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For many couples, conceiving a first child is a “normal” experience, involving the cessation of birth control measures and resulting in the birth of a baby. After that, however, couples may face difficulty conceiving a second or third child for whatever reason, and this is called “secondary infertility.” When this happens to you, it’s confusing and disheartening and may leave you asking questions. { read more }

About Liz Alfano

I write "Dirty Words," the blog about things you should know, but might not. I'm the mother of two elementary school-aged boys and wife of one adult aged man. When not writing, I can be found reading or staring into space wishing I was either reading or writing. Sometimes I'm seen vacuuming...but not often. www.mydirtywords.com

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Most people already know that consuming ample amounts of vitamin D has lasting benefits, including bone health. But it turns out it could also increase your chances getting pregnant.

The European Journal of Endocrinology published a study which was aimed to consolidate the results of other studies regarding vitamin D and fertility. Looking at several years of research by other institutions and scientists led them to draw positive links between the two, along with other fertility-boosting vitamins. This body of research is rather remarkable and may give couples looking to boost their chances to conceive naturally reason to read on. { read more }

About Liz Alfano

I write "Dirty Words," the blog about things you should know, but might not. I'm the mother of two elementary school-aged boys and wife of one adult aged man. When not writing, I can be found reading or staring into space wishing I was either reading or writing. Sometimes I'm seen vacuuming...but not often. www.mydirtywords.com

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Photo: Tamera Manning

When couples first receive a diagnosis of infertility, the emotional impact can be strong. Suddenly, your plans for a family can seem painfully unattainable. You might find your OB/GYN has little information to give you besides a recommendation to a fertility specialist.

Often, one of the first methods prescribed to treat infertility is Clomid. While it might seem like taking a pill is a relatively easy solution to infertility, there are positives and negatives associated with taking this medication. When grappling with infertility, a couple needs to be informed about their options and the negative or positive consequences associated with each one. { read more }

About Monet Moutrie

Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.

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You and your husband have been trying for years with no success or maybe you just received that painful diagnosis. Either way, infertility can be immensely stressful on you and your relationship. While it might seem that everyone around you is pregnant or carrying a baby in tow, thousands of women and men struggle with infertility.

Therapists and doctors agree that some of the best therapy can be simply realizing you’re not alone. Infertility support groups are a great way to connect with women (and even men) who are struggling with infertility issues. You can talk about how frustrating it is when your best friend calls to tell you, “Oops, I guess we’re pregnant!” or how you break down walking by the diaper aisle at the grocery store. These groups, often facilitated by a skilled mental health counselor, can help you find healing and explore new ways to start a family of your own. { read more }

About Monet Moutrie

Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.

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Knowing your time of ovulation can be simple. If your cycle is a normal twenty-eight days long, ovulation happens around the fourteenth day after the first day of your period. If your cycle is different, however, it can be very useful to know some of the ways your body changes during ovulation.

There are a few primary telltale signs, as well as secondary signs. According to the American Pregnancy Association, ovulation times can vary from month to month. Knowing the signs of ovulation and being a little intuitive about your body can help you know your most fertile time of each month.  If you’re experiencing several of these at once, chances are good that you are ovulating. { read more }

About Lisa Gale

"She was an artist and her life was her canvas." (Kobi Yamada) When I grow up, I want to be her! For now, it's fun to pretend.

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Are you at your wit’s end with fertility treatments, doctors and other professional’s advice that seems sound but isn’t working?  The most recent statistics show that medical methods of conception can only offer up to a 30% success rate and can cost a small fortune. If you’re open to a more unconventional approach to bringing a baby into your life, you may want to try this. { read more }

About Lisa Gale

"She was an artist and her life was her canvas." (Kobi Yamada) When I grow up, I want to be her! For now, it's fun to pretend.

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Photo: Dominus V

Reproductive acupuncture serves as an alternative to the some of the more medically invasive fertility treatments offered to couples struggling with infertility. Weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture treatments can help reduce stress and regulate hormones—two important issues that impact fertility dramatically. However, along with acupuncture treatments, many practitioners also recommend a regiment of Chinese herbs. These herbs are often carefully selected and compounded based on your unique medical history and issues. But are they safe and do they help combat infertility? { read more }

About Monet Moutrie

Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.

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Across the country, more and more women dealing with fertility issues are turning to alternative medicine. Reproductive acupuncture has been a popular choice for many couples as Chinese medicine has risen in prominence throughout the United States. It can offer couples the ability to address hormone imbalances naturally as well as examine lifestyle choices that could be negatively affecting their ability to conceive. The holistic approach of acupuncturists and practitioners of Chinese medicine can be a welcome relief to men and women who feel discouraged by infertility issues.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat emotional and physical ailments ranging from depression to seizures.Traditional Chinese Medicine points to over 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways that move vital energy (known as qi) throughout the entire body. When these pathways become blocked and vital energy is imbalanced, illness or symptoms arise in the body.  Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles to stimulate points that can help return the body to a healthy-energy balance. { read more }

About Monet Moutrie

Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.

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Photo: Mark Sebastian, Flickr

My wife is a terrific gift-giver. She’s always finding or making thoughtful gifts for those in her life she most loves. It’s an enviable skill I definitely lack. This year, I decided to take a page from her book and offer up some helpful Christmas gift ideas for the people in your life who may be trying to get pregnant.

Spa treatments

As stressful as it can be to parent a child everyday, it can be equally stressful simply trying to get there. Couples struggling with infertility often place too much pressure and emphasis on themselves to get pregnant right away. But an increase in stress levels may actually be hurting your chances to get pregnant. This holiday season, try investing in a couple’s retreat or spa treatment. A relaxing massage in a calm environment may be just what’s needed to shake off the stress and remind you why you wanted to have a baby to begin with. { read more }

About Jeff Jacobson

Socrates understood himself to be the smartest man in Athens because he knew at least enough to know he knew nothing. That's me. I'm an inconsistently successful father, stepfather, husband, and writer. But at least I know it.

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Photo: Mike Baird

Driving around town or flipping through a magazine, you’ll see countless advertisements for diets and gym memberships. Weight loss and physical fitness are on a high pedestal in our culture, and men and women spend money and time to achieve weight loss goals.

But for women who are trying to get pregnant, too much exercise can negatively impact their chances of conceiving. While most people understand the dangers eating disorders pose to women trying to get pregnant, there is less talk about the complications compulsive exercise can create. Finding a balance of physical activity, nutrition, and emotional well-being are crucial for people of all ages, but especially women who want to get pregnant.

Weight loss

When trying to conceive, it is important that your body is at a healthy weight. Being overweight can negatively impact your ability to get pregnant. For many women, being overweight leads to compulsive dieting and exercise, but this can cause just as many, if not more, problems for your body. Talk with your doctor about your weight, and seek professional help if you need to lose more than a few pounds. A medical professional can help you reach your ideal body weight in a healthy matter — this means moderate exercise and a balanced diet. Stay away from strenuous “boot-camp” exercise routines and avoid overly restrictive diets (juice fasts, diets with less than 1600 calories). { read more }

About Monet Moutrie

Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.

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