Sometimes I say "fertility" and people automatically jump to "pregnancy." But you get to choose what you do with your fertility and right now, your goal might be to avoid pregnancy. I know I've certainly been there at different times in my life! Unfortunately, we can't turn our fertility on and off like a switch. Even hormonal birth control doesn't always work as well as expected and the more research is done on hormonal birth control, the more everyone is aware of the risks and side effects. Because our hormones don't just affect our reproductive system, when we alter them the effects can be felt in our whole body. But avoiding hormonal birth control doesn't mean there's nothing you can do to be in control of your fertility. There are only 6 days out of every month when you can get pregnant and I can help you identify those days so you can be confident in taking your next steps to either achieve or avoid a pregnancy.
A Health Pregnancy Starts Before Conception
If your goal is to have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy the time to start planning for it is 4 to 6 months before you get pregnant. The egg you will ovulate the month you conceive is developing in those 4 to 6 months and the nutrients that your body has (or doesn't have) will affect the way your egg grows. The health of the egg affects:
hormone levels during pregnancy
placental development
fetal development
Do you want to learn more about setting yourself up for a successful low-risk pregnancy or just to optimize your health? Let's talk! A fertility counseling session can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses in your lifestyle and how they may be affecting your hormonal balance. We'll look at your nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress, and talk about your cycle to get a well-rounded picture of your health and well-being.
But if you're wanting to get pregnant, it's not all on you! Sperm quality matters, too. If your partner is on board for optimizing his health, all the better! We can talk about the nutritional and lifestyle methods he can use to optimize sperm quality before you conceive. While it usually takes less time to improve sperm quality, it's helpful if he starts this journey with you. Plus, everyone's body functions more effectively when it is getting what it needs! It's not just the health of the reproductive system that will improve--it's everything that will improve!
I always recommend charting your cycle when you're planning to get pregnant. Your monthly cycle gives such essential information such as your hormone levels, your metabolic rate, nutritional needs, and more! In our preconception meeting, we'll talk about that and any lab work that might be beneficial in helping you get on the right track for a smooth-sailing pregnancy.
Want to get started? Appointments can be virtual or in person at our Knoxville, TN office location. Fill out our contact for or email info@rootsandwingsmidiwfery.com to schedule an appointment!
Learn Your Fifth Vital Sign
Did you know that every month your body gives you information about:
if your hormones are balanced
if your metabolic rate is normal
if your cervix is healthy
Did you know that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that you should consider your menstrual cycle to be your fifth vital sign? Knowing the information it gives you should be just as important as knowing that your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respirations are normal. You can also use tracking your cycle to either achieve or avoid pregnancy! Take control of your overall health and well-being by learning the signs your body is giving you every month.
Intro to Learning Your Fifth Vital Sign : $ 250
A two hour introductory group class to help you start learning to chart your cycle. This class will cover the basics of the ovarian cycle, the hormonal cycle, the menstrual cycle, human fertility (for both partners) and what can be observed each month as you begin to chart.
One individual follow up session (virtual, 45 minutes, must be used within 1 month of original class date)
Informational handouts that will help you succeed in charting at home
Your own copy of "The Fifth Vital Sign" by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
Your own "Fifth Vital Sign Charting Workbook"
Additional services to help you succeed :
Charting Student : $450
4 follow up sessions (virtual, approximately 45 mins each, must be used within 3 months of purchase).
Personalized instruction about charting cycles and variations
Information on lifestyle strategies, supplements, and other factors that can help regulate your cycle
Help reviewing your charts to address questions about observations or variations
Access to private charting group for 3 months (hosted by Rebekah Mustaleski.)
Charting Master : $600
6 follow up sessions (virtual, approximately 45 mins each, must be used within 5 months of purchase)
Additional instruction about charting cycles and variations
Information on lifestyle strategies, supplements, and other factors that can help regulate your cycle
Help reviewing your charts to address questions about observations or variations
Access to private charting group for 5 months (hosted by Rebekah Mustaleski.)