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