If you are considering trying supplements to support your health or reproductive journey, you may be finding a lot of conflicting information. Are supplements effective or not? Why does my doctor recommend a prenatal or Vitamin D supplement but not others? Which supplements might work best for me? While there is emerging research on the effectiveness of many supplements, overall, there tends to be a lack of data available that can make selecting appropriate ones difficult for most people.
Ever since Lily + Horn founder Mary Sabo, L.Ac DACM did her first egg retrieval in 2017 to freeze her eggs, she’s dreamed of being able to recommend a workout that is IVF doctor-approved, challenging, and accessible to patients undergoing IVF and egg freezing cycles. A former dancer and lover of spinning, Mary teamed up with Reproductive Endocrinologist (and marathon runner) Sheeva Talebian, MD, of CCRM NY and Pregnancy/Postpartum personal trainer Julia Neto, founder of Her Move Wellness. Together, they created a series of workout videos that are safe to do at home during retrieval cycles.
The Celluma Pro is a flexible LED light panel used specifically for photobiomodulation or phototherapy. This type of phototherapy can help increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, decrease internal inflammation, kill acne bacteria on the skin, and improve overall skin tone, texture, and clarity. Since acupuncture does many of these things too, we are very excited to offer this treatment during acupuncture sessions to enhance results even more. Some preliminary studies also show red and near-infrared light therapy may improve fertility outcomes, particularly in women age 35 and older.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a naturally occurring metabolic cofactor in mammals that declines with age. Evidence suggests boosting NAD+ levels could improve egg quality and ovarian function (1,2,3,4). NAD+ is a large molecule and poorly absorbed through digestion, so injections or IV infusions are a preferred way to increase levels. Our team at Lily + Horn has collaborated with Reproductive Endocrinologists in New York City as well as experienced physicians who have been using NAD+ for years to create a dosage and protocol targeting ovarian function and egg quality
For a pregnancy to occur, an embryo must burrow into a woman’s healthy, receptive uterine lining and connect to the blood supply. Her immune system must allow this invasion, and the blood flow to the developing fetus must flow well enough to sustain its development.
Struggling to conceive can sometimes be the toughest challenge a couple goes through. Having the right support from friends and family can make a difference in quality of life during the journey. The following blog was written by Mary for the national blog MindBodyGreen.
When it comes to enhancing fertility with herbs, the claims and possibilities seem endless. It can be frustrating and sometimes difficult to figure out which herbs might be most appropriate and people often end up taking expensive supplements that may or may not be helpful. If possible, it’s wise to work with a qualified practitioner such as an Acupuncturist, Naturopath, or Functional Medicine Doctor to help you discover which herbs are ideal for your case.
For a pregnancy to occur, there are many factors in a woman’s body that must be balanced and healthy. Men must also have normal strong sperm, which can be affected by diet, lifestyle and overall health. When we are young, we are typically naturally more fertile and resilient, but as we age and are exposed to…you know, life (stress, environmental toxins, poor dietary and lifestyle choices, the progression of disease processes, the natural decline of cellular quality), it can become more challenging.
It may seem somewhat strange, but acupuncture and particularly a technique called Moxibustion, has been used for thousands of years to help a breech baby find the right position for birth. In fact, a recent meta-analysis showed that it is not only helpful to correct a breech baby’s position, but may also reduce the need for pitocin during labor.
A Reproductive Endocrinologist recently contacted me asking what the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis of “weak kidneys” meant. She was reviewing a scientific study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility that explored the effect of Chinese herbs administered in the three months leading up to and during an IVF on pregnancy rates.
Heighted stress and anxiety is a common hardship for couples finding it difficult to conceive. It can be a daunting process as they understand the reason for their infertility and navigate therapy options. As patients begin this process, it is important for them to find ways to cope as their physiological and psychological well-being directly influences the quality of their life and treatment outcomes during the patient journey.
I often get questions about acupuncture during pregnancy and whether or not it is safe to receive treatments during all three trimesters. In Chinese medical theory, our training teaches us that there are certain acupuncture points and areas of the body that should not be needled during most of the pregnancy.
As we saw in PART I of this blog, PCOS is a common disorder affecting follicle development and ovulation in women of reproductive age. For details on the definition and diagnosis, please read PART I. In this PART II blog, we’ll discuss treatment options for supporting ovarian function and overall health in women with PCOS. Whether you are trying to conceive, or just trying to get your body more balanced, read on for helpful tips!
“Mary Sabo is my miracle worker! It’s really incredible to think that I get to see my eastern doctor every week and have her really listen and do things that help. She is so warm and I feel like because of her, I can achieve my goals. I am not sure if this is the case for others, but my cycles have since gone from 60+ days to 35 days the first month, 30 the second and we’re on track for a 28 day cycle!!”
— T.S
I adore Mary. I have been seeing her for 4 years through a tough miscarriage, a roller coaster pregnancy, and every issue and ailment (fertility and other) along the way. She is so knowledgeable in both eastern and western medicine. I always leave her office feeling amazing, both physically and emotionally. She is kind, caring, patient, and seems to know everything about everything. Her skill in acupuncture is unparalleled - this is evident not only through my own experience, but also the doctors who work with her, the panels she's so often asked to speak on, and the incredibly successful business she so quickly grew. My visits with Mary are the highlight of my week. I cannot recommend her enough.
— M.J.
“Michelle has been treating me at Lily + Horn to support my IVF cycles and also does acupuncture facials. I can’t believe the results! My friends have even commented on my glowing skin. She’s the real deal and I look forward to my sessions every week.”
— ML
