Embryo Transfer Day: Helpful Hints and a Few Lucky Charms
The surrogacy process can be overwhelming and come with a lot of pressure for success. Here are a few helpful hints as well as a little fun with good luck charms and superstitions. We all want the best possible outcome, so of course there are some common hints for stressful, but it never hurts to have a little fun and that usually helps lower stress!
A less-stressful environment+ happy uterus= happy baby –right? We sure hope so! I know all of these are easier said than done, however even a little adjustment is better than none.
Holistic Ideas:
Essential Oils- These seem to be the new “IT” thing to do, just make sure to clear this with your IVF doctor before use, since you are under their care and instruction. The most common oil for less stress and more relaxation is lavender, even if you just smell it. If lavender and oils just aren’t your thing maybe try a candle you like or a reed diffuser that will help you relax.
Feng Shui- Think of this as the “nesting” part of your journey. Whether you follow the actual practice of Feng Shui with organization, symbols and colors or just feel like you need to get rid of some of the old to issue in the new, it can’t hurt.
Acupuncture- The practice of having acupuncture before and after the transfer is becoming more and more common, with some clinics even including it as part of their process!
Helpful Foods:
Pineapple (especially the core of the pineapple) is rich in bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. The idea is the reducing swelling could help with blood flow to the uterus. Besides its nutrient properties, it represents warmth and hospitality.
Brazil Nuts pack a punch of selenium, an anticoagulant, which may also increase blood flow.
We all know, whether we eat enough of them or not, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes are good for your diet. But, if you need to veer outside the lines of healthy food, we’ve heard old wives tales that McDonald’s fries (and the salt in them!) have some so sort of post transfer properties.
Lucky Symbols:
Turtles- Turtles are a symbol of womb health and receptiveness, as they are water animals (water represents the womb), and they are associated with positive energy. Having a simple charm is supposed to help when around during the surrogacy process. Don’t feel like you need to go out and buy a real one.
Green and yellow represent fertility; wearing sock with these colors on transfer day is a must! They are to keep your feet warm because of the old wives’ tale that warm feet equal a warm uterus, add in some extra luck with a shamrock or horseshoe. Also, other than the gown, socks are the one thing that can be worn to transfer, so you might as well have some fun with it.
“Sticky Thoughts” is a common saying for transfer day. You can use sticky notes, a Winnie the Pooh with a honey figurine, or anything that represents “sticky” to get you ready for transfer day.
Honestly the medical professionals have this down to a science and, as long as it’s okay with your doctor, a little lucky charm can’t hurt! The goal here is a baby and giving it the best environment to grow in; therefore, find what works for you, whether it be superstition, a lucky charm or a hint that someone gave you.
New Mexico Surrogacy would love to talk to you about how we might be able to help you along this journey, superstitious or not!