My Story: Healing Fertility with Nutrition
Continued from Previous Blog Post
Healing my Fertility with Nutrition
I changed my diet to focus on eating nutrient-dense whole foods like pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed beef, grass-fed butter, raw dairy, etc. I diversified my diet and focused on increasing my protein, lowering carbs, eliminating seed oils and processed foods, etc. I could tell that what I was doing was working, because my skin cleared up, my eczema went away, my psoriasis went away, my energy levels went back to normal, and my body started dropping some weight. I tried to resume my pre-pregnancy activity levels and begin weightlifting and powerlifting again, but my symptoms flared up again almost immediately. My body was still trying to get rid of built up stress and inflammation, so lifting weights wasn’t something my body could handle at the time.
So, I continued to focus on my nutrition, and started the next chapter of my life. I went back to work, put my son in school, switched career paths, and when we least expected it, we got unexpectedly pregnant with our second son.
My “Second” Pregnancy
My second pregnancy was the exact opposite of everything I had experienced prior. My energy levels stayed normal the entire time, I didn’t swell, I managed my weight gain, I maintained a nutritious diet, I was able to keep up my activity level pain-free with the addition of chiropractic care, and I gave birth unmedicated in a birthing center. It was the literal perfect experience, filled with redemption in every facet of the journey. My second son recently turned 1, and I am still so sad this pregnancy experience is over, and I’m so grateful for it.
My Second Postpartum
My second postpartum has also been the exact opposite of everything I experienced the first time. My energy levels have stayed appropriate, and I’ve been able to maintain my weight while breastfeeding as well. My nutrition is a lot better than the first time as well.
With the addition of a regular prenatal supplement (I like FullWell Fertility and Needed, but prefer FullWell), daily beef liver and oyster supplements, and taking extra magnesium as needed, I feel better than ever.
I am currently introducing nutrient-rich foods to my baby, and look forward to feeding him nutrient-dense foods that will support lifelong health.
Once I am no longer nursing, I look forward to losing the extra weight that has made growing my family and nourishing my babies a possibility. However, I will let my body decide what my new healthy body weight is. I will not punish or restrict myself into my “pre-baby” or “High School”-sized body. We have come too far to treat my body with anything less than the respect it deserves. I will make healthy choices — nutrient-dense foods, adequate sleep, water and supplements, staying active — and let the rest work itself out.
Future Babies
We are not done growing our family, but we are not in a rush to do so either. We have learned the hard way that my body needs time to recover and replenish nutrient levels so I can sustain a healthy pregnancy. We are happy to do exactly that.
To the people who relate to any part of my experience, and have not yet had their rainbow baby: I am so sorry and I am rooting for you. I am not a doctor, and I am not a nutritionist — but my advice to you is to focus on your health and nourishing your body to the best of your ability while you wait. Regardless of the outcome, taking care of your body is something that you deserve. Allowing your body the rest it needs to heal, ensuring your body isn’t stuck in fight or flight or consistently elevated stress levels… It is worthwhile. Taking care of your body is not something you will regret.
I hope that someday, your waiting will come to an end, and you will bring your baby home with you.