I got a call tonight for a friend who is travelling her own journey of infertility. She has only recently found out, and is having a hard time with it.
She asked me what seemed like a billion questions, which i of course answered for her, reminding her the entire time that it might have taken me 9 years, but I am now blessed with a beautiful daughter and her case is very different to mine so chances are she will have a baby in her arms much sooner.
Then i realised, that although It is taking me a while to find the time to dedicate to this blog, that it really could be useful to people to see everything fertility related from the view of someone who has been "through the system".
I have made contact with a few lovely ladies who have contacted me via email and who receive my newsletter, but I would love to hear from anyone else who happens to stumble in here
WHAT IS IT That you would like to know? What question do you need information on? Just leave a comment here, or join the newsletter and send a reply that way, I would love to know....
Topics I have coming up to write about are:
How to chose a clinic that suits you
What is PCOS
What is Endometriosis
When things turn ectopic
There's so much to write about I just need to find the time to sit and do it.
Baby Dust and Hugs
Sandra
Friday, May 2, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
I am overwhelmed by this email I recieved - Must Read!
I haven't had much time to come and blog over the last 2 weeks, I honestly hadn't even checked my email, so imagine my surprise when I sit down this morning to find this in my inbox!!
Dear Sandra,
All I can say is thankyou for your blog. I know it's just begun but already reading your story and the information you have here has helped me know that anything is possible. Just so you know, I purchased the package you have advertised on your site by Dr Irena and it's really helped.
You know, there are so many choices on how to treat infertility and I have tried other products but this one is great. It is full of such great information and has LOTS of tactics we are really looking forward to buying. She had a great deal and I got 2 books for the price of one and for the first time I feel like there's light at the end of the tunnel.
So Please don't stop posting, you have some followers, and please can you put on your blog how good DR Irena's books are!! They are worth the investment and I think every couple trying to conceive should have them.
I look forward to some new posts and hopefully coming back here to tell you we are pregnant some time in the near future.
Yours truly
Elise xx"
I really don't know what to say other than, you are more than welcome.
I absolutely agree with what you said about Dr Irena's books. I used them myself, as do a few friends I made during my infertility journey. I have included the link to her site if anyone wishes to look:
Click Here! For Dr Irena's Website and Books
Elise, I wish you well on your journey and can't wait to hear some good news soon.
Warmest Regards,
Sandra.
Is your career ruining your fertility?
Women so often find themselves needing to make a choice between career and children. A woman's career path most often includes high school, college and university. By the time she finishes all that, she may well be in her mid to late twenties. Now armed with forging her way to the top of her chosen field, this could take a few years leaving her in the late twenties to early thirties age group by the time she is starting to realise success.
Now add to all of that, the need to find the perfect man, perhaps buy a house and nice car, and the task can seem impossible. If a woman does decide she would like to have children mid way through this entire process, then new problems face her, such as whether she will take time from work, whether the child will be placed into care while she returns to work, amongst other problems that can arise.
So many women don't even consider fertility issues as they are on the track to their desired career. They see others around them in their late 30's having children, and assume that it's easy for everyone.
The reality is, that once a woman reaches 30, not only does her ability to fall pregnant start to decrease, but if she does fall pregnant then the risk of complications is higher.
SO if you are yet to think about conceiving, or are trying to decide between career and baby, you really need to take a look at your life, your values, and decide what is important to you. If when you are elderly you would be happy with never having children then keep on the career path, but if somewhere in your heart you look forward to sharing your life with a family all your own, then I urge you to take a step back from the material high flying career world, and ask yourself is your fertility worth more?
Unfortunately for women, we can't reproduce at any age, so choices have to be made, and when you make them, take time to do some soul searching and make sure you have made the right decision for the long term, not just for what feels good now.
Sandra xx
Now add to all of that, the need to find the perfect man, perhaps buy a house and nice car, and the task can seem impossible. If a woman does decide she would like to have children mid way through this entire process, then new problems face her, such as whether she will take time from work, whether the child will be placed into care while she returns to work, amongst other problems that can arise.
So many women don't even consider fertility issues as they are on the track to their desired career. They see others around them in their late 30's having children, and assume that it's easy for everyone.
The reality is, that once a woman reaches 30, not only does her ability to fall pregnant start to decrease, but if she does fall pregnant then the risk of complications is higher.
SO if you are yet to think about conceiving, or are trying to decide between career and baby, you really need to take a look at your life, your values, and decide what is important to you. If when you are elderly you would be happy with never having children then keep on the career path, but if somewhere in your heart you look forward to sharing your life with a family all your own, then I urge you to take a step back from the material high flying career world, and ask yourself is your fertility worth more?
Unfortunately for women, we can't reproduce at any age, so choices have to be made, and when you make them, take time to do some soul searching and make sure you have made the right decision for the long term, not just for what feels good now.
Sandra xx
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Fertility Problems - That First Moment
Fertility Problems – That First Moment
Fertility problems are not always something that people consider. Children are included in the life plan of a majority of people, and it is often not until the time comes to try to conceive that the first thoughts of fertility or the possibility of being infertile are thought about.
Even during the initial stages of trying to conceive most people do not consider the fact they may be infertile, or have some kind of fertility problem.
Because of this, for many couples, the fact that they are infertile, or have fertility problems of some sort comes as an earth shattering moment. To be told there is a chance you will never naturally achieve pregnancy or a baby of your own can be dream destroying and horrifying, yet thousands of people worldwide face that news daily.
I can remember trying for our first baby for over a year. We thought this was normal, and that most couples took this long to fall pregnant. Then while talking to a girlfriend, I realized it had only taken them 2 months of trying and she had discovered she was pregnant. At that point I started to feel nervous.
We didn’t want to admit there might be problems. Back then, 10 years ago, I didn’t have internet access like I do now. These days I would just google to research what the issues might be, but all I recall about our first fears is feeling isolated and nervous, too upset to head to the library or anywhere else for that matter to research this horrible “thing” that might destroy my dreams.
We continued to try, and hoped for the best for another 3 months before going to see a doctor. We explained we had been trying to fall pregnant for 15 months with no luck and were starting to become concerned. We were sent for tests.
I remember vividly returning to the doctor and hearing the words, “at this point, it appears that there are some fertility issues we will need to address.” I just looked at my partner and tried my hardest to appear brave and not cry. I knew from that moment, if we wanted to have children that there was a fight ahead of us.
In that first moment, the first moment you realize it’s official, that having a child is not going to be easy, that IF you ever get the chance, it’s a chance you will have to fight for, 2 things happen. Your survival instinct kicks in and you become determined to prove the medical profession wrong, and your world is shattered… You really want to just give up and scream “why me?”…
How did you feel at that moment? Or are you still too nervous to go and “officially” find out? Or do you know someone who has experience that moment?
Share your experience here…..
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Increase Fertility - Aromatherapy - Chose your Oil
Hopefully you read my previous post Increase Fertility - Aromatherapy which discusses why aromatherapy works well as one option for treating infertility.
Now you are probably wondering, if aromatherapy is one way of increasing fertility, then which oils should you use?
Firstly let me remind you again, that you always need to check with your doctor before using essential oils, as some oils can interfere with illness, certain conditions and medications. Once you have the OK, then enjoy. Using aromatherapy is a wonderful experience.
Base Oils: Grapeseed Oil, Wheatgerm or Almond Oil are generally used as base oils. These are oils used to add essential oils to for the purpose of diluting the essential oil.
Geranium: Is said to have a balancing affect on hormones. A personal recommendation is combining this with rose oil.
Rose: An uplifting oil, can help when feeling low. It is often used to regulate the reproductive system.
Chamomile: Used mostly for relaxation. Can be used in burners, massage, the bath, placed under pillows, and is especially popular in soaps and toiletries.
Basil: While an unexpected recommendation, basil works to increase reproductive health.
Lavender: Relaxing and Romantic, excellent qualities for any couple under the pressure of infertility.
Jasmine: Relaxing and along with Lavender is thought to increase libido.
So there you go, check with your health care professional that oils are safe for you to use, and enjoy.
The path to fertility is a complex one, and the more informed you are the better and more varied decisions you can make. Relaxation is a huge focus of aromatherapy, and is something that is often disregarded because stress and worry takes over during the path to fertility. Take time out, discover your senses, and enjoy essential oils, they really are a wonderful gift of nature.
Now you are probably wondering, if aromatherapy is one way of increasing fertility, then which oils should you use?
Firstly let me remind you again, that you always need to check with your doctor before using essential oils, as some oils can interfere with illness, certain conditions and medications. Once you have the OK, then enjoy. Using aromatherapy is a wonderful experience.
Base Oils: Grapeseed Oil, Wheatgerm or Almond Oil are generally used as base oils. These are oils used to add essential oils to for the purpose of diluting the essential oil.
Geranium: Is said to have a balancing affect on hormones. A personal recommendation is combining this with rose oil.
Rose: An uplifting oil, can help when feeling low. It is often used to regulate the reproductive system.
Chamomile: Used mostly for relaxation. Can be used in burners, massage, the bath, placed under pillows, and is especially popular in soaps and toiletries.
Basil: While an unexpected recommendation, basil works to increase reproductive health.
Lavender: Relaxing and Romantic, excellent qualities for any couple under the pressure of infertility.
Jasmine: Relaxing and along with Lavender is thought to increase libido.
So there you go, check with your health care professional that oils are safe for you to use, and enjoy.
The path to fertility is a complex one, and the more informed you are the better and more varied decisions you can make. Relaxation is a huge focus of aromatherapy, and is something that is often disregarded because stress and worry takes over during the path to fertility. Take time out, discover your senses, and enjoy essential oils, they really are a wonderful gift of nature.
Increase Fertility - Aromatherapy
Increase Fertility easily with Aromatherapy.
Fertility problems are something that usually take more than one tactic to resolve. There are Fertility Treatments, Fertility Drugs, Fertility Diets, you name it, there's probably a "fertility solution" attached to it!! (Ok so maybe that was a little bit of an overstatement) :)
My point is, that sometimes it's so overwhelming to try and fall pregnant that we somehow miss the old basics. In my case, I missed out altogether on trying aromatherapy as a treatment for my infertility, but have spoken to a few ladies who absolutely swear by it!
Keep in mind that when using aromatherapy to increase fertility there are several things to keep in mind. You need to be careful about what essential oils you use. It is often best to purchase your oils from a naturopath, or health food store, or even better to check with your doctor, as there are oils that are not suitable for use with some medical conditions and illnesses including pregnancy.
Once you have found some safe essential oils to use, there are 3 common methods of putting their benefits to use:
* Direct Application, normally via massage: Be sure to mix your oils with an oil base such as grapeseed or almond oil as pure essential oils are normally too strong for direct application to the skin. Use approximately 2 drops of essential oil to 10-12 drops of base oil. Massage is great for relaxation, helping your body to destress and also great for your relationship. Massage is a sensual way to connect with your partner, because as many of us know, trying to conceive can be a tense time.
* In the Bath: Adding 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a relaxing warm tub and soaking is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. If you would prefer diluting the oil in a base, use approximately 50% base and 50% essential oil.
* Oil Burners: Filling your home or room with the beautiful scents of many essential oils can have an amazing effect on mind and body. Many oils are thought to have relaxing and healing properties when dispersed through the air.
Now you know how to use them, head to my next post Increase Fertility - Aromatherapy - Which Oils to Chose, to find out what oils are best...
Fertility problems are something that usually take more than one tactic to resolve. There are Fertility Treatments, Fertility Drugs, Fertility Diets, you name it, there's probably a "fertility solution" attached to it!! (Ok so maybe that was a little bit of an overstatement) :)
My point is, that sometimes it's so overwhelming to try and fall pregnant that we somehow miss the old basics. In my case, I missed out altogether on trying aromatherapy as a treatment for my infertility, but have spoken to a few ladies who absolutely swear by it!
Keep in mind that when using aromatherapy to increase fertility there are several things to keep in mind. You need to be careful about what essential oils you use. It is often best to purchase your oils from a naturopath, or health food store, or even better to check with your doctor, as there are oils that are not suitable for use with some medical conditions and illnesses including pregnancy.
Once you have found some safe essential oils to use, there are 3 common methods of putting their benefits to use:
* Direct Application, normally via massage: Be sure to mix your oils with an oil base such as grapeseed or almond oil as pure essential oils are normally too strong for direct application to the skin. Use approximately 2 drops of essential oil to 10-12 drops of base oil. Massage is great for relaxation, helping your body to destress and also great for your relationship. Massage is a sensual way to connect with your partner, because as many of us know, trying to conceive can be a tense time.
* In the Bath: Adding 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a relaxing warm tub and soaking is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. If you would prefer diluting the oil in a base, use approximately 50% base and 50% essential oil.
* Oil Burners: Filling your home or room with the beautiful scents of many essential oils can have an amazing effect on mind and body. Many oils are thought to have relaxing and healing properties when dispersed through the air.
Now you know how to use them, head to my next post Increase Fertility - Aromatherapy - Which Oils to Chose, to find out what oils are best...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Fertility Diet: Supplement your way to Pregnancy!
When it comes to fertility, Diet is not always considered to be on the top list of priorities. A Fertility Diet is not as crazy as it sounds. Look around, we hear so regularly about all the great benefits of Supplements, Vitamins, Minerals, and the amazing things they can do for our bodies. This is also true when we are facing problems of fertility and the desire to fall pregnant.
All too often in our busy modern lives, we skip meals, eat processed foods or, quite simply our foods just don't have the same nutritional content as they once did due to over producing, steroid use, fertilizers,... and the list goes on....
So here are some basic supplements you can use to your advantage to increase your overall health and help your body kick start into baby mode.
FOLIC ACID
Folic Acid is a necessary supplement for all women attempting to fall pregnant. It is proven to prevent against Spina Bifida developing in an unborn baby during development.
VITAMINS B6 and B12
Vitamin B6 has been proven to help increase fertility levels in otherwise unfertile women. B vitamins play a role in our overall health and stress levels, so are important for everybody, but in this case, can play an especially important role in conceiving.
Vitamin B12 is essential for men. It has been shown to increase low sperm counts.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Essential Fatty Acids are vital in the body's functioning. They play an extremely important role in the production and regulation of hormones. Essential Fatty Acids, are especially vital for men due to their effect on the production of prostoglandins. Without these Essential Fatty Acids, prostoglandin production is inefficient resulting in low quality sperm.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C can play a strong role in sperm production and is therefore vital for any man who has low sperm count, or evidence of abnormal sperm. If sperm tests have not been undertaken or even if infertility is not yet a problem, vitamin C is still a great vitamin for anyone to be taking. It is a great antioxidant, ridding our bodies of bad elements, it also increases our immune system.
VITAMIN E
Yet another wonderful antioxidant. Vitamin E is recommended for assisting to increase fertility in both men and women. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E have been thought to make the sperm more effective.
ZINC
A Zinc deficiency can lead to lower fertility for both men and women, and a higher risk of miscarriage in women. Zinc is an essential element in your bodies efforts at utilising reproductive hormones. Zinc is found in high concentrations in sperm, and if vital in sperm production, so essentially both male and woman should include zinc as part of their fertility plan.
This is of course a small list of essential vitamins and minerals that can and may assist with fertility issues. It is good to know that most "pregancy" formulas contain each mentioned here. For men, they are often less likely to implement vitamins and minerals to increase fertility as this issue is often associated more so with women, so it's good to realise that planning for and increasing fertility is equally important to both man and woman.
All too often in our busy modern lives, we skip meals, eat processed foods or, quite simply our foods just don't have the same nutritional content as they once did due to over producing, steroid use, fertilizers,... and the list goes on....
So here are some basic supplements you can use to your advantage to increase your overall health and help your body kick start into baby mode.
FOLIC ACID
Folic Acid is a necessary supplement for all women attempting to fall pregnant. It is proven to prevent against Spina Bifida developing in an unborn baby during development.
VITAMINS B6 and B12
Vitamin B6 has been proven to help increase fertility levels in otherwise unfertile women. B vitamins play a role in our overall health and stress levels, so are important for everybody, but in this case, can play an especially important role in conceiving.
Vitamin B12 is essential for men. It has been shown to increase low sperm counts.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Essential Fatty Acids are vital in the body's functioning. They play an extremely important role in the production and regulation of hormones. Essential Fatty Acids, are especially vital for men due to their effect on the production of prostoglandins. Without these Essential Fatty Acids, prostoglandin production is inefficient resulting in low quality sperm.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C can play a strong role in sperm production and is therefore vital for any man who has low sperm count, or evidence of abnormal sperm. If sperm tests have not been undertaken or even if infertility is not yet a problem, vitamin C is still a great vitamin for anyone to be taking. It is a great antioxidant, ridding our bodies of bad elements, it also increases our immune system.
VITAMIN E
Yet another wonderful antioxidant. Vitamin E is recommended for assisting to increase fertility in both men and women. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E have been thought to make the sperm more effective.
ZINC
A Zinc deficiency can lead to lower fertility for both men and women, and a higher risk of miscarriage in women. Zinc is an essential element in your bodies efforts at utilising reproductive hormones. Zinc is found in high concentrations in sperm, and if vital in sperm production, so essentially both male and woman should include zinc as part of their fertility plan.
This is of course a small list of essential vitamins and minerals that can and may assist with fertility issues. It is good to know that most "pregancy" formulas contain each mentioned here. For men, they are often less likely to implement vitamins and minerals to increase fertility as this issue is often associated more so with women, so it's good to realise that planning for and increasing fertility is equally important to both man and woman.
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