“This is a sponsored conversation from Mums the Word Network and The Stork OTC. All opinions are my own.”
Today we’re going to be talking about something that is of a more personal nature than what I typically talk about here. It’s can be a difficult, and sensitive topic for many, but I have a handful of personal friends dealing with this issue at the moment, and a few more with grown children of their own who are struggling at the moment. I feel like some of you may know of people struggling with this topic in your own lives, and I’m hoping that the combination of my own story and the new availability of this product, can help others have improved odds for their own outcome!
This year I’ll be celebrating my 21st Anniversary, having married when I was 21 years old. Often, when young people get married, it’s just a matter of time before the inevitable question is asked, “When are you going to have a baby?!”. While those asking usually have the best of intentions, it can be a painful question for couples who are struggling with fertility issues. Fertility issues come in so many different shapes and sizes, with an abundance of complications and special circumstances. I struggled with the ability to maintain a pregnancy, once I was able to get confirmation of a positive pregnancy.
When dealing with fertility issues and later, pregnancy complications, I have to tell you that THE MOST PAINFUL part of the entire experience is being in or passing through a waiting room full of women in their final stages of pregnancy or those with newborn babies. When you have issues, it requires multiple doctor appointments, so you find yourself in these waiting rooms on a frequent, recurring basis, and all you want to do is cry. It’s not that you aren’t happy for these soon to be or new parents, it’s more that it’s a reminder of how badly YOU want to be a new parent too. It can also lead to an awkward situation with friends and family members who are expecting or new parents because they don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable when they know you’re struggling. My advice is to have an open, honest conversation with them ahead of time to let them know how happy you are for them and to please not be offended if you are sad or have tears in your eyes when you hold their precious loved one. Depending on your current situation, you may be perfectly fine. However, if you are dealing with a hormone roller coaster due to treatments or your medical issue, tears and emotions may be free flowing. Family and friends are a great resource to help you through it, so be sure to lean on them! Ask for help! Call a friend and talk it through, it helps!
When I was struggling, I had many different issues, from an irregular cycle to hormone fluctuation and beyond. The first step is to do plenty of research to fully understand the Basics of the Ovulation Cycle, and how the variations apply to your unique situation. The best tip I received from a friend is to understand early on that YOU ARE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE. Your doctors are handling many different patients, and they are experts, so do your best to keep a good calendar and log of your cycle, daily body temperature, changes in cervical mucus drainage, moods, diet, medications taken daily, exercise, intercourse, and any other questions/concerns you have and want to discuss at your next visit.
- Cycle Log – Timing can vary for everyone. Your doctor needs to know exactly what day you began your menstrual cycle, and how long each cycle lasts for you. Following your log over time, the doctor can determine if you follow a pattern, or if it’s sporadic, and how that may affect conception.
- Daily Body Temperature – You need to know what your base temperature is (not everyone is 98.6 all the time), and it can increase when progesterone is released. Personally, I had very low progesterone, which was one of my conception issues, so I had to take supplements. Take your temperature at the same time each day, for an accurate record.
- Changes in Cervical Mucus Drainage – I know, this may be uncomfortable to talk about, much less keep a record of, but it’s important. When your hormones rise and fall, this can increase or decrease in quantity, thickness, etc. When your doctor can look at a log of fluctuations, they can help give tips for optimal conception times, etc.
- Moods – Knowing how you are feeling throughout the month is also important for your doctor to know. Perhaps there are underlying issues you don’t realize you are having, but being able to look back at a log can help your doctor know if you might need medication or a counselor to help you talk through things as you navigate what can be a very stressful (but rewarding) process.
- Diet – Are you eating a healthy diet?
- Medications – let your doctor help make sure all the medications and supplements you are taking throughout the month. Some may be dangerous for pregnancy. My doctor was able to change some of my medications, add some additional medications and supplements, etc. to help me increase my odds of conception and reduce odds of rejecting a fetus.
- Intercourse – Again, it can be uncomfortable to talk about, but your doctor needs to know what is happening, when, and how often, so they can provide tips to improve the probability of conception.
- Questions – Keep a list of questions! Appointments can be short on time, so you don’t want to waste precious moments trying to remember everything you want to ask. Write down the answers! This will help you to relax and focus on the advice you’re getting, so you can follow the instructions.
- Fertility Kit – I’m excited to share that the Stork is now available! The Stork can be purchased at Target and it is located in the family planning section next to ovulation test kits! The Stork OTC is now available at select Target stores nationwide!
Take a shortcut on the road to conception with the Stork OTC Home Conception Device.No Shots. No Scans. No Prescriptions. No Procedures.Because trying to get pregnant is challenging enough.Trying to get pregnant is an intimate matter.Another reason we designed the Stork OTC to be used at home.Take control of your pathway to parenthood with the Stork OTC.A drug-free option in the next step towards conceptionThe Stork OTC assists you in your chances of getting pregnant.No doctors appointments. No prescriptions. No drugs. No brainer.
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