Last April, we posted that we were excited to hopefully add to the family again soon. I have so much to talk about from that journey. I continue to meet and talk to people all the time who are having trouble getting pregnant or dealing with recurring miscarriages. A number of older doctors have expressed concern in this area. When they started their practice many years ago, women were not having issues with this. Maybe it is because many are now trying to have children at older ages? Or maybe its because the American lifestyle is creating big problems for our bodies. I will try to condense some starting points here in case any of that information may be helpful to others dealing with endometriosis or trying to figure out where to even begin. I did a lot of research and added a lot of different methodology into life in hopes of rushing this process. I think its fair to say I am not the most patient person alive and it was kind of fun researching and learning about all the different recommended methods across a number of different demographics (both scientific and out there) that were recommended to help. Maybe I will dive into some of these more at some type, but for now suffice it to say there is a ton out there. Best wishes to anyone on this journey. <3

Starting Points on the road to Baby:

(Bare in mind my history is with endometriosis and thyroid disorder. The following are just some starting points to consider or talk to your doctor about).

Started practicing yoga more regularly and teaching as well
Attended a Yoga for Fertility retreat in Minneapolis (featuring cycle appropriate yoga and acupuncture)
Working with Sandra Maurer of Whole Beginnings (She is a women's natural health coach specializing in fertility, pregnancy and early motherhood using herbs, natural methods, yoga, etc...)
Acupuncture for fertility (I only experienced acupuncture twice, but was really fascinating. My first time I think I was so nervous it was just awful for me. Second time was really relaxing). Scientific data has no backed success for this type of therapy).
Healthier eating (We are vegetarian so cutting out more processed options/drinks)
Acupressure points
Magnesium lotion on the feet (Helped with headaches and insomnia issues I had had)
Epsom salts
Relaxation/meditation techniques (Check out the Ap called Head Space!)
Fertility teas/herbs
Steams
Brazil nuts for selenium increase and thyroid support
Started using Ovia charting app to keep track of things
OV strips to compliment charting
Vitamin panels/added prenatal vitamins
Ultrasound to check for endometriosis/issues
Prayed over at a healing convention (My mom is a Free Lutheran Pastor)
Surgery which found and fixed a blocked tube, endometriosis and a polyp (August)
Clomid medication (one cycle October)
Super Foods for fertility
Ayurvedic techniques (While I was never diagnosed with infertility, this book was really helpful in understanding some of the common issues women have and ideas to live a healthier lifestyle to that end... "The Infertility Cure")
Men's pre-natal that specifically supports men with MTHFR mutation (which J has)

Books utilized on preparing for pregnancy that I recommend (many from library plus the following):

- "Fertility Yoga" by Kristen Leppert
- "The Infertility Cure" by Randine Lewis PhD
- "The Kind Mama" by Alicia Silverstone (Vegetarian/Vegan fertility/pregnancy)
-"Healthy Child, Healthy World" by Gavin, Christopher
-"What to Expect Before you are Expecting" by: Murkoff, Heidi

We found out we were expecting Mid-November and am currently almost 5 months along. I will be posting a few catch up posts to bring everyone up to date in pregnancy thus far now that we have announced last month. <3 Again, I may dive into some of the portions of this journey more at another point. They all have stories and research and life behind them. For now though I hope some may find this helpful in some way and if you want to dive in more I do recommend working with a fertility or nutrition coach as in my experience and research there were definitely some recurring themes and these individuals can be a wealth of knowledge and insight!

Love and Light

-Amanda