CNY Fertility Center Accommodates Your Needs

CNY Fertility Center, founded and directed by Dr. Robert J. Kiltz, with offices across New York State in Rochester, Syracuse and Albany, offers low cost fertility/infertility treatment that include IVF, ICSI, PGD, Cryopreservation, Donor Eggs, and much more. We have integrated both Eastern and Western medicine to provide our clients with a holistic approach to their reproductive care. It is our goal at CNY Fertility Center to become the center of choice across New York State and beyond.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive reproductive services in a compassionate, honest and friendly environment at a low cost to our clients. As our centers grow to offer services all over the world, we will strive to meet your needs. We understand the inconvenience of traveling long distances to visit a specialist to seek medical care which is why we provide our clients with the ability to have their monitoring closer to their home. Each of our centers has a designated medical professional, that works in conjunction with a physician, to evaluate any testing that you have closer to your home. This option allows our clients to have less time away from work and less travel time to come to one of our offices.

You may begin your journey with us by calling one of our offices to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians. Our centers offer complementary phone consultations to our clients who live a distance away from one of our centers. At this time, an individualized treatment plan will be devised and you will be placed in contact with one of our outpatient coordinators who will assist you in scheduling all of the appointments you will need throughout your cycle. Your personal OB/GYN, in most cases, will be very willing and able to assist us in monitoring your cycle as well.

CNY Fertility Center has provided outpatient coordination for our clients across New York State, as well as in Canada, England, Colorado, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Maine, Georgia and New York City to name just a few. It would be out pleasure to add your hometown to our list of monitoring sites. Although you may visit our office on minimal occasions, we will provide you with the same continuous support throughout your journey as we do for our local clients. Our staff is here for you and it would be our pleasure and our honor to help you build your family.

My name is Greta Joost and I am a Registered Nurse in our Albany/Latham office. I have practiced in Women’s Health for over 20 years. I would be happy to coordinate your local monitoring through our Albany/Latham offices. Please feel free to contact me at gjoost@cnyfertility.com. Linda Redmond is our outpatient coordinator in our Syracuse/Rochester offices and would also be happy to assist you with your local monitoring. You may contact Linda at lredmond@cnyfertility.com.

If you are interested in exceptional, quality care, in a warm environment, at a low cost, please visit our website at www.cnyfertility.com. If you have questions regarding any aspect of the services offered at CNY Fertility Center, please do not hesitate to contact us at (518) 690-0700. Our staff is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, to answer any of your questions. We look forward to working with you.

Greta Joost
CNY Fertility Center, Latham, NY Office

Arts and Healing

On Monday we had a wonderful drumming circle with Sandra Fioramonti, owner of the Liverpool Arts Center in Liverpool, NY.  Sandra led us in a playful and cathartic exercise, and helped us connect to our emotions through music.  You can find Sandra and all of her great activities here at her website: www.artsandhealing.com

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck M.D.

This month, Dr. Rob chose The Road Less Traveled.  This is a wonderful book written by a physician about observations he has made in his everyday life, and as a psychiatrist.  Dr. Peck addresses many topics such as pain, relationships, love, and faith.  While we can only touch on a few topics here, I suggest you take the time to read through this wonderful piece.  It is applicable to each stage in life, and can be revisited over, and over again.  Although there are countless discussions to be had regarding this book, I am going to focus on Peck’s techniques of suffering.

Problems and Pain

“Life is difficult.  This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths.  It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it.  Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult.  Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” (Peck 15)

While the above quote may sound negative at first, it is important to look further.  Peck is talking about accepting the fact that things change, and not always according to plan.  If we acknowledge that our plans are not definite and we cannot have complete control, we become flexible and more comfortable when faced with challenges.

“Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life’s problems.  Without discipline we can solve nothing.  With only some discipline we can solve only some problems.  With total discipline we can solve all problems.” (Peck 15)

Here, we are speaking of the self-discipline required to consistently confront the pain associated with change and challenges.  Often we will procrastinate or avoid challenging situations to save ourselves from suffering.  However, this process ultimately stunts our emotional and spiritual growth, and causes more suffering in the end.

“What are these tools, these techniques of suffering, these means of experiencing the pain of problems constructively that I call discipline?  There are four: delaying of gratification, acceptance of responsibility, dedication to truth, and balancing.”  (Peck 18)

Delaying Gratification

This is the process of “…scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with.  It is the only decent way to live.” (Peck 19)  We teach children this process at a young age, ‘eat your vegetables first, then you can have dessert’ or ‘first complete your homework then you can play’.  The concept is to efficiently complete the task that is least pleasurable first, get it out of the way.  Then you will have time to focus on and enjoy what you are looking forward to.  This also pertains to emotionally challenging situations.

Acceptance of Responsibility

“We cannot solve life’s problems except by solving them.” (Peck 32)  We naturally avoid confronting challenges to save ourselves from being hurt.  However, it is necessary to acknowledge what we are responsible for, and make things right.  The opposite is also true.  We have to accept that we are not responsible for everything that happens, and stop blaming ourselves for something that was beyond our control.  This sounds like a very challenging contradiction!  It is crucial to keep a continual conversation with ourselves open, assessing our responsibility in a given situation and responding appropriately.

Dedication to Truth

The key here is to be true to yourself.  We often have a set plan or vision that abruptly changes.  If we hold on to the original plan, we are properly acknowledging the reality of the situation.  In order to grow and evolve, we must continually adjust our reality with each piece of knowledge we acquire.  We have to be honest with ourselves, and with those around us.

“Yet the rewards of the difficult life of honesty and dedication to the truth are more than commensurate with the demands.  By virtue of the fact that their maps are continually challenged, open people are continually growing people.  Through their openness they can establish and maintain intimate relationships far more effectively than more closed people.” (Peck 63)

Balancing

Delaying of gratification, acceptance of responsibility, and dedication to truth all require balance.  This forth and last discipline tool is critical because it keeps us flexible in our day-to-day lives.

“To be free people we must assume total responsibility for ourselves, but I doing so must possess the capacity to reject responsibility that is ot truly ours.  To be organized and efficient, to live wisely, we must daily delay gratification and keep an eye on the future; yet to live joyously we must also possess the capacity, when it is not destructive, to live in the present and act spontaneously.  In other words, discipline itself must be disciplined.  The type of discipline required to discipline discipline is what I call balancing…” (Peck 64)

Peck further investigates each of these tools in his book. Peck also includes wonderful anecdotes to illustrate each tool and scenario, to help us further understand his goals. These tools may not come easily at first, but daily practice will lead to a life that is more honest, simple, and rewarding.

April’s Journey to Fertility: Week Forty

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

Week 40: Creating Families & Parenthood for Me
Sandra Bullock’s Oscar acceptance speech included a thank you to “the moms that take care of the babies and children no matter where they come from.” I was moved by the emotion and sincerity of her statement and immediately began thinking about Parenthood for Me, a nonprofit organization that fundraises to provide grants to those who are either adopting or going through advanced reproductive treatment. Parenthood for Me has recently partnered with CNY Fertility Centers  because both organizations are interested in providing affordable options to couples who want to create a family. In fact, Parenthood for Me will award its first set of grants this June. If you are interested in applying go the website, parenthoodforme.org, to find out more information.

I recently spoke with Erica Schlaefer, the woman who runs Parenthood for Me, because I have read about her own journey to motherhood. (I always find comfort in the automatic camaraderie that ensues between two woman who have shared similar fertility-related challenges and triumphs.) As we chatted, I also learned quite a bit about the upcoming Family Building Dinner and Silent Auction event and wanted to share that information with my readers because this event is not only an opportunity to fundraise but it is an opportunity to celebrate our journeys, to appreciate the lessons we are learning and to gain more knowledge about how we might create our families.

The occasion promises to be an elegant and classy event in a relaxing setting, The Rochester Yacht Club. The event is black tie optional so that guests know to dress up for the evening, although tuxedos and gowns are not at all required. JP from 100.5 will serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening which includes dinner, a silent auction, and keynote address. Silent auction items include electronics, zoo membership(s), gym membership(s), artwork, jewelry, gift certificates, and handmade goods. They keynote address will be given by Sally Bacchetta, adoptive mother and author of the book titled, What I Want My Adopted Child to Know: An Adoptive Parent’s Perspective. Parenthood for Me is completely run by volunteers and because of the significant sponsorship behind the event, the money you spend on the dinner is almost all going toward endowment funding! Attending such an event also raises infertility awareness, which is just as important as raising funds. I hope to see you there!

PS – Next week, I will elaborate on the composition of Parenthood for Me and how you can volunteer your time to this exceptional organization. I have to admit, I am already considering what a seat on the board of directors would be like!

Always Learning,
April All Year

Below are links to April’s past articles in case you missed any of them: Read more

Words of Support and Encoragement Week of March 8, 2010

“Problems do not go away.  They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit.” (Peck 30)

As painful as it may feel, it is important to always try our best to acknowledge and work though challenging moments.  While we are overcome with emotion it may feel best to run away, or bury them.  However, each time we do that the buried emotions accumulate and will eventually resurface.  This often happens when we least expect it, like when we suddenly snap at a loved one.

Now that the weather is nice, a good way to begin working through your thoughts is to get outside.  Take long, deep breaths of fresh air and enjoy the quiet.  Feel your mind and heart begin to slow down.  Another great way is through music.  You don’t need to have any special talent, but either listening to or creating music is wonderfully therapeutic!  Tonight, we will be creating wonderful music at our Syracuse Circle of Hope group.  If you are unable to make it to our office, you can join us online at the link below.

I hope you have a wonderful start to spring.  Get outside and enjoy the weather!

Lisa

Lstack@cnyfertility.com

315-744-8073

Support Group information: http://www.cnyhealingarts.com/discussion/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=199&day=2010-3-8&c=1

Webinar information: http://www.cnyhealingarts.com/discussion/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=200&day=2010-3-8&c=1

Peck, M. Scott. The Road Less Traveled, 25th Anniversary Edition A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth. New York: Touchstone, 2003.

Spring Fever!

Kristen Magnacca, author of Love & Infertility will be providing our CNY Fertility & Healing Arts a free tele-workshop on Monday, March 15th, 2010, 6:30-8:00pm. Whether you’re just starting out on your family creating journey or beginning a new treatment cycle join Kristen Magnacca for this live interactive conference call to help you answer the question “What should I do now?” This workshop is open to everyone at all locations, please RSVP to Kristen at kristen@cnyfertility.com and she will provide you with the phone number to dial-in and join.

Spring Fever!

I got a phone call from a friend of mine yesterday and as soon as I heard her voice I realized something wasn’t right.

“Are you okay”?  I asked

“I can’t seem to get out of my own way, I need a nap” She replied

“Then you should do just that! Close your eyes and rest” I told her.

Our conversation went on to discuss how perhaps it was “spring fever” and that our energy levels were not at the ultimate high point they typically are.

Here in New England the end of February rushing towards March on the calendar has a feel to it.  The feelings of “we know the weather is going to shift soon, but we still have a bit more grey skies to get through” to wear sandals and short sleeves.

So I turned to wikipedia for the cause of “Spring Fever” and found this:
“Although the causes of spring fever have not yet been fully resolved, hormone balance may play a role. According to this theory the body’s reserves of the “happiness hormone” serotonin, whose production depends on daylight, become exhausted over the winter, making it especially easy for the “sleep hormone” melatonin to have its effect. When the days become longer in springtime, the body readjusts its hormone levels, and more endorphin, testosterone and estrogen are released. This changeover puts a heavy strain on the body, which responds with a feeling of tiredness.  In addition, temperatures usually fluctuate greatly in springtime. When temperatures rise, blood pressure drops, since the blood vessels expand. Food also plays a role. In winter one tends to consume more calories, fat and carbohydrates than in summer. But during the hormone adjustment period the body requires more vitamins and proteins instead.”

Are you thinking “so what” and how does the weather apply to my current life situation? The cycles of weather have their own rhythm and timing that do indeed have an impact on our rhythms and cycles.   In our busy lives, our natural rhythms and cycles sometimes get overlooked and the messages our body is telling us about our cycles sometimes get missed.

Like checking the weather daily to find the appropriate clothes for the day, you might want to create a system of checking in with your body to listen for natural clues into your cycles and rhythms.  Based on what you hear, take the nap, go to bed earlier or sleep in a little later. Listen to the feedback your body is giving you and create the happiness that will come to you by listening. It might be as easy as just taking a nap!

~~~
Kristen

CNY Fertility and Parenthood For Me, Collaborate to Educate

CNY Fertility Center has united with the non-profit organization Parenthood for Me to help couples going through the infertility journey by providing educational tools, emotional assistance and opportunities for financial assistance.

About Parenthood for Me:
Parenthood for Me, Inc. is a national 501 c(3) tax exempt non-profit. Having a family is fundamental to the human experience. It should not come down to the size of your bank account. Our goal is to provide emotional support, educational tools, and financial support to those adopting or pursuing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to try and conceive. We hope to ease some of the burden bestowed on people who desperately want to be parents. Read more here.

Dr. Rob Kiltz, Founder and Director of CNY Fertility & Healing Arts Centers, believes in affordable health care and patient empowerment through information so you can see why a collaboration with Parenthood for Me is such a good fit.

This coming Sunday, March 7th, 2010, Erica Walther Schlaefer, President/Founder of Parenthood for Me and Erin McCollough of CNY Fertility & Healing Arts will take part in an informational radio show. It airs on the following radio stations that are local to the Rochester and Central NY area: at 7am on WHTK Sportstalk 1280 AM and 107.3 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM and also 106.7 FM Kiss, then in the evening at 10:30pm on 95.1 FM, and 11:30pm on 100.5 FM – The Drive.

CNY Fertility is sponsoring an upcoming fundraiser for Parenthood for Me on April 10th, 2010 where Dr. Kiltz will also be sharing some of his words regarding this recent collaboration.  Funds that are raised will be added to existing endowments at Parenthood for Me and help to provide grants for couples seeking infertility treatments.

Click here to read more information about this event.

Click here to reserve your spot at this fundraiser.

April’s Journey to Fertility: Week Thirty Nine

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

Week 39: Trusting Fate
As my husband and I enter the third year in our journey to fertility, I realize there is one important thought that I must keep in mind. One, I still need to believe that I am going to be pregnant; I need to remain faithful that this is a process and a journey that will end at the time that is right for me. Whether it be the universe, God or karma, I am right where I need to be in this moment.

I have learned many lessons along the way and have even embarked on some different adventures, like writing to you weekly. Although the thought of approaching year three is daunting and scary, it is also exciting! I have read so much about what can be done during the IVF process to increase pregnancy chances (assisted hatching, ICSI, etc.) that I am in awe. I have looked over CNY’s financial packages and am grateful. My journey is not over and there are many, many reasons for me to be hopeful and trust fate.

Just the other day, I was watching the February 25th episode of The View (I highly recommend watching this), which completely focused on fertility challenges and treatments. One of the broadcasters of the show went through IVF to achieve pregnancy, one had switched to a gluten free diet and Barbara Walters adopted her daughter. However, Barbara Walters adopted because there were few options for women that many years ago. I try to consistently remember how fortunate we sub-fertile couples are (I refuse to believe we are infertile!) simply because we have choices. There was no IVF years ago, no egg donor option, no ICSI or even recognition of infertility as a disease! I know my husband and I are about to begin our next whirlwind of emotionally and physically demanding appointments as we “turn it up a notch” and begin the IVF process. But I know my chances of becoming pregnant are much better, and we know this is what we want to do. Enough is enough, and it is time for us to move on!

A year ago, I was not sure I would ever be ready for IVF even though I never thought the IUIs would work. I wanted my pregnancy to just happen – who doesn’t? But part of my journey has been about letting go of the way I think life should be and embracing the possibilities that still lie ahead of me. I am letting it all go so that I can peacefully, and even excitedly, move forward and know that we are doing everything we can to create our family!

Fertile Blessings,
April all Year Read more

March Workshops on Meditation and Stress Reduction

We have several relaxing and helpful workshops available for you to attend this month, whether you are near our Syracuse, Albany or Rochester CNY Healing Arts Centers. Our focus during the month of March, 2010 is on meditation, tranquility, reducing stress and quieting the mind. We hope to see you at one or more of our offerings! All workshops are no cost to attend unless otherwise stated.

• Syracuse Workshops
• Albany Workshops
• Rochester Workshops
• Spring Retreat in April

Syracuse CNY Healing Arts Workshops:

Self-Care Essential Oils Workshop, Saturday, March 13th, 1:00-2:30pm
Join Bonita Shear for this relaxing and instructive workshop on self-care. You will learn some tools for taking time for yourself, quieting your mind with meditation and enjoying the life your living by creating better self awareness and mindfulness. *Space is limited so please register by calling CNY Healing Arts Center at 315.671.5755.

Transformation Through Guided Meditation Workshop Series
Saturdays March 6th & 20th, 1:30-2:45pm
Guided meditation helps heal, balance and energize the physical and energy bodies and align you with your higher consciousness. When we align with our higher consciousness, we discover the uniqueness of our paths and purpose and can then live from our truth. Lynne Potteiger, LMT and Reiki Practitioner, will be presenting.  Each class will include a guided meditation and discussion and will build on the previous. Class Fee $12. Register by calling CNY Healing Arts Center at 315.671.5755

Albany CNY Healing Arts Workshops:

Spirit Babies Workshop Tuesday, March 16th, 7pm
Join us for an evening of welcoming Spirit Babies into your life. Kelly Ballard will be presenting this workshop; she is a fourth-generation medium and intuitive, with more than a decade of professional experience in alternative healing arts. Kelly will be introducing this distinctive energy to aid us in refocusing our energy and spirits. Kelly is a certified Reiki Master and has a guided meditation CD, “Beginnings.” *RSVP to Stacey at sdicerbo@cnyfertility.com

Introduction to Meditation Workshop Thursday, March 18th, 7:45-8:45pm
The physical practice of yoga was created thousands of years ago for the purpose of preparing the body for meditation. In addition to helping you cope with stress, meditation can improve your health, unlock your creativity and even slow the aging process. Workshop includes light yoga, walking meditation and seated meditation. Linda Hill will be instructing. *RSVP by calling CNY Healing Arts Center at 518.724.5750

Rochester CNY Healing Arts Workshops:

Meditation for Life Workshop Tuesday, March 9th, 6:30pm
Meditation develops focus and appreciation of each present moment. By nurturing the Quiet Mind, it integrates inner peace to help us relieve stress and enjoy life. It provides a simple yet powerful route for tapping our inner wisdom and vitality. Mark D. Grossman, CHT will be presenting this workshop, he has been teaching meditation for over thirty years. *RSVP required to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

Smoking Cessation Workshop Wednesday, March 10th, 6:00-7:00pm
Weight Loss with Acupuncture Workshop Wednesday, March 31st, 6:00-7:00pm
These two workshops are with Shelley, our acupuncturist.  *RSVP to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

Girls Night Out March 23rd, 6:00-8:00pm
Invite your family and friends for an evening of relaxing and renewing with the girls. Instead of a coffee date, schedule your next gathering with the girls. Come share in Community, Health and the Power of Women getting together to heal. Light refreshments, wine and tea will be served. All are welcome! Cost is $20 per person. Space is limited.
*RSVP to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

April Preview – offered to all locations:

Spring Renewal Retreat with Dr. Rob, Saturday, April 10th, 10:00am–4:00pm
Take the day to get away and enjoy our Spring Renewal Retreat with Dr. Rob and Bonita Shear at the beautiful Stella Maris Retreat Center on the lake in Skaneateles, NY. You will leave feeling refreshed and renewed. Cost: We are asking for a $30 donation, proceeds from the retreat will go to the local Food Bank. *Limited space available. *Please RSVP to Chris at events@robertkiltz.com

March 2010 Support Meetings at our CNY Fertility Centers

This month we will hold Support Group Meetings at all three of our CNY Fertility Center locations – Syracuse, Albany and Rochester – we will gather in the reception area at each location. For our CNY Fertility Center addresses and phone numbers click here.

Circle of Hope Group Support Meetings take place at all locations (date & times below)- Join us in sharing and creating a supportive community with others on their path toward fertility. We welcome you to join us for an uplifting evening of sharing thoughts and ideas as well as delicious refreshments: pizza, salad, and drinks.

SYRACUSE – CNY Fertility Center
Monday, March 8th, 2010, 5:30-7pm – Please RSVP to Lisa at lstack@cnyfertility.com

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LATHAM – CNY Fertility Center
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, 6-7:30pm – Please RSVP to Eileen at eclark@cnyfertility.com

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ROCHESTER – CNY Fertility Center
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010, 5:30-7pm – Please RSVP to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

Additional Support Group Meetings:

Join Dr. Rob for his monthly Support Webinar, Monday, March 8th, 5:30-7:00pm
If you can’t attend our physical support group, go online and join us from the comfort of your own home as Dr. Rob shares words of support. Visit this website link to register and you will be set to join us. https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/819782633

What Should I Do Now? Teleworkshop, Monday, March 15th, 6:30-8:00pm
Whether you’re just starting out on your family creating journey or beginning a new treatment cycle, join Kristen Magnacca for a live interactive conference call to help you answer the question “What should I do now?”
Call in information is 1-270-400-2000, participation access code 406268.
*RSVP to Kristen@cnyfertility.com.

H.O.P.E. Support Forum Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00pm
CNY Fertility Center, Latham, NY Office
Having Only Positive Energy is offered to those awaiting their pregnancy test. We have found that the hardest part of any cycle is the wait, and the emotions that surround this time period. Join us from the comfort of your own home by visiting this website link here or join our physical group that meets same day/time in the CNY Fertility Reception Area. *RSVP to Eileen at eclark@cnyfertility.com.

Fertile Friends Open Forum, Thursdays, 5:30-7:00pm
CNY Fertility Center, Rochester, NY
This is a non-facilitated open forum. Please feel free to stop in and enjoy a cup of tea by the fireplace and make new friends. This is the time to be open and share stories with one another, lean on one another for support, and be comfortable in knowing you are not alone on this journey toward fertility. *No cost to attend, no RSVP

Fertile Friends Open Forum, Thursday, March 18th, 5:30-7:00pm
CNY Fertility Center, Syracuse, NY
This is a non-facilitated open forum. Please feel free to stop in and enjoy a cup of tea by the fireplace and make new friends. This is the time to be open and share stories with one another, lean on one another for support, and be comfortable in knowing you are not alone on this journey toward fertility. *No cost to attend, email Lisa if you have any questions lstack@cnyfertility.com