Enhancing the Success of Fertility Treatments and In vitro fertilization (IVF) Performed at Our Chicago and Northwest Indiana Centers

Midwest Fertility Center’s new program works to guide our patients into a more healthful physical and emotional environment that enables them to reach their full potential through an integration of counseling, physical fitness, and nutrition. By taking a more holistic approach to the success of their fertility treatments including In vitro fertilization (IVF), patients at our Chicago and Northwest Indiana centers can improve their overall well-being. Reducing stress, increasing exercise, and regulating eating habits can bring balance and focus to the assisted reproduction process.

We are pleased to introduce this comprehensive new program to our patients, and are encouraged by the positive results it has already given to couples undergoing fertility treatments and In vitro fertilization (IVF). Contact us in Chicago or Northwest Indiana to speak with a staff member about how the program can help you.

• Stress Management
• Fitness
• Nutrition

Stress Management with Shawna Thomson, M.S.Ed., L.P.C., N.C.C.

Shawna approaches counseling with understanding, compassion, and a commitment to improvement. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, and is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the American Counseling Association. Shawna counsels patients before, during, and after the infertility treatment process.

Shawna has training in sex therapy, couples counseling, attachment disorders, post–traumatic stress disorder, and mind/body techniques for stress reduction. With her unique skill set, she has helped hundreds of clients in dealing with issues of marital conflict, sexual dysfunction, weight management, depression, anxiety, anger, and grief.

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Fitness with Nicole Irlbeck, M.S., A.T.C., C.S.C.S.

Nicole graduated from the University of Iowa with a Master's in Exercise Science, specializing in athletic training. She became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA in 2002. She is enthusiastic in her commitment to her clients and their dreams of starting a family. Her work has positively enhanced the lives of many patients undergoing fertility treatments at our Chicago and Northwest Indiana locations.

"I fully understand the rigors and trials that one must overcome to reach their personal goals,” Nicole says. “Saying yes to your desires to achieve better health, no matter what your background or experience, is the first and most important step. It is my passion and privilege to work with you through your journey with Midwest Fertility Center toward achieving better health of mind, body, and spirit."

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Nutrition with Carla Heiser, M.S., R.D., L.D.

More than two decades of experience in clinical nutrition and research have made Carla Heiser a leader in her field. She earned her Master of Nutrition and Dietetics degree at New York Medical College, and underwent nutritional training at the State University of New York, Oneonta. Carla has also spent time at Columbia University Hospital for Physicians and Surgeons in New York and at the Medlantic Research Institute in Washington, D.C., working with some of the nation’s foremost cardiovascular and endocrine research and clinical specialists.

Frequently invited to speak at national meetings, Carla is dedicated to translating forward-thinking, research approaches into applicable, action-based strategies for treatment. Her research on diet intervention for chronic disease and the effects of diet change on blood fat levels has also been published. Integrating medicine and nutrition to optimize the overall health of her patients is Carla’s passion, professionally and personally.

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Discover the Benefits of Our New Program

For more information about the program or to discuss fertility treatments in the Chicago or Northwest Indiana area, please contact Midwest Fertility Center today.

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