Clomid Diaries Cycle #1

Have you ever felt frustrated, angry & hopeless?  Well, that’s how I’m feeling right now.  I remember in December declaring 2014 as my year, our year, the year where we would become parents.  And I know we are only in February and that we have month ahead of us.  But in this road of infertility believe me it’s hard not to lose faith.  I’m not going to lie, I’m writing this post at work with tears wanting to come down and I’m trying to hold myself and be strong. 

Story is on December while I was on vacation I went to my OBGYN in Puerto Rico.  He ran blood test on me and since I was missing three months without my period he prescribed Provera to jumpstart it.  Then after my cycle day (CD) #5 I would start taking 50mg of Clomid.  He gave me a round of 4 treatments (4 months). 

Clomid Cycle #1 My CD#1 was on January 21^st and I took Clomid on January 25^th through January 29^th.  I did everything just as directed by Dr. G (my gyno) and I was so excited because I had faith that this treatment would actually work.  And I know I have until April with these pills but oh God this is so depressing.  One thing is for sure at least I know I ovulated.  I still haven’t got my period (I’m sporadically spotting very light since yesterday which would make it CD#30) I’ve heard of other cases in which CD can be on the 34^th Day. 

Now what’s even more frustrating from all this (and it may sound a little selfish on my behalf) is that the hubs was tested and he is perfectly fine.  And on the other hand I’m also happy because at least is not both and I know I KNOW for a fact that God has something beautiful for us.  In the meantime I guess I would just have to wait, have patience and pray. 

Negative side of the Clomid:

1.  Baby dancing (sex) is scheduled (and what fun is that)

2.  These sporadic mood swings are killing me (and it’s killing the hubs – thank God for his      

      patience)

3.  Breast tenderness is the worst pain ever (even the water from the shower hurts)

One thing I have to be thankful for and that is the amazing hubs that I have, the unconditional love he has for me, the patience, I mean this man deserves a trophy, also the support of my family and my best friend.  Without these people I don’t know where I would be right now.

In everything give thanks ~ Thes. 5:18

FAQ: Why Do I Write My Personal Situations On The Web

I have several people asking me why do I blog, why do I put my personal situations and pictures on the web. Some say that it’s not good to let the whole world know when I’m suffering or when I’m happy.  Well here is the answer:

For starters I love writing, everybody knows that.  When I was in my teenage years I use to write poetry and I had a diary.  And at times when I’m happy or sad about any situation in particular I tend to write in my Notes App on my Iphone.  So when it was time to move from Puerto Rico, I knew I would have so much time in my hands that I wanted to use it in something.  And that’s when I created this blog. 

At the beginning it was short and meaningless (I saw it more as a public diary); but when I started having problems TTC, and I saw I was not alone in this; that there were so many woman out there with my similar situation I focused more on letting my emotions lose.  Through this blog I have met so many woman that I pray for each day and that I know that our “Miracle Baby” (that’s what I call my future baby will be in our arms sooner or later. 

So there it is I write to let go of my emotions.  

Treating Absent Period & PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Naturally

A while back I decided to go natural on medications, treatments and that’s including healthy eating as well.  I had written about what I am using in a past blog Natural Fertility Treatment  and to be honest I have been getting my menstrual period monthly, which is a start because throughout my teenage years and a couple of months before I had started taking natural supplements I was very irregular.  This post is regarding some herbs, and treatments I’ve been doing and it’s also a little bit of information for those ladies out there that may be going through my same situation (infertility). 

Having a healthy cycle is a very important step to fertility, and being irregular decreases the possibility of getting pregnant.  An irregular period consists of many different reasons; such as stress, dietary deficiencies, and low body weight, getting off of birth control pills, hormonal imbalance, and PCOS. 

Here are some basics in how to treat both Absent Period and PCOS naturally:

Learn how to eat healthy with a whole food fertility diet or even a raw food diet. 

Be sure you are getting enough of the following:

Iron – Woman who do not get sufficient amounts of iron may suffer anovulation (lack of oculation) and poor egg health.  You can get iron with organic bison, chicken, eggs, beef, salmon, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, beans, dark leafy greens, seaweed and quinoa.

Vitamin C – Improves hormone level and increases fertility.  You can get a great source of vitamin C by consuming red bell peppers, oranges, strawberries and hibiscus flower tea.  You can also include kale, collard greens, parsley, and basil. 

Essential Fatty Acids – Omega 3, Flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, sardines, halibut, shrimp, snapper, scallops, chia seeds and cod liver oil.

Clean Cholesterol Foods – Grass-fed Beef, raw milk, whole milk yogurt, coconut oil.

Fiber – Fiber helps remove excess hormones from the body and regulate the blood sugar level which helps to reduce fertility issues such as PCOS.  You may consume fresh fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens and beans.

Herbs to Promote Menstruation

CAUTION:  It is extremely important to rule out pregnancy prior to beginning any herbs for fertility, especially those to bring back a menstrual cycle. Using while pregnant may potentially cause a miscarriage!

Black Cohosh Root – this has been used for years to bring on a menstrual period.

Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis) –It works by promoting blood flow to the pelvis where it will stimulate an absent or scanty period.  It also helps building blood for the body. 

White Peony (Paeonia officinalis) – Helps build blood and increase circulation to the reproductive organs. 

Motherwort – Mildly stimulating to the uterus while calming nerves and stress

Now if you’re like me (I hate drinking different kinds of teas or pills, you can visit the website Natural Fertility Shop and purchase Rejuvaflow.  It contains all of these herbs in just one bottle. And all you would have to do is take 60 drops 3 times a day with a glass of water prior to menstruation. You can also read all of their information; this site has been a blessing in my life. 

Herbs to Promote Menstruation & Fertility

These herbs would be used once the first menstrual period comes back:

Vitex – Helps support hormonal balance.  It has been found to help normalize ovulation and support healthy hormone levels and reduce PCOS.  You can take 2 capsules in the mornings the entire month.

Maca – Nourishing food for the endocrine system.  You may take this the entire month. 

Royal Jelly – 1 or 2 teaspoons a day.  If you are allergic to bees DO NOT TAKE

Herbs to Help PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

Cinnamon – You can use 1 tsp. in smoothies

Vitex – Helps support hormonal balance.  It has been found to help normalize ovulation and support healthy hormone levels and reduce PCOS. 

PCOS Diet

Balance your daily protein with equal amount of good carbohydrates such as whole grain and sprouted grain.

Make sure the proteins you are eating are complete and organic. 

Avoid foods that have high glycemic such as sugar and starch foods (pancakes, syrups, sugar, white potatoes, jams, scones, white bread, pasta).

Eat a diet high in fiber

Eat organic

Quit coffee

Eat 5 meals a day

Exercise 30 minutes 5 days a week

When To See A Doctor

If you have not had a period for 3 consecutive cycles or more, it is time to make an appointment with your OB/GYN.  The majority of the doctors prescribe birth control pills to regulate a cycle.  So this will prevent pregnancy for those trying to conceive.  

For more information on natural supplements and natural fertility treatments you can visit the website Natural Fertility Info; in this page you will find a lot more information of what I have provided here.  

Have a beautiful and blessed day!!!

A Letter To My Unborn Baby

My sisters and the majority of my family know me well, they know how much I love to write, I had a notebook of poems written by me and I also had a diary where I would write every detail of my life (and oh boy I got in trouble plenty of times) lol.  Anyway, I wrote a while back a letter to my unborn future baby. The day I wrote this I poured my heart out, and as I wrote it tears would come down. But anyway I thought I would share this in my blog. Please excuse my errors if any.  This letter was written in Spanish and I translated it.  It took me a while so that it can come out good. 

Dear Baby,

At this point I may say that I’m anxiously waiting for you.  I don’t know if you will be conceived by me or if you will be conceived by someone else.  Sometimes I’m as positive as any believer in Christ, others I’m just angry, disappointed or crying.  What helps me throughout these difficult times is your daddy.  He is the most positive man I have ever met.  And believe me he desired you as much as I do. 

We have been trying on our own for over a year and we decided that it is time to take new alternatives since we are in our 30’s.  We don’t want you to think we are your grandparent’s lol. 

So, I just want you to know that I love you and I will always love you.  It doesn’t matter if I get to conceive you or if you are conceived by someone else I will love you forever.  And daddy and mommy will try to be the best parents for you.  I pray and I’m literally begging for you my little angle.  And I can’t wait for that day that I can have you in my arms and I can protect you, I can teach you how to give your first steps and of course how to say mommy first.  Then you can say daddy lol. 

Just so you know you will be so proud of your daddy, because he is a soldier that protects our country.  I am honored to call him my husband.  And well you will be delighted to have me as your mommy because I am beautiful, intelligent and a hard worker.

Sometimes I picture you having those beautiful freckles that your daddy has, with beautiful red hair and my big eyes.  I have secretly named you because we already have picked out the name you will have if you are a boy or a girl. 

I really hope I get to meet you soon, I hope that you become a dream come true, because between you and me, you are always in my thoughts. 

Love,

Mommy

Natural FertilityTreatment

Okay well I’m guessing that maybe plenty of you have read my past blog on my situation with trying to conceive.  Here’s a little more about my story.  When I got my first period I learned that I was irregular.  And when I mean irregular I mean terribly irregular.  I would get my period maybe two times a year, and it would last a month, my hemoglobin was extremely low all the time.  When I hit 28 I got really sick due to my hemoglobin, I had to go to a Hematologist because my Gynecologist was concern that I might develop Leukemia (thank God I didn't),  but I now will have to continue drinking iron pills for the rest of my days every time I get my period.  Good thing about it my hemoglobin has been perfect ever since.  Bad thing, my period is still irregular they wanted me to get on a birth control treatment but obviously I reject anything that has to do with birth control. In this month (October) I have my first OB/GYN appointment scheduled for this month (October 2013) here in Ft. Bragg, and I hoping they can help me with my irregularity and my TTC situation, but in the meantime I did my research and one of my friends (she should be a Nutritionist or something) gave me so many suggestions and well this is what I will begin doing:

PHASE I

Menstrual cycle!!!

PHASE II
Step 1: Body Cleanse 

I think we all know by now that habits like smoking, drug use, and high caffeine intake can severely impair fertility. There are many other factors that contribute as well:

- Lack of sleep

- Exposure to toxins

- Lack of exercise or too much

- High stress

- Certain medications or supplements 

This one was a shocker for me because honestly with two jobs and school, I am always under stress and I can't sleep.  

That's why before starting the process of natural fertilization I decided to detox my body.  

Benefits of detoxing:

-  Supports the liver in detoxification of excess hormones and toxins

-  Assists the uterus in cleansing out old blood

-  Reduces occasional reproductive system discomfort

-  Promotes normal circulation to the reproductive system for optimal health

-  Works with the menstrual cycle for optimal cleansing

What will I be taking for Phase II during menstrual cycle and 1 week after:

Detox Cleansing Tonic (the Vitamin Shoppe - Promotes healthy liver and kidney function. Tea tastes nasty but it’s totally worth it.

Super Detox (4Life) - supports a healthy liver and promotes its natural detoxification process. 

PHASE III
Step 1: Supplements 

Belle Vie (4Life) - Helps strengthening the body’s natural immune system response to promote healthy cell growth and function.  Belle Vie includes a potent and proprietary phytoestrogen blend of red clover which has a very high vitamin content and contains almost every trace mineral. It has been known to help balance hormones and restore fertility.

Omega-3 - Can help reduce inflammation and boost proper hormone production.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea - A well know fertility herb that is also good during pregnancy. It has a high nutrient profile and is especially high in calcium and is a uterine tonic. It is available in capsule form, but makes an excellent hot or cold tea.

Maca- A hormone balancing herb that is known throughout the world for its fertility and vitality promoting properties. Good for both men and women to increase fertility, though women should only take between menses and ovulation and MAKE sure it is not taken during pregnancy. It is a very potent herb that often has very noticeable effects on fertility. It comes in powder form or capsule form.

Vitex- Nourishes the pituitary gland and helps lengthen the luteal phase. It lowers prolactin and raises progesterone. For some women, this alone will increase fertility.

·    Folic Acid- Folic acid is well known as a necessary vitamin in early pregnancy to prevent complications, but it is most beneficial when taken for several months before the pregnancy as well as during. It helps cell division and promotes ovulation.

Royal Jelly (do not use if you're allergic to bees)- Balances hormones, supports the endocrine system, helps raise estrogen levels in women, and helps increase sperm quality and testosterone levels in men. I put one tablespoon in my morning smoothie 

IMPORTANT: Do not take any of these herbs in combination with fertility drugs, hormone treatments, or hormonal birth control! As with any herbs, supplements, or medication, consult a doctor or health care professional about your specific case and do your own research!

Step 2: Nutrition

This is by far the most important step.  You have to nurture yourself with the healthy good stuff. 

To optimize fertility through nutrition:

Be at your optimal weight, a BMI that's too low or high decreases your fertility. A BMI between 19.5 and 25 is optimal.

Exercise regularly, walk more.  Decrease stress, start yoga for fertility and for relaxation.

Remove grains, processed foods, sugars and starches from the diet. Obtain necessary carbohydrates from vegetables, some fruits and starchy sources like sweet potatoes and squash.

Increase healthy fats in the diet especially from sources like coconuts, coconut oil, olives and olive oil, butter, grass-fed meats, eggs, avocado and nuts.

Get enough protein especially from grass fed meats, eggs, and nuts (pumpkin seeds are the best).

Eat a lot of vegetables, especially green leafy varieties like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and similar veggies.

Drink enough water- your urine should be very lightly colored. For most women, this is around 4 quarts a day.

Drink at least one serving a day of whole milk, ice cream, or yogurt. Temporarily drink less skim or low-fat dairy.

Get plenty of iron from fruits, vegetables, beans and supplements, not from red meat.

AVOID processed dairy and if you eat dairy, eat raw, organic dairy.

AVOID CAFFEINE

AVOID trans fats, found in FAST FOODS and many commercial products.  Check package labels for amounts of trans fats and AVOID anything that contains a “partially hydrogenated” ingredient.

Here are some of the pages where I did my research:

http://wellnessmama.com

http://babymed.com

If you have any type of questions you can contact me at melinad32@gmail.com

I hope this was all helpful for all of you!!!

Trying to Conceive

If you are reading this, I guess it is because you too are trying to have a baby and are experiencing challenges. My story is written here in my blog because I'm pretty sure there are other females out there experiencing the same pain.  And believe me it's not good to deal with it on your own.

Just to bring you up to date, I am 33 years old, hard to admit that - as I still feel like 20 but being in my 30's well it sounds so old in terms of child bearing years. As a teenager I envisaged being a stay at home mom with at least three kids. My daydreams included the whole deal - the station wagon, the handsome husband, the maid, and teaching and supporting my kids through all their various interests, hobbies, friends and stages of life, just like my mom did with my sisters and I. I saw myself as supermom! All that changed when I started working, saw myself as an independent woman and decided that I would be better off traveling, buying all my fashion designer stuff and just be free from marriage and everything that had to do with compromising my life (childish of me at that time) but there was no room for kids in my scenario.

Well, years later, I no longer wanted to be childish and immature. I had crossed 32 with no baby pangs, but it was brewing quietly. Unfortunately when my husband and I decided that we were prepared to have babies, that's when all the pain begins. 

I was sure it would happen within a few months but being a control freak, I scoured the internet to learn about learning fertility signs and possible issues. More than anything else I wanted to learn how to optimize our chances of conceiving quickly. 

Well the months passed with no success. I tried every tip my friends would give me because each one worked for so many others I talked too. But none of those tips resulted in a pregnancy for me.

Finally, I learned that it's not just about wanting a baby.  I realized I have the most understanding, loving, caring, extremely supportive husband I never knew I would love so much. A marriage that keeps getting better and better with each passing day. I never knew love could be this good, this supportive, this honest, and this passionate. I love him so much and for the first I don't just want A baby - I want OUR baby. I want our family. I ache to see him with our baby. I ache to see this tiny beautiful little product of our love - looking and being a little bit like him and a little bit like me. It makes me smile just to think of it.

For the last year we have been aggressively trying to have a baby. We will begin several 'natural' methods, doctor and even natural herbs. And if this does not work our next step is the invasive methods of all the clinical doctors. But I am determined that before 2013 ends, will bring us a baby. So please, join us on our journey to motherhood.