journey to motherhood (part 3)
In late fall/early winter of 2023, I decided I wanted to see a naturopath to check my labs and see if they could recommend anything new for me that I hadn’t already tried.
Labs revealed my progesterone levels were lower than what they really should be in my luteal phase (post-ovulation to the start of my period). Low enough that if an egg is being fertilized, my progesterone levels would not be able to sustain a pregnancy.
I opted to try a progesterone supplement, taking it during my luteal phase for three consecutive months. Unfortunately, this never resulted in conception.
During this time, I also had my naturopath order labs for a bacteria called mycoplasma. Someone reached out to me and shared another woman’s experience of testing positive for this bacteria without having any symptoms… and once it was treated, she successfully conceived. So I thought, why not? The person at the lab was less than warm and welcoming and had some serious judgements about me coming in for this test (let’s do better, people). The test came back negative… but, at least I could rule that out.
In early 2024, I found a local chiropractor who happened to just relocate to my area which was trained in Maya Massage techniques. I had been interested in this before but I didn’t have any providers near me. Maya massage is an abdominal massage that can help with fertility and decreasing endometriosis symptoms. I did three sessions with her- once per month. It was SO relaxing and she was able to work through some areas of tension in my abdomen. She also suggested I continue with castor oil packs at home (something I’ve used on and off over the past couple of years) and do a little self-massage each cycle. It wasn’t immediately helpful for me, but I do think it’s been helpful over time.
In summer 2024, I found an acupuncturist that recently relocated to my area. I’ve had many sessions with her including acupuncture, cupping, Chinese herbs, and at home yoni steaming. I was moderately skeptical at first, thinking this wouldn’t really help my periods… but it’s actually been incredibly helpful for me. My period pain has dramatically decreased during this time, so I am grateful for that!
I’m definitely taking the scenic route to motherhood. I often get asked if I’m interested in having a surrogate, doing Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), or Invitro Fertilization (IVF)... and to be honest, it would be devastating for me to go that route. I’m not at all interested in trying to force pregnancy or control Divine timing. Absolutely no shame or judgment for those who pursue that route- it just doesn’t feel right for me at this phase in life.
For now, I’m feeling at peace with the journey I am on. Do I feel a heavy sense of grief at times? Absolutely. But when I look back over the past nearly 4 years, it all makes sense. So much healing, refinement, growing, surrender, trust, etc. For now, my sweet child comes to visit me in my dreams, and I know I will get to hold them in my arms soon enough.
Xo
Kayla
