My IVF Success Story

[Kokura]

I found this website extremely useful & would like to share with all. Please go to Russell's website when you have time. You won't regret it. I hope you will benefit from this just as I did. ;-)




What Is The Fertile Mind?®

Hypnosis For Fertility Program

The Fertile Mind® is a fertility hypnosis program that utilises the scientifically proven mind-body link to help increase your fertility and chances to get pregnant. It also helps let go of any negative emotions such as stress, thinking or beliefs usually experienced with infertility that may be holding you back from getting pregnant.
Research has shown that the stress levels of infertile women are equivalent to women with cancer, AIDS, or heart disease. It also shows that the more distress a woman reports prior to infertility treatment, the less likely she is to conceive.

The Fertile Mind® can used to compliment other infertility treatment such as IVF, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture or nutrition. See here for more information on how it works.
Created With Experience

The Fertile Mind® has been created by Russell Davis, a Cognitive Hypnotherapist who understands where you might be right now.
Russell and his wife have had 10 years experience of double infertility and know first hand some of the emotion infertility can bring such as anger, jealousy, earth shattering disappointment, grief, anxiety to name a few.

Just before they began IVF they conceived naturally and now have a son. Looking back they can see how their thinking played a significant part in their journey.
Russell utilises his personal experience of the infertility emotional rollercoaster and understanding of how the mind can affect your body and fertility.

Russell is also the National Council of Hypnotherapy’s fertility expert advisor.

 

[Kokura]

Leading edge techniques

The Fertile Mind® programs use WordWeaving™, the leading edge hypnotherapy technique to naturally guide your unconscious mind in assisting you with what you want to achieve – improve your fertility – to create short (circa 10 minute) enjoyable relaxing hypnosis tracks for you to listen to each day, preferably as you go to sleep.
Most clients find it so relaxing they are often asleep before the end (and sleep so much better), which is absolutely fine as your unconscious mind is still awake, listening and helping your improve your fertility and chances of getting pregnant.

The Fertile Mind also helps you let go of the roller coaster of emotions and stress that infertility can bring. You can begin to feel more in control and more like yourself.
The beauty of Wordweaving™ is that it makes no assumptions about you, which is good because you are unique! I may have personal experience of infertility however no-ones journey or experience is the same. You will be led by your unconscious mind to make the changes you need in your life to improve your fertility and achieve what you want, The Fertile Mind® being your guide. See Your Fertility for more details.





Enjoyable… achievable… sustainable…

By listening to an enjoyable relaxing 10 minute fertility hypnosis track each day you can help your mind and body be in the best state possible for you to conceive and get pregnant, whether through natural conception or assisted conception such as IVF (we have specific programs for each).
Can change be that easy? Yes it can. The world has created an illusion that there is ‘no pain without gain’. Or letting go of limiting beliefs or unconscious thinking/habits takes hard work and a lot of time. This is not true. You may be able to improve your fertility naturally more easily than you think.

 

[Kokura]

Here is more information on Russell's hypnotherapy work for fertility, ladies! Read on. I bought his mp3 for USD57.



What is the difference between The Fertile Mind and fertility relaxation CDs?

1. The Fertile Mind uses a modern approach to hypnotherapy call Cognitive Hypnotherapy which utilises a more scientific approach to hypnotic suggestions called Wordweaving™. It is based on the modern scientific understanding of the mind, is not prescriptive and creates a framework for your unconscious mind to do what it needs to do in your unique situation. Everyone is unique and experience infertility in their own way. My experience may not be the same as yours. I may not relax in the same way you do so there is no telling you where to go to relax in The Fertile Mind! This is why people are usually asleep before the end of a short The Fertile Mind track!
2. It is more than fertility relaxation. Relaxation will give you moments of respite from the stress, pain and roller-coaster of emotions infertility brings. Cognitive Hypnotherapy moves you on in your journey. It allows you to let go of the underlying causes of the pain, anger and stress and help you move from despair to hope and actively utilise the mind-body link to guide your body to success. This is why people tend to experience a shift in how they feel all day, not just during listening. The also find themselves taking care of themselves (e.g. what they eat) effortlessly as their unconscious mind is being re-tuned to do what they want – be in the optimal shape physically and mentally to get pregnant.
3. The Fertile Mind is all you need for your complete fertility cycle on one program. Each program includes a number of tracks for each stage of the process which is why there are specific programs for natural and assisted conception. No additional CDs to buy.
4. The tracks on The Fertile Mind are deliberately short. They are kept to 11-12 minutes as that is all hypnosis tracks need to be. Most people that listen are asleep before the end (which is OK as the subconscious mind is still awake and listening!). I do not pad them out just so you feel you are getting more value for money, that comes from the benefits you get. I keep them short so listening to one each day is sustainable and remains enjoyable and does not become a chore. It is through the repetition (ideally over 28 days) that you get the change you want. Too often people buy hypnosis/relaxation programs and stop listening as it becomes a chore, or something else they have to fit in their day. I want you to enjoy using the programs just like others do so you too can get the maximum benefit.

 

[Kokura]

Hey ladies, I discover there is a FREE online fertility magazine available as long as you register to be a member. It covers a wide range of topics such as what exactly does an embryologist does with your eggs in assisted conception, how does hypnotherapy help with fertility, what super vitamins to take to boost your health & fertility, stories & struggles of other women who are trying for a baby, etc. The link is here. Do read it when you have time.


www.myfertilityspecialist.com/issue4

 

[Kokura]

A blog I found on Russell's website that is useful for those who are trying to conceive.





3 things you can do to increase your IVF success rate

For brevity I am going to use the term ‘IVF’ as a generic term for fertility treatment, including ICSI, donor egg/sperm etc.
There are three major factors that can increase IVF success rate.

• The quality of the embryo(s).
• The uterine environment the embryo(s) is/are being placed into.
• The embryo-uterus interaction.

With fertility treatment there can be a lot of focus on the quality of the embryo as an indicator to IVF success. However, embryo quality is only one of the three factors – and the one over which you dont’t have much control.
So, what can you do about the other two factors to increase your chances of IVF success?


Use Visualisations
One of my most popular blog entries was about positive affirmations. I believe visualisations are far more powerful than positive affirmations because when you visualise, you shift from using your conscious mind to your unconscious mind. Think of your imagination as a gateway to your unconscious mind, which controls all your bodily functions including balancing the delicate cocktail of fertility hormones required for fertility treatment and success with IVF.
The mind and body are an amazing natural healing machine. Look at how a cut heals itself without us doing anything, or how bones knit together. You can direct and guide this power to let your unconscious mind know what you want it to do. You can speed up the rate of healing, something I’ve done many times.
You can use the power of visualisations to prepare your body for the process. To do this, you imagine the body working with the medication to create the most healthy environment for your embryo(s); you visualise your body embracing the medication and your embryo(s) thriving.
One of my previous clients had collected a low number of high quality eggs on her first IVF. We created some visualisations for her to listen to and use for her next cycle. She went on to harvest a significantly larger number of high quality eggs at her next IVF cycle (which was a success). Were the visualisations the only factor that made a difference? Probably not, but she doesn’t know or care; she now has a beautiful daughter.
For more details on how and what to visualise, download my free Getting Started Pack here. The ebook contains a section on visualisation for your fertility treatment success.


Have a relaxed embryo transfer
A study carried out by a hospital in Israel looked at the correlation between a patient’s depth of relaxation during embryo transfer and IVF success rate. The thinking behind the study was that the more relaxed the patient, the more relaxed her uterus would be, which may have a positive effect on the embryo-uterus interaction. The study tested various relaxation approaches from hypnosis to medication.
The patients who underwent hypnosis during their treatment were the most relaxed. These patients had double the IVF success rate compared to the control group (who didn’t have any form of relaxation).
This is why my Assisted Conception programme includes a track you can use for embryo transfer. Most clinics allow patients to take an mp3 player into the procedure, so use something you find relaxing to listen to. Anything has got to be better than the trashy radio station that was blaring out in one clinic I visited!
Ensure you are not rushed before or after the treatment. Protect your space; it’s your body and your mind.


Turn the Two Week Wait into a Two Week Thrive
Most patients find that the two week wait is the most stressful element of the whole IVF treatment. This is usually because they feel isolated and alone. The clinic has done all they can and it is now down to the patient. Has it worked? So much energy, time and money has gone in to this moment, but you won’t know for a couple of weeks.
This is the time when the uterus interacts with the embryo. Your uterus literally embraces the embryo, shifting the stromal cells to envelop it. If you are stressed, your body will prioritise ‘fight or flight’ survival mode over welcoming new life.
Stress is all future thinking. Has the IVF treatment been successful? Am I pregnant? Stress means believing that our state of wellbeing is dependent on something in the future. Our thoughts go in to overdrive, working out what we need to do to make it happen, or what we’ll do if it doesn’t. All future thinking. The only moment that exists is the present moment. Nothing can predict the pregnancy test result and whether the IVF has been successful or not.
We are designed to live in the moment, not the future. Wellbeing means being in the moment. Come back to the here and now. Recognise, from the moment of embryo transfer, that you are pregnant. Be with yourself and your body in that. Visualise your body doing exactly what you want it to do. This can help you turn the Two Week Wait in to a Two Week Thrive.
I created a resource to help you do just that, turn the Two Week Wait in to a Two Week Thrive. It’s a printable journal to help you stay present in each day. You can download it here.

To your IVF success






1. Levitas, E. et al, ‘Impact of hypnosis during embryo transfer on the outcome of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer: a case-control study.’ Fertility and Sterility – Vol 85, Issue 5, (2006), 1404–1408

 

[Kokura]

Trying to get pregnant? Dream DO come true. Please listen when you have time & be inspired. I did!

https://youtu.be/Ea-6DwCEIW8

 

[Kokura]

This song made me feel that this IS the song I have been waiting to hear since I started on this journey. I cry whenever I hear it, especially when I see the animation of the fertilized embryo implanting itself into the uterine lining. If you are trying to conceive via IVF or ICSI, this is the scene you should take note of. This song is best listened with your earphones on. Feel free to listen to it again & again.

 

[Kokura]

Hey ladies,

Here is an important message from Andrew Loosely Chinese Medicine Fertility Expert, Author and Speaker.




In the last 2 working weeks of December alone, 5 of my clients conceived their babies.
Let my team and I help you too!
Join me and my whole Natural Fertility Expert Team as we kick of the new year with 2016's first Fertility Question Time, onThursday 7th January 2016 at 8pm UK time.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR FREE PLACE NOW

If you're new to FQT, it's a FREE online event that you can listen to from the comfort and privacy of your home, and it's packed full of great information on how you can transform your fertility health!
To get you on the right track from the start of the year, we’ll be talking about:
How to Get Pregnant Naturally and with IVF – The 4 best treatments to prepare you for natural or assisted conception and pregnancy
We'll be discussing:

• How you can construct your fertility journey and turn it into a simple 3 step plan that takes the confusion and overwhelm away
• How to put together a strategy for your journey in 2016, so that you know exactly what your best next steps should be
• What the 4 best natural fertility treatments and support are, so that you can begin to truly transform your fertility health and get you closer to your goal of having your baby.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR FREE PLACE NOW

There will also be a fantastic special offer, limited to just 20 people to each receive over £700 ($1000 US) worth or FREE treatment and support from my world leading team, when each person buys a 12-week Baby Creating Plan with me!
You can hear more details at the event.

This free online event will give you great insight into the 4 best treatments to use; how to construct your fertility journey; how to transform your fertility health naturally and for IVF preparation; and how to bring it all together to give you the best possible chance and get you to your goal of having you baby!
Please also send in your questions and we'll answer as many as we can between the four of us!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR FREE PLACE NOW

** EVENT DETAILS **​

When:
Thursday 7th January 2016, 8pm UK time

Topic:
How to Get Pregnant Naturally or with IVF – The 4 best treatments to prepare you for natural or assisted conception and pregnancy

Speakers: The whole Natural Fertility Expert Team:

Andrew Loosely - Chinese Medicine Fertility Expert, Author and Speaker and creator of The Baby Creating Plan.

Sarah Holland - Fertility Emotional Wellbeing Expert

Clare Blake - Fertility Massage Expert

Angela Heap - Fertility Nutrition Expert

Access:
Free access by web or local number rate by phone - access provided once you register.

Registration:
Once you register you will receive login details to attend the event.
Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2016!










Best wishes
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Andrew Loosely | Chinese Medicine Fertility Expert, Author and Speaker Lic.OHM, DCHAc, Dip.CH, MURHP, MCMIR Creator of The Baby Creating Plan - The 3 Step Formula to Having Your Baby www.NaturalFertilityExpert.com

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Published Author, Writer and Presenter for:
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[Kokura]

[h=2]Why it's Vital to Prepare Emotionally for IVF and the Many Benefits it Can Bring ~ February FQT[/h]

The ‘what ifs?’ form a huge part of every fertility journey, including the IVF process. “What if I’m successful, but then again what if I’m not?”

IVF cycles can be lead to life changing outcomes, but they can also be one of the most stressful experiences because it’s impossible to know the final result in advance.

With IVF success rates averaging around 24%, it is important to be guardedly optimistic about a positive outcome, and it’s also important to be realistic about the possibility of failure.

IVF is a big investment, not just financially but also in terms of your time, energy and emotions. There will be highs, lows and unexpected challenges along the way, and preparing yourself emotionally will ensure you are ready for any outcome.

Join Andrew Loosely and the wonderful Sarah Holland, Fertility Emotional Wellbeing Expert, for this month’s Fertility Question Time as we discuss: ‘Why it's Vital to Prepare Emotionally for IVF and the Many Benefits it Can Bring.’

Sarah will be sharing her incredible knowledge and over 15 years of fertility emotional wellbeing expertise to explain:

• How you can take control of your emotions with coping techniques and strategies
• How using EFT can help you to address potential challenges and emotional issues that may occur during your cycle including the Two Week Wait
• The importance of communication and having a good emotional support system in place

CLICK HERE NOW TO REGISTER YOUR FREE PLACE


They’ll also be answering your questions, so send in any questions by clicking the link above and registering for the live event.

Once you’re registered Andrew Loosely will remind you of the event as they get nearer to it, but here are the details in advance:

** EVENT DETAILS **​

When:
Thursday 25th February 2016, 8pm UK time (timezone converter here)



Topic:
Why it's Vital to Prepare Emotionally for IVF and the Many Benefits it Can Bring


Speakers:

Andrew Loosely - Chinese Medicine Fertility Expert, Author and Speaker and creator of The Baby Creating Plan

Sarah Holland - Fertility Emotional Wellbeing Expert

Access:
Free access by web or local number rate by phone - access provided once you register.

Registration:
Once you register you will receive login details to attend the event.


CLICK HERE NOW TO REGISTER YOUR FREE PLACE

 

[Kokura]

Yes, this event is absolutely FREE. No gimmicks. Once you click on the link, you can ask them questions too! So feel free to type whatever fertility questions that may be bothering you.

 

[Kokura]

Hey ladies, remember I wrote about Russell Davis? He is a UK based Fertility Cognitive Hypnotherapist, writer and speaker who has just found a way of getting his Fertile Mind Mind-Body programme accessible to more people. It's now available online to do at your own pace! I strongly suggest that you sign up for his programme because it will enable you to find an inner sense of well-being on this stressful fertility journey. Inner sense of well-being is so very important! This is especially whenever we receive a bloody report, friend/friend's friend/colleague/relative/ announces her BFP, or even when a pregnant woman walks past you! Yes!!! I strongly believe that our body will work to our benefit when we can give it the most conducive environment for making a baby. Stress, anger, jealousy are all NOT needed! Do click on his link below.


The purpose of the programme is to spend a couple of weeks focussing on Project You rather than Project Baby. Doing so can actually buy you time and rewind the biological clock as your mind and body come back to its more harmonious state.

Over six modules we cover:

Your Grounding - creating the optimal psychological state for success and emotional resilience.

You Mind and Your Body - your unconscious mind controls all your bodily functions and sometimes it can do with a little helping hand.

Support - it can be a very lonely journey find out how to feel more supported and understood on the journey.

Relationships - the journey can put a great strain on the best of relationships. Some practical tools and techniques to help you foster a closeness and understanding.


"It made me see life from a different perspective and don't feel so bogged now. I'm sure this made a positive impact on me and do think it contributed to why I managed to be pregnant."

"Your program was excellent!"

"I wish could have done this course (or an equivalent) five years ago,when the grief after my first miscarriage was all-consuming and the quest to get pregnant again took over my entire life (and not in a good way!)"


To celebrate the launch Russell is am offering this to his subscribers for 50% off over this weekend. So for you the cost of the course to only £47 (circa $67). It comes complete with a range of resources and tools including a full copy of my fertility hypnosis programmes each worth £37/£57.


***Get started here***
Fertility Mind Body Programme


"Russell, would recommend you to anyone! Thanks again."

 

[Kokura]

Your own positive mind plan for pregnancy


I often talk to my clients about how your emotional well-being can affect your physical well-being; how achieving a strong mind-body connection can have a positive and powerful influence on your chances at conception.
I advise all my clients to create their own Positive Mind Plan, to help them achieve this connection, feel more relaxed and regain the control that they feel to have lost. But where do you start with your own positive mind plan? It’s important to remember that only you and you alone know how you are feeling and no two positive mind plans are the same. However, they all start with the same questions……

1. What is your current situation and what are you trying to achieve? (in addition to the baby)
2. What is the reality of your situation and how is that affecting how you think, feel and behave?
3. What obstacles exist that could stop you from making positive changes in your life?

For most of us, these are the personal and intimate questions that we are most afraid of approaching: we are constantly terrified to admit that we are scared and understand why. But the whole idea of a positive mind plan is to safely explore how you feel, find new techniques with which to overcome your fears and use them to maintain that positive mind-body connection that helps you feel in control of your situation and in turn, increases your chances of conception.
Here are some proven techniques and methods that you could consider when creating your own Positive Mind Plan:




Action Plan
A clear plan of action is key! Make sure it includes lots of things that make you happy as well as the logistics of any fertility investigations or treatments that you may be involved with.

Positive Affirmations
These are carefully worded, personal, positive statement that you repeat and must be in the present tense. Start by listing all your negative thoughts about pregnancy, like “The doctor says I only have a 5% chance of getting pregnant”, and then turn them into positive ones, “I am one of the 5%”. Make these statements your new mantras: write them down, say them out loud in the morning and before bed and keep them close to your heart at all times.

Visualisation Techniques
Why not listen to a CD of guided meditation? Maybe you could take up yoga? Whatever you choose, try and practice a visualisation or stress-reduction technique for around 20 minutes each day.

Keep a Journal
It is often so hard to put feelings into words, but a journal can be a perfect way to just allow thoughts to flow freely in a totally uninhibited way. You may never read it back again, but at least your emotions are on paper rather than bottled up in your mind.

Do Something You Enjoy
Allow yourself to be happy! Catch up with friends over a coffee, listen to your favourite song, indulge in simple, daily pleasures that give you pure enjoyment.

Exercise
Doing some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Whether it’s walking, running or something totally different, exercise releases the endorphins needed to maintain a positive state of mind.

Therapies
Some of the therapies that we commonly recommend include art therapy, hypnotherapy and counselling – feel free to explore just one or all of them and find what works for you.




Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London

 

[Kokura]

Are your emotions affecting your fertility?


One of the questions I ask all my clients is ‘Is there anything happening psychologically or emotionally for you that could actually be stopping you from getting pregnant?’ You shouldn’t have to dig too deep, most women will know if there is something lurking in the background.
There’s no question about it: Your emotional health may on some level affect your ability to conceive. Our thoughts and the way we think determined our emotional and physical state. I feel that negativity and negative thoughts can, at some level, act as a block when trying for a baby.
It is obvious to me that helping my clients deal with their emotions helps them conceive. Most Western medicine is concerned with sorting issues on a physical level, but I like to take a look at the whole picture: the grief, the anger, the frustration, the guilt and the laughter are all part of what I share every day.
In Chinese medicine, thoughts are energy, waiting to be used skilfully through our emotions. While it is appropriate to feel anger, frustration, grief etc, it is being able to manage these emotions, understand them and let them go that is important for health.

• Try to identify the cause of negative thinking, and how long these kinds of thoughts have been with you.
• Try to think back to where you first heard them, ie your mother, a family member, a doctor.
• Consider whether these thoughts cause you stress.
• Look at the people around you and how they are reacting to you.
• Remember, that whenever you work towards supporting yourself physically, through improved diet, gentle exercise, better relaxation and improved sleep, how you feel emotionally will also improve.

At the Zita West clinic, we also recommend hypnotherapy as a tool for managing emotions. Hypnotherapy allows fears to be expressed in a safe way, and helps men and women gain a realistic assessment of their needs and desires.
Maureen Kiely, our clinical hypnotherapist, says: ‘Many of the clients I see have had their confidence shattered by their inability to conceive, or maintain a pregnancy to full term. My role is to help them build their belief in the possibility of pregnancy and giving birth. For others, there are unexplained issues which contribute to this sense of failure or disbelief in themselves. Some of these issues or blocks may be hampering fertility or conception.’


Here are some hints from Maureen to help you get started.

• Imagine the mind has a control room marked ‘Fertility and reproduction.’ You have the key. Go into that room and see the controls for your fertility. Imagine the dial and turn the levels up and down as you wish. You can return and check to make any further adjustments as and when required.
• If you are going through IVF, imagine a good healthy environment for your embryos. Picture a rich, vibrant red cushion with ‘Welcome’ written on it. Imagine the embryos burrowing and nestling in, warm, safe and secure. Imagine them being protected and guarded by your vigilant subconscious mind.
• Picture yourself in a warm, tranquil , safe environment like a garden on a summer’s day, pushing a pram back and forth, singing a baby to sleep.
• Give yourself free reign. Allow yourself to be creative, free, unselfconscious and prepared to follow your heart’s wishes.

Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London

 

[Kokura]

[h=1]Can you really ‘count’ your eggs?[/h]
You may have read in the press a lot recently about ‘egg counting’. This is misleading because you cannot actually ‘count’ the number of eggs you have left. However, what you can do is use a test that assesses what your egg reserves are likely to be.

How the test is done
At the Zita West Clinic we can check your fertility status with our Fertility MOT Home Test Kit. A key part of our MOT service is a quick and easy-to-use pin-prick based blood test that assesses your AMH (Anti-mullerian Hormone), a substance produced by the ovaries. The level of AMH correlates with your ovarian reserve. Your ovarian reserve declines with age.
This AMH result will not however, tell us about the quality of your eggs but we do know that this too declines with age. As a basic principle, if your AMH does come back low indicting low reserves but you are in your late 20’s early 30’s the number of eggs you do have are likely to be chromosomally normal – your egg quality should be good. The older you are the more chromosomally abnormal your eggs are likely to be. This is why it is harder to get pregnant at an older age.

A big positive with home testing is that it can make you take action sooner rather than later. Zita West
​

The positive side to home testing is that it can make you take action sooner rather and later. However, each woman has a different fertility age and sometimes these tests create more concern than necessary. A low AMH test does not mean to say you won’t get pregnant. It is only a vague indicator of your natural fertility potential; there is simply not enough research to decipher a trend as we have seen some women with an extremely low AMH level get pregnant naturally. Remember, there are so many different shades of grey in fertility; AMH only tells you one part of a very unique and complex picture.


To do or not to do….
You always need to think ahead. For every test there is always a result. I have seen so many women devastated when they get a result they’re not expecting or have been told by a professional that they’re never going to get pregnant. If you’re not in a relationship and do not want a baby alone, you need to think carefully about taking this test and whether it is the best thing for you. I have seen single women panic and rush to get their AMH levels, only to cause great repercussions in future relationships.
Where it is useful is that it can predict how well you’re likely to respond to IVF drugs, which can help you to decide whether to start planning fertility treatment.
The service we offer at the Zita West Clinic, is a home test kit which includes a detailed questionnaire. Once the results come in, there is someone at the end of the phone to give you advice and help develop a plan of action if one is necessary.


Antral Follicle Count
Further investigation is sometimes necessary and this would normally take the form of an ultrasound scan that measures the antral follicles to estimate your ovarian reserve. This is called an Antral Follicle Count (AFC). Antral follicles are small resting follicles on the ovary, about 2-8mm in diameter that indicate how many primordial follicles the ovary contains. Inside each primordial follicle is an immature egg that has the potential to develop in the future. The AFC is a representation of the number of eggs left – not an absolute number.
So, despite speculation in the media, there is no definitive way to ‘count’ how many viable eggs a woman has left. Whatever stage you’re at, I believe that with the right help and support you can have a much clearer view of your fertility and what steps you need to take, so you can stop ‘counting’ and start acting.



Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London

 

[Kokura]

[h=1]Eat for your monthly cycle[/h]

We often hear the word ‘regular’ with reference to a woman’s ideal cycle. Medically speaking regular is any cycle that varies in length by no more than seven days month to month. If the cycle fluctuates more than this then it is said to be irregular.
It is likely that a major cause of irregular cycles is hormonal imbalances. There is a strong link between diet and hormones, which means the right nutrition at the right time of the month can make a big difference when it comes to getting your cycle into a healthier pattern.
I have come up with an ‘Eat Yourself Pregnant Diet Plan’ that encourages you to eat the right foods to balance your hormones in order to make your cycle more predictable and conception more likely. And of course, I always stipulate general healthy eating and a good, nutrition-rich diet as a whole.
[h=2]Eating Right for Your cycle[/h]There are 4 phases to your cycle and each of these have important nutritional requirements to maintain stability.
[h=3]Phase 1 of your cycle[/h]Many women feel the hormonal shift on the very first day of their period – pent up tension falls away and a sense of relief and calm ensues. However, you could also feel a little lethargic. Try to enjoy some quiet time when this happens and avoid exercising, treating yourself to an early night or two if possible.
This is the time for warm, nourishing foods. Choose foods rich in iron and vitamin C as these will help to replenish the iron that you lose with your period. Vitamin B rich foods will help you to regain some energy.
Good sources of Vitamin C
• Fruits and vegetables
Good sources of iron
• Lean red meat
• Pumpkin seeds
• Beans and pulses
• Dreid apricots and raisins
• Shellfish
• Dark green leafy vegetables
Good sources of B-vitamins
• Whole grains
• Lamb, beef, poultry
• Shellfish
• Eggs and dairy
• Leafy Green vegetables
• Yeast extract
[h=3]Phase 2 of your cycle[/h]This phase can vary in length from month to month. Oestrogen is on the rise as your body prepares for ovulation and during this time many women feel great – attractive, flirty, full of libido and energy.
During this phase, stock up on your B-Vitamins which are important for hormonal balance and healthy cell division (a crucial part of baby making).
Lecithin will help to keep your cell membranes healthy. Keep eating Vitamin C rich foods as this is thought to increase the amount of water in your cervical mucus, making it more plentiful. Also eat foods rich in capsaicin, isoflavones and L-arginine which all help the body make nitric acid. This dilates your blood vessels easing blood flow through your whole system – good news for your reproductive organs.
Important at this stage is to support your immune system as it needs be in optimum condition for a healthy implantation to occur. So ensure you are getting enough Vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, eating salmon and sardines or shitake mushrooms or top up with a vitamin D supplement.
Good sources of Lecithin
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Green leafy vegetables
• Legumes
• Seafood
Good sources of Capsaicin
• Hot peppers
Good sources of Isoflavones
• Soy beans and soy flour
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Miso
Good sources of L-arginine
• Meats
• Fish
• Seafood
• Eggs and dairy
• Nuts, seeds, wheat-germ
[h=3]Phase 3 of your cycle[/h]This is the luteal phase of your cycle and betacarotene-rich foods are the important ingredient to include in your diet during this time. The corpus luteum (the ruptured ovarian follicle that produces progesterone to thicken the womb lining, close the cervix and maintain a pregnancy) contains a high level of betacarotene. This nutrient is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps protect your cells from damage.
Good sources of betacarotene
• Butternut squash
• Carrots
• Collards
• Kale
• Spinach
• Sweet Potato
• Mustard Greens
[h=3]Phase 4 of your cycle[/h]If no fertilization has occurred your hormone levels begin to fall and you may begin to feel lethargic again. Many women crave sweet foods at this time. Allow yourself the odd treat – An effective diet comes down to the 80:20 rule – allow yourself some leeway to enjoy treats up to 20% of the time. The important thing to remember in order to keep your hormones steady is to keep your blood sugar balance stable, so don’t go overboard on refined carbohydrates. Instead, stick to slow release carbohydrates
Good sources of Slow Release Carbohydrates
• Beans and pulses
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Berries and citrus fruits
The best option to maintain your blood sugar balance is to combine these with good protein sources along with good fats – polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats.
Following these recommendations should help in removing the uncertainty over when your ovulation occurs and also help mood and energy levels throughout your cycle by balancing your blood sugar levels and hormones. For more on ovulation, Fertility Nurse and Midwife at the Clinic, Jane Knight answers your questions on Ovulation in this blog post – Ovulation Facts.
My book Eat Yourself Pregnant contains many more hints and tips on getting your body baby ready and includes 80 delicious recipes to help provide you and your partner with the nutrients you need when you are trying to conceive.
Our Clinic offers nutritional consultations for couples looking to prepare for conception. These can either be in person at our London Fertility Clinic or by video conference from the comfort of your own home.




Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London

 

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• Ovulation facts
  
  
  How much do you know about ovulation? We answer the most frequently asked questions from women trying to conceive.
  
  
  Q. Can you ovulate twice in one month?
  A. Yes. But this is fairly rare, and is what happens in the case of non-identical twins. If ovulation happens twice it is always within 24 hours. So your fertile time will still be over the same few days of your cycle.
  Q. How long can the sperm survive?
  A. Sperm can live for 2-3 days inside a woman’s body. However, during the optimum conditions which accompany the ovulation time it can survive for up to a week.
  Q. How long am I fertile for each month?
  A. The vast majority of pregnancies occur due to intercourse in the six day period before ovulation occurs. This fertile window will generally occur earlier in shorter cycles and later in longer cycles.
  Q. I have regular periods. Does this prove my ovulation is normal?
  A. Regular periods can occur even if ovulation has not occurred, so are not necessarily a sign you have ovulated during your cycle.
  Q. How can be certain I have ovulated?
  A. With great difficulty! Currently there are only three ways to confirm that ovulation is occurring: being pregnant; an ultrasound scan showing a collapsed follicle or a blood test showing a raised progesterone level.
  Q. What is a progesterone test and should I have one?
  A. A progesterone test can show ovulation has occurred, but needs to be taken on day 21 of a 28 day cycle. At this time raised progesterone levels will show that ovulation has occurred. Whilst the absence of raised levels will show if no ovulation has taken place.
  Q. How accurate is temperature at indicating ovulation?
  A. An accurately taken waking temperature can give some idea of the possible presence or absence of ovulation and any ovulatory problems, but temperature recordings are not conclusive and can be stressful so are not generally recommended.
  Q. Should I use a predictor kit?
  A. Some women find these useful, but they should be used alongside understanding of how your cervical secretions chance during fertiles times. An ovulation predictor kit tests for a surge in luteinising hormone. Ovulation normally follows within 36 hours of the LH surge, but a positive LH test does not always indicate that ovulation will follow.
  Q. What should I be looking for in my cervical secretions?
  A. During fertile times oestrogen changes cervical secretions to allow sperm to live longer in the woman’s body, and enter the womb more easily. Typically fertile secretions are wetter, slippery and more stretchy. To maximise the chance of conception, sex should occur on days with optimal mucus quality, regardless of the exact timing relative to ovulation.
  Q. I’ve noticed as I get older I have less secretions – is this a problem?
  A. Not necessarily. And plenty of water and good quality dietary fats can help. But it is very important to ascertain whether secretions have diminished due to age, or other factors such as hormonal imbalance or poor follicular development – this is where egg growth is not sufficiently stimulated in the ovaries.
  Q. The time between ovulation and my period seems to have got shorter. Why is this?
  A. As women age, ovulation becomes less frequent and the interval between ovulation and the next period (luteal phase) may be deficient or shortened. This may be a normal part of the ageing process or may have other causes. However, if there are less than 10 days from ovulation to the next period, there is not enough time for a fertilised egg to implant in the endometrium (womb lining).
  Q. Which lifestyle factors most impact on ovulation?
  A. Stress can have a large impact because it disrupts hormones associated with fertility. Weight fluctuations can also have an impact, and being underweight can be more detrimental to fertility than being slightly overweight. Other health issues such as anaemia and medications can have an impact. As can smoking, excess alcohol and poor diet.
  Q. I think I might have a problem with my thyroid. Can that affect fertility?
  A. The thyroid gland is like the body’s thermostat, releasing hormones to speed up your metabolism and burn more fuel, or slow down and conserve energy. Issues like stress and illness can affect the thyroid, disrupting its natural processes. And since your hormones are interrelated this can affect fertility.
  Q. I’ve just come off the pill. How long will it take for my cycles to return?
  A. This varies from person to person. The first month after you stop taking the pill is usually a particularly fertile cycle. After this ovulation can be disrupted for a few months in most women. For others it may take longer for ovulation to return to a normal pattern, despite regular periods.
  Q. I’m breastfeeding. What affect does this have on my fertility?
  A. Breast-feeding suppresses ovulation and it may take a while after stopping breast-feeding for a normal ovulatory pattern to return, despite seemingly normal periods.
  Q. Can I time intercourse to affect the sex of the baby?
  A. No. When you have sex makes no difference to the gender of the baby.
  Q. How often should we be having sex?
  A. Three to four times a week is ideal. This will ensure a healthy amount of active sperm is always present to fertilise the egg. Sex should also happen in enough time prior to ovulation for the sperm to ready themselves in the fallopian tubes.
  For more information on ovulation, timing sex to conceive, investigations into ovulation problems or unusual patterns of cervical secretions, you may like to arrange a fertility awareness consultation with Jane Knight, fertility nurse specialist.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London

 

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[h=1]Why diet is AS important for men as it is for women when it comes to having a baby[/h]Recent research has found that men need to focus on their diet just as much as women when it comes to creating a healthy baby. So following on from my previous blog post – 6 Top Tips To Boost Sperm Health – here are my top 4 most important nutrients for male fertility:
[h=2]Vitamin B9 (folate)[/h]This helps to prevent miscarriages and birth defects when mothers get adequate amounts in their diet, but the father’s levels may be just as important to the development and health of the baby.
Top Vitamin B9 rich foods include:Green leafy vegetables – cereals – fruit
[h=2]Carnitine Rich Foods: Get the Beef in![/h]Sperm cells have to travel farther than any other single human cell—and they need a tremendous amount of energy in order to make the trek. Carnitine is a natural occurring amino acid that helps your body convert fat into energy– this can give sperm a real energy boost. Carnitine can also help reduce oxidative stress, which may damage sperm too.
Top carnitine rich foods include: Beef – Pork – Cod – Whole milk – Chicken breast.
[h=2]Get the Fats In: Omega 3s[/h]Omega 3 fats are essential components of cell membranes including sperm cells. They’re also precursors to eicosanoids that play essential roles in human reproduction. Higher omega-3 levels and ratios between omega 3 and omega 6 fats are directly correlated with improved sperm motility, concentration, and structure.
Top Omega 3 rich foods include: Oily fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon – Flaxseeds – Chia seeds
Supplements of omega 3 fats containing DHA and EPA fats have been shown to improve total sperm count and concentration. If you’ve been struggling to get pregnant, following an omega 3 rich Mediterranean-style diet may boost your chance of successful pregnancy by 40%.
[h=2]Vitamin D[/h]Making sure your vitamin D level is optimal is important as this has been linked to sperm motility and normal structure. Normally we get most of our vitamin D from sunlight, but working longer hours and living in a climate where there aren’t as many hours of sunlight a day does mean it’s easy to be deficient.
As there is little of this important nutrient found in food the main option for boosting your levels is through a daily supplement.
Find out more about how nutrition can impact on fertility and pregnancy
View our range of nutritional supplements

 

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Traditional Chinese Medicine for modern fertility



Chinese medicine is a very effective treatment for fertility/infertility. Acupuncture alone can be a very important tool, however the treatment of infertility according to Chinese Medicine principles never takes place in isolation. We need to look at lifestyle, dietary, emotional and other factors that are just as important if we want to optimize one’s fertility potential. Here, I will be giving some general and practical advice to help you with conception.
If you have had acupuncture before for fertility, I am sure that your therapist told you to keep your low abdomen warm. In this way, the blood circulation to the pelvic organs will be maximized, creating a ‘cosy’ environment for egg/sperm production, fertilization and implantation.

In Chinese Medicine environmental factors can have a major influence on one’s internal environment.
Most of the time here in the UK, the weather is cold and damp so we have to make sure that we wrap up properly and keep ourselves warm. In the old days in China for example women didn’t wash their hair when they were menstruating as they believed that they were exposing their bodies to cold and this can lead to disease. These days we have warm houses and hairdryers however occasionally I catch my early morning clients coming in for treatment with wet hair. That’s why I always warn them to dry their hair before they go out in the cold. Also keep your feet warm too and wear appropriate shoes according to weather. Don’t wear sandals or slippers if it’s too cold or wet outside.

To keep our bodies warm we need to eat warm and cooked food too. The last meal shouldn’t be too late either and in that way we are helping our spleen to transform our food efficiently for optimal absorption. In Chinese Medicine one of the major functions of the spleen is to provide our bodies with fuel that is extracted from the food and fluids we consume. That fuel is very important to support the reproductive system with energy as all the stages of reproduction is very much energy dependent. So if you feel tired in general, your spleen might be under performing, making conception harder. To maintain the spleen’s function you have to cut out on excessive sugar consumption, omitting fried foods and eat as much warm, cooked and good quality of food as possible.

Sleep is another important factor to enhance fertility and that’s not just the number of hours of sleep, but the quality of sleep too. When we sleep certain hormones are released which allow the body to regenerate, grow and repair damaged tissues and cells and strengthen the immune system. Studies suggest that both male and female fertility can be adversely affected by sleep deprivation or disrupted sleep patterns. So if you are one of those who go to sleep too late make sure that you are in bed by no later than 11pm. If you find difficult to fall asleep then perhaps listen to some guided meditation or something soothing that will help you to unwind.

And finally I would like to talk about stress. Interestingly, some of the women I treat are not even aware that they are under stress. They have hectic lifestyles with very busy jobs, they are constantly multi tasking, flying from one end of the world to the other end within short period of times and constantly meeting deadlines. They often don’t eat regularly, their meals are mostly cold and lacking in nutrients and don’t get to bed until after midnight.

Often they tell me they love their jobs and they don’t feel excessively tired but this is not an ideal lifestyle for conception. They don’t realize that actually they are running on their reserves, making it difficult for their bodies to maintain harmony and balance.

In Chinese Medicine, we say that they are depleting their ‘Essence’ or ‘Jing’, the latter of which is stored in the Kidneys and nourishes, fuels and cools the body. I think it’s fair to say that the ‘Jing’ provides the material basis for healthy eggs and semen. It is believed that we are born with a fixed amount of Jing and if we pursue a balanced and healthy lifestyle then we can preserve this precious source. I understand that sometimes it seems impossible to change one’s lifestyle radically to preserve Jing however since I have been helping women to conceive either naturally or through assisted conception the ones who make those changes seem to have better outcomes.



Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London

 

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Can I improve the quality of my eggs?

One of the questions women constantly ask me is if there is anything that can be done to improve the quality of their eggs. We know that a woman is born with all of the eggs she will ever possess and these are her most precious, valuable commodity. Egg health is the cornerstone to fertility and they need to be nourished in order to mature, ovulate, fertilise, implant and finally, make a baby.
The amount and quality of the eggs are genetically determined and reduce over the years, but the environment the eggs are growing in can be affected by lifestyle factors just like any other cell in the body.
I always think of the egg as being magnificent. Once released when ovulated it is 550 times bigger than the sperm and is the largest cell in the body. Prior to ovulation, it matures in a fluid-filled follicle and needs energy for the journey ahead. An egg lives up to 24 hours, so in this short window of time, it needs to be as healthy as it can be.


Good hormonal fuel
The right hormones are required in the right amount at the right time during the menstrual cycle to grow, mature and ovulate an egg. Many women struggle during a cycle and are ruled by moods, foods and hormones. They also struggle with blood sugar balance, but regulating blood sugar by cutting sugars from the diet all help. Inositol from Zita West Products helps to regulate blood sugar and is an important component of follicular fluid. Remember; stress, lack of sleep and exhaustion all affect hormonal balance, and increased stress hormones can be detrimental to egg health.


Good energy
The egg cell requires different nutrients for different parts. The outer layer (the cell membrane) requires essential fatty acids Omega 3 and DHA. The powerhouse of the egg (the mitochondria) needs energy for when the egg divides after fertilization; CoQ10 works with enzymes, which help to cause chemical changes within the body, particularly energy production, and is needed for the reproductive system. B vitamins and Zinc are also needed for cell division after fertilisation.


Protection from free radicals
We all know that free radicals attack the cells and speed up the ageing process when it comes to beauty, but did you know that they are as important and necessary for healthy fertility? Everything in the body is made of cells that need to be protected from free radicals and this includes the egg and sperm, as well as all of the reproductive organs. Free radicals are a by-product of our metabolism, and, although they’re and needed at low levels, if you drink, smoke and have a poor diet, it increases your free radical load, which in turn damages the egg. The great thing is that a diet rich in antioxidants neutralises free radicals, so bright coloured fruit and veg will give you plenty of ammunition, but also use a supplement containing Vitamin C, Selenium and Pine Bark such as Zita West’s Vitafem Boost.


Nourishment
Protein provides the building blocks to healthy eggs and hormones; protein from fish, chicken and meat as well as vegetable sources are all crucial to egg health. One quarter of infertility cases relate to ovulation disorders, although recent studies have suggested that too high a protein diet can negatively impact fertility, but that dietary changes can improve or maintain the proper function of the ovaries and therefore enhance your chances of getting pregnant. Whole milk products and vegetable protein is good but cut trans fats from the diet as these can effect ovulation.


Nutrition
Micronutrients all help in the eggs’ development, and Vitamin D is key to this, especially for women going through IVF. Studies show that those with higher levels of the sunshine vitamin had a better IVF outcome So many of our clients are deficient in Vitamin D, and this has been linked to hormonal imbalances. Omega 3 and Essential Fatty Acids may influence egg maturation, so make sure you have enough in your diet. Iodine is abundant in the thyroid, ovaries and breasts and can be found in Essential Fatty Acids, Zinc and Betacarotene.
Visit our shop for our range of nutritional supplements for fertility and pregnancy



Blood flow
Studies show that acupuncture can help to increase blood flow to the pelvic area and the ovaries. If you have a good blood flow, more nutrients are able to get through and boost the health of the eggs.
We and our network of acupuncturists around the UK are here to help



Lifestyle factors
It is well documented that alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs affect egg health and increase free radical damage. Being overweight or underweight can also affect fertility; so take a good look at your exercise regime and your diet. Lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, drug use, cigarettes, age and infections all increase oxidative stress, which in turn affects the health of the egg.


Environmental factors
BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical found in hard plastics and the coating of drink and food cans. Studies have found that BPA can affect the egg health by decreasing the percentage of eggs that matured, increasing the percentage of eggs that degenerate. Remember also with the BBQ season approaching to be careful of carcinogens on burnt food, which causes DNA damage.


Think inositol
One of the roles inositol plays in fertility is the development of follicles and blood sugar balance. Inositol (Myo-inositol) is part of the B vitamin family and has been found in the follicular fluid of higher quality eggs. Animal studies have shown that Myo-inositol helps with blastocyst development and is especially helpful for women with PCOS, but other women may find it helpful as well. Inositol is also thought to increase insulin sensitivity of the ovary, which helps improve egg quality. It is recommended that a woman who is trying to conceive should take it three months before they try to conceive while their eggs are developing.



Stress management
Releasing an egg each month may be affected by stress, as stress hormones are produced which can affect ovulation. For some women, chronic stress can affect ovulation by altering signals to the part of the brain that regulates the hormones that trigger the ovaries to release eggs each month.In cases where she ovulates in spite of the stress, there can be problems with fertilisation and implantation in the uterus. It’s not about eliminating stress; it’s about managing it. Many women -stress with exercise, which is always a good thing, but the real benefits come from taking time to stop and practicing techniques that involve slowing down and doing nothing. Breathing techniques, meditation and yoga all help, and 20 minutes a day or more is perfect if you can incorporate this into your daily life.
Genetics can also play a role; one question every woman should ask their mothers is at what age they had the menopause. If it was early in her 40s then there is often a genetic link.




Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London

 

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We all know that there’s more to getting pregnant than just thinking positively. On the other hand, it’s not all about having sex at the ‘right’ time. Scientists are continuing to learn more and more about the powerful connection between mind and body and how this can affect a person’s fertility.
Bad thoughts can feed every cell in the body, leading to psychological blocks that stand in the way of conception. When it comes to having a baby, most people understand the importance of looking after themselves physically. They make an effort to eat the right foods, exercise regularly and take appropriate vitamins. But far fewer pay attention to the health of their minds and the bearing this can have on fertility.
Negative emotions and behaviours can lead to increased anxiety, depression and stress, all of which are pervasive elements that affect our reproductive health. When a woman finds herself faced with another negative pregnancy test month after month, it’s understandable that she begins to feel less in control of her body and life. Anxiety sets in, stress levels increase, and the problem gets worse.
A woman’s relationship with her partner is also crucial when managing mental health. If she feels anger and resentment towards her partner, they are probably not connecting on an emotional level and not enjoying sex – hardly a conducive environment to making a baby together.
Negative moods like stress, anxiety and depression cause hormonal imbalances in the body that can suppress ovulation, sexual activity and sperm count. We need to become masters of our brains by dedicating time, energy and focus to calm the mind and positively influence our bodies’ hormones that affect reproduction.
Our top five tips to start using your mind to help your body conceive

1 ‘Relaxacise’
Just like we exercise our bodies to improve circulation, reduce stress and increase energy, we can do the same for our brains. Exercise for the mind is a new kind of meditation that restores and calms the mind. It’s about deep relaxation and is ideally suited for women trying to conceive.
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed and put on some peaceful music. You may want to sit, recline or lie down, just make sure you get in the same position each time so your body becomes conditioned to relax. Close your eyes and breathe deeply by expanding your abdomen as far as it will go. Hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale. Concentrate on the sound of your breath to help quieten your thoughts. Now, with your eyes stills closed, think carefully about each body part, starting with your head, while saying the words ‘relax’ or ‘heal’ or ‘become quiet and heavy’. Whatever words work for you. Above all, make sure that this time is enjoyable and just for you.


2 Acupuncture
dont’t be put off by the use of needles. This is a painless procedure that works on the theory that some illnesses are derived from an imbalance in the body’s natural energies or ‘chi’. The insertion of needles aims to adjust this imbalance. It is particularly affective at reducing stress, which as we know is a key factor in the fertility of both men and women. When people are under stress, the hormone cortisol is released in the brain. Acupuncture counters the effects of this by releasing endorphins that exert a calming effect that relieves symptoms of stress. Studies have also shown that acupuncture raises progesterone levels – one of the hormones needed for conception – in ovulating women by increasing blood flow and balancing the endocrine system. More information on acupuncture and reproduction can be found on our Acupuncture for Fertility page



3 Visualisation
The mind is a powerful tool and visualisation has shown in studies to cause physical changes in a person’s body. It can quickly shift your thoughts and beliefs from a negative to a positive state and is particularly affective when enhancing fertility. Start by relaxing your body and quietening your thoughts. Then just let an image of fertility come to mind. It can be anything: an opening flower, a running stream, a beautiful pregnant woman. It may take the form of a colour, shape or word. Every time you picture this image, imagine yourself feeling confident, peaceful, feminine and fertile. Your mind cannot tell the difference between imaginary and reality so the emotions you begin to feel as you repeat this exercise gradually become the real thing. Practice and repetition is key.



4 Fertility Massage
Fertility massage can include a combination of abdominal sacral massage, pulsing, trigger point therapy and reflexology. A woman’s body will often hold on to a lot of stress and emotion in her abdomen. These techniques are designed to ease tension and clear the mind, as well as physical benefits such as increasing circulation to the uterus, ovaries and eggs, in addition to bringing fresh oxygenated blood to the reproductive system. A skilled practitioner can perform this technique, or you and your partner can learn how to do it yourselves through various books and DVDs available. Both can be incredibly affective if done correctly and regularly.



5 Hypnotherapy
The mind can affect a person’s ability to get pregnant on many levels. Hypnotherapy is an extremely effective way of accessing the mental state, giving you the power to reduce stress, boost positivity, release deep-seated fears and re-programme unhelpful habits. It works by making suggestions to the subconscious part of the mind and has a cumulative impact. A typical session will usually begin with an informal chat with your practitioner, who will ask more about your goals and objectives for the session. Find out about Hypnotherapy at the Zita West Clinic on ourHypnotherapy for Fertility page
Then begins the process of guiding you from normal waking consciousness into the hypnotic state. Gently, the hypnotherapist will guide you through visualisation exercises and help to reinforce thoughts of conception to make a positive impact on your subconscious mind. It is normal to be given a set of skills and techniques that you can practice on your own, allowing you to access the most positive state of your mind whenever you want.



Taken from Zita West Fertility Clinic website. IVF Clinic | Fertility Clinic | The Zita West Clinic London