The Fertile Garden - Fertility Bracelets, Jewelry and Inspiring Art

Fertility Bracelets 20% off at The Fertile Garden

2012-02-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

Use coupon code HAPPYHEART at http://thefertilegarden.com until Feburary 14, 2012 for 20% off your ENTIRE order!!! Have a Happy Hearts Day! What a thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day!

Become a fan of The Fertile Garden on Facebook!

2011-11-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

Become a fan of The Fertile Garden on Facebook and receive a discount code for your ENTIRE order!!!

Caffeine and TTC

2011-10-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

When I was TTC I was extra careful and cut out all artificial sweeteners, and caffeine. I was not a happy camper!! The doctor said that 200mgs of caffeine a day were ok. But I still avoided it. Occasionally when I had a bad migraine, I would take a Tylenol and have a little coke.

My TCM said that you would be better of drinking a regular coke then diet coke. She said something with the aspartime was awful for TTC. Or even have a little coffee with whole milk and real sugar. So I listened! It was SO hard...as I was addicted to Diet Coke, I would go to the McDonalds drive thru just to get a large fountain Diet Coke!

I just saw this article and thought it was interesting. The first slide that comes up is "Limit Caffeine Consumption".

9 Natural Fertility Boosters

Limit caffeine consumption

Several studies have shown reduced fertility for women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine each day. Fortunately, the threshold is high enough that you can still indulge in that morning cup o' joe, since the average 8-ounce cup of coffee only has 100 to 130 mg of caffeine. Don't forget, though, that black tea, green tea, chocolate, and some sodas also contain caffeine.

For women undergoing in vitro fertilization, however, the threshold is much lower: A mere 50 mg of caffeine—the equivalent of one cup of tea—can negatively impact success rates.

Alice Domar, an assistant professor at the Harvard Medical School who also counsels women dealing with infertility, suggests that you may want to further restrict your caffeine intake if you've been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, even if you're not doing IVF. Since only limited research has been done on the topic, Domar worries that further research may show that lower amounts of caffeine still impact fertility.

http://health.msn.com/pregnancy/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100182843

http://thefertilegarden.etsy.com

Big Fall SALE at The Fertile Garden!

2011-09-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Use discount code FALL2011 for a discount on your ENTIRE order from The Fertile Garden!!! Purchase beautiful fertility bracelets and jewelry for yourself, or for a gift! :)

Fertility Necklace Goddess by The Fertile Garden on Etsy

2011-09-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

You cant beat free! Order now and receive free shipping on the beautiful Fertile Goddess necklace from The Fertile Garden. A moonstone dangle calms emotions and encourages love, hope and fertility.

Fertility Art Note Cards from The Fertile Garden!

2011-08-13T05:06:00.000-07:00

New Art Note Cards at The Fertile Garden! Perfect for the new mother, newly pregnant, or those going through infertility and fertility treatments. What a thoughtful way to show a friend or family member that you care.

Available in my shop The Fertile Garden. Get some today!

Acupuncture and sperm count

2011-07-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture May Improve Sperm by Joel Roberts
(WebMD) Acupuncture may help some men overcome infertility problems by improving the quality of their sperm, according to a new study.

Researchers found five weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the number of structural abnormalities in sperm and increased the overall number of normal sperm in a group of men with infertility problems.

They say the results suggest that acupuncture may complement traditional infertility treatments and help men reach their full reproductive potential.

Acupuncture May Ease Male Infertility

An estimated 10% of men are infertile, and the male partner is a factor in up to 50% of infertile couples, write the researchers. In many cases, the cause of male infertility is unknown.

Previous studies of acupuncture and male infertility have suggested that acupuncture can improve sperm production and motility (a measure of sperm movement).

In this study, researchers looked at the effects of acupuncture on the structural health of sperm in men with infertility of unknown cause. The findings appear in the July issue of Fertility and Sterility.

Twenty-eight infertile men received acupuncture treatments twice a week for five weeks, and 12 received no treatment and served as a comparison group.

Researchers analyzed sperm samples at the beginning and end of the study and found significant improvements in sperm quality in the acupuncture group compared with the other group.

Acupuncture treatment was associated with fewer structural defects in the sperm and an increase in the number of normal sperm in ejaculate.

But other sperm abnormalities, such as immature sperm or sperm death, were unaffected by acupuncture.

The researchers write that acupuncture treatment is a simple, noninvasive method that can improve sperm quality.

SOURCE: Pei, J. Fertility and Sterility, July 2005; vol 84: pp 141-147.
By Jennifer Warner
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
© 2005, WebMD Inc. All rights reserved

Vitamins and nutrients as a way to increase your fertility.

2011-06-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Vitamin B6 is widely known to lengthen the luteal phase.

Zinc can help improve sperm quality.

Vitamin C can also aid to improve sperm motility and quality.

A couple of studies suggest that when some men drink coffee before sex, their sperm becomes more energetic.

Some studies indicate that women with low iron reserves are less likely to conceive.

Wheat grass can help egg quality.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring have some big, fat fertility-boosting benefits.

Full fat dairy is rich in calcium, a nutrient that’s essential not just for bone health but also for reproductive health.m One serving a day.

Baby aspirin once a day can help increase blood flow to the uterus.

Pair there with your fertility bracelet from The Fertile Garden!

Fertility Bracelet success!!

2011-06-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Another success for the Chakra Fertility Bracelet from The Fertile Garden!
Messages like this make me so happy!!

"Hello! I just had to come and share my excitement with you. I am now almost 14 weeks pregnant and have been wearing your fertility bracelet since February. I became pregnant the very next month and have had an easy pregnancy without any complications. I didn't even get the terrible morning sickness, lol!! We have seen our baby 3 times since becoming pregnant and heard the heart beat and he/she is doing perfectly. I am certain my fertility chakra bracelet aided in my conceiving and my fertility....and in keeping the pregnacy at last :)

I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!! I had already left you feedback and wish I could again so I could shout to the world that your product is a MIRACLE!!! I am forever grateful to you. Thank you, Thank you!!!!!
Tessa Ann :)"

Almonds Improve fertility?

2011-05-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Romans showered newlyweds with almonds as a fertility charm.

Raw almonds are an especially good source of monounsaturated fats, which appear to increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant! They are also a great source of protein! Also try adding almond milk to your diet! Almonds also can help raise men's sperm count!

Try adding almonds to your diet! Bring along as a snack, or add to a salad or cooked vegetables!

Valentines Day Promo at The Fertile Garden!

2011-02-04T16:11:00.001-08:00

From now until Valentine's Day, use this promo code: VALDAY11 for 10% off your order!! Simply add it in the coupon code box when you check out! Perfect for all of your fertility jewelry and bracelet purchases from The Fertile Garden!!

Here's a little hope from The Fertile Garden this Valentines Day!

Go Bears!

2011-01-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Holiday shopping at The Fertile Garden!

2010-12-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again! Already! Can you believe it??
Time to get your holiday shopping done and find the perfect gift for friends and family (or treat yourself)! Stay away from the annoying mall and shop online at The Fertile Garden on etsy.com!
You can find beautiful fertility bracelets, fertility necklaces, inspiring artwork and more!
Come one, come all!
Have a great holiday season everyone!!! ho ho ho!

CYBER MONDAY SALE at The Fertile Garden!!!

2010-11-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

Cyber Monday discount on all items at The Fertile Garden!
Use the discount code CYBERMONDAY2010 to receive 10% off any order!
• Fertility Bracelets
• Fertility Jewelry
• Art Note Cards
• Inspiring Artwork

Check it out Monday, November 29!! Perfect gifts for your friends and family, anyone you know who is trying or yourself!! :)

Black Friday Discount at The Fertile Garden!!

2010-11-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Fertile Garden is happy to announce a Black Friday discount on all items in the shop!
Use the discount code BLACKFRIDAY2010 to receive 10% off any order!
• Fertility Bracelets
• Fertility Jewelry
• Art Note Cards
• Inspiring Artwork

Stop by and visit this Friday!!

Still working hard!

2010-11-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Been a little absent from my Fertile Garden blog, so my apologies! I've been busy with the shop, creating new fertility bracelets and fertility jewelry and also got the exciting news awhile ago, that we are due with twin GIRLS! How much fun will this be?? :)

I'm busy getting photos taken of the new items and am working on a new testimonials page! I've heard from quite a few customers that are now pregnant and have written to thank me, and I'll tell ya...it brings a tear to my eye, I am SO happy for them!!

Headaches during IVF treatment or pregnancy

2010-10-07T07:52:00.001-07:00

10 Easy Remedies That Can Heal Your Headache Fast...

1. Large Glass of Water. Sounds too easy, right? Well it works more often then you think. Dehydration is one of the MOST COMMON causes of headaches, so a glass of cool, clear water might be all you need to start relieving pain.

2. Deep Massage. You probably already know about massages and how they help to relieve stress & tension. However, what you didn't likely know is that a firm massage on the head, face, AND neck can quickly get rid of headache pain.

3. Aromatherapy. This is quickly becoming one of the most well known headache remedies around. Why? Because it actually WORKS. Sandlewood, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and a wide assortment of other natural oils can be used to reduce, if not completely eliminate pain. These scents can be found in oils, candles, and even soaps.

4. Take a Hot Shower. Stand in the shower and allow the hot water to cascade down your neck and back. This should loosen your muscles and allow for better blood flow. Also, this would be a good time to use the aromatherapy "soap" that was mentioned in headache cure #3.

5. Ice Pack. You can use an ice pack, a cold towel, a bag of frozen peas, or anything else that's really cold. Apply this cold item to the back of your neck (or wherever the pain is located) and allow it to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This technique should help reduce any inflammation, not to mention help numb the pain a bit.

6. Using Pressure Points. One of the most underrated of all headache cures & remedies is using pressure points. It sounds far-fetched, sure, but it can provide great results if done correctly. Try It Out: Find where the bones of your "index" finger & thumb meet (the fleshy area). Apply pressure to this spot for 2 minutes.

7. Relaxing & Resting. Sometimes a headache is just your body telling you that you're overworked and way too stressed. Lie down in a dark room, shut your eyes, and just relax for awhile. Once this particular headache "attack" goes away, you should try to dial down your stress a bit and look for ways to relax and enjoy life just a bit more. (This is another one of those headache remedies that is much too often overlooked)

8. Diet. Do certain foods you eat always seem to trigger a headache? Then it's time to dump these items from your daily diet. Everyone reacts differently to foods (and the ingredients they contain) so it's important to take a CLOSE look at what you're eating and when these "attacks" occur. If need be, keep a headache diary.

9. Calcium Supplement. This can help to relax your muscles and increase bloodflow, which should help to alleviate pain a bit. A large glass of orange juice should do fine if you are without supplements. Many experts recommend taking a supplement which has both magnesium & calcium for maximum headache relief.

10. Exercise. Depending on the severity of the attack, this is one of those headache cures which might not be that easy to do. But regardless, you should definitely consider doing this before AND after the headache. Exercise will increase circulation & bloodflow throughout the body, allowing more blood & more oxygen to reach your brain. Exercising regularly should GREATLY help to PREVENT headaches from returning.

New Pregnancy Healing and Loss Bracelet

2010-08-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Losing a baby can be devastating. This healing and loss bracelet from The Fertile Garden is a beautiful tribute to help grieving mothers remember their baby.

Your bracelet can be customized with angel wing charm and swarovski crystal color to signify the birthstone month. This color can represent the intended due date, conception month, or the month of loss.

Gemstone Energy basics

2010-08-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

The fertile energies of gemstones have been used for years to help alleviate pain, offer protection and of course, enhance fertility :)
Here are just a few of the healing boosts that gemstones can give you:

•Helps with endometriosis, shields, and protects
•Revitalizes feelings and enhances sexuality
•Enhances fertility and reverses infertility caused by infection
•Prolongs sexual pleasure and supports the sexual organs
•Increases/stimulates fertility, boosts ovulation,and balances menstrual cycle
•Improves absorption of vitamins and minerals and ensures a good supply of blood to organs and tissue
•Alleviates pain and cramps

Pumpkin Pie Fertility Smoothie

2010-07-25T06:03:00.001-07:00

YUM! What a fabulous fertility smoothie from The Fertile Garden! Tastes like pumpkin pie!

1/2 baked sweet potato
1/2-3/4 cup vanilla almond milk
pumpkin pie spice to taste
1 tsp of honey
1 tsp flax seed
1 shot frozen wheatgrass (you wont even taste it!)
vanilla protein powder if you like
crushed ice

Puree in blender, top with a dollup of real whip cream and enjoy!

Fertility Jewelry at The Fertile Garden - New!

2010-07-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

Fertility bracelet and fertility necklace ... what a beautiful set from the Fertile Garden!
Rose quartz are the beads of love and fertility. They are said to help promote pregnancy and to protect the mother and unborn fetus from miscarriage, and encourage feelings of calm. Gorgeous Rose Quartz Fertility Necklace with large rose quartz tumbled stone pendant capped in oxidized sterling silver hangs on a delicate chain.

This fertility bracelet is the perfect gift for a new bride, someone you know who has been trying, or a gift for yourself. Beautiful moonstone, rose quartz and amethyst are accented by pewter butterfly spacers and a lovely clasp and turtle charm. Very powerful, contains butterfly and turtle symbols!

This bracelet is the perfect compliment to the Rose Quartz fertility necklace!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51829632

Banana Fertility Smoothie

2010-07-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

1 tbsp raw honey

2 tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp flax seed

1 scoop vanilla Whey protein powder

1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract

75ml almond milk

2 bananas

1 tsp cinnamon

1 small chunk ginger

Puree until smooth. Enjoy!

Fertility Bracelet for the Heart Chakra

2010-07-09T09:57:00.001-07:00

Trying to conceive can be exhausting! If you are just starting out, TI, charting, temping can be stressful! Or if you have graduated to IUI and IVF, the medications, shots and daily appointments can be overwhelming. The Fertile Garden suggests wearing a healing fertility bracelet to help ground your emotions and reduce your stress level! Our bracelets contain ALL high quality gemstones, no filler beads like others! All gemstones are charged and blessed for maximum fertility boost!

Cherries for Fertility?

2010-07-06T08:08:00.001-07:00

Yes! Cherries can be very beneficial for your overall health, and fertility! I have been told it is especially good to eat a lot of cherries after your egg retrieval, through to your test. Nutritional value of cherries help the body to fight many infections, and increase the body's resistance mechanisms.

Anthocyanins: A powerful antioxidant, anthocyanins is found abundantly in the cherries. Cherries are the richest source of anthocyanins 1 and 2, that give them their ruby rich color. These beneficial compounds provide the body with a unique combination of antioxidants that are full of anti-inflammatory properties.

Fiber: About ten raw sweet cherries will provide the body with 1.4 grams of fiber, that is nearly 10 percent of the recommended daily amount (RDA). A good level of fiber in the body aids in better digestion, by preventing constipation.

Potassium: Cherries are extremely high on dietary potassium. One can get approximately 260 mg of potassium for every cup (100g) of fresh cherries consumed. Adequate potassium reduces the risk of hypertension and stroke, while promoting the heart and kidneys to function properly.

Melatonin: Cherries are a rich food source of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin promotes healthy circadian rhythm and sleep patterns.

Essential Vitamins: One cup of sweet cherry eaten raw without the pits, can provide the body with 18 percent of the RDA, ie 10.8 mg of vitamin C. The fruit also contains beta carotene, and other important vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin K. These vitamins are essential for collagen formation of blood vessels, blood, muscles and bones.

Phytosterols: Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols occur naturally in cherries. 100 gms contain 18.5 mg of sterols that help to reduce 'bad' cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the risk of cancer, and stimulate the immune system.

Boron: 100 gms of raw tart cherries supply the body with approximately 396µg (microgram). Boron increases bone health; formation and recuperation, and reduce bone inflammation.

Other Minerals: Although in small quantities cherries also contain folate (iron), calcium, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. All these mineral play vital roles in boosting the immune system and keeping the body's fitness levels high.

Hope Fertility Bracelet

2010-07-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

Anyone who is starting their fertililty journey, in the midst of it, or even doing infertility treatments such as IUI and IVF, knows how hard it is to remain positive and have hope.

That was the idea behind my Hope Fertility Bracelet from The Fertile Garden.

I found that one of the hardest things about IVF was not the shots, daily doctor appointments, feeling like a human pin cushion, and in general the obsession with every cramp and pinch. It was the emotional part that was the most difficult. One day you are confident it worked, the next you are a bawling mess eating chocolate. I've been there! I wore this Hope Fertility Bracelet to remind myself that it WOULD happen someday - that it was a matter of WHEN, not IF! :)

Get a FREE pair of matching earrings if you mention this blog and this code in the message to buyer!
BABY

Fertility Health Drink

2010-07-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

This is a surprisingly yummy drink. It includes many super fertility ingredients for enhancing your fertility! Drink this everyday when you put on your fertility bracelet! :)

Fertility Health Drink
1 shot of frozen wheat grass
1/4 cup POM juice
1/2 cup Simply Orange juice
1/4 cup organic carrot juice
1 chunk of fresh ginger
1 tsp ground flax seed
1 scoop vanilla whey powder
handful frozen blueberries

Puree in blender til mixed. Enjoy! Tastes like a dreamsicle!

New! Fertility and Adoption Bracelet

2010-06-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard about The Real Housewives of New Jersey and Jacqueline having success with wearing a fertility bracelet! (One of my favorite shows!!) These bracelets can provide emotional healing and help prevent miscarriage. As you know, Jacqueline had many miscarriages and attributes her fertility bracelet to her success.

At The Fertile Garden we have many affordable and beautiful fertility bracelets to help you on your journey to becoming a mother, whether through pregnancy or adoption ...

I am proud to showcase this new Fertility Bracelet from The Fertile Garden.

Carrot Juice for Fertility??

2010-06-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Costco has a great organic carrot juice that comes in a 3-pack. Now, this is not something we can drink by itself, but like to add it to a POM juice and wheat grass smoothie. We've recently read online that it can help you nutritionally with fertility! Here are some facts:

Carrot is one of the most healing foods that provides the finest and highest quality in nutrients, especially from its juice. It is an excellent source of pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, D, E, K, B1 and B6.

It is rich with biotin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, organic sodium and some trace minerals.

The known phytonutrients in carrots are lutein, lycopene, anti-oxidants alpha, beta and gamma carotenes, zeaxanthin and xanthophyll. You don't need to remember these fancy names, but just remember that phytonutrients are nature's marvelous provision for healing of various diseases.

Carotenes, the famous ingredient in carrots, is an anti-oxidant that has powerful healing virtues for many diseases. Drinking a glass of carrot juice daily will do much more for you than many bottles of supplement tablets.

One of the reasons for infertility is lack of nutrients and enzymes in your dietary. Carrot juice taken regularly, is able to nourish your body back to fertility.

We here at The Fertile Garden say, why not try it??

Kokopelli Fertility Necklace!

2010-06-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful way to increase your fertility! This beautiful Kokopelli engraved silver pendant from The Fertile Garden fertility shop includes a moonstone dangle. Moonstone is a feminine stone, which is said to have powers that aid in nurturing receptivity and balancing of the emotions. The stone promotes love, hope, and fertility.

Kokopelli is known as the fertility god. He is considered a healer and women seek him as an aid to pregnancy. Legend has it, everyone in the village would sing and dance throughout the night when they heard Kokopelli play his flute. The next morning, every maiden in the village would be with child.

Check out our full line of fertility jewelry and fertility bracelets on our etsy shop!

Tips to minimize injection soreness

2010-06-24T08:53:00.001-07:00

I would call progesterone in oil one of the most annoying shots you can do. Done daily, it is exhausting. Try using warm, moist heat and massage after the injection can help. Some people like to ice the area before the injection as well. Walk around after the injection helps distribute the meds and promotes blood flow.

Fertility Bracelet and new Fertility Note Cards!

2010-06-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Know someone who is going through ivf (in vitro fertilization)? Or someone who is finally pregnant with twins after a cycle? These note cards from The Fertile Garden are the perfect way to show a friend or family member how much you care!

New fertility bracelet!
This particular combination of stones is very powerful for clearing negative thoughts, and remaining positive. Also perfect for the newly pregnant, will help prevent miscarriage.

Royal Jelly and Fertility

2010-06-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Royal Jelly for Fertility

Royal jelly is a deeply nourishing food supplement known to enhance fertility. In the bee colony, the Queen Bee is fed large quantities of royal jelly for the first days of growth which causes her to develop ovaries and gives her the ability to lay eggs. Royal is rich in protein, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, C, E, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, inositol and folic acid.Hives that include a queen bee can potentially harvest 500 grams of royal jelly during a six month period.

In the Infertility Cure, fertility expert Dr. Randine Lewis describes several studies that detail why royal jelly is beneficial to fertility: “Bogdan Tekavcic, M.D., a Yugoslavian gynecologist, conducted a study in which the majority of women who were given bee pollen with royal jelly showed improvement or disappearance of their menstrual problems, while there was no change in the placebo group. Another study showed bee pollen significantly improved sperm production in men. Bee pollen, which is worker bee food, is rich in vitamins, minerals, nucleic acids, and steroid hormones, and improves health, endurance, and immunity. Royal jelly is modified pollen fed only to the reproducing queen bee, whose job it is to produce more infant bees. This nutritive tonic might be considered the bee equivalent of fertility drugs. Rich in amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes, royal jelly helps the queen lay millions of eggs and live longer than the worker bee.”

Apart from it’s fertility benefits royal jelly has also been shown to:

* enhance immunity
* reduce inflammation
* reduce aging
* support healthy hair
* increase sexual vitality
* balance hormones
* treat auto-immune conditions like arthritis

You can take royal jelly in a capsule form or in the fresh form. If you are allergic to bees and honey, you will want to avoid royal jelly to prevent reactions ranging from bronchial spasms, skin irritations, and asthma attacks, severe anaphylactic shock and, in most extreme allergies, death.

fertilefoods.com

New Fertility Bracelet !

2010-06-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

New at The Fertile Garden! Organic Fertility Bracelet ... such a pretty color combination, and all of the vital stones for enhancing fertility! Check out the beautiful clasp and cute little elephant charm. Also available with silver clasp and findings! Enhance your natural fertility with a fertility bracelet from The Fertile Garden on etsy!

DHEA and egg quality?

2010-06-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

DHEA is said to be very helpful. It is rumored to be beneficial in improving egg quality. It takes about 100 days for anything you do to improve your eggs. The typical protocol is 25 mg x 3/daily. You should not take it if you have PCOS, adrenal problems, or breast cancer. You should also to have your DHEA level checked after 3 months, so your DHEA level does not get too high.

Is this true? In your experience, does DHEA improve egg quality or does it hinder your reproductive efforts?

Fertility Note Cards - New!

2010-06-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Beautiful note cards from The Fertile Garden with my artwork printed directly on the natural and rich cream cardstock, blank on the inside so you can customize your message. Perfect for the new mother, newly pregnant, or those going through infertility and fertility treatments.

Wednesday Fertility Recipie - Fertility Smoothie

2010-06-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

We will be having a featured Fertility Recipe every Wednesday here at The Fertile Garden!

Featuring healthy recipes which feature foods that will help enhance your fertility. And dont forget to take your prenatal vitamin everyday!

1 frozen banana
1/2 cup strawberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1 raw egg yolk
1 t flax ground flax seed
1 scoop whey protein powder (I prefer vanilla flavor)
1/3 cup yogurt
1 t vanilla
splash of POM juice
handful of fresh baby spinach (trust me, you wont even taste it!)

Puree in your blender until smooth. Enjoy!

A quick note, if you would like to add pineapple core to this smoothie, do so after your egg retreival, for 5 days straight. Slice one pineapple into 5 parts, and separate the core into 5 baggies. freeze them and add them to your daily smoothie for 5 days. The bromelein in pineapple core is said to help with implantation.

Sage Smudge Stick for Cleansing

2010-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Sage Smudge Stick for Fertility ... at The Fertile Garden!

Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out negative feelings or influences. The leaves are valued for their aromatic properties. Smudging is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath, which is used to purify people, space and objects... offering peace of mind, fertiilty and cleansing.

Fertility Bracelets

2010-06-06T06:06:00.001-07:00

New Fertility Bracelets at The Fertile Garden! Know someone who is trying or do you need a little extra positivity during your fertility journey?

Enhance your fertility and wear fertility jewelry close to your pulse points with the natural fertility energies of stones. Every order comes with an info sheet explaining the meanings of the stones used in the piece.

Have a great day!

Fertile Goddess - Fertility Necklace

2010-06-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

When you need it most, every little positive thought can help you! I'm a true believer in the metaphysical properties of gemstones. This gorgeous Silver Fertility Goddess with moonstone accent is wire wrapped in silver. Rub the goddess belly for extra good luck.

Moonstone is a feminine stone, which is said to have powers that aid in nurturing receptivity and balancing of the emotions. The stone promotes love, hope, and fertility.
This is a perfect gift for someone you know who has been trying, or a gift for yourself.

Measures 21.5 inches in length. (Length can be adjusted to fit your needs at no extra charge!)

Item comes beautifully gift wrapped, ready for gift-giving. (and sprinkled with baby dust!) A complimentary card explaining the meaning behind the stones used in the necklace is included.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Enter my shop here:
http://TheFertileGarden.etsy.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Foods to improve sperm count

2010-06-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

5 Foods That Increase Sperm Count, Production, and Motility

1. Red peppers, carrots, oatmeal, dried apricots.

2. Asparagus, snow peas, cooked tomatoes, strawberries.

3. Turkey, eggs, seafood, oysters, pumpkin seeds.

4. Leafy green veggies, avocados, beans, whole grains.

5. Salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts

Have a Safe and Fun Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T06:55:00.001-07:00

New Fertility Bracelet at The Fertile Garden!

2010-05-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

This is a perfect gift for someone you know who has been trying, or a gift for yourself. The Fertile Garden fertility jewelry line is designed with gemstones which have special metaphysical properties that are used to enhance fertility and sustain pregnancy.

Featured is the Hope - Fertility Enhancing Bracelet with green aventurine, labradorite and turtle charm.

Pomegranite Juice for Fertility?

2010-05-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

I've read all over the place that Pom Juice is great for building up your lining, and I'm all for that. When you are taking so many drugs, it's nice to hear about a "natural" cure, if you will. So I've been drinking roughly 8 oz. a day. I've also read that it is great for your general health... helps prevent cancer and heart disease!

I like POM Wonderful juice from Costco. The price at Costco is much much better then at other stores. Here are just a few fun facts from antioxidants-guide.com. I highlighted the most important one in red :)

In fact pomegranate antioxidant levels are three times the amount of green tea or red wine.

Among the many many benefits of this wonder fruit are...

Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Has Anti-aging capabilities
Promotes good cardiovascular health
Helps with a healthy pregnancy
Keeps cholestrol levels healthy
Lowers blood sugars
Fights Inflammation
Reduces cell damage

It is believed through recent study that pomegranate juice may help keep fatty deposits from collecting on artery walls. In one study, mice who were given pomegranate juice were able to reduce this build up by over 30%.

However these results do not directly translate to humans but it does show that pomegranate juice antioxidant may be a very valuable tool for preventing hardening of the arteries and such related diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

Pomegranate juice is high in fiber and has substantial amounts of potassium which is important in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism.

It contains vitamin C and niacin too.

If you have anemia then take notice as pomegranates are thought to contain very high levels of iron.

Pregnant women take note too. The womb lining (endometrium) where the actual implant of fertilised eggs takes place almost entirely consists of blood and pomegranates contain high levels of cobalt which is an essential raw material for the synthesis of blood. Cobalt also contributes to the colour of the fruit too.

Phytochemicals in Pomegranate juice help prevent heart disease and cancer.

What happens in a 5dt:

2010-05-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

-1dpt ..embryo is growing and developing
0dpt... Embryo is now a blastocyst
1dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day
2dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining
3dpt.. Implantation begins,as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining
4dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining
5dpt.. Morula is completely inmplanted in the lining and has placenta cells &
fetal cells
6dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood
7dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
8dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
9dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on
HPT

Tips to De-Stress for IVF Success

2010-05-17T10:49:00.001-07:00

Research has proven that stress plays a critical role in the success of any fertility treatment, especially IVF. But how can you relax when all you can think about is whether or not you’ll be able to conceive?

If you’re having difficulty calming your mind and your body, try these tips to de-stress before and during your IVF treatments:

Lay off (or significantly reduce) your intake of caffeine. It might “wake you up”, but it can also make you agitated.
Get a good night’s sleep. Rest is one of the most beneficial “gifts” you can give yourself.
Take up a relaxing hobby. Some individuals like to scrapbook, others like to knit. Some cook, some read, some write… the list goes on and on. Do whatever calms you and allows you to focus your energies in a positive direction.
Learn to meditate. You don’t have to be spiritually-inclined to embrace the powers of meditation.
Try yoga pre-IVF. Yoga, when performed correctly, can prep your body, heart and soul.
Eat healthfully. If you’re investing in IVF, yo u must invest in your nutrition, too.
Stay away from toxic people. Though this can be easier said than done, whenever you have the choice, choose to avoid persons who want to bring you down.

Great IVF tips!

2010-05-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

What a great website!!! So many wonderful tips, hope this helps someone!

http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/ivfhints.html

Things know one ever tells you about fertility treatments...

2010-05-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

How Mother's Day could make you so sad.
That at a certain point, you are going in for ultrasound and bloodwork everyday. You might run out of veins. First one arm goes, then the next....next thing you know, you are getting blood drawn out of a vein in your hand. ouch.
Bring a book to every appointment, you never know how long you might have to wait.
How tired the meds make you...but the shots themselves, were not as bad as I had anticipated. That first shot is the worst, once you get past that one, you just knock them out, like a women on a mission. Menopur burns though. And use ice before Ganirelix.
How hard it is to be positive and have hope.
How gross progesterone suppositories are....ew. They also might make you gassy.
How awesome, but expensive acupuncture is.
Some of your friends or family might never even ask you how its going. Maybe they dont care, maybe they dont want to bring it up becuase you might be upset...but it still hurts.
How much you can dread your birthday. (signifies getting older)
That you will be so bloated when you are stimming, you will want to wear stretchy pants everyday.
The Follistim pen is a wonderful invention. Make sure you keep track in the Follistim book of your dates/doses. You might forget how much is left in there.
Make sure you get at least 2 days bedrest after transfer. You deserve the relaxation! Get some good movies and your favorite chocolate candy and chill out. Let someone else scoop the litter box.
After the retrieval, you might get constipated. Have some prunes or a Fiber One.
Keep your eye on the prize everyone!

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-09T09:21:00.001-07:00

All mothers, mothers-to-be, and those wanting to be a mother.... Have a great day today!

New Fertility Jewelry coming soon!

2010-05-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Fertile Garden fertility jewelry line is designed with gemstones which have special metaphysical properties that are used to enhance fertility and sustain pregnancy. I love making this jewelry, I truly think that every little thing you do and positive thought you have, can make a difference! :)

Mothers Day and Infertility

2010-05-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day During Your Infertility Journey
by Phyllis Martin, LPC

Mother's Day and the days leading up to the holiday tend to be quite a difficult time for women and couples during their infertility journey. Many holidays are hard when coping with infertility, but Mother’s Day can be especially trying when you are working so hard to become a parent. Complex emotions may surface as you see the celebration of motherhood unfold before you. It feels as if the celebration excludes you because you are not yet a mom, yet it feels unfair because you are working so hard to become one. I have always thought that even if you haven’t met your family building goals, your survival thus far, your effort, your hard work, and the challenges that you have overcome should be rewarded as well. The status of motherhood should not be the only measure, the pursuit of motherhood should be acknowledged as well.

Women often say that for years they thought of Mother’s Day as a day to celebrate their own mother's contribution. Once the pursuit of motherhood begins; however, women may gain a new perspective on the holiday and begin to think of themselves and their future as a mother. For a woman trying to become a mother, the Mother's Day holiday may morph into a very tangible reminder of what they feel they are missing and exacerbate their fears surrounding infertility.

For many coping with infertility, Mother’s Day is like pouring salt into a wound. Infertility often causes feelings of isolation, and the approach of Mother’s Day may emphasize feelings of envy of other women who are mothers. It can seem like everyone else reaches motherhood so naturally and easily. They already have the prized position of motherhood, and they still get to celebrate it out loud (with lots of Hallmark ads for weeks before and 1/2 off sales afterwards)! Yet women facing infertility receive no recognition for all the hard work just to become pregnant and stay pregnant. No pat on the back of congratulations for all that work, stress, and anxiety. Unfortunately, the day can be a bitter reminder for those who have worked so very hard but have not yet seen their hard work manifest itself into motherhood.

So as we approach Mother's Day (and the days that follow), prepare for it by educating yourself and taking proactive steps to protect your peace of mind:

Realize that grief may flair at various times.
Understand that grief can feel or look like: feeling “out of sorts,” irritability, difficulty focusing, crying, loss of motivation, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or the inability to enjoy things.
Remember that you are not alone and you are not going crazy if you feel sorry for yourself, envious of others, or even angry.
If you plan to attend a religious service, speak to your minister or rabbi ahead of time to ask that he/she acknowledge all those who are TRYING to become mothers, not just those who are mothers.
Plan extreme self care for yourself that day, or after any event you may be obligated to attend, so that you have something to look forward to for yourself.
If you are spending the day with family and they know of your infertility challenges, enlist their support.
Know that you can feel happy for family and friends, grateful for your own mother, and still sad for you. It does not make you selfish or a bad person.
Be proud of yourself for your effort and fortitude.
Make a concrete plan to do something that recognizes all of your hard work and effort such as a weekend getaway, massage, spa treatment, a funny movie, a picnic, or outdoor activity. The sky is the limit and living in the Washington, DC area, there are dozens of free and fun things to do.

Lastly, for spouses concerned about how to handle this day, plan something for your wife that recognizes both the sadness of not being a mother yet, but more importantly the strength, effort, and survival skills she has utilized to get this far in your journey. You may not be where you want to be yet, but your effort is commendable.

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers and Mothers-To-Be!

IVF and Herbs

2010-05-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Are herbs safe to take during your IVF cycle? I've heard of people getting recommendations from their acupuncturist, friends, message boards, and the like. If your RE is like mine, they dont place much faith in herbal supplements. But what is really safe to take? Are you doing more harm, then good?
Here is a great website that is very informative on the safety of herbs and infertility:
http://www.personalhealthzone.com/herbsafety.html

A great quote....

2010-05-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.

-Henri Nouwen

Can Acupuncture Help You Conceive?

2010-05-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

(CBS) It's estimated that after a year of trying to conceive, 10 percent of American couples are unable to get pregnant on their own.

The vast majority of them turn to traditional fertility treatments for help, but a growing number are also trying alternative therapies, including acupuncture, says Saturday Early Show's Dr. Mallika Marshall.

More and more women are delaying childbirth into their late 30s and early 40s than ever before. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Report on Fertility in America, about 20 percent of women ages 35-39 are childless in 2002. In 1976, only 10 percent of women in that age category had never given birth.

Because a woman's fertility declines as she ages, more and more women are having trouble getting pregnant.

What are the traditional options to battle infertility?

Marshall says it depends on the underlying cause of the infertility, whether it's a male factor (such as a low sperm count), or it's a matter of egg quality in the woman, or whether the woman has blocked Fallopian tubes or trouble ovulating.

But depending on the case, your fertility doctor may recommend taking drugs to stimulate ovulation, or intrauterine insemination (where the sperm is placed directly in the woman's uterus) or in vitro fertilization (where a sperm and egg are united outside the uterus and later placed in the womb after fertilization).

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that involves placing tiny hair-like needles in the skin as a way of stimulating energy points that are thought to be central to your spiritual, mental, emotional and physical balance. Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of maladies such as headaches and back pain. For fertility, the needles are placed in energy points linked to the reproductive organs to improve energy flow to those areas.

Why should you try it?

Most women who choose acupuncture are doing it together with traditional infertility treatments. But some couples have undergone multiple cycles of IVF or other fertility treatments and nothing seems to be working. And they hope that acupuncture might improve their chances.

Also, fertility treatments can be incredibly expensive. For example, intrauterine insemination can cost hundreds of dollars and a single cycle of IVF can cost $10,000-$20,000. So couples are looking for other options that could possibly give them a greater chance at success.

Does it hurt?

No, not really, says Marshall, who has had acupuncture before. The needles sting a bit the first time you have it done, because you don't know what to expect. But then you get used to it and it's nothing. So if you have a needle phobia, don't automatically dismiss acupuncture. It's very relaxing.

How acupuncture works

It's still not entirely clear how the technique works, but there is some evidence that it increases the production of endorphins, or brain chemicals that make you feel good and help reduce stress. It may also improve blood supply to the ovaries, which improves their function, and the uterus, which can make it easier to nourish a fetus and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

The research

Marshall cites a 2002 German study suggesting that acupuncture may, in fact, work. The study looked at 160 women undergoing IVF, half of whom received acupuncture along with IVF, and the other half who received IVF alone. They found pregnancy rates among the women undergoing acupuncture were significantly higher.

The cost

Acupuncture can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on where you go and how long you need treatment. And it's often not covered by insurance.

What should you do if you're interested on pursuing acupuncture for infertility?

First, you want to see a traditional fertility specialist to see what your underlying fertility issues are.

You can then get a referral from your fertility doctor to a reputable acupuncturist that may be affiliated with a major medical center.

You want to find someone who is trained and licensed in acupuncture and has a lot of experience.

Other alternative therapies used by women trying to conceive are yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques, and massage therapy. Some people are also trying herbal remedies, but as with any of these alternative therapies, you should talk to your fertility doctor before trying any of them.

Blog Feature!

2010-05-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

A Mothers Love, my art to inspire positivity and fertility has been featured on Ardent Photographys blog :)

Thank you Sarah!

Check out the link below :)

Ardent Photography Blog

TTC? Try The Fertility Diet!

2010-05-01T05:09:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Women trying to get pregnant could boost their chances by adopting a "fertility diet" high in nuts and avocados while cutting down on coffee and alcohol, according to U.S researchers.

Lifestyle

Boston-based researchers found the majority of cases of infertility due to ovulation disorders in otherwise healthy women could be prevented through diet and lifestyle changes.

"The dietary and lifestyle choices women make as they try to get pregnant can impact profoundly their fertility," Dr. Jorge E. Chavarro of Harvard School of Public Health, who worked on the study, told Reuters Health.

The fertility diet is characterized by higher consumption of monounsaturated fat rather than trans fats which is found in natural foods like nuts and avocados, and olive oil.

Women should also opt for vegetable protein rather than animal protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates like whole grains, moderate consumption of high-fat dairy, multivitamins, and iron from plants and supplements, Chavarro's team reports.

Other changes women can make to their lifestyle promote fertility include cutting back on coffee and alcohol, increased physically activity, and staying away from cigarettes.

The research was based on 8 years of Chavarro and colleagues tracking the diet and lifestyle patterns of 17,544 women as they tried to get pregnant or became pregnant. None of them had a history of infertility.

According to the team, greater adherence to the fertility diet pattern was associated with a lower risk of infertility due to ovulation disturbances and, to a lesser extent, of infertility due to other causes.

Women with the highest fertility diet score, compared with those with the lowest, had a 66-percent lower risk of infertility due to ovulation problems and a 27-percent lower risk of infertility due to other causes, Chavarro and colleagues report in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The combination of five or more low-risk lifestyle factors, including weight control, physical activity and diet, was associated with a 69-percent lower risk of ovulation-related infertility.

The researchers also found, consistent with earlier reports, that increased body weight raises the risk of infertility due to ovulation disorders.

"Women trying to become pregnant could consider following these lifestyle practices because they are consistent with an overall healthy lifestyle and may also help them become pregnant," the researchers said.

Welcome to The Fertile Garden!

2010-04-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello! Welcome to The Fertile Garden. The Fertile Garden is a place where you can come to feel like you are not alone in your infertility struggle.

I have personally been through years of treatments myself, and have found some difficulty in remaining positive and not getting swallowed up in my own negative thoughts. So I created The Fertile Garden, where I hope I can bring some comfort to other women in the same situation as myself.

Welcome, and make yourself at home! :)