By Zeynep Uraz and Alan Vu, Naturopathic Doctors
We know this is a very unique and uncertain time for many. This period of uncertainty can be stressful and can cause a lot of anxiety, especially for those who are already feeling the pressures of family building.
Here are a few ways that we can help.
Sleep
There are behavioural strategies as well as some nutritional supplements and herbs that can help support sleep. Some are safe to take during IVF, others are not.
We will take this into account when making recommendations.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
You may be suffering from anxiety and low mood. This can be a challenging time.
We have some behavioural strategies that can help to manage stress, anxiety and low mood (e.g. mindfulness, physical activity etc).
Physical Activity
We can provide at-home exercise recommendations (via resources and apps) based on your level of physical fitness.
This can help you cope with stress and stay healthy at a time when many other exercise options are not available.
Of course, we take into account where you are at in your family-building process before making recommendations.
A Person to Talk To
We can provide a non-judgmental space for you and/or your partner to discuss concerns and fears about how these new COVID-19-related changes will impact your fertility and overall health.
We can also refer you to a network of trained therapists, who can provide further support.
Preconception Care
If you are taking a break between retrieval and transfer, or are even just pausing treatments for one to two months, we can provide preconception care.
Taking proactive steps to improve overall health can support a healthy pregnancy. This can mean working to support optimal weight, working on improving diet, addressing iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, insulin resistance, thin lining and more.
Studies show that better health in the preconception period leads to better fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
You can reach out to us directly at hello@atozfertility.com, or via your clinical team.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us yourselves if we can help with anything.
About the Authors
Zeynep Uraz ND
Zeynep is a Licensed Naturopath and an Associate Professor at The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where she teaches Integrative Fertility and leads the fertility care centre at the college’s teaching clinic. She is also a member of both the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
Alan Vu ND
Alan is a Licensed Naturopath as well as a Clinical and Academic Adjunct Faculty Member at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is also a member of both the Canadian and Ontario Associations of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society.
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