I know I've already done one blog entry today but I got to thinking about this and wanted to write about it and see what everyone else thinks. You read all these articles about the whole mind/body connection in the success of IVF. Apparently studies show that those who practice this have better success than those who don't. How much do you believe state of mind can impact your chances of success with IVF? Or do you believe that whether the cycle succeeds or fails has nothing whatsoever to do with our mindset?
I have spoken about how last cycle I self-sabotaged after I found out we had no frosties. I was devastated to go from 14 embryos on Day 3 to only one on Day 5. I spent the majority of the 2WW crying, convinced within days of transfer that it was useless. My friends and family would call me to ask how I was getting on and I would be continually telling them I was sure it hadn't worked. I didn't possess an ounce of positivity and the result reflected that.
This time I have the opposite attitude. I am determined not to allow myself to go down that path again. Those who walked with me last time have commented numerous times on how much more relaxed and positive I have been this time around. I have been listening to a hypnotherapy track I brought online and it is FANTASTIC. It is a 30 minute track that takes you through deep breathing exercises into a state of relaxation until you are fully relaxed and hypnotised before giving you positive affirmations for pre-conception - being accepting of it, believing it can happen, knowing your body is healthy and capable of carrying a baby to term. I'm not sure if I am really hypnotised or not but I am certainly relaxed and it is like having someone whisper to you that you can do this. It's great. But will it make a difference?
What do you think? Is there a connection?
I used to believe in this connection but now I'm not so sure.
ReplyDeleteDuring my first IVF I was naive and convinced I would be successful first time - I was so positive I was pregnant, but 0% HCG so the embie didn't even implant.
IVF#2 I was much more cynical and negative ... went through the whole cycle thinking it won't work and during the 2ww was certain it hadn't worked again, so was absolutely floored to get the phonecall to say BFP!!! (Unfortunately, we lost the baby at 11 weeks.)
IVF#3 - we had a change of protocol and I was so, so positive throughout. I had such a good feeling and so did DH - we really thought we were going to be third time lucky. I'd also been seeing a hypnotist and body talk practitioner for the 6 months prior (plus acupuncture which I'd been doing thoughout all my IVFs) and listened to daily IVF/transfer hypno cds. I felt so healthy and positive and knew I had done everything I possibly could and couldn't imagine it not working. No such luck though - 0% HCG again :(
Now on to IVF#4. Fingers crossed.
Sorry my post sounds so negative. I'm definitely not saying there's not a connection, but there certainly hasn't been for me (In fact it seems to have been the opposite, but I'm sure that's just a coincidence!!)
Good luck! Hope it works for you.
I do. I think that the mind and body are inseparable. And yes, it seems as if there is emperical data to back it up, so there must be something to it, right? I am also doing some hypnotherapy for this IVF cycle. It is wonderfully calming to think about your body as a healthy place that will welcome and nuture new life. I don't talk about it much because I guess I am a little unsure, but I need to believe in the power of mind.
ReplyDeleteCleary there is an obvious outcome for you already that people notice!
I really believe there is. I was in such a state of stress after my first fresh transfer, even though I had frosties to fall back on. With my FET after losing all our embryos, I was pretty negative too. After the actual transfer I was so upset the nurse snuck my DH back to see me to calm me down. I really believe thinking positive and keeping the stress down especially after transfer certainly affect the results. I think it's an awesome idea to use that track everyday. I should probably do the same.
ReplyDeleteI personally have always believed a positive attitude can improve anything. This does not mean it will always work but if you’re positive for all of the days until good or bad news, well then you've at least tried to enjoy the process as much as possible and not let it run your life.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have not been able to prove this myself, I have seen many a friends have good or bad pregnancies based on their attitudes and fully plan to be as positive as can be once it’s finally my turn.
I hope you ARE able to be happy about this process and that you can be positive about what may happen. Wishing much luck, good attitude and much success
!
I'm not sure if I believe a more positive mindset helps improve your chances of getting pregnant but I do think it helps in your overall perspective and well-being.
ReplyDeleteSome people have a hard time relaxing but they have an easy time getting pregnant. I've had a hard time with both. When an acupuncturist or masseuse tells me to relax, I get more tense worrying about being relaxed.
I think the key is to find "natural" for you. Don't beat yourself up over being anxious but try to take things one day at a time.
Hi there! Stopping by from ICLW. I hope this round is the charm for you! :-)
ReplyDelete