Monthly Archives: November 2013

Dove c’è musica – thank you Eros Ramazzotti

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Now things have calmed down a bit since the book launch I need to make a start on some other IVF, pregnancy and twins posts. I might also throw in a few non-mummy observations if something comes up that takes my fancy, here on in referred to as the ‘other bits and bobs’.  So, to kick off, I wanted to say a little something about one of the things that is very important to me and which I found particularly comforting during my most difficult IVF moments. That something is music, and, in case you hadn’t noticed, Eros Ramazzotti in particular (who just happens to have a new single out, Io Prima Di Te, see):

Now, if you’ve read my book you’ll know that he’s mentioned in my acknowledgements page as a special appreciation of his sheer brilliance, and several times throughout the text. He’s on permanent play in my car, and even the twins sing at full volume morning and afternoon during the school runs – bless, they’re absolutely clueless as to what they’re singing about but their Italian accents are coming along nicely.  Per Me Per Sempre (For Me, Forever) is a particular favourite of theirs. It may seem a little weird as I don’t know the bloke – obviously and unfortunately 😉 – and although I do have a rough idea of the gist of his songs, I must admit that I too am clueless as to an exact translation. Must get round to learning Italian properly at some point. Whilst I’m very proud to be English I do believe I was born into the wrong nationality. Anyway, there’s something in the composition of his music and his voice that can calm me down when I’m stressed, lift my spirits when I’m sad, and make me sing at the top of my lungs and smile like an idiot when I’m happy. The fact that he’s absolutely gorgeous has nothing to do with it whatsoever. Honest.
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Music has always played a large part in my life – I even learned the violin many, many years ago. And I did attempt karaoke at my 40th birthday party. Anyway, I digress. I first heard Eros back in 1993 when I was living in Geneva. This video came on MTV and as soon as I heard the guitar at the beginning it caught my attention. I was hooked and have been ever since. That video was to the song called Cose Della Vita (Things of Life) and the meaning in the message has been unbelievably appropriate to me on many levels. It also happens to be my absolute favourite, although with Eros’ songs it’s pretty difficult to choose. Stella Gemella (Twin Star) is another one, which did provide the inspiration for part of the title of my book – how fabulous is that? Here’s Cose Della Vita below – the original version mind, which will always beat the reworked one with Tina Turner (although that’s good too). And thank you Eros. For the music, as they say. You are a truly gifted and talented soul.

An A to Z of IVF, Part 7 (X to Z)

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As it’s Sunday 3rd November and the last day of Infertility Awareness Week, and also that of The Fertility Show in London, here’s the last part of the A to Z of IVF feature. I hope the article has been informative. Look out for more posts in the future not only about IVF, but also on pregnancy and life with twins.

X     Xylitol
A sugar alternative – it looks and taste just like it, but is much, much healthier, not just for your teeth but for your hormones too. Found in small amounts naturally in our bodies, it is commercially available from plants, usually birch or more often corn cobs. A study in May 2013 showed that there may be a benefit in a lower sugar, higher protein diet for patients going through IVF[i]. It’s only one small change but it might be worth considering.

Y     Yourself
Not always easy, but do try to be extra kind to yourself. You are still a person, not just a baby-making machine, and with your mind so preoccupied with all thoughts of IVF and your eyes on the prize at the end, it is very easy to lose your sense of self. You still have all your other hopes and dreams, they’ve just taken a back seat for the time being.

Z     Zoo
You’ll probably feel as though you’re living in one, what with all the probing and poking by doctors and medical staff at what seems like countless hospital or clinic appointments. You may also feel as though your whole life is on display too, and that you’re being judged by people you don’t even know. Rest assured this is not the case – at least not from the medical professionals’ point of view. Whilst the IVF experience is highly personal to each couple going through it, it isn’t always conveyed that way by the doctors and nurses involved in the process. With regard to friends, family or even strangers, try not to take it personally, especially when you hear comments from others voicing their opinion on IVF when they have no knowledge or experience of the subject. Practically you could also give meditation a go: if you’re lucky enough that your head allows it, it’s the ultimate method of attaining a calm and peaceful mind. If it all sounds a bit too ‘New Age’ for you, do it anyway. If it works that’s a bonus, if it doesn’t you haven’t lost anything. Try to live in the moment as far as you can, and experience every aspect of your treatment as and when it happens. Keep optimistic, but stay realistic.


[i] Low-Carb Diet Improves In Vitro Fertilization. Medscape. May08, 2013

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An A to Z of IVF, Part 6 (U to W)

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U     Understanding
On your part, understanding the treatment cycle, what it involves and some of the technical and medical jargon and procedures behind it can help you to feel slightly more in control of your destiny than you would otherwise. On the part of your partner, family and friends, they need to understand that you’ll require as much support and consideration they can give, for as long as you need it. Don’t be afraid of telling them that – the onus is on them to be concerned about you, not the other way around.

V     Visualisation
As well as taking time to visualise yourself being pregnant, and ultimately holding and being with your baby, it also helps to envisage each step of the treatment cycle too. Think about what’s happening to your body when you take the hormonal suppression drugs, picture the follicles producing the eggs when you’re on the stimulation phase, and during the two week wait visualise the embryo implanting and growing inside your womb. There are special CDs that can facilitate this if you find it difficult to do. Try the cliché of visualising yourself on a desert island surrounded by gently lapping waves when you find yourself on the treatment table before egg collection and transfer. It’s cheesy, but it can work.
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W     Waiting
You’ll feel as if your whole life has turned into one long wait. You seem to spend your time just waiting for this that or the other to happen, then when it does it’ll be replaced by another version of the same. Know and accept that it will be a part of your life for quite some time, especially the dreaded ‘two week wait’. Implement your plan for relaxation whenever you know there’s a defined period of waiting approaching – or make a point of keeping your mind occupied. It makes everything go by much, much quicker.

Last day tomorrow . . . X to Z

An A to Z of IVF, Part 5 (Q to T)

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Q     Questions
There will be an awful lot of these, both of the medical profession, and of yourself. You can never have too many so don’t be put off by asking whatever you like. You may feel as though you’re being a burden, especially where your clinic or doctor is concerned. Don’t worry about that – it’s exactly what they’re there for. If you feel more comfortable log on to on of the fertility support forums – Fertility Friends is a good one. There’ll always be someone there to answer your queries, no matter how trivial you feel they may be.

R     Relaxation
I know, everyone tells you to ‘just relax’ when you’re going through IVF, as if that alone means the treatment will work. It is incredibly annoying at the very least being told that all the time, and I’m the last person to advocate such a simplistic solution. However, what it can do is aid the release of stress which not only gives your mind a break but your body too, so it’s worth keeping in mind. Try not to whizz about so much – if you work, when you come home just switch off and forget the chores for a while. It doesn’t matter if the house isn’t tidy all of the time. Read a book, go for a walk, meet your friends. Relaxation CDs can be useful too giving you a way to escape for a while. Do whatever works for you, and never feel guilty if that means just vegging out in front of the TV.

S     Support
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T     Therapy
You may feel like talking or you may feel like you’re the only person who’s ever been where you are now and want to curl up and disappear for the duration. Professional, outside help can be a good idea – your clinic may be able to put you in touch with a counsellor to help you through it. I was given the chance and initially didn’t take it, but after some thought I realised that it could be of benefit so I took the offer. Offloading your emotions to someone neutral to your situation really can work – they aren’t going to judge you or make assumptions, and can offer a clear and rational opinion and suggest ways to cope. Therapy could also mean of the stress-reducing kind, so if you have time and the finances allow it why not try a gentle head massage, facial or acupuncture too?

Tomorrow . . . U to W