Pulling Down the Moon: Practitioners, patients, and a community passionate about making your dream a reality.

In 2002, in order to help other women going through what she did, Tami Quinn, who struggled for more than a year with infertility, co-founded Pulling Down the Moon with her business partner Beth Heller.

The center, which offers services that complement medical treatment for women struggling with infertility like acupuncture/TCM, support groups, nutritional counseling, therapeutic massage, and special fertility yoga, has locations in Buffalo Grove, Chicago and Highland Park.

They have walked this path and continue to pave the way. Their purpose is to support healthy conception, healthy pregnancy, and healthy families. Their pursuit is to support your journey, provide community, and turn patients into parents.

Read more

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:

Ready: Why Women Are Embracing The New Later Motherhood
by Elizabeth Gregory

-- Over the past three decades, skyrocketing numbers of women have chosen to start their families in their late thirties and early forties.

In 2005, ten times as many women had their first child between the ages of 35 and 39 as in 1975, and thirteen times as many had their first between 40 and 44.

Women now have the option to define for themselves when they're ready for family, rather than sticking to a schedule set by social convention.

As a society, however, we have yet to come to terms with the phenomenon of later motherhood, and women who decide it makes sense for them to delay pregnancy often find themselves confronted with alarmist warnings about the dangers of waiting too long.

In Ready, Elizabeth Gregory tracks the burgeoning trend of new later motherhood and demonstrates that for many women today, waiting for family works best.

She provides compelling evidence of the benefits of having children later -- by birth or by adoption.

Paperback: 336 pages
Click to order/for more info: Ready

Start reading Ready on your Kindle in under a minute!

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

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You might expect that women who attend a support group experience a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and an increase in feelings of overall well-being.

What you probably wouldn't guess is that group attendance may increase the rate of viable pregnancy as well.

Research published in Fertility and Sterility (2000) demonstrated that 54% of women who attended a Resolve support group and 55% who attended the Harvard Mind/Body infertility program had a viable pregnancy within one year, compared to 20% in the control group.

Patients in both groups received valuable information, support and encouragement from their peers.

Full article: InfertilityBlues.com

Stock Photo credit: sicx
All rights reserved

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Pregnancy Miracle
by Lisa Olsen

-- A 279-page, instantly downloadable e-book presenting a 5-step, sure-fire, 100% guaranteed, clinically proven holistic and ancient Chinese system for permanently reversing your infertility and your partner's infertility disorders and getting pregnant quickly, naturally and safely within 2-4 months without drugs, dangerous surgeries, side effects, or expensive infertility treatments.

It's probably the most powerful infertility reversal system ever developed, and currently the best-selling e-book of its kind on the entire Web!

Here's what the author Lisa Olson had to say about her incredible program:
After 14 years of trial, error, and experimentation, I finally discovered the answer to infertility and developed a fool-proof system to getting pregnant the natural way - no drugs, or surgery necessary.

It took a lot of research to get to where I am today, to know exactly what works and what doesn't. Yes, after desperate trial and error, countless of useless treatments, disappointments, and agony, a simple holistic system opened the door to my new and much brighter life of motherhood.

I was also excited to see that my other infertility related symptoms had diminished. After years of waiting, I was finally free from Infertility! I have become a proud mother of two.

And now I'm finally revealing my secrets in this new 'encyclopedia' of pregnancy called, Pregnancy Miracle.

I will be your own personal coach, take you by the hand, and lead you through the lousy advice, hype and gimmicks... and directly to the sort of inner balance perfection that will end your battle with infertility forever and help you become a proud mother of your healthy children.


Click to order/for more info on this helpful program:
Pregnancy Miracle

Mara Kofoed was not always hopeful about having kids. When she first started trying for children in 2004, and learned that she had fertility issues, her life seemed full of fear and anxiety. She worried she'd never have children.

Kofoed is one of the 7.4 percent — 2.1 million — of married women aged 15-44 who are infertile, according to the Center for Disease Control. Infertility is defined as trying for pregnancy for 12 consecutive months without success. The study also shows 7.3 million women in this age bracket, or 11.8 percent, struggle with impaired fecundity, or the diminished ability to have children. While there are multiple medical options and remedies for women and men struggling with infertility, there is also a nationwide push toward often neglected emotional and spiritual treatments.

Read more

Photo credit: deseretnews.com
All rights reserved

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing
by Kerstin Daynes

-- After five years of tests, Kerstin Daynes had her worst fear confirmed: she was infertile.

In this honest and reassuring handbook, Kerstin shares her own personal experiences facing infertility and offers insights that will help couples to heal emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally, and socially.

Using timeless concepts and introducing unique perspectives, Kerstin gently and empathetically walks the reader through this life-changing process as she shows couples how to make their lives productive while facing their situation.

Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing gives couples a quick reference that can be used repeatedly as they experience the ups and downs of grieving.

Even with physical infertility, life can still be fertile, fruitful, and filled with hope.

Paperback: 192 pages
Click to order/for more info: Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing

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Theme song of Sher Institute for Reproductive Medicine - featuring families that have struggled with infertility and their stories.

Written and recorded by Steve Carlson, Darren Sher and Rosalee.



The Lyrics:
Here we go,

incomplete but not alone ,

Both of us together

down this long and winding road

(and you say)

I want to build a perfect circle,

make something beautiful

to call our own

And I believe that

there’s a change around the corner

And in a world that’s out of order

we still have time

I believe

in the love that’s all around us

And as the arms of life surround us

it all seems fine

I believe…

Let the seeds we’ve sown

live on forever once they’ve grown

And inside our happy home

they will see

There’s a lot of things that we will do,

sacrifice anything for you

Promise anything,

knowing you will be.

(Chorus)

I believe it’s coming our way,

that change is coming some day

It’s just a matter of time…

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
IVF: A Patient's Guide
by Rebecca Matthews

-- The perfect companion book for anyone considering or currently undergoing fertility treatment. Reduce your stress and improve your chance of success by arming yourself with the facts.

Written by a respected, caring and practicing expert in the field, not a patient!

Inside these pages you'll get answers to the most common questions, but even better, get answers to the critical questions that aren't asked often enough; some could even save the life of your baby.

Understand the most up-to-date, cutting edge techniques utilized in IVF and genetic testing.

See exactly what happens under the microscope. Learn how to choose the very best clinic and what, exactly, you should be asking your doctor. Follow specific case studies and hear from a variety of patients in their own words as well.

Packed with charts, tables, graphs and photos, this easy to navigate guide is the next best thing to having a best friend in the field of reproductive medicine.

Paperback: 174 pages
Click to order/for more info: IVF: A Patient's Guide

Start reading IVF: A Patient's Guide on your Kindle in under a minute!

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

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In 2010, the CDC reported that the only age group in the United States to show a RISE in birth rate were women over 40.

Flower Power Mom is offering advance membership to the first online community to empower women having children after 40, launching USA Mother's Day, May 8th, 2011.

To join now, go to: www.flowerpowermom.com/community

For more information on the A CHILD AFTER 40 campaign video, Pay It Forward Mother's Day Gift Pendant, and online resources, go to: www.flowerpowermom.com/a-child-after-40

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TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Pregnancy Miracle
by Lisa Olsen

-- A 279-page, instantly downloadable e-book presenting a 5-step, sure-fire, 100% guaranteed, clinically proven holistic and ancient Chinese system for permanently reversing your infertility and your partner's infertility disorders and getting pregnant quickly, naturally and safely within 2-4 months without drugs, dangerous surgeries, side effects, or expensive infertility treatments.

It's probably the most powerful infertility reversal system ever developed, and currently the best-selling e-book of its kind on the entire Web!

Here's what the author Lisa Olson had to say about her incredible program:
After 14 years of trial, error, and experimentation, I finally discovered the answer to infertility and developed a fool-proof system to getting pregnant the natural way - no drugs, or surgery necessary.

It took a lot of research to get to where I am today, to know exactly what works and what doesn't. Yes, after desperate trial and error, countless of useless treatments, disappointments, and agony, a simple holistic system opened the door to my new and much brighter life of motherhood.

I was also excited to see that my other infertility related symptoms had diminished. After years of waiting, I was finally free from Infertility! I have become a proud mother of two.

And now I'm finally revealing my secrets in this new 'encyclopedia' of pregnancy called, Pregnancy Miracle.

I will be your own personal coach, take you by the hand, and lead you through the lousy advice, hype and gimmicks... and directly to the sort of inner balance perfection that will end your battle with infertility forever and help you become a proud mother of your healthy children.


Click to order/for more info on this helpful program:
Pregnancy Miracle

Conceive, which recently relaunched its website ConceiveOnline.com, is excited to present the new MyConceive social networking site for women to connect, make friends, and share similar TTC (trying-to-conceive) and getting-pregnant experiences.

Whether thinking about getting pregnant or already in full trying mode, MyConceive is the ideal spot to link up with others and provide encouragement, share thoughts, give advice, and discuss progress. Upon joining MyConceive, members can create a profile, update their status, upload photos, post comments, invite friends, create groups, and get exclusive access to the MyConceive Forum community. The forum allows users a secure space for discussing issues like fertility and infertility, in vitro fertilization, third-party reproduction, and medical conditions.

"I am so excited to provide the new MyConceive community to anyone seeking to start a family," says Kim Hahn, founder of Conceive. "We want to educate and celebrate the journey to parenthood, as well as empower women to share their stories and support each other through this experience."

Users can sign up for a free MyConceive account at www.ConceiveOnline.com/MyConceive . The service provides support to the many women and couples trying to get pregnant, like Susan Quinzi, whose blog "My Nest, Someone Else's Eggs" is featured on Conceive's site. "When I started trying to conceive, I thought it would be easy," says Quinzi. "Talking with friends and family, the only advice I got was, 'Just relax; it will happen.' As most women know, that's the last thing you want to hear. MyConceive is a great place to talk with other women who are also on the path to pregnancy."

Source: http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-24-2009/0005049687&EDATE=

Fertility Authority, the only web portal dedicated to fertilityand EmpowHer, the home of women's health online, are working together to advance women's reproductive health.

Over seven million women in the U.S. experience infertility at some point in their lives, and many of these women are searching for fertility information on the web. EmpowHer and Fertility Authority will increase awareness while promoting reproductive health.

Together, we can reach more people who are struggling with fertility issues and offer them information, advice and support. It will also help us send the message to all women that they should be proactive about their reproductive health.

"We are excited about our partnership with EmpowHer," said Gina Bartasi, CEO of Fertility Authority. "Together, we can reach more people who are struggling with fertility issues and offer them information, advice and support. It will also help us send the message to all women that they should be proactive about their reproductive health."

"EmpowHer is looking forward to this new partnership," said Michelle King Robson, Founder and Chairman of EmpowHer. "This new partnership with Fertility Authority will improve the health and well-being of the women in EmpowHer's global audience."

41 year old woman told by several doctors that she was in menopause and could not create a pregnancy, gives birth after natural herbal treatment.

New York, NY, December 10, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Anyone who is dealing with fertility issues knows that the kiss of death from a fertility specialist is high FSH. If your FSH is higher than 10 it is likely that your doctor will tell you that you can't have children, you are past your used by date or you don't have many or any eggs left.

A 41 year old woman in Australia had an FSH of 150 and was told by several doctors she was in menopause. After 4 months on a program at www.naturalfertility.com the US site for Sharkeys Healing Centre run by Herbalist Stacey Roberts and other naturopaths, this woman lowered her FSH to 7 and became pregnant with her child, delivering a healthy baby 9 months later.

Recently at Sharkeys Healing Centre a 47 year old gave birth to her first child after being on the internet program at www.naturalfertility.com

With nearly 5000 babies born to most couples who were told they wouldn't conceive, www.naturalfertility.com serves couples all over the world to help them address the issues that could be keeping them from conceiving. Australia's Babymaker, Stacey Roberts says, "its not uncommon for us to hear that a woman older than 35 is in a high risk group and is not likely to conceive. We have proven 1000's of times over that this is not necessarily true. We support couples trying to become pregnant naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies."

Contact Information: Sharkeys Healing Centre Stacey Roberts, phone: 414 455 5454
email: info@naturalfertility.com website: naturalfertility.com in Australia phone: 07 5527 2248

Source: http://www.pr.com/press-release/121056

The stress, money and marital problems were bad enough. But after months of trying and failing to get pregnant, the ultimate blow came when a good friend didn't invite Paula Dowd to a baby shower for fear it would be hurtful.

"People can't relate," Dowd said. "They don't understand what you're going through. You start to feel more and more socially isolated."

Dowd's struggle with infertility, which she eventually overcame, led to a new outlook on life - and a major career change. A few years after her ordeal began, Dowd quit her job as a marketing director, went back to school and become a counselor to help infertile women.

This month, Dowd will begin support classes at her new MindBodyWellness clinic in Redondo Beach, a practice that she hopes will complement fertility physicians in the South Bay.

"As a society, we tend to minimize the impact that infertility has on women," Dowd said. "For some women, particularly in some minority cultures, child-bearing is their sole purpose in life. It's like, if I can't do this, who am I?"

More women than ever are struggling with fertility problems. Roughly 15 percent of couples - whether the problem be with the woman, man or both - can't conceive for a variety of reasons, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Health experts say one of the factors is that women are waiting longer to have children. The number of new mothers over 40 tripled from 1980 to 2005, according to the California Public Policy Institute. Nationally, the average age of first-time mothers rose to an all-time high of 27 in 2005. After the age of 35, it becomes much more difficult for women to conceive naturally.

Dowd was certainly in tune with today's trend. At 32, she and her husband decided they were emotionally and financially ready for a family. After a year of failed attempts, she started to get worried.

They spent thousands of dollars on various medical procedures, but nothing worked. She was also diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which the female body produces a high level of androgens, or male hormones, that inhibit pregnancy.

Tensions were running high, she said. Dowd had no problem adopting, but as an only child, she wanted at least one biological child.

"I had a strong desire to carry that genetic link to the future," she said.

She decided to try a 10-week mind-body class suggested by her fertility doctor. In the group meetings, participants talked about what they were going through, meditated, practiced yoga and learned how to take care of themselves.

Armed with a calming CD of music, she went to her doctor for in vitro fertilization, an expensive procedure in which the eggs and sperm are fertilized in a petri dish. A month later, at age 34, she was pregnant.

"It was totally different that time," she said. "I went into it completely relaxed, centered."

Research shows that when stressed, the body triggers the "flight or fight" response and releases toxins to ward off danger. Those toxins can lead to a number of health problems, including infertility, she said.

Dowd was resigned to adopt a second child - she and her husband had already spent about $30,000 on fertility treatments, which weren't covered by insurance. But she continued to practice her relaxation techniques, and became pregnant again at 37 without any medical assistance.

That's when Dowd became a believer. After being approached by a few women at work who struggled with similar problems, the new mother decided on a new career path.

She became a licensed counselor and began working with women individually at a MindBodyWellness clinic in Santa Monica. Dowd, who is now 40, plans to hold her first group meeting at her new offices on Palos Verdes Boulevard later this month.

In addition to helping women conceive, she said she hopes her work will create happier women, and therefore happier mothers. Even if women can't conceive, "they will become parents if they want to be," she said, referring to adoption and other options.

"We don't realize how much control we have over our bodies," she said. "For me this is about giving women possibility and hope."

FIND OUT MORE

For information about the MindBodyWellness clinic in Redondo Beach, call 310-373-9355 or go to http://www.mindbodywellnessla.com/ .

Source: http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_8170715



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There's often no definitive answer to why a couple is unable to conceive a child.

Even after charting ovulation days, undergoing drug therapies to stimulate ovulation, taking injections or having surgeries to improve fertility, the painful fact is some couples won't become pregnant.

In this special Wausau Daily Herald report, we have examined the emotional journey through infertility for women who wish to bear children.

Ann Young, 34, of Tomahawk is at peace with her decision not to have children with Roy, her husband of nearly seven years. It's the end of a long journey that involved six rounds of intra-uterine insemination and volleys of unwanted questions about when they would be having kids of their own.

"It felt very business-like to us," she said.

And then, the Youngs made the difficult decision not to have children, which prompted Ann to begin local support groups to help other couples going through infertility.

It was painful to accept the joys of others, including her brother, who were having children.

"I wanted to take this negative situation and turn it into something positive to help others," Young said.

The meetings have started small, with about five participants. Young said people are encouraged to open up, though they don't have to give their full names if they'd rather keep their experiences private.

Recent topics of discussions have included coping strategies for getting through the medical disappointments and sharing positive experiences with doctors and clinics.

On the other side of the pain, Young realized that not raising children gives them the freedom to pick up and go and to focus on doing things to enrich their marriage, she said.

"We're very lucky with all other aspects of our lives," she said. "I have an attitude of gratitude."

The National Infertility Association "Resolve" recently began online advertising of Ann's groups meeting in Weston, Stevens Point and Tomahawk at Ministry Health Care sites.

Young said she hopes the group will grow, because so many couples -- at least one in six -- are having the same experience she had.

"You can feel very alone in infertility," she said.

Source: http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071124/WDH0101/711240537/1981