The Fertile Foundation PowerCircle starts tomorrow! & my journey.

sit with me for a moment, let me share my day…

I am so pleased to be facilitating this wonderful group starting tomorrow.  Any stragglers still interested, call now, to book your place.   The next one starts in January 2009. (you may put your name on the list now – remember spaces are limited)

I am taking the opportunity to coach myself along the same path the group will be following, by setting the intention to get in touch with Weil Cornell Hospital NY, and making an appointment to see an RE there.  This also means I am committing to collecting the copy of all my notes from my current RE. (why they won’t just send it I don’t know!)  That will be a very good step in the right direction as it will have taken me a year to do collect them!  Talk about procrastination.   My intention is to start an IVF treatment in January 2009, and so I will be laying my ‘fertile foundation’ for this journey.  This will be my 4th IVF.  I feel more equipped for this experience, although interestingly at this point not that attached.  Maybe because it is still a ways off, and doesn’t feel that real yet.   I am 30lbs lighter, my health is good, I am taking my shed loads of folic acid, and will start juicing again on Monday. (juicing is amazing!!! it gives me so much energy and clear-headedness)  I will also be walking at least 3 times a week, to start getting my body moving (I can be a bit of a lazy-bones when it comes to exercise…) and get the blood circulating.  This week will also be the week I organise my acupuncture schedule, so that I am clearing all the energy blocks in my body and nourishing my uterus for the IVF.    Sounds like a lot doesn’t it?  I’ll plan a chat with DH to get support, and see what he can do to help.

I will make a list of everything, and make sure I can schedule it in – ensuring it is do-able!  Please check in to see how I am getting on!  I need your support as much as I will be giving you mine!

I promise to report back at the end of each week, to let you know how I am getting on with my preparation and my journey – emotionally and physically.  This will be my journal…

For all those lovelies out there, who are starting their treatments in January, what are you doing to prepare yourself.   Did you know you can influence the quality of your follicles by preparing your body for 3 months prior to ‘conception’ ?   So preparation is important.   Remember we have the holiday season to get through, and managing ourselves and our body’s wellbeing is imperative if we are going to be ready!   This goes for anyone starting anytime of course.

Well, thats all for now!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and a Hallow’d Eve!

warmly,

Louise

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Interview: Marina Lombardo, Author and Therapist regarding Infertility Issues

Meet Marina Lombardo!

I am inviting you to listen in on my talk show.  Get all the juicy details about it by clicking on the following link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/KeystoClarity-Coach  (cut and paste into browser in you are not able to click on link)

I will be interviewing Marina Lombard co-author of ‘I Am More Than My Infertility – 7 Proven Tools for Turning a Life Crisis into a Personal Breakthrough’  on Monday 27th at 4pm Eastern.  (-5hr GMT).  .Marina has been a psychotherapist for 20yrs and has a practice counseling women, and couples who are experiencing infertility. We will have an in depth discussion with Marina about the emotional journey of infertility and will  share tips you can use to manage your journey. Any questions are welcome, please feel free to call in the number provided on the screen –  once you have clicked on the link.   If you register on the site, you will also be able to participate in the chat room, and comment or ask questions there.

If you miss the show, you will be able to access to the archived podcast at the same link.

Please forward this info to anyone you think might find this information valuable or of interest. Thanks!

Louise Crooks (your LifeBalanceinFertility Coach) is a professional member of RESOLVE    www.resolve.org

Hope to meet some of my blogging buddies on the show!

Warmly,

Coach Louise

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Baseline tests for Fertility if you’re not sure where to get started

The possibilities…

One of my coaching clients, lets call her Jane, asked me about some information regarding fertility.  She was addressing her concerns at being 37, and not being in the right place in her relationship to start trying for a baby, even though the topic was on the table.

One of the first things we can do is just have a couple of simple blood tests to create a baseline to work from.  It will give us an understanding of where we are in terms of our fertility.

Testing the FSH levels.   The Follicle Stimulating Hormone, stimulates the growth of the follicle to become an egg.  The harder the hormone has to work to stimulate this growth, the higher the hormone reading will be.  High is not good.  When all is working smoothly the FSH levels will be at a lower level.  If the reading is high, your RE (reproductive endocrinologist) or your OB/GYN will always read it as this level, even if you get a better reading the next time you have the test.  They are looking at worst case scenario.   I won’t give an indication of the levels for the readings as different clinics seem to use different methodologies.  Ask your doctor to explain which one he uses, and how it works.  From this test, it will indicate the quality and quantity levels of your eggs/follicles.

Estradial Testing, is to test the level of your Estrogen Hormone.  This is important for the lining of the uterus to thicken when trying to fall pregnant.

LH Testing, or the Luteinising Hormone, indicates the level of the hormone when ovulating.

Your doctor will also give you an internal exam / ultrasound to see that your uterus etc is all looking okay.

Your doctor might also ask you to go for an HSG (a Hysterosalpingogram) which is an x-ray using a contrast dye flowing through the uterus and fallopian tubes, to see if there are any blockages or abnormalities that might prevent pregnancy.   It can be a little uncomfortable, but is tolerable, and doesn’t take too long.

This is a pretty basic explanation of what they can do to start with.   Its not particularly invasive and may allay fears or at least give you a picture of where you are in your fertility at this point in time.

Also consider your what your values and needs are.  My client wants to be married before she tries for a baby.  She wants to try for her own biological baby.   She knows that if it works out that the timing isn’t right that she would be okay with this, as she sees her life as full and wonderful with or without children.  These are great questions to ask yourself.

Warmly,

Coach Louise

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PS.  If you are starting your journey and would like support and guidance along the way, consider joining the Fertile Foundation Powercircle starting at the beginning of November.  See previous post on the Fertile Foundation Powercircle.   This is an opportunity to take charge of your fertility.

PPS:  If you would like more information generally, have a look on the Resources page.

The Power of Forgiving Ourselves. Yes… YOU.

Peace comes from forgiveness.

When embarking on the infertility journey,  the maze of emotions we move through can be mind-blowing.  Anger, bitterness, resentment are some, as well as the old regulars.. sadness, trepidation, grief, elation, expectation and hope.

I have noticed how many women, have such high expectations of themselves, their bodies, the ability to function ‘as only a woman should’.  And if they don’t , thinking of themselves as failures to themselves, their spouses, and the world.  I know – I’ve been there.

Some of the most profound and liberating work I have done, has been forgiving myself.    As you would have heartfelt compassion ( knowing that you would not wish this on your worst enemy)  how about shining that light of compassion on yourself.  Acknowledge that you have or are doing the best that you can do, in that moment.   That you don’t have control over the outcome.    We women, do try a lot to be ‘perfect’ at everything we do.   If the universe, source or God was looking at you now, he would see someone perfect in his eyes, with all your talents and all your flaws.  That is perfection.   Know that it is okay to be yourself as you are.  Acknowledge your sadness, your anger, and frustration, particularly when they are aimed at yourself.  Allow those emotions to surface, … and then let them pass.    Say to yourself, from your heart, that you forgive yourself –  first of all for being so hard on yourself, and secondly for having such high expectations of ourselves, and of course if you have anything else to forgive yourself for.  Spend some time nurturing yourself, and reminding yourself of the gifts you bring to this world.

lovingly,

Coach Louise

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PS Don’t forget if you interested in getting some loving support and focus on your journey, to enquire with me about the Fertile Foundation Powercircle.