Flying With Breast Milk During the Holidays: What Parents Need to Know Before Traveling
What Parents Need to Know Before Traveling Within the United States Holiday travel with a baby—or while pumping—can feel overwhelming. Add airport security, carry-ons, and questions about breast milk rules, and it’s easy to feel anxious before you even leave home. The good news? Breast milk is protected under TSA guidelines, and parents have more rights and flexibility than many realize. Whether you’re flying with your baby, pumping while away, or traveling solo and bringing milk home, here’s everything you need to know to fly confidently this holiday season. Breast Milk Is Allowed Through TSA Security When traveling within the United States, breast milk is permitted through TSA security checkpoints, even in quantities greater than the standard 3.4 oz liquid limit. ✔️ There is no limit to how much breast milk you can bring✔️ You do not need to be traveling with your child to carry breast milk✔️ Fresh, frozen, and partially frozen milk are all allowed This applies to breast milk, formula, and toddler milk. Breast Pumps Are Considered Medical Equipment Breast pumps and pumping supplies are classified as medical devices. ✔️ They do not count toward your carry-on limit✔️ You are allowed a separate pump bag✔️ Pump parts, tubing, and accessories can travel with you This protection helps ensure parents can maintain their feeding and pumping routines while traveling. How Breast Milk Is Screened at Security Most liquids go through X-ray screening, but breast milk may be screened separately if you request it. You can ask TSA officers to:• Inspect milk visually• Test milk containers without opening them• Use alternative screening methods 💡 Tip: Let the TSA officer know right away that you are traveling with breast milk to help the process move smoothly. Keeping Breast Milk Cold While Flying To keep milk safely stored during travel, TSA allows the following: ✔️ Ice packs✔️ Freezer packs✔️ Gel packs If these items are not fully frozen, they may require additional screening—but they are still permitted. What About Dry Ice? Dry ice is allowed, but airline approval is required. Each airline has its own policies, so check ahead before packing. You Do NOT Need Your Baby With You This is one of the most common misconceptions.You do not need to be traveling with your baby to carry breast milk through security. This means pumping parents traveling for work, holidays, or family visits can bring milk home safely. Helpful Tips for Holiday Travel With Breast Milk ✨ Arrive early to allow extra time at security✨ Pack milk separately for easy inspection✨ Label containers clearly✨ Bring extra storage bags and wipes✨ Know your airline’s pumping and storage policies Preparation can make a huge difference in reducing stress. Final Thoughts Traveling with breast milk—especially during the busy holiday season—doesn’t have to be stressful. Knowing your rights and planning ahead helps you move through the airport with confidence and peace of mind. At Lactation Station & More, we’re proud to be your trusted partners in perinatal care and breastfeeding support in Summerville, SC. Whether you’re preparing for travel, navigating pumping, or troubleshooting feeding challenges, we’re here to support you every step of the way. ✈️🎄 Have a safe and uneventful flight, and happy holidays from our family to yours! 💜 FlyingWithBreastMilk #BreastfeedingTravel #PumpingOnTheGo #TravelingParents #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationSupport #NewParentTravel #HolidayTravelWithBaby #BreastfeedingEducation #PumpingMomLife #BreastmilkStorage #TSAParents #TravelTipsForParents #PerinatalCare #SummervilleMoms #LowcountryFamilies #LactationStationAndMore #ParentEducation #ConfidentParenting #HolisticParenting
Oral Dysfunction Series: Navigating the Controversy Around TOTs (Tethered Oral Tissues)
Understanding who to trust, what to look for, and how to move forward with confidence. When a new parent hears terms like tongue tie, lip tie, or buccal tie, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. One provider may say, “Yes, absolutely!” while another dismisses it entirely. Suddenly, you’re left wondering: Who is right? Who should I trust? Does my baby really need treatment—or nothing at all? This uncertainty—paired with strong opinions from all sides—is exactly what makes Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) one of the most controversial topics in infant feeding and oral development today. This guide will help you understand the debate, recognize true oral dysfunction, and take informed, confident next steps for your baby. Why Are TOTs So Controversial? 1. There Is No Single Diagnostic Standard Different providers use different tools, philosophies, and training backgrounds. Some focus heavily on appearance, while others assess oral function. Because there is no universal diagnostic protocol, parents often receive conflicting answers. 2. Over-Diagnosis AND Under-Diagnosis Are Both Real Some professionals label almost every visible frenulum as a “tie,” while others ignore functional restrictions entirely—even when they affect feeding, breathing, or oral development. The truth sits somewhere in the middle. 3. A Frenectomy Alone Isn’t a Magic Fix A release (also called a frenectomy) addresses the restriction—but not the oral dysfunction. Without addressing muscle patterns, tension, and feeding skills, many babies experience only temporary or minimal improvement. 4. Training Levels Vary Dramatically Anyone can claim knowledge about TOTs, but true infant oral-motor expertise requires advanced, hands-on education, especially in feeding and functional movement patterns. How Can a Parent Navigate This Confusion? 1. Look at the Whole Baby—Not Just the Frenulum The real question you should be asking is: “Is my baby’s oral function restricted, and how is it affecting feeding, breathing, and development?” Appearance alone does not determine whether a tie is functionally significant. 2. Start With a Skilled Feeding Professional A specialized IBCLC should always be your first step. At Lactation Station & More, our team has advanced training in oral dysfunction and TOT-related feeding challenges.While we cannot diagnose ties, we can: This ensures you are not pushed toward unnecessary procedures—or left without help when one is truly needed. 3. Seek Collaborative, Multi-Disciplinary Opinions High-quality oral-function assessments often include: This team approach ensures structure, function, tension patterns, and feeding skills are all evaluated together. 4. Ask These Key Questions When Choosing a Provider Use this checklist to protect your baby and ensure thorough evaluation: These answers reveal a provider’s philosophy and depth of knowledge quickly. When Is a Frenectomy Truly Needed? A release may be appropriate when: A frenectomy should never be the first step—but it is sometimes the right step. Your Next Steps: A Clear, Parent-Friendly Roadmap Step 1: Book an Advanced Feeding & Oral Function Assessment We evaluate latch, oral movement, tension, coordination, and feeding—giving you a clear, customized plan. Step 2: Begin Conservative Measures This often includes: Step 3: Connect With Trusted Bodyworkers Tension frequently contributes to oral dysfunction. Addressing it improves outcomes dramatically. Step 4: If Needed, See an Airway-Aware Provider We guide you to dentists and ENTs who understand both structure and function—not just appearance. Step 5: Build a Thoughtful Post-Release Plan A procedure without aftercare rarely leads to long-term improvement. We ensure your baby has support every step of the way. Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone TOTs are real—and they can affect feeding.But not every baby needs a frenectomy, and not every provider has the training to evaluate function properly. At Lactation Station & More, we offer: Your baby deserves support rooted in evidence, experience, and empathy.And you deserve clarity, not confusion. 💜 Need help navigating a possible tongue tie or feeding concern? Book an Advanced Oral Function & Feeding Assessment today.We’re here to support you—every step of the way. #BreastfeedingSupport #InfantFeedingJourney #TongueTieAwareness #LipTieSupport #TOTsEducation #OralFunctionMatters #IBCLC #LactationConsultant #SummervilleMoms #LowcountryMoms #MomSupport #NewMomLife #ParentingSupport #FeedingTips #BabyFeedingHelp #OralDysfunction #LactationStationAndMore #MotheringTheMother #FrenectomyInfo #BreastfeedingStruggles #NewbornCare #PerinatalSupport #HolisticFeedingSupport #LowcountryBabies #EvidenceBasedFeeding
So, You’ve Decided to Exclusively Pump
So, you’ve decided to exclusively pump because you know that it is healthiest for you and baby. Exclusive pumping means the mother has decided to put her breastmilk into a bottle and feed it to her baby, exclusively. For one reason or another, she decided not to put the baby to the breast for his feedings. Exclusively pumping or “eping”, is a full-time commitment and takes good planning. For some moms, this is not how she pictured breastfeeding to happen and pumping is her last resort after many days/weeks of trying to latch her baby properly. For other moms, this is a choice and she always imagined herself only pumping and bottle-feeding breastmilk. Or maybe the choice was made for the mom, for example, her or the baby have been very ill, and they are not together. No matter what the reason is that you are “eping”, you are a selfless mother looking to do what’s best for your baby. With good proper planning (when possible), solid tools for success and keeping in contact with an expert, this technique can be a victory. 17 Amazing Tips because You Decided to Exclusively Pump Invest in a hospital-grade rental pump if you plan to do this for more than the first 3 months. This is not the “free or upgraded” pump from your insurance or WIC, nor is it the pump you see in a store on a shelf. These pumps are usually available as a rental from a durable medical equipment pharmacy, a lactation consultant or online. Only Ameda and Medela have this level of quality. Rental prices run between $65 and $100 per month, depending on where you get it. You may be able to buy a used one on ebay for a few hundred dollars. Think of this as an investment, you won’t need to buy formula. Regular pumps are meant to use 2-4 times per day for a mom going back to work and will lose its’ efficacy much quicker. Eping requires that you pump at least 8-12X per day in the first 4-6 months for the longevity of sustained milk supply. Remember that a pump is not as efficient as an effectively latched baby. For sensitive skin, lubricate before pumping. A little cooking olive or coconut oil on the breast or flanges will help keep skin from chaffing. Safe for baby to ingest. Invest in a hand pump for back up. Invest in a drying rack or system to clean parts. To expedite the system, put your pump parts into a container after each use and refrigerate to limit the amount of washing. At the end of the day, wash well and sterilize. Consider a nursing cover with a rigid neckline. This will help you see what you’re doing without always feeling isolated. Once you realize that eping is what you will be doing, make a plan and try to be consistent. The first month you are “blueprinting” your breast for optimal milk production. This is like ordering takeout, you call and wait for it to be delivered. With breastfeeding, the more you do the first month, the more yield you will have in the long run. Every time the baby eats, you should be pumping (you can do it simultaneously) both breasts for 15-20 minutes (including overnight). Continue to pump even if nothing is coming out. On the other hand, if you forget a pumping session and you are feeling overwhelmed just pick up where you left off. Your goal is at least 8x in 24 hours. Don’t go longer than 3-4 hours without pumping in the first months. Watch this video to optimize your production. It is worth investing in extra supplies to make your day go smoother. Consider having 2 pump kits, freezer bottles or bags, a cooler with quality ice packs, extra batteries/cords, car charger, a hands-free bra or pump and possibly a deep freezer. Try pumping pals for more comfort and yield. Replace valves or membranes every few months for best use. If you’re using Medela, run your pump after each use to get the condensation out of the tubing. Replace tubing if it is bad or has any sign of milk in it. Keep in mind that you will not always pump the same amount at each session. You will usually produce more volume in the morning and less at night. It is normal for one breast to make more than the other. Power pumping can be helpful to boost your supply. This means that you can try pumping 10 mins-turn it off for 10 mins-turn on 10 mins etc for an hour, once per day to stimulate more production. Or another way to power pump is to turn up suction until your let down, then turn it down until you are just dripping, then turn it up again until let down, etc. Pump into the bottles that came with your kit. The bags don’t make a good seal and you may see less volume. Pour milk into the bags for freezing and storing if that’s better for you. Don’t cry over spilled milk. Understand that it can come with the territory, especially if you have other kids around. Exclusive Pumping is Self-Less Some breast pumps work better than others, some flanges fit better than others so you may have to try a few before feeling confident in your pumping. It’s not uncommon to find a mom using a certain size flange for a few weeks but switching to a different size (a lot of body changes happen in the first 6 weeks postpartum) or maybe she’s using a different size on each breast. Completely normal! If you have the opportunity to prep ahead of time, this journey can go a lot smoother. If you were thrown into this blind, it’s ok too. Start with the tips above and do the best you can. Reach out for help, join a nursing mother’s support group like La Leche League , talk to your
Increase Your Odds of Conception
We will cover the best tips to increase your odds of conception in this blog. In my last blog about fertility, I talked about the basics in creating another life by following a love story of a maiden (egg) and her knight (sperm). What is seemingly a simple story that should have a happy ending, has proved to be a more complex task to achieve. At some point in puberty, we find out about the Birds and the Bees through family, friends, health class, reading, pictures, and exploration of our sexuality. Only to realize later in life that what we once believed right about sex and baby-making may have been a rumor or misconstrued by our undeveloped brain. Consequently, we will focus on relearning (and exploring) the birds and the bees once more (with our adult brain) to create the optimal chances of conception. Now that we understand the HOW, let’s explore the ways to increase your odds of a successful, healthy conception Humor me and increase your odds of conception Pretend you are about to grow your food in your yard by your own hands. Let’s consider the necessary steps needed before starting this project: Decide on the types of crops that will grow in your area Understand how a growing season plays out Become familiar with different kinds of food crops Develop a farm plan on the land you intend to use Plan your storage method Determine benefits vs. cost Begin the project in stages Break ground FERTILIZE soil, lay off rows Place seeds in the furrow at the precise depth Cultivate crops when needed Watch for insects & animals that may damage plants Harvest and preserve If you’ve ever actually tended your garden, you are well-aware of the time, effort, money, blood, sweat, and tears associated. The steps I’ve listed were fundamental. Nonetheless, a lot of thought and time goes into this process. If we don’t take these steps seriously, one by one, we may not get the best outcome. Maybe only half the crops thrive, or perhaps nothing will grow at all. If this were another time, we could starve. Let’s put that into perspective when pondering “growing a human.” If possible, consider a version of the steps above before “planting the human seed.” Starting with a healthy egg and sperm. Therefore, we need healthy parents-to-be. Incidentally, it’s never too late to boost the health of the embryo-fetus-baby, so don’t slack off after pregnancy is achieved. Both Partners can help increase your odds of conception I know it is difficult to make changes to your lifestyle, but this is where you want to invest in your future mini-me. By creating the healthiest versions of yourselves, you’ll ensure the best possible outcome and create a baby ready to fight off germs. Spend some time doing inventory on your eating habits, exercise, vitamins, mental health, relationship health, finances, and work-life balance for a few weeks before any radical changes. Once you can pinpoint areas that need adjusting, start slow. Too much at once can make you throw in the towel before giving it an honest attempt. Remember, it takes four months to cycle a new healthier egg and sperm. Start with these tips: Get a check-up with your regular doctor and obstetrician-gynecologist and talk about your desire to get pregnant. Ask for STD (sexually transmitted disease) testing, even if you think you’re safe. Consider a detox Aim for the fertility diet: Avoid soy, eat organic when possible, eat foods in their most natural state, decrease meat consumption, favor veggie sources of protein, eat good fats (olive, flax, nut, fish & coconut oil) avoid dangerous fats (hydrogenated, vegetable fat, hardened vegetable fat, trans fat), use clarified butter/ghee or coconut oil when cooking and filtered water. Foods to improve sperm; banana, tomato, garlic, apples, cashew nuts, pomegranates, avocados, asparagus, pumpkin seeds, and oysters. Start taking quality vitamins that include; zinc, selenium, magnesium, calcium, b6, b12, folic acid, vitamin c, omega three fats, vitamin d3 Exercise Reduce risk factors; smoking, drinking, street drugs, medications, caffeine, environmental hazards, stress, dangerous behaviors, etc. Did you know? Sperm disorders contribute to 40% of infertility. One cup of coffee per day decreases the chance of fertility by 55%. Women who drank coffee before and during pregnancy had 2x the miscarriage rate. One glass of alcohol can reduce fertility by 50%. Light smoking in men can reduce sperm quality and motility. Heavy smoking in men can change the shape of sperm (which makes sperm swim incorrectly- missing their mark). Men who quit smoking for 5+ months before conceiving can increase sperm count by 800%. 60% of infertility could be corrected with STD medication. If only one partner is treated for an STD, he or she will reinfect the other. Yeast is an STD. Trans fats can increase infertility by 70%. Trans fats are used to extend shelf life, eat fresh. Animal-derived estrogens can decrease fertility. Dairy accounts for 60-70% of estrogens consumed. By devoting time and effort into designing your best selves, you’ll be able to increase the odds of conception, the vitality of a pregnancy, the immune system of your baby, and as parents you’ll be in a better position to fight germs and keep up with the little one. Win-win!! Read the next fertility blog to dive deeper into causes and overcoming infertility. Happy Parenting-to-be!
One Baby, Please, Hold the Sugar: A Birth Story
One baby, please, hold the sugar is my daughter’s birth story told from her perspective. These words are her own and don’t necessarily express my personal views or opinions. I welcome all women to share their birth stories! Please contact me if you’d like to publish your birth story on The Incomplete Guide to Parenting. If you are interested in my doula or lactation services, please visit my website Disclaimer: No artificial sweeteners here I’ve gone back and forth about putting my story out into the world. I never wanted to scare anyone, and so when asked, I would come up with a glossed over, toned down version of my story, the “polite” version. But I recently read a birth story that was such a blatant bunch of sugar-coated bull**** that I laughed out loud. I felt like it skirted over the gory details to maintain that polite, perfect facade. The thing is, those kinds of stories hurt me (and many others no doubt) because while I know they’re not honest, there’s a part of me that questions it. Was my experience so out of the ordinary? Why do all these women talk about their births like it was a beautiful dream come true while I still have nightmares about mine? I catch myself feeling resentful towards those moms, and that’s not fair of me either. But it’s how I feel, and I know I’m not the only one. This story is not one of rainbows and candy-coated truths. This story is real and raw, and if that’s not something you can or want to hear, I suggest you move along. I tell my story the way it is because I owe it to myself and to every other woman out there who wonders if she alone has suffered. I hope that others might find solace in knowing that they are not alone and that they might find the strength to talk about their own authentic experiences. Birth: Early Labor I went into labor on a quiet Saturday morning in October. It was 2 am when I awoke to mild contractions. I was five days past my due date and had been impatient for the last couple of weeks, so I eagerly began timing them and saw that they were about 10 minutes apart. I didn’t want to get my hopes up – I’d had Braxton Hicks a few times already. So I tried to relax and go back to sleep, but the contractions continued. Around 6 am, my husband stirred a bit beside me, so I took the opportunity to tell him that I believed labor had started. We were both well prepared for a long haul. I’ve watched and learned from my mom’s and sisters’ pregnancies and knew that, especially for first-time moms, labor could take a while to get going. So we went about our business as usual. I showered and made pancakes. I almost would have forgotten that I was in labor if I didn’t get a little twinge in my back every ten minutes. My mom – who’s also my doula and lactation consultant – had an event to go to that afternoon. She offered to skip it, but I waved her off. I’m sure nothing will happen before tonight at the earliest, I said. Oh, boy was I wrong. Birth: Active Labor It was so sudden. I was taking a bath. One minute I felt relaxed, and the next, my body was just in agony. Contractions – real contractions, not those mild early labor contractions – feel white-hot and twisted, like someone’s wringing your organs as you burn from the inside out. I was crying, and I grabbed my phone to text my husband to come be with me. He timed my next few contractions, and we realized they were 2-4 minutes apart. I was so prepared for a drawn-out labor, but here I was only 10 hours from the first contraction and suddenly in active labor. The shock of it all had me feeling whiplashed. It was barely noon. Should we be going to the hospital? It didn’t seem logical. We called my mom so she could drive with us. She reminded me that I could be expected to labor outside the hospital if I wasn’t dilated enough to be admitted. I hesitated, but at this point, I was barely speaking and was spending a lot of time doubled over crying, so we went. “Contractions feel white-hot and twisted, like someone’s wringing your organs as you burn from the inside out.” The 40-minute drive to the hospital was not pleasant. My contractions were now just one minute apart, lasting for a minute or less. I contracted approximately 20 times in the back seat of a small sedan, crying into my husband’s shoulders while my mom rubbed my back. Being in labor anywhere sucks, but it somehow sucks even worse when you’re confined to a small space. When we finally got there, I was desperate to get in the tub as I had planned for a water birth. I didn’t want an epidural, so being in the water was crucial for me. And what a world of a difference it made. I was still contracting hard and fast, but it was so much more manageable. Birth: Transition My midwife met us upon arrival. She’d watched me through a contraction and admitted me but didn’t check to see how dilated I was. After laboring in the tub a bit, I wanted to know what kind of progress we were making, if any, so I asked her to check me. I was 9.5 centimeters dilated, and the baby was in the -1 station. I was shocked. It was about 1:30 pm. I’d been in active labor for less than 2 hours. I started to feel hopeful that our baby would be born quickly. (Haha that didn’t happen) My water had yet to break, and I was impatient, so I eventually asked my midwife to break
Quick Tips to Help with Painful Nipples
These quick tips to help with painful nipples can be used in conjunction with or without lactation support. There is no shame in asking for help. Many times we just need someone to tell us we are doing everything right. Please seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner if you are not healing or feeling secure in your feeding. Hopefully, you’ve already asked and answered the questions relevant to understanding pain issues and breastfeeding. You may find you need to get professional help, but in the meantime, you could try a few tips below. The suggestions listed can aid in the healing process of sore nipples. Always check for proper latch first. Change positions. Check for proper fit of your pumping kit/flanges (look on the website of brand you own). Stay topless as much as possible after a feed to air dry your nipples with your milk. Use expressed breastmilk when healing any abrasions. Warm soaks with or without Epsom salt (before a feed). Cold compresses after a feed (unless you have Raynaud’s or vasospasms). Coconut or olive oil can help when mom puts a shirt/bra on. Food grade, not from the beauty section. Silverettes can be placed over nipples to help heal cracks or abrasions. Please make sure they are pure silver for the best effect. Lanolin can be a lifesaver for most if you’re not sensitive to wool or sheep. When allergic, some prefer lanolin-free products. If you have been using a cream/oil for longer than a week with no relief, stop! Try something else. All-purpose nipple ointment can be a lifesaver if you have a bacteria or fungus on nipples. Bring this information to your obstetrician or pediatrician to get the prescription. Hydrogel pads– The Ameda brand lasts longer than others. Avoid using soap of any type on your nipples. Feed on 1 breast per feed, if the baby is gaining well. Allow more extended time in between breast use! Take a feeding vacation-Spend 2-4 days exclusively pumping if this is more comfortable and finger, cup, medicine dropper or syringe feed. Some women use breast shells to keep the clothes from rubbing on nipples. Make sure they fit appropriately if you choose to use them. Do not use a nipple shield exclusively to fix the pain. Nipple shields can be a lifesaver in certain drastic instances but are meant for the inverted nipple. Consider being evaluated for yeast. Consider an evaluation for tongue or lip tie with an expert in the field. Talk to your friends who have had their baby’s’ evaluated. Some pediatricians will not advise you on the subject. Consider having the baby assessed by an alternative expert in infant feeding issues (chiropractor, cranial-sacral therapist, speech pathologist, otolaryngologist, etc.). Consider an online evaluation by an expert. Have an IBCLC assess in-home or office visits. You don’t need expensive creams to get through this. Your milk is living microorganisms that can heal almost anything. Be patient, and reach out if you are still suffering. Remember, breastfeeding should not hurt. You can feel sensitive, but cringing through every feed is not appropriate. If you click some of the links I’ve added to this educational information, I may earn a few cents to help keep this operational. There are various pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and newborn products that have been tried and true for many mamas out there. I’ve either used these products myself or trust the recommendations from the moms I serve and choose to pass on the great tips. Win-Win
When You Need More Fertility Help
When you need more fertility help it can be confusing. The medical jargon and technical terms are beyond the layperson’s understanding. Infertility is already stressful so let’s unveil the puzzle in simpler terms. We’ve covered a lot of ground on a subject that should not be this burdensome. As I mentioned in the beginning, humans grow up believing that it is a right of passage to produce offspring, not a difficult feat with blood, sweat, and tears. If you’re reading this and have seen your tale told here, I’m sending you a hug and positive energy. While that may not be enough, getting the people you associate with on board with your dilemma could change your passageway. Surround yourself with a supportive, loving, and understanding community while you navigate this very personal journey. Talk to those closest to you and share your deepest feelings. Sometimes what’s holding up a viable pregnancy comes from the heart. Treatments to facilitate conception when you need more fertility help Medication– keep in mind that fertility medications can increase the chances of multiple pregnancies, and you may have a high-risk pregnancy as well as a premature delivery. Most commonly used: Clomid or Femara (an alternate to Clomid)- both suitable for treating ovulatory dysfunction, unexplained infertility and may be used in men. This oral tablet is used alongside other medications/treatments or alone. Side effects and risks are mild compared to injectable fertility drugs. Gonadotropins-These are the most potent ovulation stimulating drugs. Taken by injection and can be used alongside other medications or during IUI or IVF treatment. Men can also use this medication for the improvement of testosterone levels and semen health. Side effects are more extreme, and the chances of having multiples are significantly higher. Ovulation Suppression Medications- help, especially during IVF treatment or to coordinate cycles with a potential egg donor or surrogate. These medications can help doctors manage the release of the egg making retrieval more successful. Birth control pills & GnRH antagonists (they work against the LH & FSH) are most popular. They can be pills, injections, nasal sprays, or implants. As with other fertility meds, there are risks and side effects. Aspirin or heparin- used to treat women with recurrent miscarriages or bleeding disorders. Progesterone- The most frequently used medication during IVF, luteal phase defect, or recurrent miscarriages and placed as a vaginal suppository or injection. Estrogen-used to improve cervical mucus, thicken the endometrial lining, or if there is pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness, which can all be a side effect of Clomid as well. Most commonly used as a vaginal suppository or patch. Glucophage or Metformin- used to treat insulin resistance but can also restart or regulate ovulation in women with PCOS. Antibiotics- if there is an infection in the reproductive tract. When left untreated, scarring can form and block the passageway for egg and sperm to meet. Parlodel or Dostinex are sometimes used to lower high prolactin levels. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for breast development and lactation. This malfunction can cause ovulation problems in women and low sperm count in men. Thyroid regulating medications are for an under or overacting thyroid. A misfiring control center (your thyroid) can create fertility problems in men and women. Surgical– clear any blockages in the reproductive organs of male or female. Types of surgeries; Hysteroscopy- a doctor will use a hysteroscope to look at the lining of the uterus, check shape and size and check for blockages. Laparoscopy- this tool is minimally invasive, uses a telescopic camera system, and can help medical professionals get a clear picture inside the abdominal cavity and reproductive organs. Most suspicious abnormalities can be taken care of during the procedure. Tubal ligation reversal- this can help reopen the Fallopian tubes to help restore a woman’s fertility. DaVinci robotic surgery is a great tool to use if you have an appropriately trained physician. It is for exploratory, reversal, or restoration of the reproductive system. Artificial treatments Artificial insemination- the medical procedure of injecting semen into the vagina or uterus to achieve pregnancy without sexual intercourse. Helping couples deal with: Male factor infertility Unexplained infertility Single and needing donor sperm The two types of artificial insemination; IUI- intrauterine insemination-is the most common insemination procedure used today. The sperm go through a process of “washing” to increase the concentration and decrease chances of an allergic reaction and or toxic chemicals. ICI- intracervical insemination- sperm is placed into the vagina and deposited into the cervix with a soft catheter. Less effective. If donor sperm is used, it will then be analyzed for a variety of health conditions and viruses, including HIV and other infections. Current guidelines recommend donor sperm be quarantined for at least six months to ensure its safety. Assisted reproductive technology “ART”- this includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and embryos are handled. ART involves surgically removing eggs from the ovaries, combining them with sperm in the lab, and returning them to the woman’s body or donating to another woman. Learn more about ART below: IVF-In Vitro fertilization-involves the joining of egg and sperm in a dish and transferring the resulting embryos into the womb. Most commonly used ICSI- intracytoplasmic sperm injection- is a variant in IVF in which a single sperm is injected into each egg. Used when there are semen abnormalities or for couples who’ve failed fertilization. Donor egg IVF- used when the female partner has poor quality eggs and requires healthier, younger eggs from a donor. Gestational carrier IVF-the procedure is the same, except the resulting embryos, are transferred into a gestational carrier. This woman will grow the child, give birth, and hand baby over to the couple whose embryo was implanted. GIFT- Gamete intrafallopian Transfer- the eggs are harvested just like IVF. Still, the eggs & sperm are put into the Fallopian tube where fertilization happens, instead of fertilizing in the lab. ZIFT- Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer- similar to IVF but involves transfer of the fertilized egg (the zygote) into the Fallopian tube at the time of laparoscopy. TET- Tubal embryo transfer-same as
Reasons You’re Not Getting Pregnant
There may be many reasons you’re not getting pregnant that you haven’t explored yet. Aside from the low odds of sperm and egg meeting due to lifestyle factors, let’s take a more in-depth look at other arguments, often overlooked, that couples struggle with when trying to conceive. Men and Reasons they’re not Getting you Pregnant Healthy sperm are made and transported effectively to meet the egg for successful conception. Some of the below conditions are irreversible, but almost all have alternative ways to achieve their goals. Lifestyle changes can help with other sperm conditions. Read everything to give yourself the best odds for success. The most common cause of infertility in men is varicocele (overheating). When the veins in the testicles are too large, similar to varicose veins in your legs, this, in turn, can cause heat to build up in the scrotum and reduce sperm count and viability. Approximately 10-15 of every 100 men have this problem. The cause is not clear but starts in puberty. He probably doesn’t even know he has this condition, or he may have felt some discomfort but didn’t understand why. It usually shows up above one of the testicles (left side is more common). A doctor may find the mass quickly or send him for an ultrasound. There are no medications to help with this condition. To help with fertility, he can have a procedure done to tie off blood supply to the spermatic cord. New sperm will grow in 3-4 months, and the doctor will check the sperm count. For some men, it can take a few cycles of new swimmers before conception is achieved. Low sperm count or oligospermia means that the semen he ejaculates during an orgasm contains fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter. The complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. Some signs of a low or no sperm count are; problems with sexual dysfunction (low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, etc.), pain-swelling or lump in testicle area, and decreased facial or body hair. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by a sensitivity to gluten — chances of fertility increase after adopting a gluten-free diet. Certain medications: testosterone replacement therapy, long term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal medications, some ulcer drugs, and other treatments can cause sperm problems. Talk to your doctor about fertility and these medications. Prior surgeries; vasectomy, inguinal hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and extensive abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and rectal cancer. Most of these can be reversed, or sperm can be retrieved directly from epididymis and testicles. Tumors, cancers, and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland or through unknown causes. Depending on where the tumor is, retrieval of healthy sperm may be Possible. Industrial chemicals- extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials, and lead will cause sperm disorders. Change in the environment can reverse most fertility issues related to toxins. Radiation or X-Rays-low doses shouldn’t pose a fertility problem once eliminated from the body. High doses of radiation can permanently reduce sperm count. Talk to your doctor about alternatives. Hormone disorders- hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, diseases of testicles, low testosterone, gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth), and other hormonal problems have several possible underlying causes related to infertility. Usually, working with your health care team to adjust medications associated with these conditions can prove productive. Chromosome defects; inherited disorders such as Klinefelter’s syndrome- in which a male is born with 2 X chromosomes and 1 Y chromosome (instead of 1 Y and 1 X)- causes abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic disorders that can cause issues with fertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann’s syndrome (inability to smell), and Kartagener’s syndrome (recurrent bronchitis and sinusitis). Your physician can help you evaluate your options with these problems. Injury to scrotal area; may be reversible with time and healing; talk to a physician. Heavy alcohol use-alcohol can lower testosterone, sperm quality, quantity, and motility. Sometimes it causes reduced libido and impotence. With the cessation of alcohol use, healthy sperm will regenerate with time. Drug use; while all drugs-legal and illegal- can have effects on sperm, the most commonly used is marijuana. THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) decreases sperm production and weakens sex drive by interfering with the creation of testosterone. It can directly affect the movement of sperm and prevent them from reaching their mark. Smoking- stop or reduce smoke exposure for increased odds of victory. Age; conception has a higher likelihood in men under the age of 40. Men between 20 and 80 have declining semen, sperm vitality, and sperm motility. Obesity; leads to a drop in testosterone, and erectile dysfunction is at a higher rate. Studies confirm male sperm counts are declining, and environmental factors may negatively impact spermatogenesis. Even global warming has recently been named as a factor in the decline of sperm. Stress from heatwaves reduces sperm number and viability in the latest research, including radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation from technology. Keep your cell phones and laptops off your lap. Anytime scrotum is being heated up, there is a chance of lower sperm and quality. Women and why they aren’t getting pregnant Producing a healthy pregnancy and baby will help build healthy eggs for the next generation. Females are born with the complete volume of eggs they will ever have. Taking good care of yourself through pregnancy will afford your female offspring the very best start to her motherhood journey. More Fun Facts about the Female Egg Eggs are enormous in comparison to other cells in the body. Eggs are precious and worth more than sperm because there’s a limited supply. Egg cells take years to grow up, unlike other cells in the body. Eggs are fragile. When “freezing” eggs, it involves the outer shell-like encasing them in glass. The insides do not freeze. Eggs age fast. After age 20, the percentage of viable eggs declines rapidly. Eggs are monogamous. Only
The Magic of Cervical Mucus
The magic of cervical mucus is part of a series of fertility blogs. Be sure to read them all to gain the most insight and have the best chance of success. Cervical mucus (CM) is a fluid or gel-like discharge from the cervix (the neck of the uterus), the production of which is stimulated by the hormone estrogen. You are aware of this by feeling “wet” in your underwear. Its’ purpose is to accept, filter, prepare, and release sperm for successful transport of the egg for fertilization. Throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, hormones will predict the amount and thickness of this fantastic material and let you know when ovulation is optimal. Without CM, the sperm will not be able to reach the ova. In this part of fertility enlightenment, we will learn about the magic of cervical mucus and discover how to optimize it to increase the odds of conception. A little biology lesson first: The four phases of the menstrual cycle Follicular– starts on the first day you begin to bleed and ends with ovulation around day 13, when your pituitary gland secretes a hormone (FSH) that stimulates egg cells in the ovary. It takes this long for the full maturity of the egg. All the while, your uterus is creating a nutrient-rich environment by thickening the lining for the assumption that implantation will take place. CM will increase in quantity and moistness and have a cream-like color. Towards the end of this phase, conception can occur. Sticky to creamy phase=non fertile to semi fertile. Ovulation– usually, on day 14, the pituitary gland secretes more hormones (LH) to send the matured egg out into the Fallopian tube. The cilia will sweep the egg to the end of the tube and wait 24 hours for sperm to impregnate her. CM is most plentiful and has the texture of raw egg whites (thin and stretchy) while your basal body temperature will rise slightly. Highest likelihood of conception. Clear, very wet & slippery phase=fertile. Luteal– days 15-28 (or until menses begins): if sperm did not make it in time, the egg cell disintegrates. The hormones that kept the uterine lining thick, just in case of success, get used up, and the next phase begins. **The luteal stage is equally essential for the success of pregnancy to occur. The hormone progesterone is released to prepare the bed (uterine lining) for the expectation of embryo implantation. If this phase is too short, the embryo will not embed successfully due to low hormones. CM begins to decline and become thicker. Potential for fertilization can occur at the beginning of this phase. Menstruation– begins on day one and usually ends on day 5, when the uterus sheds its lining of soft tissue and blood vessels & only occurs when conception did not take place. CM is at its driest phase, but over the next several days will begin again: yellowish-whitish, cloudy, and somewhat sticky to the touch. Least likely time that conception will take place. Dry or sticky phase=non fertile. Sperm survival and cervical mucus The short explanation is this; the sperm need help to transport past the vaginal fluids of which are all revved up to keep invaders out. This fascinating mucus needs to have low acid to keep the sperm alive along the way. While the body is smart and knows how and when to release the appropriate CM, you too can facilitate the sperms fate. Creating a favorable environment for the sperm to make it past the vagina is critical. PH is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale runs from 0-14, and the vaginal pH is generally self-regulating, ranging from 3.8-4.5- a little acidic. If the levels go too high or too low, this can cause infections that impede the chances of sperm survival. To keep the pH at a consistently healthy level, try these: Take probiotics to restore the balance of healthy bacteria to your system. Don’t douche. Eat unsweetened, natural yogurt. Don’t overuse antibiotics. Use condoms when not trying to get pregnant. These conditions can jeopardize you CM: Yeast or candidiasis Bacterial vaginitis Sexually transmitted diseases Anti-sperm antibodies or a high diet in acidic foods Dehydration Increased inflammation or infection of the cervix High progesterone Low estrogen Fertility medications (yes, they REDUCE CM) Cervical polyp or fibroid LEEP or cryosurgery to treat cervical dysphasia or HPV Talk to your health care provider about testing for any of the above conditions. It could be as simple as taking an antifungal or antibacterial supplement to get your mucus on track and increase the probability of conception. Once the pH is restored and balanced, achieving a fertile environment should be a cinch. Other ways to keep the magic alive in your CM Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! CM 90% water. Drink eight full glasses of clean, double-filtered water every day. Nutritional supplements- essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, L-arganine & vitamin c. Herbs- Shatavari, dandelion, licorice root, marshmallow root & red clover. Sperm friendly lube before intercourse. Emerita is great! Avoid caffeine and nicotine. Drink grapefruit juice. Keep chemicals out of the vagina- including anything with fragrance and dyes (check your toilet paper). Expectorant cough syrup- thins mucus in the body and may create the perfect consistency of CM. Eat raw garlic, dark green vegetables, carrots, and flaxseed. Avoid anything that dries up mucus in the body, like pseudoephedrine or allergy medications. Alternative therapies: chiropractic, aromatherapy, acupressure, acupuncture & reflexology are a few choices to assist in a healthier body. If you’ve been struggling with vaginal issues and can’t seem to get the CM just right, talk to an expert about a more detailed investigation. Some things may be out of your control, and delving past the obvious will get you on the right track. With proper guidance, you can get your vaginal environment optimal for a successful outcome. Learning the magic of cervical mucus can be a game-changer. Happy Parenting-to-be!
