I know firsthand just how stressful infertility can be, especially at parties, family meals, baby showers, etc. Below are my notes for the above video, which was filmed live. Download the Instagram App to watch our live broadcasts!

Why the Holidays can be a stressful time…
Dealing with challenging questions at the dinner table such as:

When are you going to have a baby?
How come you don’t have kids yet, you would be great parents?

Everyone has their own path; their own challenging thing they will go through. – Hethir

How to react to these questions – I like to react with humor or sarcasm (that is my personality).

Have a canned response such as:

It isn’t for lack of trying
When God says it’s time
When we are ready it will happen

How Stress Affects Fertility

The body releases adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress. This inhibits the release of GnRH – gonadotropin releasing hormone, the main hormone responsible for the release of all the sex hormones, which alters the release of LH and FSH. This cascade can:

• suppress ovulation
• reduce sperm count
• lower libido
• effect which hormones the liver processes first

What You Can Do to Reduce Stress Today – 3 Tips

1. How can you reduce the stress in your life literally?
Create a shield of love around yourself = create boundaries

• say no to certain events (baby shower story) or people (client who changed jobs)
• make time for self-care (hot baths, exercise, Self Fertility Massage, etc.)
• spend more time with the people you love who lift you up

2. Change how you react to stressful situations

• easier said than done
• tools – meditation, prayer, yoga, EFT

Even though I am totally stressed out, I completely and totally love myself.

3. Herbs for stress

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): nervousness, stress, thyroid support, adrenal support, endocrine support, hormonal balance
• Motherwort (Cardiaca leonurus): anxiety, easing the heart, PMS, sudden strong emotions
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): nervous system support, anxiety, calming, generally uplifting (people with hypothyroid should avoid this)

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist, Nutritionist, Birth Doula

Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula.  Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people.  Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.

Dr. Christine Traxler M.D., OB/GYN

Dr. Traxler is a University-trained obstetrician/gynecologist, working with patients in Minnesota for over 20 years. She is a professional medical writer; having authored multiple books on pregnancy and childbirth; textbooks and coursework for medical students and other healthcare providers; and has written over 1000 articles on medical, health, and wellness topics.  Dr. Traxler attended the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences and University of Minnesota Medical School,  earning a degree in biochemistry with summa cum laude honors in 1981,  and receiving her Medical Doctorate degree (MD) in 1986.

https://natural-fertility-info.com/medical-review-team