How We Got Our Baby "Bruin": Part 1

Baby Announcement (RamonaLisa not pictured- camera shy)

Sean and I are feeling beyond blessed to share this news with you. We are so grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers that have gotten us here. We continue to pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy, as well as continue to pray for the comfort, peace and patience of all of those facing infertility. Some people have asked me what I/we did to get here... It's not a quick answer, so here is a blog to try and map it all out- Part 1.

We prayed.

Last November 2014, I was home from work healing from what was believed to be an ectopic pregnancy.  I had to do two rounds of methotrexate in order to (ultimately) terminate the embryo that was developing in my fallopian tube.  This was an emotional struggle for me.  In all honesty, I put off the methotrexate for consults with several doctors in the practice, as I did not want to terminate a potential life.  With my own research and doctor's guidance, it appeared that it was absolutely necessary in order to potentially save my own life- so I did it.  With the consistent and unconditional support from my husband, I was able to get through the emotionally devastating weeks of going through a third miscarriage, and this time- to make it even more difficult- it didn't happen naturally- I had to receive injections in order to terminate it.  While I was home recovering both physically and emotionally, I was watching a daytime talk show that was highlighting a book that was written by Rebecca Fett, a patent litigation attorney at a large law firm in New York, with degrees in molecular biotechnology and biochemistry, with experience in laboratory research in the field of genetics.   The book is called "It Starts With The Egg."  

After her own struggles with infertility and her developing fascination and careful analyzation of hundreds of scientific papers identifying specific effects of toxins and nutrients on the biological process of infertility, Rebecca felt compelled to share her knowledge with those who were also struggling, in order to try and bridge the gap between current research and conventional fertility advice. "It Starts With The Egg," takes scientific language and research-based findings, and compresses the information into comprehensible language. It is an easy to follow book with solid evidenced-based information, with ongoing references sited throughout the book and pages of references listed in the back. In the introduction, Rebecca states:

"Seeing our growing baby on the 12-week ultrasound and hearing the heart beat were moments of such pure joy that I wanted the same for everyone else going through the process of fertility treatment or planning to have a baby.  Of course, in the world of infertility there are never any promises.  No one can ever be guaranteed a way to get pregnant because there are so many variables and unique challenges... But this book offers a plan to improve your odds, and in doing so, improve your overall health and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy."

I could not concur more with the statement aforementioned.  My experiences, my thoughts, my feelings, my gained knowledge, my faith, have led me to this blog post about what we did to get to this point.  As Rebecca stated, nothing is promised and everyone's situation is different.  So, as you are reading this, please know that I know that what worked for me may not work for the next person.  My hope, if anything, is that my story can support you through yours or somebody that you know.

We prayed.

After watching Rebecca speak of her journey on the daytime talk show, I ordered the book, read through it and took notes.  As I was reading through my notes, I was overwhelmed by thinking of how much money I would need to spend in order to make some environmental changes.  Therefore, I told myself that the changes did not need to be made all at once and that I would set goals for myself.  I always felt I lived a rather healthy life. My meals were always balanced and I exercised.  I had a screening done through my work in January, and my blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight were all perfect.  In fact, the woman screening me was very impressed with my numbers.  What I didn't realize, was the amount of toxins I was surrounding myself in everyday, which were hidden in my hair products, skin care products, perfume, make-up, household cleaners, storage containers, and "healthy" food.  

BPA, parabens, phthalates. Although exposure is inevitable, there are ways to reduce it, which can ultimately affect your fertility.  

BPA- There is strong evidence that exposure to BPA during crucial egg development can create chromsomal abnormalities.  Keep in mind that the formation of egg quality process occurs 90 days prior to ovulation. There is also evidence that shows BPA affects successful fertilization and implantation of the egg.  In addition, BPA disrupts hormone systems including estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones and insulin- all of which are essential for fertility.  I have significantly reduced the amount of information regarding BPA in the book for the purpose of this blog, but if you would like more information, please refer to the book, your own research and/or ask me!  

So what did I do (and still do) with all of this BPA information?

• If I buy canned goods (e.g. premade soups, beans), I make sure the can is labeled "BPA-free."  The lining of canned goods can have BPA in them.  I found most canned goods with BPA-free labels to be found in the all-natural/organic aisles at the grocery store, as well as at Wholefoods.
• I replaced plastic storage containers and water bottles with glass only.  This has been one of my favorite changes.  I bought 4 glass water bottles with silicone covers for protection.  The water tastes SO much better coming out of the glass than it did the plastic.  I also put all of my leftover food in glass containers only- much easier to clean and I just feel so much healthier.
• If I do have any BPA-free plastic in the house, which rarely occurs now because of my glass substitute, I hand wash them only and I do not put them in the dishwasher.
• Lastly- I try and get rid of receipts as much as possible.  The receipts you get from shopping, restaurants, etc. can contain BPA in them.  So I try to handle them as little as possible, and I make sure to throw them out as soon as I don't need them anymore.  For ways to reduce exposure see:  http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/avoid-bpa-exposure-from-cash-register-receipts.htm

• We prayed.

Phthalates (THAY-lates)- another toxin, another endocrine disruptor.  They are widely used in plastics, nail polish, vinyl, cleaning products and fragrances.  There is strong evidence that high exposure to phthalates can impact a developing fetus, and more and more research is suggesting that it also impacts egg quality, embryo survival and therefore fertility.  BE CAREFUL- when you look at the ingredients of products, some companies have hidden phthalates and parabens under the general term "fragrance."  If you see "fragrance" as one of the ingredients, that means that it contains phthalates. 

So what did I do (and still do) with all of this phthalate information?

• I only use shampoo and conditioner (no mousse, no hairspray), and the shampoo and conditioner I use now are phthalate-free.  Obviously more expensive, but when they go on sale I buy more than I need.  I have been using ACURE shampoo and conditioner, and I love it:
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• I also changed out my body wash, lotion, sunblock.  Lotion and sunblock are of the most important items to switch because we don't wash it off and it soaks into our skin.  I have been using Burts Bees body wash, Badger and Aubrey sunblock and 365 body lotion from Wholefoods.
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• I changed my deodorant, toothpaste and mouthwash as well.  I am currently using TOMS toothpaste and deodorant, and Essential Oxygen organic mouthwash:
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• I rarely wear makeup now, but if I do- I only use Zuzu Luxe mascara:   "vegan mascara is gluten-free and natural, non-toxic clean mascara, gluten-free makeup, cruelty free makeup, fiber free"  and Zuzu Luxe eyeliner:
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• Since reading this book, I have not used nail polish or perfume, and I used hairspray once when I was in a wedding.  
• I have gotten rid of all of the Bath and Bodyworks soaps that we had in the house.  Now we are using Method products for both hand soap and dish soap.  I love Method!  
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• You will no longer find Tide in our house as we have switched to Mrs. Meyer's laundry detergent:
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• Goodbye toxic cleaners.  There is a store close by that sells all natural cleaners.  I have also been using some of the Method cleaning products.  I replaced everything we clean with- toilet bowl cleaner, granite cleaner, all purpose cleaner, window cleaner, etc.  It is amazing that now if I walk down the aisle of cleaners at the grocery store, I feel its harder to breathe!  Here are two examples of what I have been using:
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Next steps: I would love to get rid of our nonstick pans, and use cast iron and stainless steel only.  

• We prayed.

That's it for part 1 of what we did.  I will continue to blog about the MANY other things we did in the next blog- so keep your eyes out!  I will share more lifestyle changes, dietary changes, medical intervention and my faith,   I hope you found this initial Part 1 post helpful! :)