tips for success

[em]

Hello girls. Congratulations to you all.
Personally, 'Pregnant after treatment' is without question the highlight of this site. In trying to put my 1st failed cycle behind me, reading your stories of triumph over adversity has given me a a source of much needed confidence, belief in the treatment protocal actually working and the encouragement to prepare for a 2nd attempt in a couple of months time. I am appealing for tips from those of you for whom it did not work 1st time - for anything that you did differently in your successful cycle following initial, or even 2nd/3rd attempt failures. I think i gave myself information overload; too many books, lists, stories of faliure (read the 'Infertility Handbook' why?!) when perhaps i should have relaxed and let nature take over. My stomach is now so tight and sore - mass of knots as if i can't let go of the whole event and am holding it all in there. I would be most grateful for any words of wisdom but in the meantime, many many congratulations on your forthcoming arrivals. You are all amazing.
Many many thanks
em

[Vickyp]

Dear Em

I am a bit of a weird case as it took four attempts to get fertilised eggs which then had to be frozen before I could use them about four months later - even more amazing that it actually worked I suppose!

I was just going to say that I used to smoke (a very small amount) but completely gave this up obviously but I also completely gave up drinking (apart from a couple of glasses about a month before starting 4th attempt. I also did yoga at least every other day for about 4 months before which really helps relaxation and tried to eat everything Zita West suggested. I had pregnancy vitamins and selenium and for a while milk thistle (for the liver).
I had 3 embryos thawed and two survived. They were frozen at pro nuclei stage (1 cell) as this apparently has a greater survival rate at the thawing stage. They were put back a day after thawing and were 2 cell and 3 cell - so really really small. I am now 8 weeks pregnant with one baby. This was the first time I had actually managed to get an embryo to put back.

I know it's disheartening each time it doesn't work but I can honestly say I felt really sure that it would work this time and it did - there is obviously a long long way still to go for me till I actually have a baby but I think feeling positive did help. I really wish you lots of luck. I think just changing a couple of things in your life before starting a new cycle is a good idea as it really can alter your perspective - just going cycling or something. I felt much more like I was actively doing something about my situation this time round. Again good luck. Love Vicky.

[Sher8]

Em,

It is great to see you with a positive outlook. I think that is a great way to approach this journey. I was lucky and succeeded on the first treatment, but DH and I were never expecting success. We both kept an open mind and used humor to get through the treatment. I guess that was our way to deal. A supportive husband, exersize, healthy diet and I also found yoga helpful both before and during my pregnancy. I also quit smoking three months before the cycle.

This is our first baby and the worrying never ends. The message board has been a great support as my friends are mostly single or not going to have children with their significant others. So hooking up with this bunch has been more than encouraging.

Best of luck to you!
Sher8