Financial Assistance for Fertility Treatments or Adoption

Not only are you struggling with getting pregnant and carrying to term, but you are now facing some tough financial choices. Or worse, you think you have no choice when it comes to the money you need to get testing, hormones, meds, procedures or maybe adoption. Fertility Within Reach has compiled a list of resources for grants and financial assistance. Included are tips for filling out applications and a list of mistakes to avoid. There may be a surprise piece to your puzzle here.

Have you found resources that have been helpful to you in paying for expenses related to becoming a parent? If so, what has worked best for you? If you have insurance, who is your carrier and does your carrier support fertility treatments and/or adoption? Please share in the comments box below. Let’s help each other find solutions.

Increase Fertility, Naturally: From Experience Life Magazine

Kristin Ohlson, a regular contributor to Experience Life Magazine, has written an up-to-date, concise primer on preparing your body for conception. Her article Increase Fertility, Naturally gives 9 practical strategies for cultivating a healthy pregnancy. She starts out with the reminder that, according to RESOLVE, one in 10 of us will experience infertility.

Each of the 9 suggestions (with accompanying explanation) is valuable. If you take all 9 and implement them as a package, you’ll be setting a solid foundation for trying to conceive. Of course, there may be other issues to address, but don’t sneeze at this set of 9. It’s a perfect place to start to ensure you’re creating the best possible conditions. The article is also sprinkled with useful references.

My personal favorite is Number 7. Look Beyond the Numbers.

On the web version of this article, Kristin has included a 10th (a Web Extra) to help men create the best conditions for the swimmers too.

For those of you experiencing a deeper level of frustration on the fertility path, I’m offering a complimentary guide Freedom from Infertility Frustration: 6 Steps to Relief. Visit Whole Vision Coaching to have the guide sent to you.

Coach Louise and Coach Julie

Dear blog reader,

Coach Louise began this blog with the intention that it be a place to share stories, ask questions, get support in a safe place of understanding and compassion, as well as a source for information on the topic of infertility, miscarriage, treatments etc. I am so excited to be taking over the administration of the blog and continuing on the mission of supporting you on your unique fertility journey. If you’d like to know more about me and what I offer, please click About Julie or visit Whole Vision Coaching. I’m so glad you’re here. Most importantly, I really want you to understand that you are not alone and this part of your adventure does not define who you are.

Having experienced the frustrations of unexplained infertility personally, I recognize that the experience can be isolating when the people around you don’t necessarily understand what you are going through. It is also often the first crisis couples come up against where there is really no control over the outcome. I want to connect with you and give you as much support as possible to lead a life full of joy and balance no matter the outcome of your pursuit of parenthood. I can also help to guide you and propose different alternatives that you might not have considered yet from a purely objective point of view.

Ultimately, I can offer you a space like a comfy sofa that you can fall into to feel comforted and reassured and so much more while on this unexpectedly challenging journey.

With love,
Coach Julie

Endometriosis: An Infertility Factor? and an update.

Hi Everyone,

Spring is round the corner!..

Conceive wrote an interesting article today, which I found interesting because its been something I have been wondering about for myself.  I have had severe period pain ever since I started in my early teens, and now I am 40 and I am still having great discomfort at that time of the month!  I am questioning in my own mind now, why my RE hasn’t recommended that I have a laparoscopy to check out what’s been going on inside.

Conceive wrote:

Endometriosis—which occurs when tissue that’s supposed to be lining the uterus winds up outside it—can be mild or severe, with symptoms or without. Some women with the disease will have no trouble getting pregnant. But others will need proper treatment to conceive.

To read Conceive’s article click on this link:

http://www.conceiveonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=142&Itemid=126

An update with where we are right now…

Well, nowhere to be exact!  We are in discussions (DH & I) as to whether to do a final IVF treatment or not.  He is steering towards the No and I am steering towards the Yes.  He will do it, but I want him fully invested in the process.  Why should should us women be the only ones to do any preparation… it takes an Egg AND…a sperm!!

Can you tell I have some emotion around this! Well yes, I am working on it, and know for sure that it has to be something we both want to do – together!

Warmly,

Coach Louise

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Enviromental Poison targets gene leading to unexplained infertility.

Hi ladies,

I thought this was quite interesting for those of you who have been diagnosed with  ‘unexplained infertility’.   UCSF has had some wonderful research break throughs in the last year, and one them was in the field of Endocrinology or infertility.  Here’s an excerpt of the article which talks about this topic.  I hope you find it helpful….
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Endocrinology
UCSF scientists were the first to identify the full effect of a commonly used weed killer, atrazine, on human cells. They reported that the herbicide alters hormone signaling, increasing the activity of a gene associated with abnormal human birthweight. Atrazine, they reported, also targets a gene that is amplified in the uteruses of women with unexplained infertility.

 

To read about other break throughs you can go to this link for further information  http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/news/200812301.html

The Journey 8 Day New Year Cleanse: New Beginnings Physically and Emotionally

Dear Friends,

I just had the wonderful opportunity to be on the first of 8 daily calls with an organisation called The Journey who I believe do the most amazing work worldwide.  To learn more about this experience I am having, and how you can participate too (for FREE) please click on my other blog to get the details!    www.keystoclaritycoach.wordpress.com  or see on side of page.   Or you can just go straight to www.thejourney.com

I really encourage anyone getting ready to do an IVF or IUI in the next couple of months to investigate as it is a wonderful and supportive way to prepare yourself!   That is what I’m doing!

Warmly,

Coach Louise

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PS Its not too late to join!  They are recording the calls so you can catch up and join the rest!

Get a huge sprinkling of Baby Dust in the New Year: New Telecircle ‘ The Fertile Foundation Powercircle’ starts Mon 19th Jan & Tues 20th Jan. Available to all with a phone or Skype!

Get Inspired…

Dear Friends,

A new type of support group (with a coaching twist to keep us on a positive track) is starting soon!   The exciting part is that you don’t have to drive anywhere, you can just call in on a specific telephone number (that I will provide) at the same time each week for one hour.   This support group is quite different to any other that you might have come across in the traditional sense.   We will be coming to the calls from a place of love, non-judgement, and positive energy.

I have found that groups I do coaching with over the phone, really enjoy a close connection with each other, and I believe part of that is the fact that no one knows one another, and can’t see each other!  Hard to believe!?

Everyone relaxs in that space and just takes the time out to be nurtured, to share, to be coached, and to set inspired actions that week that will support the ongoing journey in trying to conceive, whether naturally or through medical assistance.

This group is specifically for those who face the challenge of infertility and the steps they take from that diagnosis.  There will be two groups, one for newbies who are new to this journey, and another for women who are at least 1 year in.

If anyone would like to enquire or book their space ( limit of 8 to a group, so everyone gets to participate) please email me at louise@keystoclarity.com or call me on 732-2992347.   The cost of belonging to this group is nominal to cover my personal outlay, as I see this as a way to give back a community that has been very important to me over the last few years.   The monthy fee is $50.

Baby Dust Powercircle     (for Newbies)  will take place at 12pm Noon EST or – 5 hrs GMT

Mega Baby Dust  Powercircle  (for the more seasoned ladies who have been on the journey for over a year) will start on 20th Jan 12pm Noon EST (or – 5 hrs GMT)

Please pass this information or link onto anyone you know who might like to know about this opportunity.  Many thanks!

Warmly,

Coach Louise

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‘The Fertile Foundation Powercircle’ is born!

Hi to all of you out there!

I am revising this post, after a lot of thought,  having decided how very important it is for women facing infertility challenges to have their own specific group. A group dedicated to the action they are taking and the results they want specifically from a fertility perspective! A safe haven for support, resources, and friendship.So I introduce to you , The Fertile Foundation Powercircle.  The reason why I use the word ‘foundation’ , is because  we, the group, will ensure that all the groundwork is covered, to create a solid ‘foundation’ or process, to create successful results!  We will also be there to catch you if you fall, and if the results you get aren’t what you expected.  We will be there throughout!

What is a powercircle?  It is a small group of ndividuals that meet by phone or in person with the group to create action around their intentions/goals, and to support one another in doing that.

In this particular Powercircle, we will meet once a week by phone as a group. We will check on how you are doing with the goals and intentions you had set at the beginning. Each journey is different and will be honored accordingly.  We will clarify what that is for each of you are at the beginning in some detail.  This can be particularly helpful for those out there who are preparing for a cycle – to keep you on track, or those who are going through treatments, to keep you feeling supported and focused, and to keep you sane!   It really helps to have people supporting and rooting for you. There is also the ‘accountability factor’, knowing that each week we will be checking in with you to see how you are getting on, and holding your feet to the fire if that is what you want!  For example, one of your goals might be to give up coffee which might be a struggle. The group will hold you accountable and support you when you get stuck.  I will also coach anyone who is having difficulty or finding they are blocked in some way to getting where they want to go!  It will be fun, and the results will be tremendous!  This is a great way to experience coaching without the expense!- and an opportunity to meet with people who will support you unconditionally without leaving your house.

What are the benefits?   Working with an intimate group of people, who care about your success. Eliminating isolation.  Sharing ideas and possibilities. Staying on track.  Living day to day with purpose.  Support for those moments where things aren’t going so well.  Celebrating your successes, no matter how small!  The list goes on….

This group will start on Monday evenings from the first week in November 2008 at 6pm weekly.  It will be 1 hour in duration. The group will be no larger than 8.   Once the group is full, due to my commitment to confidentiality and creating a safe space, new members will not be admitted after the 1st 2 weeks, unless expressly requested or agreed upon, by the group.  I am happy to start a new group for new members if needed.  This will be an opportunity to get support and create strategies around managing through the holiday / festive season!

If you are interested, please email me at louise@keystoclarity.com, and we can discuss more details!  I offer a money back guarantee for the 1st month!  You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose!

I encourage you to take this opportunity to love yourself first, so you really can create the life and family that you want!   Don’t forget there are only 8 spaces, so act quickly.  Welcome to the Fertile Foundation Powercircle!

And don’t forget time-zones and geography don’t make any difference anymore.  Call in on Skype!

For anyone who has comments or feedback about this – please post!

Warmly,

Coach Louise

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PS  For anyone interested in the Super-Solopreneur 100 Day Challenge, for small business owners, particularly coaches and holistic practioners, please look on my other blog http://keystoclaritycoach.wordpress.com   for details.

Peas! a natural contraceptive…and more.

Did you know that!?   In fact I believe the Japanese have a contraceptive made thats main ingredient is peas.   I frickin’ love peas!  So when I found that out, I was thinking well no wonder I can’t get pregnant!  Ok its a bit more complicated than that.  But I was eating them like I normally do, like crazy!  Well, I wanted to share that with you, as I have my last big bowl of peas, soaked in butter, as I start the build up to my next IVF.  Yummy.   Migraine has me laid low today, peas are a comfort.   DH is away on a course, so I will indulge… butter is an indulgence for me too.  I have generally cut butter and margerines out of my diet, even from sandwiches.  Its amazing how quickly you can get used not having it.   My cholesterol is an issue, and if you get pregnant, you naturally get even higher cholesterol!    Well, I have to say I would welcome that if it meant being pregnant!  In the meanwhile trying to do what I can to lower it – except tonight.   The rainy weather is causing a pressure system which is probably causing my migraine.

Hmm that makes me think, I will have to start curtailing the types of painkillers I use, to really be ready to for the IVF.   Not looking forward to dealing with that.  It means constipation – bad!!  Was that more information than you needed?  too bad! hehe!   So its actually is harder to manage the migraines when having to get ready to go through the IVF.  When I fell pregnant on my 2nd IVF ( miscarried at 6 wks 5ds)  last year, I was migraine-free for the duration.  What a great side-effect.   See, there are so many reasons why I should be pregnant!   For those of you who don’t have any idea of what cluster headache / occular migraine is,  I can have between 1 to 5 (sometimes more) migraines in a week.  It is one of the worst kind.  (yes there are lots of different types of migraine) and this type is generally diagnosed more in men.    Wow wouldn’t that be amazing – to be pain free for 9 months AND to have a baby at the end of it!    For some people migraines can get worse through pregnancy, but it has the opposite effect for others.   I found I was one of the latter.

I went to my Resolve support group last night for the first time in ages.  It was so nice to connect with Michelle and Sue, who were the only others that came, which was perfect because they were ones I wanted to reconnect with.  So we were able to have a good chat.  I hadn’t been for about 4 or 5 months, and didn’t realise how much I had missed it.   It really is a place where you can totally be comfortable talking about your experiences knowing there is understanding, empathy and no judgement.   Generally speaking, when someone hasn’t walked in our shoes, it is very difficult for themno to understand what we are going through, and generally anything they might say, can be irritating or inappropriate….. so support groups are a blessing.   If you haven’t been to one, or joined one, and have infertility challenges, do yourselves a big favour – join one!  Especially if you are one of those who is not willing to share your experience with anyone you know.  It gives you the outlet to talk to others with confidentiality and stops you from feeling isolated, which can easily happen with this experience.

Well enough rambling from me…

Next week, I will be setting up appointments with a couple of new IVF doctors… thinking of the clinic in Shorthills, NJ, and Weills-Cornell in NY.  My old doctor says he has done all he can….  a fresh perspective is called for! I am not ready to give up yet.  Besides we only found out I had a couple of gene mutations after my 2nd IVF and miscarriage!  So not giving up yet!

love to all on this journey,

Coach Louise

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Become an Energy Magnet – Interview today!

now thats getting your rest!

Tune into my radio show this afternoon at 4pm EST. (Link on side of page)

This is a unique opportunity to listen to and particate in an interview where I will be talking with Christine Clifton, a Life Coach who coaches individuals dealing with Chronic Conditions and Pain, and to find out how to conserve your energy!  She calls it becoming a ‘PowerPlant’!  I coach Women and Couples dealing with the effects on energy when facing the challenges of fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI.  Both Christine and I also experience chronic pain, through fibromyalgia and migraine respectively.  We are in unique position to really bolster and guide those who are looking to really take care of themselves to create the best outcome from infertility issues or just for life in general. Stress is a big energy drain, as well as so many other factors.. Tune in to hear our thought provoking show!

Listen to the archived podcast if you can’t make it live!  We welcome any callers who have any questions or comments during the show.

‘See” you on the air!

Energetically yours,

Coach Louise Crooks

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