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September ICLW!

Sep 23rd, 2011
by Krissi.
2 comments

  Hello out there and welcome to my corner of the Internet! I am so excited that Fall is here and I’m looking forward to some fall foliage as I drive into Connecticut today for a family wedding. I’ve been writing this blog for nearly 2 years, shortly after my miracle twins were born via IVF. I also have a daughter who was my first IVF miracle and she is now 4 1/2. I recently wrote a memoir about my journey that I am self publishing and it will be out soon. It’s called Ordinary Miracles and I’m very excited about it!

  It’s PCOS awareness month and I’m having a  PCOS Awareness giveaway you should check out! (Not a lot of people have entered…hint, hint!) And there’s been lots of great information, success stories, and bloggers all related to PCOS this month, so stay around for a while and catch up! ;-)

  I wanted to link to another great site today for Fertility News Friday. The site has a wealth of info. Go to: Your Guide to PCOS. Happy Reading!

 P.S. I’m still looking for guest bloggers to share their experiences with PCOS. If you’re interested in writing a post for this blog this month, contact me at sfinfertility@optimum.net.  

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Lovin’ Cowgirltn, Jessie, & Julia

Sep 20th, 2010
by Krissi.
4 comments

  It’s my favorite day where I check in to my sidebar and feature 3 lucky bloggers randomly…so without further adu, (adoo? adieu? How do you spell that word anyway??) BTW, If you’re here from ICLW, hi!! ;-)

   LStoBSFirst up is Cowgirltn from Little Steps to Baby Steps! Her in-laws are driving her nuts but she triggered a few days ago for her 3rd IVF cycle so go send some good vibes her way! She also has a funny post about heels in the stirrups and lots of loving support from friends where she confidently wrote, “there is going to be a heartbeat in a month and it won’t be mine.” Love that!!

 

   Next, I’m lovin’ Jessie from Faith, Love & Infertility.  I love her most recent post where she writes some tips from The Fertile Kitchen on eating healthy. (Oh and I just added this one to my Virtual Bookshelf!) She also has a funny post about the label of ‘infertility.’ Go send her some love!

 

  22050_545620600201_42004619_32047945_6008541_nAnd last, but certainly not least, we have Julia from Just Relax! She is having a good month at 4DPO (with a Clomid cycle) and feeling really positive although she is strongly advocating towards IUI if this cycle doesn’t work out. And recently she went to a friend’s wedding that caused her desire to have children to go into overdrive! But from the sound of it, it was a beautiful affair! Good luck Julia!

Please go send all these ladies some love!!

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Newest Releases of Repro Lit

May 14th, 2010
by Krissi.
1 comment

   BookshelfSo, if you’re book shelves at home are chock full of helpful IF books or “Repro Lit” as this genre is now being called, and you are still craving more info…here is a link to the newest releases. Some are out now (and available for instant download on Ki.ndle) and others are out later this year but are available for pre-order. And with some good will and a little determination, my memoir will also be coming out sometime soon…provided I get an agent and publisher interested that is…but that would require me actually finishing it first! ;-) Anyhoo, check out the following list I had the pleasure of searching on A.ma.zon:

Hot New Releases in Fertility

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100 Ways to be Stress-Free Through Infertility!

Apr 14th, 2010
by Krissi.
19 comments

100   

   So, this is my 100th post and I’m so excited! Today, I’m listing 100 Ways To Be Stress-Free Through Infertility, devided into 10 categories! Enjoy reading it and using it as a guide! Grab my button on the sidebar so that you can access this list at any time! ;-)

100 Ways to Be Stress Free Through Infertility!

  1. Blog!
  2. Do acupuncture
  3. Meditate
  4. Go to a support group
  5. Go to fertility counseling or coach
  6. Go to a life coach
  7. Vent to/get support from family and friends
  8. Go seek answers or support on message boards
  9. Find support through groups on Facebook or Twitter
  10. Keep a journal
  11. *Take a walk outside
  12. *Walk on a treadmill
  13. *Take a spin class
  14. *Bike outside
  15. *Ride an elliptical machine
  16. *Take a Pilates class
  17. *Do Pilate’s at home
  18. *Do yoga at home
  19. *Do yoga at the beach
  20. *Take a (fertility) yoga class
  21. Window shop
  22. Shoe shop
  23. Clothes shop
  24. Shop for Home Decor items
  25. Shop for books, music, or movies
  26. Go to the mall or outlet center
  27. Shop on-line
  28. Shop with family (mom, sister, SIL, hubby, etc.)
  29. Shop with friends
  30. **Window Shop for baby items (Only if this doesn’t cause more stress)
  31. Drink plenty of water
  32. Drink hot herbal tea
  33. Eat organically
  34. Eat healthy meals
  35. Take a nap
  36. Get at least 8 hours of sleep
  37. Say a positive affirmation every day
  38. Take a hot shower
  39. ***Take a bath
  40. Put your feet up
  41. Read this blog ;-)
  42. Read other IF blogs
  43. Read updates on Twitter
  44. Read updates on Facebook-(infertility related or from IF groups)
  45. Read inspirational poetry
  46. Read your favorite authors
  47. Read infertility memoirs
  48. Read information from infertility books (Knowledge is power!)
  49. Read a good love story
  50. Read a book that has been turned into a movie
  51. Go to the movies
  52. Watch a feel-good movie at home
  53. Watch a comedy
  54. See a movie in IM.AX
  55. Watch your favorite TV shows
  56. Watch videos on Yo.u T.ube
  57. Go to a Comedy Club
  58. Go to an Amusement Park
  59. Watch the sunrise
  60. Watch the sunset
  61. Play a board game
  62. Play a game on-line
  63. Play a video game
  64. Play a game on your phone or P.D.A
  65. Host a game night with friends
  66. Go out for a game night
  67. Go to a fair to play games & win prizes
  68. Watch your favorite sports on TV
  69. Go to a local pub to watch the game
  70. Go see your favorite team play LIVE!
  71. Listen to a visualization CD
  72. Listen to soothing, relaxing nature sounds
  73. Listen to a playlist of slow, relaxing songs
  74. Listen to your favorite artist/band
  75. Listen to a playlist of your favorite uplifting songs
  76. Go to a concert
  77. Go to a local place for live music
  78. Go to a music festival
  79. Create/play your own music
  80. Have a party with a music genre as the theme
  81. Go on a date with your significant other
  82. Go out to dinner with your significant other (or with friends)
  83. Go to a Bed & Breakfast with your significant other
  84. Go on a picnic with your significant other (or with friends)
  85. Take a getaway for the weekend/week with your significant other
  86. Take a drive with your significant other (or with friends)
  87. Take a cruise with your significant other (or with friends)
  88. Go dancing with your significant other (or with friends)
  89. Go to a friend’s house with your significant other
  90. Be intimate with your significant other
  91. Get a manicure
  92. Get a pedicure
  93. Get a facial
  94. Get a massage
  95. Get reflexology
  96. Get your hair done
  97. Get your make-up done
  98. Go to a spa for a weekend or a vacation
  99. Have a girl’s pampering day
  100. Go relax at the beach for some sun therapy

*All of these exercises are low-impact. Consult a doctor if you wish to participate and listen to your doctor’s advice about whether you should exercise or not during a (medicated) cycle.

**This is not meant to upset anyone! I realize this may of course be hard for you! I happen to really enjoy the planning, and picking out and actually buying a few things before becoming pregnant. You may not. If it bothers you, please disregard!

*** Listen to your doctor’s advice about this. Some doctors advise against baths after a  certain time in your cycle (like after an embryo transfer or IUI). And the same goes for hot tubs. Please use your best judgement!

And thank you to all of you who have been with me on my journey for all 100 posts! I appreciate you all so much!

Update: This post originally had a giveaway that is now over! ;-)
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The + & – of HPTs

Mar 19th, 2010
by Krissi.
4 comments
wguide.uchicago.edu

wguide.uchicago.edu

   So, I know youare most probably aware of any and all info surrounding HPTs (home pregnancy tests) and I’m most likely preachin’ to the choir here but just in case you are curious about which brand is considered most accurate or how soon you can “accurately” test…this article may be of interest to you! Happy Friday! ;-)

Pregnancy Tests

(from MedicineNet.com)

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The 2WW

Mar 9th, 2010
by Krissi.
3 comments

  

fertilityc.com

fertilityc.com

   Many times through trying to conceive I felt as though my life was divided among 2 week intervals. First came the blissful, excited time full of hope, love, optimism and plans (afterthe tears and heartache disappeared with my period of course).  Then came the dreaded two week wait, the time between ovulation and my next period (or hopeful lack there of) otherwise known in forums, blogs and message boards alike as the 2ww.  It’s was a time full of pangs, cramps, symptoms, questions and doubts. Essentially, it’s a time that can literally drive us infertiles wild with anxiety, insecurities and stress.

   And whether ovulation is a best estimated guess or calculated with drugs, appointments, and scans…every day (every minute) between this time and the exact moment when it is seemingly safe to test can be exhausting and take forever. We can feel like our life is on the cusp of complete and utter change. And as we stare at the juxtaposition of our tampons and pregnancy tests in our medicine cabinets, we can also feel as though the days of the 2ww will lead up to huge emotions at the end where we will either be taken through the clouds with elation ortaken through the mud with pain, frustration and ultimate disappointment.

   So, how do you cope?

   Well, my best advice is to lay low. I know it is nearly impossible to shut off your brain, ignore your body and ultimately “not think about it.” I’ve been there. I know that this is a LOT easier said (or typed) than done. But, the more you do to distract yourself (in healthy, mindful, restful ways) the better.

Drop back tomorrow for a list of these healthy, mindful and restful ways and to add some of your own! ;-)

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Happy ICLW!

Feb 21st, 2010
by Krissi.
7 comments

   Welcome To all new and returning visitors! If you are here from Mel’s Stirrup Queens , Happy IComLeavWe Week! I am so glad you stopped by and I am hoping you will come back and visit beyond today. I will tell you a little about me.

   I’ve started this blog because I’ve been there…and I know it’s a stressful, lonely place to be. I am not a Reproductive Endocronologist, a licensed psychologist, a nurse or anyone in the medical field. But, I was an infertility patient that went through some of the same real, raw experiences you may be going through now. The long version about my infertility is here. But the short of it is I’ve done 6 IVF cycles (3 fresh and 3 frozen) in the last 3 years. I transferred a total of 14 embryos, had 2 BFNs, 2 chemical pregnancies and 2 BFPs that led me to my beautiful daughter who’s almost 3 and my 5 month old twins. Now, I blog to help others and I also blog about being a mommy to my 3 ordinary miracles under 3 if you want to check that out too!

peppermintpr.com

peppermintpr.com

   Although my blog is fairly new, each week, I post a topic of the week that involves stress-free tips mixed in with my own experiences. Past topics have been getting support through family, friends, support groups, message boards, social-networking sites, and blogs.  I’ve also written posts on eating organically, proper hydration, sleeping well, meditation, acupuncture (including my top 10 tips) and yoga.

 

   heart blogOn Sundays, I feature a success story and on Mondays I feature one infertility blog at random from my sidebar. If you or someone you know has had success, send them or go here to share your/their story! If you would like to be featured and your blog is not on my sidebar, leave me a comment and I will add you on! :-)

   And I round out the week with fertility news on Fridays. My experience inspired my blogging journey but now that I’m here, I am inspired by all of my readers! I am here for you. It truly means the world to me to know that I’m helping others. And that brings to my total excitement about this week because I LOVE comments!!! So, please don’t hesitate to comment on what you like, what you don’t like and what you’d like to see topics on! I’m all ears! OR eyes anyway! LOL! ;-)   

zwani.com myspace graphic comments

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Fertility News: Yoga

Feb 19th, 2010
by Krissi.
3 comments

   

preconception.com/articles/

preconception.com/articles/

   Today’s Fertility News comes from Preconception.comwith an article by Debora Geary on Yoga and fertility. She starts her article about a couple who finally got pregnant with twins after trying for 2 1/2 years. She goes on to explain a study that Dr. Alice Domar, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, conducted with infertile women introducing them to a 10 week mind/body program that included yoga. She also discusses yoga benefits with Julie Cade Bon, a certified Yoga teacher and owner of Partnership for Pregnancy, and 3 infertile yoga goers: Kim, Stephanie, and Cristin.

Go to the following link for this great article!

 

Fertility and Flexibility

Yoga When You’re Trying to Conceive

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Fertility Yoga is a Healing Community

Feb 18th, 2010
by Krissi.
1 comment

   sueheadshotsmall

    Today, I am honored  to have Sue Dumais guest blog! She is the author of Yoga for Fertility Handbook and owner of Family Passages Mind Body Studio in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Recognizing the need for more support for women and couples all over the world, Sue developed a Fertility Yoga Teacher Training Program and a Fitness Fertility Specialist Certification Program.

Fertility Yoga is a Healing Community

The main reason I created and starting teaching a Fertility Yoga class was to support my own health and wellbeing. In the depth of my own fertility challenges, I was becoming more and more disconnected, depressed and isolated. Although my husband was very supportive he just couldn’t understand the extent of my grief. I felt misunderstood and at times, I thought I was actually losing my mind. I watched myself spiraling out of control and realized that I needed to shift something quickly.

 

The first class I taught filled up with little effort. Women were nervous and at the same time relieved to find some support. I experienced such a warm comfort as we shared our experiences with each other and I realized that I wasn’t alone and that other women were on a similar emotional roller coaster.

 

We all had such a profound experience in the first session of classes and I discovered a community of support that gave me HOPE! Within months I opened Family Passages Mind Body Studio where I continued to teach Yoga for Fertility classes as well as private yoga therapy session and a Couples Mind Body Program. I was touched by the impact the space had for women and couples and I was grateful to witness such amazing transformations in such a short period of time. 

 

child'sposeThe classes provide a space for healing the mind, body and spirit. The yoga postures help support the body by reducing the effects of stress and improving blood flow to the reproductive organs. Each posture is held for 3-5 minutes and accompanied by a dialogue specific to fertility. The class allows for a deep experience of the posture and fosters a level of healing that miracles are made of.

 

I love to witness women coming in the door feeling defeated, confused and stressed and by the end of the class they leave feeling relieved, calm and supported on their journey. It is the most rewarding class as an instructor that I have ever taught in my 18 year career. It is like a yoga support group. There is comfort just walking in the door and realizing they are not alone. There is peace in re-connecting to their own inner guidance/intuition as they realize they no longer need to desperately seek answers outside of themselves.

 

They begin to befriend their body again, follow their guidance, find a sense of calm and discover a strength that will help them through their journey. I watch them come alive as they begin to take back control of their life. The learn how to identify and process their emotions and they use the mind body tools to shift their experience outside the class. They bring their yoga practice off the mat and into their lives each day, and their experience of fertility shifts and transforms.

 

Most importantly I don’t see women as “infertile” or “broken” or “failures”.

 

I see women as the Mothers I know they are.

I hold FAITH for them!

I BELIEVE in them, no matter what!

 spirit baby

    You can be a Mother!  I know with my whole heart, that one way or another, you too, will bring your baby home into your arms. I will hold FAITH for you until you BELIEVE it as deeply as I do! Because when you BELIEVE something is possible, impossible is nothing.

Namaste,

Sue Dumais

 

To learn more visit www.familypassages.ca

To find a Yoga for Fertility class in your area visit www.yogaforfertilityresources.com

Photo credit: Adrienne Thiessen of Gemini Visuals

Thanks again Sue! I hope your enjoying the Olympics! ;-)  

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Strike A Pose

Feb 17th, 2010
by Krissi.
2 comments

   Since  yoga is so widely practiced, it isn’t too expensive to try. Going to a local gym or yoga center can be beneficial for better instruction (on properly executing your poses), for a calming and warm environment (since usually they crank soothing music and the heat), and for very effective and focused meditation afterwards (with no interruptions from your significant other, furbabies, or phone calls).

    However, if fertility treatments limit your extra time and/or money, you don’t have to go to a gym or center. All you need is a mat (which is more comfortable but a towel will do) and a DVD (or a soothing CD and an explanation of poses). 

    Here are some poses that may help with infertility through Love To Know: Yoga For instructions on any of the poses, click the appropriate linked text or picture! ;-)

     To stimulate your hormones, you can try the Bridge Pose 

yogajournal.com

Bridge Pose

 
yoga.lovetoknow.com

Supported Headstand

 
 
    or the more advanced Supported Headstand pose.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   To rejuvenate the body, you can try:
Wide Angled Seated Forward Bend
Wide Angled Forward Bend

Wide Angled Forward Bend

 
 
 
             Or Child’s Pose (among others).
   
Child Pose

Child Pose

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
    And apparently, you can relax and stimulate the abdominal and reproductive areas at the same time with these poses:
 
      Lotus Pose
 
Lotus Pose

Lotus Pose

Or the Reclined Hero Pose
Reclined Hero Pose

Reclined Hero Pose

*Other poses are listed here: Yoga Poses for Fertility 
  
 Here are some Yoga DVDs specifically targeted for fertility I found on Amazon with 4 or more star ratings:
  Also, you may want to try: Bend, Breathe & Conceive
I hope these are helpful references. If you try any of them, please report back and let us know what you thought!
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