IVF Tips. (updated)

These were tips/suggestions given to me by my acupuncturist. I list them just to share what has been told to me.

updated: Like I had said, I'm just passing the info I was given along. I'm not suggesting it to you, I'm just sharing it with you. I am aware many women get pregnant without doing all of this, but then again, many women get pregnant without having to do ivf. I'll do what is comfortable for me and I'll do what I deem important. I'm ~not~ saying that you MUST do all or even any of these things for ivf to succeed. I'm simply passing along the information that was given to me. Oh - and my RE and acupuncturist work hand in hand. These recommendations are added to my IVF file too. So everyone knows everything.


~SUPPLEMENTS~
female protocol:
* deep sea fish oil 1200mg per day in divided doses
* prenatal
* additional folic acid taken away from prenatal. If you take prenatal at night, take the extra folic acid in morning.
* Greens Plus (helps keeps your system alkaline instead of acidic)
* Bee Pollen with Propolis (boosts egg quality)
* If you are taking metformin or glucophase, take EXTRA B vitamins because this medication depletes your body of B vitamins.

male protocol:
* Vitamin C 2,000 mgs/dat (ester C is good) in divided doses
* Vitamin E 800 IU/day
* Beta Carotene 100,000 IU/day
* Selenium 200micrograms/day
* Zinc 60 mgs/day divide dose to avoid tummy troubles (necessary for sperm production and testosterone metabolism)
* B12 1,000mg/day (involved in replication of cells)
* Deep sea fish oil
* L-arginine 2-4g/day (amino acid involved in cellular replication)
* L-carnatine 1,000-1,200mg/day (assists in sperm motility)
* Magnesium aspartate - 200mg/day (magnesium is intimately involved in cellular energy metabolism in the mitochondria)
* Because of sperm's susceptibility to oxidative damage, it is wish to use free-radical scavengers such as pine bark, red wine extract, grape seed extract and bilbetty extract. Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) enhances the effects of other antioxidants. Recommended dose is 125mg/day from various sources.

~ DIET for women ~
* eliminate all refined sugar
* don't eat refined carbs
* ELIMINATE caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, chocolate and soda pop.
* eat organic and hormone free whenever possible
* avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese and ice cream. Goat milk/cheese is okay.
* Eat fresh fruit
* Eat alkaline rather than acidic foods
* Get plenty of essential fatty acids
* consume lots of organic vegetables. Make sure they are COOKED! Do not eat raw foods.
* DO NOT EAT COLD FOODS. No ice cold beverages and ESPECIALLY avoid ice cream (she went on to say how anything cold will take blood flow away from uterus to be used in the belly to warm up anything cold you've eaten.

~ DIET for MEN ~
* Pretty much all the above, except dairy and sodas can be had in moderation.

~ GENERAL for WOMEN ~
* after retrieval, it's suggested to get a massage to help you relax and get circulation going
* laugh a lot, stay positive and rely on your support group to help out.
* stay hydrated
* again, no ice water or ice cream
* watch movies while on bed rest - don't watch horror, heavy or depressing movies. Mind set is important
* Always keep your feet warm, wear socks, never use hot packs on your low back or abdomen, hot packs on your feet are great and safe.
* use a fireman's roll to get up as added protection
* get up to go to the bathroom, make yourself something to eat and to get a change of scenery. It's strongly suggested you stay in a resting position with your feet up as long as your doctor recommends bed rest.
* keep pictures of your embryos nearby and visualize them implanting, promise them you will be great parents. Remember your belief needs to be strong right now and your body hears every thought you have.
* Be assured your embryos WILL NOT FALL OUT. The sides of the uterine wall touch and envelopes the embryos. Move around as you normally do, we want you to rest but also we want your blood to circulate. Don't be afraid to walk around and do things at a normal pace.