A new day.

I bought a book tonight called "Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility" Do I believe I will get pregnant in 3 months? Of course not. After 14 months you get a bit cynical, but I do need to get my body back on track. I've gained almost 60 lbs in our journey to conceive because of stress, depression, and just plain not taking care of myself. I look pregnant and I'm not, and that is something I'm far from okay with. I don't carry weight in my stomach, I never have, and now it so bad I have to bend over to look down. Unacceptable. I'm ready to start preparing my body in the best way I can so when we finally do get pregnant, I'm ready and my body is in it's best shape possible. I am determined to have a natural birth and to do that, I have to be as healthy as possible so no medical interventions need to be taken. I will take control of my body so my body can take control of my pregnancy. That is what it was made to do.
The book talks about different fertility types, I didn't need to get farther than the 'Tired' type to know that was me. This is from the site: "At the heart of the program Dr. David and Jill describe the five different fertility types—Tired, Dry, Stuck, Pale, and Waterlogged—for women and men. Once you identify your type, you will specifics on what to eat, which supplements to take, and what kind of exercise can enhance your fertility. You will also learn how to implement Chinese medicine and lifestyle changes that will prime you for pregnancy."

This is what it says about 'tired fertility'
SYMPTOMS:
Often feels weak or lethargic
Prone to getting sick
Gets out of breath and sweats easily, gains weight
Poor appetite
Prone to bloating, gas, and loose stools
Low sex drive
Short luteal phase
Feels cold: hands, feet

WESTERN MEDICINE:
Hypothyroid
Low progesterone
Luteal phase defect
Metabolic disorders

TCM PERSPECTIVE:
This type is called kidney “yang” deficiency in TCM, and reflects a broader hormonal imbalance going beyond reproductive hormones and encompassing the thyroid, adrenals, and pituitary gland. Weakness in these systems affects metabolism, circulation, and thus reproduction.

ADVICE
More animal Protein
Avoid raw and cold foods
Alcohol in moderation
Consume warming soups and stews, and spices: cinnamon,
ginger, cayenne, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, cumin
Regular moderate exercise

SUPPLEMENTS:
Royal jelly
Wheat grass
Chromium (boosts metabolism by enhancing the action of insulin)
L-arginine
Chasteberry (helps sustain post-ovulatory progesterone)

My second fertility is 'Stuck'

SYMPTOMS:
Stressed out, easily angered
Tension headaches, nervous stomach, high blood pressure, or muscle tightness
PMS Symptoms including breast tenderness and mood swings, painful periods, irregular cycles, clotted menstrual blood.

WESTERN MEDICINE:
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Uterine polyps
PMS
Mittelschmerz (pain during mid-cycle)

TCM PERSPECTIVE:
The tightness of the Stuck type stems from poor energy and blood flow throughout the body, or what is referred to as qi and blood stagnation. Over time, it can lead to stagnation in the reproductive system, which can cause ovulation problems and inflexible fallopian tubes. Blood stagnation can cause painful or stop-and-start periods, and can lead to reproductive system obstructions such as endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, and cysts.

ADVICE
Regular aerobic exercise
Plenty of fiber
Stress reduction
Hot water with lemon in the morning
Complex carbohydrates
Avoid soy products
Avoid alcohol

SUPPLEMENTS:
Zinc (especially premenstrually)
B-complex vitamins
Magnesium
Calcium

And I feel like I have a lot of the traits of a 'Waterlogged' fertility.

SYMPTOMS:
Problems metabolizing fluids (swelling, inflamation)
Painful joints, aching legs, or headaches.
Craves sugar
carries excess weight
Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are common
Sinus and lung congestion, asthma, allergies

WESTERN MEDICINE:
Chronic yeast infections
Metabolic disorders
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
PID (pelvic inflamitory disease)

TCM PERSPECTIVE:
This type is called "phlegm damp" in TCM, where the body produces excess fluids and mucus. Stagnant fluids lead to poor transitions, including the many tricky hormone shifts involved in the menstrual cycle, conception,and implantation. This type might have excessive vaginal discharge or cervical inflammation, and my be prone to reproductive system obstructions.

ADVICE
Exercise
Limit dairy
Avoid alcohol, sweets, and greasy foods
Avoid soy, especially if you have endometriosis or fibroids
Keep your environment mold-free

SUPPLEMENTS:
Chromium
Pro-biotic


I suppose I'll update more when I learn more, until then I'm going to make it goal every day to write down or at least say a positive thought about infertility. An inspirational quote, I suppose. Our tax money is coming back in the middle of the month and I'm using some of that money to go see a Dr. Now to just call around to find out information. I'm leaning towards Dr. Young. He delivers in Jacksonville which has the lowest C-section rate in the state.