My Conception Story
Ferns and Forest from the East Coast in June
If you’re just arriving here, you’re invited to read the Introduction and part one of the first chapter before this one.
When opening to conceive, it helps to know what’s happening in your menstrual cycle. Each month, your body moves through four phases—follicular, ovulation, luteal, and menstrual—each with its own signs, energy, and purpose. Using the Fertility Awareness Method to track these rhythms not only helps you identify your fertile window, but also deepens your relationship with your body’s natural wisdom.
Tracking Your Cycle
The follicular phase marks new beginnings of the ovaries preparing to release an egg. It begins the same time menstruation starts (day 1 of your cycle), and lasts until ovulation, usually around day 14. Hormones rise gently, and many women notice an increase in energy, clarity, and creativity. This phase carries the energy of the waxing moon, the Maiden archetype and the freshness of spring—a time for ideas, planning, and feeling your energy return after menstruation.
Next comes ovulation, the most fertile phase of the cycle. This is when an egg is released and conception becomes possible. In a 28-day cycle, this usually happens around day 14. Physically, one may notice slippery, egg-white cervical fluid, a subtle rise in temperature after ovulation, and/or an increase in libido and desire to socialize. This moment mirrors the abundance and openness of the Mother archetype and the brilliance of the full moon and the season of summer. It’s helpful to begin to notice the subtle changes in your body and mood during this phase of the menstrual cycle when trying to conceive, as the fertile window usually only lasts for a few days.
After ovulation, your body enters the luteal phase, when progesterone rises to support a possible pregnancy. If conception has occurred, this hormone helps the embryo implant. If not, your body begins preparing to shed the uterine lining. Many women experience a natural shift inward during this time along with the desire to rest more, to simplify, or notice emotions that were easy to ignore earlier in the month. This phase holds the energy of the waning moon, the season of Autumn, the archetype of the Queen or Wild Woman—direct, discerning, aligned with what is true.
Finally, the menstrual phase is when the uterine lining sheds and the body enters an inward, deeply intuitive state. Many women find this time ideal for reflection, rest, and listening closely to the messages of the body and spirit. This phase corresponds to the season of winter, the Crone archetype and the quiet energy of the new moon—a doorway into breathing, feeling and visioning what is to come.
By tracking and noticing the physical signs of each phase—cervical fluid changes, basal body temperature, shifts in energy and mood—you begin to recognize your fertile patterns with greater clarity. Your cycle becomes less of a mystery and more of a partnership. As you familiarize yourself with these rhythms, you cultivate a relationship with your body that supports not only conception, but your overall wellbeing.
To learn more about the phases of the menstrual cycle and their correlated phases of the moon, sign up to receive my free guide:
Align with the Moon and Your Womb
Herbs for each phase of the menstrual cycle:
Note:Please check with your provider or herbalist about any pre-existing conditions, if you are taking medications, or have irregular cycles before starting any herbal protocol.
Herbs to Support Each Phase of the Menstrual Cycle
Follicular Phase (Post-menstruation → Pre-ovulation)
Focus: ovarian support, cervical fluid, rising vitality
Nettle Leaf
Deeply restorative and high in iron
Supports adrenal energy and rebuilding after menstruation
Helpful if cycles feel draining
Ovulation Phase
Focus: cervical fluid, libido, vitality, relaxation
Damiana
Supports libido and pelvic circulation
Calms the nervous system, helping the body stay receptive
Traditionally used as a fertility ally
Luteal Phase (Post-ovulation → Pre-menstruation)
Focus: Calming, progesterone steadiness, warmth
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
Supports progesterone balance
Best taken consistently throughout the month rather than just in this phase
Menstrual Phase (Bleeding)
Focus: nourishment, gentle circulation, emotional grounding
Raspberry Leaf
Mineral-rich (iron, calcium, magnesium)
Supports uterine tone and replenishment
Nourishes the body after blood loss
Note: Once one is pregnant, it is generally advised to stop taking vitex, damiana and to wait to use raspberry leaf in the second or third trimesters. Nettles are safe to use during preconception and pregnancy.
Conception
At the moment of conception, I’ve heard that the souls of mother, father and baby form a soul contract, something that all three are in agreement to, at least on a subconscious level, for a conception to occur.
The night we conceived, I didn’t know for sure if we conceived. I was on day 10 or 11 of my cycle and felt it was too early for it to be a true conception (however I now know sperm can live up to five days (even up to seven in rare cases) in a woman’s body. I was thinking we would wait another month before really trying, but the universe had other plans.
My Conception Story
We were in New York City in June visiting family after not seeing each other for most of 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. I felt so alive getting to travel again. We had plans with my parents to drive up to Woodstock to stay in the home of my mother’s friend. It was a sacred property that had Native American stone piles from long ago. There were magical creeks, hiking trails a wood-burning sauna, and overall beautiful property.
Last minute, my parents decided not to come. (I like to think this was my daughters orchestration)…
