I will not listen to IPS, I will not listen to IPS....

I have a love/hate relationship with studying my "symptoms" during a TWW to see if this somewhat newer symptom or way more intense breast pain = BFP in my future. But is it PMS or EPS (early pregnancy symptoms)?  Sometimes I call PMS "IPS" for imaginary pregnancy symptoms.

I love going to www.countdowntopregnancy.com to log my most recent symptoms and check out stats on most common early pregnancy symptoms, when they're most often experienced, etc. It is one of my favorite sites, as they offer at least 6 ways to log breast pain---because if you've been TTCing long, you know one cycle may have tender nipples only, sometimes just underarms/sides of breasts hurt and sometimes breasts ache when just sitting but don't feel worse if touched and other times only hurt if touched/pressed.

Way to confuse a girl, eh!  Anyhow, I'm bringing this up because my PMS/IPS symptoms are singing their song:

When you're running to go pee
and go up a size or three,
then it must be time to take your H-P-T!

If your boobs are really sore
and you crave chocolates galore,
then it's time to get behind that bathroom door!

If your eyes are drooping low
and your thinking's kind of slow
then this month you're bound to miss your Aunt Flow!

test-test-test TEST test-test-test TEST 
It is your time to TEEEEEEEESSSST!!!!!!!

So, I'm a leetle obsessed with symptoms. Last night around 6PM, it seemed like my nips were starting to throb and by 10PM the tops and sides of my breast were burning kind of sore--kind of tingling. I also noticed getting tired around 10PM before I took meds--usually don't get tired until 11PM or later.

BUT, I will not test tomorrow. If I temp tomorrow AND Friday morning, I can test then. 

Happy 12/12/12!!!

For all you number fanatics this is the last repetitive number date we'll ever see!!! It's been a great 12 years, eh? Lately I've been obsessed with palindromes (letters or numbers that are the same backwards and forwards).  In the last 6 months or so, I've just randomly noticed palindrome numbers---the time is 3:33 or 11:11, scores on games 999, my receipt number is 222.

So, needless to say, I was a bit psyched it was 12/12/12 today!

Now, for some more interesting number dates to look forward to:

11/12/13
12/13/14
and of course, the only Pi day of our lives---3/14/15


Nothing more today, just hope you're having a great day!

Five Temp Challenge update: Day 3

Just to update! Day 3 of the Five temp challenge.  My Day 3 temp is:  98.6

Since I started taking my temp more regularly, this has appeared above my chart:

Note: Your chart data does not allow ovulation to be pinpointed to within a 24 hour timeframe.
Your temperature suggests, however, that ovulation may have occured between CD 19 and CD 24.

Hmmmmm....I see why it says this; I have a large dip in temps on CD19 (98.2) and then my next temp 2 days later is 98.7, a big climb.  If we take ovulation to be the earliest day in the range, CD19, this still gives me a fair chance of pregnancy (3 days before O).  If ovulation is CD20 or later, I'm screwed.

See my chart for the month:



My Ovulation Chart

BUT!  One thing about charting for so long is that I get to know my pattern.  Some women have no particular pattern to their luteal phase temps.  The pattern most women want to see is what we call triphasic.  Most charts are biphasic, meaning the first phase (follicular) has a set of temps in a lower range and then the temperature shifts into a second phase of higher temps (luteal phase).  Many women who become pregnant have a third phase, where within the luteal phase, their set of temperatures jumps to a higher range of temps. 

The more common ovulatory patterns are: slow rise, stair step rise, and fall back rise. A slow rise is as it sounds, the temp jump being just barely 2/10ths or more, then rising slowly.  Stair step rise is a version of the slow rise, where you have a rise, then a temp about even, then another jump and so forth.

A fall back rise occurs when you have a high jump indicating ovulation, then between 2-4 days past ovulation, your temp falls back to or below coverline. After the fall, it generally rises back up to the level it was previously.

My charts, in general, are a classic fallback rise. I will generally see a fallback temp between 2-4 DPO and have had one as late as 5 DPO (any later it starts to be a dip due to the corpus luteum failing and/or implantation if you're pregnant).

Here are some examples:

Anyhow, this months chart, with ovulation so up in the air, yes, it is possible that CD19 was my O date. If you look at my cervical fluid on my chart, however, you'll notice that the fertile CM ends 2 days before the temp on CD19.  Knowing that I have a classic fall back rise, and that in the past my O has been confirmed on the last day or next to last day of fertile CM, one could assume that the low temp on CD19 is indeed a fallback temp. This would mean my ovulation was more likely to occur on CD17.

But....all of this is theory right now, since I didn't take data to know one way or the other on those days. Ce la vie. Two more temps and I can test! 

Five temp challenge!

Ok, so before I begin, I just noticed my dashboard said I was at 199 posts. So this is my 200th post!

Essentially, I've been a little HPT crazy. These evaps or what-not are causing me to over-test. I will say I'm proud that I did not test more than once a day. Prior cycles I might test 2-3 times a day. I know, here. I think what helps me to not test as often is not knowing when, or if, I ovulated.

I've also not been temping much, and I really can now that I'm not spotting at all. So, I made an agreement with myself that I cannot test again until I have logged at least 5 temps. Since I started this on Monday, if I temp 5 days in a row, that will make Friday my 5th temp.

So, current BD sessions in the running are two. I decided to split my chart up and designated my week of spotting as start of another cycle. Very arbitrary, but I don't know what to expect post Dep0 Provera. With that as my CD1, I have BD on CD8 and CD16. I'm willing to tentatively rule out the CD8 BD session, since my most recent BFN was about 14 days past that date.

Friday would be 20 days past CD8 and 12 days past CD16. It would be possible to get a BFP on those dates for either BD session. If my test is negative on that date, I can firmly rule out the CD8 BD session, but may have to wait another 4-5 days to firmly rule out the CD16.

So, if I get a BFN that day, I will make myself log at least 4 temps before testing again. This weekend we'll be staying over at SIL's, so I must remember my BBT! If I get a BFN that day (or AF shows), I am most definitely restarting the dong quai! I miss it!

Wish me luck!

AF is a mob boss and I just want to be a "made (wo)man"

To quote The Godfather, "Just when you think you're out, they pull you back in!" To compare our menses, aka Aunt Flow aka the Big Red Wave aka the Red Witch (among others), to a mob boss is a pretty fair description, in my book. I know this is anthropomorphizing so that I avoid the shame related to my reproductive system failure, but it is an emotional wringer.

I mean, the promise of life, the long hours, tedious waiting, physical and mental stress and it all ends in a bloody mess.  Pretty apt, right?

I get to feeling this way when I am in that point of a cycle of reluctant resignation. Convinced I'm out after X number of BFNs, remission of strong PMS symptoms, spotting begins...any one of these will do, or a combo.  It's worse when you have false hope. Like an evap line on an HPT.

Anyhoo, I had reached my point of reluctant resignation. Told myself that since I'd been spotting, many days of BFNs following the evap, and my symptoms have been decreasing lately---I'm reading the writing on the wall.

One of the problems for me with this cycle is not tracking O. See my previous post for that. So, I have the additional problem of not knowing if I'm coming or going. Also, as I am awaiting first full flow AF post-Depo Provera shot, I figure I'm in for a rough ride anyway as my hormones balance out. Hopefully the Dong Quai will help that be sooner, rather than later.

So I must remember my skills of radical acceptance. I accept that today I am having sore breasts. I accept that today I had pain in my left groin area this evening. I accept that I had a craving for bone-in fried chicken (I think it was more fried chicken skin, but y'know). I accept that I've had fatigue since after dinner. I accept that I'm having a difficult time finding words. But these things are all I can accept. I have no other information or facts to accept. No conclusions to make.

Never not temping/OPKing/CBEFMing again!

This is a frustrating cycle. Well, I take that back, all cycles when you're TTCing are frustrating. But it has been so long since I haven't been tracking my ovulation, that having to figure out when to test or at least when to expect AF is maddening. Factor in a strong evap a few days ago, and I'm wavering between being convinced I'm miraculously pregnant a month after depo provera shot expired---and knowing it's just AF f*cking with me.

Anyhow, to try and batten down the insanity, I'm remembering the TCOYF rule regarding high temps after O--18 high temps or more after O---you're pregnant!  Now, for the uninformed who have not been or don't know how to track ovulation, and are wondering when to test for pregnancy, this rule is very helpful. Essentially, if you want to test for pregnancy and AF hasn't arrived, wait about 18-19 days after last having intercourse to test.  Super long to wait, especially since most LPs are 12-14 days long.

Of course, I've had some regular intervals of BD spaced about 7 days apart. I tested recently about 14 days after BD session 1.  That was when I got the evap. Since I've had no darkening of tests, I'm figuring it for a fluke.....but then pregnancy paranoia kicks in.  I think "but it's only about 4-6 days after BD session 2. Maybe it's a really, really sensitive batch"  But then, I start getting spotting more regularly now. And cramping. And though my regular symptoms are still occurring, the intensity is less--sometimes I don't feel symptoms, then they come back. I think a sign that my progesterone is declining and I am most likely on the Red Train to AF town.

Ah well.

Dong Quai--effectiveness and PMS symptoms, but no menses yet.

I haven't updated lately on what it was like to use Dong Quai for hormone balancing. I will have to say that I felt great while taking Dong Quai. I had no allergy symptoms and after a week or two I started noticing symptoms of ovulation. I had heightened sense of smell, sore boobs, sore gums, gassiness, frequent urination, and backache.

Since most sources say not to take Dong Quai after ovulation, I decided to stop it, as I was hopeful that these symptoms meant ovulation may have occurred. I also noticed that I spotted for 5-6 days--I was sure AF was on her way, but then one day the spotting just stopped. About a few days later, the PMS symptoms stopped. I ordered a bunch of HPTs, since I haven't been tracking my ovulation hardly at all and wanted to be able to test if AF stayed away forever.

So, about a week later, my PMS type symptoms came back; most notably, horrible backaches, gassiness, frequent urination, and tingling/sensitive boobs. So I started taking HPTs. The first one was clearly negative. The second one I took appeared to have an evap line. I've taken Wondfo ICs before, and rarely get so much as a shadow. Here is the first IC I took with an evap.



Very clear evap, turned up within 10 minutes.  But since then, very, very faint lines and no darkening. So I think it was an evap. But it doesn't help that I have had sore boobs and backaches around that time. Since then, the symptoms have faded somewhat, but still no AF. I am really thinking of starting the Dong Quai again. I miss it and I really don't think I am pregnant. I really ought to start temping again, so I can know whether or not I have ovulated. That could help immensely.

Since I haven't known, I've been testing about 12-14 days past a session of BD that I think could be around ovulation time. I still have one that I'm only 10 days past. At this point, I'm going to hope for some sort of AF soon (with full flow, not spotting for a week). Maybe by Friday? Please!

Using the moon to regulate your cycle and improve your fertility *Update*

Years ago, when I was first trying to conceive, I talked with a woman online that creates Natal Moon Charts that will show the time you are most fertile and most likely to conceive based on where you were born, your birthday and mother's age. (I think on the last one).  I'll go ahead and post my Natal Moon Chart as an example in case you're wondering. You can go to this Astrology Study blog post for an explanation of how a natal moon chart is configured.

I know for some people, using astrology or other science based in the movements of stars and planets seems hokey and fake. I don't believe I'll ever be one to check my horoscope to see how my day will turn out. But, if the moon can change the ocean's tides, I think there must be some truth to how our environment--including the moon/sun/stars affect us.

So, needless to say I am open to various remedies, but as always will turn a critical eye to it to see whether it may be effective or what I need.  Recently, at a natural fertility web site introduced the concept of Lunaception--using the natural moonlight cycle to reset the fertility clock on the menstrual cycle. Since an irregular cycle is one thing I often have had, this appeals to me greatly.

This was based on an original book written in the '70's by Louise Lacey. She explains how women's menstrual cycles have followed the cues of the sun and moon for the average lunar cycle of 28-ish days (that's what the medical misconception is based on!) She also explains how to get a woman's menstrual cycle that has been disrupted by artificial lights and irregular sleep patterns in step with the moon's cycle.

I've been debating a post about this, but absolutely had to when Early Pregnancy Tests.com flyer featured a new device called Luness. This was developed based on research by Harvard University and the US Air Force that explored the same theory put forth by Louise Lacey. This device works through the month to expose women to the gradual change in moonlight as they sleep to reset it to a regular, even cycle. Of course, I really, really want it. It could be very convenient, and is based on scientific research to use the moonlight schedule most effectively to manage your cycle.

However, since I can't afford the current price tag, I may settle for downloading a copy of Lunaception as it is more affordable!

Well my lovelies, if this sounds interesting to you, check it out in the form of your choice! Good luck in all of your fertility goals and ventures.

**Update**

--> Also, in perusing the Luness website, it appears that they have an app for the iPhone that will use the phone's retina display to project light at differing intensity and color on the schedule of the moon at a significantly reduced price from the device. 

My review of the Full Embrace Pregnancy Program

This is my review of the Full Embrace Pregnancy Success Program, by Diana Farrell, MA, a psychologist who developed this program for herself to enable her to successfully conceive at age 40! Diana's program does not promise a quick fix, but does assure effectiveness. She acknowledges that there are many barriers to a couples' fertility and that is why her book is a comprehensive evaluation of how to improve male and female fertility alike. She shows you how to make small, everyday changes to your daily habits, eating, tracking of your fertility and even when and how to incorporate the help of Western medicine.

I was drawn to her eBook as she shows clinical research studies that support her recommendations and advice. She also has plenty of anecdotes of other couples that have tried her system and found success.

When a couple or person seeking to build their family encounters struggles, they may spend hours of time researching natural methods, techniques and appropriate medical interventions that will assist them in their efforts in achieving pregrancy.

It can be difficult to separate techniques or treatments based on clinical research, anecdotal evidence, and those that may be incorrect or ineffective information. One route can be finding a comprehensive book that addresses the concerns of people with infertility on how to naturally improve their chances of conception, but also offers research supporting their methods.

This is one reason I would recommend The Full Embrace Pregnancy Success Program by Diana Farrell, M.A.

Diana Farrell not only has credentials as a women’s health author and psychologist, but she has also experienced infertility herself. As many of you reading this are likely struggling with difficulty to conceive yourselves, you know how driven you can become to find a solution.

Diana Farrell used her substantial knowledge, resources, and connections in the health industry to find a way to overcome her fertility problems – and she succeeded, as you learn in the very first chapter – by employing the very same methods she outlines in her book. Her own personal journey informs this program with not only potent sound advice, but with a heart that can only come from someone who has been there and understands.

This program combines the power of natural methods with the latest developments of Western medicine. This is why it is called the Full Embrace approach, instead of giving a one-sided view toward either natural or medical methods to improve fertility or conception; she shows you how to use both to increase your odds of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby.

Here are important components about the Full Embrace Pregnancy Success program that make it an efficient and effective way for a couple to improve their fertility and chances of success when using medical interventions.

1.    You’ll find information that addresses both male and female fertility. Since around 40% of couples have trouble getting pregnant because of issues with sperm, this is an important factor that increases her eBook’s value.

2.    Diana offers bonuses that are fully integrated with her primary system, unlike other programs that seem to tack extras on as an afterthought to try to get someone to buy the book. She provides a recipe book that allows you a way to apply the fertility nutrition tips she provides. The planner and journal are really essential to making the whole "plan your own program" aspect of this system work. And the yoga and meditation guides flow into the program seamlessly.

3.    A highlight for me is how Diana includes research in her program that backs up the methods she describes. This makes it really helpful to understand why she includes everything she does in her book and is a great resource for further study if there is something in there that really sparks your interest that you want to pursue further.

6.    If you want a book that tells you to take one miracle supplement and be cured instantly, this program may not be effective for you. But if you find the goal of achieving pregnancy worthwhile, you will be prepared to follow Diana Farrell’s system to take control and give yourself a real shot at having a baby.

The fact is the book is packed with techniques and methods to either enhance both women’s and men’s fertility or to stop doing or taking things that may be hurting one’s fertility. Whether you do some or all of them is a personal choice, and who knows which set of choices will be the ones that you need to get you pregnant.

By “embracing” western medical techniques with alternative, eastern, and homeopathic fertility enhancing methods, Diana Farrell’s Full Embrace Pregnancy Success Program puts itself above the vast field of similar books that typically only offer alternative approaches.

For more information check out:

The Full Embrace™ Pregnancy Success Program

Disclosure/Disclaimer: As per the FTC rules, I must disclose that I receive compensation when products & services featured herein are purchased. However, as you know, I only promote products that after their complete review meet their high standards of quality and for which I sincerely believe will be towards the benefit and best interest of their readers.

First few days of Dong Quai

I got my dong quai about a few days ago and started taking it. The instructions indicate to take 3 times per day in a small glass of water. I have to say I have enjoyed the antihistamine effects lately. And I do not necessarily feel drowsy from it, so I have been taking it in the morning as well. Interesting thing is that my bleeding has stopped that drinking the chamomile had begun. But I am hopeful this is because the dong quai is regulating my cycle.

On the first day taking Dong Quai, I had a lunch of chili cheese fries and got SO bloated. I swear I gained 6 inches. I was very uncomfortable AND a douche came in for an appointment and said "Girl, you haven't had that baby yet!"  So that was great. Not.

I had run out of HPTs and was getting what I call "pregnancy paranoia"--thinking I'm pregnant when it is very improbable. So, I have an OPK that had expired and took that, but didn't trust it, so I also used a CBEFM stick.  The estrogen line on the CBEFM was blazing and there was almost no LH line. So, I'm confident that I'm not pregnant. I may start temping soon now that I don't have to get up at 6:45 every morning. Yay!

So far I am hopeful that this will be a help.

Chamomile tea for inducing period after Depo Provera (take 2!)

I thought I would update on the effects of using chamomile tea to induce my period. After 3 nights of drinking chamomile tea, I stopped for about two days, mostly from being busy. I noticed the first morning after I stopped the chamomile I had what appeared to be an increase in spotting. I found I needed to wear a pantiliner "just in case" since then. Most days I might not have needed it until later in the day. Lately, the spotting has slowed down, even though I started drinking chamomile again yesterday.

Ah, and bonus! My order of Dong Quai supplement came in. It instructs to take 1-2 mL 3 times a day. I don't know if I can do that, as I'd have to take it to work or mix it up before work.  So I'm going to start with 1-2 doses per day, also to see how it affects me.

As I noted in earlier posts, Dong Quai can be dangerous in early pregnancy, so always ensure you are not currently pregnant before starting it. It also recommends to only take from menstruation to ovulation, to ensure that if a fetus implants there is less affect from it in early pregnancy. Since I'm not sure if I will menstruate or ovulate on this first, I may start temping in a few days if my period doesn't show.

Ok, don't know if this is the Dong Quai or tired after a long day, but I'm suddenly feeling sleepy. One of the double perks I read about Dong Quai is it's antihistamine properties, which I need as my fall allergies are kicking in. But, apparently I'll only be able to take at night if it makes me this drowsy.

My current experience inducing AF aka my menses after Depo Provera

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I know I said I was going to continue my last post on herbal emmenagogues and I will start with the choices I attempted. Some of the most accessible to me were chamomile, and possibly peppermint (although I think this must be taken in larger doses). The first night I tried a cup or two of peppermint tea, which was a little spicy/stingy, but really helped my stomach. I didn’t notice any change in spotting or anything after that.

The next night I tried chamomile tea, which has more data supporting its ability to bring on menstruation (See this site at Sister Zeus for inducing late menstruation) The chamomile had quite the opposite effect on my stomach, but the next morning I had begun to spot.

Now, the main ways depo provera works to prevent pregnancy are thinning the lining of the uterus and creating a sticky mucus plug to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. When the first of the spotting began after drinking the tea, it was very pale, brown and had clots that were very pale—almost white.  So, I have had 1-2 cups of chamomile tea each night, each morning spotting has increased, but is still quite brown and somewhat clotty.

Today I have also experienced increase in cramps, tender nipples, and bloating/constipation, which are some usual PMS signs for me. I may continue the chamomile tea, but it is definitely a diuretic, as even if I drink only one cup, I have to pee A LOT not just at night, but sometimes even into the next day.

I have been debating if chamomile is the right solution for me. As the depo provera has thinned the lining of my uterus, I’m not sure if there is much to start a period. I have been reading a lot of information on various herbs that are helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle.

Three that come highly recommended are Dong Quai, Red Clover and Red Raspberry Leaf. According to Natural Fertility Info.com, Red clover is helpful in increasing circulatory function, and can also be key in improving a woman’s cervical fluid.

Another herb that works well with Red Clover is Red Raspberry Leaf. The benefits of RedRaspberry Leafcan counteract the increased bleeding that may occur with Red Clover. The particular benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf for fertility according to Natural Fertility Info.com are:

Recurrent Miscarriage: If you have experienced miscarriage due to uterine weakness.

·       Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: The astringent properties of this herb help to stop heavy bleeding. It is also high in iron which may help prevent anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding.

Poor Egg Quality/Nutritional Deficiency: This herb is very nutritive and may help to boost overall nutrition.

·       General Preparation for Pregnancy: If you are thinking of trying to get pregnant this herb may be a great ally for preparing your uterus and boosting overall nutritional intake. It is also safe for men to use as well as it does not contain any hormone like substances.

·       Uterine Trauma: If you have had surgery to remove fibroids, endometrial tissues, cysts or have had uterine prolapse, previous uterine hemmorage or a Cesarean section this herb may help your recovery and healing of the uterus. The toning effect of Red Raspberry leaf helps the uterus to recover more quickly.

Dong Quai is the Chinese form of Angelica. It is also considered a blood tonic and these are the benefits of Dong Quai on the female reproductive system as listed by Natural Fertility Info.com

·  Menstrual irregularities  (Previous problem I have had)

·  Delayed or absent menstruation (Current problem after Depo)

·  Short periods with cramping

·  Strengthening a “weakened uterus”

·  If you experience cramping and PMS during your period.

·  Women who have stopped taking birth control pills and need to encourage a regular cycle (Definite need for post-Depo fertility aid)

·  Light or slow starting menstruation

·  Stagnant conditions

For myself I am choosing to start Dong Quai. I have ordered a Dong Quai tincture to start with balancing my cycle. If this is successful, I may consider adding a combo of Red Clover/Red Raspberry Leaf.

Please don’t forget to read the safety and side effects listed on Natural Fertility Info.com’s page on Dong Quai; the most important are to remember to stop during menstruation, as it can lead to heavy bleeding and also if you get a positive pregnancy test as it can be toxic in early pregnancy.

I can’t wait to get my order in! In the meantime I may keep up with the chamomile.

Understanding Herbal Emmenagogues Pt. 1

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     Last post I mentioned wanting to create a post on how to use herbal emmenagogues to induce menstruation. In this part, I want to describe what an emmenagogue is, what reasons to use one when trying to conceive and various resources and options for you to use in determining the best herbs for your particular needs.

     The reason to take an emmenagogue is if a woman’s period was running late and she wants to hurry it along. Many women with infertility that are attempting to conceive may often experience long, anovulatory cycles which can delay the start of a new cycle, extending the horrid waiting experienced throughout the process of trying to conceive.

    One benefit to be received from learning to chart fertility signs is the awareness that if ovulation is known to occur a woman may have to wait no more than 17 days after its occurrence to experience her menstrual bleed.¹ But, for many women having difficulty conceiving a physical condition is preventing ovulation from occurring, which will delay shedding of the uterine lining.

    To be clear, an emmenagogue is something best to use when pregnancy is known to have not been achieved and one wants to ensure that their next cycle will start. Most emmenagogues can be safe even if the woman is pregnant and would not affect a healthy pregnancy. Some emmenagogues, however, may be classified as abortifacients meaning it could be possible to for their use to cause a healthy pregnancy to terminate if taken very early in the cycle. ²

  Part of the problem is that in reading websites, books and other sources of information on herbs that can be used this way conflicting information may be listed. The most reliable way to know which kind of herbal emmenagogue is best for you would be to consult a professional that specializes in alternative treatments as most will have some knowledge of herbs.

    An example of some practitioners that may assist you in understanding herbs appropriate to address your fertility needs might be chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths and herbalists.³  When searching for these professionals in your area, be sure to check whether they have knowledge or experience in addressing fertility issues. This can be done by reviewing information on their websites or directories they are listed in, but more reliably by contacting their office and asking how familiar the practitioners are in addressing fertility issues. It can save a lot of time and money by making sure the office you schedule with is familiar with treating your condition.

    Another resource available is a local shop that sells herbs in various forms, such as dried, in tinctures, essential oils and infusions. If you are comfortable researching herbs on your own, but would like guidance, this can be a great resource as you will find a variety of helpful herbs that may not be at your local grocery store and most staff at herb stores can advise you on the correct herbs to use, the best method of using them and which ones to avoid.  Although they may not be able to cater as individually to you as one of the practitioners listed above, they can certainly ensure that you are taking the herbs correctly and not in dangerous combinations. Mostly, it may only cost you the price of the herbs you decide to purchase.

    The most cost efficient way would be to do the research on use of herbs yourself, either by finding trusted websites that publish their knowledge of how to use these herbs or checking out books at the library that instruct on the use of natural herbs. It would be highly suggested if looking for information on the internet to look at multiple, reliable sources and verify information with published books on herbs; these can always be found at your local library if you don’t have the budget to purchase these books for yourself. This way if you decide to purchase herbs online you can ensure you are getting the correct ones and using them as safely as possible.  

My next post I will overview the various methods to use an emmenagogue and which I may be trying for myself.  

  

--> ¹Information based on Family Awareness Method as described by Toni Weschler in Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health

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²Information summarized from this page by Sister Zeus on emmenagogues categorized by how potent and also in what way they work to induce menstruation http://www.sisterzeus.com/Emmeno.htm 

Herbal Fertility Information by Sister Zeus

http://www.sisterzeus.com/directory.html
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Books on using herbs and your fertility:

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Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (Revised Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing

 

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The Woman's Book of Healing Herbs

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Herbal Healing for Women

 

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Getting Pregnant Naturally: Healthy Choices To Boost Your Chances Of Conceiving Without Fertility Drugs

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Overcoming Infertility Naturally