Mary G Bruno

Experiencing one or more of the topics listed above is not just hard. It can be really freaking confusing. There’s no roadmap to help you navigate through all the difficult emotions that creep in, nor is there a class in school that teaches you how to sort through all the decisions you need to make.

I know because I’ve been there – staring hopelessly at another negative pregnancy test, curled up on the floor in pain, gaslit by doctors, not wanting birth control, shocked at an unsuccessful surgery, unsure about whether or not my experience of sex was normal, scared to have sex because it hurts, discerning a hysterectomy, preparing for a hysterectomy, and clueless about how to approach adoption.

If you felt a visceral response after reading any of that, we have something in common, and I want you to know that you’re not alone -and that I didn’t know what the heck I was doing, either. My Catholic faith is a major part of my life and healing journey. Prayer, openness, curiosity, experience, and a lot of research paved the way to some answers, some acceptance, and a lot of unexpected peace for me.

You certainly don’t need me to find those things for yourself, but I would be happy to listen to your unique concerns, share my thoughts and tips, and hold space for you and whatever you’re going through. I know that whatever you’re learning comes at a great cost.

*I am not a counselor, but I might recommend one. I am a Creighton Practitioner, co-founder of the non-profit FAbM Base, author, and along with my husband, trained as a marriage prep mentor couple by Lloyd and Jan Tate since 2018.*

Lotus

Are you looking to really dig deep and explore your story? Do you want personalized referrals for treatment? This is the option for you.

Petal

Choose this option if you’re only looking to find the right restorative reproductive medicine doctor, option, or FA method fit for you based on your location.

Venmo & check payments accepted

Whenever applicable, I will do my best to research answers and options for you even outside of our scheduled appointment. I will send a follow up email with additional information and resources as they pertain to what we discuss. I will do everything I can to set you up for success.

If you’re interested in my approaches to the different topics I can address through personal coaching, scroll down below the signup section.

Good Friday is not the end. It is the beginning.

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To book a virtual appointment, please fill out your information here. Make sure to note whether you want the LOTUS (~one hour) or PEDAL (1/2 hour) session explained above. I have limited availability but would love to meet you if it is a good fit for both of us!

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My Approaches

“The glory of God is man fully alive.” St. Irraneaus

The body of a woman is designed to bear children. When that function isn’t working properly, it can cause great emotional pain.

Many will focus all attention on conception, but there are multiple things to consider – underlying physical issue(s), the temptation to conflate who we are with the parts of our bodies that aren’t working properly, and the temptation to lose site of the gift of who we are regardless of our circumstances.

My hope is to bring all aspects of this cross into view. You can discover yourself fully alive again no matter how your story unfolds. Although I will never recommend IUI or IVF, I will offer you a safe and non-judgmental place for you to share however you feel about it.

What has generally been accepted as women’s healthcare has failed us miserably. Glaring issues with ignoring pain, over-diagnosing “unexplained infertility,” delayed diagnoses, birth control as treatment, and unsuccessful surgeries are finally being recognized although they have been felt by countless women for many years.

Below the Belt is one of many sources beginning to boldly reveal many of the problems we face. I understand this machine and have researched common treatments, received both ablation and excision surgeries, and know what questions to ask. I can give you resources, explain restorative reproductive medicine, and help you find the right doctor(s).

I have personal experience with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and both regular OBGYN surgery and surgery with restorative reproductive medicine.

Does sex hurt? Or maybe a better way to ask is “Does penetration feel good & comfortable with or without climax?” Because it should, and if you detect anything more than slight discomfort, you should stop.

It took me 9 years to realize that sex did not feel normal because I had such a poor understanding of my own physiology and its connection with my mental health, and of appropriate expectations for men and women.

I have spent over a year and half digging deep and exploring how I got there, and figuring out what is needed to heal physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally – because you really can’t leave any one of those out if painful sex has been your experience.

Maybe you need more foreplay or maybe you need pelvic floor physical therapy. Maybe both. Maybe you need to be reminded that you and your comfort matter.

I can help you navigate this difficult space sensitively and point you in the right directions. Learn more in parts one & two of my Natural Womanhood articles, and in this podcast episode.

Let’s be real – NFP/Fertility awareness education is not always top notch. Many women don’t know it exists, and many who do are unaware of all the purposes and benefits – or know all of their options and how to connect with the right instructor. Many don’t realize that it’s ok to struggle with this practice no matter what your story is.

I can help with that. I used Creighton for 9 years and have been a Creighton Practitioner since 2018, and understand its benefits AND its limitations.

I have spoken with countless women from various method backgrounds and can point you towards some great resources. Start at fabmbase.org and managingyourfertility.com, and set up an appointment with me if you want to chat.

When Chris and I began our adoption journey in 2015, we were absolutely clueless. We didn’t find what was most helpful to us in a book or website, but in meeting with two different couples who shared their stories with us and gave us some tips.

I can be that for you whether you are still discerning or going through the process. Maybe you are wondering about cost, what the actual process entails, and/or want to know what questions to ask. It’s ok if you have fears about adopting or don’t feel ready. I will be a safe place for you to divulge no matter where you are in your journey.

I don’t have any personal experience with fostering.

This was the last thing I wanted, and actually the one thing I dreaded for years as I stumbled through crippling pain and multiple surgeries. Catholic women often feel extra pressure when it comes to making this decision.

Somehow, I was able to discern with clarity and find peace even as my surgery date approached. Although it’s not without a sense of great loss, that peace remains years passed.

The passing of fertility needs to be mourned, but your ability to produce new life does not. The two purposes of intercourse (unity and procreation) remain the same for every married couple regardless of their fertility status/goals. I wonder what God is calling you to do with all the gifts He has given you?