Top 10 fertility secrets

Well, some of these aren’t so secret but these were the top 10 fertility secrets that my acupuncturist told me about.

1. Chart your cycle

If have been trying to get pregnant for awhile and you haven’t charted your cycle then what are you waiting for??? Go to www.fertilityfriend.com and start today. It’s free! While I am not currently charting, I have in the past and I know my cycle is normal. I haven’t charted since my miscarriage so I’m thinking about starting again, just to make sure. One thing she mentioned was that if you notice consistent temperatures below 97.7 could possibly mean a thyroid problem. A website that was recommended was www.stopthethyroidmadness.com.

2. Make sleep a priority

This is one I need to adhere to. I get terrible sleep. Well, actually the sleep itself is fine, it’s just that I don’t get enough of it. She says we should get 9.5 hours each night. Wow. Your room should be dark, meaning no light from cell phones, alarm clocks, windows, etc. She also said you could take 1 tablespoon of Really Raw Honey (that is the name brand) to induce the melatonin/serotonin cycle.

3. Identify and address nutritional deficiencies

The top five she noted were:

• Vitamin D – this is especially true for someone who doesn’t get a period or for people with dark skin.
• Zinc – you may have a deficiency if you have white spots on your fingernails.
• Omega 3 – She recommends fermented cod liver oil capsules and you can get them from www.greenpastures.org.
• Mineral – Switch from table salt to Celtic sea salt but since it isn’t ionized (contains no iodine) you can add granulated sea kelp. I did and you can’t taste the sea kelp.
• Iodine – See above.

4. Eat REAL food

Goodbye delicious Cool Ranch Doritos. I’ll miss you. Oh, sweet Cheetos…what will I do without you?

Seriously though, she said to eat lots of the following:

• Eggs
• Organic veggies and fruit
• Cultured dairy – yogurt and kefir (it’s similar to a yogurt drink but it’s got a tang to it. I make a smoothie with it every morning)
• Fermented foods – Bubby’s (name brand but I’m not sure if I spelled it right) sauerkraut and komboucha (an interesting drink I’ve since tried. It’ll take some getting used to.)
• Full fat dairy
• Healthy fats – butter (preferably from grass fed cows), unheated olive oil, avocados, coconut oil

And of course there are foods to avoid:

• Margarine and butter substitutes
• White flour and white sugar
• Fake foods – tofurkey, “not” dogs
• Soy products
• Processed foods – the good stuff, basically
• Canola and other vegetable oils
• Genetically modified foods – mostly corn, soy and canola products

5. Use fertility superfoods

• Maca – a root vegetable. Go to www.superorganicfoods.com or www.natural-fertility-info.com. I purchased a bottle of Maca powder and put it in my morning smoothie.
• Royal jelly – you can also find this at www.natural-fertility-info.com
• Cod liver oil – see #3

6. Reduce your exposure to toxins

Get rid of those toxic cleaning products! Even the ones that are “green!” You don’t really need them and they could be causing you harm. Click here to find a TON of wonderful cleaning recipes made from stuff you probably already have.

She also mentioned that scented candles can mess with your hormones and to avoid them or use beeswax or soy candles.

Beauty products were another caution. Lotions, shampoos, make-up, etc can contain carcinogens but you can check your products out at www.cosmeticdatabase.com to see if they are safe or not.

The last toxin she mentioned were non-stick pans. Stick with stainless steel, cast iron or glass.

7. Go to acupuncture

So far so good as far as I’m concerned. I don’t have anything negative to say about it but it’s too early to start raving. I think that this something I will definitely continue though.

8. Use the law of attraction to manifest your greatest desire

I mentioned the “vision board” before. I’m still perfecting mine but it’s definitely coming together. I promise to share pictures soon. Whatever your vision, it should make you feel uplifted when you look at it. She also recommended reading (or watching the movie I didn’t know existed) The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.

I thought it was about new age mumbo jumbo but I might have to give it a read.

9. Create room in your life for a baby NOW

Un-busy (yeah, I know it’s not a real word) your work schedule, solve the problems you have in your marriage, etc. Do it all now, before there is a baby in the picture.

10. Focus on healthy first, then pregnancy

That is a tough pill to take but it’s definitely true. She mentioned that 85% of all diseases originate from stress.

So that’s it. These are what I’ve learned and I’m passing them on to you, dear friends. Use them. Learn from them. And hopefully they will help you as I am hoping they will help me.

Holistic healing

I’ve started acupuncture.  I’ve always been interested in trying it but reluctant because of the price tag and the fact that I couldn’t find anyone that specialized in fertility and was relatively close.  Well, back in January, before I found out I was pregnant I found a lady who not only specialized in acupuncture for fertility, she was practically down the street.  Seriously, it takes me about 5 minutes to get there.  I put in a request for information and then after we found out we were pregnant, forgot about it.  We all know how that turned out.

So, I’ve been doing some soul searching and I feel ready to start trying again.  We are still going forward with the foster care thing though.  It’s something we want to do whether we have biological children or not.  I’ve been doing some reading on ways to better manage my diabetes as well as natural ways to prepare my body to get and stay pregnant.  One book I found was The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis.

It’s about how to use traditional chinese medicine to treat infertility.  It covers acupuncture, herbs and foods to take/eat to treat infertility.  Reading this book is what made me get back in touch with the lady I had found in January. 

If you live in Maryland, or even DC or Virginia and are interested in meeting her (she offers a free consultation) her name is Cara Bergman and the name of her practice is Stillwater Fertility Clinic.  She is extremely nice, knowledgeable and compassionate.  I was very comfortable talking to her.  I cried.  And I never cry.  At least not in front of strangers.  I couldn’t help it though.  She talks to you about EVERYTHING.  I’ve never opened up so much in my life.  I don’t generally enjoy talking about my feelings.  I tend to bottle things up.  Not so healthy as it turns out.  ;o)

I had my first treatment on Sunday and had needles placed on my abdomen, legs, feet and back.  Some of them I could feel when they were put in and others not so much.  Some ached in the places they were put and others I couldn’t tell they were there.  After she placed them in my back she brushed her hand over them and it was the WIERDEST feeling ever.  It’s what I would imagine a cat or dog feels when you brush their whiskers. 

It’s going to cost me $85 a session and I’m doing one session a week.  I should really be using the money to pay off credit cards faster but I’m cutting things from my spending to be able to afford this.  This means no more pedicures, eyebrow waxing (I will be tweezing them myself), buying lunch (bringing lunch is healthier anyways) or other stuff I don’t really need.

She’s given me a ton of tips to try that I plan on sharing.  Things like foods to add and to avoid.  Supplements to take.  And other things as well.  That will be a whole other post.  I promise.  One thing I will share now is that she recommends making a “Vision Board.”  Just a simple posterboard (the arsty fartsy in me plans on doing something a little nicer than that) with pictures of things that you want in your life.  Specifically for me and most of the women she treats, a baby or a family.  It should be pictures of things that bring you happiness so if seeing a pregnant belly or ultrasound picture upsets you (even though you want it) you shouldn’t put it on there.  I’ve been collecting magazine pictures and I hope to start on that soon.  I’ll post pictures as soon as it’s done.  You can use a vision board for anything.  So, if you already have a baby, what would you put on your vision board?         

Fantabulously Frugal

Who loves free stuff?? Ummmm...me!

I just found this blog through another blog I read and they are having a giveaway for a whole bunch of neat stuff. Check out Fantabulously Frugal to enter for a chance to win. You can also earn more chances if you write a post about it and if you put my name down since I referred you.


My name is Kate....just in case you didn't know. ;o)

Cloth diapers and how to make one

I've wanted to use cloth diapers once we had a baby and was cringing at the cost per diaper (around $12-$18 per diaper, give or take). I know it would save money in the long run but my cheap ass puckered at the thought of my child crapping in an $18 diaper. That is when my search for an affordable cloth diaper began.

The old fashioned cloth diapers crossed my mind but they aren't fitted, which can lead to leaks and worse...stains. Yuck. They are definitely affordable (usually around $12 or so for a package of 10 or 12). Plus you would need to buy the plastic pants to go over them. I'm not sure how much they run but they aren't much.

The only other thing I could think of was to find a pattern and make my own. Problem solved! I found a great pattern at Mama Bird's Website. She has a basic pattern to use and instructions on how to make a fitted diaper, an all in one diaper and a pocket diaper. I've only made the fitted diaper (and made one addition of my own) but if I can find the right material (called PUL) I will try the all in one.

I decided I would do a step-by-step post on how I made the diaper but if you want to try to make one, I would go to her website. Her pictures are better. By the way, these pictures are in no way an attempt at photography. I haven't even cracked open those books yet. These pictures, to be quite blunt, suck. My craft room is in my basement and it has awful flourescent lighting. But, enough about that.

The diaper has two layers plus a soaker pad in the middle. I made the inner layer from a Good Will t-shirt ($.99 and I'll get about 4 or 5 diapers from it). The outer layer is flannel (I always check the remnant section for good deals. The remnant I used here cost me less than $2 and I'll get 2 or 3 diapers from it). I folded both fabrics in half and traced the pattern on to the t-shirt.

Now, both layers are cut out (I use pinking shears) and I've marked where the elastic goes.

I also marked where the soaker pad is placed. It should hit the two small marks and then it is centered in the middle.

Next, I cut out the material for the soaker pad. I use 6 strips of flannel. I always save scraps from sewing projects and now it can be put to good use. Also, I check the remnant section for ugly flannel to use. It's cheap and it won't be seen.

Ok, so I made two additions to Mama Bird's pattern. I added three layers of batting in the soaker. It should help it dry faster, especially if it's put in the dryer.

This is what the soaker should look like...three layers of flanne on the top and bottom with three layers of batting in the middle.

Then I sewed the soaker together. I just did this to make it easier when it came time to sew it to the inner part of the diaper.

It obviously isn't even but it doesn't matter. It won't be seen and it's only purpose is to hold piss.

The soaker is placed in between the two markings I made earlier and centered in the middle.

Now it's ready to be sewn on.

Be careful while you are sewing and don't sew the diaper to itself like I did. You can't see it because it is a crappy picture.

If you do then you'll just use a seam ripper to remove the offending stitches and begin again.

This is what it will look like (or better if you are a better seamstress than I am, and you probably are) once the soaker pad is sewn on. I went around it twice, hence the framed in look.

Next, I cut the elastic for the leg openings. When cutting, you need to stretch it from marking to marking so that once it's sewn on it will gather the fabric. Make sure to cut two...one for each leg. Duh.

Sewing on the elastic is probably the hardest part of this little project but if I can do it, anyone can. You kind of just stretch and sew at the same time. This is what one finished side looks like.

And with both sides finished. See how the sides are gathered up? That's what holds the poo in!

Then, I stitched on the ends of the back elastic. I'll sew this down once the diaper is sewn together.

Next, I pinned the two layers together, right sides together.

Now the two layers are sewn together.

I left an opening so that I can turn it inside out. It will be sewn up later.

This is the diaper right side out.

I then sewed the back elastic through both layers. Again, you kind of have to stretch and sew at the same time.

Then I sewed up the opening I had left to turn the diaper inside out.

Next, I cut the hook velcro (the scratchy side) for the tabs of the diaper.

Here they are sewn on.

Then I cut the loop velcro (the soft side) for the front of the diaper.

Now that the velcro is on the diaper is almost finished. I decided to add one little feature though.

I decided to add fold over pockets/tabs/whatever to the tabs of the diaper to protect the velcro while washing. This way it doesn't get fuzzies stuck to it and it doesn't create a chain of diapers in the washer or dryer. First, I lay the tab on a piece of folded over flannel and traced it.

Once it's cut out I placed it on the inner part of the tab.

Sew around the round part of the tab but leave the straight edge open.

So now the tab cover thingy is sewn on and while in use it will look like this.

When it's time to wash the diaper, just flip the tabs over the velcro and wash.

So that's it. It's really not hard. I've made three so far and it usually takes about 45 minutes or so to make a one. Seeing as how I'll probably need about 20-30 of each size (give or take) it's probably good that I start now.

Total cost for homemade fitted diaper: Around $1...probably less.

Now that is something my child can crap in.

P.S. Please ignore the chipped nail polish. That is the main reason I never get manicures. I'm terrible about taking off the polish once it starts chipping. I got my nails done for Valentine's Day. I'm guessing it'll still be on my nails come St. Patrick's Day.

It CAN be easy being green!

Hello, My Love,

Your dad and I went to Costco last night to get some dog food and while I was waiting for my pictures to be printed, we walked around to see what they had. I was like a kid in a candy store! I was truly surprised to see how much organic stuff they had! I didn't look at every last thing in the store but the things I saw were:

• Organic milk - 1% (which is what we drink) We usually get a half gallon of the store brand of organic milk and it usually runs $3.89. Costco had three half gallons for $7.98 (or close to that). Needless to say, we grabbed it!
• Organic BBQ sauce
• Organic cereals. I saw some Flax cereal (sorry, but I love my Golden Grahams!) but they also had some granola that was pumpkin flavored that sounded pretty yummy.
• Organic soups and broths.
• Organic pop tarts.
• Organic rice krispy bars.
• Organic olive oil.
• Environmentally friendly laundry detergent. I was planning on getting some by Seventh Generations since my food store (Shoppers Food Warehouse) carries it and Seventh Generation's website (http://www.seventhgeneration.com/) usually has coupons to print out but now I can get it from Costco for cheaper!
• Environmentally friendly hand soap refill. Babies R Us carries Method (http://www.methodhome.com)/ hand soap dispensers so now we can buy the refill soap!

I know there was more but I'm having a mental block. Anyway, today I went to Rite Aid and found some organic make up. I am currently using an organic tinted moisturizer and I love it. It's never cakey and you can't tell I'm wearing anything. I also have an organic bronzer...love that, too.
So, today I bought some organic eye shadow and eyeliner that is made for hazel eyes.

I also found earth friendly make up brushes! I was due for some new ones as I've had the ones I currently use for too long. These new ones are made from bamboo and "cruelty-free hair."

Plus, they were on sale for buy one, get one half off, so I saved some green as well!

The next step....

Hello, My Love,

We are finally at that dreaded point of no return.

The......(dramatic pause).......FERTILITY SPECIALIST! Bum Bum Buuuuuuuuuum....

I finally made an appointment to see my OB/GYN and he, of course, wants me to do more blood work and for your dad to get another semen analysis (to make sure the first one wasn't just a fluke or a bad test). He gave me the number for a fertility clinic that you can do semen analysis at that would be closer to your dad's work but he wasn't sure if they took insurance. Well, I had the chance to call today and they do take his insurance, but only if we are both patients there. Meaning, if he wants to do the semen analysis there and not be a patient it will cost him $150. Not terrible considering the gas money and time off from work it would cost him to go to the place he had to go before (about a 45 minute drive for him).

So I asked what we needed to do to become patients and if they took our insurance and they do. I just need to get a referral from my doctor. I did that after I spoke with them and I should have it in a few days. As soon as I get it I will schedule an appointment for us with our very first (and hopefully last) fertility specialist.

I'm not quite sure how to feel at this point. Part of me feels excited that this step is getting us closer to you. Part of me feels scared that this won't work. Part of me feels anxious that this appointment will never get here. Part of me feels apathetic towards the whole thing because I don't want to invest anymore of myself only to be let down again.

I know your dad is frustrated. It bothers him that we are doing everything right and still nothing. We've been doing things to improve our chances and still nothing. I don't know about him but this whole thing has consumed me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about getting pregnant.

I wish I could occupy my mind with other things but it is so hard. It affects almost everything I do.

• Diet - I cut back on caffeine. We both started eating more organic foods as well as grow our own vegetables.
• Sex Life - It is basically dictated by when I ovulate. It's hard to be romantic when we both know we're doing it for the sole purpose of making you.
• Medications - I make sure any medication I'm taking won't harm a baby if and when I become pregnant.
• Waking up - Every morning before my eyes are fully open, I take my temperature and write it down so that I can accurately chart my cycle.
• Work - My full time job is working with children so of course my mind wanders to the thought of having my own children. My part time job deals with mostly pregnant women so it is a true test of character. I can't help but be judgemental of some of these women (well, some are still just girls). I still catch myself saying "I hate you" under my breath to some of them as they pass by. Do I truly hate them? No, of course not, but this desire to become a mother burns so strong inside of me I just can't stand to see it come so friggin easily to some people.

I borrowed some books from the library dealing with infertility and how to cope with it and have started one book, called Unsung Lullabies by Janet Jaffe, Martha Ourieff Diamond and David Diamond. So far it has been very helpful. They describe infertility as a trauma and now that I think about it, it really is. Each month, we suffer a loss. Not necessarily the loss of a child but the loss of a dream. It is my dream to have a child and each month I am shot down. I am a failure.

The book suggests starting a journal and writing out my reproductive story. Not the story of when we starting trying but childhood memories and things like that which have influenced our reasons for wanting a child and how we want to raise them. For example, I remember asking my mother for a "brown baby sister" so my mom bought me a black baby doll to take care of. There is a picture of me trying to nurse it. I'm holding it up to my belly button. I think I was 2 or 3. As far as how I want to raise you, I know my parents were very lax about things and even though I turned out ok (in my opinion anyway) I know I want to be a little more strict. Not military strict but when I tell you to clean your room you know you better clean it. I think this journal would be very therapeutic for not only me but for your dad as well. He didn't seem to interested in it but I think it will help.

Twice in one day? Insane!

So, I completely forgot to put an update about where we stand as far as getting pregnant goes. It totally thought last month was it but it was not. This month I started charting my temperature and using OPK (ovulation predictor kit). As of yet I have not ovulated but it should be any day now. I am trying to time the baby-making just right. There are several different points of view on how often to "do it." Some say every other day. Some say every day. If the man has a lower sperm count you should go every other day so that they have a chance to regenerate. Seeing how Courtney has not had his "boys" tested we don't have an answer to that question. If this month doesn't work then I think we both need to get the ball rolling on getting tests done to find out why nothing has happened in going on two years.

I did hear back from my doctor about some follow up bloodwork I had done for my thyroid. After 2 months on the medication they prescribed me I am now "normal." Good to know. I haven't lost any weight nor do I feel less tired so I am not seeing any kind of difference since I started the medication. Other than the fact that I'm "normal."

I came across this blog http://www.confessionsofacfhusband.com/ a few weeks ago and it is an amazing blog. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who has half a brain or half a heart. It's a sweet, young couple. The wife has cystic fibrosis and they unexpectedly got pregnant as she was about to go on a transplant list for new lungs. They stuck with the pregnancy, gave birth to a micro-preemie at 24 weeks, I believe. The husband updates the blog several times a day and is such a wonderful husband and father. It is inspiring to read about their lives. As I've said before, I'm not religious and don't believe in god but I do admire and respect those that TRULY believe and live their lives accordingly. And this guy does. Plus he's got a sense of humor. He's a saint if I ever saw one.