Essential Oils for Infertility | young Living Essential Oils

Reposting without external link.

I've been wanting to write this post for a very long time, but have not felt it was the right time until now.

Back in 2010, I was given the diagnosis of "unexplained infertility" after trying to conceive for one year without success.

Unexplained infertility refers to the absence of a definable cause for a couple's failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of attempting conception despite a thorough evaluation, or after six months in women 35 and older.

For me, it so much worse, because it was unexplained. At the time, I was just praying to know what was wrong with me, but there were no answers.

We eventually did conceive our first pregnancy on our own, but lost that pregnancy at 8 weeks in October of 2010. We proceeded to move forward with fertility treatments, and I was under the care of Dr. Richard Yoo at Kaiser in San Diego (Point Loma). He is an amazing individual!

We conceived our daughter, Makayla (now 5 years old) during our first Clomid cycle in June of 2011. I was also doing Fertility Acupuncture at least once a week with Jessica of San Diego Fertility Acupuncture. With our history, I was absolutely shocked we conceived on our first cycle!

We were so thankful and luckily I had a very easy pregnancy but a traumatic delivery. Perhaps I'll write a post on that another day.

Fast forward to a few years later when we were ready to start trying for baby #2. My cycles were still crazy. I was ovulating maybe 4-5 times per year. I was tracking my cycles through the Fertility Friend app on my phone (which is amazing by the way!). Now, this time around my age is "getting up there" and i'm creeping up on the "advanced maternal age". I was secretly very hopeful inside because we conceived Makayla on our first round of Clomid, so I was expecting this to happen again. Boy, I was wrong!

We tried for a few cycles on our own, I knew exactly when I was ovulating based on the Fertility Friend app, but time after time again those HPTs were negative.

In January of 2015, we decided to go back to Dr. Yoo at Kaiser Reproductive Medicine in Point Loma. Because it had been a few years, we needed to do all of our testing again. We did. It was all normal. Again.

We started treatments in January of 2015.

January 2015 - Clomid 50mg x 5 days with timed intercourse -- failed cycle
February 2015 - Clomid 100mg x 5 days with timed intercourse -- failed cycle
March 2015 - Clomid 100mg x 5 days with timed intercourse -- failed cycle
Took a break
August 2015 - Clomid 100mg x 5 days with timed intercourse -- failed cycle
October 2015 - Clomid 100mg x 5 days with IUI -- failed cycle
November 2015 - Clomid 150mg x 5 days with IUI -- failed cycle
December 2015 - scheduled to start Menopur injections
In November of 2015, after taking the max dose of Clomid (150mg) x 5 days, I ended up being hospitalized due to Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a medical condition affecting the ovaries of some women who take fertility medication to stimulate egg growth. Most cases are mild, but rarely the condition is severe and can lead to serious illness or death.
 I woke up one day feeling like I was dying. Literally. As a RN, I have to be pretty darn sick to seek out medical care. I had a massive headache, chills, I was sweating profusely and had abdominal pain with nausea. I remember calling my mom to come over to watch Makayla because I just couldn't do it. My husband was at work. By the time she came over, which was less than a hour, I told her I needed to go to Urgent Care. She drove us and kept an eye on Makayla while I was being checked in. I remember it being a Saturday morning and it was pretty busy, but they took me in pretty fast. I must have looked pretty awful. I remember almost collapsing on the gurney and the RN asking me "why my heart rate was so high". I was confused, all I knew was that I did not feel well at all. Then I looked at the cardiac monitor and I remember seeing my rate in the 140s. I was shocked. The nurse in me kicked in, then I got really worried. The rest was really a blur. I remember having a EKG, labs, a few liters of IV fluid, zofran, toradol, and still not feeling better. I remember Makayla coming back to see me, my dad coming, and my husband coming when he got off work. My HR was still very high, so I ended up being transferred to The ED for further workup. I was working there as a RN at the time, and I remember it was very awkward but I didn't have a care in the world because I was so sick.
My pelvic ultrasound showed my ovaries were so swollen, full of fluid, approximately the size of apples and fluid was leaking into my abdomen. This was all consistent with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. I ended up being admitted for observation and was discharged once my heart rate came down.
I remained so hopeful that the OHSS would end up with a positive pregnancy test, but once again, it was negative. Not just white, stark white. Another failed cycle.

After my hospitalization, my husband and I decided we were done with fertility treatments. My body couldn't handle anymore medication. It was done. I was done. We decided that we were going to stop trying for baby #2. We were blessed with one perfect, healthy child, Makayla, and we found peace in the fact that we were going to be a happy family of three. So we thought!
I was a bit depressed, I was still processing my recent hospitalization and illness, and everyone that I talked to would say something along the lines of "just relax, and then it will happen". I can't even begin to describe the anger that took over every time someone would tell me that. During this time I was dealing with a lot of anger, jealousy and grief. I was working as a RN in the Emergency Department and I swear to you, every single shift, I was assigned an adolescent female with abdominal pain that ended up being pregnant, and the pregnancy was obviously unwanted. Or, a pregnant female with vaginal bleeding. Or a crazy patient that was pregnant that was admittedly using drugs. It was a very, very hard trying time for me.
In January of 2016 I started getting more and more into Essential Oils and holistic health. I had been using essential oils since 2013 but for some reason really increased my use in January of 2016. I was determined to get my body back to normal, shed all the weight I had gained (thank you, Clomid), and live a healthier lifestyle.
I started using some Young Living products to try to get my hormones back to normal and my cycles as well. I was using a combo of the following products. I was also exercising regularly and doing The Bar Method Carlsbad which I loved!
Essential Oils and Infertility

My favorite oil reference is the Essential Oil Pocket Reference. The best Young Living blends for infertility are as follows.

Clary Sage:
Clary Sage has an herbaceous aroma that is believed to create a calm and relaxing environment.
Dragon Time:
Dragon Time is a proprietary blend of Fennel, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Lavender, Blue Yarrow, and Jasmine essential oils. Its sweet, herbaceous aroma can help promote feelings of stability and calm during cycles of moodiness. Diffuse, inhale directly, or apply Dragon Time topically to experience its steadying aromatic properties.
Ylang Ylang:
Grown and distilled from trees at Young Living's farm in Ecuador, Ylang Ylang oil is extracted by steam distilling the star-shaped flowers found on the tropical ylang ylang tree. With its rich, floral scent, Ylang Ylang essential oil has become a popular element in luxurious and indulgent perfumes and skin care products.
Acceptance:
Containing Coriander and Geranium essential oils, Acceptance™ encourages feelings of self-worth when used aromatically.
Mister:
Created for men, Mister™ oil blend is uplifting when diffused.
SclarEssence:
SclarEssence™ supports overall wellness with the properties of pure essential oils, including Clary Sage and Fennel.*
Lady Sclareol:
Lady Sclareol™ is an oil blend created especially for women to enhance the feminine nature and provide a relaxing experience when diffused.
EndoFlex:
EndoFlex™ is a blend of Spearmint, Geranium, and other pure essential oils that helps create a calming and balancing aroma when diffused.
Progessence Plus:
Progessence Plus is a pure serum that is designed specifically for women. Along with wild yam and vitamin E, Progessence Plus is formulated with Frankincense, Bergamot, and Peppermint essential oils. The pleasant smell and portable bottle makes application convenient and enjoyable, especially in public. The product’s clear bottle showcases the purity of this unique formulation.
Prenolone Plus Body Cream:
Prenolone® Plus Body Cream is a natural moisturizer containing Ylang Ylang and Clary Sage essential oils to nourish the skin.
I personally used Clary Sage, Dragon Time, Progessence Plus and Prenolone Body Cream.

Clary Sage

I used for amenhorrhea, it affects the hormonal system. I applied topically to vita flex points nightly as well as on my ovaries.

Dragon Time

I used for hormonal balance, put a few drops on the vita flex points on my feet and around my ankles (inside and outside), as well as rubbing on my lower abdomen nightly.



Progessence Plus

I used Progessence Plus topically. I placed 2 drops on my forearms morning and night.

Prenolone Body Cream

I used topically, rubbed on my lower back nightly.

The End Results

My mood became better. My cycles became normal. In May of 2016, we conceived on our own. Yes, that is right. After 6 rounds of Clomid, two IUIs, and a hospitalization for OHSS, we conceived naturally. I truly, whole heartedly believe we were able to do so because I was using essential oils.

Here is Makayla announcing that she will FINALLY be a big sister!

Kaden Parker was born on January 15, 2017.

*the above three photos credit of Shiloh Colleen Photography*

He is such a joy, and has completed our family.

To all of the women out there struggling with infertility: Do not give up. Do not lose hope. I know how hard it is. Trust me. If you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me anytime.

For more information on purchasing your starter kit with Young Living, head over here.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

We've Moved for Good!

We've moved for good!

If you're looking for Jennifer Alison Designs go here:

www.jenniferalisondesigns.com

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Happy First Birthday Makayla Jo!

Happy First Birthday sweet baby girl! I can't believe how fast this year has passed but I am going to save all of the sappy stuff for another post.

Makayla Jo | 11 month update | February 9, 2013

Oh, my, gosh! Makayla Jo Jo. Where has the past year gone. I'm deep in my knees to planning your first birthday party and I just can't believe it. So much has changed over the past year, and it's all because of YOU! You are amazing, the light of our lives, and the reason I wake up every day.

You weigh about 20 lbs even. I'm not sure about your height but you are pretty darn long. You take after your daddy for sure.

Eating: You want to eat everything and anything that we are eating. We're slowly starting you on more table foods. Your favorites so far are blueberries, bananas, avocados, and spinach ravioli. You also like rice and beans (any kind!). You're telling us that you are over baby food purees when you blow raspberries with it in your mouth and spit it all over us. :) We still have a lot to finish though so we keep trying. Your breakfast is usually fruit and oatmeal or waffles. lunch is crackers, fruit, banana, or avocado, and a puree. dinner is whatever we are having usually. You're still on formula, about 4 bottles a day but usually only 4-6 ounces each. You LOVE water out of your sippy cup and drink it at every meal.

Sleeping: Lets just say you are amazing. Don't even want to talk about it. Bedtime is 7:00 to 7:15 sharp and you sleep straight through until 7:00 a.m. You are still taking two naps per day, your morning nap is around 10:00 and can last from 1-2 hours and your afternoon nap is around 2:00 and can also last for 1-2 hours. You nap best at home, in your crib. This makes it hard to get out and do things on the weekends! We usually do an early morning errand before your morning nap (i.e. target with starbucks!) and then sometimes on the weekends you will just have a quick afternoon nap in the car if we are out and about.

Sounds: your favorite word is "uh-oh". Its so darn cute but you say it at everything! Your favorite game is to drop something off of your high chair and say uh-oh! you also say dada, mama, yum yum, and I swear this week you started saying "dude!".

Movements: Yep, you are officially walking. You took your first steps around 10 1/2 months. You picked it up pretty quickly and now you love walking. You love picking up heavy things and trying to walk with them. (like brand new costco wipe packs, heavy toys, formula cans, etc). You are going to be a body builder!

Toys: Your favorite toys right now are your Sesame Street kitchen with a bunch of toy food. You also love ball games, your Old McDonald Had a Farm toy, your police car, and your Cars car.

Clothes: You are officially in 12 month clothing. I still try to squeeze you into some 9 month clothes but yeah can't do that anymore. You wear size 3 diapers during the day and size 4 diapers at night.

Teeth: You have three teeth. Two on the bottom and one canine tooth on your upper right side. No upper middle teeth yet which is weird.

Illness: Girl, you and I have both been sick pretty much non-stop since Christmas. We get better and then it seems like it comes right back. We went up to Tahoe on Vacation from February 3 through February 10th and you and I both got SO sick. You were SO fussy, had a high fever, and just green snot coming out everywhere. You also were refusing bottles and refusing to eat. We thought you had another ear infection and ended up taking you to Renown Children's Hospital ER in Reno. The Dr. was great but said it was probably just a sinus infection and wrote a Rx for amoxicillin. The day we left Tahoe I started puking and I pretty much have been sick ever since with a sinus infection. I have tried two different antibiotics and nothing has worked.

You loved sledding even though you were so sick.

Two weeks until your first birthday party! OMG......

Valentine's Day Decor | Heart Valentine's Day Mantel/Mantle

I got really excited to decorate for Valentine's Day this year. I guess now that I'm a mom my nesting instinct has finally kicked in. I used to never want to do things like this, but now I am obsessed. It's probably all because of Pinterest!!!

Printable "Be Mine" Banner can be found here

Pink & Grey printable found here

Everything else was found at Dollar Tree!

Makayla Jo | 10 month update | January 9, 2013

Makayla Jo, 10 months old, 1/9/13

Oh, Makayla Jo. Here we are again, another late post. Time is going by way too fast! I know I say it every month but I seriously cannot believe that you are almost 1 year old. Each month gets better and better, and you are such an amazing little girl. You are SO smart, SO funny, and SO adorable. 

Height: unknown

Weight: unknown

Head Circumference: unknown

Whats new this month? 

• You have mastered standing on your own. You do it for about 20 seconds at a time and then you try to walk and fall. You are going to be walking in no time.
• You are waving bye-bye. SO adorable.
• You are eating more finger foods. Right now your favorite foods are blueberries, crackers (graham crackers and saltines), kiwi, strawberries, bananas, avocados, and cheerios. We are introducing you to new foods almost daily now. 
• You finally figured out to hold your sippy cup! And you love water! 
• You are obsessed with whatever electronic daddy or mommy has. Either the laptop, the iPad, the remote, or a cell phone. OBSESSED. 
• You are finally in all 9-12 month clothes. We (I) finally cleared your closet of the 6 month clothes. 
• We are starting to put more toys in your Playroom upstairs. 
• For the most part you are still sleeping from 7 pm to 7 am but every few nights you have been waking up for a bottle anywhere between 3 and 5 am, but it's not every night, so i'll take it.
• You are down to about 4 eight-oz bottles a day.
• You are still in day care twice a week but now different days due to Daddy's shift change
• You love playing in the kitchen. The Tupperware cabinet and the dish towel cabinet are your favorites. 
• You still only have two bottom teeth.
• You've had green snot running down your face for over a month now but no fever and no fussiness so I'm not worried.
• Your FIRST Birthday Party will be on your ACTUAL birthday, as it falls on a Saturday! March 9, 2013. Planning is in full-force, and invitations have been sent out. We are doing a Minnie Mouse Theme (Pink & Black of course!)

Until next month...

FREE VALENTINES DAY PINK HEARTS PRINTABLE

Free Valentines Day Pink Hearts Printable!

This is a 8.5 x 11 inch PDF file that has twelve 2 x 2 inch squares that can be used for anything Valentine’s Day related!

Enjoy! 

Recent Business Logo Designs | custom business logo designer

FREE Valentine's Day Printable PDF 2x2 inch square tags LOVE

Free Valentines Day Printable!

I created this for all of my followers out there! This is a 8.5 x 11 inch PDF file that has twelve 2 x 2 inch squares that can be used for anything Valentine’s Day related!

Enjoy! 

New for 2013! Wedding Invitation Printable Digital Designs

New for 2013!

I have been wanting to add printable digital designs to my Etsy Shop and Website for awhile now. I just had to find the time to do so! I've started by adding three invitation sets so far. Please stay tuned for updates.

This listing includes a high-resolution PRINTABLE DIGITAL FILE (delivered via email) that can be printed at home or uploaded to a professional print shop.

RSVP card size is 5×3.5″

Chose from the following file types:

-One 5×3.5″ JPG image (for photo/print shop printing)
-One8.5″ x 11″ PDF file, with two 5″ x 3.5″ RSVP cards saved to the page (for home or professional printing)

Please including ENTIRE RSVP card wording at checkout

Proofs will be sent within 2 hours and up to 2 weeks – please contact for a current turnaround time.

Colors/Fonts cannot be revised for this particular item. If you are interested in a revision of this invitation please contact for a quote.

**matching invitation also available (separate listing)**

Fall Pumpkin Wedding Invitation Printable Digital Design

Fall Pumpkin Wedding RSVP card Printable Digital Design

 $15 for each digital file - for sale here! And Here!

Pink Starfish Tropical Wedding RSVP card Printable Digital Design

Pink Starfish Tropical Wedding Invitation Printable Digital Design

Red & Teal Starfish Tropical Square Wedding RSVP card Printable Digital Design

Red & Teal Starfish Tropical Square Wedding Invitation Printable Digital Design

Happy New Year! | 2013 Goals

Happy New Year! 2012 was by far one of the best year's of my life to date. I'm excited to welcome 2013. I'm not one for setting new years resolutions - as I always break them, but this year I really wanted to sit down and write a list of goals I would like to accomplish in 2013.

 

2013 Goals:

1. Lose 20 lbs.
2. Figure out my stomach issues. Lactose intolerant? Gluten intolerant?
3. Pay off one (or both!) credit cards.
4. Meal plan, grocery shop in bulk, prepare more. Groceries online?
5. Care more about my appearance (i.e. do my hair & makeup)
6. Take a real vacation
7. Continue to do work on the house (kitchen remodel? laundry room upstairs? backyard landscaped?)
8. Finish the play room
9. Decide if there will be a baby #2
10. Exercise at least 3 days a week. Home videos? Home treadmill or elliptical?
11. Stay organized and DE-clutter
12. Organize bills/important documents in a a file system
13. Get my home "office" desk set up & organized to use on a daily basis
14. try 1 new recipe a month
15. backup all pictures and important documents
16. Read more.
17. decorate master bedroom (art, linens, towels, etc).
18. Re-vamp my design business. Keep my website/blog up to date and add new products frequently.
19. Add more printed products - labels I can print from home, easy designs I can print & ship from online labs.
20. Work on my photography. Get my camera out AT LEAST once a week.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Four days until Makayla's first Christmas!
Yipee!

Silence.

Makayla Jo | 9 month update | December 9, 2012

NINE months! Wow! You are amazing little one, just amazing. We love this age - you are so fun! You've started saying yum yum, wow, dada, and giving kisses.

Weight: 18 pounds

Height: 27 inches

Head Circumference: unknown

 Sleeping:

 We've hit a rough patch over the past week or so. Not sure if you're teething again, afraid of the dark, having night terrors, or if separation anxiety is starting but you have been waking up frequently over the past week. Generally you are sleeping between 7 and 730.

Eating:
You're still eating about 3 purees per day, breakfast, lunch & dinner. You are down to about 4 bottles per day now, with 6-8 ounces each. Dr. Kahn states that it's ok that you only consume about 18-24 ounces of formula per day now. We also started you on Puffs. You love picking them up and feeding yourself. You've also had a few small bites of bagel, eggs, chicken, turkey, etc. We are still worried about you choking but you are doing wonderful.

Clothes:
Definitely in 9 month clothes. Some 6 month stuff is still in your drawers and daddy sometimes dresses you in clothes too small when I'm at work.

Crawling/Standing/Walking:
You are all over the place! You are going to be standing on your own anyway now. You basically do
it and then you get scared and sit down. You recently got a toy car and you push it and walk! It's adorable.

Holiday Cards 2012 edition

Happy Holidays 2012!

I had so many ideas for this year's holiday cards because it was Makayla's first Christmas. I designed 5+ cards and this is the I ordered. I had to pull the trigger and stop changing my mind.. I do love the way they turned out though, I wanted to showcase the amazing smile and dimples that I captured during our in-home photoshoot ala pinterest. I also wanted to use one of our pictures from our mini fall session last month. 

And, here is the winner! Happy Holidays to all. 

Ebates is amazing!

I can't believe I just heard about Ebates and finally signed up.

You earn a percentage cash back for each and every online purchase you make. We shop online a lot. A LOT. Pretty much buy everything on Amazon.

I can't believe I didn't know about this. I've already earned $6.98 cash back in the past month or so with Holiday Shopping. I have a check coming my way in February 2013.

All you have to do is open Ebates in a browser and keep it open and then search for what ever store you are looking for and open their website through Ebates. 

It's silly not to sign up. Sign up here!

Maui Hawaii Destination Wedding Invitations & Starfish Place Cards

These pictures were never posted of Megan's Maui Destination Wedding. I designed her invitations, table numbers, menus, starfish place cards & much more! See all of the details in this post here!