Why this author thinks we're treating menstruation all wrong
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Photo: Courtesy of Laura Federico
When Laura Federico struggled to have a second baby, she felt shame as she tried to navigate the medical system in Des Moines and was treated by professionals like "one size fits all" rather than focusing on her body's specific needs.
Driving the news: Federico details her experience and offers resources to others in "The Cycle Book."
- She'll be at Eden in the East Village this weekend to talk about the book.
State of play: Though Federico works as a professional sex therapist, she tells Axios that she realized how little she actually knew her body while struggling to get pregnant.
- It was a lonely experience where she felt shame and didn't want to bother anyone else with her struggles like a "good Midwesterner," she says.
- Her ultimate breakthrough came when she finally confided in her friend, Morgan Miller, a midwife who helped co-author the book.
Zoom in: Miller taught her more about her menstrual cycle, advocating for herself and finding the right care, which ultimately ended up being through the University of Iowa endocrinology clinic in West Des Moines.
- After years of trying, she had her second baby in 2019.
Details: Now, she's hoping to help other people through "The Cycle Book," which includes charts and pages for people to write about their cycles and learn more about their bodies.
- Popular cycle tracking apps can have their own problems, Federico says, including inaccuracies in predicting phases and personal privacy concerns.
What's next: Federico and Miller talk about their book Friday with Eden owner Hannah Krause from 6-8pm. RSVP for free here.
- Federico will also be at the store from 11am-1pm Saturday.