From Plate to Palate; A Fertility Journey Part 3

Well, Annette has done it again. I am so honored that Annette has chosen to share her  journey with us. There are over 20 million women who battle infertility or some women health issue that can lead to infertility. We all have to work toward supporting one another and listen to our story.

Everyone Please enjoy... I hope this will bless you.

There are times that I think to myself “are these natural healing techniques working” to help me conceive? Because sometimes, it’s hard to really measure it. But, when I meditate on it, I feel it and wholeheartedly believe it. Personally, I felt that forcing my body to conceive is not the route I ever wanted to go, so IVF wasn’t even on my radar. Everyone is different, and knows their body more than ANYONE else does, so whatever route that they choose is up to them! I know that, for me, I didn’t want to force nature because something in my heart tells me that my body still needs some healing to do in order to create the right environment to carry a child. So, amping up the natural healing modalities is what I’m doing. And, I have to say, I am LOVING them!

Aside from focusing on a highly plant-based lifestyle over the past 4.5 years, I really began increasing the amount of fruit in my diet over the past year - our reproductive system runs on natural sugars like honey, coconut water, fruit, veggies (YUM!). It is so alkalizing, healing to the body, and supportive of the reproductive system! We need to eat fruit to bear fruit.

One of the key ingredients to this fertility recipe is prayer. There is nothing more relaxing and comforting to me than that. When the timing is right, God will bless us with our own little angel. I strongly believe that. We are on God’s watch, not our own, and He knows what’s right for each of us – I just need to keep leaning into that, and know that He’s got it covered! I still have to do some work of my own, but I rest in the fact that I have the Lord guiding us and watching our backs. There was a very personal prayer that the Pastors at our church prayed over me, my husband, and our future child that gave me so much comfort and peace, and I just knew something additional was healing in my body as soon as I walked out of church that evening. You can’t measure everything in a physical manner – there are some things that are just felt by the heart.

I have been going to acupuncture for the past 6 months - the first few months I was focusing on my shoulder discomfort, not really fertility (thankfully, the shoulder discomfort has gone down significantly, so I know something is working!). But, it wasn’t until July/August that I had the acupuncturist really start focusing more on fertility – I don’t know why I waited so long for that piece, but timing is everything. My heart was finally telling me to start pumping up the jam on the acupuncture! So, we did. When I say we, I mean me AND my husband. It takes two to tango, and guys need it too sometimes. To me, acupuncture is extremely relaxing, and I find myself almost in another realm while getting it done. The energy blockages just start opening, and the body heals! While this may not happen for everyone, I know I can feel healing from it. Highly recommended!

I’ve also tried the Mayan abdominal massage a few different times, and really enjoy it! There are other abdominal techniques that can be stronger and more intense, but I like to lean into practices that are more calming and relaxing, so I chose this massage technique. It’s great for clearing energy pathways, and great for gut health too (which is what I have been working on healing for the past 4.5 years; I still have a ways to go, but I can feel the healing happening). Cupping alongside the abdominal massage and reflexology have all been super relaxing, and I know that’s what my body has been craving (for YEARS) – to relax! Resting is part of the game, and my reproductive system sure needs some of it.

Saunas have been a nice addition to my routine over the past 6 months as it allows me to relax, have some extra prayer time, and sweat out those toxins! Also, following the moon cycles is still something I am learning about, but after digging a little deeper into the way the moon cycles, planet alignments, energy vibrations, etc., affect female cycles, I have become a strong believer in how we are so connected to every part of this universe. And, how the energy of the universe truly helps us! I have made it a practice to do new moon and full moon meditations, and ask the moon (which represents female energy; the sun represents male energy) to help guide and heal me. What a deep and beautiful connection I feel to it, especially since I synced my cycle up to the moon cycles (yes, it’s possible to do this)!

I hope this gives all of you some extra hope knowing that there are many natural healing modalities out there to work on healing the body (both women AND men), and I barely scratched the surface with the ones that I am practicing. I have a peace in my heart that all of these are working in conjunction with each other! Praying for all of you on your fertility journeys, and I hope that you each find peace in whatever techniques you are leaning into; you have the power to heal your body – many blessings to you!

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

Honor- Protect-Encourage in Life, Labor, Birth and Postpartum recovery

Honor- Protect- Encourage in Life, Labor, Birth and Postpartum recover 

I have had the pleasures to support many families from different cultures, religions and economical backgrounds. I learned that everyone believe that birth is only about vaginal, C-section birth and on your back. You have many options. Women do not realize you can birth your way. It has been my honored to encourage women to birth their way and to make sure they have peace in the efforts they made to birth their little bundle of joy.

You will hear many stories of birth from many different women. Why is it they are always willing to share the worst of their experience? Why do women think it is helpful to speak frightening things and expect a great out come from the person you shared with prior to their birth?

The moment I meet a family I mention to them "never have conversation about birth with anyone other than the person you can have a similar birth to and that will be your Mother or Grand Mother". If your Mother isn't with you or your not speaking with her then you can possibly get great information from your Sister, but please go no further. 

I have seen women experience birth standing, squatting, sidelining and hands and knees. Everyone of these women experienced birth their way and made sure they were able to have a strong support team that will support and encourage them along the way. Every effort you make to improve your birthing options the more you are likely to manifest your birth. Your mindset is during the time of your pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum recovery will make a huge difference. I believe you should not have any expectation on your experience. You should have an idea of what you would like for your experience to be so you can keep a positive outlook and develop your village around that idea. Whether you experience that birth exactly is not in your control this is why you are particular about your village they will help you with the outcome of your birthing experience.

Women have been giving birth before we could even keep track. Mary birthed Jesus and she didn't have a hospital. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying there is a time and place to utilize hospitals. Every birth doesn't have to take place in a hospital. I have witnessed births in homes, birthing centers and hospitals and each family had their reason for the decision to give birth in those settings. I loved every single birth and believe the majority of those births took place in the perfect place for the family, however some families made decisions out of fear due to miss information and later felt they missed out on a different experience. I do not allow families to regret their experiences. No matter what you think the outcomes is still beautiful and you learn from the experience. This is a learning experience.

Birth and Breastfeeding is one of the most discussed topics amongst women. I have experienced some of the most dis hearting conversations lately. Some women have experienced little support from family members. Many of the things I have heard mentioned were " Why are you breastfeeding that is to much". "Breastfeeding isn't enough you need to feed that baby", That is so disgusting you need to cover up or go somewhere else with that". "How long are you going to breastfeed"? Just image how a woman will feel when she is trying and not receiving any support. I have even witnessed fathers who come from families who do not understand actually not support the mother.

We have to not just educate each other we also have to educate and encourage the support of others around them. I remember breastfeeding my daughter, My husband was so supportive in the simple things. He would make sure I had plenty of water, oatmeal and I always had a place to breastfeed that was quite and clean for me and our daughter. It made for a beautiful experience. Though we had a few hiccups on him understanding when it was okay to toss out milk or monitor the time milk was out of the fridge. We eventually got it under control. Boy did it take a while to get him to understand liquid gold. Lol!!

We have to speak as women to one another about physicians, midwifes and hospital experiences. It doesn't mean for you to tell horror stories. We as women should share our story with grace. Please don't frighten anyone with your story and them wonder why they choose not to attempt a natural birth. We have to share. We especially should share with out children. My Mother not shared with we I was able to observe her in labor and because of that I went into my birthing ad breastfeeding experience open minded and so full of love and courage. My experience was definitely a challenge with a sunny side up baby, long back labor but I absolutely enjoyed it because I was laboring not like my Mother but like my mother if you understand.

I had a Mother I supported who had her baby at 23 weeks. As we were speaking after the birth she mentioned her Mother shared with her after she gave birth to her baby that she was a 23 week birth. Now there is nothing she could have done to prevent the birth, however she could have known there is a possibility she may give birth early and mention it to physician. This Mother was shocked and hurt about finding out so late. This is exactly why we need to speak. I am sadden that especially in the community of Women of Color we do not talk. Please share your story. Please Honor one another story, Encourage one another in life, labor, birth and postpartum recovery.

Tips on when to share:
1. Never be afraid to share your story it is very healing.
2. If you do not want to verbally share your story journaling is also a great way to share until you are ready to speak.
3.Most importantly please do not over exaggerate your story if it wasn't an experience you were anticipating.
4.If you have experienced a traumatic birth please inform the person before hand that who is asking about your birth story before sharing.

Remember we are a village, we are here to assist in each others growth as individuals in life experiences.

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

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This Mother's Prayers

 Mothers Prayer for the womb

Every woman feels this desire to have their womb filled at some point in life. Many say it’s your biological clock. We desire to marry the perfect man for us who will be this great companion and parenting team with you as you raise your beautiful baby. You get the husband and you adore him. Now your pregnant and it is all gravy from there so you think, right?

I connected with this Mom on a different level. It was so many similarities in our journey of conception and pregnancy. It was funny. In the birth community, you here many say every pregnant woman isn’t meant to be your client. I have been so blessed to meet my ideal Beautiful Momma. I was told If she doesn’t connect with you then she isn’t the client for you. As a doula, we give so much of ourselves during the time we are serving and supporting. Every momma doesn’t respect it or appreciate it. This Mom wasn’t just pregnant with a pulse she was one I surly connected with. I will never forget receiving  her email. It was so confident. I replied and knew this would be a family that would leave a mark.

I arrived for the first meeting at her home and it was like we met before. She was full of energy and laughter. I could tell this was a woman who was going to have a lot knowledge. She didn’t disappoint. We chat and immediately she displayed type A characteristics as her lovely friend who I also supported. These were the most fun and pleasant type A women I have ever met before.

This beautiful Momma was all about being prepared for everything.

ü  Conception

ü  Doppler

ü  Task list

ü  Scriptures

ü  Music for ever leg of the labor

ü  Make it past 12 weeks

ü  Midwife

ü  Doula

After explaining to this Beautiful Mommy to let go and let God breath and continue to do your normal scriptural meditations we knew we would work well together.

 Though this momma was reluctant to release some things we laughed and parted ways. I was glad to receive my updates on the progress she made after our meeting.

I finally had the pleasure to meet her husband the better half who was so cool and laid back. I have noticed a pattern of the Mommies I have supported. The husbands are always very mellow. This daddy was so cool, supportive and ready to keep Mommy on task by not becoming to tasked oriented. Our meeting was both informative and full of laughs. Mr. J made sure he assured me understood everything. He was funny as Mom and I are having a conversation about Birth plan, what relaxes her, how does she mentally prepare and what comfort measures she think will work for her. Dad find himself looking up peritoneal massage and all of the topics we discussed. I check in with Dad to make sure he understood everything. Dad says" if I don't get it I'll youtube it". "Everything is on youtube".  We collectively laugh. I also mention to him everything on the internet isn't correct. I head out and remind mom to relax and don't over think anything.

Momma had made it to 6 months and Mommy and baby had been going well. No complication for either. We met over the weekend and she filled me in on all her milestones and excitement about how she is feeling baby and getting mentally prepared.

While finishing up my final birth till August sleeping like a doula with no births anytime soon my phone rings and I hear a voice I wasn’t prepared for. “She is here with me and having contractions. I jump up and start to pray. I met them at Evanston Hospital. This family rallied quick. Everyone full of positive energy and prayers. This Beautiful Momma was blessing with a solid rock of a husband. Mr. K.J. was everything she needed and more in this time. Momma and baby make first milestone recovering from surgery. Baby is with NICU and Mom is recovering. After all the excitement and rush this Momma was in good spirits. I ensure her baby is in the best hands. She sends updates to employers, family and friend. I must stop her from sending updates. No computer, no phone till you are through the day. This Beautiful Momma is trying to focus her energy on something else other than worrying. We pray about peace, comfort, healing and staff sharp and keen response. I make sure family is ok and understand what is going on.

The family is so full of love of the Lord, positive energy and hope. This Baby Boy has a tone of people petitioning the Lord for miracles. To date Baby Boy J is reaching many milestones as Mom and Dad continue to grow in faith, love and relationship. Again, this family has such a special place in my heart. I will continue to petition the Lord for their strength as they continue to make many milestones.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

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#prayingforKJ 
#peacefulbirthingdoula
#doulasupport
#doulalove 

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