Top Tips and Magic Tricks for Conception

[Witchypoo]

Hi Ladies!

I'm being a conception detective :detective: and putting a call out to all those reading who have successfully conceived a baby to advise what they did/what herbs or vitamins etc they took/ when & how often they did the BD etc etc in that particular cycle which may have contributed to conception occurring. Was there anything you did differently than previously that you think may have made the difference?

I think it would just be helpful and give some hope to those of us who are at the point of just thinking a BFP will never happen. :gloomy:

I have done possibly close to a hundred hpt's and have never ever even seen a faint positive so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks and bring on the top tips and magic tricks! :wizard:

Top Tips So Far

- BD every 2nd day
- Stay lying down for as long as possible following BD to let the boys do their work. Perhaps try doing the bicycle exercise to help them on their way.
- BD outside your 'fertile window' as it is uncanny the number of people who have told me they got UTD from having sex at a time of their cycle when they didn't think they were anywhere near ovulation
- Monitor your cycle and learn when you are due to ovulate by:
* using ovulation prediction kits, Maybe Baby, or by paying attention to the signs that your body gives you.
Your CM will increase and become stretchy around ovulation. You may feel some telltale pain in your lower
abdomen. You can also purchase a digital Basal Thermometer & monitor your waking temperature. The instructions that come with the thermometer will explain how you interpret the results in regard to pin-pointing when you are fertile (I bought one yesterday!)
- Get your body in the best physical conditon you can for conception by eating well and take a supplement such as Elevit. Suggest that your man take a supplement too such as Menevit (mine refuses!!!)
- Some of the super fertility foods include: Spinach, garlic, honey, avocado, whole grains, oysters, oily fish, full fat dairy (yay! Ditch that Rev ladies!), Lean Red Meat, chillies.
- Some of the anti-fertility foods include green peas, caffeine, chocolate and anything with refined sugar in it (eg most junk food chicks!).
- Consider using herbs that can increase fertility. Chinese herbal remedies are popular.
- Try acupuncture. (Those Chinese know a thing or two about fertility - just look at their population!)
- Buy tampons and pads in bulk. It's Murphy's Law - you may find out that you are UTD the next day!
- Buy skinny body clothes. Murphy's Law again.
- Don't use lubricants that aren't specifically sperm friendly because they will create a barrier preventing the sperm from swimming to where you want them to swim to!! Preseed is a sperm friendly lubricant that has a pH ideal for sperm and can both help them swim quicker and live longer. Yay!!!
- If you believe you may have a Luteal phase Defect (ie. the time from when your normally ovulate to when your period is due is less than 12 days) try taking Vitamin B6. It may take up to 3 months to see results.
- Eat full-fat dairy products as low-fat dairy consumption has been linked to infertility. It can mess with ovulation.
- Try to eat as much organic foods as possible as they contain higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants

[Bellablue]

Great idea for a thread Elle - looking forward to hearing from the experts!

[Boscosmum]

I had one lucky bfp through buying a 32 pack of tampons, size 4 jeans, making our first fs appointment ..oh and of course bd on LH surge day then 2 days later and 2 days later. After the first bd, didn't get out of bed as I went to sleep... Hoping it works again.:babydust2::fingerscrossed:

[Giggle&Hoot]

I recommend getting yourself a maybe baby ovulation tester. Its a little microscope saliva tester which can be reused. When you are ovulating and around you fertile days it shows a fern pattern. It retails for around $70 at the chemist.
I used it first time around and it worked for me. I was also taking elevit for about 3 months beforehand.
Also - there is a supplement on the market for men to aid heathy sperm production. Google Menevit and you should find it. We havnt tried it so i cant vouch for it but am considering getting hubby some afterall its NOT all about the womens health.
Second time around though after a MC im going to get really healthy (no more junk) Just brought a juicer and have been experimenting. Anyone know any fertility enhancing foods?

[Trying Hard]

You could try acupuncture and Chinese herbs, as well as eating healthy, bd every second day, take a multi vitamin like elevit, exercise and pray to god.

I hope this helps, I have my :fingerscrossed: crossed for you all.

[CJ15_5]

Hi All,
I have been lurking around since by unexpected BFP waiting to see more BFPs. There is way too much chat on the june09 babies forum to keep up with so I just decided to watch this one with my :fingerscrossed: for you all.
I just wanted to add a little story on the irony of this little 'accident' growing inside me in the hope that it may shed some light.
when DP and I first decided to TTC nothing happened for 12 months, we were young and going like rabbits but had no idea of cycles.
then out of the blue I realised I was 2 1/2 weeks late and there was a BFP. Went to docs next day and confirmed it only to have a M/C next day, just before we told everyone.
so another 6 months went by but this time I knew what to do (the timing, DP on top and the bum up in the air for ages after BD). Finally a BFP at 7DPO only to to get my period on time, chemical pg.
But the next month proved to be the winner with DD 1
When we (well I) decided to trick DP into TTC #2 (what guy turns it down really?) it took 4 months of good timing and bums up to get BFP and DD2.
After DD2 I decided not to go back on the pill as it stuffed me up and made endometriosis (diagnosed few years b4 DD1) worse. We did really well by timing to NOT BD around O, CD12-14. Unfortunately though one morning when I said to DP I will O in a few days he thought that meant safe to NOT be safe (men:rolleyes:) and as soon as I realised, it was too late. So I jumped up and washed what I could away in a shower. To my shock I o'd the next day and 7 days later there was a line. I just can't believe that after 22 months of trying really hard for babies one happened so quickly whilst NOT trying. And DP wasn't even on top. lol
I guess the whole point of this is that sometimes giving it a break and thinking about just enjoying the BD for no reason might help just a little. If not make you and DP a little happier!!:yes:

[Nomsie]

Acupuncture and BDing every 2nd day leading up to and just after O.

Good luck :flowerz:

[CJ15_5]

Now,
after making you read all that as a TTC addict (when I was trying that is) here are my top pointers
1. Check the CM, get to know it, it will help a bit on the O front, it gets clear and stringy like
2. CP can also help, tends to be lower and awaiting sperm when O is lurking, harder to tell after having a vaginal birth but it was good the first time
3. As I get closer to O it gets sore in the ovary region. To the point of it hurting to sit down and also to BD. once the pain goes O has happened (PCO may have a lot to do with this I think)
4. If you get a sharp pain around CD12-16 for about 10-30 seconds it is probably O
5. I have been told that to BD every second night is good but I think it is always better when it is not scheduled, you are meant to enjoy it! Reason for this one is the majority of the sperm can live for 48 hours. So you are nearly always covered.
6. After the BD you can hold you bum up a little higher to help gravity, I did the upside down bicycle exercise, that way I was getting exercise as well as looking silly;)
7. As mentioned above fall asleep after BD instead of getting up, did this with DD1 and DD2. after the bicycle exercise I was tired lol but it did end in BFPs
8. Temping has also proved a wonderful thing, you can get chart on fertility friend for free I believe, never needed them myself
9. OPK are good and you can even use them as HPTs if you have some left over, never needed them myself either
10. MOST IMPORTANT! enjoy BD. It is not only for making babies it is also to be enjoyed and bring the partners closer together, not a job that has to be done, also you want to remember how baby was made in a good way (I could tell some FUNNY stories there).
Sorry to waffle on!:babydust2::babydust2:

[Witchypoo]

Well after a slow start this thread has taken off!!! Thanks for the contributions ladies. In summary so far the #1 tip most often mentioned would be to BD every 2nd day. I will keep a list of all the tips at the beginning of the thread so you can monitor them from there if it's easier/quicker.

Melj83: As far as fertility enhancing foods go I found this info below:

[ Whole grains

Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat and quinoa are complex carbohydrates and so not only give you lots of energy for baby-making by releasing sugar into your blood slowly and evenly, but also contain an abundance of B and E vitamins that are essential for cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production of healthy ova and sperm.

Oily fish

Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are the best source of essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6 which play an important role in regulating reproductive functioning, improving blood flow and enhancing sperm quality and mobility. Flaxseed oil is a good EFA alternative for those who don't eat fish.

Full fat dairy

Research has found that women who eat at least one portion of full fat dairy a day are significantly less likely to suffer from fertility problems that those who consistently go for low fat or non dairy options. Dairy products are also a great source of calcium which is important in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, bones and blood.

Garlic

Although not typically known as a food for romance, garlic contains an abundance of fertility boosting nutrients and can easily be neutralised with parsley. It's a great source of the mineral selenium which is thought to enhance male fertility and help prevent the chromosome breakage that may play a role in early miscarriage. Garlic also contains vitamin B6 which helps to regulate hormones and strengthens the immune system.

Lean red meat

Lean red meat is a great source of iron which helps to prevent anaemia, decreases the risk of ovulatory infertility and plays a role in the production and function of red blood cells. Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12 which is essential in the maintenance and development of the nervous system.

Honey

Honey has been used to enhance fertility throughout history as it is incredibly rich in the minerals and amino acids that nourish the reproductive system and stimulate ovarian function. It's considered by many to be a fertility boosting super food.

Spinach

Spinach and other leafy greens are an excellent source of folic acid which is important in optimising sperm production, facilitating regular, healthy ova production and helping to prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy. It is also a great source of iron and vitamin C which helps to enhance sperm quality by protecting the DNA stored within it from damage.

Oysters

It is the abundance of zinc found in this seafood delicacy that gives it its fertility boosting qualities. Zinc is often considered to be the most important fertility nutrient as it has been shown to help with both healthy sperm and egg production. If oysters aren't your thing, zinc can also be found in baked beans, eggs, nuts, whole grains and pumpkin seeds.

Chillies

These certainly 'spice' things up in the fertility department by increasing the flow of blood around the body, ensuring that the reproductive system gets a healthy supply. Chillies also stimulate endorphin production which means more fertility boosting, stress releasing, happy hormones circulate around your body and are also an excellent source of vitamin C which helps with iron absorption.

Avocado

Avocado provides a rich source of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and an essential fertility nutrient for both men and women as it improves the viability of sperm and helps to regulate both ovulation and the production of cervical mucus. It is also an excellent source of unsaturated fats which are essential for healthy hormone functioning, olive oil is another good vegetable source.

In general when trying for a baby it pays to go for good quality, unprocessed foods as these are likely to be much richer in vitamins, minerals and nutrients and also freer from pesticides and added oestrogens that may disrupt reproductive functioning in both men and women. By supplementing a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle with the foods listed above you will help to ensure you have all the nutrients you need to ensure your reproductive system is in optimum condition.]

Also on one of the other threads one of the ladies mentioned that to help with implantation you should eat fresh pineapple, nuts, red capsicum and strawberries. So maybe these would be good to eat from ovulation to AF.

And I have also read that there are some antifertility foods to avoid. The one that has stuck in my mind is peas!!! Apparently there is a natural chemical in peas called m-xylohydroquinone that has contraceptive effects. Studies have shown that this chemical can cut pregnancy rates by up to 60% and reduce a man's sperm count by 50%. The University of Illionois in the US is studying the use of pea oil as a natural contraceptive (apparently it has been used by women in Tibet as a contraceptive for years). So don't eat your peas!!!

CJ_15_5: I did the bicycle exercise after BD last week and my DH said "What are you doing?". I said "This is meant to help your sperm get there quicker". He then said "You're not normal" and left the room! Thanks for all your super tips.

[melbryan]

I have never really TTC but for my last I wanted to start in June so in May I... ( this was for a girl)
1. Charted using fertility friend found my exact O day
2. Took cranberry, calcium and magnesium vitamins
3. Cut out caffeine and chocolate
4. drank lots of water
5. Stopped Bding 5 days before O day
6. No orgasm ( this goes against all that you have read)

June I was pregnant yep it took one month but they say after one pregnancy you are very fertile. I haven't been on the pill since Ds1.

[Giggle&Hoot]

:yelclap:Elle, You have certianly done your homework A+.:laughing:

Seriously though a big thanks! Who would have thought that peas are baddies...I will have to start introducing some of the good foods into hubby and my diets and ban peas!

Hubby and I also had a very rigorus BD routine first time round - he certainly wasnt complaining :goodvibes:

Was reading something today about the Lunar method. http://lunarium.co.uk/jonas.php
It was very interesting but im not sure i believe in (or want to) the "Risk factor" rating. It may have some truth though, according to the chart i conceived last time with a risk factor of three if i conceived at the lunar cycle time. The following month was a 6...Thats scary given what happened last time:no: It can also predict the sex of the baby. Could be worth a go but for a compulsive worrier like me i think i will give this one a miss...

[Bellablue]

Love these tips and tricks - thanks everyone!

[pkbub]

CJ_15_5: I did the bicycle exercise after BD last week and my DH said "What are you doing?". I said "This is meant to help your sperm get there quicker". He then said "You're not normal" and left the room! Thanks for all your super tips.

:laughing::laughing::laughing::yelclap: That's great! I may try that too if not UTD this month!

[Witchypoo]

I'm wrapt that honey is a super fertility food cos I love the stuff. I also love avocados so I'm happy!

Hi Bellablue! I'm feeling the sisterhood with you cos we are a similar age and both TTC #1. Good luck for this month!!!!

[StrangeFruit]

Make sure your men are taking a multivitamin too. Menevit is recommended. Make sure those swimmers are super strong and healthy!

[gazelle]

I was sooooo tired of BD that once my 'fertile window' was finished (I was charting, temping and checking CM, using OPKs) I didn't want to DTD anymore :sleeping: but DH convinced me once more in the cycle (over a week after the OPK showed I O'd) and this is what caused my current pg! The sonographer gave me a revised date of conception as my measurements are 2 weeks behind when we 'should' have conceived... so my advice is to enjoy BD (as someone already suggested) and be prepared that even with all the medical tests and devices sometimes babies just are made when they feel like it!
Sending everyone heaps of :goodvibes::babydust2:

[SomewhereOverTheRainbow]

Hey Elle,
I posted this a while ago but I'll post it again for you..I know a few of the girls here have had it work for them..
http://www.pregnancyloss.info/sperm_meets_egg_plan.htm

[Witchypoo]

Hi ladies!

I am sitting here waiting for the saliva to dry on my Maybe Baby. It is taking ages - I think I put too much on. I got a basal digital thermometer yesterday to start charting my waking temp each morning. Exciting stuff! Oh and just for overkill on the ovulation monitoring I bought some digital ovulation tests. Now they are more expensive than the ordinary ones with the two lines but god I find the ones with the lines frustrating. Comparing the colours of the lines and trying to decide if they are close enough in colour is difficult (for me at least). The digital ones don't mess around - they either give you a circle which means 'not happening yet' or a smiley face which says 'go for it'. That's the kind of decisiveness I need from a test.

Melj83: I will check out the Lunar Method and get back to you.

Nic236: Thanks for the Sperm Meets Egg link.

CJ15_5: You mentioned in one of your posts that you can use OPK's as HPT's? How does that work?

Ok, just one word. I think personally last month I overdid it trying things to get pregnant and stuffed my body around a little (started taking 3 new different types of tablets, changed my diet, started using Wild Yam Cream). I think as far as trying stuff to TTC maybe limit yourself to 1 new thing each cycle. My sister told me I was trying to Voodoo conceive! As far as tablets go I am now only taking the Blackmore's Conceive Well Gold and an extra 50mg a day of Vitamin B6 in an effort to lengthen my luteal phase (which has been 9 days for the past 2 cycles). I will let you know when I ovulate this cycle (bet you can't wait!)

[StrangeFruit]

:laughing: Elle - you really are trying to do Voodoo to get pregnant. Let me share one of my theories with you.

Humans are just animals. Animals use their senses to know when the time is right. To get pregnant they just have sex, no pills, no drinks, no accupuncture, no OPK's, no Wild Yam cream nothing.

I agree with Vitamins, because we dont eat what we need in our diets. But otherwise, just listen to your body.....it will know.....

Unfortunately, where my theory goes wrong is if i was an animal i wouldn't be able to reproduce (with my DH anyway) as they dont have IVF in the animal kingdom!! :laughing:

[CJ15_5]

Hi Elle,

I found it through googling HPT positives, for some bizarre reason I was hoping that my ultra dark line meant extra high HCG (the things us women do):o
http://www.peeonastick.com/opkhpt.html is one place which has a VERY good assessment. Another is to google images of 'OPK as HPT' you will see a lot!

Bec

[Witchypoo]

StrangeFruit: I was just discussing with a friend on the weekend how unfair it is that animals get UTD so easily! Personally I would love it if we could just lay eggs and sit on them. I would love to be able to ring in to work and say 'I can't come in today. I laid some eggs last night and I have to sit on them for 9 months. Sorry!'.

The thing with animals (I don't know if you've watched any of the documentaries on mating) when they're in season they go at it hammer and tongs with anyone and everyone of the opposite sex they cross paths with so that probably helps. Should I list that as a Top Tip and Magic Trick??????

I hear you in regards to the voodoo though. I will calm down from now on - I promise! Good luck with your IVF next month too by the way. My sister is having one of her eggys (last one) implanted next month too so fingers crossed for both of you.

Bec: Thanks for the link. I will check it out!

[Bellablue]

Aha! Now I know the problem, I'm voodoo'ing too! I was only thinking about those lucky instinctively fertile animals the other day as well whilst I was at a farm... but Elle just think, if we were animals, we would have been taken off to the slaughterhouse long ago!! At least with the voodoo'ing, we're in with a chance!

[susieq1969]

9. OPK are good and you can even use them as HPTs if you have some left over, never needed them myself either


Really!!!! :confused::)

[Witchypoo]

Susieq read the info below. It's a little too confusing for me I'm afraid. I would be annoyed and very upset if the result was incorrect too. Anyway it's up to you. Thanks Bec for the link.


OPK's as HPT's:
using an ovulation test to confirm pregnancy


Overall-- yes, it can be done. Ovulation predictor tests (known as OPK's because they are normally sold in a set of tests known as a "kit," thus the K) will show a positive result when a woman is pregnant, as well as when she's ovulating.
Specifically-- while it works most of the time, there are good reasons to avoid using an OPK as an HPT for diagnostic purposes. If you want to pee on any stick that will stand still after you know you're pregnant, just for fun, have at it. But I would not recommend using an OPK in place of an HPT overall.
Reasoning-- OPK's detect LH (luteinizing hormone) which is the hormone associated with ovulation. Pregnancy tests detect hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. LH and hCG are, at a molecular level, nearly identical. hCG has a beta subunit, meaning it has an extra little "doodad." To use a stupid but easy to understand example, LH and hCG are identical twins, except that hCG wears a funny hat.



http://www.peeonastick.com/opkhpt/twins.gif

An OPK tests only for the part of the molecule that LH and hCG have in common (the "face" or "body" of the identical twins.) Essentially an OPK is saying:

http://www.peeonastick.com/opkhpt/lh.gif


So an OPK will turn positive when it detects either of the "identical twins"-- ovulation or pregnancy hormone.
The reverse is not true, however, because an HPT tests for the part of the molecule that is unique to hCG (the "hat.") So an HPT would say:

http://www.peeonastick.com/opkhpt/hcg.gif

Therefore, a pregnancy test will turn positive only in the presence of hCG, whereas an OPK will turn positive in the presence of hCG or LH.

Now, it's important to note that OPK's work differently than HPT's. A pregnancy test will develop 2 lines only if hCG (pregnancy hormone) is detected. Thus, "a line is a line" when determining a positive HPT. OPK's work differently. An OPK has a "control" line and a "test" line, just like an HPT. Unlike an HPT, however, the mere presence of a "test" line does not mean the test is positive. The test line must be as dark as, or darker than, the control line to be a positive result (meaning that a surge was detected, rather than the ordinary amount of LH usually found in your urine every day.)
This means that there is already some ambiguity involved in reading an OPK's results. Sometimes the line is almost as dark as the control line, but perhaps not quite as dark. Sometimes only the edge turns dark, or the top half of the line is darker than the bottom.
Additionally, OPK's are not as sensitive as a lot of HPT's are. This means that, if pregnant, you are likely to get a positive HPT earlier than you would get a positive OPK.

Elaboration: a lot of women e-mailed me expressing surprise at this. Keep in mind that HPT's are often more sensitive than advertised. First Response Early Result was found, in one recent clinical trial, to detect consistently as low as 12.5 mIU/mL of hCG, and sometimes as low as 4.5! OPK's are never more sensitive than advertised (they are detecting a hormone "surge"; if they are too sensitive they will turn positive from the normal all-the-time presence of LH in the female body.) The most sensitive OPK's on the market are 20 mIU, and some are sensitive to 30 or 40 mIU. OPK's may have a second line in the presence of less hormone-- the sensitivity refers to the threshold at which it turns positive.
So, if you are comparing a sensitive (20 mIU) OPK to some less-sensitive HPT's (sensitive to 25-50 mIU) then yes, it's true an OPK may turn positive before an HPT. However, the most sensitive HPT's available are more sensitive than the most sensitive OPK's available.

[chel070580]

check out this thread there are some weird and wonderful ones on there from last month.
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=205095

[C4K]

Hi! I was thinking about how fertile animals seem to be but then I remembered that most are only able to get pregnant once or twice a year - imagine only having 2 chances a year!!! No thanks.

[Giggle&Hoot]

OK...I didnt realise lubricants can be bad news!
Has anyone tried Pre-Seed, where do you buy it (i havnt seen it in the chemist) and is it safe???

[Witchypoo]

C4K : They may be only able to get pregnant once or twice a year but when they do they have a litter so it sort of makes up for it I reckon!!

Melj83: I have just bought some Pre-seed. I bought it online. Can't remember exactly from where but if you do a search in google you'll find online chemists that stock it. It's meant to be good because it is pH balanced to match fertile cervical mucus and can actually help the sperm on there way whereas other lubricants can create a barrier and prevent them from swimming. I don't work for them - I'm just reading from the box!!! I haven't started using it yet cos my DH is still O/S but I'll let you know what I think when I do.

[SomewhereOverTheRainbow]

The thing with animals (I don't know if you've watched any of the documentaries on mating) when they're in season they go at it hammer and tongs with anyone and everyone of the opposite sex they cross paths with so that probably helps. Should I list that as a Top Tip and Magic Trick??????




Haha..I know some people like that. :rolleyes:
Well on the upside, they are widening the gene pool aren't they...lmao! :laughing:

[Giggle&Hoot]

Hi Guys

Thought you may like to check out the fertility diet.

Link below
http://www.dymocks.com.au/ProductDetails/ProductDetail.aspx?R=9780071494793
then click on preview and it will show you an extract of the book. I found it interesting.


The preview gives an overview of ten ways to enhance fertility. I just brought the adobe reader version available through the dymocks website but unfortunately it is copyright protected and wont allow me to copy and paste...

[Avababe]

Hi everyone,

That's what I'm doing wrong, not learning from the Animal Kingdom! ;)

That's it...I'm going out to get me a rabbit costume, I already have the ears (don't ask). Not one of those grubby charity 'koala with the bucket' varieties, a REAL fluffy one with pheromone-secreting appeal, a sure fire fertility winner....

melj83 :wave: I have purchased both Sylk natural lube (from ?most supermarkets) it is based on kiwifruit vine- believe it or not- and Forelife Fertility care Sperm-safe (from Priceline pharmacy) while ttc because I too had heard that standard lubes stopped the boys in their tracks, don't know how they compare to Preseed though, sorry.
Couldn't bring myself to using raw egg whites though, could never make pavlova again. :crying:

[Giggle&Hoot]

Hi everyone,

That's what I'm doing wrong, not learning from the Animal Kingdom! ;)

That's it...I'm going out to get me a rabbit costume, I already have the ears (don't ask). Not one of those grubby charity 'koala with the bucket' varieties, a REAL fluffy one with pheromone-secreting appeal, a sure fire fertility winner....



:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

[Witchypoo]

Well I have another top tip for people with short luteal phases ( the time from ovulation to when you normally get your period) . Mine is normally 9 days long which is not ideal. Your luteal phase really needs to be a minimum of 10 days (although some experts say it should be at least 11 or 12 days) to allow sufficient time for implantation to successfully occur before your period is normally due. Anyway...I have been taking Vitamin B6 for the past month and a half as it is meant to help lengthen your luteal phase. Normally I ovulate on CD19 but this cycle I have ovulated on CD17 - 2 days earlier!!!! I am very pleased! Too bad my DH isn't home till CD20 so we won't catch this egg, but I'm trying to look on the bright side. Now I just have to wait and see if my cycle is it's usual 28 days long. If it is then my luteal phase will have increased from 9 days to 11 days. Yay!!!

There is 50mg of Vitamin B6 in the Conceive Well Gold I take and I also take an additional 50mg a day - so 100mg in total.

[Bellablue]

Super sleuth Elle (or anyone else that knows the answer), can I ask why the full fat dairy instead of low fat? I changed over to low fat dairy a few months ago but now I can't remember whether this was because my naturopath recommended it, or whether it was because my cholesterol levels were slightly too high. I'd be really interested to hear the reasoning on this one. (I for one have been eating an icecream each day so maybe in an odd way, that's actually a good thing?!)

Anyway, I have some further info about dairy products that people might like to take into consideration. I've been doing a lot of reading up on nutrition this year, as well as organics, eating what's in season, ethical eating, nutrition for conceiving, that sort of stuff. It beats twiddling my thumbs waiting for my BFP to come along anyway! I'm reading a book at the moment that says that there have been lots of studies done comparing conventional milk to organic milk and apparently organic milk has 90% more antioxidants and also has much higher levels of several nutrients including Omega-3s, Vitamin E and beta-carotene.

You will really have to look for the organic milk as it doesn't seem to be that widely available, but I have definitely bought it at Safeway/Coles and it's available in both full fat and low fat varieties.

The higher nutrient levels also apply to most other organic/biodynamic foods when compared to convention foods due to the higher nutrient levels in the soil. Organic fruit and vegies have up to 40% more antioxidants and vitamins than the conventionally grown, and it's definitely healthier to forego as many pesticides, herbicides and insecticides as you can. Humans are most vulnerable to these chemicals whilst in the womb, as babies and as young children, even puberty - all times of rapid growth. Remember, whatever you ingest ends up being passed on through the placenta and through your breast milk.

A 1995 study of breastfeeding women in Victoria found traces of the banned pesticide DDT in almost every sample of breastmilk and PCBs in 79% of samples, which have been linked to developmental abnormalities. European studies suggest that mothers who eat organic meat and milk had around 50% higher rumenic acid in their breast milk which protects against cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Anyway, whilst we are on the topic of being as healthy as possible as we all TCC, it's interesting "food for thought"! It might cost a little more, but it could be well worth it when the choice is there. All those extra nutrients could well help us get our BFP's earlier and make sure our babies stick for the whole 9 months as well as being really healthy and happy!

[Witchypoo]

I'm onto it Bellablue! This is what I've found:

A new US study suggests that eating low fat dairy food every day can reduce a woman's fertility by affecting ovulation.

The study showed that women who ate more than two portions a day of low fat dairy foods were 85 per cent more likely to be infertile due to ovulatory disorders than those who only ate it less than once a week.

Conversely they found that women who ate full-fat dairy foods, including ice cream, more than once per day had a 25 per cent reduced risk of infertility due to ovulatory disorders compared to those who ate full-fat dairy foods only once a week.

The researchers concluded that "High intake of low-fat dairy foods may increase the risk of anovulatory infertility whereas intake of high-fat dairy foods may decrease this risk".

Dr Chavarro's advice to women trying to conceive is to change their diet for a while. He said "They should consider changing low-fat dairy foods for high-fat dairy foods; for instance, by swapping skimmed milk for whole milk and eating ice cream, not low fat yoghurt."

But it was important to do this without increasing their daily calorie intake or upsetting the balance of overall saturated fat consumption, he said.

"Once they have become pregnant, then they should probably switch back to low-fat dairy foods as it is easier to limit intake of saturated fat by consuming low-fat dairy foods," said Dr Chavarro.

The researchers suggest that a fat-soluble substance in the full-fat dairy foods could be responsible for improved ovarian function, and that this substance is removed when full-fat dairy produce is converted to low-fat.

There could be other reasons too, to do with hormone balance. For instance, when full-fat milk is processed to give skimmed milk, whey protein is usually added back in to improve taste and colour. In tests with mice, whey protein is suspected of increasing testosterone-like effects.


I have never eaten low-fat dairy. I think it's garbage and unnecessary. I had a massive Dairy Bell icecream on Friday night and my ovaries loved it! Their favourite flavour is Rocky Road by the way.

[Bellablue]

Love your work Elle!! (Am also enjoying reading your TTC diary by the way! I just starting doing one too!)

So, that does it - I'm eating a Heaven with macadamias and vanilla every day!! I have been anyway since the weather started to improve - it's my little treat for the day and I love it! I have been exercising each day so I think I can afford to do it. Not sure it's really helping my skin though?!

Maybe we should eat full fat in the first half of the cycle and low fat the second half?!

[Witchypoo]

Hey Bellablue!

Freaky...I had just finished reading your TTC diary and then came in here and read that you had been reading mine. I was going to write 'I've been reading your TTC diary....' but you beat me to it!!! I will read you diary regularly ok as it's so cool to know thst someone else is going through the same stuff and is as obsessed as I am too! But I'm older than you (37 in Feb - gulp!!!) so don't go stressing about your age too much cos it will make me more stressed!

Stuff eating any low fat dairy I say!!! Full fat is the go. Have you made up your mind whether you will make an appointment for the surgery your FS recommended?

PS. I started on Fertility Friend last night. Going there now........

[Bellablue]

Hey Elle, how funny is that?! And we're both in Melbourne too! I actually decided to start doing a diary after I read yours! Sorry mine so far is so long winded... I have an excessive writing problem. (I'm actually surprised you managed to get to the end of it! Well done!) I just want to get the journey so far all down and then hopefully I can start writing shorter entries. My DP is always on the computer when he's home (playing ridiculous computer games, the bane of my existence :hair:!), so I only get to use it when he's at work or away, so I'm making the most of it this weekend!

I'm about to jump back into my diary and write about my comflicting feelings about the surgery so stay tuned... but now I think it's time for my daily icecream!! See ya Elle, looking forward to reading more of your diary soon :wave: xxx

[Blonde Assassin]

Thanks for that Elle!!

My DF LOVESSSSSSSSS Dairy Bell :laughing: so I won't have any problems making him take me there!

My personal favourite is Cold Rock though...hmmmmm..white choc & double choc mixed with tim tams & ferrero rocher :goodvibes:

[iMischa]

i made dh wear boxers instead of briefs! that helps!! :D