Tips for Managing Anxiety and Processing Emotions while Trying to Conceive

Tips for Managing Anxiety and Processing Emotions while Trying to Conceive

Validating and processing emotions is far more important for optimizing fertility than faking positivity. Many of our patients feel guilt or shame for having negative emotions like fear and anxiety while trying to get pregnant or during an IVF cycle.

Struggling to conceive is hard on any person who experiences it and no matter how hard you, your doctor or any support person tries, we can’t control or force a pregnancy to happen exactly when or how we want it to. This is what makes infertility so tough, and it can create frustration, fear, anger, resentment, jealousy, shame, or despair. These emotions are normal! But they don’t feel very good, so we like to help our patients navigate THROUGH them, rather than resist or suppress them.

Endometriosis…the Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained Infertility” Cases. How an Acupuncturist Can Help

Endometriosis…the Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained Infertility” Cases. How an Acupuncturist Can Help

Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates anywhere from 24-50% of infertility cases might be due to underlying endometriosis. Luckily, there are things you can do with or without a diagnosis if you suspect you might have it contributing to your fertility struggles. Here are some tips from a fertility acupuncturist and herbalist to help you navigate trying to conceive with this condition in the mix.

5 Tips for a Peaceful and Productive Egg Retrieval

5 Tips for a Peaceful and Productive Egg Retrieval

You have prepared for months, done your injections, acupuncture and are filled with anticipation, angst, and probably some fear as retrieval day approaches. To minimize some of the negative thoughts running through your hormone-infused head, we have some suggestions (and reassurance). Read our 5 tips for a peaceful and productive IVF egg retrieval from our integrative fertility doctors.

Improving Sleep Quality Naturally

Improving Sleep Quality Naturally

Getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge for some of us. As NYC is getting busier and frenetic again, we are noticing people reporting more difficulty sleeping. Stress can stimulate the adrenal hormones and make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Here are some ideas to try to optimize sleep health when stressed...

Optimizing Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Optimizing Fertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal medicine is a sophisticated herbal practice in which specific herbs are combined into targeted, customized formulas to help support each patient’s health goals. It has a wide applicability, supporting digestive issues, insomnia, headaches, and many more conditions, and has been shown in studies to enhance fertility in multiple ways…

Coping with COVID-19 Isolation

Coping with COVID-19 Isolation

Collectively, we are navigating an unprecedented time of distress and isolation. For each of us, that might look a little different. When we find ourselves facing the unknown, especially this virus, which our brains perceive as a threat, our bodies may respond with anxiety and fear in a natural effort to protect us. It isn’t hard to find ourselves swept up in this buzzing anxiety drifting throughout the globe…

How Can I Tell if and When I’m Ovulating?

How Can I Tell if and When I’m Ovulating?

For couples trying to conceive naturally, the absolute most basic key factor is timing intercourse or sperm exposure with ovulation. Getting the timing right on this can quite obviously increase or decrease odds of conceiving each month and for busy couples with demanding schedules and/or with children already, it can be tricky to find the time to ensure plenty of sperm exposure.