Your Questions About What Is The Oldest Natural Pregnancy

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Michelle

Robert asks…

obese wanting a natural delivery?

a friend of mine who is due at the end of august has asked me to be her birth coach. she is opting for a natural delivery despite being severely overweight. she is around 5 feet tall weighing close to 200 lbs pre pregnancy.

will she get tired faster during the delivery? will there be a higher risk of complications? what should i expect. this is her first baby and she is 37 years old. she also has asthma.

Michelle answers:

Being obese does not increase her chances of not having a natural birth. Being low-stamina will. If you have been asked to be her coach, you can help her now by inviting her to do some low-impact regular physical exercise, like walking or water-arobics, to build up her stamina.

Risk of complication does not increase from obesity, but obesity can increase your risk of Pre-E or Gestational diabetes IF your obesity is from an uncontrolled diet.

The asthma more than anything would be my focus. Help her now by, like mentioned before, inviting her to do some type of regular physical exercise, and practice relaxation techniques with her daily, even if it is over the phone. As long as she can remain relaxed and allow her uterus to work efficiently and unhindered during labor, she can keep her asthma ‘out of the equation’.

Relaxation can include: muscle relaxation awareness, guided imagery, poetry, etc…

Good luck and what an honor to be present at your friend’s birth!!!

Laura asks…

newborn skull is an abnormal shape. am curious as to why?

Hi, I have 2 friends with children both whom have miss shaped skulls. Nothing gross just different and Im curious if this is a medical issue or just luck of the draw.
First child is now 10 months old, female and 2nd child. Natural birth and pregnancy with no complications. The infant has a flattened skull on the back right side from centre almost to her ear. Normal development for her age and is a beautiful little girl.

2nd child is a 4 week old boy with a lump shape in the top left hand side of his skull, again nothing to make anyone stop and stare but is visible and more so when you stroke his head. Baby is healthy and the mother had no problems during her pregnancy or delivery.

Neither parent seems worried about their child and Im not either just curious as to what could have caused this or if, in the case of the male child, it will resolve itself.

Thank you
I have 2 children aged 5 yrs and 9 wks i know about the plates in a childs head. Dont mean to sound snappy. The flat spot from sleeping actually makes sense as the mother put the child straight into a cot with standard cot matress. The male child is still under question. Normal vaginal un assisted delivery. 3 hours with 30 min pushing. lump is not to the centre of the head and is firm

Michelle answers:

The first one sounds like it could be plagiocephaly. This is when the baby spends too much time sleeping on one side of the head. The bones in the skull are very pliable and because the fontanel (soft spot) has not yet closed, the bones in the skull shift. In many kids, the pediatrician will send the baby to a neurologist and possibly get fitted for a “helmet” to help the bones shift correctly into place. Repositioning off the favored side can also help the bones shift correctly into shape.

For the second child, it could have been cause during delivery. If vaccuum extraction was used, the child could possibly have a large hemotoma (bruise) that has calcified. If this is the case, it will go away with a little bit of time. My oldest child had a rough deliver and had a lump on the back of her head for a couple of months.

Maria asks…

newborn skull is an abnormal shape, am curious as too why?

Neither parent seems worried about their child and Im not either just curious as to what could have caused this or if, in the case of the male child, it will resolve itself.

Thank you

Michelle answers:

The older one sounds as if she has a flat spot on her head. Which is probably resolving now that she is 10 months of age it will get better with time..The 4 week old is due to the babies head passing through the birth canal the plates in its head shifted to fit out..again with time it should be normal.

Susan asks…

First time pregnancy questions for mommies…?

Hi,I was just wondering when any of you started to show with your 1st pregnancy phsyical wise. How far along were you when you could first notice an actual difference with your tummies. When I lay down I can feel the difference in my lower stomach, and I appearntly now have the bladder of a 5yr old! When did your jeans start to feel tighter? Mine were actually starting to loosen up but not anymore! What about your weight gain, Ive already gained 3 lbs since August. I always feel like Ive just gotten done with a big meal. From what I gather you start from the first day of your last period, count the weeks from there on out to get a basic time frame on how far you are, for me first day of last period was July 10th, so Tuesday September 11th I should be 9 weeks I guess. I know every pregnancy is different, just doing a general poll. Im doing an unassisted natural birth so any mommies that have been down that path please feel free to leave any advice/tricks/tips. Not worried just curious!

Michelle answers:

I was about 5 months pregnant when I finally began to show. Yeah, you feel kind of “full” all the time, even when you haven’t eaten (and need to), but the running to the bathroom thing didn’t happen to me until the last 3-4 weeks of my first pregnancy. Are you going to have a nurse-midwife present at the birth? I think it’s wonderful to go “natural” but you need to remember that first births can be difficult and some times DO need medical intervention (if you push for too long – like hours at a time – it can cause fetal distress and result in birth defects). I had a nurse-midwife for my second delivery and it was WONDERFUL! I’m glad, though, that I delivered in the hospital because baby’s cord was wrapped around his neck @ birth and he had a bit of meconium in his nose/mouth as well. (He’s now 13, smart, funny and gorgeous!) One bit of advice – do NOT have an episiotomy if at all possible, it hurts like crazy and takes weeks to heal; it makes you walk like a penguin the first week after delivery!

Best wishes to you and your expected one.

Your Questions About Natural Ivf Cycle

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Michelle

Laura asks…

IVF vs. IUI—reccommendations?

Hello. My husband (31) and I (30) have been TTC for 18 months. 6 months ago we started seeing a fertility specialist. After going through all the tests, it was determined that my husband’s sperm is stellar and there is nothing wrong with me that they can tell (my tubes are not blocked, and I am ovulating etc.) 3 Months ago we started natural IUI cycles with no Clomid. It did not work. We met with the doctor and he gave us 2 options, 1. to do IUI for 3 more months with Clomid (with 10% chance of multiples) or 2. Go straight to IVF.

I am not sure what the best route is. I know IVF is more invasive but it has a higher chance and I have read that IUI with Clomid might not really be successful with couples that have unexplained fertility. Not sure if that is true. I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through either IUI with Clomid, IVF or both. Also I also read that the drugs both Clomid and those associated with IVF have some mood swing effects etc. Can anyone provide insight on that?

Thanks so much…I am really nervous about what to do only because I feel that IVF is my last and only hope and if that doesn’t work–that’s it.

Michelle answers:

I did both IUI with clomid (1 cycle) then 11 cycles of icsi (type of IVF). We did the IUI as protocol, for us there was no chance of it working. IVF did work for us.

If there’s a chance for you, try the IUI for the 3 months. It’s so much less invasive, probably much cheaper, and requires far fewer meds. Once you get into IVF, between the shots and the meds, your mood swings will be far greater (but well worth it). Go for the least invasive technique first- you might be pleasantly surprised : )

Believe me, I know what it’s like to want it now. But for this, take the 3 months. It’s worth it.

Richard asks…

IVF cancelled midstream, when is CD1? Those familiar with IVF, please help!

In preparation for IVF cylcle, I was on BCP for 28 days, “full-flow” started July 20th. My cycle was canceled on CD 5, July 24th. I had given myself Lupron injections for the previous 16 days, ending on July 24th. My cycle was canceled due to a cyst that was putting off high levels of estrogen and would have soaked up all the FSH meds. I started using OPK to find any ovulation surge the day after my cancellation. Results of the OPK has been negative everyday since. Not even a faint line. My husband and I were hoping to try naturally this month until I can get on the schedule for the next IVF group which isn’t until early October.

The reason I even started looking for LH surge was because the nurse said that the cyst would ovulate. Is that true?

My question: Did the Lupron delay my natural hormones kicking in until the day after the last shot, making that day CD1? Or is the cyst preventing me from ovulating this month? Will I get menses this cycle?

I am 40 years old and have never skipped a period and have a very predictable cycle. I ovulate on my own every month, usually around CD 10.

Michelle answers:

Sounds a lot like my cancelled IVF cycle — sorry yours got stopped too (sucks!) As I understand it, the cyst is a leftover follicle that didn’t rupture like it was supposed to in a previous month. Thus, if and when it does rupture, it won’t release an egg (egg would be too old). In my case, I had a cyst and 4 follicles. The cyst and 1 follicle grew; the other 3 follicles didn’t (and hence, I didn’t have enough eggs to move onto the retrieval phase). When I got the HSG trigger, they told me I was going to have one egg (from the follicle, not the cyst).

Joseph asks…

a couple of questions about IVF…?

This is actually for a short story I’m writing for an English class, but I thought this would be the most appropriate place to ask on Y!A. Anyway, when does IVF begin in relation to a woman’s menstrual cycle? When does the actual “transfer” take place? If a person had completed the transfer, and then had sex, what would the odds be 1) of the transfer not taking, and 2) becoming pregnant from the second, natural encounter (assuming neither conception or fertility were obstacles for either person involved)?

Michelle answers:

When they do IVF, they often will do a few weeks of surpressing the woman’s natural cycle (by surpressing her hormones) so that they can 100% control her hormones with medications. By surpressing her hormones, they can decide when its cycle day 1. They will often do bloodwork and ultrasounds to make sure her hormones and body are “quiet” and nothing is happening naturally.

Then, when everything is quiet, they determine cycle day 1 and start the IVF process.

When the actual transfer takes place depends on when the eggs mature and how long the embryologist decides to “grow” them in the lab. Once the eggs are mature, they are harvested and brought into the lab with a sperm sample to be fertilized. Then, they wait 2, 3 or 5 days……depending on the lab and the development of the embryo. They might transfer 2 day embryos, 3 day embryos, or 5 day embryos. Generally, egg harvesting could occur anywhere from cd12-16, then the transfer back would occur anywhere from 2, 3 or 5 days later. Or, they could freeze the embryos and wait until the woman is ready for a transfer the next cycle or several cycles later.

The odds of the transfer taking or not taking depend on the diagnosis of the patient (both male and female), the number of embryos transferred, the quality of the embryo(s), and the success rate of the clinic.

Having sex after a transfer will not result in any kind of natural conception since the woman’s cycle is chemically controlled so a natural ovulation would not occur.

Hope that all makes sense.

David asks…

Any ladies have IUI for husbands infertility and meds made you infertile?

Sorry this is a little long but I have no one to share this with as we have kept this a secret form those around us. My husband is infertile. We both had testing done and found I was fine. So we chose to do IVF and I got SO sick from meds… bad hyper-stimulation making too many eggs, 30 eggs! His sperm was such poor quality that only 3 eggs became embryos. I got preg but he has Damaged DNA that causes miscarriage… that we didn’t know until later unfortunately. So, after the early miscarriage we did IVF again, same outcome of 30 eggs but got 4 embryos. Every month I’d do all the drugs to transfer one and get pregnant and then miscarry. At the end of all this the Dr informed us that my hubby’s sperm has damaged DNA having high miscarriage risk. By now I was having permanent hot flashes from monthly medications building up in my blood from cycle to cycle. We’d done IVF shots for months and I could feel my entire body shift gears from being healthy to feeling kind of “off”. I had regular menses and ovulation but… the hormone shots made my cervical mucus less fertile and the Dr brushed it off. The meds began to make my uterine lining thin and the Dr brushed that off as ‘comes with the territory’. I had constant night sweats and the Dr said “Not fun but that doesn’t effect your chances of getting pregnant”. Each miscarriage was early but we’d jump into another try for pregnancy as soon as I recovered… they said my hubby’s count would only get worse and we didn’t have time to wait. We were both 28 and 4 years later… we gave up and chose to do donor sperm. I was still feelng ‘sick’ but the Dr assured me it was no factor to getting pregnant. Our first IUI with donor sperm we were pregnant. But, at 4 months I was diagnosed with placenta abruption and the blood pooling in my uterus broke the baby’s water and he had to be delivered too early to survive. The Dr said his placenta was not attached right and bled due to left-over hormones from medications prior that effected how his placenta grew. We were so hurt, mad, no words to describe how it feels when we don’t have the medical knowledge to know this risk until it happened. 3 months later the Dr said I was fully recovered from labor and delivery. We tried again and again with donor sperm and IUI and with each try the meds made my lining too thin, my cervical mucus that was normal before was off and the Dr excused it as a meds side effect. He times the inseminations to his schedule and not my body but says I have to do the meds for extra eggs because frozen donor sperm is lower count and chances are slim doing natural cycles. I’m so confused and now it’s been 7 months of trying and every time there was some issue of the donor sperm count being too low, meds making my lining too thin. I’m 32 now and when I questioned the Dr as to why I wasn’t pregnant he said… well, maybe you have older less fertile issues now too. But Dr’s have re-tested everything and all says fertile. And I obviously get pregnant easy even with poor quality sperm. But I know KNOW this all has made my body not well. If I wait and take a break, I’m 33 and time is not on my side. We always wanted to adopt but most people don’t know that if you are pregnant, the government will not allow placement until the children are one year apart and if you are trying to become pregnant then the government foster adopt program holds your application until you are not trying to have a biological. I know private adoptions are different but they are also about $30K and after all this we don’t have the funds and would’t qualify for aid. It’s this feeling of being between a rock and hard place. We will do a fos adopt and take a needy child as soon as they will let us and hide the fact that we are trying for our own. They said if the child is already placed then it’s not an issue so we’ll have to not get pregnant during the foster faze and only during the adopt faze. Anyhow, has anyone done the meds and cycle and had no infertility issues but began to have them after treatments? Please no rude comments that do not pertain to your experience. Thanks!

Michelle answers:

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and your struggles.

My husband and I struggled to conceive – our diagnosis was unexplained infertility. My cycle was clockwork – 31 days, always ovulated around CD 16. My husband’s sperm count fluctuated between normal and only very slightly low. We did all the tests – ultrasound, bloodwork, HSG, semen analysis etc . . . And they just could not figure out why a year and a half had gone by but we did not conceive. We tried Clomid, 3 rounds with IUI and HCG trigger, we then tried injectibles with IUI.

We had 3 unsuccessful IUI cycles with injectibles, we decided to take a break before moving onto IVF. I needed counseling and joined a women’s group struggling with infertilty. During what was supposed to be my clock work 31 days . . . We had a 56 day cycle without ovulation. Our RE said that sometimes happens, the meds were controlling everything and now that you are not on them . . . It takes a bit of time for your body to get back to normal – but I would think months not years as you are experiencing.

I find it concerning that you suffered OHSS multiple times – have you been with the same doctor the whole time? I would strongly suggest a second opinion from a different RE. There are better doctors out there – ours encouraged us to get second opinions and did not use meds to force my body to be on his cycle . . . We actually had our egg retrieval for IVF on Christmas Day 2007 – they were open to meet the needs of their patient every day of the year.

Feel free to contact me through my profile if you would like to talk . . . I could recommend some great people if you are in the Boston area.

Good luck and baby dust to you!

Your Questions About Natural Pregnancy Blog

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Michelle

Sandra asks…

Obama or McCain…you choose?

Ok…I have come up with a comparison that I have taken off of both candidates websites on how they feel about several issues, and exactly how it will effect you and I.

HOW DO YOU FEEL?

I HAVE PERSONALLY VERIFIED. MAKE YOU THINK

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON
Favors new drilling offshore US M-Yes O-No
Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it M-Yes O-No

Served in the US Armed Forces M-Yes O-No
Amount of time served in the US Senate M-22 YEARS O-173 DAYS
Will institute a socialized national health care plan M-No O-Yes
Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy M-No O-Yes
Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately M-No O-Yes
Supports gun ownership rights M-Yes O-No
Supports homosexual marriage M-No O-Yes
Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase M-No O-Yes
Voted against making English the official language M-No O-Yes
Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals M-No O-Yes
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6% – (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that ‘Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.’)
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN
(no changes) Single making 30K – tax $4,500
Single making 50K – tax $12,500
Single making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 125K – tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts) Single making 30K – tax $8,400
Single making 50K – tax $14,000
Single making 75K – tax $23,250
Married making 60K – tax $16,800
Married making 75K – tax $21,000
Married making 125K – tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN – 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax
Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren’t high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least….New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

You can verify the above at the following web sites:

http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

Don’t you just love those people that like to place blame on GWB, when the fact is, the Democrats controlled both the house and Senate during his time as Pres. If blame is to be had, lets blame both parties ok!!

Michelle answers:

McCain – he walks the walk, experience in all aspects, will shake up Washington, truly puts our Country first, is a risk taker and has one heck of a strong VP at his side!

McCain / Palin ’08!!!!

Laura asks…

Who are you voting for….McCain vs. Obama ?

Make the comparsion?
2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS ISSUE

Favors new drilling offshore US McCain…Yes Obama… No
Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it McCain…Yes No Obama…No
Served in the US Armed Forces McCain…Yes Obama…No
Amount of time served in the US Senate McCain…22 YEARS Obama…173 DAYS
Will institute a socialized national health care plan McCain…No Obama…Yes
Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy McCain…No Obama…Yes
Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately McCain…No Obama…Yes
Supports gun ownership rights McCain…Yes Obama…No
Supports homosexual marriage McCain… No Obama…Yes
Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase McCain…No Obama…Yes
Voted against making English the official language McCain…No Obama…Yes
Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals McCain…No Obama…Yes

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6% – (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that ‘Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.’)

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN (no changes) Single making 30K – tax $4,500
Single making 50K – tax $12,500
Single making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 125K – tax $31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts) Single making 30K – tax $8,400
Single making 50K – tax $14,000
Single making 75K – tax $23,250
Married making 60K – tax $16,800
Married making 75K – tax $21,000
Married making 125K – tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN – 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA

New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren’t high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least….New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

You can verify the above at the following web sites:
http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html
http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

Michelle answers:

McAmerican,…which is NOT Obama or Joey boy…

Robert asks…

You be the Judge but not without reading first? Who is most qualified?

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS

ISSUE JOHN McCAIN
BARAK OBAMA

Favors new drilling offshore US
Yes
No

Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it
Yes
No

Served in the US Armed Forces
Yes
No

Amount of time served in the US Senate
22 YEARS
173 DAYS

Will institute a socialized national health care plan
No
Yes

Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy
No
Yes

Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately
No
Yes

Supports gun ownership rights
Yes
No

Supports homosexual marriage
No
Yes

Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase
No
Yes

Voted against making English the official language
No
Yes

Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegal’s
No
Yes

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN
15% (no change)

OBAMA
39.6% – (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that ‘Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.’)

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN

(no changes)
Single making 30K – tax $4,500
Single making 50K – tax $12,500
Single making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 125K – tax $31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K – tax $8,400
Single making 50K – tax $14,000
Single making 75K – tax $23,250
Married making 60K – tax $16,800
Married making 75K – tax $21,000
Married making 125K – tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN
– 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA
Restore the inheritance tax

Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA

You can verify the above at the following web sites:

http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes

http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

Michelle answers:

Taxes weren’t so bad at the end of the Clinton Administration – Why not let them all revert? I am an old fashion conservative. I don’t believe in deficit for myself, or for the government, except in an emergency.- The Republicans have become the party of fiscal irresponsibility and big deficits. – Passing all this debt on to the next generation is immoral. Bush is the first present to ever cut taxes during war time.

My consumer confidence is down – because of the deficit spending. This year the government will borrow over 150 billion dollars from the Social Security trust fund, every penny of which came from FICA taxes on worker’s wages – and the government has no plan in place to pay it back when it is needed to pay benefits.

Bush keeps putting out phony budget deficit figures which don’t take into consideration off budget items like the cost of the war, or borrowing from the social security trust fund. – The National Debt has more than doubled while Bush has been in office- and McCain wants to make the Bush tax cuts permanent.

Donald asks…

Obama or McCain Who to vote?

This is interesting……

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS
ISSUE

JOHN McCAIN

BARAK OBAMA

Favors new drilling offshore US

Yes

Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it

Yes

Served in the US Armed Forces

Yes

Amount of time served in the US Senate

22 YEARS

173 DAYS

Will institute a socialized national health care plan

Yes

Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy

Yes

Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately

Yes

Supports gun ownership rights

Yes

Supports homosexual marriage

Yes

Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase

Yes

Voted against making English the official language

Yes

Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals

Yes

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN

0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA

28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN

15% (no change)

OBAMA

39.6% – (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that ‘Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.’)

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN
(no changes)

Single making 30K – tax $4,500
Single making 50K – tax $12,500
Single making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K – tax $18,750
Married making 125K – tax $31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)

Single making 30K – tax $8,400
Single making 50K – tax $14,000
Single making 75K – tax $23,250
Married making 60K – tax $16,800
Married making 75K – tax $21,000
Married making 125K – tax $38,750
Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN

– 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA

Restore the inheritance tax Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA

You can verify the above at the following web sites:

http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

Michelle answers:

You are brilliant. The numbers speak for themselves. Thank you!

Your Questions About The Oldest Natural Pregnancy

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Michelle

Sandra asks…

HPV.. possible pregnancy…please help very terrified :'(?

ok im 20yrs old and have a 2yr old son who i was not able to have natural due to my cheating bf at the time who gave me HPV….nd i had genial warts due to that.. and after pregnancy the had died down…. and i didnt feel the symptoms again after that. now me adn him broke up once i found ou he had cheated… now i am with someone new and just about 3 weeks ago we had intercourse for the first time and a couple more times since then adn just this week i have been experiencing he symtpoms again like they started back up…. along wih white creamy discharge…
could it be that i may be pregnant again adn thats why it is acting up again or can it be that havin inercourse irritated me adn broke me out again…

also im very scared to tell my current bf.. im scared he will see me different and as a dirrty girl which i am not.
how can i take care of this ..its really painful adn im embarrased to even go to the Dr and even tell my bf.. im scared he will be mad.
also can this be an early sign of pregnacy. my next period is due sept 9th.. please advise..
also i am suffering real bad from the symptoms right now.. does any one know of any over the counter creams i can use?

Michelle answers:

The female body normally rids itself naturally of HPV after 2 years. The only way that you would know if you had it still or not would be to have a pap smear done. That being said, while the female body has the ability to get rid of HPV, the male body does not. You shouldnt have had sex with him without telling him that you had an STI. As someone who has HPV, I really cant believe that you did that. If you are comfortable enough to have unprotected sex with him then you should be comfortable enough to tell him that you have HPV.
Go to the doctor and tell your boyfriend. He deserves to know.

Sandy asks…

People who have had a natural birth and an epidural.?

I had three children, all natural with just the basic shot of pain meds. I’m a little older now, and I’m having my fourth child, and this pregnancy is already taking a bigger toll on my body then the other three did. I’m considering doing an epidural with this baby because I know I will go into this labor already exhausted since I chase around three kids 24 hours a day, but I’ve heard mixed things about it.

Some people have said it doesn’t take any of the pushing pain away, some people have said it caused constant back problem after labor. I want to hear form someone who has done both natural birth, and an epidural: Does the epidural really make a difference that is worth anything, or should I just bare through it?

Michelle answers:

I’ve done both, and I work in L&D so I see both all the time.

Epidurals are not perfect. Sometimes they do not work. Many women feel they don’t work during pushing because epidurals do not take away that intense pressure feeling, and yes, sometimes the block just doesn’t cover all the nerves that need to be covered.

As for chronic issues with back pain, etc., the vast majority of women do not have long lasting issues. Sometimes back injury during labor is a result of the epidural not due to the epidual itself, but because you are so numb that when you move around, and especially when you’re actively delivering the baby, you are positioned irregularly and using muscles rarely used like this, causing muscle pain which can persist for several days or weeks after delivery.

Epidurals are also not without risks in terms of causing drops in blood pressure which can affect the baby, increasing odds of fetal distress which may lead to a c-section. It also can impair your ability to push effectively, possibly leading to a vacuum or forceps or a c-section. Infection is rare, but can also happen. Spinal headaches are the most common side effect, happens in about 1:200 women.

Personally, I think that epidurals are great things under certain circumstances. But all in all I am a proponent for natural births whenever it is possible. And in my vocabulary, a natural birth is one without any medications, not even a “basic shot of pain meds”, because those “basic shots” are narcotics which pass through the placenta to the baby and can cause issues with the baby’s breathing and transition immediately after birth.

My first child was born before I was a nurse and knew all these things, and it was before epidurals were common. I had Nubain during my delivery, and I was really doped. I slept through transition. My daughter was born with respiratory depression and had low O2 sats and needed to be in the Level II nursery. When she was 13 she started having seizures, which I now know could most definitely be linked to oxygen deprivation at birth.

Labor pain doesn’t kill us. Yes, it sucks. But the gamble you take with your child’s welfare is often not worth it to gain a little temporary comfort. My temporary comfort probably contributed to a lifetime of seizures for my daughter (or so I believe).

Good luck with your decision.

Chris asks…

how do you gett rid of a unwanted pregnacy ?

The last time ihad intercourse was december 30. We didnt use protection, but we did the take outt before ejaculate process. how do itell if im pregnat withoutt pregnancy test & if iam how do iget rid og the pregnancy without the abortion shot. whats natural ways ? im only 19 and cant take resposibility for a child, because ifeel imm not old enoughh

Michelle answers:

Provoke a period, this works if you are unsure if it’s coming or even if you are late. You can do this by using Vitamin C.
Take 6-12 grams of ascorbic acid – vitamin C a day for 5-10 days. Specifically ascorbic acid. Do not use vitamin C with bioflaviniods or anything that has Rose-hips in it. Look for the cheap generic brands, they are usually the ones that have pure ascorbic acid. Doses consisting of one 500 mg tablet per hour are most common.
The vitamin C -ascorbic acid- works to produce an unfavorable climate within the uterus so that the egg does not implant, or cannot maintain its grip on the uterine wall. By stimulating estrogen, and possibly interfering with progesterone. Thus making it useful as an emergency contraceptive, when taking it before implantation occurs.
Progesterone is needed to prepare the uterus to receive the egg, the uterine lining builds up each month, and if the egg is not fertilized then this is what becomes the menstrual blood, when the lining is shed to prepare for the next cycle.
Http://www.sisterzeus.com/Hsp1shlp.htm
How It Works
http://www.sisterzeus.com/vit_c_ab.html

If you have any questions about it, email me. I have used these methods successfully before. I take 1,000mg every two hours.

If You need It
http://www.sisterzeus.com/PregT.htm
http://www.sisterzeus.com/List.htm

Natural Liberty: Rediscovering Self-Induced Abortion Methods ISBN: 0964592002 is now available on Scribd to read for free! Http://www.scribd.com/doc/22321349/Natural-Liberty-Rediscovering-Self-Induced-Abortion-Methods

Herbal Abortion – A Women’s DIY Guide
Herbal Abortion gathers some of the long-known knowledge of herbal abortion and puts it into a straightforward and practical pamphlet.
Http://www.scribd.com/doc/88918/Herbal-Abortion

NATURAL INDUCED MISCARRIAGE
Last Resort Methods
http://www.naturalmiscarriage.org/world/last-resort.htm

I have used these method successfully myself, if you have questions about any of this, email me.

~Pro-Choice Momma; Have had an abortion and I have a 12 month old daughter . I believe in protecting my daughter’s choice.

Abortion: There is a Consensus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsSQiazUv

Ps – As for others who would judge you, this is your business and their opinion don’t have to mean anything to you. They are strangers after all, who don’t know you or your situation.

Maria asks…

Please opinions or experiences trying to conceive after a miscarriage?

I am 22 yrs old and I had a child at the age of 18 that pregnancy went perfect. My boyfriend have been trying for a second child. For 3 years I was on the depo shot and stopped it in Aug 06 and went on birthcontrol pills in Aug and September 06. I didn’t get a period for 5 months and then I got 3 regular periods from March, April and May 2007. I found out I was pregnant in June 2007 but sadly it ended in a natural miscarriage on July 15th 2007 at 4-7 weeks along. I just got my first cycle back after the miscarriage which is exactly 2 months I got it on September 16th. So I would like to know your opinions on if we should try this cycle or wait. I have talked to 2 doctors and both have said I can try after my first cycle or wait. But I would really like your experiences with this or opinions. I very much appreciate all your stories and adivce. Thank you

Michelle answers:

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what it feels like to miscarry. I’ve had two, with still no luck of a successfull pregnancy. I’ll share my story with you.
My first pregnancy was fine until my 10 week appt. I went to my doctor and had my ultra sound, and he told me that I was losing my baby. I didn’t want to believe this, so I had a second opinion. Sure enough, it was true. I was told to just wait for it to happen. So for about another two weeks, I sat around and waited. That was the hardest part of everything. Waiting to lose your first child. After that two weeks, I woke up one day with horrible, horrible cramping. It went on throughout the day with no blood or discharge. I went to bed that night, and woke up in the wee morning hours in a pool of blood. I woke my husband up, and I went into the bathroom. Sick as this may sound, the blood was literally running out of me like a faucet. I was rushed to the hospital, and the next afternoon, I fully miscarried. I was told to wait three cycles before getting pregnant again. My husband and I started having sex again about a month after, using protection. But I got pregnant again within a week. I was so excited that I had another chance. This time, things were perfect until week 12, when I was told I was going to miscarry again. This time, the doctor did a D&C. I was told the reason I miscarried a second time was because my body wasn’t fully ready to carry a baby yet, after the first miscarriage, being that it was only 6 weeks after.
I was advised to do everything I could not to get pregnant until at least three cycles after my D&C. It’s been almost a year since my second miscarriage and I haven’t been able to get pregnant yet.
I’m not sure what you’re doctor told you, but going on my own experience, I would wait to get pregnant if I were you. Just to be sure your body is healed, and ready to try it again.
I know how painful emotionally and physically it is to miscarry, and I feel so bad for you. It’s a loss that I’ll never get over. But I was once told something that helps.
“Our babies just went to heaven a little sooner than us. They were so special that God wasn’t ready to give them up”
That always makes me feel better.
Good luck, and baby dust to you!

Your Questions About Natural Ivf

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Michelle

David asks…

IVF or Natural for our 3rd baby?

I had my first bub through IVF 3 yrs ago. My second was concieved naturally, very very unexpected but I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
So here is my dilemma. I have 7 frozen embryos. We want a third (my hubby wants a boy. I would luv another ten girls) and I feel really guilty about not using the embryos.
For starters I would love to try naturally again just to make sure i wasnt a fluke but I really want to use the embryos. I feel I have a real connections for those little bubs on ice. I also love the fact that they were concieved 4 years ago with our first born.
What would u do???

Michelle answers:

Your experience, natural conception after IVF is very common.

Your problem, it seems, is what to do with the frozen embryos. First off, a frozen embryo cycle is much cheaper that a fresh cycle. From the seven on ice, I can see you having up to two FETs.

But natural conception is still the best way to go. Any IVF cycle will result in a 20% miscarraige rate. This can be emotionally draining.

Embryos on ice can be viable for a long period of time.

Jenny asks…

Will I get pregnant naturally after IVF?

I went through IVF due to complete blockage of my fallopian tubes at the uterus. It was a brilliant success, and I now have a beautiful little daughter. I was wondering (hoping) if the pregnancy and the stretch of the uterus could have unblocked my tubes. I haven’t been able to find ANY research on it. Has anyone heard of natural pregnancy after IVF? Thank!

Michelle answers:

It is possible. My cousin had to have IVF to have her first two then got pregnant the 3rd time all by herself!!

William asks…

Natural pregnancy after failed IVF?

I’m 39 and have been ttc for about 2 years. After 4 failed IUI cylces with Clomid, we tried IVF. It failed, which was surprising given how well everything was going. I went to ER last Wed. morning for a UTI, on the verge of a kidney infection. They did a standard pregnancy bloodtest and my HCG came back at 11. Had a 2nd beta done 2 days later and HCG was 74, progesterone 26.9. This is all still very surreal to me. Had a beta and prog. bloodwork drawn today but haven’t gotten the results and wont’ until tomorrow. Has anyone else experienced this? How could this happen? Well, I know how it happened but you know what I mean. I’m worried the numbers will come back lower tomorrow. I just can’t believe it.

Michelle answers:

Haha. I was just going to refer you to the IVF board on FertileThoughts to read stories like yours but I have a feeling you already go there! LOL. Anyway, it is great how many natural BFPs have been happening there lately. Another one just got posted yesterday. I have never seen so many natural miracles in my 3 years of posting there before. I know your numbers will be GREAT tomorrow! Good luck.

Maribelle

Laura asks…

has anyone ever did ivf and didnt get pregnant but got pregnant natural?

Michelle answers:

I haven’t tried IVF but I was told that IVF with ICSI was my best chance to get pregnant. Well I decided to try insemination even though I was given an 8% chance that it would be successful. That was back in April for the first time and now I’m 8 weeks pregnant. Best wishes.

Your Questions About Natural Pregnancy Prevention

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Michelle

Sandra asks…

Natural methods to increase fertility?

i’m looking for some herbal/natural methods to increase fertility for my partner and myself. Also natural miscarriage preventions would be great. Do these natural fertility methods increase chances of multiple pregnancy? Are they safe? And do they actually work?

Michelle answers:

I have heard that Maca, an herb found in Peru is supposed to increase fertility, especially sperm count in Men. I have never tried it, but it would be worth doing some research on.
Also, start taking a pre-natal vitamin now, the high levels of folic acid are supposed to help when you are TTC. I do not know if any of these increase the chances of multiples.
Babydust.

Chris asks…

how can we prevent pregnancy naturally? Is there a way? if yes explain?

there are people who are married who are looking for a natural birth prevention, it may happen that they don’t like, or use the atificial method that we have e.g. ( pills, shuts, condom and other medical procedure) How can we save those people from overpopulate the world naturally?

Michelle answers:

Rhythm. It’s not 100%, but if a woman knows her body, she can avoid having sex at times of ovulation.

A woman ovulates APPROXIMATELY 14 days BEFORE her next period starts. It is called the luteal phase–DAY PASSED OVULATION. It is generally 12-16 days—14 days is average. And it HAS TO BE AT LEAST 10 to get pregnant. But, whatever it is, it is usually the same amount of days. The first part of a woman’s cycle might have fluctuations—but the luteal phase is always the same. Here is a good definition: http://www.webwomb.com/luteal_phase_frame_page.htm

A lot of time, you hear people say you ovulate 14 days after your period. This is not true. To better explain…if a woman has a 28 day cycle—then YES–she ovulates on day 14. However, if a woman has a 24 day cycle, then she ovulates on day 10. With a 35 day cycle she would ovulate around day 21. Therefore, 14 days after a period—is not accurate and it could cause unwanted pregnancies to someone trying to avoid. Or cause a lot of fertility issues for someone who keeps missing the mark. If a woman has irregular cycles—(28 one month, 35 the next month, 45 another month) it is much harder to know the timing of ovulation–other than body temperature or increased vaginal secretions. Increased vaginal secretions are a good sign a woman is ovulation. Avoid sex then to avoid pregnancy.

The best thing to do is start charting your cycles–and see how regular you are. There are plenty of sites out there. I like this one: http://www.cyclespage.com/ Basic service is free. After a couple cycles, it will let you know how many days your cycles are, and APPROXIMATELY what days you are most fertile—in a window. Due to not knowing exactly how long your luteal phase is. Also, pull out—added measure.

Ruth asks…

Can any Catholic give me a cogent defense of the Church’s stance against contraception and birth control?

The Catholic Church teaches, at least from my understanding (I could be wrong), that the only acceptable form of birth control is to plan around the woman’s natural cycles. Why is this method of preventing pregnancy any more morally acceptable than using physical contraception such as condoms, or chemical means to prevent pregnancy, such as the birth control pill? If the Church’s family planning strategy works towards the same ends as the “secular” way of pregnancy prevention does, why is the Catholic Church quibbling over such trivialities of how one prevents pregnancies? I never understood this. It would be like me saying that murdering someone with a gun is wrong, but murdering someone with a knife is okay. It is still murder, and the means by which this act is committed doesn’t change the fact that it is immoral. So why are the means so important with respect to pregnancy prevention? Either birth control, in any form, whether through family planning, contraception, or pill, is all morally wrong, or they are all equally morally acceptable.

Michelle answers:

I can explain the position, with the caveat that I do not agree with the position. The Catholic Church (CC) believes that preventing implantation of an embryo is a sin – hence why the pill, IUD, etc are bad. The CC also believes that restricting sperm from coming into contact with the egg – using a condom – is wrong because it goes against the idea of just having sex to make babies. However, family planning is allowed because you are not preventing implantation (like the pill, etc) and the sperm has the ability to come in contact with the egg. The whole idea is, if God wants to give you a child then He still can if you use the FPM but if you use condoms, etc then he cannot give you a child because those are man-made barriers against fertility.

Note: I really disagree with this position but fully comprehend why a religious organization that follows the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas would find this to be an acceptable position.

Mark asks…

Why is abstinence hammered into the brains of children? No matter how hard you try, you can’t block hormones?

Abstinence should not be stressed as much as it is today. It is a method of preventing unwanted pregnancies and/or STDs. It should be covered in 10 minutes of class. But instead, biased teachers make it seem like the only way.

Well, quite frankly, I’m completely dumbfounded by it. Anything, I repeat, ANYthing that even suggests altering or blocking out teenage hormones is outrageous. Sexual activity is not only natural and healthy, but it gives you the greatest feeling in the world.

I mean, for god’s sake, all you need to have a good sexual experience is a committed partner, and some form of pregnancy prevention. A pill a day keeps babies away. And a condom doesn’t hurt either.

Stop freaking kids out with all this “emotional and mental” bullshit… Again, as long as you have a committed partner, nothing bad is going to happen.

If both you and your partner are ready, then go for it.

Thoughts?

Michelle answers:

I agree. I’m 19 and have never had sex, I want to wait for the right person, not marriage. Plus you need to test drive the car before you purchase it!

Your Questions About Natural Pregnancy Remedies

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Michelle

Mary asks…

herbal remedies for miscarriages?

ive just found out i have miscarried again and decided to look up different options to help continue pregnancy as i can fall easy but can get pass the First stage. i came across lots of site about natural ways to help and they suggest taking herbs that help thicken the lining and make the cervix stronger do you think this is safe or do you think the doctor we laugh it off as they don’t like the herbal way. i do have a herbalist for ibs do you think is worth talking to her?
sorry this has gone into wrong section but if anyone has any ideas or thoughts please say as im trying to cover every idea out there so i increase my chances of a health full term pregnancy.

Michelle answers:

You need to be real careful and do a lot of research. There is little effectiveness and virtually no safety testing done on herbal remedies. You need to make sure that the claims made for them are backed up by _real_ peer-reviewed scientific research.

Then you have to balance the potential benefits against the risks of using a compound as a medication when nobody has any idea if it is safe to take during pregnancy.

Try this: substitute the words ‘herbal remedy’ with ‘untested medication’ – then decide if you want to take that kind of risk with an unborn child.

Sharon asks…

Trouble Sleeping Need Some Help PLEASE!!!!!?

ok so i have epilepsy and the meds i take make me tired but now that i am pregnant and can no longer take these meds i need to find something natural that won’t harm the baby i have tried several relaxation techniques and they don’t work. Sex doesn’t even work for me cause the more i get the more i want.
And warm milk just tastes awful anf gives me an upset stomach so does anyone have a natural remedy that i can take that is safe during pregnancy?
Thanks

Michelle answers:

You will need to check with your doctor, but my OB/midwifes recommended half a unisom. I’m not sure how that would interact with your current meds, but it worked for me.

Susan asks…

Eyebrow situation 🙁 Desperate for help!?

Hi, a month ago I accidentally over-plucked my eyebrows and they looked horrible. What’s worse is since I became pregnant, my hair growth has drastically slowed down. One month later, not a single hair has started to grow on my eyebrows. I mean NOTHING! I don’t know what to do.

Is there a natural remedy I could use on my brows to get them to grow (that’s safe for pregnancy)? It looks horrible!!! I’m so sad that this happened. Besides a brow pencil, what can I use? :*(

Michelle answers:

I heard vitamin E gel caspules help, but honestly I don’t know how valid that is, My sister would break the gel caps over and run them through her hair and took them orally and her hair became really shiny and healthy so maybe it helps with hair growth. I guess try googling it to see if it really does. I woul but I dont have the time too.

Donald asks…

Is my daughter has hyperactive disorder or ADHD? Onlye serious answers please?

Me and my wife arruged several times during her pregnancy and now I have a daughter and she is around 2 years old. My question is my daughter has ADHD or hyperactive. Her daily routine is like
1. Sleeps for 10 hours/day.
2. Feeding her is difficult
3. Always moving from one place to another
4. But seems to be attentive since she understands the things which we tell her.
5. Handling her outside the house becomes difficult as she always on the move.
6. She sings and dances for her favorite music.
7. Throws some things but that is not often.

I would like to know whether she is hyperactive or suffering from ADHD. If yes please tell me a NATURAL remedy. Please serious answers only…

Michelle answers:

What you’ve described is a normal 2-year-old.

Your Questions About Natural Pregnancy Products

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Michelle

Jenny asks…

Has anyone used this product???

Arnywear!!!!

http://www.arnywear.co.in

Is there any other 100% natural mosquito repellent which is safe during pregnancy and for new born baby????

Michelle answers:

I live in Bangalore and tried everthing trust me the best thing is arnywear

the product is the best for outdoor-indoor my 2 year old kid loves it.

Few things that says the product is worth
1)it has been clinically tested and proven by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
2) Boots(the top health shop in UK)
3) Mothercare sells it in UK

Mark asks…

sleepless and pregnant… are there gentle and safe sleep aids i can take?

so far it seems ppl. are saying that benedryl, ANY tylenol product ( hmm… really??),gravol, and i think ambient are ok during pregnancy. what has your Dr. said is ok to take to help you fall asleep? i am unsure about taking herbal stuff as some can be more potent and less tested then chemical junk. Do you know of any tested, gentle and proven safe natural sleep aids
p.s.
margaux the link you gave requires i download a trojan horse virus. no thanks!!!!

Michelle answers:

You can take tylenol pm, i took this while i was pregnant and it helped like a charm! 🙂

William asks…

Fertility Question..previous pregnancies gone wrong??

I have had one blighted ovum and one miscarriage, I know I’m able to get pregnant, but keeping them is a problem. I was hoping that someone would be able to help me out by recommending a good NATURAL fertility enhancer/support product?

Michelle answers:

There really isn’t any. The only thing that comes to mind is progesterone cream. Progesterone is the hormone that is produced after ovulation to help support any possible pregnancy. After you are actually pregnant, your body should be able to produce enough progesterone to support the early pregnancy until the placenta takes over in providing nutrition. If you have your progesterone levels taken after you are pregnant, and they read low, you can take progesterone supposatories or injections, or use rubbing cream to supplement. If you don’t have a problem with producing progesterone, then this won’t help you.

Remember that every egg and sperm are different. If one or the other is chromasonally abnormal, it will create an abnormal embryo. Usually an abnormal embryo will degenerate on it’s own, without implanting, but sometimes it does implant and cause you to be pregnant. In this case, the body usually rejects the pregnancies in order to prevent a baby with birth defect and to protect the mother.

In the average male, about 10% of the sperm are normally shaped. 1 in 5 eggs produced by a female is viable for fertilization.

Sharon asks…

Has anyone used a product called lerosett for acne during pregnancy?

Anyone recommend anything else that is natural and safe?

thankyou!

Michelle answers:

Idk if that is safe, I also never heard of it.

When I was first pregnant I washed my face with baby soap and Apricot Scrub. But with stress adding on as I got further along I would get random breakouts. I have this marvelous mint face mask that I also use on my belly. [I have this really gross heat rash] It feels good after you take it off your face and it feels SUPER good after you take it off your belly too. The air hits the mint extract and you get a cool sensation.

I am just a crazy pregnant lady I guess…. 😀

Your Questions About Oldest Woman Natural Pregnancy

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Michelle

William asks…

Do you think doctor care during pregnancy is important?

I have heard of a lot of women who decline doctor care when pregnant. Their excuse is they want it ‘completely natural” and that “women have been having babies without doctors for centuries”. My opinion is, while they did have babies without docs for a while, there were also more still borns and dead mothers. I just don’t understand why someone would decline a doctor (or midwife), tests, ultrasounds, and anything possible to ensure that their baby is born healthy. I’m not talking about women who use midwifes or the ones who do home births in general, but the ones who don’t care to see anyone. This makes no sense to me when research has shown that proper medical care is essential to a healthy delivery and newborn. Anyway, for those of you who decline medical help, I just want to know your reasoning and opinions.

Oh, and on a side note, I taught my almost 4 month old how to high five. lol. Now if you hold up your hand and say “give me five” she smacks your hand. lol. So cute!
Do your own thinking. I never agree with your answers BTW. So routine testing didn’t help me to find out I had bad kidney problems and kidney stones while pregnant? And a kidney infection that layed silent with no symptoms that almost caused me to go into preterm labor at 27 weeks? That kind of useless urine test that my doctor did?
I think it’s funny that the people who’s answers I NEVER agree with are the ones saying no doctor care is just peachy. I am glad to see that most of the women on here agree with me and went the safe route. Honestly, why would you risk your baby’s health for ANY reason.
And mystic, I hate the long copy and paste crap you always do. From now on, if you answer one of my questions, please refrain from doing it. I am MORE than capable of looking up my own facts and doing my own research. I really don’t need someone I disagree with doing it for me. Thank you.

Michelle answers:

Yes – I have lost 2 babies, and I threatened loss of my daughter many times.

Right up till I was in labour – without drs care, my daughter would not be here either. She was an emergency section and I was minutes away from losing her. Im so blessed she is here with me.

I dont mean to knock anyone who declines medical attention – but given my past history while pregnant, it would be silly, selfish and irresponsible of me not to seek medical care when pregnant.

Paul asks…

Is it normal for a teenage girl to feel this way?

I’m 14 and I had a dream last night that the school had an outbreak of STD’s and a dramatic increase of teen pregnancy, so everybody was forced to take a pregnancy test. Even though I was a virgin, it somehow came up positive. Well, I thought my dream was rather odd and didn’t think anything of it.

Then throughout the day, I kept thinking about children and I noticed pregnant women and children everywhere I went. Then I was like “I want a baby.” even though I knew I wouldn’t be emotionally or financially stable. [I’m NOT going to have a baby at 14! I’m not stupid enough to bring a child into this world INTENTIONALLY at such a young age.] I realized how silly that must sound coming from a 14 year old and tried to ignore the idea. Well, I realized that while I was on my night time walk, I had my right hand resting on my belly like most pregnant women do.

About 30 minutes ago, while I was on the phone with my friend, I started rubbing my belly and wondered how it felt being pregnant. My sister has a “female problem” [I’m not sure exactly what it’s called] where she has two uteri and the lining has a hard time coming out during her time of the month. It builds up inside her uteri and she can’t conceive. She’s tried invetro and natural pregnancy, but she still can’t keep the baby. I really want to be pregnant and for my sister to have a baby, so I would like to be a surrogate mother. That way she could finally have a baby! Is it normal for me to want to have a baby and be pregnant? Is it possible for me to be a surrogate for my sister in a few years when I’m 16-17?

Michelle answers:

First of all, don’t think you’re stupid for wanting a baby / thinking about having a baby at 14.

Obviously you’re not stupid when you realize that you couldn’t possibly be stable enough to look after a child.

Let me also say that is so sweet of you to think of being a surrogate for your sister, it is a lovely thought.

However, at 16 – 17, it’s not the best idea to carry a child. Plus, the doctors probably wouldn’t make a minor pregnant. Your body is still newly developed and being a teenager still, it’s not the best idea to put your body through an ordeal like pregnancy / birth until later on. (Trust me, I was 16 when I had my child.)

Also, if you do become pregnant with your sister’s baby, considering you’re kind of longing for one right now, it may be very hard for you to give the baby up after carrying it for nine months. Not only that, but your sister may get jealous seeing you with her child (even if you did it out of kindness). I don’t think it’s the best idea as it may create conflict within the family, but if it is the only way for your sister to have a child and you want to within your own terms, do it at an older age, when you’ve finished school and can support yourself being pregnant.

I hope I helped, wait until you’re older. (18 – 25?)

Laura asks…

Has the pill given women a false impression about fertility?

When taking the pill, it is stressed how easily you could become pregnant with just one little slip.

Many women take their pill religiously, worried that a slight mistake or a forgotten pill means a baby will be made.

In actual fact, if you think back to older days, women did have spaces between kids, and if pregnancy was so easily achievable, married couples would have many, many children.

It seems it is nature’s way to prevent women from conceiving immediately and constantly.

So has the pill given us all false hopes of instant families? Should we realise that it does take time, and if we have to wait a few months or years, it is a natural thing?

I am not saying this make it any easier! Just asking if the pill has given us a false impression?

Michelle answers:

YES.

I definately think it gave me false impression, I remember going on the pill at 20 (am now 31) came off it at 29 as my and my husband are now trying to concieve.

I took it on the dot every day as i was so worried id get pregnant, a couple of times a took the morning after pill when i missed my BC just to make sure i was protected! How naieve was I!!!!!! I’ve been off the pill since May 2008 took two months to get my period back and another 2 to become regular, so 5 months or so of actively trying and still not pregnant!!!

Also makes me think i shouldnt have underestimated my abilty to concieve…. I know Ill never go on the pill again…. Ive been so much better with out it too, less moddswings for sure 🙂

Lisa asks…

I have only gained 10lbs and I’m in my 9th month, Is this normal?

I am 9 months pregnant and have only gained 10lbs.When I got pregnant I weighed 97lbs. I currently weigh 107 and I’m due June 25th. I had Thyroid cancer at 19 and hat my whole thyroid removed. I am now on medicine for this that I have to take daily. When I found out I was pregnant I wasn’t taking it as needed. As soon as I found out I was pregnant I started taking my medicine as should. I have always struggled to gain weight. Im a natural skinny woman. I am 5″2 and am 23 years old. My entire family is small but they all gained more weight in their pregnancy‘s. I have spoken with my doctor about this on many occasions but he always reassures me that everything is fine. I really want to believe and trust in my doctor but in the back of my mind something just does not seem right. Any suggestions, answers, opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Michelle answers:

I trust my doctor, if I didn’t I would go nuts with worry.
I didn’t gain weight at the beginning of my pregnancy, I actually lost some.

What I think could be happening to you is that you’re losing the weight but the baby is gaining, so it seems like you’ve only gained 10lbs.

If the doctor says you’re fine, then I would believe him.
Why would he lie to you about that? If he was concerned I think he would put you in some sort of diet to gain more weight.
Next time you see him, tell him that you’re concerned, ask him more questions until you’re satisfied. I know my doctor has longer visits with me because of all my questions, but I believe it’s his job to help me with my worries.

Your Questions About Natural Ivf Treatment

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Michelle

Donna asks…

problems conceiving?

I’ve had 3 ectopic preg’s i’ve been told i have 50/50 chance of conceiving a natural birth, with only 1 tube left i am waiting for IVF treatment. I still want to try and see if can be successful with the remaining tube but im worried of the outcome do you know anyone who is or have been in a simular position? or anyone who has been successful after having an ectopic pregnacy

Michelle answers:

I had a friend who managed to conceive naturally twice with only one tube. Unfortunately her third pregnancy was ectopic though.

Good luck.

George asks…

Is IVF and other forms of fertility treatments ethical?

This is not a statement about my personal beliefs, just something I was pondering…
Whether you believe in God or in evolution, wouldn’t artificial ways of reproducing go against your personal beliefs?
If you follow the Bible, wouldn’t it be up to Him if and when you conceive? And please don’t try to argue that God gave the doctors the knowledge, because the Bible clearly states that knowledge came into the world when man fell in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve partook of from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Gen 2:17)
And if you believe in evolution, wouldn’t it go against natural selection?
I’m just curious where others stand on this issue.

Michelle answers:

I’m not sure if I believe in god, but I’m not sure if I believe in evolution either. But either way it would seem that no matter how you slice it ethically it is immoral. I guess there women who would be pissed at this statement, but if you are meant to have a kid, you’ll be able to have and if nature is saying no way, than move on and get over it.

Donald asks…

Should we keep on trying to get pregnant?

It’s been 2 years by natural methods and about 1 year under metformin and 2 months on clomide. We discover that I suffer from PCOS and I don’t ovulate.This next month is our last tray with Clomid because the Doc doesn’t do more than 3 treatments. I’m exhausted and feeling on the way to depression, my husband tells me not to loose my hope, he sees our baby in any little girl, he is dying to have a baby. I want to adopt if the 3rd try doesn’t work, with our own baby or not I still want to adopt, he is not against but sometimes I think he really deserves a fruit of love like that one. Should I just give up…I don’t want to go with IVF and spend all that money, am I selfish for not want to keep on trying?
I just think there is so many kids that need somebody to love them.
If i had the money I would adopt 10 kids!!!

Michelle answers:

The exhaustion is normal. Not fun at all. I admire your love for kids. Trust your doctor. Pray together with your husband. There are miracles that have happened in our world, the here and now, especially regarding your issue. Things can change. Give your faith in God a real test by relaxing and turning it over to your own creator!

Robert asks…

Fertility Treatments?

My friend Sarah has been trying to get pregnant fo about 19 months with no luck.

She has been to the doctor who keeps saying that after 24 months he will look in to putting them on fertility treatment. But, she doesn’t want to go through the gruelling medical treatment and would prefer to go for natural therapies. She has looked in to a few (i don’t know the full details) and so far no luck.

She would like to have twins also (a perk of IVF) incase she has trouble falling pregnant again. Has anyone had any good experiences or know of good fertility treatments that don’t need a prescription?

I feel really bad around her lately as I am pregnant with my second so any good news I could give her would be great!

Michelle answers:

Eating healthy and some herbs can increase fertility. Increasing appetite 200 or 300 calories is also a good thing to do to help her body prepare for pregnancy