IVF

The Best Tips for Supporting an Embryo Transfer

The Best Tips for Supporting an Embryo Transfer

While an embryo transfer is a less intense procedure on our bodies compared to an egg retrieval, the stress is often much higher with transfers. So much energy, time and resources went into making an embryo, so it’s normal to feel some anxiety and to want to do everything possible to increase your chances of it working. There is a lot of information out there regarding advice for transfers, but not all of it is helpful. We want you to have the most accurate and effective tools to support your transfer cycles, so we put together our best tips based on current research studies and our 15 years of integrative experience supporting women through these cycles.

IVF & Egg Retrieval Side Effects…What to Expect and How to Manage them Naturally

IVF  & Egg Retrieval Side Effects…What to Expect and How to Manage them Naturally

Patients are often hesitant to start an IVF cycle because they are afraid of potential nasty side effects and not being able to cope with all the hormonal changes, injections, and symptoms that come along with it. We are here to tell you that for the most part, our patients are pleasantly surprised that it’s not as bad as they expected! There are some common side effects you can expect, but they are generally mild and we’ve got some tips for managing them naturally!

Tips for Managing Anxiety and Processing Emotions while Trying to Conceive

Tips for Managing Anxiety and Processing Emotions while Trying to Conceive

Validating and processing emotions is far more important for optimizing fertility than faking positivity. Many of our patients feel guilt or shame for having negative emotions like fear and anxiety while trying to get pregnant or during an IVF cycle.

Struggling to conceive is hard on any person who experiences it and no matter how hard you, your doctor or any support person tries, we can’t control or force a pregnancy to happen exactly when or how we want it to. This is what makes infertility so tough, and it can create frustration, fear, anger, resentment, jealousy, shame, or despair. These emotions are normal! But they don’t feel very good, so we like to help our patients navigate THROUGH them, rather than resist or suppress them.

Endometriosis…the Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained Infertility” Cases. How an Acupuncturist Can Help

Endometriosis…the Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained Infertility” Cases. How an Acupuncturist Can Help

Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates anywhere from 24-50% of infertility cases might be due to underlying endometriosis. Luckily, there are things you can do with or without a diagnosis if you suspect you might have it contributing to your fertility struggles. Here are some tips from a fertility acupuncturist and herbalist to help you navigate trying to conceive with this condition in the mix.

5 Tips for a Peaceful and Productive Egg Retrieval

5 Tips for a Peaceful and Productive Egg Retrieval

You have prepared for months, done your injections, acupuncture and are filled with anticipation, angst, and probably some fear as retrieval day approaches. To minimize some of the negative thoughts running through your hormone-infused head, we have some suggestions (and reassurance). Read our 5 tips for a peaceful and productive IVF egg retrieval from our integrative fertility doctors.