Holiday Support Guide: Halloween

Sometimes, the holidays can be challenging, especially when you are trying to conceive.  Families often gather together to catch up, and children are typically the focus of attention (either the ones physically present, or in the form of the typical ‘So when are you going to start trying?’ question).  It does not matter if you welcome the holiday as a celebration, or you experience more solemn emotions.  They are your emotions; they are perfect, and normal.

It is important to listen to your mind and body as we are going into this holiday weekend.  What can you do to minimize your anxiety, or sadness?  As you imagine how you are going to spend this weekend, what emotions begin to form?  Are you placing yourself in a situation that is going to be challenging?

While we often feel as though we cannot say no to particular events, we can prepare ourselves for our potential emotional responses.  If you are going somewhere where there will be children, talk yourself though it before.  Allow yourself to experience the emotions in the comfort and privacy of your home before you leave.  You will not be able to work through all of the emotions in advance, but it may lighten the load.

This may also be an opportunity to use as motivation for your cycles.  Try to take it all in.  Take a mental image of the smiles and laughter, and when you are experiencing a challenging moment later on, remember those smiles and what it is that you are working towards.  You are doing all of this so that you can have those moments, those smiles, for yourself.

Please remember it is incredibly important to protect your emotions, and if that means removing yourself from a situation that could be too challenging, then do it!  There are plenty of kid-free options for this weekend.  Dress up with your partner or some friends and attend an adult Halloween party, go see a movie, or just place a bowl of candy out on the front door and have a scary movie night in.  Create the situation where you will feel most comfortable.

I hope you are able to enjoy the weekend, and indulge in some good candy and cider!

I will also be available this weekend if there is anything I can help you with.  Feel free to call or email!
Lisa

Lstack@cnyfertility.com

315-744-8073

Premature Ovarian Failure Support

During the Syracuse Meet the Practitioners information session, a question regarding support for premature ovarian failure arose.  While at this time we do not offer a specific support group for premature ovarian failure, it is addressed in our monthly Circle of Hope, and Hopeful Again support groups.  We also touch on the subject during the Honoring Loss and Change Workshop, which will become a monthly occurrence after the first of the year.  Enrollment in the Fertile Friends program can also offer some nice one on one support with a fellow patient experiencing a similar journey.

While I know none of these exclusively serve premature ovarian failure, I am absolutely open to beginning a support opportunity geared more specifically to this diagnosis.  The Hopeful Again support group (which addresses secondary infertility) was created out of a response to patient needs, and requests – created because of you!

If you would be interested in a Syracuse premature ovarian failure specific support opportunity, please email me and I can begin looking into what format would work best (monthly, bimonthly, etc…) based on the need.

I am also available for one on one support via phone and email.

Please remember that these support opportunities are here for you, and what we create and offer is in a response to your needs, and requests!

I hope to hear from you,
Lisa

Lisa Stack

Support Coordinator

Lstack@cnyfertility.com

315-744-8073

Multiple Moms Mingle SALE Nov 7th

CNY Fertility Center encourages previous patients and parents of multiples to meet other parents of multiples through a wonderful group called Multiple Moms Mingle (www.multiplemomsmingle.com) based in Syracuse, NY. This group was founded in 2006 to provide support and friendship to mothers of young multiples.  They are having their semi annual clothing and equipment sale on Saturday, November 7th at 8:30 AM at the Empire room at the New York State Fairgrounds. Admission and Parking are free. Click here for more information.

The group also offers:

• Play groups
• Mom’s Night Out
• Online Support
• Family Activities
• Club Lending Library
• Preemie Clothing Closet
• Big Sister/Little Sister Program
• Clothing & Equipment Sales/Exchanges

Join us for our Mom’s Night Out Dinner Meetings
1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM

CNY Fertility Center at ASRM 2009 Meeting

The staff at CNY Fertility Center in Syracuse, Rochester and Albany attended the annual conference for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in Atlanta, GA. They attended symposiums, post graduate courses and round table discussions focused on topics relating to infertility, embryology and improving success rates.

CNY Fertility Staff: Back Row (left to right) Michael Grossman, MD, Michael Wedrychowicz, Embryologist, Julie Bruno, Embryologist.

Front Row (left to right) Robert J. Kiltz, MD, Owner/Director CNY Fertility Center, Lana Cain, MD, Debra Woodhouse, Embryologist, Donna Miller, RN

Fertile Friendships and Support

While participating in CNY Fertility Center’s support group located in Syracuse, Albany and Rochester several women bonded over their trials with infertility on their path to parenthood. Read the original newsletter story by clicking here. Below Kasha shares an update of how they are all doing.

Dear Dr. Kiltz and Staff,

I am not sure if you would remember me or my dear friends and former CNY patients Penny and Beth. We were the ones who met five years ago in one of your support group meetings. We quickly became friends and bonded through our journey to become mothers. Within months of our first meeting we all got pregnant, are still friends, and our children, who are now four, are friends and regular playmates. This was a recent play date where we nicknamed the group “Kiltz’s sextuplets!”

Each time we get together we say a special thank you to Dr. Kiltz and his wonderful staff for helping us become mothers and friends! Thank you again!

Sincerely,

Kasha

April’s Journey to Fertility: Week Twenty Three

April is a CNY Fertility Center patient and has been on her journey to fertility for approximately two years. April will share candid stories and a unique perspective on the fertility challenges many women and couples face.

Week Twenty Three: De-cluttering

As Erin McCullough put it during my recent Maya Abdominal Massage (MAM), it is important to do what nurtures our spirit and promotes our own personal growth. In other words, surrounding myself with positive opportunities and experiences is essential to my well-being. I had just informed Erin that there was a work commitment that was not going well, and because I was becoming consistently frustrated by this particular commitment, I had to make a choice. In this instance, I had to resign from an extra curricular commitment. This responsibility was not worth the anxiety it was causing me. Nor was it worth the monetary stipend I would receive in June had I fulfilled my commitment.

Please note, I am not saying that we should simply toss aside our commitments whenever they become too demanding (otherwise, how many of us would still be working toward motherhood?). Before I resigned from this extra curricular position, I discussed how I was feeling with my husband and close co-workers who all had the same encouraging thoughts, which were to focus on what was best for me. In this case, I needed to de-clutter my commitments a bit and reconnect with what was important to me. I concluded that first and foremost, I have one incredibly valuable priority right now – to work on my overall well-being so I can achieve a healthy pregnancy. Working is important, too, but taking on an extra curricular activity that causes me angst and frustration is not healthy or helpful. Instead of complaining or being upset, I mindfully decided to move forward by leaving something behind. Read more

Words of Support and Encouragement Week of October 26, 2009

Good morning! On Saturday at Syracuse CNY Healing Arts we had a wonderful workshop about the many losses and changes experienced throughout the fertility process. We focused on the different emotions that arise, and how to work through them without letting them consume us.

As I was conducting research for the workshop, I came across a wonderful exercise in the book, Healing from Trauma by Jasmin Cori, MS, LPC to help identify what is calming, and relaxing. This exercise can be used by anyone (whether you are trying to conceive, or not), and it can become a nice list to reference during times of heightened anxiety:

1. Name a texture you find comforting.
2. What is something you like to wear that feels comforting? Read more

April’s journey to fertility: Week twenty two

April is a CNY Fertility Center patient and has been on her journey to fertility for approximately two years. April will share candid stories and a unique perspective on the fertility challenges many women and couples face.

Week Twenty Two: The Voice from Within
Some weeks are better than others, and last week was not one of my better ones. My new cycle began four days early and someone at work asked me if I was expecting (which I can’t believe anyone does – ever!). Clearly, my IUI was not a success, which is incredibly disappointing. Actually, a failed cycle is heart wrenching, and I have had my fill of negative pregnancy tests. My bet is that you have had your fill as well. However, we must keep moving forward because we haven’t achieved our goal yet.

When I met with Dr. Cain during my baseline ultrasound, I received the proper dose of encouragement. She said that there was no reason to believe I would be an outlying factor and not become pregnant and reminded me that the majority of women undergoing fertility treatment DO become pregnant. Of course, the challenge is that none of us knows when a pregnancy will be achieved. After we had our discussion, Dr. Cain asked me if I wanted Dr. Kiltz to come in to give me a pep talk. I told her that was not necessary because she had done a great job of making me feel better herself. Although I have to admit, there was one other reason I did not need Dr. Kiltz to come in to brighten my spirits: I know that no matter how many doctors, friends, or family members tell me they believe I will become pregnant, I need to believe it. I know this because that little voice from within reminds me that I need to believe in myself and in miracles.  I need to remember that I am going to be a mother and that when I have my pivotal moment, the one where I hold my baby in my arms, none of this will matter.

I just need to truly believe… Read more

Words of Support and Encouragement Week of October 19, 2009

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Yesterday I received an email from a patient with the following list of “45 Life Lessons” attached.  Take a moment and read through them.  What lessons do you currently follow?  What would you like to work on?  What would you like to pass along when you are 90?

Written By Reg Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

To celebrate growing older, he once wrote the 45 lessons life taught him.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends and parents will.  Stay in touch…
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone.  It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God.  He can take it. Read more

Utilizing Maya Abdominal Masage in Your Fertility Treatment Plan

Maya Abdominal Massage is currently being offered in the CNY Healing Arts locations at Syracuse and Rochester, NY.  This technique helps with a multitude of health related issues including, infertility.

Maya Abdominal Massage is an external massage that gently lifts and guides the uterus into its optimal position in the lower pelvis.  The uterus is held in position by over 10 ligaments.  Ligaments, when stressed or strained cause the uterus to become mal-positioned.  If the uterus is mal-positioned, women experience a multitude of symptoms including a displaced uterus.

A displaced uterus can occur from a number of issues.  Any injuries to the sacrum or tailbone from a fall or car accident, high impact exercise on cement surfaces (running), past surgeries, weak pelvic floor muscles, or chronic muscle spasms around the low back and sacrum can all contribute.  When this has occurred, imbalances happen in the body including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, irregular ovulation, chronic miscarriages and fertility issues.  Once the uterus is in its correct position, there is improved homeostasis to support and enhance fertility.

Treatments include massage, diet and lifestyle modifications, fertility yoga and herbal therapies to enhance fertility.  Individuals are also taught self care which greatly aids in the improvement of the position of the uterus.  The current success rate ranges from 30-40%.  These positive results happen when women adhere to the protocol of daily self care and conceive within three to six months.

Maya Abdominal Massage also treats a number of other issues in both females and males.  A full listing can be found on the CNY Healing Arts website here along with a listing of our Rainforest Remedies.  Please contact either the Syracuse (315.671.5755) or Rochester (585.244.1280) locations for further information.

Erika Lutwin, LMT
CNY Healing Arts, Syracuse, NY
315.671.5755
elutwin@cnyhealingarts.com