Life After Miscarriage
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| Healthy fats (from foods like Avocado) are imperative for fertility. |
If you’re like me, getting over your miscarriage won’t be instantaneous. Your physical body will ache for up to two weeks, or longer, reminding you of your loss and on top of it, your emotions could be all over the place. I kept trying to tell myself to “Perk Up, Butter Cup” or “get over it already” but the reality is, this is something you probably won’t get over anytime soon. While time heals all wounds, you will never forget this experience in your life… and that’s OK, you’re human. Remember to be compassionate with yourself as you navigate this difficult time.The silver lining is the fact that your pregnancy probably wasn’t meant to be and that you can try again. Knowing all the parts work is half the battle! I am going through this with you, we got this!When you’re ready and your body has healed from the miscarriage and any surgeries associated with it, begin to think of this time as a way to get your body into the healthiest state it’s ever been in. Together, let’s get in the best shape of our life, eat the healthiest food to heal and nourish our bodies and take supplements that promote fertility. I am dedicated to researching the best possible road map to promote a healthy and fertile pregnancy with you.Take these five steps to begin the process of becoming Fertile Myrtle
1. If you haven't already, begin to wean yourself from excessive caffeine.
Ok, I know we all need a pick me up in the morning. And in the afternoon. And maybe again if you’re a crazy addict like I am. In fact, I’m having my one (ugh) cup of coffee as I write this post. If it were up to me, I would drink coffee all day long. One of the top recommendations in numerous studies have shown that caffeine may be working against you when it comes to fertility. One study conducted by Edmund Hey, a pediatrician, found that “women who consumed more than the equivalent of one cup of coffee per day were half as likely to become pregnant, per cycle, as women who drank less.” Ouch. This one might hurt a little! Link to Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1804190/What you can do instead: Drink one cup of coffee in the morning and switch to teas like matcah, genmai cha or other organic green teas. Look for recipes on my blog for delicious and energizing concoctions for your morning energy.
2. Start or continue to workout, but not too much.
We all want to be in the best shape of our life prior to getting pregnant, but overdoing it could cause fertility problems and possibly lead to a miscarriage once you do conceive. Studies have found that women with a lower body fat percentage were less likely to become pregnant. On the other hand, women with too much body fat are also at risk. Moral of the story? Exercise moderately and talk to your doctor about what level of activity is right for you.
3. Take the right supplements.
If you’ve been pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, I’m sure you’ve heard that folic acid is integral for a healthy pregnancy. I won’t deny how important it is, but know the facts. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate. If you’re trying to be a healthy Whole Mama, try to get the extra folate from your diet (dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens and other sources such as garbanzo beans, pinto beans, lentils, avocado and beets). Another great product I recommend taking is Juice Plus. Always take your prenatal and search for one that’s organic. I trust Rainbow Light and love that they, like Juice Plus, have a concentrated fruit and veggie blend.Vitamin C is also a heavy hitter when it comes to fertility and pregnancy. I recommend taking Lypo-Scheric Vitamin C which features a liposomal encapsulation, which means more goes into your cells and less is pass through waste.While I could recommend a ton of supplements for your individual needs, I won’t overload you here. If you have questions or concerns about your own fertility or if your baby is getting enough supplementation, email me. LINK.Finally, Vitamin D. Vitamin D is so important before the first trimester and throughout your pregnancy. This will aid in proper bone and tissue development and may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and preterm birth.
4. De-Stress
In our fast paced world, it’s no secret that we are, as a whole, stressed. That sucks! Stress increases the risk for so many health complications and can affect fertility and healthy pregnancies. New evidence, from the journal of Fertility and Sterility, suggests that women with high levels of various stress hormones may have a harder time getting pregnant. Managing stress will be important throughout this time in your life… and trust me, pregnancy comes with added stress, so managing it early will prep you for a smooth ride.Moderate exercise, a healthy diet and mind/body modalities can aid in the reduction of stress. One of my favorite ways to reduce stress is acupuncture and cupping — both totally safe before, during and right after pregnancy. Scheduling “me time” has also been effective… when I do this, I turn my phone on silent, make a warm cup of tea and cozy up on the couch to read or write in my journal. The most effective ways to reduce stress will depend on what you find enjoyable. Make a list and make sure to engage in those activities daily.
5. Diet and Nutrition
Because your body needs additional nutrients and energy when attempting to get pregnant and during pregnancy, a healthy diet should be at the top of your list. While you may think pregnancy is your chance to finally eat whatever you want and sit on the couch binging on TV shows, studies show that an active woman with a diet that consists of mostly vegetables, complex carbs and lean protein is more likely to have a healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy. Variety is key. I will continue to discuss diet in upcoming posts… and remember, we can’t all be perfect and trust me, I’ve been known to get in line at the drive-thru for a Blizzard from DQ. Moderation is key.
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