Holistic care

by

Stress can come from just about anything that you feel is threatening or harmful. A single event (or your worry about it) can produce stress. So can the little things that worry you all day long.

Acute stress, caused by a single event (or your fear of it), makes your heart beat faster and your blood pressure go up. You breathe harder, your hands get sweaty, and your skin feels cool and
clammy. Chronic stress, which is when you are always stressed, can cause depression and changes in your sleep habits. It can also decrease your chances of fighting off common illnesses. Stress makes many body organs work harder than normal and increases the production of some important chemicals in your body, including hormones.

Is stress causing my infertility?

Probably not. Even though infertility is very stressful, there isn’t any proof that stress causes infertility. In an occasional woman, having too much stress can change her hormone levels and therefore cause the time when she releases an egg to become delayed or not take place at all.

Is infertility causing my stress?

Maybe. Many women who are being treated for infertility have as much stress as women who have cancer or heart disease. Infertile couples experience stress each month: first they hope
that the woman is pregnant; and if she is not, the couple has to deal with their disappointment.

Why is infertility stressful?

Most couples are used to planning their lives. They may believe that if they work hard at something, they can achieve it. So when it’s hard to get pregnant, they feel as if they don’t have control of their bodies or of their goal of becoming parents. With infertility, no matter how hard you work, it may not be possible to have a baby. Infertility tests and treatments can be physically, emotionally, and financially stressful. Infertility can cause a couple to grow apart, which increases stress levels. Couples may have many doctor appointments for infertility treatment, which can cause them to miss work or other activities.

What can I do to reduce my stress?

  • Talk to your partner.
  • Realize you’re not alone. Talk to other people who have infertility, through individual or couple counseling, or support groups.
  • Read books on infertility, which will show you that your feelings are normal and can help you deal with them.
  • Learn stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or acupuncture.
  • Avoid taking too much caffeine or other stimulants.
  • Exercise regularly to release physical and emotional tension.
  • Have a medical treatment plan with which both you and your partner are comfortable.
  • Learn as much as you can about the cause of your infertility and the treatment options available.
  • Find out as much as you can about your insurance coverage and make financial plans regarding your fertility treatments.

Who can help us?

Shady Grove Fertility
We offer patients a wide range of support services, including: support groups, online communities, and resourceful articles.

RESOLVE 
This national support organization for couples with infertility offers support groups and online resources.

Path 2 Parenthood
Formerly the American Fertility Association, Path 2 Parenthood provides support information and weekly internet chat sessions.

Patient Fact Sheet – Stress & Infertility. Courtesy of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

by

When a woman begins the infertility treatment process, her Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) will create a clinical plan for her. While this plan will cover the medical aspects of treatment, it is also important that each patient prepare her body for conception, which often involves improving overall health. As a result, many patients like to supplement their infertility treatment program with vitamins, acupuncture, healthy eating, living a stress-free lifestyle, and more.

A patient’s first stop for healthy lifestyle advice should always be their physician, but another great resource for patients is the Shady Grove Fertility Facebook community. At 14,500+ members strong, the community provides patients with support and information from people who have been in –or are in – the same situation.

On July 17th, our Facebook community entered into a discussion about lifestyle recommendations for the infertility treatment process. Almost everyone recommended alleviating as much stress as possible from your life:

  • “I have had three successful FETs. In regards to preparation, I didn’t do anything special; however, I think stress will play a huge factor. Do whatever you need to do to keep stress to a minimum…” – Lauren
  • “I started watching what I ate more closely and planned four stress- free days to relax afterwards. My baby is due February 22. I truly feel the key is positive thinking and relaxation.” – Jennifer
  • “Stress-free, stay positive. Stay in bed for a few days after…” – Anna

Another way that SGF patients prepared for treatment was to participate in yoga or acupuncture. For acupuncture, patients will have appointments in the month leading up to the appointment and even on the day of transfer – both before and after the procedure.

  • “I got acupuncture twice a week for a month and then immediately before and after the transfer for our FET. I had two failed fresh cycles and a miscarriage at 11 weeks before our successful FET but that is how we got our beautiful 11-month-old…” – Sarah
  • “I lost 20 pounds and went for regular massages. Did my best to relax and take it easy after the transfer…”– Lesley
  • “I did yoga and acupuncture. I’m not sure if that’s what worked or the fact that it relaxed me.” – Caitlin

Learn more about holistic care for fertility services offered by Pulling Down the Moon.

In addition to de-stressing, changing one’s eating habits was very popular among SGF Facebook fans. While no one dietary plan is best, eating healthy and getting the appropriate amount of daily nutrition is highly recommended. Beyond simply eating healthy, patients also recommended eating everything from pineapple core to certain varieties of nuts:

  • “We watched a funny movie when we got home, we chose Step Brothers, we also did an acupuncture treatment in the morning before and right after the transfer and ate pineapple core.” – Leah
  • “I didn’t do anything in particular other than start working out and watching what I ate…..worked for me and our FET after one failed fresh embryo transfer…..we’re due in November!” – Jessica
  • “I ate Brazil nuts and pineapple core. I had three unsuccessful IVF cycles prior to this successful one.” – Melissa
  • “I gave up gluten, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and extra sugars, AND artificial sweeteners. I also switched to all organic full-fat dairy, and then started eating pineapple the day of the transfer, and for the next five days. I also did a 48 hour modified bed rest, just to play it extra safe (and because I like it when people wait on me, and do all the cooking.) A lot? Yes. But I’m currently feeding a very handsome nine-month-old his dinner, so totally worth it.” – Ashley
  • “I ate pineapple and walnuts every day during my treatment cycle.” – Abby 

Vitamins are a particularly hot topic in the fertility community and many of the healthy foods that patients recommend are specifically selected because of the vitamins that they possess. Physicians and researchers alike have been asking themselves for years if vitamins improve fertility or result in a healthier pregnancy. To read more about what SGF physicians think about vitamins, Chinese herbs, supplements, and a healthy pregnancy, check out our recent article, Vitamins for Fertility and Healthy Pregnancy. One of our Facebook fans discussed how she tried a variety of vitamins and supplements:

  • “Where to begin…I did all of the crazies! I did castor oil packs the month prior. Acupuncture for a few months before…I took the following supplements, calcium/magnesium, omega, multi-vitamins, folic acid, iodine (read up on that one). I didn’t take iodine the first transfer, just the transfer that took. I sat on my butt for three days and ate pineapple core for five days straight. Most of all, I prayed, prayed, and then prayed some more. It took us one day shy of being married for 10 years to finally hear our nurse Chris say, “Honey, you are very pregnant!” We now have 13-month old boy and girl twins…” – Tina

While many of our patients’ recommendations cannot be medically-guaranteed, there is no harm in trying yoga, acupuncture, healthy eating, vitamins, etc., provided that your physician is consulted and that it doesn’t cause you any adverse effects. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and enjoy your pineapple!

Have you been trying to conceive for over a year? Shady Grove Fertility’s team of dedicated New Patient Liaisons are available to answer your questions and schedule a consultation with a physician. Call 877-971-7755 or click to schedule an appointment.

by

Eric and I were married in 2003 when I was 26. For many reasons, we wanted to wait on having kids – I had just finished my MBA and he had joined the military, spending 14 months in Iraq. We were moving all over the place and very focused on our careers. I could safely have been classified as a workaholic – long hours at work punctuated by lots of Starbucks, sometimes five Grandes a day, and wine-fueled dinners to help “relax”.
In early 2009, Eric had left the military and gone to graduate school, and we settled in DC. I was 33 and we decided we’d better get on with having kids. I was pregnant within the first two months of trying. Still working and stressed as ever, I cut down to one grande a day and stopped drinking alcohol.

My eight-week ultrasound went well – we saw the heartbeat and everything seemed on track. At my eleven-week ultrasound though, the radiologist looked funny. I didn’t really know what I was seeing, so I was shocked when we were told there was no longer a heartbeat. Just one day later, I woke up writhing in pain and miscarried that night in one of the most painful experiences of my life.

Though we were sad, we were determined to try again. For the remainder of 2009, we “tried,” doing our best with Eric’s crazy travel schedule as a consultant and my new job. Nothing happened.

Getting Serious

In early 2010, we decided to get serious, and I began to research fertility. I bought all the books and joined Fertility Friend online, began timing my cycles by tracking my temperature religiously every morning and using ovulation predictor kits. Still nothing happened. By November, my OB suggested referring me to an infertility clinic. Though I had told myself I would not do “those crazy shots,” I was so frustrated at that point that I made an appointment immediately at Shady Grove Fertility. Thankfully, we have good insurance that covered multiple treatments.

After a couple of months of testing it was determined that nothing seemed broken: it was unexplained infertility, a frustrating diagnosis. In January 2011, we were underway with our first intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle. I was convinced that this would do it. Not only did it not work, but Clomid made me a crazy person. We switched to injectable medication for the second IUI, which also didn’t work. Again I was frustrated and growing more impatient – why was it taking so long?

We sat down with Dr. O’Brien, who explained calmly that we could either continue with IUIs since our insurance covered up to seven IUI cycles, or switch to IVF. I decided that the odds of IUI success were too low, and we were moving to IVF. We were now into “those crazy shots” big time.

Starting IVF

Our first egg retrieval was disappointing – only five eggs. Although my infertility knowledge at the time was nowhere near where it is now, I knew that more eggs was better than less. Dr. O’Brien assured me that five eggs was good – we would surely get some embryos and maybe even have some to freeze. We waited nervously, and then… success! There was a viable embryo at day 5, which was transferred. Two weeks later we learned I was pregnant, thank goodness.

The joy, however, was short lived. From the start, Dr. O’Brien was unhappy with the growth of the embryo, and at week 8, we knew that the pregnancy wasn’t viable. For the first time in the journey, I began to doubt that we might succeed. Nonetheless, the workaholic in me pushed forward. We just needed multiple tries, I told myself. Following a D&C, I began another IVF regimen the very next cycle.

IVF Cycle 2 was even worse. This time, my body violently resisted even the high doses of drugs, with barely any follicle growth. We abandoned the cycle for an IUI. Nothing. Defeated and nearing the end of 2011, I decided at this point to take a break. Clearly something was not working, and I had spent a whole year on this “project” with nothing to show for it.

Finding Alternative Medicine

After some major soul searching, I decided to make some major changes. I poured myself into fertility research, focusing on both traditional and alternative medicine. Thankfully, I was already at a top notch fertility clinic, but the “alternative” side of my treatment plan was sorely lacking. I was still an exhausted workaholic who drank too much coffee and wine, and chose my meals mostly for efficiency and convenience.

I decided to finally walk into the Wellness Center, and began acupuncture. She recommended some pretty major changes to my diet and lifestyle. I also saw my primary care physician, who ran some basic blood work and discovered deficiencies in both Vitamin D and B12. I began daily yoga for fertility, stopped drinking caffeine and alcohol (with surprisingly little pain), overhauled my diet, and requested a two month leave of absence from my job, which my boss thankfully granted with minimal resistance.

Somewhat rejuvenated, I began my third IVF cycle in the spring of 2012. I felt much calmer and saner, not getting up at the crack of dawn to do monitoring before an 8:00 a.m. work meeting. The follicles grew well and we ended up with 7 eggs and 5 growing embryos. Things were really looking up… until we got bad news again. At Day 2, only two embryos were left, and we would be doing a Day 3 transfer. Well researched at this point, I knew I would prefer Day 5. I held onto hope, but neither embryo took.

Reprioritizing Life

This time, though, I handled the news in stride. I returned to work the following week, still not pregnant, but remarkably calmer. I began to cut the hours I worked, and surprisingly performed better on the job. I stopped sweating the small stuff. I calmly began working on a new plan, scheduling a consultation/second opinion with a fertility doctor in Colorado, who had written one of the books I had read. My doctor’s team graciously agreed to continue to do the monitoring locally if I choose to see this out-of-state doctor.

Then – as I made preparations to continue treatment – I realized I was feeling nauseous. The following Sunday morning, I dared to take a pregnancy test, which confirmed what I already knew. We were pregnant. I immediately emailed my nurse at Shady Grove Fertility – could they please do the early monitoring and blood work for this “spontaneous” pregnancy? Yes, they could, and this time, the news was much better. After several rounds of monitoring, I finally “graduated” from Shady Grove Fertility!

My Happily Ever After

I am writing this as I watch my beautiful daughter’s little red head on the baby monitor. Despite all the challenges getting there, I had an easy pregnancy and delivery. I cannot imagine a different end to my journey, nor would I want one. She is eight weeks old now, and I cannot imagine loving anything more.

I can honestly say that I am grateful for my journey – I learned a lot about myself and am a calmer, more balanced person than I would be if I hadn’t gone through it. Our marriage is stronger, and we were truly “ready” to welcome our beautiful child into the world.

My Advice to Other Patients

Although it sounds silly, I always use the “Lord of the Rings” analogy. I tell them – you are Frodo. You will get to that big mountain with your little ring – you may have to encounter the giant spider, the big swamp, the crazy gremlin and a whole host of other challenges, and you will feel very alone at times – but you will get there. Know that the journey might be long, but don’t give up. If you want to have a child and you are willing to do whatever it takes, you will have one, and it will all be worth it.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, please speak with one of our friendly New Patient Liaisons by calling 888-761-1967.

by

by Nicole Holovach, RD – Dietitian at Pulling Down the Moon

What is the Paleo Diet?

Nicole Holovach, RD

More and more of my clients are asking me about the Paleo diet. In case you haven’t heard, Paleo is a diet trend attempting to replicate what our “caveman” hunter gatherer ancestors ate during the Paleolithic era—a period which ended around 10,000 years ago with the development of agriculture and grain-based diets.

The contemporary Paleo diet consists mainly of fish, grass-fed pasture-raised meats, eggs, vegetables, fruit, seafood, nuts and seeds, and excludes grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, refined sugar, refined vegetable oils, and dairy products. Some take it as far as their exercise routine as well, focusing on sprints and lifting heavy things outside.

Proponents claim that genetically our bodies are virtually the same as they were at the end of the Paleolithic era and we haven’t evolved to be able to digest grains and beans properly. There are an abundant number of blogs and books devoted to the lifestyle. Proponents can be quite dogmatic, and claim that the Paleo diet can cure everything from obesity to autoimmune disorders to hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

`The primary treatment of PCOS is to manage insulin resistance, either through medication or diet and lifestyle changes or both. Some health practitioners recommend a low carb diet for PCOS, and the Paleo diet can be low carb. While low carb diets may help initially with the symptoms of PCOS, they can lead to long-term problems. I much prefer clients with PCOS eat a more balanced diet, where healthy carbohydrates are balanced with protein and fat. It’s more sustainable and more beneficial for long-term health.

I’m not totally convinced of the logic or the evidence for Paleo for PCOS treatment. There are plenty of cultures around the world that thrive with grain, dairy, and/or legumes in their diet.

That being said, I do like the Paleo diet for its emphasis on real, whole foods and as a way to cut back on all the processed, packaged food that surrounds us. If you’re going to try Paleo for PCOS, general weight loss or lifestyle changes, make sure to include plenty of healthy carbohydrates like starchy root vegetables and fruit. Also, don’t overdo the nuts and meat. I find many on the diet eat way too much nut butter, almond flour, trail mix, bacon, and muscle meat. Also, note that the Paleo diet was ranked last in US News and World Report when they reviewed 29 popular diet methods.

Learn more about nutrition, call 888-604-7525 or schedule an appointment online.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

This article was submitted as a guest writer. The opinions expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the opinions of Shady Grove Fertility Center.

by

by Marcie Miller, LMT – Massage Therapist with Pulling Down the Moon

The Autonomic Nervous System is a subdivision of the the nervous system that regulates proper organ function, maintains homeostasis, and helps us adapt to change. Within the ANS are two branches that govern bodily operations: the parasympathetic and the sympathetic. Imagine each branch on opposite ends of a seesaw; they sway together with one end acting more strongly than the other at any given time in order to ensure balance.

The parasympathetic division dominates during relaxation and allows healing within the body, nutrient absorption & waste disposal, calming of the mind, and improved endocrine (hormone) and immune system function.

On the opposite end, the sympathetic division is in charge of action, increasing the heart rate, blood flow to muscles, and mental activity.

The Affect of the Autonomic Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System – Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Divisions


When the Autonomic Nervous System is in balance, our body’s organs and systems are in harmony, we feel equipped to handle challenges with confidence and control. We have time to rest and rejuvenate ourselves before the next challenge presents itself.

When balance is disturbed our sympathetic nervous system is perpetually “on” causing the fight or flight response. We become overwhelmed by stress, often allowing little offenses large portions of our energy; we end up pushing ourselves too hard at the expense of sleep, sanity, and health. In times of extreme distress when the body’s main concern is survival, the reproductive system becomes the least important (in terms of personal survival) and therefore is often the first system to shut down.

Taking care of ourselves is tantamount to taking care of life’s responsibilities. Relaxation, meditation, massage and bodywork, deep breathing, yoga, acceptance and letting go are all ways to help bring the body into balance and create a more healthy living space within yourself.

A few years ago, a woman came to me for massage during her fertility treatments. Each cycle, one of her five frozen embryos was transferred, and each cycle she received a Fertility Enhancing Massage (FEM). Every session she came in pretty wound up and  stressed with the pressure to conceive, but she would leave our office transformed, blissful, and floating on air. After 3 failed attempts she finally made the decision to take care of herself not only physically but mentally well. She told me, “This is our last cycle and they’re putting the last two embryos in. But I’m done stressing, whatever happens, happens.” By allowing herself to let go of expectation she helped the sympathetic nervous system take a much needed break; the parasympathetic brought her body back into balance and now she has two little girls who will one day thank her!

Learn more about massage for fertiltiy, call 888-604-7525 or schedule an appointment online.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

This article was submitted as a guest writer. The opinions expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the opinions of Shady Grove Fertility Center.

by

SGF Nurse

Laura Dubrule, RD, LDN, a nutritionist with Pulling Down the Moon in Rockville, MD, shares with us the “Recipe for Fertility.” As we are just getting finishing up Thanksgiving leftovers it is already time to start thinking about what will be served at the next round of holiday dinners. Laura is here with some healthy tips and recipes.

Laura’s Tip of the Week

Get plenty of Vitamin D. During the holidays and throughout the winter months, the way that we eat in addition to the dreary weather can often cause us to feel down. While adequate Vitamin D levels are associated with optimal hormone balance, proper blood sugar regulation, and IVF success, Vitamin D can also be an important supplement for mood regulation over the holidays.

According to a study conducted at the University of Texas in 2010, it was found that higher Vitamin D levels were associated with a reduced risk of depression. Over the holidays it is recommended that you try to increase your intake of foods that are natural sources of Vitamin D such as salmon, eggs and button mushrooms. You can also get your Vitamin D levels checked and use a Vitamin D supplement if you are found to be deficient.

To see if a Vitamin D supplement is right for you, ask your doctor or give us a call at 301-610-7755 to schedule an appointment with a Pulling Down the Moon nutritionist.

Holiday Side Dishes – Vegetables

Roasted Root Vegetables
Gluten free/Dairy free
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:

  • Common beet and carrots side dishes½ onion, chopped
  • 2 medium-sized beets, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
  • 6 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Herbs (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Add all vegetables to 9×13 pan. Drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and your favorite fresh or dried herbs, if desired. Roast for about 45 minutes, tossing every 10 to 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

Sautéed Asparagus
Gluten free
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:

  • 1-2 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch asparagus

Wash asparagus and cut off about 1 inch of the woody stem. Cut each stalk in 2-3 pieces on the diagonal. Sauté asparagus and garlic in butter or olive oil for a few minutes until just tender. Add a splash of white wine to steam for 1 minute.

SGF Nurse

To find out more about making healthy dietary choices visit us at www.pullingdownthemoon.com. To book a appointment online click here, or call our office at 301-610-7755.

To schedule a New Patient Appointment with Shady Grove Fertility please call 1-877-971-7755 or click here.
 

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

Also of interest