expanding to include broader wellness topics that impact individuals on their reproductive journeys and beyond. With this evolution, Dr. Shahine aims to foster a space where listeners can embrace both bravery and curiosity in navigating their personal health experiences. In this episode, Dr. Shahine shares her vision for Brave & Curious and what listeners can expect from the new format. The podcast will feature insightful expert interviews, providing medical and holistic perspectives on reproductive health and wellness. Additionally, she will highlight personal stories from patients and individuals who have faced fertility challenges, offering real-life experiences that inspire and inform. Dr. Shahine strongly believes that women need a space like Brave & Curious. Why? So we can share knowledge and experiences to empower individuals navigating fertility and reproductive health. So we can highlight the roles bravery and curiosity play in advocating for our own wellness. Brave & Curious is here to guide and empower you. Thanks for being here. In this episode you’ll hear: [00:15] Why is Baby or Bust now Brave & Curious? [00:51] Bravery and curiosity in fertility [2:09] What should you expect from Brave & Curious? [3:17] Let’s build community Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 114 Signs of Early Pregnancy: How Soon Can You Know
Are you in the dreaded two-week wait and wondering what symptoms to look for? How can you tell the difference between early pregnancy signs and normal cycle symptoms? What are the most common mistakes people make when testing for pregnancy too early? In this episode, Dr. Lora Shahine is easing your uncertainty around the two-week wait, explaining the early signs of pregnancy and how they relate to different phases of the menstrual cycle. She explains the role of progesterone, potential implantation symptoms, and what to expect during this time. Dr. Shahine also shares the biggest misconceptions about detecting pregnancy early and provides expert advice on the best ways to test accurately. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of their body, practical tips for symptom interpretation, and the reasons it’s so important to consult a medical professional for guidance. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:10] Understanding the menstrual cycle [3:02] Recognizing early pregnancy signs [6:00] Common mistakes [9:13] Closing thoughts Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 113 IVF Timeline: How Long Does it REALLY take?
How long does the IVF process take from start to finish? What are the key stages involved in egg freezing versus embryo creation? What factors can influence the overall timeline to pregnancy? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Laura Shahine breaks down the IVF process and its timeline, to help you navigate this complex journey. She explains the four main stages of IVF: the compliance checklist, preparation for stimulation, the stimulation cycle, and for those pursuing embryo creation, the embryo transfer stage. There are some factors that impact the timeline. So it’s important to understand clinic availability and protocols, set realistic expectations, and do some financial and medical preparations. You can’t really “plan” much during IVF, but this episode can at least help you with a realistic timeline. In this episode you’ll hear: [0:48] Understanding the IVF process [2:07] Compliance checklist [6:37] Preparation phase [8:41] Stimulation cycle [11:31] Embryo transfer and final steps [16:14] Factors that impact the timeline [17:35] Clinic policies and timing [22:04] Keeping your expectations realistic Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 112 Top Tips to Boost Your Egg Quality
Are you wondering how to improve your egg quality for better fertility outcomes? What impact do toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices have on reproductive health? And how can you take proactive steps without feeling overwhelmed or restricted? In this episode of Baby or Bust Fertility, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down five actionable steps to support and improve egg quality. She explains the role of limiting harmful toxins (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana) and reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors (BPA and phthalates). She also highlights the importance of managing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and considering antioxidant-rich supplements to support reproductive health. This episode will give listeners a clear understanding of what egg quality is, why it matters, and how age and other factors influence fertility. You will hear practical, science-backed strategies for enhancing your reproductive health AND learn how to balance the journey with joy and flexibility. In this episode you’ll hear: [0:46] Understanding egg quality [1:21] Factors affecting egg quality [7:30] 5 Tips to improve egg quality [12:35] Supplements are important [14:27] A little encouragement Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
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Ep 111 Ten Types of Miscarriage and Why it Matters
Did you know there are ten types of miscarriage?! What are they? When it comes to a loss, does it really matter what kind of miscarriage you’ve experienced? (Hint: yes it does.) And how can proper diagnosis and evaluation help those facing recurrent miscarriages? In this episode, Dr. Shahine breaks down the ten different types of miscarriage, including early and late, clinical and biochemical, threatened, missed, inevitable, complete, septic, and recurrent miscarriages. She shares the information from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine on recurrent pregnancy loss and discusses the importance of proper evaluation for those who have experienced multiple losses. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the causes of miscarriage, the importance of proper medical care, and the reassurance that pregnancy loss is never the fault of the person experiencing it. This episode provides knowledge, empathy, and practical guidance for those facing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. In this episode you’ll hear: [1:51] Understanding miscarriage [2:33] Emotional impact and misconceptions of pregnancy loss [4:07 ] Detailed breakdown of miscarriage types Timing-Based Miscarriage Types Clinical vs. Biochemical Miscarriages Labels and Descriptions of Miscarriages Recurrent Miscarriage [17:42] Conclusion & final thoughts Resources mentioned: Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Not Broken Illustrated: A Gift for Those Who Have Suffered Pregnancy Loss Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books
Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personal—and sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys.
Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you’re navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey.
New episodes drop weekly—subscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.
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