fertility Archives - Reproductive Reflexologists

What is the follicular phase (and why do you need to know about it when trying for a baby?)

Zoe Oughton — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 15:42:10 +0000

What is the follicular phase (and why do you need to know about it when trying for a baby?)

by Rowena Gledhill

Do you know what a follicular phase is (and why it’s important)?

The follicular phase is the first half of your monthly cycle. It can last between 7 and 21 days. Teens can have a follicular phase of up to 32 days!

It starts when a few follicles (6 -8) get to the end of their 100 day development to begin ovulation.

The follicle development is governed by the pituitary hormone FSH – follicule-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the follicles to grow. You have less FSH when younger, hence the likelihood of a longer phase, and more as you mature – leading to shorter or irregular periods.

FSH levels also contribute to how heavy or light your bleed is – the hormone stimulates estradiol which influences the thickening of the uterine lining. The more estradiol = thicker lining = heavier periods.

The maturing follicles stimulate the production of estradiol – oestrogen – which can promote feelings of wellbeing, happiness, libido by boosting your ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters of serotonin and dopamine. Oestrogen is also important for healthy skin, bones, muscles, brain, heart, sleep AND metabolism!

In short, the follicular phase of your cycle is likely to be the part where you feel most connected to yourself, feel happier and better able to cope with anything life throws at you, and if you’re trying for a baby – it’s the time when you are more likely to feel like having sex.

If you have PCOS (poly-cycstic ovary syndrome), you are likely not to be ovulating because the availability of the hormones you need to ovulate are suppressed by an over production of androgens like testosterone. Your body may be producing follicles, but they won’t be able to ripen because the FSH needed to mature them and move to oestrogen production is blocked by higher levels of testosterone and other male hormones. This means that the follicular phase just keeps going, without an egg being produced, making it very hard to conceive.

Can you regulate the follicular phase? Yes. Charting your monthly cycles is key to finding out what’s happening inside. As follicles take over 100 days to mature, three months of charts will give you great data on what has happened to get you to now.

This information can then be used to focus on changes that positively influence your hormonal balance. Amending your nutrition, lifestyle changes, specific supplements and targeted reproductive reflexology have shown improvements in regulating the follicular phase.

In a study conducted by the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists, the pregnancy rate for women with PCOS was 72% (live birth rate 57%), showing the effectiveness of regular reproductive reflexology treatments.

Balancing your cycle helps your body to work in harmony, and you to feel better.

What’s your follicular phase like?

The post What is the follicular phase (and why do you need to know about it when trying for a baby?) appeared first on Reproductive Reflexologists.

Supporting Someone With Fertility Issues

Zoe Oughton — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 15:04:34 +0000

Supporting Someone With Fertility Issues by Nicky Read Nicky Read MAR, MARR, MCThA, ITEC Dip

Coping with fertility issues can be a complex and difficult time in a person’s life, a time when they need the most support from the people that love them.

And while you want to help and you want to be there, it can be very difficult to know what to say and how to handle the situation.

At Nurture 4 Life, we help lots of people as they go through this difficult time and we thought we would put together a list of what to avoid saying and doing if you have a loved one in the same position.

We also thought it would be helpful to share some alternatives you could embrace instead to help you continue to be a supportive, encouraging and positive person during your friend or loved one’s fertility issues.

If you are currently in that situation, it might be helpful to share this with your loved ones too. Many people don’t know what to say or are worried about saying the wrong thing so a gentle nudge to let them know what you would appreciate people saying or doing might make your relationship with them a little easier.

1. Don’t Give Advice

Giving unwarranted advice on the complexity of and ‘what they could do better’ in their situation can come across as hurtful and offensive. They’ve probably seen numerous doctors, nurses, had tests and scans completed on them for quite some time and it can feel insulting to assume that they’ve not tried x or considered y. They will probably have already done their own research and will know more than you do.

Instead: Do some research on infertility generally and be prepared to serve as a support when they come to you for a difficult conversation about what they could do. If asked, discuss your legitimate, well-researched findings in an open, honest and non-judgemental way. They will thank you for your honesty and for not being ‘preachy’ with them. Or just listen, don’t judge and be there as a shoulder to cry on.

2. Don’t Hide Your Baby News

Keeping things from the ones we love is painful and difficult but if they find out exciting wonderful news about a dear friend from a third party it’s even more hurtful. Of course, they are going through a tough time with their fertility issues but they still want to feel part of your life and to not be separated from what’s happening.

Instead: Think about how you tell them. Be sure that the way they find out that you are pregnant is respectful and considered. If you intend on announcing it as a big surprise, perhaps give them a heads up so that they can deal with the news without having to put on a brave face. A face to face conversation just between the two of you, a phone call, a text or even a lovely note could be a little less painful as they will appreciate that you have still thought about them as you’re celebrating your own happy news.

Seeing ultrasound pictures as you scroll through social media when you aren’t prepared for it can really hurt. Of course, your news will get them thinking about their own troubles but that is never a reason to keep it from them.

3. Don’t Try To Relate To Them

Maybe on the face of it this sounds counter-intuitive, shared stories bring us closer to our friends. However, in this case, they are most likely going through one of the most difficult times in life; they are frustrated, they are hurt and they are confused and there is almost no way you can truly identify with what they are going through and how they are feeling.

Instead: Just be there. Be around for a hug, be around to talk about it, to not talk about it, to make them laugh or to cry with them. Accept that this is hard, and just be what they need you to be.

4. Don’t Tell Them That They’ve Got Time

This will only add the pressure of them being unable to conceive. They will ask themselves why it hasn’t happened yet and stress out more. While they may be young and this increases the chances of fertility treatments being a success, there are no guarantees.

Instead: Attend the difficult appointments with them. Especially if they are for fertility treatments or if they are perhaps receiving results of testing, even just sitting in the waiting room shows how much you care and how much you support them on this difficult journey.

5. Don’t Try To Solve It

Saying things like ‘there are thousands of children in the foster care system’ or ‘you can always adopt’, at this moment in time, is not helpful. It will only feel like you have given up hope for them, as well as the fact that this is something they will want to come to on their own, if at all.

Instead: Remember them on Mother’s and Father’s days. Whether they have lost children in the past or they have been unable to conceive for a long time, these days can be very tough on your friends and loved ones who have wanted to be parents for so long. Just checking in on them will show how much you care.

6. Don’t Tell Them To Relax

If relaxing was all they needed to do, infertility would never have become an issue for them in the first place. Couples find themselves infertile for a vast range of reasons and none can be boiled down to relaxation. Handling fertility issues is the same as dealing with a broken arm or tackling cancer, relaxation is not the answer.
Relaxing isn’t going to make endometriosis, PCOS or sperm motility issues disappear, no matter how well-intentioned the sentiment is.

Instead: Ask what they need from you. There is nothing more comforting than a friend sitting with you during hard time and simply asking what they need to be for you right now. This approach is sensitive and loving and open; all of which are wonderful qualities to find in a friend.

At Nurture 4 Life we offer a range of specialised and natural therapies and treatments. Whether someone is at the start of their journey, have a hit a brick wall and don’t know where to go from here, are preparing for IVF or need to try a different approach to manage and improve their symptoms and bring them closer to achieve their dream of parenthood, we can help. To find out more book a free, no-obligation telephone call.

The post Supporting Someone With Fertility Issues appeared first on Reproductive Reflexologists.

Infertility And Fibroids

Zoe Oughton — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:59:16 +0000

Infertility And Fibroids by Finola at Loving Touch therapies

Fibroids – also called ‘Myomas or Fibromyomas’ that are made up of muscular and fibrous tissue. They are benign non-cancerous growths in or on the muscular wall (myometrium) of the womb, and are the most common structural abnormality of the uterus.

They can vary in size from as small as a pea to the size of a melon. If severe they can also cause damage to other organs and restrict blood flow to the uterus.

Some women show no symptoms at all – where as others will show signs of:

Heavy menstruation
Lower abdominal pain
Anemia
Chronic vaginal discharge
Indigestion
Vaginal infections
Excessive bleeding between the normal menstrual cycle

Depending on where they grow, fibroids are given different names:

Submucosal fibroids – develops in the submucosal or subendometrial layer of the uterus – it is the least common type – but the most problematic – particularly because they can develop into pedunculated (stalked) fibroids – which can dangle within the uterine cavity, protruding into the womb.

The symptoms of these fibroids include:

Heavier and longer menstrual bleeds
Pelvic pain – particularly during bleeds
Back pain
Lower abdominal pain – as the result of the weight of larger fibroids 5cm or above
Severe abdominal pain if they become pedunculated fibroids – that twist or outgrow their blood supply.

Subserosal fibroids – found on the exterior of the uterine wall – these can also be pedunculated (stalked). They can become quite large, filing the whole abdominal cavity. They do not affect the bleed – but can cause:

Pelvic pain
Back pain
A general feeling of heaviness or pressure in the abdomen or bladder
Constipation and bloating
Frequent urination
Abdominal cramping or pain – sever pain if they are pedunculated and twist
Kidney damage if the uterus grows so big that it causes compression on the other pelvic organs

Fibroids – are oestrogen sensitive so a diet that is high in saturated fat, dairy and low in fibre – will make things worse due to more oestrogen circuolating in the body.

Connected to issues with fertility – in particular with implantation – if fibroids are situated on the back or top of the uterus they can prevent a blastocyst from implanting in the best sites for successful conception.

It is not known why fibroids develop – but they can occur in 30-40% of women. One in 5 women commonly between the ages of 30 and 50 may develop one at some stage in their lives.

If left untreated for to long the fibroids can grow to such an extent that the only solution would be a hysterectomy.

An ultrasound would determine it’s size and position.

The post Infertility And Fibroids appeared first on Reproductive Reflexologists.

How lockdown created a change in direction

Zoe Oughton — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:43:15 +0000

How lockdown created a change in direction by Isobel Fowler

It happened very suddenly. I was in Portugal enjoying a weekend break when the threat of coronavirus began to get serious. Cafes and shops were starting to shut down. Soon after, booking cancellations started to roll in. Firstly, from clients who suffer with chronic illnesses, they didn’t want to cancel, but their doctors had advised them to self-isolate because ‘the virus could be fatal’. The big event I was booked for was postponed. Whether we were prepared for it or not, we were soon to go into lockdown.

Nine months earlier, I’d quit my job and retrained as a Reflexologist at the London school of Reflexology. I submitted the folders thick with months of coursework on Sunday and jetted off the next day for an epic 3 month trip to South and North America, with my partner and 4 year old.

When we returned home, I built up a business with some amazing clients. I began working from 2 therapy rooms in central London and was about to take on two more spaces in South East London. I was helping people to improve their health and fertility and felt that I had finally found my calling.

When coronavirus hit, I was thrown into home-schooling my 5 year old whilst getting used to this new way of life. Thoughts of my business were no longer at the forefront of my mind. During this time, I occupied myself by completing the fantastic Reproflexology course with Barbara Scott, studying for a master herbalism diploma and continued to make and sell therapeutic creams and balms. I’ve kept in touch with clients through emails, social media and newsletters. Some have become like friends and it feels strange not be able to support them at this time.

As a new business, being connected with organisations and associations, such as the AOR and ARR for news, information and support was really useful. I work at the Neal’s Yard Borough therapy rooms and they have been excellent in sharing resources on their online community page. I had also signed up with Urban, who have developed guidelines and training. The expectation is that we should wear a reusable cotton mask and clients will need to wear disposable ones.

One decision I have made during lockdown is that I will no longer be mobile when it’s time to go back to work. The old garages in our garden are being removed, making way for a log cabin. This is an exciting opportunity to reframe my business and to create my own space. No doubt it will take some time to get used to the new way of working. I would not have thought this when I was back in Portugal, but I now I feel grateful for this challenge as it has helped me to change direction.

Isabel is the Founder of KIN Reflexology and KIN Botanicals and specialises in fertility reflexology. Isabel decided to follow in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother who both practiced Reflexology. Fascinated with energy healing, she has studied Reiki and learnt about healing from Shamans in the Ecuadorian Rainforest. To learn more about Isabel please look on this website or visit my Instagram page.

The post How lockdown created a change in direction appeared first on Reproductive Reflexologists.

Trying for a Baby? Try Relaxing Reproflexology

Zoe Oughton — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:34:55 +0000

Trying for a Baby? Try Relaxing Reproflexology

by Zoe Oughton

Oh, the excitement and anticipation of trying for a baby. You’re young and in love. Maybe you’ve moved into your first family home. You’re ready. You’re already planning the nursery, the pram, the adorable little outfits… Sadly, it’s not always that easy and trying to conceive (or TTC if you’re a member of one of the many forums devoted to the subject) can become stressful, overwhelming and all-encompassing. Sustained failure to conceive can contribute to depression and relationship problems.

It seems so unfair, doesn’t it, that some women seem to get pregnant at the drop of a hat, while others struggle for years? It can be heart-breaking. IVF is no easy ride and has no guarantees. As many as one in every three couples struggle to conceive. And don’t assume it’s just a women’s issue – infertility can affect men and women equally. Both mum AND dad to be must look after their fertility health and well-being.

Get Ready

When you decide it’s time to try for a baby, there are things you should do to maximise the chance of conception and also to pave the way for a healthy pregnancy:

Achieve a healthy BMI.
Stop smoking.
Eat a healthy diet.
Aim to keep blood sugars balanced.
Try to avoid stress.
Try to get quality sleep.
Start taking supplements – the ARR has a list of recommended ones which you will receive at your consultation meeting.
Cut down on caffeine.
Avoid alcohol.

It’s best to do everything you possibly can to give yourself the best chance to conceive, and the best start to a pregnancy. Complementary therapies aren’t simply ‘alternative’ treatments, or even last resorts. Fertility reflexology, also known as Reproflexology, has many benefits for natural fertility. It’s also much more affordable – and accessible – than expensive private treatments.

Give Yourself a Chance

Reflexology is an age-old natural treatment, with its roots in Ancient Egypt and has been adapted to help couples maximise fertility. This could increase their chances of conceiving. Reflexology can promote deep relaxation and feelings of wellbeing – reducing stress is crucial to good health. Reflexology is based on the theory that specific points on the feet correspond with different parts and systems of the body. The treatment involves massage to these points and areas, and in Reproflexology, that could be the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, or the pituitary gland. When treating the father-to-be this could include the testes and vas deferens.

Regular Reproflexology treatment can help couples who are actively trying to conceive, not just those who are struggling. As a holistic treatment which aims to ease the physical and mental causes of infertility, Reproflexology is natural, non-invasive, safe – and seems to work for many.

Reproflexology by Numbers

The Association of Reproductive Reflexologists undertook a data collection study of 180 clients, who were receiving reproductive reflexology whilst trying to conceive. Results were as follows:

100 natural conceptions
22 conceptions with IVF/ICSI
Age range 24-46
Average number of treatments, 11.32
68% conceived while receiving treatments
Pregnancy with IVF/ICSI 52%

Fertility reflexology is for men as well as women. Both partners should undergo fertility testing before starting treatment and should attend the initial consultation together.

What Happens?

Before your treatment starts, we’ll talk about your medical and gynaecological history and any previous pregnancy experiences. I’ll ask about your lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, energy and fitness levels. When you’re happy that fertility reflexology is right for you, we’ll plan your course of reflexology treatments. Reproflexology Clinics are available in the following settings, each with calming and airy treatment rooms and free parking:

Cheshire Natural Health, Beehive House, Tarporley Rd, Stretton, Warrington, WA4 4ND.Wednesday 2.00pm – 8.00pm and Thursday 9.30am – 3.00pm. Website: cheshirenaturalhealth.co.uk
The Bump and Baby Hideout, 196 Dane Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 2LG. Monday 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Website: thebumpandbabyhideout.com
Bramhall Osteopathic Practice, 57 Woodford Road, Bramhall, Cheshire, SK7 1JR, Tuesdays. Website: bramhallosteopaths.co.uk

Full details can be found here: https://relaxingreflexology.com/contact

Ideally, it’s best to have two treatments before ovulation, with weekly treatments thereafter. At every appointment, I will ask how you and your partner a re feeling and where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Regular treatments throughout the menstrual cycle are recommended to promote the ideal conditions to support and develop a healthy egg through to ovulation, aid implantation, and help support a pregnancy.

Relaxing Reproflexology

I am a qualified practitioner in Seren Natural Fertility, trained by the renowned reflexology fertility guru and holistic fertility expert Barbara Scott. Seren specialises in the treatment of infertility, particularly for couples undergoing assisted fertility treatments such as IUI and IVF/ICSI*. When you choose to work with me, you get so much more than your Reproflexology sessions, including:

Daily support and advice via WhatsApp.
Checking hormone levels and ovulation progress through temperature charting
Hand reflexology exercises as homework between sessions

Whatever your reasons for trying reproflexology, I’m with you every step of the way. Pun intended.

How Can a Foot Treatment Help Conception?

As a complementary therapy, Reflexology is thought to have many real benefits. Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. In the 1920’s, the first foot map was produced. This illustrated points on the feet linked to which parts of the body. Then, in the thirties, Eunice Ingham developed this therapy into what we now know as reflexology. She found that tension or inflammation in those parts of the feet – the reflex points – reflected an issue in the corresponding part of the body.

I have several clients who will say that fertility reflexology could offer a dream come true. At the very, VERY least reflexology promotes relaxation and offers a gentle, human touch combined with peace, quiet and an empathetic ear.

Find out more in my next blog.

The post Trying for a Baby? Try Relaxing Reproflexology appeared first on Reproductive Reflexologists.

“Secondary Fertility”

Zoe Oughton — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:08:52 +0000

“Secondary Fertility” by Karen Jones

Liz came to see me for reflexology with Secondary Unexplained Fertility. Her first child had taken 2 years to conceive.

They had been trying for a second for over 3 years. All tests had been taken via their GP and had come back clear.

Due to an irregular menstrual cycle Liz had been referred to the fertility unit. They were keen to get her started on Clomiphene for 6 months.

She explained she was a natural worrier feeling highly stressed at the thought of what she had to go through. Having experienced reflexology with her first pregnancy, she had returned after finding it very calming and relaxing.

Feeling guilt about wanting a second baby so much, especially as she already had a child.

After her first round of Clomid her Clinic decided that her dose needed to be double. A scan was taken to check for polyps, none were found.

We discussed Liz working on improving her diet. Which she did cutting out wheat and dairy.

I received a lovely email saying how much better she felt.

During the next couple of months, we worked on calming her nervous system and managing her stress levels.

Her son started school, she was working part-time, plus working on her own business in the evenings. Together with the added stress of trying to conceive.

Round 3 of Clomid, she was in the mindset ‘if it happens it happens’.

By her 5^thround Liz was so disappointed that nothing had happened. She didn’t want to go down the full IVF route as a couple or financially.

At her following treatment she announced she was pregnant. So was so relieved and delighted.

Liz continued to see me weekly for treatments throughout her pregnancy. After the initial nausea, tiredness and heightened sense of smell she enjoyed a straightforward pregnancy.

During her 2^ndtrimester she was blooming with lots of energy. She looked forward to her treatments enjoying the benefits. Falling asleep as she found them so relaxing.

She was prone to overdoing things and had constant ‘to do’ lists and a very strong nesting instinct. Time out was very important for her.

Towards the end of her pregnancy she discussed her fear of labour. Having had a very long painful experience the first time round. It had taken her time to recover physically and mentally.

Her due day came and went 5 days later after an amazingly quick labour she was able to meet her much longed for baby girl.

The post “Secondary Fertility” appeared first on Reproductive Reflexologists.