From Plate to Palate; A Fertility Journey Part 2

From Plate to palate; A fertility journey Part 2

Do you ever get those days where you think ‘why is this happening’? I get those now and then about my fertility journey – sometimes, that negative energy gets to me, and I start wondering if I really want to get pregnant. Or, if it's just the thought of wanting a family is what I'd LIKE, but maybe not what's best for me. I get to thinking about what the reasons are that my husband and I haven't been able to conceive up to this point. And, then my thoughts just go all over the place. Should I just be focusing on my healing process? My husband? Just be happy that I am a fortunate Auntie to 5 beautiful nieces? My business? Supporting others on their healing journeys? Then, the thoughts go further into space…maybe the Lord has a different path for me, and maybe I'm not capable of rearing my own children, and I have a different purpose in life? Overthinker? Yeah, probably.

When that happens, I just try my best to give it to God because I'm not running this show. I know that. But, those feelings are L-O-U-D! Then there is a stronger feeling deep in my heart where I can see myself and my husband having a family, and those thoughts of what I am supposed to be focusing become clearer – focusing on my healing and growth process is where I am supposed to be at. So, right where I am at right now. I feel that many of the things I am doing are working to get us closer to starting a family of our own. But, not just that...it’s working to help me heal and grow spiritually and emotionally for my soul. I can’t truly explain how, but I just feel it in my heart.

I've decided to turn up the heat on the natural healing techniques, and try additional avenues to really open up the energy centers and blocked energy in my body. The more I learn about them, the more I know in my heart that I have so much healing to do. But, then again, don’t we all? And, won’t we always have more healing to do? Yes, it’s a never-ending process. However, if we don’t work on that as much as possible, how much will we actually have built up inside of us, and how is it manifesting in our bodies? Yikes!

So, what natural healing techniques have I found to be helping? Prayer: I just love the all of the feelings that I get when I pray: a sense of relaxation, healing, calm, protection, optimism. And, those are just to name a few. Meditation: I haven't been as consistent with meditation as I'd like within the past few years, but I’ve been trying more recently over the past few months to take more time for myself a few times a week and get meditation in, even if it’s for 5-10 minutes. It’s so soothing, and really helps calm my mind and body. I’ve even started doing more new moon and full moon meditations (I can explain this, more in depth, another time) – they’re amazing.

Something else that I have opened my mind up more to over the past few years that has yielded some amazing personal growth opportunities is paying attention to things around me like numerology and other small signs that signify that we aren’t ever alone on our journeys, regardless of how much we can feel alone in these types of situations. I feel that there are always spirit guides and angels waiting to help us, comfort us, say hello, etc. Why, even as I am writing this, I stopped to look at the clock, and it said 3:33! I have been getting that sequence often lately…or 11:11, or just any same-number sequence. And, so I have to share about the meaning behind it: “The number 333 has a lot of significance. If you’re seeing this number often, the universe is sending energy your way. Or, 333 can also represent the essence of the Trinity of mind, body and spirit.” While this thought process can seem a little out there, it’s so far from that. We are taught that it’s a little out there…a little woo-woo, but it’s really not. It’s part of how we are all SO connected to each other and this universe if we just paid attention a little more!

A few other things that I have been exploring are breath transformation, Mayan abdominal massage, reflexology, cupping, acupuncture, reiki, and moon cycles. I am loving all of it! Stay tuned for more information on them, and how they are helping on my fertility journey (and, just life in general). Be blessed!

Thanks

Annette Licitra

Integrative Health Coach + Wellness Chef

630.965.6454

Passionette Palate

http://passionettepalate.com/

*Schedule an appointment with me here*: https://www.vyte.in/annette@passionettepalate.com

From Plate to palate; A fertility journey Part 1

From Plate to palate; A fertility journey Part 1

Hello! I'm Annette Licitra, Certified Health Coach & Wellness Chef, and my passion is to provide encouragement, support and nourishing recipes to people as they invest in their health so that their bodies will shine for them. Ok, that was the easy part. Now, for the rest…and, I’m just going to put this out there – this is a bit of a difficult story for me to write. But, this is part of healing. While many aspects of my healing process have gotten easier over time, there is one symptom deep inside of me that I struggle with more than some of the others…here it goes…

For as long as I can remember, I've been challenged with digestive issues, which I had always chalked up to a 'nervous stomach'. However, I knew in my gut (yes, pun intended!) that something was amiss, but couldn't figure out what to associate it with other than nerves. Fast forward to 2002, when I learned through conventional allopathic medicine that I had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is characterized as a chronic digestive disorder. 

As I moved into early adulthood, my list of symptoms grew to include recurrent urinary tract infections (ouch!), pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS), rosacea, melasma, interstitial cystitis (IC), fatigue, brain fog, pelvic pain, weight gain, bloating, thinning hair…and, the one that I wear the deepest and hardest on my heart – the dreaded word: infertility.

I began doing serious research on natural healing in 2014, two years after my husband and I got married. We wanted to start a family, and started to realize that it was taking longer than we thought it might. This saddened and confused me. I figured that I had to start doing something because I didn’t know what was REALLY going on. It became more difficult to understand, or maybe accept, how so many females got pregnant so quickly. Here I was, and still am, struggling to conceive.

With these ridiculous digestive issues and now this infertility thorn, my rigorous research mode kicked into high gear. I started learning that all of my symptoms – yes, symptoms, not diseases (a disease is only a dis-ease of the body) - are related to one another, and are a result of multiple things, but mainly a high level of unproductive bacteria in my gut (streptococcus), nutrient deficiencies, overuse of antibiotics, and lifestyle.

Digestive issues were the ‘norm’ for me, sadly, but after I started paying more attention to my intuition, it began ringing louder and louder that my symptoms were stemming from my gut. After doing serious research on natural healing, I felt my eyes start opening…wide! Cutting out gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, and soy, eating whole, real foods and making a life-long commitment to a healthier lifestyle over the past 4 years were some of the best things that I have done. While it hasn’t yielded a pregnancy yet, I am confident that my body is in a healing process.

All of this research has made it much easier to understand the lifelong health challenges I have been facing, but the infertility obstacle still plagues my heart. I’m not going to lie – it is difficult to hear about everyone around me getting pregnant with absolutely nothing happening on my end. And, for this to happen year after year - it’s hurtful. But, I have to keep telling myself not to take it personal, but to be happy that they are bringing a beautiful miracle into this world. After I get out of my own head, that hurt goes away. And, I am truly happy for them, of course!

The disappointment month after month has slowly started to ease, but only because I have really leaned deeper into my faith. I am extremely grateful to God that He has shifted my path onto this beautiful wellness journey and keeps opening my eyes to new things on the daily; with this, my emotional scars are beginning to heal. I have a long way to go on my emotional healing path, but I feel so strongly that there is a gift in this challenge. Maybe it’s to help others facing similar obstacles or maybe my baby will be the gift that I am supposed to receive…I’d like to think it’s both!

I have grown exponentially on my health journey, and through this, I’m learning to dig deeper into my soul for healing. Making changes to what goes on my plate to nourish my physical body, and my future baby (yes, I am speaking this into existence!) is something that is unbelievably important to me. The tie to what goes on our plates and our health is inarguably connected. Whether it is allergies or infertility, food and drink are key players in the healing game.

Focusing on prayer, meditation, energy healing, resting, hydrating, cleansing, breathing and many other things are paramount to lean into when trying to conceive. I have been incorporating (more) of these natural healing methods into my lifestyle, and while the pregnancy hasn’t happened yet, in my heart, I know that they are helping on many levels. I still have a lot to learn, but from what I have already learned, I know that I am being equipped to help others on their journey!

Thanks 

Annette Licitra

Integrative Health Coach + Wellness Chef

630.965.6454

Passionette Palate

http://passionettepalate.com/

*Schedule an appointment with me here*: https://www.vyte.in/annette@passionettepalate.com

Wow Factor!!!

WOW factor!!!

When I describe this couple the words that come to mind is WOW, exciting, loving and fun! From the moment I met them I knew they would be fun. I never knew exactly what to expect with them but one thing I knew is that they would be fun. This couple was so cute and in Love. Their story was one for the books. I giggle every time I think of their story of friendship, courtship and marriage.

I start what I thought would be a normal day. I was at a potential clients house wrapping up their first prenatal appointment when I get a call from the Mom. She was so calm "I'm just calling you to give you a heads up, I had a contraction". "I don't think you would have to be in a hurry just letting you know". I thought I would have plenty of time to finish up. I guess that is what I get for thinking. Lol!
I ask my normal questions. how do you feel? how far a part are they? where do you feel them?
I have never heard a mom in labor laughing and joking like this joyful Mom. Dad is in the back ground excited and ready to meet his Baby Boy. I could hear him speaking and laughing as well. Clearly, they did something that got the party started a little sooner. All I will say is Oxytocin is a wonderful hormone. The Midwife calls me to check in and see what my take is on the situation. We both agree we should head out. I will head to client and she will meet us at the hospital.

Every client is special and this one proves to be more than that. I told her she would give birth like a rock start after we met. I never knew that she would leave me at a loss for words. As I'm heading out to there place the husband calls me laughing still with music in the back ground saying "we may need to go straight to the hospital". As I'm speaking with them the midwife is calling telling me she just spoke with them and she advised them to go straight to the hospital.
"WAIT... WHAT??Okay!

Everyone arrives to the hospital except me. I'm still in route. I remember the midwife called me with what felt like every 15 minutes. I have never seen her so rushed. This was different for us both. Usually, I would have time and I could stop and get my regular Starbucks Venti Emperors Cloud tea and lemon loaf. As I am coming up on the Starbucks I call the midwife. " Hey I'm passing the Starbucks would you like something". I remember she said with a snicker. " Girl you better not stop this baby is coming now, we just arrived at the same time and Mom is 7cm and bag is bulging. I think I instantly started to speed all the way there. I began to get the details on Mom. The Midwife and I were shocked at the turn of events. I arrived, walked in the room, I see dad's face beaming with joy and excitement. Mom was clearly feeling the contractions now with her bottom wagging in the wind, hands and knees and rocking labor like I knew she would do. Before we could breath Mom had become complete and baby had put so much pressure on that already bulging bag that it ruptured and splattered all over the midwife and I. I have officially been christened with amniotic fluid all over my shirt. The energy in the room immediately increased. Baby had no plans of taking his time. The young man who name means King clearly had a plan to come in this world in thee most memorable way. I truly will not ever forget this day.

Mr. King you are going down in history.

My first Christening as a Doula you got to love it.

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

VBAC MY WAY

 

 

 

 

VBAC My way

 

 

 

When we met it was clear she said" I think my birth was stolen from me and I would like to allow my body to do what is natural." Boy this Momma put me to the test." We had plenty of time. This Momma is sure what she would like to experience. She called me at 9 weeks pregnant. "I need a provider, where can I deliver and who can help me make this a reality? " I quickly took a deep breath and realized this Momma trust me with more than just her comfort she trust me to shape her village. Wow!! I was more than honored. I went over her birth plan with her and listened to the Husbands thoughts about the Birth. They were so disappointed. After hearing the way they experienced birth in North Carolina I was disappointed because I was born in North Carolina. How in the world could my home state be so oblivious to the beauty and natural strengths of a women during child birth.

 

Did they miss the memo 6 is the new 4cm? Did they know that birth is not a procedure its an experience? This is why women are now birthing at home. I collected a list of O.B GYN's and Midwives and off Momma went to meet her future OB. After a few weeks we soon had our O.B. and will be delivering in Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village. This Momma was a true warrior Princess ready to face the Birthing room and meet her son. The Dad was so cool about every thing we faced in preparation. Mr. J main concern was his wife and child. "I just want her to be safe". I do not want to have the same experience as North Carolina."

 

I can recall receiving the call to come to the hospital. We were disappointed but we were prepared for what could come. I remember the Dr. coming in and saying "hello doula". She knew the moment she saw me Dad has questions. I have experienced birth with this O.B. before so she is use to my questions. Lol!! "I assume you want time to do natural methods first?" Ok Doula I will give you til 10pm so you have plenty of time. Everyone was stuck on her failure to progress labeled in first birth. No one asked did mom move around? How long did mom lay down? How long did staff allow Mom to labor?    

 

 

Mom was relieved that Dr. already had a rapport with me and was ok with my style of work. Immediately we got to work and as several hour passed staff updated Dr. about how things were going. No pressure. Lol! as time went on Dr. thought it was ok to say Doula it looks like I will have to call this one. I looked at her and asked for a few more minutes. After dancing with her Mom and Husband, walking, squatting Momma body kicked into action and after Mom's hard work and determination we were all experiencing this Momma have a full on Vaginal Birth.

 It was wonderful observing her with her parents and Husband supporting her. It was the cutest thing watching this beautiful Mom dance with her parents and husband to make sure labor would stay consistent. This Mom was fun. I had a previous conversation with her about dancing being one of the methods used to get thing going steadily and she was all on board. She had me laughing with the comment "put a little Chris Brown on and you will have no problem getting a party started with me". I thought we were going to shoe Alexian Brothers how the Peaceful Birthing Doula can get down with her Mommies. Lol!

After fun moments of dancing and walking I can see clear as day the face of a determined Mom to meet her child on her terms. With every breath and every push this Mom let me know "I can do this". I loved being a part of this womb warriors experience. Being a part of this moment with a family that stood together in triumph.

Watching the face of a mother who realized I did it was so rewarding. I knew she could experience a beautiful birth. Momma gave me a bit of a scare though. She focused so much energy on the birth when it was all done she was so tired we had to tell her to open her eyes. Job well done. I wasn't shocked this momma has such a fire in her it couldn't be any other way.  After the delivery I experienced for the 3rd time this Dr had to give me a high five. We both had to hug Mom and let her know she did a beautiful job... This Mom was determine to have her VBAC. Once she set her mind to the goal at hand and understood her birth plan would be followed within reason unless something medically changes she had no limitations. I really enjoyed this birth as I enjoy all. This Womb warrior was truly and is absolutely a VBAC Princess resilience is definitely a word I will use to describe this Momma.

I feel so much gratitude toward each Family that allow me to be a part of such a beautiful and life long experience. This family is truly a great and blessed family I look forward to the next time I see them again.

for information in services offered please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com or email peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com    

 

 



 







VBAC MY WAY

VBAC My way

When we met it was clear she said" I think my birth was stolen from me and I would like to allow my body to do what is natural." Boy this Momma put me to the test." We had plenty of time. This Momma is sure what she would like to experience. She called me at 9 weeks pregnant. "I need a provider, where can I deliver and who can help me make this a reality? " I quickly took a deep breath and realized this Momma trust me with more than just her comfort she trust me to shape her village. Wow!! I was more than honored. I went over her birth plan with her and listened to the Husbands thoughts about the Birth. They were so disappointed. After hearing the way they experienced birth in North Carolina I was disappointed because I was born in North Carolina. How in the world could my home state be so oblivious to the beauty and natural strengths of a women during child birth.

Did they miss the memo 6 is the new 4cm? Did they know that birth is not a procedure its an experience? This is why women are now birthing at home. I collected a list of O.B GYN's and Midwives and off Momma went to meet her future OB. After a few weeks we soon had our O.B. and will be delivering in Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village. This Momma was a true warrior Princess ready to face the Birthing room and meet her son. The Dad was so cool about every thing we faced in preparation. Mr. J main concern was his wife and child. "I just want her to be safe". I do not want to have the same experience as North Carolina."

I can recall receiving the call to come to the hospital. We were disappointed but we were prepared for what could come. I remember the Dr. coming in and saying "hello doula". She knew the moment she saw me Dad has questions. I have experienced birth with this O.B. before so she is use to my questions. Lol!! "I assume you want time to do natural methods first?" Ok Doula I will give you til 10pm so you have plenty of time. Everyone was stuck on her failure to progress labeled in first birth. No one asked did mom move around? How long did mom lay down? How long did staff allow Mom to labor?    

Mom was relieved that Dr. already had a rapport with me and was ok with my style of work. Immediately we got to work and as several hour passed staff updated Dr. about how things were going. No pressure. Lol! as time went on Dr. thought it was ok to say Doula it looks like I will have to call this one. I looked at her and asked for a few more minutes. After dancing with her Mom and Husband, walking, squatting Momma body kicked into action and after Mom's hard work and determination we were all experiencing this Momma have a full on Vaginal Birth.

 It was wonderful observing her with her parents and Husband supporting her. It was the cutest thing watching this beautiful Mom dance with her parents and husband to make sure labor would stay consistent. This Mom was fun. I had a previous conversation with her about dancing being one of the methods used to get thing going steadily and she was all on board. She had me laughing with the comment "put a little Chris Brown on and you will have no problem getting a party started with me". I thought we were going to shoe Alexian Brothers how the Peaceful Birthing Doula can get down with her Mommies. Lol!

After fun moments of dancing and walking I can see clear as day the face of a determined Mom to meet her child on her terms. With every breath and every push this Mom let me know "I can do this". I loved being a part of this womb warriors experience. Being a part of this moment with a family that stood together in triumph.

Watching the face of a mother who realized I did it was so rewarding. I knew she could experience a beautiful birth. Momma gave me a bit of a scare though. She focused so much energy on the birth when it was all done she was so tired we had to tell her to open her eyes. Job well done. I wasn't shocked this momma has such a fire in her it couldn't be any other way.  After the delivery I experienced for the 3rd time this Dr had to give me a high five. We both had to hug Mom and let her know she did a beautiful job... This Mom was determine to have her VBAC. Once she set her mind to the goal at hand and understood her birth plan would be followed within reason unless something medically changes she had no limitations. I really enjoyed this birth as I enjoy all. This Womb warrior was truly and is absolutely a VBAC Princess resilience is definitely a word I will use to describe this Momma.

I feel so much gratitude toward each Family that allow me to be a part of such a beautiful and life long experience. This family is truly a great and blessed family I look forward to the next time I see them again.

for information in services offered please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com or email peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com   

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula 









Fabulous almost 40 and fertile

Fabulous 40 and Fertile

I remember when trying to conceive at 38 years old my O.B. who I must say is the best.

Dr. Beister told me as long as I stay healthy without complications along the way she would support me with my journey for as long as I wanted to try.

I'm pleased to say we conceived when I was 39 years old. My O.B. still support our journey of conception if we would like to continue the journey. I am now 41 years old with a beautiful daughter and would love to continue my journey and I still have the support of my O.B.

 My advice will always stay the same find a physician who will be honest, genuine and supportive. You can shop around for the best fit for you.  Now, I must say be realistic in your request; conception is serious keep your health, your spouse & family in mind.

 I have been there and know what a family can go through. I had an ectopic and my fallopian tube ruptured. Do all the necessary exams to ensure the health of your reproductive organs.

Every O.B. you interview must be on the same page with you for care and labour and delivery. Discuss your idea of labour and delivery. Do the research stand your ground.  Also, Know the truth about your request, know the risks and know the hospital procedure for your request.

Everything you think is fantasy or unreal may in fact be a reality for you during this journey.
One thing I advise to families when I meet with them is to sit down and think about the most fanciful labour and delivery they can come up with and then we will discuss how we can make that fantasy a reality using realistic methods. I worked with a family this past January that blessed me so much with being a part of their best and most intimate moment. The Mother at the time of delivery was 49 years old. Yes, you read it right. I said “49 years old”. They had a beautiful baby girl.

Know this your journey doesn’t have to be over. Yes, you may have to have help. Look into your options. There are so many ways you can be helped if natural conceptions isn’t realistic for you. Speak to a fertility Dr. check into IUI and IVF. Believe it or not your medical insurance may cover some or all of the process. We were so blessed you have BCBS and they covered almost the entire IVF process.  

If you haven’t read my Blog, it takes a village I suggest you do. It will give a little direction on who you should look into as your team to prepare you for this journey.

A Doula is a great way to start with building your team.
Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

Visit my website www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com