MaxiiMamma

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Giveway + Ovulation time

First of all, I want to share that I have a brand new book to GIVEAWAY!
The book is called ‘The Baby-Making Bible’ by Emma Cannon.
To enter the Giveaway please comment on my latest insta photo of the book and tag any friends that may be interested.
I appreciate that you may not want to comment on the photo, so if you are more private drop me a DM and I will enter you into the draw.


Ovulation time
I would find myself living for this window and if you are TTC (trying to conceive), you may of noticed how everything online is shortened! I had no idea what anything meant at first. TMI is my fave – (too much info!). Anyway, I imagine that you probably feel the same – living for the ovulation window. As soon as one unsuccessful window passed I would want the following few weeks to just fly by so we could get to the next window. Nothing else really mattered in-between, as sad as that sounds.
I was using the Clearblue Ovulation sticks to track if I was fertile over the key days but found myself confused by them. I would go from having an ‘O’ indicating not fertile to a flashing smiley face the next day to show I was ‘Highly fertile’ but I felt it was strange that there was nothing in-between? Normally you would see this pattern: 

O = not fertile (only BD for fun)
Flashing smiley face :) = fertile (BD)
Solid smiley face:)= High fertile (DEF BD!)  

** BD meaning BABY DANCE!!

The problem with fertility is that everyone is different. No two people are going to be the same. Through my research I found a lot of confused women discussing the same kind of problems. Some women find that having more control helps put their mind to rest and others can let nature take its course. Personally, the more info I had the better I felt, so I am going to share a few tips with you that I used. 

Clearblue Ovulation sticks:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BSNL778/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Over 99% accurate
• Identifies 4 or more fertile days
• Digital Screen

These can work out quite expensive at £15 a pack depending on how many you get through! On the forums, I have read a lot of women raving about the ovulation sticks from Poundland or Asda's own brand. If you are more budget conscience you could always give those a go! I stuck to the digital format as you should get a clearer result – I wanted to avoid ANY confusion!
I’m not really the kind of person that can just sit back and think ‘it will happen when it happens’. I knew there must be something else I could be doing (apart from trying not to stress, hardly drinking, eating well, getting enough sleep, doing enough exercise - the list goes on). 

My friend told me about the OuvSense.
This device is inserted like a tampon and worn overnight. In the morning, you wash it off and tap against your phone which connects to an app you will have downloaded. The Ouvsense tracks your Basel Body Temperature to two decimal places giving you a super accurate reading. This reading then charts over the days worn and tells you your fertile window extremely accurately. This is great for people that perhaps do not think they are ovulating or have polycystic ovaries.
https://www.ovusense.com/eu/?gclid=CjwKCAjw4ZTqBRBZEiwAHHxpfqxKm_24d-X0aKKDZF-3VyDwfB38GhYe3QhZumXFmAMzDefEgrMiXRoCsCQQAvD_BwE

Some Key Facts:
• £99 for the device which includes 2 months free subscription
• Subscription after this is £20 a month
• Not sure if this still stands but when I signed up, if you didn’t fall pregnant within 6months you had a free hour consultation with a fertility expert. I tried to do this sooner but was told they need to see a 6 month cycle from your app (fair enough). 

POSITIVES:
1. This made me feel like I was taking the extra step to getting my baby. It makes you feel like you know what is going on in your body. YES, I am ovulating. YES, I know my most fertile days.
2. All info recorded easily on an app
3. The website is very informative and there are lots and lots of incredible reviews + most importantly success stories!

NEGATIVES:
1. It was a pain to set up, my friend had no problems so maybe I was unlucky or stupid!! I got there in the end and eventually when I was set up I didn’t experience any further problems
2. Wearing the device every night can be a pain but it does feel more ‘normal’ after a while
3. Depending on budget it’s another cost to consider

GLOW APP
After extensive research into TTC apps, I went with ‘Glow’ which I believe is still free to download.
• It’s clear and easy to enter your information
• When you enter your info, little icons appear in your calendar it’s easy and discrete to view
• You can enter minimal info i.e. period dates or you can be quite detailed by adding in BD dates, your temperature if you are tracking it, any symptoms you are experiencing, moods and CM (cervical mucus). This is KEY for tracking ovulation. If you aren’t aware of this then have a research online. Your CM will most likely indicate to you your Ovulation time. You obviously cannot rely on this but you can use it as another method of tracking.
• Once you have entered your period dates, the app will estimate your ovulation window so you can plan BD dates 
• The app wasn’t always accurate for me as my Luteal Phase was quite short and very changeable however it gave me an idea. Luteal phase is one stage of the menstrual cycle. It occurs after ovulation, when your ovaries release an egg and before your period starts – this is the time for possible pregnancy to take place. The average luteal phase is around 14 days however mine was anything from 5-11 days. This is why the app didn’t always give me accurate timelines.
• I would definitely recommend getting an app – download a few and see what works for you! 

If you have been trying for some time and haven’t yet used the Ovulation tests I would suggest these! I’ve seen that lots of woman keep the tests and tape them to a piece of paper. This way they are able to write the date with the result as a record. If you download the app you can record this info just as easily. The tests will give you peace of mind, knowing that you are most definitely ovulating. The app is a no-brainer.
I am always really happy to chat about all things fertility and baby making! As I’ve said I am no expert, this is most like a fertility diary for me but if anyone wants to chat please feel free to drop me a msg on Instagram: @Maxiimamma.

Don’t forget to enter my book giveway on Insta! 

Love Maxiimamma x 

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Sunday, August 11, 2019

The Beginning…

The Beginning…
The day I found out that we were pregnant I was in total disbelief. I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion; happiness, shock, relief, and love. But mostly, just relief.
Did this ACTUALLY just happen for us?!!
I truly believed I wouldn’t ever hold a pregnancy stick that confirmed I was pregnant. Weirdly, I could see myself in the future with children but just not ‘getting pregnant’.
Don’t get me wrong, our ‘journey’ wasn’t anywhere as near as tough as it can sadly be for some people which I am thankful for. However it was my journey and my emotions and I can’t say I found the ‘trying’ part an easy process.
My main concern was that after a private appointment we discovered my egg reserve was low. The Dr gave us mixed messages on how to move forward but ultimately we were told to give ourselves a further 6 months and see if natural takes it's course...
Walking out the hospital, I was so disappointed. I was hoping to be told this is the problem and this is the solution. Waiting more time wasn't the answer I was looking for. Obviously, I spent the whole evening googling what the Dr had told me. It turns out that low egg reserve doesn't mean you have any less chance of getting pregnant however your time is more limited. After much reading, I felt more positive.

People tell you, don’t stress! How can not? You know you shouldn’t but it’s only natural when you want something SO badly. This journey can be quite lonely. It’s not something that you particularly want to openly talk about which was one of the main reasons I found online platforms a way of escaping and collecting information.
The reason that I wanted to write this is because I read so many blogs online which I found so helpful. People’s personal experiences shared. If only 1 person reads this and is able to take something anyway from it which they can relate too or if it helps them in any way then I will be chuffed.
I would like to share the tips that I think helped me… obviously I am no expert so make sure you do your own research beforehand as what suited me might not suit you :) 

1. Pregnacare vitamins – His + Her Conception
As soon as we actively started trying for a baby, we begun taking Pregnacare straight away and it is VITAL that both partners take the vitamins, not just the woman! I think it’s natural for the woman to take on all responsibility for not falling instantly. When actually, it could equally be the man therefore it’s important that he is also taking extra vitamins to ensure the sperm quality is as good as can be! 
Buy here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003VJTOMM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2. Pregnancy Plan DHA 
I found out about this vitamin on Luisa Zissman’s blog. She has had a phenomenal response from her followers saying how they took this after trying for some time and they had great success falling pregnant. This vitamin helps to improve egg quality. Again, Men can also take this.
http://www.luisazissman.co.uk/?p=647
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0056PJI52/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3. Natures Aid Raspberry Leaf tablets – Vegan approved 100% naturally sourced
The reason I took this is because I read that Raspberry Leaf Tea may help to maintain the muscle, strength and elasticity of the uterus. It is a natural hormone balancer and helps to regulate and cleanse the blood of excess hormones and has been used as a reproductive tonic for men and woman for years! It’s very cheap and natural so why not?!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001SUQ5ZA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4. Omega 3 super strength 1000mg
Last of all, I took this Omega 3 as I read that the Fatty acids have been proven to have helped fertility. It can regulate hormones, encourage ovulation and help with the blood flow to your reproductive organs. Our bodies don’t actually make Omega 3 Fatty Acids so we must ensure we need this nutrient via our diets or by taking extra vitamins. 
Omega 3 Fatty Acid
By regulating the hormones, promoting ovulation and increasing cervical mucus, as well as the flow of blood to the reproductive organs (thereby improving the overall quality of the uterus) Omega 3 Fatty Acid has been scientifically proven to help fertility.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IZD3OUM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As I said, I am certainly NO expert, I just did my own research online and took what I thought was relevant to me. I don’t think that taking these vitamins can hurt so why not? Just don’t get obsessed over it and end up taking 26 tablets a day… oh and it’s perfectly normal for your wee to be really dark and smelly… that’s just the way of your body getting rid of the extra vitamins that are not required! No need to panic! 

I also tried Fertility Reflexology - not only was this one of the most relaxing experiences I had during a stressful time I also believe it is effective. Even if you are unsure, I promise there is no better way to spend £30/40 so that you can unwind and focus your mind totally on you, being in the present. Not worrying about anything else, not thinking about anything else!  
I laid back in a comfy chair with thick, fluffy blankets, the room was dimly lit with a salt lamp, there was a gorgeous smell in the air and the lady I used had the most gentle voice and softly spoke me through each stage of what she was doing. This is something I wanted, I wanted to know so I could process what was going on. I think this was a way of accepting what she was doing was a direct link to the help I felt I needed. My reproductive organs were fully stimulated and ready!!! 
It was also really great for back pain. I find it crazy, someone can touch your feet and tell you if you have issues elsewhere. 

Don't forget that to get the best results from fertility reflexology, you need to book your appointment just before ovulation. 

That's just a taster to The Beginning of my journey... if you got this far, thank you for reading. 

Love, 
Maxiimamma 

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