Oh June I hardly knew ye. How can it possibly be July 1?

I always look forward to the first week of each month because it gives me the opportunity to look back and reflect on our Facebook conversations from the month before.

Each month has its own flavor, so to speak, and June was no different. From in-depth threads on PCOS to an up-close look at male infertility issues during National Men’s Health Week as well as exciting announcements, including our partnership with RESOLVE and the release of AFA’s video on fertility drug injections that features our RMA New Jersey clinic, there was a lot of action!

And there was an underlying message throughout the month: inspiration and hope.

Dr. Lowell Ku from our Dallas IVF clinic joined us on Facebook as well as on Fertility Focus as our Terminology Tuesday blogger. He shared with us personal story of how he and his wife overcame infertility after four IVF treatments. If you didn’t get a chance to read his Little Silver Picture Frame post, it’s never too late.

Jacqui Dunn, from our office here at Attain Fertility Centers, told us about her journey through infertility treatment and is now expecting her first baby. One of our community members is taking time off through the Family Leave Act to focus on her fertility treatment. And many of your shared your stories of nervous excitement as you began new treatments and cycles.

Your positive response moved me to begin the work week with an inspiring quote. Thanks so much for your positive feedback. It gives me something to look forward to every Monday morning as we all reconnect and refocus after our busy weekends.

And so, as I look back at June, I’m looking forward to the pearls of wisdom and positive affirmation that will carry us forward and give us hope in the days, weeks and months ahead, even during those difficult times.

Best wishes to you – and a safe and happy 4th of July.

It’s a Happy Friday here. We have an addition to our Fertility Focus team, Jacqui Dunn. Jacqui is expecting her first baby after going through IUI and will be sharing her journey.

Welcome, Jacqui! — Shelly

Hello everyone!  I am excited to start sharing my fertility experience with you all.

One of the things I started considering last year after trying for months to get pregnant was to start taking some yoga classes.  As it is, I am a very high-strung person and the stress of fertility doctors, testing, and medication was making things worse.  My husband suggested looking into some local “yogis” and even agreed to start coming with me!

I walked in with a somewhat open mind, hoping that something would help me relax and to just go with the flow of this entire process.  I thought that maybe I could also ease some normal everyday tension along with it.

There were articles I came across about this very topic about how practicing yoga can help get your mind off things – which in turn makes it easier to relax and allows for your body to operate more efficiently.  I still continued with my fertility treatments – and after over two months of yoga classes along with treatment, I was successful on my first IUI attempt!

I truly believe that my weekly yoga appointments helped me refocus my energy and breathing and let myself just “be in the moment” instead of over-analyzing my situation.  Obviously, going to a fertility doctor and having treatments were a big part of this process as well, but that is just the clinical side.  The yoga really helped me with the mental and emotional side of what I was going through, which I believe people need to nurture when going through during difficult times.

Yoga is definitely something to think about if you are having fertility issues.  Pulling Down the Moon is an informative site that can explain more of the advantages of yoga for fertility.  Check it out!

I am planning to continue my yoga classes for as long as I can throughout the pregnancy and will definitely want to pick it back up afterwards so I can try to remain as relaxed as possible with a newborn!

Namaste,

Jacqui

I just finished reading People magazine’s article about Celine Dion’s journey to pregnancy through IVF treatment. It took SIX tries.

I’m delighted for Celine (see how we’re on a first-name basis?) and her family. It takes a lot of courage to share such an incredibly personal experience with the public.

What delights me, as well, is that by being so open about her journey, she was able to bring to light the importance of committing to a course-of-treatment approach to that increased her chance of success with IVF. It doesn’t always happen on the first try. Or the second try…

According to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) about 60% of women under age 35, almost 70% of women age 35 to 37, and almost 50% of donor egg recipients need more than one IVF treatment cycle to have a baby (2007 data). The statistics speak for themselves.

It’s why our Attain® IVF Programs are so successful – they offer up to 6 tries for a single, discounted fee. They help reduce the stress about what it will cost and how long you should stay in treatment. 75% of our Refund patients have a baby!

IVF treatment can be a long and difficult road… and I’m thrilled that Celine was able to stay the course. I wish her a happy, healthy pregnancy.

There’s been a lot of discussion on our Facebook page over the last few weeks around the emotional aspects of being infertile. Your triumphs and challenges have touched all of us. Thank you for sharing.

In fact, you inspired us to seek out additional support. As part of our ongoing “proactive” theme during National Women’s Health Week, we interviewed Dr. Andrea Braverman, clinical psychologist at the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (part of our Attain Fertility^TM Network, who provided the following self-care tips.

From everyday encounters to special gatherings and events, those coping with fertility issues frequently face uncomfortable questions from family, friends and coworkers about having a baby. Knowing how to respond and how much you are comfortable sharing isn’t easy.

From innocent comments made in passing by co-workers and the probing questions of relatives, to the pregnancy of a sibling or close friend, sometimes heading into social situations feels more like heading into a minefield than anything else.

“Needs change at different points along the way, and even from day-to-day,” explained Braverman. “By identifying your triggers and then making choices, you’re able to create boundaries that work for you. Healthy communication with your partner and with the people in your life is essential.”

While there are no pat answers or general rules to follow Braverman does have a few tips about how you and your partner can best handle social situations during your path to parenthood.

Step One:  What are you triggers?

While it’s impossible to anticipate every situation, there are certainly ones you can identify in advance that may leave you feeling vulnerable. Announcements of other pregnancies or births, baby showers, family gatherings, get-togethers with friends, and even staff vacation-time at your fertility clinic may trigger feelings of isolation or sadness. When you’re able to identify these triggers, you’ll be able to create a plan of action to manage them.

Step Two:  What are practical things you need to consider?

In an ideal world, you’d always be able to choose when and what you want to share. However, there are other practical issues to consider. You may need to let someone at work know you are going through fertility treatment if you have periods of time when you need to be late for work or when travel will not be possible. Ask to have a confidential conversation with a supervisor and explain the situation. By being proactive and clear you will avoid uncomfortable questions and confrontations.

Likewise, there may be times when it’s necessary to share with a family member or friend. For example, if you have a relative living with you, it will probably be necessary to share some of what you are going through.

Step Three: What do you want for yourself? What do you want for your partner?

Remember you are in a partnership. Trying to get pregnant isn’t just your story; it’s your partner’s, as well. What are your boundaries together? What is best for you as a couple? Decide between you how open or private you want to be and how you will respond to those awkward questions. And if the two of you are struggling, think about seeing a counselor who can help you navigate this journey in the healthiest and most positive way for you and your partner.

“You can’t do it all on your own, none of us can,” said Braverman. “The sooner individuals and couples seek counseling, the easier the emotional journey of trying to get pregnant will be.”

Thank you, Dr. Braverman, for your invaluable support!

It’s Thursdays with Sharon, the sun is shining here on the East Coast (we’re in New York, folks) and I’m happy to be connecting with all of you again!

Let’s get real here. We at the Attain®IVF Call Center listen to people who share their personal stories about infertility and the many different twists and turns the journey has taken. Everyone’s path is different, just as everyone’s life is different. No two are the same.

Our callers often share how they cope with infertility, given how their daily lives are a crazy maze of challenges and obstacles. (The reality is that most of us don’t have the time or means to book a Caribbean cruise or take a week off to de-stress whenever we need it… sigh).

So what do our callers suggest? They suggest listening to your mind and body and taking note. If the tension is building, take a 5-minute break to calm down. If the emotions are overwhelming, call a friend. The universal, underlying theme is you are taking care of yourself and yes, putting your needs at the front of the line for the time needed.

Self-awareness is power. Listen to that “little voice inside your head” and remember to acknowledge and trust it.

We at Attain IVF Customer Care enjoy speaking with all our callers. With our Attain IVF Programs, we can help you find the right path that is designed to reduce stress about how much it will cost and help ensure you have the greatest possible opportunity for success.

Please contact us at 1-866-968-7483 for more information.

Until next time, all my best.