My story begins long before 2016, but that's the year a fertility tracking device entered my life and changed the course of my reproductive journey forever.
At first, it was like waking up to a dream come true. A hormone-free form of pregnancy prevention without side effects was a welcome relief. The charts were fascinating.
But over time, I noticed that my charts didn’t match the ones I saw online. I felt frustrated and fraudulent for not understanding my body, and I was worried there might be something wrong with my cycles.
In my state of confusion, I considered resorting to the pill. I thought maybe if I lowered my expectations and took my vitamins, then I could deal with its side effects. And while I’m a big fan of our right to access the pill, I knew it wasn't the right fit for me.
I wanted to know my body. I wasn’t taught the science of the ovarian cycle or the role of cervical mucus in fertility. I couldn’t tell you the functions of the cervix or how progesterone promotes bodily harmony. I had thought fertility only mattered to people who wanted babies, but now I sensed there was more to it.
The time was ripe to follow my curiosity and get to know my cycle. Over the next few years, I dove into all things periods and hormones. I started using the symptothermal method of fertility awareness charting for birth control. I enrolled in a 2-year Master level training at Justisse College International and graduated in October 2021 after completing a rigorous practicum with a wide range of clients.
As my expertise grew, answers to my questions emerged. I fearlessly prevented pregnancy, learned to interpret complex charts, balanced my hormones, started ovulating consistently, and timed family-building with my husband. We welcomed our daughter in December 2021 and our son in August 2024.
Now, I teach fertility awareness charting to those who want to increase their body literacy. Charting honors the knowledge of many who have gone before us, and it's a skill we can pass on to the next generation.
I celebrate people of all ages and from all backgrounds. I try to be anti-racist and inclusive in my work, acknowledging my privilege and the inequities of our society.
You can find me working from my kitchen table or sneaking away to my desk, where I'm surrounded by books about periods, fertility gizmos, and a couple of smooth rocks. I hope to meet you there, virtually.
Yours in reverence,
- Sara B. FAE, HRHP
@reverencefertility on IG
Autonomy
I believe you’re the expert on you, and you’re the best person to make decisions related to your body and well-being.
Co-creation
We co-create conversations and strategies for desirable outcomes during our work together. We co-create solutions based on your background, intentions, lifestyle, and needs, and over time, we can adapt them as needed.
Consent
As we navigate topics, I will often pause to ask how much information (if any) you want to know about a topic before expanding on it. Our exchanges are private and confidential.
Education
I was taught a functional approach to supporting whole-body health. I’m committed to continuous learning within the community, weaving science, clinical knowledge, and social proof into my work. I acknowledge that traditional wisdom pre-dates my modern sources, belief is powerful, and mysteries still exist.
Flexibility
I aim to meet you where you are. I welcome ideas and suggestions for improvements as it relates to my teaching style and program. Our 1:1 sessions can be rescheduled in advance at no cost if needed. Partners, pets, and babies are always welcome to join us.
Inclusivity & Reproductive Justice
I train and evolve to become more inclusive and intersectional in my approach to social justice issues. I use inclusive language most often, but my language varies to reflect the identities of the clients I serve and their preferences.
I operate within a reproductive justice framework, as conceptualized by Black women and people of color, to center the needs of the most marginalized communities. This includes access to comprehensive, full-spectrum sexual and reproductive health care.
Perspective
I examine situations from varying perspectives and try to refrain from jumping to conclusions. I’m always open to shifting my mindset in light of new information or evidence.
Kindness
I do my best to treat every person fairly, with honesty, compassion, dignity, and positive regard.
Acknowledgment of privilege:
I acknowledge my privilege as a white, cis, heteronormative-appearing, financially secure, able-bodied person in a body deemed by society as acceptable in size. I examine how my culture informs my life and work.
As a person with a rare genetic condition that affects the eyes, skin, and hair, I aim to be aware of accessibility issues and to partner with disabled folks who are seeking body literacy knowledge.
Service trades and payment plans (with no additional fees) for my program are wlecome. Other accommodations may be available. If my services sound right for you, let's talk more!
Please ask for a referral if you would prefer to connect with an educator whose values, background, or languages better align with your needs.
