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Success Story: Camille Conceives Naturally and Doesn’t Finish IVF

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
April 29, 2019
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Disclaimer: Testimonials appearing on this site are individual experiences, reflecting real life experiences of those who have used our products and/or services in some way or other. However, they are individual results and results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.


In April of 2018, Camille emailed our team to share, “I just found out I am pregnant at 43, I have been following the program since January.  It is truly a miracle.  We don’t have to finish IVF now.  I would love to write a success story to share, it does make you want to give other woman hope.  I’ve wanted another child since I was 37.”

In a follow-up email in January of 2019, we received this update:

“My advice to someone praying for a child is to not give up, and that is hard to do when you have to wait another 15 days for a new cycle I know. Do the things that it takes to make your body healthy…”

“I so much want others to have hope.  Getting pregnant at 43 was extremely emotional, and knowing that others had done it did gave me hope.

I truly can’t even still believe it happened.  She was born on 11-15-18, and healthy.  She is truly a miracle baby.
I do owe it to the post and products recommended by Natural Fertility Shop.

I will work on it, and send soon!  I would love to help others….”

This is Camille’s Success Story…

My goal is to share our story to help someone. Six months of research in one location to share with other woman struggling with infertility. Writing this as harder than I thought, because it does bring a lot of emotion.

I read an article about how it is okay not to have your stuff together. As humans, we have these high expectations of what a “perfect life” would look like. When it doesn’t happen that way, are we really failing?

As I have grown into an adult I have realized that I have always been different.  I have probably done everything the hard way, but I wouldn’t change it because it made me who I am… I poured my heart and worries out to God, and he answered. Maybe not on my timeline, but when the time was right. Including when I met my husband, Jared. We talked about having a child, and I knew my age would cause problems. I knew it may never happen.  We started discussing and researching options, but it seem during those months time was flying by.  It gave me hope to know my own mother has also given birth after 40, I was a teenager at the time. Similar, to the age my current daughter is now. A lot of woman today are having families at an older age, and large spans between children.

After a couple months of trying on our own, we asked our OBGYN for suggestions. I was put on Clomid for awhile, and after that it was advised for us to see an infertility specialist. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Infertility had not been part of my vocabulary. I had been around people having kids my whole life, including myself. I had no idea what this world meant to so many woman. It felt like something was wrong with me, even though I had kids. No one seemed to understand that. Even heard comments: “Well you already have kids.” Once I realized how hard this battle was becoming it consumed me. Every month I would get my period I would cry, and wonder how can it be so hard.

Our first IVF appointment was exciting and filled with hope. Even though I was nervous about the fanciness of the office with the free drinks. I wanted to see statistics on the wall of success stories, not some fancy vase. After, lots of blood work and meetings we met with a financial advisor. At this point I had googled IVF, and learned how expensive it was. Our total price was close to 21,000. The financial price caused frustration, and we felt like giving up. How was it possible we weren’t going to have a child over 21,000. That seemed ridiculous. I began to question when something that was discovered in 1970’s, was still so expensive. I wondered why the insurance companies don’t help woman more. I wondered why younger woman are not coached about freezing eggs and/or saving them at a younger age.

The only thing I knew in life was to study and learn, so that is what I did. I read and read. I found foundations and millions of articles. One book in particular, “The Untold Truth”, I had read by the pool side last summer highlighted some real facts. I read about the mini cycles, and the cost being more effective. I wondered why hadn’t anyone suggested this to us. It wasn’t really about the money of the cycle, but the cost of the medicine. Most of the cost with IVF is the medicine, with mini cycle you have less medicine, and it is half the cost. The concept behind it’s success is you can do more cycles, hoping to retrieve more eggs. For someone over 40, and having low number of eggs it seemed perfect. The name Dr. Silber, out of St. Louis, kept coming up in my research. St. Louis is about a three and half hour drive from us, so I wondered how the distance would work. I called to ask questions, and learned they have many out of state patients. We scheduled our consultation and went to our first consultation. The office and hospital was at St. Luke’s Hopsital, and was warm and welcoming. It wasn’t fancy with free drinks, but the walls hung with success stories and lots and lots of files. We met other couples from all over the Unites States. I knew I was in the right place. After meeting with him, we developed our plan to start right away. After, I started my menstrual cycle I was put on the birth control pill to start the process.

About three years ago, before my decision to try to have another child, I became head over heels in love with Crossfit/Weightlifting… However, I read how lifting and intense exercise takes on your body. It could possibly take away from conceiving. I decided to focus on getting pregnant, knowing I could return later. Realizing that I might never get a chance to qualify was very hard for me. I felt a loss in the sense of what do I do now. What does the rest of the world do? I started working on the house to sell, and spent more time with my daughter.

The only thing we held onto was the chance to possibly conceive naturally until the transfer. I started to learn more and more about getting pregnant naturally. I researched and did what I read. Not one day went by that I didn’t learn something new. I never knew the power of natural supplements. The Natural Fertility Shop online has an unbelievable amount of information. I would listen to their blogs, and the daily emails keep giving you hope. I quickly learned where every herb store was close to me. Some things I took I had to special order.

January 1, I started the fertility food/smoothie challenge from the cookbooks suggested off their website. However, the next two cycles were the same. We had one more month to try before we would start birth control again. I don’t feel like I did a lot different, other than some mind techniques from Russel Davis, email newsletters. I did read about a study http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4485468.htm. I started taking Niagen, which is an anti-aging B vitamin.

The last cycle, my period never came. I was for sure it was just a longer cycle, and worried I wouldn’t be able to start birth control in time for the fertility transfer. Easter Sunday (of all the days) I decided to take a pregnancy test. I had dreamed of the day that God would let the stick be positive, and that day it was. It still feels like a dream, flying out of the bathroom to tell my husband. It is hard to write about it emotions and how this affected him. The journey is just as hard on the husband. He would know not to tell me about upcoming baby showers, or if someone was pregnant. It was hard for us to be around younger kids. He would also wonder why we couldn’t just get pregnant. That day he didn’t wonder, he knew God blessed us.

I was very worried I had been taking so many things, what would happen if I quit all of it cold turkey. Most the natural products you shouldn’t consume pregnant, and I had already taken them for two weeks. I was very cautious of what I ate and exercise in the beginning. My doctor had little belief I would stay pregnant.

As days turned into weeks and into months, I remained pregnant. I stopped walking around in a bubble, and started back CrossFit. I became super strong during the pregnancy. It always felt too good to be true, and even when I would see the ultrasound photos I couldn’t believe it to be true. I had never exercised during a pregnancy, but i just listened to my body. I felt healthy and strong. Most of the pregnancy I worried about birth disorders. We did do the genetic testing early on, that gave us some peace. Plus, we found out we were having a little girl 🎀. I never saw a specialist, but I did remain on blood thinner injections. I worried about the birth with being on blood thinners. We switched to Heparin towards the end, and a scheduled date (opening morning deer 🦌 season)…

Now that she has entered our world, life has become very busy. Never forgetting the moment I saw her, and how beautiful. Her big blue eyes, smiles, and laughs make it all worth it. I can’t look at her without remembering how hard we prayed for her. The tears and patience paid off. God gave us the wisdom to know the resources that surround us. She is a gift from God, and I will never forget that. Samuel 1:27 “For this child I have prayed”

I’ll never know what one thing I tried that might have worked that time around. My advice to someone praying for a child is to not give up, and that is hard to do when you have to wait another 15 days for a new cycle I know. Do the things that it takes to make your body healthy. The Natural Fertility Shop is the most informative website out there. January of 2018, I committed to what they were telling me in the readings, and on November 15th I held my baby.

Josephine Isabella “Bella” Portukalian meaning: “God will Increase”

Camille Portukalian, Age 43
—Blessed
——May my story give even one woman hope as others did for me


Would you like to read more stories of success? We have pages and pages of testimonials from women who have achieved improved menstrual cycles, balanced hormone levels, pregnancy and more. Click Here to Read More Success Stories…

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About the Author

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Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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Feb 1

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🍓 Antioxidant Rich Fertility Smoothie Recipe:

Feel free to add some superfoods if you like (such as greens powder, protein, maca, etc..)

1C Mango
1/2 C Strawberries
1/2 C Blueberries
1/2 C Almond yogurt
Nut milk

➡️ Blend together and adjust liquid so it is a thickness you enjoy. Top with nuts or seeds if you are making a smoothie bowl. Enjoy!

🍹If you would like to learn more about eating for your fertility type in FOOD and I will send you a link to my 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. 👇👇

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Feb 1

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After focusing on creating a healthy body, Chavonne had her "miracle" baby at 41. Read more about her story...

****While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

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Feb 1

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Also knowing when your most fertile time is going to be VERY important. Two ways to do that? Fertility Charting and OPK tests.

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Jan 31

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.

It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*

2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*

3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*

4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*

5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

Type ‘TEA’ in the comments below if you would like 10% off your first order or Reproductive Support Tea and I will DM you a discount link. 👇👇

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Jan 31

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👇3 Ways To Naturally Support Ovulation 👇

Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 30

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🌱 Ashwagandha is one of my favorite herbs for stress support while trying to conceive. 

It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

➡️ The hormonal support results take a bit longer, as with any hormone supportive herb, but is wonderful for both women and men who are experiencing high stress and hormone imbalances. 

Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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Jan 30

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Q: I have a 24 day cycle. What is this saying about my fertility?

A: Swipe left for our answer...

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Jan 30

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⭐ 3 Benefits of Vitex for Fertility…

1️⃣ Regulates hormones: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is known to regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and prolactin, which can help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting fertility.

2️⃣ Improves ovulation: Vitex can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

3️⃣ Decreases symptoms of PMS: Vitex can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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Jan 29

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🌱 Red raspberry leaf has been used by midwives for fertility for generations. Some of the most well known benefits of raspberry leaf for reproductive support include… 

1️⃣ Regulating menstrual cycles: Red raspberry leaf is believed to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, making it easier for women to conceive.

2️⃣ Strengthening the uterus: Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin C, which are believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Some studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception.

4️⃣ Reducing morning sickness: Red raspberry leaf is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, which can be especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

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Jan 29

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🧪 Xenohormones are chemicals that mimic the effects of hormones in the body. 

They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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Jan 28

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 28

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The body is always giving us feedback to what is happening inside. How regularly you go to the bathroom shares a lot about your digestive health.... as does a bloated belly or gas. Your period or monthly cycle can share a lot about your hormonal state. Your skin can share how your liver is doing. And so on. What have you learned from listening to your body?

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Jan 28

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🕯️Chemicals in candles, such as paraffin and phthalates, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. 

Some research suggests that certain VOCs, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones in the body. 🚫

It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 27

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 27

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Preparing for pregnancy is one of the best steps you can take for a healthy pregnancy and child. Here are some steps to help you get started…. 👇

1️⃣ Eat a diet high in fiber. More fruits and veggies

Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones and fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. They also are very hydrating and have lots of nutrients. All are useful for someone with heavy cycles. 

2️⃣ Learn about your fertility cycle through tracking and charting

Fertility charting will help you to understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path. 

3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

The first phase of the Fertility Cleanse is a great way to help support the liver in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones. The second phase focuses on the uterus and helping the uterus to cleanse and increase circulation.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 26

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💡It can be completely normal for your menstrual cycle to vary in length slightly from month to month! 

Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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Jan 26

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Are you experiencing fibroids? 👇 Type FIBROID in the comments below and I will send you a link to my natural guide. 🌱

#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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Jan 26

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Intimacy may not be something at the top of your mind with everything else you are doing to TTC. But connection with your partner and you feeling.... good is important. Here are some natural ways to support libido if the stress of baby making has made things tense in the bedroom.

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Jan 25

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When in doubt get it checked out. 

One of the most common reasons I suggest women to see their doctors is when they are experiencing  a heavy period that doesn’t stop after 5-7 days and has heavy flow. 

There are many different reasons this could be happening, but we first want to make sure it isn’t something that requires medical assistance before going on to healthy lifestyle support.

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Jan 25

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Ovarian cysts are more common than you think, and there are ways you can support your body naturally. Type CYSTS in the comments below and I will send you the natural steps you can take to support your self.
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