Things that helped me
This post was originally posted last Wednesday and like my other family posts, was unedited at the time of posting. I didn’t do the best job phrasing a couple of things, but here is the new edited version- all of the info is still here 🙂
While the Pilot was deployed, I really wanted to prep the proverbial bun in the best way possible and help my body to become more receptive to pregnancy. Here is a list of the things that helped me out and I’m posting these tips for those who might be interested in seeking an alternative path. Of course, everyone has unique situations and I think it’s up to us to be respectful of other’s personal choices regarding their bodies. Please check with a doctor before making any nutrition changes, taking herbal supplements and if you’re planning for a little one in the near future. Your doctor will help you develop your own personal plan.
There are two books that I think are absolute must-haves if you’re considering a baby in the near future (or even in the next couple of years):
1. Taking Charge of Your Fertility and
2. Making Babies
I read TCOYF almost three years ago and I couldn’t believe that I lived for so long without it. This book explains in detail how to chart your cycle so that you’re more aware of your fertile time by tracking body changes and basal (waking) temperature. By charting, you’re able to determine when you’re expected to ovulate, any irregular patterns in your cycle, and any possible hormone deficiencies (like low progesterone which can contribute to luteal phase defect, which could prevent you from becoming pregnant). The book explains EVERYTHING and also includes charts for you to use at home CD software so you can input your info into the computer (which is the method I chose before switching to the iPeriod app on my iPhone).
(My chart the cycle that it actually happened)
After charting for a few months, I could tell that something was totally off after being on birth control for 13 years. My waking temperatures were all over the place, some cycles I’d ovulate extremely late (around day 21, which would make the luteal phase –amount of time from ovulation until a new cycle began- extremely short) and other cycles, I wouldn’t ovulate at all. If I hadn’t been charting, I would have thought my cycle was entirely normal because it was the standard amount of days (28-32), but the problem was what was happening within my cycle. I wasn’t having a real cycle at all some months; rather anovulatory bleeding, which would have made me think everything was good to go, had I not been charting.
I went to see a doctor in Valdosta, who talked to me for about 2 minutes before handing me a prescription for Clomid.
“Here, take this. That will get you pregnant.” And he rushed off.
After researching the side effects of Clomid (beastly mood swings- Tom was about to deploy, I didn’t want him to hate me when he left- less fertile cervical fluid, etc) + the fact that I was already sometimes ovulating on my own (all Clomid does is force ovulation) made me decide I didn’t want to take it, especially since we hadn’t been trying for very long.
I figured if it was meant to happen before the deployment, it would have, but instead the deployment gave me a chance to get to know my body and cycles better, as well as explore some other options.
After talking to a good friend who had success with a homeopathic doctor (they had been trying for 3 years before she started seeing him; she got pregnant in 6 months), I decided to start seeing him to figure out if we could normalize my cycle and help prepare my body for pregnancy. My friend gave me the phone number to his practice and I started to have phone appointments with him in addition to the herbal supplements he put me on. He put me through quite a bit of testing (including a saliva DNA analysis) and determined that my hormones were backwards- higher at night than in the morning, which explained why I hated the morning so much and couldn’t start my day very quickly- and that I was gluten-sensitive, with very low insulin levels. The supplements I took, in addition to a lower sugar and gluten-free diet, were intended to bring everything back into balance. He assured me that within 6 months, things would be in place.
I’m going to be doing an entire post on my doctor, including his name, because working with him has been one the best experiences I’ve ever had with a medical professional. It was very expensive, which was the only downer, but 100% worth it. He took time to thoroughly answer my questions, fixed my hormone imbalance –later testing showed everything was back the way it should be- and always knew what was happening with my body (the questions he would ask me were so crazy, because he’d already know what was happening before I had to tell him- like “last Monday, was your wedding ring a little tight?” and sure enough, that was the night I couldn’t fit my ring on my finger.. stuff like that, it was insane). He encouraged my active lifestyle and found plant-based supplements for me to take when I told him I wasn’t comfortable with animal-based ones. He also told me I’d have no problem getting pregnant the month Tom got home and when I called him to share the news, he was overjoyed but not surprised in the least.
Of course, there’s no way to be sure if my hormone imbalance and the other issues I was diagnosed with would have prevented me from becoming pregnant, but I am thankful that everything was back in balance when he got home.
The second book I recommend, Making Babies, is the perfect mix of Eastern and Western medicine in preparation for getting pregnant. It’s written by two well-known fertility doctors (one of whom helped to develop in vitro) and they both state that women are often given prescription drugs and fertility treatments without determining the underlying cause for the problems. I found the book extremely informational, especially since it’s customized for different “fertility types.” After answering a short quiz, you’ll be able to determine your fertility type (pale, stuck, tired, dry or a combination). The book gives nutrition and fitness suggestions based on your specific type. I wish I would have read this book sooner, because it gave me amazing tips and I discovered that many of the foods I was eating weren’t right for my type.
Other steps:
1. Acupuncture: Not only did it help me relax, but it was a fantastic complement to the work my homeopathic doctor was doing since it enabled blocked energy to flow and my body to work the way it’s supposed to. One of my cousins, who had an extremely difficult time conceiving –she has PCOS and has gone through in vitro and other medical procedures- is confident that acupuncture is what got her pregnant. That was all I needed to hear and I loved going for my twice-weekly acupuncture nap. I wanted by body to be as receptive as possible when Tom got home, and I’m confident that acupuncture had a significant role in that. I’m very fortunate to have access to an incredible community-based acupuncture clinic here in Tucson (Tucson Community Acupuncture) which is very reasonably-priced so we could afford my frequent visits.
2. Exercise changes: Like I said before, I always took it easy the second half of my cycle because there is a chance that you can shake things up too much before implantation occurs. I replaced HIIT, BodyRock and intense workouts with walking, yoga and Pilates until I knew for sure that nothing was going on in there. I think my body enjoyed a break from the frequent pounding and it helped me stay motivated to work out, since I was always switching things up.
3. Tea: I read somewhere that women who drink tea have a 30% higher chance of conceiving, so I continued with my tea habit – not difficult since I like it so much. Green tea, white tea, Raspberry leaf tea (which you shouldn’t continue to drink after a positive pregnancy test) and FertiliTea, which I drank the month before it all happened.
4. Eating for implantation + prenatal vitamin: The month that the little nugget was created, I had just finished reading “Making Babies” and was following their meal guidelines. They suggest certain foods to help with implantation including pineapple, red peppers, sunflower seeds and vitamin B12 (so I sprinkled nutritional yeast on everything). I made sure to get a good balance of all of these foods.
Also, I was more lax with my eats. I started eating more fats, more proteins and treating myself more often. I continued to plan meals so that I’d get the nutrients my active body required and my doctor wanted me to gain 5 lbs, which I did. Through eating well and exercising, it wasn’t additional smush, just additional weight.
I’ve been taking a prenatal vitamin for a little over two years- it’s recommended to start taking these within the year you plan to start a familia.
I also started taking a vegetarian DHA supplement, which is great for brain and spinal cord development. [Many prenatals have DHA, but mine didn’t]
Another thing that I paid attention to was ph balance of the foods I was eating.
Your body will conceive when it’s more alkaline than acidic (little swimmers thrive in an alkaline environment), so I made sure to include alkalizing foods and a morning dose of apple cider vinegar in hot water.
5. Yoga: It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the options and unknowns, especially when you move across the country and your husband is in Afghanistan. Yoga helped me keep my sanity. It was a great chance for me to focus, reduce stress and learn how to trust that my body would do what it needed to when the time was right.
6. Random: The month Tom got home I really wanted to feel like I was doing everything possible, so I bought some FertileCM after reading reviews online. I read that you don’t want to overdo it if you’re petite, so I took this twice a day, every other day instead of everyday. And it worked. Like really, really worked. That’s all the detail I’m going to go into.
7. Trying without “trying”: You never want the trying part to feel like work.. ever. Before Tom left we were both super stressed out about moving, the deployment and life in general, so when he got home, we promised to not worry about what time it was in my cycle and just have fun with it. We drank a hefty amount of wine, went on dates, traveled and enjoyed each other’s company. We were confident that it would happen at the right time… and it totally did. When he kisses the baby goodnight before we go to bed, I know this is how it’s supposed to be.
I hope this helps a little since many of ya asked which steps I took. It looks like a lot, but over the span of adding things in over the course of a year, it really wasn’t too bad.
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So happy you brought this post back up….we will be trying to get pregnant soon and would like to keep these methods in mind. Again, so happy for you and the pilot and am loving these family posts 🙂
Glad the post is back up because I think you included some great information! (and I didn’t find the first to be offensive at all!)
Great post and thanks for sharing! I’ve been looking a lot more into this lately since we are starting to think about a family in the near-ish future! It always makes me nervous that it may take a long time, especially since I’ve been on birth control for 10 years. I’m going to check out your book recommendations. 🙂
Just forwarded this to a friend, thank you for the information!
I’m so glad you put this post back up! I read the original and thought it was full of information!!! I have PCOS and don’t expect conceiving to be a “piece of cake”, so to speak, and it’s nice to read that it’s not always 100% easy for other women.
I’m so happy for you and the Pilot and wish you a healthy pregnancy! Thank you for passing along all of the info. 🙂
Whew! that was a lot of work! Good job! I don’t remember reading the first one..but, I am not a sensitive person…but, I find it so sweet that you take the time to make sure you do not offend anyone.
such an awesome informative post!!! I loved taking charge of your fertility! It helped me get pregnant with #2!
Awesome post!! Not planning to have another child but it was really interesting. And I’m a homeopathy freak! We tried for 1 year, I really was eager to get pregnant, it wasn’t happening and it was very stressful. Then we went on a great vacation, and we both decided we had time to become parents, we should wait a little more, enjoy each other…. 3 months later I got pregnant. We were not trying at all. We just relaxed and it happened 🙂
Great info, I’m currently being checked out for PCOS and low progesterone so it’s good to know it’s possible even with hormonal imbalances!
Been so lovely reading all about the pregnancy, look forward to your next post 🙂
Thanks for reposting!
Wow, love all the info!! In your books did it say anything about conceiving a boy vs a girl? Like foods to eat to make a difference, timing or positions? I’m always curious about that stuff 🙂
Thank you for this useful and interesting post. Taking charge of your fertility is a fantastic book, When we started ttc last year Ithought I knew about my cycle, I read this book and found out I did’t know that much at all. Everyone should read it, its amazing
Thanks for adding this back on! I was wondering what happened to it before, b/c since reading the original post last week, I have gone out, bought and read both books!! Loved both, esp Making Babies. I am VERY glad I read these books, my huz and I have been ttc for 7 months and these books were great sources of helpful facts and a fresh take on what’s best for female fertility. I am feeling so much more positive and “in charge” of this stage of our lives.
And – just for the record- I thought the first post was excellent (not offensive) and I appreciate and admire your honestly. That’s why I read your blog! 🙂
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for posting this. I just stumbled upon your blog, being a fan of Iowa Girl Eats and she mentioned your blog in one of her posts. We’re trying to start a family and I’m in a very simliar situation with the passion for exercise, a husband who’s schedule is crazy, and being on the pill for 13 years too. I will check out those books ASAP – and explore the other pieces of advice too. Congrats on your little peanut 😉 I love reading your posts!
very informative! thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you for re-posting. I bought those books on Amazon that day and have already read both. I’ve had so much trouble in this area that I feel like it was meant for me to read your post the first time. Love your blog!
Thanks for posting this again! I just went off birth control about 2 weeks ago after being on it for 11 years. I’ve been super nervous about it for some reason. We aren’t “trying” to get pregnant but if its happens we would be so excited. I guess i’m just nervous on how my body is going to adapt without the pill. I feel like i’ve been so dependent on it for so long that I forgot what my body feels like.
I have a question about the FAM. When you took your temperature did you take it at the same time every morning?? My numbers are all over the place and I’m wondering if it’s because i’m taking it at different times each morning.
Ashley,
Yes, you should take your temperature at the same time each morning for the most accurate readings. I have to get up at 4:45 a few mornings a week, so that’s when I take my temperature. I’m pretty good at falling back asleep if I don’t have to be up at a certain time. Also, you can change the time from cycle to cycle without a problem if you have a changing schedule. For example, 4:45 one month and 6:30 the next. Good Luck! I’ve been doing some version of the FAM for over a year now and feel so empowered!
Missed the first time this was posted, but can’t imagine what was “offensive” to anyone about it. It is great to hear about what worked for YOU, and no one would think you’re saying its for everyone!
Wow Gina, this is so great! Such amazing detail and tips. I am so so happy that you are happy and happily pregnant. I think you were really right in allowing it to happen when it was supposed to happen, and were ok with the timing. Timing is everything, sometimes it is not our timing, but I feel like in the end thins ALWAYS work out how they were supposed to work out. Again, so happy for you!
glad this is back up!! that is all. =)
Thanks for posting this and being sensitive to all women who are at different stages of their fertility. Unfortunately, my husband and I have been trying for 2 yrs with no success. I did try acupuncture for a while and while that was not successful, it did help me relax. We have done everything but IVF. We are on a break now b/c I am trying to limit the amount of hormones I am putting into my body and we need a break mentally I also read this book:
The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies
It is a really imformative book, imo.
I will check out that second book you recommended. Thank you.
So happy you put this post back up. I think a few months after I get married I’m going to stop the birth control pill and do other forms of family planning. We are not ready to have a baby any time soon but I want to give my body time to get back to normal. I’ve been on the pill for over 11 years. When my fiancé was deployed overseas I went off of it to see how my body would react and everything seemed “normal” but I had no idea about the charting and temperature taking. Thanks for the book recommendations. I’ll definitely be reading taking charge of your fertility in the near future.
I really like this post. not only bc i want to be pregnant someday but also bc I just graduated from an allopathic med school and the thing that I never want to be as a physician is to be the kind of physician that just gives pts meds and rushes off. I also want to incorporate both allopathic and homeopathic medicine into my practice. 🙂
I agree with those book recommendations, I read Taking Charge of Your Fertility last year, at a friend’s recommendation, and wished I’d known about all these things happening in my body sooner. Women should read it regardless of whether or not they want to have a baby. We used it to not have a baby, then we used fertility awareness to conceive, and it worked very well for us. I also read the other book, before I got pregnant, and it reinforced a lot of dietary changes I needed to make.
wow, thank-you for sharing such a fantastic post! This is so helpful 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience! I have started charting my BBT and am relieved to see a temp spike indicating ovulation is occurring, however my cycles are still really irregular in that they vary in # of days from month to month. I am just starting to navigate my way through this conception journey, and hope to experiment with some of things that worked for you. Thanks again.
Honestly I had the pleasure of reading both of your posts (edited and unedited) and I quite enjoyed the unedited version better. Just my opinion, but it was nice to “see” raw Gina. Either way, it’s good information. 🙂
i liked that one better too, but some other people… notsomuch
That’s unfortunate. People are so sensitive these days. You’re doing a great job anyways covering lots of information pregnancy, fashion, food, and fitness! 🙂 Love all the posts, keep em coming!
Gina, thank you so much for this post. We have been trying for #2 for over two years now and I’ve been on Clomid quite a few times with no luck. I’m thinking that taking it easy work out wise the second part of my cycle could be a HUGE help. I am big on intense work outs – HIIT, etc… So I may need to cut back.
Also with the alkalizing foods – as for the Apple Cider Vinegar, is the best way to take it in the hot water? Did you have it any other way? Just curious! Thank you!
i just had it with hot water, a little lemon juice and cayenne or honey
Thank you!
great post! we’re thinking of trying in the next few months so it’s nice to hear your experiences! thanks for sharing!
Thanks for (both) posts)! I’m going to file this away since my ovaries are on ice for a few more years due to job issues. Also, I found your first post hilarious and I hope you don’t let the haters get you down. Who knows, maybe “the haters” were some of your nearest and dearest or maybe you didn’t know them at all, but I think your refreshing voice and take on things is awesome and makes you YOU! Living your own life- with your own viewpoint and way of phrasing things- is not an implicit criticism of others and, regarding “sensitive” topics, boo-ef’ing-hoo if your perspective doesn’t jive with someone else’s. You can’t have a successful blog if you’re walking on eggshells and people who take offense at a percieved slight need to get some thicker skin and learn to be happy for others even as they are dealing with the challenges that life has given them.
Ooops…perceived…i before e except after c!
<3
Thank you for such a fantastic article. Someone posted it on the Getting Pregnant board on the Nest and I’m so glad I read it. We’re not currently trying to conceive, but will be in the near future.
thank you- i’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you so much for re-posting since I missed the first one (and I was checking the family tag daily because I didn´t want to miss it!). I feel the same way about hormone fertility treatments and I will talk to my homepath doctor about these options during my next appoitment. We have been trying for 6 months only but it feels like something is not quite right with my cycles (after 15 years on the pill). Hopefully I will soon be able to write you back with some good news. BTW you look amazing, “seksi” and just beautiful. I cant´wait for your belly to grow ´till the point of “she is pregnat for sure”.
i’m so glad the post was helpful.
thank you for the sweet compliments and fingers crossed that you’ll be next! please let me know when it happens 🙂
Thank you so much for re-posting this! We are currently going through a lot of the same issues. I read and loved the first post and then started freaking when I couldn’t find it again! I never saw the negative comments so I don’t even know what the problem was. I thought the first post was great and I’m sure you can see how helpful it was to so many women. Your blog is wonderful and I thank you for sharing your experiences!
Hi dear,
Missed reading this post!…..so many things going on now. Can’t wait to find a good time and place to sit down, relax and read this. You r looking good. Take care dear.
gina, thank you so much for this post. Like a few others, I missed your original post. It is sooooo kind and generous of you to share the knowledge you acquired and passing it on to others. I would like you to know that you are on our minds everyday and we all wish the very best for you, the pilot and the lil’ nugget, each and every single day. You are a true joy!!…enjoy these beautiful days! :)))
thank you, geetha!
i understand about wanted to have it not feel like work. i had a miscarriage at 15 weeks and after that my husband and i tried every single day for almost 2 months. in the month that i “gave up” so to speak. drank too much wine. ate too many chips and generally wanted to do things like train for some running races and travel. we got pregnant. of course!
I’m so happy reading this post! I tried for 5 months and thought it was a long time, but it really wasn’t! I researched the net at the time, but didn’t really get very far other than just trying to eat well and be good to my body and take my prenatals. I wish I’d known all this before. It kinda makes me want to get pregnant again, just reading this, haha! 🙂
Thank you for an AMAZING post. Your detail and honesty are true gifts to your readers, thanks!
I missed when you re-posted this! Amazing post I just emailed it to my cousin. Her husband is deployed and she wants to get pregnant when he comes home. I gave her all my books and my posts on this..but I think this one is excellent!! I took the Trader Joe’s B12 with folic acid in addition to prenatals. The B12 folic acid siblingual pills were easier bc they were small and if I skipped to big horse pill at least I was still building up the folic acid!!!
I charted all my fertility online on fertility friend dot com. I started tryin in October 2009 and got pregnant in August 2010. Was on the pill for 10 years before that!
Love this! Thanks so much for such a great post! I got off the pill in May, (and ferociously dove into TCOYF) and have yet to have a period. I quit charting because I’m not sure if I’m even ovulating . . .suggestions?
Just wanted to thank you for this – loved it!
so glad you did 🙂
Hey Gina,
I know it’s late but I hope you see this comment. I saw you took fertilecm. I am thinking of getting this, but was curious, when (in your cycle) did you start taking this? Thanks!
I am totally late on reading this, but it’s a great post…thank you! Having been on birth control for 16 years and have been trying to get pregnant for almost a year it really helped 🙂
I just found this post and I am interested in learning more. I am being treated for endometriosis and in March my husband and I will be able to try to conceive. We are so excited. But, I am nervous. Prior to the endo treatment, we were using natural family planning and my temps were all over othe place. It was hard to ever see if I was ovulating (and now I realize maybe I wasn’t). I am working on gaining a few pounds to get a higher BMI. While I am not underweight according to the charts, I am 18.0, and my doc said a higher bmi could help. Do you have any recomendations? Could you share a typical day of eating when you were trying to conceive? Thanks! And CONGRATS on your beautiful baby!
I really appreciate you writing this informative post! I’d love to read more! I purchased both books and LOVE Taking Charge of Your Fertility.
Thanks,
Wendy
You never took the Clomid, right?
Nope
I just looked this post back up because I’m charting again and am pretty sure I’m not ovulating, at least not every month. I am going to give some of your suggestions a try and talk to my acupuncturist before making the big, scary doctor call. Thank you!
Thank you for this post! I just got off the pill 2 months ago and my cycle has not returned yet. I’m also trying to conceive so not knowing when I’m going to ovulate is very frustrating. I’m interested in acupuncture and would like to know roughly how much each fertility acupuncture session cost? Also, how long did you receive acupuncture before getting pregnant? I’ve also heard great reviews about FertilAid for Women. Is that almost the same thing as FertiliTea that you tried?
Thank you so much for this post!!! I recently stopped the pill after being on it for over 10 years (to help with my endometriosis) and my husband and I are going to start trying next month. I’ve been reading your blog for months now (love it!) and just knew you’d have a post like this, and I was so happy to find this post this morning! I’m definitely going to order the books recommended above. I also saw my specialist who put me through the same tests that your Dr did – the saliva, stress, etc. So far things look good – fingers crossed!! 🙂 Thanks again for the great information!!
Hi Gina- I am TTC and I noticed a lot of things you’ve done (FertilTea, green tea, and Fertile CM) all have some devout fans… and some serious naysayers. It’s so hard to know what will help and what will hurt! I guess it all depends on your body… I know that you make smart decision regarding your health and would love to hear why you chose to use those products (I wanted to email you but didn’t see you address anywhere). Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Gina!!! I recently went off the pill a few weeks ago and I took your advice and am reading TCOYF and loveeee it! I think that I too am experiencing an anovulatory cycle because i already had my fertile CM day around the day I would when I was on the pill but have had no temp increase. The book has helped me not be too worried about it yet because this is my first month off the pill (I was on the pill for 8 years). Any advice? Also, I know in this post you mentioned you were going to write a post about your homeopathic Doc but I wasn’t sure if you still were or that I just can’t find it. Thank you so much Gina!!!