The Heart & Hustle Podcast - Episode 430 Summary Title: The Answers for Recurring Pregnancy Losses That NO ONE Tells You with Jordan Lee Dooley

Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Guest: Jordan Lee Dooley
Release Date: April 22, 2025

1. Introduction to Jordan Lee Dooley

In this emotionally charged episode, hosts Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman welcome back Jordan Lee Dooley for the third time. Celebrated as a bestselling author and a powerhouse in health, wellness, and women's faith, Jordan shares her profound journey through recurrent pregnancy losses.

2. Jordan’s Personal Journey with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Jordan opens up about her heartbreaking experiences with pregnancy loss, highlighting how unforeseen and devastating these events can be, even for someone who appears healthy and young.

[06:41] Jordan Lee Dooley:
"I really didn't think that would happen to me. I thought it was a pregnant, healthy, young person."

Jordan recounts her first miscarriage caused by a subchorionic hematoma, followed by a second loss at 13 weeks. Despite initial optimism, her journey was marred by confusion and grief, underscoring the unpredictability of pregnancy.

3. Challenges with the Healthcare System

Jordan emphasizes the lack of proactive care in the healthcare system regarding fertility and pregnancy health. She expresses frustration over healthcare providers who dismissed her concerns without offering comprehensive guidance or testing.

[26:58] Jordan Lee Dooley:
"There’s such a huge problem and it’s a huge injustice to women and to couples and to families in the system."

Both Jordan and Evie share experiences of feeling unsupported by their OBGYNs and midwives, who often provided minimal assistance after each loss, reinforcing the need for more specialized care.

4. Proactive Testing and Solutions

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the importance of proactive testing to identify underlying causes of recurrent pregnancy losses. Jordan shares key tests she wishes she had known about early on:

• Progesterone Levels: Essential for maintaining early pregnancy.
• Thyroid Function: Thyroid issues can significantly impact fertility and pregnancy.
• Blood Clotting Disorders: Conditions like MTHFR mutations and antiphospholipid syndrome can inhibit conception and lead to miscarriages.

[21:26] Jordan Lee Dooley:
"Having low progesterone is a really common cause of early miscarriages… it was the progesterone is fine, the next thing is... thyroid."

Jordan advocates for working with Naprotechnology (Napro) providers—MDs with specialized training in fertility and recurrent loss—who offer a more thorough and supportive approach compared to standard OBGYNs.

5. Adoption and Building Her Family

Amidst her struggles, Jordan and her husband felt a calling to serve others by adopting children in need. This decision led to the adoption of a son and the birth of a biological son five months apart, illustrating a beautiful convergence of loss and gain.

[15:05] Jordan Lee Dooley:
"We ended up having an adopted son and a biological son five months apart."

The couple's experience underscores the multifaceted paths to building a family and finding hope amidst despair.

6. Lessons Learned and Advice for Others

Jordan provides invaluable advice for women navigating similar challenges:

• Advocate for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to request specific tests and seek out knowledgeable providers.
• Understand Your Options: From proactive blood work to specialized reproductive immunology, knowing your choices can empower you.
• Seek Specialized Care: Providers trained in Naprotechnology or reproductive immunology can offer deeper insights and effective treatments.

[27:02] Jordan Lee Dooley:
"You have to be your own advocate. You can and you just have to be your own advocate."

Evie reinforces the importance of finding supportive and proactive healthcare providers, highlighting her positive experience with a Napro doctor who was instrumental in her own pregnancy success.

7. Empowering Women: Advocacy and Knowledge

The episode culminates with a powerful message of empowerment. Jordan and the hosts encourage listeners to take control of their fertility journeys by staying informed, seeking the right support systems, and believing in their ability to overcome challenges.

[65:18] Evie McLeod:
"You are not powerless. You are not out of control in this process."

This heartfelt discussion not only sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of recurrent pregnancy loss but also offers hope and practical guidance to women striving to fulfill their dreams of motherhood.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Lee Dooley [06:41]:
  "I really didn't think that would happen to me. I thought it was a pregnant, healthy, young person."

• Jordan Lee Dooley [21:26]:
  "Having low progesterone is a really common cause of early miscarriages… it was the progesterone is fine, the next thing is... thyroid."

• Jordan Lee Dooley [27:02]:
  "You have to be your own advocate. You can and you just have to be your own advocate."

• Evie McLeod [65:18]:
  "You are not powerless. You are not out of control in this process."

Final Thoughts: Episode 430 serves as a crucial resource for women facing recurrent pregnancy losses, providing not only personal stories of resilience and hope but also actionable steps to navigate the complexities of fertility and maternal health. Jordan Lee Dooley’s candid insights and the hosts’ supportive dialogue create an empowering narrative, encouraging listeners to seek the answers they deserve and to reclaim control over their reproductive journeys.