FAQ's
What infertility treatments have you done?
This could take awhile! I'll list what we tried, how long, and side effects I experienced. Every case is different, so trust your Reproductive Endocrinologist to find what works for you.
- Clomid: Tried it for seven months. Only grew teeny, tiny eggs while destroying my uterine lining and making me want to run over Ben with a lawn mower (true story). I HATE CLOMID.
- Femara: Tried it for four months. Grew decent eggs, experienced much less "psycho Whitney" with this one.
- Bravelle injection: Tried for four months. When paired with Femara, it worked well and grew some fatty eggs. It burns like a mother and I hated giving myself shots, but it worked. Also pretty expensive...who am I kidding? It's all expensive.
- Interuterine Insemination (IUI): Tried four times and it worked! My doctor checked follicle growth a couple of times during my cycle. When a promising follicle appeared, I'd inject myself with HCG to trigger the release of the follicle then head on in to be turkey basted with Ben's washed and concentrated sperm. Now you know us like family.
- Homeopathic medicine: I was a little hesitant on this one, but used a trio of Red Raspberry, Hormeal, and timed Acupuncture with our final IUI.
- Progesterone: Used after every IUI until a period or positive pregnancy test. I continued use of vaginal suppositories until about 12 weeks.
What was it like being a NICU nurse and having a 24 weeker?
It was really hard. On one hand, I was well acquainted with all the equipment, jargon, and problems associated with premature birth. On the other, there were days I knew too much. It was hard to be a Mom with the NICU nurse in my head nagging me over vitals, ultrasounds, and feedings. I was lucky to work in the NICU before Jude was born and truly felt my friends would care for him like their own.
How can I donate my milk to babies in need?
Bless your soul! After donating almost 10 gallons, I can tell you there isn't a greater, more selfless act. Visit this site for more information. You won't regret it.
What advice do you have for working moms like you?
I'd like to boast of balance between the two, but sometimes that just isn't possible. When I'm at work, I give 100% and try to do the same when I'm home. I try to leave work at the door and focus on the precious time I have with my family. It's hard, Especially when a taxing day or hectic commute leaves me exhausted, but it's something I try to be conscious of. I'm lucky to have a more-than-competent and supportive husband who picks up the slack and helps me in any way I'll let him. At the end of the day, I feel working has made me a better, more grateful and patient mom at home and a more relatable nurse to my patients.
This could take awhile! I'll list what we tried, how long, and side effects I experienced. Every case is different, so trust your Reproductive Endocrinologist to find what works for you.
- Clomid: Tried it for seven months. Only grew teeny, tiny eggs while destroying my uterine lining and making me want to run over Ben with a lawn mower (true story). I HATE CLOMID.
- Femara: Tried it for four months. Grew decent eggs, experienced much less "psycho Whitney" with this one.
- Bravelle injection: Tried for four months. When paired with Femara, it worked well and grew some fatty eggs. It burns like a mother and I hated giving myself shots, but it worked. Also pretty expensive...who am I kidding? It's all expensive.
- Interuterine Insemination (IUI): Tried four times and it worked! My doctor checked follicle growth a couple of times during my cycle. When a promising follicle appeared, I'd inject myself with HCG to trigger the release of the follicle then head on in to be turkey basted with Ben's washed and concentrated sperm. Now you know us like family.
- Homeopathic medicine: I was a little hesitant on this one, but used a trio of Red Raspberry, Hormeal, and timed Acupuncture with our final IUI.
- Progesterone: Used after every IUI until a period or positive pregnancy test. I continued use of vaginal suppositories until about 12 weeks.
What was it like being a NICU nurse and having a 24 weeker?
It was really hard. On one hand, I was well acquainted with all the equipment, jargon, and problems associated with premature birth. On the other, there were days I knew too much. It was hard to be a Mom with the NICU nurse in my head nagging me over vitals, ultrasounds, and feedings. I was lucky to work in the NICU before Jude was born and truly felt my friends would care for him like their own.
How can I donate my milk to babies in need?
Bless your soul! After donating almost 10 gallons, I can tell you there isn't a greater, more selfless act. Visit this site for more information. You won't regret it.
What advice do you have for working moms like you?
I'd like to boast of balance between the two, but sometimes that just isn't possible. When I'm at work, I give 100% and try to do the same when I'm home. I try to leave work at the door and focus on the precious time I have with my family. It's hard, Especially when a taxing day or hectic commute leaves me exhausted, but it's something I try to be conscious of. I'm lucky to have a more-than-competent and supportive husband who picks up the slack and helps me in any way I'll let him. At the end of the day, I feel working has made me a better, more grateful and patient mom at home and a more relatable nurse to my patients.
