The Two Lines That Change Everything

It was just a regular day. Except I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and navigating toddler chaos while unpacking boxes in a brand-new house. We had just moved across the country with two babies under two, and I was physically run down from vertigo, mastitis, and stress. I was definitely not expecting to see two lines on that pregnancy test.

But I did.

I’ll never forget walking into the living room, handing that stick to my husband, and both of us just laughing – surprised, overwhelmed, and unknowingly walking into one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. Twelve weeks later, we found out that baby was no longer with us. It was heartbreaking. It stirred up every “what if” imaginable. What if I had supported my hormones better? What if I had known what to ask my doctor? What if I had been more intentional with my body in those early weeks?

Maybe you’re there right now. Wherever you are, I want to share with you the three things I wish I had done differently after that pregnancy test turned positive (I also share these things on this episode of the podcast). These aren’t just medical steps. They’re spiritual, emotional, and holistic. You are a whole person, and your pregnancy journey deserves more than just surface-level advice. Let’s dive in.

---

Step 0: Start Before You’re Even Pregnant

Before we even get to the three non-negotiables, I have to give you what I call “Step Zero.” Because it’s actually the most important piece: laying the foundation before you conceive. Inside my course, Fertility Framework, I help women understand how to partner with their bodies and cycles using natural, faith-aligned tools. When you chart your cycle, nourish your hormones, and prepare your body intentionally, you don’t just hope your body can carry a baby. You give it the tools to do it.

Clients often ask, “Is it still worth joining the course if I’m already pregnant?” YES. In fact, some of the most important pillars of the program support hormone balance during pregnancy too, especially that tricky first trimester.

In Fertility Framework, you’ll learn:

• How to identify early signs of pregnancy before a test detects them
• How to track progesterone patterns with at-home tools
• What your basal body temperature and cervical mucus are telling you about hormone health
• How to pray through your cycle and align with God’s design

If you’re newly pregnant or still hoping, it’s never too early to learn these things. It’s what I wish I had known. I also offer free consults if you would like to talk about where you are at in your journey!

---

Step 1: Know Your Team

The moment you get a positive pregnancy test, you might think, “I guess I’ll call my OB.” But can I lovingly challenge you to go deeper? You need to know who you’re working with even before you’re pregnant if possible. The first few weeks of pregnancy are critical, especially if you’ve had a loss or hormone challenges. Sadly, many traditional OB models don’t offer much support until week 8–12. That’s far too late to monitor progesterone or intervene early if needed.

So what can you do? Here are some ideas:

• Research OBs and Christian midwives in your area
• Ask about progesterone testing and whether they understand pregnancy-specific hormone ranges
• Find someone who listens to you, prays with you, and believes in proactive care

Personally, my midwife didn’t just change my care, she changed my calling. After five pregnancies under OBs, I switched to a midwife at 30 weeks. Those last ten weeks were so powerful, they set me on the path to becoming a doula and student midwife myself. Pro tip: Listen to Episode 72 of my podcast for a deep dive into OB vs midwife care and how to know what’s right for you.

Also, if you’re interested in more personalized advice, I now offer virtual doula coaching hours. These are relaxed, faith-filled chats where we can talk through early pregnancy support, first trimester symptoms, supplements, lab work, and more. Just email me at fertilitysetfree@gmail.com with subject line: Doula Call.

---

Step 2: Sleep Like It’s Your Job

Okay sister, hear me out on this one. You may think your job right now is preparing your registry or researching prenatal vitamins. Nope. Your job is to sleep. I know you’re tempted to stay up scrolling, reading birth stories, and googling “early miscarriage symptoms” or “positive pregnancy signs.” But your hormones are working HARD, and they need rest to do their job well.

Here’s what sleep does in early pregnancy:

• Balances cortisol, reducing stress hormone spikes
• Supports progesterone production, which is key for sustaining pregnancy
• Regulates your endocrine system
• Promotes cell regeneration for you and baby
• Calms your heart and nervous system, helping you emotionally process this new season

And yes! The hours you sleep before midnight matter more than the ones after. (Crazy, right?) That’s because your circadian rhythm is designed to sync with God’s natural creation of light and dark. When you rest early, your body restores more deeply.

So here’s my encouragement to you. Put your phone in another room, grab a gratitude journal and write down 5 things you’re thankful for. Pray over your womb. And then… go to sleep. If you need help with sleep rhythms, check out Episode 79 where I talk about three battle steps for miscarriage prevention, including deeper rest.

---

Step 3: Have Fun, On Purpose

Yes, I said fun. Because your hormones don’t just need rest… they need joy! I remember being so scared during my rainbow baby pregnancy that I barely moved. I was afraid to exercise, afraid to laugh too hard, afraid to do anything that might “mess it up.” But living in fear didn’t help my baby, and it didn’t help me either. Movement releases endorphins, laughter reduces cortisol, sunshine supplies vitamin D and affects serotonin. Intimacy also releases oxytocin, which is the bonding and feel-good hormone.

All of these support your body and your baby. Research shows that babies can sense your emotional state as early as the second trimester. But even in the first trimester, reducing stress hormones gives your body more capacity to nourish new life. So take a walk. Dance in the kitchen. Laugh with your husband. Take silly belly selfies. Eat a smoothie outside. Celebrate the life that is already growing inside of you. Also, If you and your husband are wondering about intimacy in early pregnancy, know this: for most women, it’s perfectly safe. But always check with your midwife or OB, especially if you’ve had loss or complications in the past.

---

---

Next Steps: Don’t Walk Alone