Conversations with Brittany Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Anderson.

Hi Brittany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been a nurse since 2009 and developed an interest in a holistic approach to health pretty early on in my career when I was working in a local hospital. I really wanted to support patients, particularly women, in optimizing their health and preventing common diseases that affect so many. I think women face unique health challenges because they are the nurturers and tend to take care of everyone else, often putting their own needs last.

Prior to pursuing a Master’s degree in nursing, I attended the integrative health coaching program at the Duke University Center for Integrative Medicine, and that was transformative. From there I entered my graduate program to become a women’s health nurse practitioner. During that time I also became a birth doula, and after graduation began attending births in that role. I continued to pursue trainings that would allow me to support women preparing for or going through the motherhood transition and this included specialized courses in lactation, prenatal and postpartum exercise, and developmental kinesiology. What has been really beautiful is that my practice and my motherhood journey have evolved together, and have influenced one another. I am deeply grateful for my own experiences of pregnancy (and even pregnancy loss) and new mamahood because they have shaped me as a provider.

Most recently my work has centered around fertility and my current practice serves women and their partners in various stages of the journey to become parents. I am deeply passionate about supporting the health and well-being of both partners because we can impact the health trajectory of the whole family unit for generations to come.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not! I’ve never really felt like I fit into any conventional “box” and it was really challenging for me to practice in a conventional medical setting. I feel very drawn to bring together the wisdom of traditional healing practices, with the best advances in modern medicine. This is why I love integrative medicine! It has taken a long time for me to feel at home in practice and it took me venturing out and creating something totally unique. This is both exciting and liberating, but also incredibly challenging!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a women’s health nurse practitioner and my current focus is supporting women and their partners during the parenthood transition. I love working with patients who are planning a pregnancy because it’s such an important season to optimize health. I also work with a lot of patients who’ve struggled to conceive and am so blessed to work with two other amazing providers in our integrative practice, Nashville Brain and Body. Our Collaborative Conception Program is incredibly comprehensive and is a truly holistic approach to fertility, and is something we are really proud to offer. What I love so much is that multiple providers support our patients through this program so they feel really held during a season that can be incredibly challenging.

One of the treatments I utilize is called Mercier Therapy and currently, I’m the only provider in Nashville. This is a form of visceral manipulation that is meant to optimize blood flow, and therefore function, of the reproductive organs. While many patients seek out Mercier therapy for fertility support, it can also be incredibly effective for pelvic pain or healing from emotional/physical trauma.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think it’s less about luck and more about timing. Early on in my career, I was quick to try and force things because I so badly wanted to make something work. I realize now that each obstacle and the way everything unfolded was always for the best, even when it seemed like a setback. I think being willing to continue to show up and put in the work, while also being patient has been so key.

Contact Info:

• Email: brittany@brittanyanderson.net
• Website: www.brittanyanderson.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/britteanderson

Image Credits
Jenny Blankenship