Childbearing Year

Fertility Herbs - Red Clover, False Unicorn, Vitex...

I found your site and I had some questions about herbs that I was wondering if you had the answer to.  I have been trying to conceive for 11 years.  I am now 37 years old.  I've tried the medical treatments and they didn't work for me, so now I'm trying the natural route.  I have unexplained infertility though my doctor found very mild endometriosis, some fibroids and I had a burst ovarian cyst over 12 years ago, which might or might not have to do with my trouble conceiving.  I am doing research and I see some many herbs that can help, vitex, maca, red clover, false unicorn root and many more.  For unexplained infertility, which are the best herbs to try?  How many can I take at once?  Are there any that will interact with each other?   Thank you Simple is better.  This is the opinion of some, myself included.  The top herb I know for unexplained lack of conception is Red Clover blossoms prepared as an infusion.  Susun Weed writes in this article on herbs for fertility:

"One of the most cherished of the fertility-increasing plants is red clover (Trifolium pratense). Common in fields and along roadsides, it has bright pink (not really red) blossoms from mid-summer into the chilly days of fall. A favorite flower of the honeybees, the tops (blossoms and appending leaves) are harvested on bright sunny days and eaten as is, or dried for medicinal use. The raw blossoms are delicious in salads and nutritious when cooked with grains such as rice or millet.

"To make a fertility-enhancing infusion, I take one ounce by weight of the dried blossoms (fresh won't work for this application) and put them in a quart size canning jar. I fill the jar with boiling water, screw on a tight lid, and let it steep at room temperature overnight (or for at least four hours). Dozens of women have told me that they had successful pregnancies after drinking a cup or more (up to four cups) a day of red clover infusion.

"It is especially helpful if there is scaring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or "unexplained" infertility. It may take several months for the full effect of this herb to come on and pregnancy may not occurs until you have used it for a year or two. You can improve the taste by including some dried peppermint (a spoonful or two) along with the dried clover blossoms when making your infusion. Treat the father of the child-to-be to some red clover infusion, too!"

False Unicorn root might be helpful, and I don't know of contraindications with the Red Clover.  I consider it more of an herb to take as needed, whereas the Red Clover I see as a long term food-like herb.   Vitex berry tincture I think can be wonderful when unopposed excess estrogen increases ovarian cysts and fibroids and endometriosis.  Also, when conception happens or appears to happen but is lost as early as the first few weeks because progesterone levels do not stay high enough.  Again no contraindications that I know of with the above two herbs. Maca I consider an exotic plant that was food to a people and is now being marketed by drying a tiny piece of the root and stuffing into a capsule.  I would favor rich root foods that are grown close to home, even if Maca :), so long as it is prepared in your kitchen.  I do not recommend capsules of anything. You can read Susun Weed's thoughts on the importance of Simples. Let me know if I can help with anything further! Blessings, Karen Joy wisewoman@herbshealing.com www.wisewomanweb.com

Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy

Q: My daughter is pregnant, and struggling with insomnia due to restless leg syndrome. What can I suggest to her? Thanks for your help.   

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  Have you read this article yet?

Has she tried any of the ideas?  Is there anything there that appeals that I can help you further with?  I am very happy to help any way I am able.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Q: My daughter is not in menopause, she is pregnant. Does that count as the same kind of needs?   

   

A: Yes, these still apply.  I realize she is pregnant.  I apologize for not acknowledging that the article is an excerpt from Susun's menopause book. So much of that book applies to women from menarche on!

Karen Joy

Fertility After Chemotherapy

Q: Hello,

This may sound strange, but I am wondering how I can restore at least in part, some of the chemo induced menopause? I have your book, "Breast Cancer, Breast Health, The Wise Woman Way", but I have not seen any books that seriously deal with the subject of restoring fertility after cancer (in my case, early stage hormonally negative breast cancer at age 42) for the purposes of conceiving a child. My husband is 43 and as far as I know, healthy in terms of his fertility. His sperm count was tested around 2000 and it was at normal average range. 

I have had secondary fertility before 2002, was diagnosed with mild endometriosis at age 40. I had a successful birth and delivery at 33. Doors keep closing in terms of adoption so I am revisiting this as an option once again. I like foraging in my yard for green plants. I notice that when I eat salads of: dock weed, lambs quarters, primrose rosette leaves, sorrel, and dandelion leaves, that my nails grow in thicker and stronger. My mother says this is a genetic tendency--she has the same thing, but the bad upshot of not assimulating your minerals correctly is that your teeth enamel begins to mysteriously erode at the gum line. AS you said on the internet site, capsules really don't do it and I find it strange but true, even though I take calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, boron, etc. I have to admit that I just turned 48 so maybe this is all just a wild goose chase.

I noticed you mentioned chasteberry and I think you said rasberry leaf. I have noticed when I was perimenopausal (right before chemo eliminated that stage) that vitex helped to even out my hormonal cycles. I take it now, I think it's doing something--in capsule form. I also take Black Cohosh capsules. Without Black Cohosh, most likely, I would be suffering flashes 24-7. As it is, I seem to need more of it, as I have lost a little of the fat tissue around my hips from a few supplements I've been taking over this past summer. I'm still experiencing vaginal dryness more now, that I've lost the extra weight. Vitamin E doesn't seem to be helping any more.Still, glad that I did lose some of the stubborn fat, on an otherwise, slender frame--before, I looked a little like the woman that swallowed the doughnut on the billboard ads. Even though I am glad that I did lose the weight (and with it subsequent loss of even more residual hormones, paltry though they may be), I would like to see if the possibility exists that I could turn a seemingly cut and dried situation around, if not for fertility sakes, then perhaps at least for preservation of bone and teeth sake.

Conception After 40 and Seizure Disorder

Q: Dear Susun,

I have seen your article regarding childbirth after forty and plan to follow your advice. I thought I'd ask you a few questions specific to my situation to see if you have any other advice. 

I have recently had a yearning to have another child--I have two, five years old and almost 3. had no problem getting pregnant with them, though an earlier pregnancy was ectopic (they believe, never could find the baby on ultrasound--gave me methotrexate to expel any tissue remaining). I will be 44 in Dec but still feel very healthy and fit. My biggest vice of the past couple years has been 2 or 3 cups of coffee a day and I have for the past 6 months been working out vigorously. If I were indeed to start trying again, I would focus on doing all I can nutritionally to conceive a healthy child and would prob cut back a bit on the exercise. I will also take the herbs you recommend.

I have a seizure disorder and take one of the safest meds out there--lamotrigine. Both of my children are healthy and bright and I breastfed both--still am breastfeeding the almost 3 yr old once a day or so.

Question finally is, anything else you think I should take given my health issue (very well controlled--2 grand mal seizures with first pregnancy early on but forgot to take my meds, none with second and only one since bc of med lowering and other extenuating circumstances. I guess I am scared that I am "tempting fate" bc I already have 2 healthy children and worry my age will make another pregnancy more high risk somehow, though I look and feel young! My husband and myself would find a baby with challenges difficult to say the least, although I feel bad saying that. Any words of wisdom or advice for additional herbs to take? 

Thank you,

A: Any of us at any age take that risk. If you are wishing a child I encourage you to consider what is too much to handle, are they things that can be tested for early in  conception, and if you found specific issues what would you two choose at that point? Besides what Susun writes in the article I do not have further herbal suggestions to change your percentage risk. I imagine this is a hard decision, I wish I could help more.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Q: I am 44 and in good health and am trying to get pregnant--have tried for only 3 mos. My naturopath who I trust and think is a great doctor--after talking with me today at my visit, "prescribed" 1 tsp of phytoest diluted in water 2 times daily on day 1-14 of menstrual cycle and 1 tsp twice daily of phyto progest on day 15-28 of cycle along with prenatal vitamins, omega 3's, lunaception and something called pregnenolone, to help me conceive. Was wondering if those supplements (specifically the phytoest and phytoprogest by Wise Woman Herbals which is what he sold to me) IN YOUR OPINION make sense for someone looking to get pregnant at 44. I have no known issues with fertility and have a 3 and a five year old currently, although periods seem lighter than before (when younger) and I have some spotting before it starts which I don't recall Also my premenstrual symptoms-sore breasts, irritability, etc. seem to have gotten "lighter" for lack of better word. Cycles are usually somewhere between 28 and 33 days I know you can't diagnose, treat, etc. My children took 3 (1st) and 1 mos (2nd) respectively to conceive so I'm now over that timeline but I am older!!

as I said, I do trust him very much but just remembered I had emailed you and thought I'd ask.......... any info would be helpful

Thanks

A: Hello again!

First, I am curious about the pregnenolone, after reading here:

Due to its antagonistic effects on the GABA receptor in the central nervous system, pregnenolone therapy may be contraindicated in people with a history of seizures. Pregnenolone may inhibit drugs used to increase GABA activity (i.e., neurontin); these drugs are frequently used in the treatment of epilepsy and depression.

I do not see any harm at first glance with the herbs listed in the Wise Woman Herbal product, HOWEVER myself feel odd about using things that are so vague, besides I like one herb at a time. I do not see online if these are tinctures, oils, etc. and how the are used. I myself like to know what plant, how and when harvested, exactly how prepared, etc. before even deciding if safe or not. Those products are as foreign to me as a bottle of vitamin tablets.

So you ask me if it all makes sense for someone looking to get pregnant. It makes sense understanding how some think about it, yes. To me and my approach to health, no. Especially as I see nothing "wrong" needing "fixing" as it sounds you are wonderfully fertile and healthy, just older. And even if I did feel you needed assistance this would not be at all the route I would go.

HOWEVER, part of helping one along one's path is following intuition, whether it makes sense or not. It feels good sometimes to trust someone and add things to our life, whether they make sense or not. I hear you trust this person. That means a lot in my opinion :)

I am not sure if this helps or not. I am glad you asked, and am happy to share my opinion any time. As well I am very happy to support you on the path you choose for yourself, whether or not it is the one I would choose for myself. We are all unique. Besides I will be curious to hear how you are doing.

love and blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Pregnancy, Red Raspberry and Nettle

Q: Dear Susun,

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and i'm very excited!!! I want to take red raspberry and alternate it with nettles, is that ok ? I want to prevent any chance of miscarriage. Is red raspberry ok to use in my 1st trimester? thank you so much for your time.

 

A: Congratulations!!  Yes, these are two wonderful infusions to drink through your pregnancy.  Red Raspberry is superb especially in the first trimester, and especially for those dealing with nausea.  Nettle is especially superb for the last trimester for its vitamin K content.  And, yes, do please alternate both through your whole pregnancy, do a little more of one or the other as your cravings dictate. :)
Please let me know if I can help further!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Herbs For the Last Trimester

Q: Hello Susun,

I am 39 years old and having my 3^rd and final child in March.  I won’t go in to major details of my past pregnancies but in short, they were all “medically” textbook. There were 2.  One at 19 and one at 35. I am lucky enough to have one more and very happy that I am able to do this. Since my 1^st child, 20 years ago, I have had nothing but trouble getting pregnant and horrible menstrual cycles.  The more I read from you the more I wished I knew of your info years ago. I have always believed in holistic medicine so this is right up my alley.

Okay, on to my current pregnancy.  I struggle with lactation, and always have.  So I have begun to drink a raspberry, alfalfa and nettle tea I found at a coop.  Within a few days I began to leak.  Great, I hope it lasts and baby will benefit from this. I also have read that these 3 herbs are great for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, so I will continue. What I want to do is buy some in bulk and infuse them.  I know you recommend doing it in singles, however, I am looking at the time I have left, 62 days, and the fact that you can buy these as a combo, are they needing to be combined for optimal results, or should I alternate days, OR make all three at once and alternate teas during the day? 

I have also heard a lot about the cohoshes and I am not skeptical of their results, I am worried that I could miscarry or have a stillbirth.  Is this possible or just it just induce labor? I realize that starting the blue is good the last few weeks, when could I do the black?

I will be delivering in a hospital with access to an epidural!  I am not good with pain and as much as I love the idea of water birth, my husband protests delivery outside of a hospital because of precautionary reasons.  I also feel we have waited too long to decide this and being there is only 9 weeks left, it’d be tough to learn something new, on top of finding a midwife for delivery.

Thank you for your time Susun,

I hope to hear from you soon.

 

 

A: Thank you for writing.  I know you ask of Susun.  She does not have internet to be able to correspond through email.  I believe some herbalists or herbal companies combine herbs because they appear to work synergistically.  Moreso, I think they do it because if x, y, and z are all indicated for a situation, some feel the more the better, then do them all, rather than trusting that just x will be enough, for example.   I feel, as I have learned from Susun, that simple is better, one at a time.  Yes, please prepare them as separate infusions.  And alternate days or alternate through the day, whichever you prefer.  As separate infusions you get to know each more intimately, and know better how you respond to each.

Regarding the cohoshes, I am unsure of your question.  It sounds you have a doctor but no midwife, is this true?  It sounds you are not working in person with someone with experience with these herbs, is this true?  Are you anticipating some trouble in your birth?

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

 

Q: Thank you so much for getting back to me.  I will definitely search the forum.  I do not have a midwife; I am seeing an OB/GYN.  Since I am 39, I believe I am considered “high risk” however my other pregnancies were so normal, my Dr. said he is not concerned with my current pregnancy.  However, like I said, my husband is quite skeptical about delivering unconventionally and I do prefer being near the epidural in case I cannot handle the pain.

As far as the blue and black cohosh, sorry I made a typo. I have gotten some information an herbalist and she had mentioned using the blue the last several weeks and then the black during labor.  She also said the cohosh’s worked great for making her own pregnancy and labor smooth and less painful. 

My biggest concern is bleeding or miscarrying from these.  Although I have not heard of this, it’s my own concern.  I hear that many midwives use and recommend the blue and black cohosh. Any ideas?

A: For the cohoshes I would think it best you work with a midwife herbalist.  I would not want to steer you wrong and have little more than book knowledge on the use of them in a situation that was not acute.  Susun has a past apprentice who is now a midwife, perhaps you would wish to consult with her for some fee.  I do believe it may be worth it :)   

The term "high risk" is so generic, based on numbers and not on you.  There may be 20 year olds considered low risk because of their age who would have a more difficult time than you will! It is wonderful you know what is comfortable for you in your birth and are setting that up.

I would love to hear from you any time, with any questions or just to hear how you are doing!

Karen Joy

Safe Allergy Relief During Pregnancy

Q:  Dear Susun,

I am reading your "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year" and have been taking the Red Clover and Red Raspberry infusions in preparation of conceiving, hopefully some time soon. I suffer from allergies (hay fever, dust mites, cockroaches) and am trying to ween myself off my current antihistamines (Zyrtec D). I've looked through your book and online and it looks like I could use Nettle safely before and throughout pregnancy, but I was unsure if this was the root or the leaf? Also, if you had any other suggestions for safe allergy relief (mainly to relieve sinus pressure and sneezing) during pregnancy, I would really appreciate it. I am having trouble finding information on this subject and most of the websites I've found suggest antihistamines, something you've mentioned as dangerous.

Thank you for all of your help.



A:  Yes you are right, Nettle leaf infusions are superb for this. Plus in your case they have added benefits of excellent mineral nutrition and vitamin K which is essential for the birth. It is the dried leaves we use, prepared as in the book you have.

Blessings,

Karen Joy

wisewoman@herbshealing.com

www.wisewomanweb.com

Nourishing and Letting Go

Q: Hello angel Karen Joy,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me.

Also I have gone ahead and ordered Susun's Books - Menopausal, HealingWise, Childbearing Year; and Natural
Children and I am really excited to get reading.

I also have joined the wonderful forum.

Since you have asked me to go ahead and ask questions, I am going to. It seems that I need
to be told a few times before I get it, but here goes.

This is my plan for a successful pregnancy, Please advise okay.

(1) Drink my nourishing herbs. Red Raspberry Leaf, and Nettle.

(2) Drink Red Clover also as from my deduction it is a good fertility enhancer and a good
hormone balancer.

I honestly think I am not able to keep the baby because of my hormones level.

So my question to you is Red Clover the way to go until I want to conceive for balancing
both the estrogen and progesterone? Or do you think something else.

I don't want to have to beg to my doctor for a cortisone shot. He'll probably just
say no, and my time is ticking. I have read the Wild Yam, but wouldn't Red Clover
be enough.

Also hear goes, I am still lactating and I read in one of the postings that it affects
hormones and words on that.

Thanks Karen Joy.

Love and Light

PS (I had to laugh at the name GreenTit, my gosh so many like minded people out there,
I must be living under a rock)

 

A: Yes, I saw your book order, wonderful!! So glad to have you at the forum.

Based on what I have learned up to this point, I would strongly encourage you to nourish yourself in all ways that you know, including food, rest, time, friends, solitude, etc., as well as explore any (if any) emotional resistance to becoming pregnant.

From what I have learned I encourage you to nourish yourself with infusions just as you mention below. Absolutely to Nettles and Red Raspberry, regardless of what you choose with the doctor. My personal vote is to try this way for some time that you feel comfortable before considering more invasive options. I must stress from what I know at this point, since I am not thoroughly versed in possible biological more serious concerns in this situation.

I am gathering from our brief interaction, that these nourishing infusions, plus the Vitex perhaps may go far to help you. I also think Red Clover blossom infusions may be wonderful for you. I nurse and have not come to believe over the years that this has been in any way a problem for me. I do not drink this every day, though, just about once a week. on average.

Does this answer all? I suppose basically in the end it is up to you what you choose; not being you I can only make suggestions. I hear your passion and determination.

Hormone levels that can be quantified are not the end all. Your passion and focus go far. Inviting nourishing ways into your life goes far too. And maybe at some point we can research and decide and take action and want and desire, but in the end I wonder if we are best to let go, while continuing our ways, but ultimately allow what is to happen simply happen. I want for you all that you desire!!! And yes, still you may ask all that you want to!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Dearest Dear Karen Joy,

You are so wise. And you have a wonderful way of speaking or writing to people. So very gentle and elequont.

Thank you for all your words Karen Joy. I will let go and let God. I have a personality of taking the bull by its horns and I sometimes get in my own way but I know my pregnacies weren't meant to be at this point in my life.

I just want to make sure that my body is functioning better then my previous tries. I never
once considered inviting herbs into my regime though...and have to say I feel so blessed to have been
led this way.

I once again have to say "Sister Nettle" makes me feel so wonderful, and same with Red Rasberry. I am
alternating them though. And as far as Red Clover thank you for some ideas. Do you mean you
limit Red Clover once a week or all infusions? I'm addicted to my infusions now Karen Joy
because they make me feel good.

Once again God Bless you.

 

A: I am so glad you have enjoyed our interaction; I have too. Yes, it does sound like Nettle and Red Raspberry are wonderful herbs for you. And I agree to take the approach of nourishng our selves so we are "functioning better" THEN allowing what is to happen to do so. I don't limit any of my infusions, I simply don't seem to crave the Red Clover as often. Please do let us know how things go!

Blessings,
Karen Joy

Conception, when surrounded with Negativity

Q: Dear Susun and Karen

I am 41 years old, turning 42 in September. My partner is 43. We have been trying to conceive for the last 19 months without success. I found the Susun Weed website about 2 months ago and have been trying Susun's advice.

I bought her book the 'childbearing year' and I am currently taking Red Raspberry leaf tea - 1 to 2 cups a day. Vitex - 1 squirt from the dropper per day into a glass of Red Clover Blossom infusion which I make up myself - about a cup a day. I also drink a cup of Nettle tea in the morning and try to eat as much organic produce as possible.

I visited an infertility specialist today as a followup to a hysteroscopy/laparoscopy that I had on May 3. She tells me there is nothing wrong physically, but my age is the problem and it is unlikely that I will ever concieve naturally. I will need the help of drugs such as Follicle stimulating hormone or Clomiphene. I am loathe to take drugs and the conversation scared me as I so wish to conceive naturally. She told me my eggs would be sad and tired and probably not very healthy because of my age.

It 's so depressing when I keep being told my age is a barrier to being able to conceive. Are you able to advise if what I'm taking is adequate as I would much rather prove her wrong and take these nourishing herbs than try the expensive prescription drugs. Everyone tells me that if I want a child that much, I'll take the drugs. But to me, it doesnt feel right.

I know I havent been on the herbs for long but do you see a possibility in conceiving without resorting to fertility drugs? Should I change what I'm taking or up the dose? I believe my cycles are fairly normal.

Thankyou for your wonderful website. I wish I'd found it months ago!

Regards

 

A: I hear your desire to have a child. And I totally understand your reservation to take the drugs. I would not equate that with a lack of passion for conceiving. As a woman and mother I understand one of the many beauties of having a child is the whole process, the natural beautiful magical process.

I can not answer for you whether you will be able to conceive. We are all unique. BUT based on my experience and what I have read and heard and witnessed, you being 41 definitely does not mean you can not conceive! So since I can not speak for the intricacies of your particular situation, I can confidently say women in their early 40s can conceive. Women in their late 40s do, and sometimes even in their early 50s!

I am sorry for the negativity around you. This must be daunting as you strive for something so meaningful to you. Sometimes though this can help us stand taller for what we want. I encourage you and support you to go for what you want. We always must know we may not get it, but you may. Two months is not long. And you may wish to drink up to 2 cups of the Red Clover blossom infusion a day. The Nettle leaf you may wish to make as an infusion rather than a tea and drink 2-4 cups of it a day. The Vitex berry tincture can be taken as a dropperful 2-3 times a day rather than one.

These are all wonderful nourishing things. Even if you don't conceive they will enrich your life. Even if you choose another method to help you conceive, they will make you that much more of a stronger mother for your child, as well as help against some of the damage the drugs may do. I invite you to give yourself a time limit perhaps. I would not make it any less that 6 months of diligently working with these herbs. Perhaps a year or two, or more. You are 41, if your doctor is saying you can not conceive now, I don't imagine you walking in the door at 42 or 43 would make that much of a difference when asking for the hormone drugs. I do understand though the desire to have a child now, but hear in your resistance to the drugs your desire for the whole process to be beautiful.

Don't forget your partner. He should be drinking the Nettle leaf infusions also :)

Good quality fats are key to a well functioning hormonal system.

I assume you read Susun's excerpt from New Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way on "Fertility After Forty". I would not overlook the addition of focus on the earlier suggestions. Your mental state is important as is your partner's. Lunaception would be worth a try. As well you may wish to explore Natural Family Planning as a way to wrok more intimately with your cycles, know when you are best able to conceive and have a more personal relationship to the whole process. You can read about it here: http://www.gardenoffertility.com/. And here is a link to a woman who teaches it if you want more instruction than a book, http://www.fertaware.com/. Another good book on this topic is Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler.

This all may seem like a lot of work, but think of it as tending a garden in the spring. All the care and attention and fussing over bring rich luscious food later. Of course I know is the looming over that it may bring nothing, but that is true anywhere in life. We work hard toward our goal and life can often take a side turn we don't expect. This is doubly why the process has to be as precious and feel just as right as the desired outcome.

I am glad you wrote and encourage you to surround yourself with more positive images of conception at your age. The article is a start. We have a book that was a help to me. I was not over forty when conceiving but had been told for many years I was not able to conceive. I attribute why I was able to in part to reading the writings in this book, Conscious Conception by Jeannine Parvati Baker. You can get it through us, Ash Tree Publishing, or most major bookstores, or possibly even used stores or through a library. It has been around a while.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Dear Karen

Thank you for your email. It was very comforting. I understand there are no guarantees in this world but I am committed to trying to conceive naturally and healthily. I found your links extremely interesting.

Particularly about food and nutrition and the links to 'Real Milk'. I had no idea how mankind had destroyed such a wonderful natural product. I will certainly be trying to source some real milk and butter for myself and my partner. It's very overwhelming and saddening to think we have to fight to find natural food sources. Milk being only one such product.

I will continue to use the herbal advice from your email and Susun's book.

Thankyou for your time in replying to my email.

In love and light

 

A: So wonderful you will nourish yourself so well!! You are welcome to write any time if there is anything further we can help with. We would also love to hear how you are doing down the road, should you ever wish to share :)

with love,
Karen Joy

We are all Unique!

Q: Hi Karen Joy,

Are you the person to ask questions about conception to? In short, I have a four year old boy, had him at 41 and would love to have one more child. Any of your clients 46 and pregnant? Looking forward to your
reply.

 

A: I do not have "clients", but love to speak with people, and have spoken with many in their upper forties and have seen some get pregnant. Have you been working with any herbs or other lifestyle choices to help you conceive? Have you been trying for long? Each person is unique and I can't say for sure what is true for you, but I DO feel confidant a woman who is 46 can conceive, and with much nourishing support carry through a health pregnancy. Have you read this article on Fertility After Forty?

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

 

Q: Hi Karen,

I have been trying to 'lay to rest' the idea of having another child, but it just won't let go, in fact whenever it seems that I finally have a good grip on putting the idea of a second child to bed, up pops another 'sign'
that gently insists I pursue the matter a little further. I am not willing to take fertility drugs such as Clomid or have hormone injections, etc. since I have already proven to myself that the herbal approach works.
Let me explain...

After 5 miscarriages between the ages of 36 to 40, I was finally diagnosed (BC Woman's Hospital) with a blood clotting disorder that is only serious when I'm pregnant. In short, my body cuts off the blood supply to the developing embryo, hence the miscarriages. They were all between 6 to 8 weeks. When I was pregnant with ... (my now strawberry-blond perfectly normal 4 year old boy), I had to take injections of Heparin every 12 hours into my abdominal area as well as 1 baby aspirin per day. This was to keep my antiphospholipids down (thin my blood, so the baby would not be rejected). I delivered an 8 pound 16 oz. baby after a blissful 9 month pregnancy when I was 41 in 2002.

This past spring I became pregnant again, I was thrilled but worried because of my age. I dutifully began the Heparin and aspirin treatments as prescribed by my doctor. I had read up a little on herbs and had drank chaste-berry tea everyday for about 3 months and had taken Damiana capsules everyday to help conceive. Unfortunately, I miscarried just before 8 weeks. I know now that I can become pregnant with the help (stimulation) of herbs. My husband was taking zinc and vitamin E. My question is, I know the herbs will help me to ovulate/conceive but am I just simply ovulating 'old eggs?' At present, I am not taking any special herbs, just vitamins. I still have regular periods every 28 days. Would you be interested in working with me?

 

A: I am always happy to correspond with you through email. And I will share what I know, believe, or feel. As I said I do not take "clients" but love to support anyone in any way I am able. I am glad you feel that the plants can help you. I believe they help in more ways than we know! I am not very familiar with your condition so do not have a specific answer to offer off the top of my head. As I understand it all our eggs are made early on, so all are "old" eggs, regardless of our age. Please let me know how I can support. I would love to see you develop your trust in and desire to work with the plants to aid you toward your wishes.

Blessings,
Karen Joy

 

Q: Hi Karen,

Is your background in herbal healing? I would like to learn a little more about how or what you would be able to offer in the way of advice, etc. As I've already mentioned, I sincerely believe that I could make this happen. My husband keeps me grounded with the 'yeah but, what about...' discussions. His concerns are mainly about chromosonal complications of the embryo and concerns about my health during pregnancy. I must admit I have a very optimistic and positive belief about having another child.

 

A: I have been studying herbs and people for over a decade. This is my passion. I have been studying primarily with Susun Weed and consider myself to always be a student. I also love to learn from other repsected herbalists, as well as the plants themselves. Being a woman I focus on women's health. I learn as I go, as I am asked to answer questions. I do not know what more beyond what I have shared I will have to offer, but am open. I would not ask you to put all your faith in me or anyone for that matter. I ask you to make your decisions for your health, drawing on the wisdom and experience of those you trust, which may or may not be me, your choice. I also stongly invite you to our online forum for more ideas to draw from.

Blessings and love,
Karen Joy