For those of you that are unable to attend a support group in person I have decided for this month to offer a Fertility Support Group by phone. I have many clients all across Canada that have been asking for more support in their area. While I am focusing on increasing awareness about fertility in all areas it does take some time.
I am hoping this phone support group will bring women and couples together world wide to benefit from the healing power of coming together with others that are experiencing similar circumstance.
Join me for the Fertility Support Group telecircle on Wed July 8th at 6:00 - 7:00pm (PST).
Contact me if you would like to participate and I will give you the details. Partners are welcome! FREE - sign up required!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Fertility Foods
I have included an introduction from the Acubalance's website regarding their Fertility Diet below. It is an incredible resource with meal plans, recipes and message boards. It is a great way to help you get started on eating foods that will help improve your fertility. I send my clients there all the time. I highly recommend you check it out.
INTRODUCTION
We have put a lot of energy and resources into creating the Acubalance Fertile Diet. Its inspiration came from years of counseling couples in our clinic on how to eat to optimize their fertility.
While Chinese physicians have been treating infertility with diet for centuries, Western science is just starting to catch up to the significant role that diet plays in the ovulatory causes of infertility. A landmark study published in 2008, based on the Harvard Nurses Study, makes startling connections between diet and conception. As the most comprehensive research to date on diet and fertility, this study associates a slow carb, whole food, mostly plant based diet with a six-fold increase in fertility.
The Acubalance Fertile Diet is an effort to blend the wisdom of Chinese medicine with groundbreaking western research to help women and couples learn what and how to eat to optimize fertility. The diet includes meal plans, recipes, shopping lists, and tips on mindful eating to help you get started.
But before you launch into this diet (or any other), you might want to take a minute to think about the following. Read more at www.acubalance.ca
INTRODUCTION
We have put a lot of energy and resources into creating the Acubalance Fertile Diet. Its inspiration came from years of counseling couples in our clinic on how to eat to optimize their fertility.
While Chinese physicians have been treating infertility with diet for centuries, Western science is just starting to catch up to the significant role that diet plays in the ovulatory causes of infertility. A landmark study published in 2008, based on the Harvard Nurses Study, makes startling connections between diet and conception. As the most comprehensive research to date on diet and fertility, this study associates a slow carb, whole food, mostly plant based diet with a six-fold increase in fertility.
The Acubalance Fertile Diet is an effort to blend the wisdom of Chinese medicine with groundbreaking western research to help women and couples learn what and how to eat to optimize fertility. The diet includes meal plans, recipes, shopping lists, and tips on mindful eating to help you get started.
But before you launch into this diet (or any other), you might want to take a minute to think about the following. Read more at www.acubalance.ca
Podcast with Dr Oz and Toni Weschler
I just listened to this 5 1/2 min podcast with Dr. Oz and Toni Weschler, author of Taking Charge of your Fertility. The discussion is about charting your menstrual cycle, breast exams, ovulation and PMS.
If you haven't read her book it is such an incredible resource for all women. I learned so much about my menstrual cycle through reading this book and charting my cycle.
Society really has taught us that our menstrual cycles are messy and inconvenient. The fact that there are now birth control methods that decrease menstruation so that women only have 4 cycles per year is the wrong message to give to young girls. I have women who are 37 years old struggling to regulate their cycle. Perhaps it sounds great when you are in your early 20's but what are the long term affects of this method. Although they claim there are none, they won't really know until enough women have used it for 10-15 years.
Until I read Taking Charge of your Fertility I never appreciated the wisdom of the female cycle. Today I look at my cycle as a natural detoxification. It is an opportunity for the body to release built up toxins through menstruation. For me, it is a monthly celebration of womanhood. I even talk about "celebrating" your cycle in my Yoga for Fertility classes. Changing the words lightens up the experience of your menstrual cycle. Instead of feeling like a loss each month women learn to appreciate that it is an opportunity to cleanse our reproductive system.
Begin to view your cycle differently and your experience of it will change. It all begins with your beliefs and thoughts about menstruation. It you believe it is a loss, it will feel like one, each and every month. If you begin to look at it as an opportunity to cleanse your uterus and prepare for implantation, each month will feel lighter and you will begin to feel empowered and grateful. Remember men don't have this privilege.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
If you haven't read her book it is such an incredible resource for all women. I learned so much about my menstrual cycle through reading this book and charting my cycle.
Society really has taught us that our menstrual cycles are messy and inconvenient. The fact that there are now birth control methods that decrease menstruation so that women only have 4 cycles per year is the wrong message to give to young girls. I have women who are 37 years old struggling to regulate their cycle. Perhaps it sounds great when you are in your early 20's but what are the long term affects of this method. Although they claim there are none, they won't really know until enough women have used it for 10-15 years.
Until I read Taking Charge of your Fertility I never appreciated the wisdom of the female cycle. Today I look at my cycle as a natural detoxification. It is an opportunity for the body to release built up toxins through menstruation. For me, it is a monthly celebration of womanhood. I even talk about "celebrating" your cycle in my Yoga for Fertility classes. Changing the words lightens up the experience of your menstrual cycle. Instead of feeling like a loss each month women learn to appreciate that it is an opportunity to cleanse our reproductive system.
Begin to view your cycle differently and your experience of it will change. It all begins with your beliefs and thoughts about menstruation. It you believe it is a loss, it will feel like one, each and every month. If you begin to look at it as an opportunity to cleanse your uterus and prepare for implantation, each month will feel lighter and you will begin to feel empowered and grateful. Remember men don't have this privilege.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Health & Fertility Enhancing Supplements
I would like to share this article with you written by a colleague, Julia Indichova.
Julia is the author of Inconceivable and The Fertile Female, the creator of the Ovum Birthing Practice, and the founder of http://www.fertileheart.com/, She is also the director of the Fertile Heart Studio in Woodstock, New York and leads an international weekly teleconference as well as a monthly Open Circle in New York City.
Click on the title below to read it:
HEALTH AND FERTILITY ENHANCING SUPPLEMENTS
Safeguarding our Health, Fertility and the Health of Our Children
Hugs, Sue
Julia is the author of Inconceivable and The Fertile Female, the creator of the Ovum Birthing Practice, and the founder of http://www.fertileheart.com/, She is also the director of the Fertile Heart Studio in Woodstock, New York and leads an international weekly teleconference as well as a monthly Open Circle in New York City.
Click on the title below to read it:
HEALTH AND FERTILITY ENHANCING SUPPLEMENTS
Safeguarding our Health, Fertility and the Health of Our Children
Hugs, Sue
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Poem - Sharing in a safe place
This poem was written by a yoga instructor who attended my Yoga for Fertility Instructor Training in Toronto last April. With her permission I lovingly share it with you. Hugs, Sue
Sharing in a safe place
by Dawn Balfour
April 5, 2009
Sharing in a safe place
Feeling, being, enjoying the quiet
I’m not alone, we’re in a similar space
Feeling the physical, uniting it all
Feeling the spiritual, unafraid to fall
Embracing, accepting what’s here and now
Letting it go, it’s time to allow
Faith, hope and belief into your soul
Connection to baby and self is the goal
Deeper than medical stats can show
Healing and positive energy flow
Postures and breathing, awareness is key
Let go of the fear and set yourself free
Have faith that your baby is waiting to come
And has chosen you, to be their Mom
Sharing in a safe place
by Dawn Balfour
April 5, 2009
Sharing in a safe place
Feeling, being, enjoying the quiet
I’m not alone, we’re in a similar space
Feeling the physical, uniting it all
Feeling the spiritual, unafraid to fall
Embracing, accepting what’s here and now
Letting it go, it’s time to allow
Faith, hope and belief into your soul
Connection to baby and self is the goal
Deeper than medical stats can show
Healing and positive energy flow
Postures and breathing, awareness is key
Let go of the fear and set yourself free
Have faith that your baby is waiting to come
And has chosen you, to be their Mom
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
babymaking versus lovemaking
I can tell you that this topic is something that I discuss with many of my fertility clients. I know for me the minute we decided to start "trying" to get pregnant lovemaking became babymaking. In the beginning it seemed fun and exciting. We would joke about timing intercourse and it seemed light and harmless. As the months began to pass it became more of a chore. I remember saying to my husband one night "I know your tired, I'm tired too. I just need a deposit." How romantic!
Months of babymaking can impact the intimacy in your relationship. I remember I would avoid any contact after ovulation for fear of interfering with implantation. I didn't want to rock the boat. Eventually the only time I would allow my husband to touch me was right around ovulation. I would avoid him all other times in the month. Our relationship became very strained and we would drift apart for weeks and sometimes months at a time.
It was helpful for me to discover that, in most relationships, men need intimacy to feel connected while women need to feel connected in order to be intimate. We began to make a conscious effort each time we felt ourselves drifting apart to re-connect. Something as simple as me saying "I feel disconnected, can we talk about it?" would open the door for communication.
Your fertility journey can definitely affect your relationship on many different levels and it requires awareness, willingness and a conscious effort to keep it nurtured.
Here are some things that can help:
1. Schedule a date night each week. Each of you take a turn planning it. You don't have to spend a lot of money. Plan a special dinner at home with candles and music. Go for a long walk in nature together. Be creative.
2. Appreciate what they are doing for you each day. I make my husband's lunch each day and when he makes a point to thank me, I feel appreciated.
3. Find one thing you are grateful for about your partner and share it at bedtime with each other. This helps you remember why you chose your partner and also helps them feel appreciated. If you do this each night it can help you stay connected.
Remember babies are conceived out of your love for each other. When you are together feel the love between you and invite your baby into your hearts. After all, the heart is the first womb. As you open your heart to your partner, you open your heart to your baby to be.
Months of babymaking can impact the intimacy in your relationship. I remember I would avoid any contact after ovulation for fear of interfering with implantation. I didn't want to rock the boat. Eventually the only time I would allow my husband to touch me was right around ovulation. I would avoid him all other times in the month. Our relationship became very strained and we would drift apart for weeks and sometimes months at a time.
It was helpful for me to discover that, in most relationships, men need intimacy to feel connected while women need to feel connected in order to be intimate. We began to make a conscious effort each time we felt ourselves drifting apart to re-connect. Something as simple as me saying "I feel disconnected, can we talk about it?" would open the door for communication.
Your fertility journey can definitely affect your relationship on many different levels and it requires awareness, willingness and a conscious effort to keep it nurtured.
Here are some things that can help:
1. Schedule a date night each week. Each of you take a turn planning it. You don't have to spend a lot of money. Plan a special dinner at home with candles and music. Go for a long walk in nature together. Be creative.
2. Appreciate what they are doing for you each day. I make my husband's lunch each day and when he makes a point to thank me, I feel appreciated.
3. Find one thing you are grateful for about your partner and share it at bedtime with each other. This helps you remember why you chose your partner and also helps them feel appreciated. If you do this each night it can help you stay connected.
Remember babies are conceived out of your love for each other. When you are together feel the love between you and invite your baby into your hearts. After all, the heart is the first womb. As you open your heart to your partner, you open your heart to your baby to be.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Supporting each other
Most of my clients have trouble speaking about their fertility challenges sometimes even to their partners. When they do talk about it they often receive comments that don't feel supportive, especially if the individual they are speaking to has never had fertility challenges themselves.
Communicating about something that affects you so deeply can be tricky especially when you are not clear how you are feeling at the time. Many women need to process things out loud with a friend or partner. Sometimes it is helpful to talk about it and just the act of saying it out loud can be healing.
Fertility Support Groups are a safe space where couples can explore their challenges along their fertility journey without fear of judgment. They can share feelings of worry, fear, jealousy and anger with the group and as others acknowledge the same feelings they realize they are not alone. Coming together to speak or just listen in a group of others that are going through similar circumstances is healing in itself.
I would encourage you to reach out by attending a support group for fertility. I have seen the relief and transformation that can occur for couples after just 1 hour of discussion. Some support groups are for women only, mine is open to anyone who would like to attend. Some women come on their own while others bring their partner.
If you would like more information on finding a Fertility Support Group in your area visit www.iaac.ca
I would like to add a Fertility Support Group through Skype online or by phone. If you are interested in participating please let me know. If there is enough interest I will begin one as soon as possible.
Communicating about something that affects you so deeply can be tricky especially when you are not clear how you are feeling at the time. Many women need to process things out loud with a friend or partner. Sometimes it is helpful to talk about it and just the act of saying it out loud can be healing.
Fertility Support Groups are a safe space where couples can explore their challenges along their fertility journey without fear of judgment. They can share feelings of worry, fear, jealousy and anger with the group and as others acknowledge the same feelings they realize they are not alone. Coming together to speak or just listen in a group of others that are going through similar circumstances is healing in itself.
I would encourage you to reach out by attending a support group for fertility. I have seen the relief and transformation that can occur for couples after just 1 hour of discussion. Some support groups are for women only, mine is open to anyone who would like to attend. Some women come on their own while others bring their partner.
If you would like more information on finding a Fertility Support Group in your area visit www.iaac.ca
I would like to add a Fertility Support Group through Skype online or by phone. If you are interested in participating please let me know. If there is enough interest I will begin one as soon as possible.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
follow me
Still out here spreading the word. I am now on twitter and you can follow me at www.twitter.com/fertilityyoga
It is a great tool to help me spread the word about fertility and alternative ways to enhance conception. I have met some wonderful new individuals and found some great new resources.
As I reach out and build a community of support for women and couples all over the world I am determined to be your voice. Perhaps one day you will speak about your own fertility journey, until then, I will speak about mine.
I will invite you to find gratitude today. Reflect on all that you are grateful for. The moon, a friend or a sunflower. Whatever you find allow yourself the feel the gratitude in your body. Bring the feeling of it deep down into your body and let it fill you up. Feel the warmth of this positive emotion all through your body deep down into your cells.
I am feeling deeply grateful today. I remember a time when it was impossible to feel anything but sadness and grief. I know that anyone can change their life experience. Even in the darkest times there is still a light within everyone that continues to burn. Gratitude can be a tool to help brighten that light.
I invite you to feel gratitude today as much as you can. Whenever you have a negative thought, acknowledge it, accept it, ask for healing around it and release it to the universe. Replace it with gratitude.
I believe in YOU! I have complete FAITH in YOU and for that I am deeply grateful.
Namaste, Sue
It is a great tool to help me spread the word about fertility and alternative ways to enhance conception. I have met some wonderful new individuals and found some great new resources.
As I reach out and build a community of support for women and couples all over the world I am determined to be your voice. Perhaps one day you will speak about your own fertility journey, until then, I will speak about mine.
I will invite you to find gratitude today. Reflect on all that you are grateful for. The moon, a friend or a sunflower. Whatever you find allow yourself the feel the gratitude in your body. Bring the feeling of it deep down into your body and let it fill you up. Feel the warmth of this positive emotion all through your body deep down into your cells.
I am feeling deeply grateful today. I remember a time when it was impossible to feel anything but sadness and grief. I know that anyone can change their life experience. Even in the darkest times there is still a light within everyone that continues to burn. Gratitude can be a tool to help brighten that light.
I invite you to feel gratitude today as much as you can. Whenever you have a negative thought, acknowledge it, accept it, ask for healing around it and release it to the universe. Replace it with gratitude.
I believe in YOU! I have complete FAITH in YOU and for that I am deeply grateful.
Namaste, Sue
Thursday, June 4, 2009
This Deep Desire
There is nothing else that will make me happy
There is nothing that compares
This deep desire to have a baby
Is my only care
I will do anything and everything
To make my dream come true
Diet, herbs and exercise
There’s nothing I won’t do
My journey through fertility
Becomes heavier every day
I hope this nightmare has an end
Please make it go away
All I want is to have a baby
A child to call my own
I am done with fear and with doubt
I don’t want to feel alone.
As I look deep down inside myself
I realize I have known
All the answers that I seek
Are within a place called home
This place inside me is all I need
To regain my sense of hope
Inner wisdom, trust and faith
Are there to help me cope
As I step back into my sense of self
I know I will be ok
The choices I make are empowering now
And at home is where I’ll stay
I thought I would share this poem I wrote a few years ago. I use my poetry as a tool to heal. This one allowed me to appreciate how my journey has changed and my experience of my fertility is so very different than it was in the beginning. I have learned so much about myself and my life. I am deeply grateful!
There is nothing that compares
This deep desire to have a baby
Is my only care
I will do anything and everything
To make my dream come true
Diet, herbs and exercise
There’s nothing I won’t do
My journey through fertility
Becomes heavier every day
I hope this nightmare has an end
Please make it go away
All I want is to have a baby
A child to call my own
I am done with fear and with doubt
I don’t want to feel alone.
As I look deep down inside myself
I realize I have known
All the answers that I seek
Are within a place called home
This place inside me is all I need
To regain my sense of hope
Inner wisdom, trust and faith
Are there to help me cope
As I step back into my sense of self
I know I will be ok
The choices I make are empowering now
And at home is where I’ll stay
I thought I would share this poem I wrote a few years ago. I use my poetry as a tool to heal. This one allowed me to appreciate how my journey has changed and my experience of my fertility is so very different than it was in the beginning. I have learned so much about myself and my life. I am deeply grateful!
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