|
Rekindle & Strengthen
Your Relationship
By Gayle Crespy, Psy.D.
Do you remember the moment that you decided that
your spouse was "the one" for you? What about
how you used to laugh and joke around together? If
these memories seem as if they happened in another
lifetime or in the very distant past, then you probably
need to take the time to recharge and reignite your
relationship. This article
examines the strain that infertility places on
relationships and provides powerful solutions for
strengthening and reinvigorating them.
While some people find that their union becomes
stronger during an infertility crisis, many others find
that the tension and stress can be overwhelming.
Couples rarely travel the infertility
journey at the same rate and in the same way.
Women typically are ready to initiate medical
treatment earlier, are more apt to ruminate over
infertility issues, feel their emotions more strongly
and
express them more readily. These factors can
contribute toward marital distress, hinder the ability
to make treatment decisions, and make being
physically intimate more challenging. Therefore,
developing and enhancing a couple's communication
skills are vital to fortifying the relationship.
A central principle to realize is that the relationship
needs to remain a top priority. This requires regular
maintenance and nurturance. A solid partnership and
strong communication skills add protection against
the individual strain of the infertility process.
Attending medical appointments and treatments
together and informing each other about which
events each person feels comfortable or
uncomfortable attending (for example, a baby shower
or a family function) are ways that a couple can
work closely together.
Couples frequently find discussing infertility issues
emotionally draining and
overwhelming. It helps to be mindful of having these
discussions at times when both partners have
sufficient emotional resources (e.g., earlier in the
day). In addition, it helps to agree in advance to
limit how much time will be spent on these topics
(e.g., 20-30 minute maximum). Sticking closely to
these suggestions can help keep the issues of
infertility
from consuming one's life and overwhelming a
relationship.
Read the rest of the article ....
|
|
| |
Happy New Year!
This newsletter is designed to provide you with the
latest fertility news and research so that you can
make the most informed decisions. We carefully
select items that are of special interest for those
dealing with infertility issues and who want to know
more about Mind Body techniques. It is sincerely
hoped that this letter will be of great use to you.
|
| |
| |
| |
| Fertility Recipe |
| |
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the amount of
calcium in the bones decreases to the point that the
bones become brittle and prone to fracture. Many
women think that osteoporosis only affects
them during menopause. Unfortunately, any
woman who is estrogen deficient as a result of
infertility is at risk for developing this crippling
disease.
Here is a recipe that is packed with calcium. You may
be interested in knowing that this recipe is lactose
free. The source of calcium is from mustard greens.
Turkey with Mustard Greens
18 pounds of mustard greens (about 4 big bunches);
2 qts of water;
1 cup chopped onion;
1 tbsp of salt;
1.2 tsp ground red pepper;
5 thyme sprigs;
2 big turkey wings skinned;
1 bay leaf;
1 1/4 pounds of turnips (peeled and quartered)
Trim stems from greens, chop leaves coarsely.
Combine greens, water and remaining ingredients in a
large stockpot and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce
heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Serve with whole
grain rice. Makes 8 servings.
-
Maria Biasucci-Vianna,
MS, Nutritionist
|
| |
|
| |
| Mind/Body Group |
| |
Consider beginning 2005 by doing something to
nurture
yourself while at the same time enhancing your
chances for conception. Have you thought about
joining a Mind/Body infertility group? A 10-Session
Mind/Body Group, "Enhancing Fertility and
Overcoming the Infertility Blues," is now forming.
Program components include:
Stress Awareness · "Mini" Relaxation Exercises ·
Relaxation Response Training · Yoga Class ·
Breathing
Exercises · Guided Imagery · Deep Muscle Relaxation
· Stress Triggers · Nutritionist Talk · Exercise
Information · Positive Restructuring · Challenging
Cognitive Distortions
Group Begins: Later this month (January, 2005),
Tuesday's 6:30-
9:00pm. Location: White Plains, NY. If you live
outside of New York State, check our National Mind Body Program List for a
program closer to you!
|
| |
Contact us today to learn more! |
| |
| YOGA Classes |
| |
As 2005 gently unfolds in front of us, consider
starting the year by trying a fertility yoga class.
What are
some things to consider when choosing a yoga
class? Ask yourself: Is
the class location (e.g., near work or home)
and is the time offered convenient for me? Do I
feel comfortable practicing this style of yoga? Is it
affordable? How large is the class? Does the
teacher make me feel safe and comfortable?
At FertilityYoga.com, we have begun to put
together a national list of fertility yoga classes. Check and see if one is in your
area. Namaste.
-Monica Morell, PhD
|
| |
Monica has an excellent yoga video ... |
| |
| Mind Body Store |
| |
After receiving many requests over the past few
years to recommend Mind Body books, relaxation
tapes, and videos, we decided to put together our
Mind Body Store.
|
| |
Visit the Mind Body Store... |
| |
|
