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August 6, 2025

ROUNDTABLE: Balancing Biology, Age, & Mental Health with Dr Leah Hechtman

When does 'older' motherhood begin, and why does the outdated label geriatric pregnancy still haunt women in their 30s and 40s? In this insightful roundtable, Dr Leah Hechtman (PhD), naturopathic clinician, joins clinical psychologist Dr Felicity Chandler from the Gidget Foundation to unpack the complex interplay of biology, age, and mental health on the path to parenthood.

From the surprising role of sperm quality in placental health to why sleep deprivation sabotages egg quality, Leah shares cutting-edge science rarely discussed in clinics. Meanwhile, Felicity tackles the hidden emotional toll, why phrases like "your body's failing you" cut so deep, and how to reframe self-talk when conception struggles feel isolating.

Transcript available via the Apple Podcast app.

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