Why this former top IVF doc now only offers restorative reproductive medicine: An interview with Dr. Lauren Rubal, M.D.

Dr. Lauren Rubal, M.D. is a board-certified OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI). She was also once one of the top full-scope REI providers for the Kaiser Health Network, which meant that she frequently provided in vitro fertilization (IVF) services to patients struggling with infertility, and provided birth control to women struggling with menstrual issues like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But after several years of this kind of practice, Dr. Lauren began to feel a pull towards practicing another way—a way that would holistically restore a woman's health or a couples' fertility, so that they could cycle and/or conceive naturally.

So, a few years ago, Dr. Lauren took a leap of faith and started her own boutique practice in Newport Beach, CA, where she now only offers restorative reproductive medicine. A one-two punch of expertise in both conventional gynecological and fertility medicine, and holistic and restorative practices, Dr. Lauren is also an exceedingly lovely person whom her patients love—and whom we were absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to interview for our very final episode of Season 1 of The Natural Womanhood Podcast!

We sincerely hope you enjoy this episode, and want to thank you for listening to the inaugural season of The Natural Womanhood Podcast. We had a blast, and are eagerly planning new content for next season. If you have any ideas, please shoot them our way! Until then, be well, and know that we can't wait to see you again next year for Season 2.

The Natural Womanhood Podcast brings together experts in the field of fertility awareness for candid, informative, and friendly conversations about authentic women’s health. The podcast is hosted by Grace Emily Stark and Cassondra Moriarty. Grace is an award-winning journalist, a certified instructor of the Sympto-Thermal Method of fertility awareness, and she holds a M.A. in Bioethics and Health Policy. Cassie is a certified instructor of FEMM, an IBCLC lactation consultant, and DONA postpartum Doula.

The Natural Womanhood Podcast is a production of Natural Womanhood, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving women's health literacy through the promotion of evidence-based fertility awareness methods (FAMs) of natural family planning. Natural Womanhood exists to help women discover safe, side effect-free natural birth control options, empower them to work with their bodies instead of against them, and to inform them about harmful birth control side effects.

Learn more about Grace and her work here, and learn more about Cassie and her work here.