Review my future Blue sway please! (TTC#4 after 3 girls - 1 being after a 'failed' sway)

[LMSM]

Hello all,

Well, here I am at it again – obsessing, again :rolleyes: and it’s questions Galore!
We probably will be TTC mid next year, if I can get hubby still happy with the idea by then…this would mean TTC mid winter here but can’t be heavily pregnant at the peak of summer, it near killed me last time so aiming for heaps of Vit D to compensate haha.
Hoping we get our blue bundle:DS: this time around! Kinda secretly hoping for boy twinnies – because I know hubby will NOT cave for #5,even if this is a boy – but I have read so much about you guys saying little boys should come in pairs yadiyada – and I love the idea of them each having a buddy too ^^

I have just finished weaning my 18 m.o daughter, so should have a good 10/12 months before TTC.
My DD2/3 were conceived when their big sisters were 17 or 20 m.o – here DD3 would be at least 28m.o … hopefully a slightly bigger gap, more sleep (hopefully, still working on that ha!), will all be in my favour and balance out the fact that we will be older and probs less fertile (hence pink )
My cycles have finally returned 4 months ago (never happened with my first 2 (AF returned around 10-11months PP for both), but then miss #3 co-slept after 1st wake up so nursed heaps at night which her sisters didn’t!). They are regular ish(so far mostly 27 days with a couple being 26 or 28). Some months I have slight spotting 2-4 days prior, others, straight into AF (not sure if that means anything) – my cycles have started coming in the mornings too (never did when I had my first 2 girls – only did this when swaying #3)…. and my libido is baaaack! :D
We currently BD unprotected from ca. CD 9 max (as I sometimes O early) then protected until ca. CD19/20 (to be sure we are definitely out of possible fertile zone), when we go unprotected again until end of cycle.

Since my cycles have returned, I am keen on the deed haha so most cycles it’s been EOD pretty much, except when kids/life get in the way ^^
Especially now that we are falling into the “older parents” category – with me being 35 at time of TTC and him 42 – we want to improve our conditions so we are fit and fab :P and have the best possible sperm and egg for optimal chances of blue ^^

I don’t want to go overboard either, and risk undermining our sway by falling into the “control freak that just decides to drop everything because it’s up to fate anyways” category even though the detail-orientated person in me needs to haha

Currently applying for a new job, which would be challenging and pushing me – driving my competitive spirit :)
I have started a few PT sessions just to get me started – and set up a routine I can do by myself at home, to get some weightlifting going: mainly using my own body weight. I want to prove to hubby that doing it on own at home will yiled results and I can stick to it – again, driving the competition as he goes to the gym (once only though, want o push Him to go more ^^) ad wanted me to go (IMO it’sd a waste of $$ as I am already running after time – at least at home can go with kids in bed etc).

Here are the vitamins I have noted to be as part of our regime (haven’t started on any yet) – will only do multi and probiotics for now – and add the rest in about 3 months prior to TTC. Is that ok?

Vitamins for DH (daily unless advised otherwise)
1) One a day multi men 50+ - should I add more vit D? (multi has 700ui)
2) Fish oil 500mg (1000 every other day)
3) Probiotics – do they have to be the refrigerated ones to be good?
4) CQ10 (Ubiquinol)– 100 mg: is that enough?
5) L-arginine 500mg – plus 1000mg cartinine
6) 99mg Potassium - the multi doesn’t have any – should he add this?
Does he need extra folate (multi has 400mcg) or zinc (recommendations are 100-200mcg – multi only has 24) ?

Vitamins for DW (daily unless advised otherwise) –Spread the intake throughout the day
1) One-a- day multi -should I aim for more vit D, especially since we will be TTC in winter? (multi has 1000ui)
2) Fish Oil 500mg/day (mine has 1000 so doing 1 EOD)
3) Probiotics
4) Methyl folate 1000mcg (multi has 400mcg FA)- is that enough? 1000 Methylfolate and 400 FA
5) CQ10 (Ubiquinol) – 100mg daily - is that enough - should I aim for 200?
6) 99mg potassium - should I avoid this?
7) Melatonin: is it worth taking in lead up to TTC for egg quality – but wean so that not taking any more by the time we do start TTC?? Or if I get enough natural sun, that would maybe suffice to get my natural melatonin production going?
8) Resveratrol – needed at all? https://www.whitelotusclinic.ca/blog/dr-erica-nd/resveratrol-fertility/ It seems egg quality is improved with this…

When attempting: I used Preseed with my 3 girls, so am hoping to avoid it and stick to just natural EWCM this time– some cycles I have plenty for days, others just a day and small amount…
Take Guaifenesin at least 5 days prior to expected O – I just need to find the right version in the shops when the time comes: only use on attempt months or should I give it a go a few months before to see how/if it affects me?
Trying to have big O at every BD session (and when not, finish the job myself lol) – is it worth having some ‘solo sessions’ before BD to get the right Ph down there?
Water water and more water – and lemon water again..well, generally keep hydrated but not intending on overdoing it (maybe 2.5-ish per day max) ^^
Fertility massage before O??
Before O, coconut water - After O, pomegranate juice

BD:
EOD (~48hrs between BDs) from AF-O – follow the SMEP plan
Going by my libido, and what hubby has been able to “deliver”, we should be able to BD at least once a day in the fertile window – life permitting
Attempt night of 1st pos OPK, next morning and evening and again the day after – at least, on this point - more is more, right? haha
Then resume EOD until AF or BFP

Exercising – aim to gain lean muscle, and shed some fat – body reformation: https://www.fitnessbliss.com/en/ Blogilates Popsugar and TaiBo Gunnar Peterson Kick/boxing (have asked my DD1 to teach me some of her taekwondo moves to just get some “kickboxing” done – and she finds it fun to watch mummy so win win, as it motivates me to do it harder and better haha). Hubby goes to gym, but not enough (1/week): I want to challenge him – and prove I can get great results at home, so hopefully he will pick up the pace and we can both get good changes. We’re coming into summer, so we will be able to use the pool and get in some swimming too.
Doing 45 minutes sessions 3/week with weights – and a couple of lighter sessions (HIIT)
BMI as of now: 168cm for 58kgs = 20.5. The biggest I have ever been non pregnant (was 53kg when fell pregnant with DD1, 51kg when feel with DD2, and about 55 with DD3…I’ve been at this weight for a year and it hasn’t budged lol).
Aiming to not lose weight in the process (or 1-2max) but build muscle mass instead – not too fussed about the # on the scales, just want to feel strong and fit/lean overall ;)

Food – Atkins, HCG diets?
No coffee at all in attempt months – otherwise, reducing gradually from now onwards (I have maybe 4-5/week) – and aiming for only black tea by the time we start TTC.
Always eat carbs+ protein – but small portions, more often
I like my carbs and that is the hardest, not eating toooo many – just enough to balance things and still not be starving :P I think I still ate too many carbs and not enough protein last time alas  what is the current view on wholegrain over refined? i.e. am I always better off going for the wholewheat/grain/brown option (brown over white rice and pasta / wholemeal bread over white…)?
Cereals: I know cereals seem to sway – in an attempt to eat healthy, I would tend to do overnight oats or oatmeal (with greek FF yogurt /milk and berries & nut butter for ex.) for brekkie (alternating with egg/cheese/tomato wrap)– but this is obviously not fortified.
So I could alternate these with a cereal: any recommendation? Most are high in sugar, i.e. empty carbs, so not ideal. We don’t have as many options here in Australia as maybe the US or Europe so need a basic that is readily available: fortified granola with nuts (the catch is the fortified ones are the more processed and hence sweeter ones)? Cheerios?
Avocado – 1/ day when in season
Lemon – equivalent of 1 lemon /day in water (approx. 2-2.5L) – Coconut water: drinking 1L/week (small glass/day – hubby too most days) – getting a small glass of multi vitamin juice (or pineapple/orange) most days (fortified)
NYE – eating on salad, pasta etc / using Brewers yeast in baking
Nuts – a small handful a day (almonds, cashews, walnuts mainly) – giving hubby some for snacking too (mix but adding brazil nuts!)
Fats/proteins – red meat (buying grass fed mince) at least once every few days / alternating with chicken, dark cuts where possible – overall, aiming for 100g of protein /day with most being animal based (eggs,FF greek yogurt, milk and meat as main source – olive oil or butter for cooking and olive oil/avocado oil for salads). Fish (brramundi or Slamon) twice a week max.
I’m not big on cheese – can do Haloumi (grilled – added to sandwich or salad), Mozzarella (salad or on pizza) or cheddar (in grilled cheese sandwhich for instance): i.e. you won’t see me scoffing down a Brie or Blue (yuk!) lol
Fruits: last time ate a fair few bananas lol so not going to eat them purposefully – only if I feel like it. Aiming for berries, apples,
Veggies: Leafy green salads, green beans, sweet potato (better than potato), tomatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, capsicum (I think you call these bell peppers in the US?), zucchini, eggplant etc avoid the very starchy ones maybe?
Pulses are a great source of protein – is it worth having them as well as a protein, instead of (or to assist reducing the carbs) say pasta or rice to bulk up the protein in a meal (say chickpeas or lentils)?? i.e. chicken curry with chickpeas, served with rice and vegetables

Superstition – will have an amethyst gem on me at all times
Place a baby boy outfit under my pillow:bluecheer:

If you read all of this – thank you!!
I will be buying a personalised plan, but want to wait until we are 6 months from TTC so probably around the new year ^^:bowdown::hug2:

[atomic sagebrush]

That saying should actually read "boys should come in pairs like shoes or else have lots of big sisters to spoil them!" :)

This is long so anything I don't specifically mention is :agree: from me

RE going to the gym - I got 2 of my 4 boys working out at home, one working a really physical job, and the other one doing nothing, so I PROMISE you can get boys working out at home. I truly think going to the gym for many of us IS a huge waste of money and time and I have complete confidence you can get just as good a sway on your own (and without contracting the sicknesses that virtually everyone is always picking up at the gym! I have so many blue swayers who get sick at the gym...or their kiddos do)

Hubs does not need the potassium. NO he should not take extra zinc, I'm not sure where you're getting that dose from but I don't want to see anyone take more than 30 for men and more like 15/20 for ladies. He doesn't need more D if he gets any sunlight or drinks milk/dairy but can take a little more if you want. The 100 coq10 is fine.

For you, the One a Day has the Vit. D I recommend unless you have a proven deficiency. I like you guys on 2000 folate total so I'd add in another. I do not recommend potassium supplements. PLEASE do not take melatonin. There is NO reason for it, zero, none, and by taking it you can end up getting dependent on it (trust me on that, sigh) and it really can mess up your sleep for quite some time. This is aside from the possible harm it can cause since it must not be taken during pregnancy and you can't take it till pregnancy and then wean off, there's not enough time for that. Your body makes all the natural melatonin it will need and it's better not to mess with that. Your egg quality is likely fine, you aren't doing IVF and won't need to make dozens of eggs in one month, please no one TTC naturally ever take melatonin any time aroudn when you are TTC. I don't think reservatrol is necessary, it's optional, but do be aware I have no real idea how it sways and haven't seen enough people take it to have a feel for how it sways and if it's safe.

Re Big O - I have found that trying too hard with the Big O to have lots of them has ended up really stressing people out and making them basically hate sex, LOL. Please don't push yourself to have any more than you want to. It really does backfire if you make it a chore and there's never been any hard evidence that excessive female orgasms even sway blue. Just have however many orgasms your body enjoys and no more than that.

Same with water - drink to your level of thirst, no more than that.

I'm going to post this first half now and finish up later.

[atomic sagebrush]

Great job on the exercise and your weight. Keep it up!

PLEASE no Atkins or HCG Diets. That's the last thing we need right now.

Personally I never had any shortage of carbs when I got my boys, LOL. Don't overthink that...remember, protein + carbs = boys (this is why you should stay away from Atkins, in addition to it not being safe when TTC.)

RE your breakfasts, I'd stick with the ones you're having, those are both phenominal. Then I'd save the cereal for a snack. I rarely ate cereal for breakfast but often had it as a snack when I got my boys. I would hate to see you drop such nice brekkies just for some dumb old Cheerios, LOL. Have those as an easy snack instead. Do u guys have Weetabix? A lot of girls eat that.

Avocado is great but 1 a day is a lot of avocado. If you need to cut back on something I'd have this only 2-3 times a week. Not because it would sway pink, but because you're going to be stuffed to the gills otherwise!

:agree: meats

No worries on the cheese, I've always been a cheese lover and got my boys that way but many cultures worldwide don't eat cheese at all ever and get plenty of boys!

:agree: I truly believe bananas undermine blue sways. People waste all these calories eating bananas (plus they're pure sugar/starch without much else going on) trying to get potassium they can get more of other ways. Ditch them, berries and other stuff is the way to go!

no need to avoid starchy veg unless you're already full of avocado. ;)

Yes absolutely pulses are a great addition. I often had bean burritos with my boys for lunch; I would mix up a batch of burritos and I'd have them for lunch for several days in a row. I also ate potato and pea curry quite a lot especially with #2 and #4. I really think variety is the spice of a boy-friendly diet.

Oh and somewhere, not seeing it now, you asked about whole grains vs. white. This is a big unknown of swaying. I don't have enough data to say, and information seems to point both directions. My thinking is that you guys should have what you like, maybe a compromise having white pasta and white rice and then whole grain bread. But the idea we had to have whole grain everything for blue has not panned out, and I"d not go out of my way to eat whole grains. In fact, many people are finding very little room in their diet for grains at all - although I certainly ate scads of them when I got my boys so I hesitate to ahve you guys give them up!

Please let me know if I missed anything!

[Katie.Z]

LMSM, hello again. This is a serious looking sway, wow, impressive. I would love to ask about your plan for the actual attempt. Last time you swayed did you test for Ovulation? I’m not sure what SMEP is. Did you make the attempts when you were at peak fertility (according to test) or how did that work? And are you planning on repeating this pattern? Thank you so much.

I had a very strange test this month. I’m have been testing my ovulation just to get comfortable with how it works before my attempt. This month I tested for three days in a row. The first two days showed nothing and the last day showed “peak fertility” so I skipped “high fertility”. Didn’t expect that and not sure why it happened.

I’m just curious to know how you determined your O day last time and want to understand on which days you attempted.


Thank you so much!

[atomic sagebrush]

Katie, SMEP is Sperm Meets Egg Plan and you can find it here: Sperm Meets Egg Plan (http://www.pregnancyloss.info/sperm_meets_egg_plan.htm)

It's not uncommon to go straight to peak, but I think it happened this month because you didn't start testing early enough. Many of the tests need a baseline of low fertility to start with, then it can tell when you're getting more fertile and going to peak. Since you only tested 3 days, the test started off "thinking" "well ok I must be on low fertility now" and it was only when you went up to the peak it was like "oh crap it's happening now" LOL. If you start testing sooner, it will "see" the low reading, and then be able to detect when it increases to high, then again when it goes to peak.

[Katie.Z]

Hi Atomic thank you for the reply. That is fascinating. I will start testing earlier next month since it’s my attempt month it will be crucial to get it right. But even if I didn’t test early enough (this month) , the Peak the test showed me was still accurate, yes? Is it possible to see peak two days in a row? (This didn’t happen but I’m just curious) I don’t want to mess anything up

Lastly is the morning the best time to test? The ovulation kit says first thing in the morning but many other places (like SMEP) link above it says test in the afternoon?

I am sticking to my plan, but just curious doesn’t smep sway blue?

Thank you for tirelessly answering all of our questions ��

[LMSM]

Oh Atomic, thanks so much!!! You’re a saint :)

I will skip the supps that you recommend avoiding & up the folate for sure.
Might up hubbys vit D just to be sure he is getting
Enough :)

WIll only eat the fortified cereals as an easy snack _ works better for me like that anyways lol am also eating nutty muesli bars when I have nothing else as it’s portable and quick. I am hoping to start making some less sugary home made versions soon, like larabars style :)

I really think I need hubbys swimmers to improve...that is one thing that worries me. I will try to see my specialist (for my endometriosis) as he is also a fertility specialist - and see fin I can convince him to do an AMH test for me and’ and SA for DH...it would put my mind at ease to know we still have ok #s ( 4 almost 5 year same ago my amh was great but 7-8 year same ago DHs sperm was just average so imagine now :( )

Katie, can see Atomic responded on the SMEP :) it definitely sways blue!

On the Opks, I know I have short LH surges so need to start testing early And more than 2/day...maybe testing at least 3 times per day will allow you to catch the surge. Having said that, last time I used the cheap opks and the dual Clearblue opk monitor - 1st day I tested on the cb it was high and next straight into’ peak...blink it and you’ll miss it lol
Some opks require fmu (like Clearblue) but most of the simple strips are best from midday until early evening as the LH builds up during the day.... so I would do both a to the same’ time yo make sure they « marry up » iykwim?
(So CB in the am then a few iC strips after lunch ish to confirm etc)
Does that make any sense?? Lol

Now to your actual question re last sway and’ BDs.
Yes, I used opks (both cheap strips and CB): we BDd on CD 10 am (high fertility/negative opk), then whenI got my peak reading the next day I think it was, we BDd that night and the next (couldn’t do the am). I ovulated around CD 12 early 13 .
I also tracked my basal body temperature so I could retrospectively confirm O.
I’ve copied my chart so you can see

42044
I intend on more Bds - as my LH surge seems short my window of opportunity between pos opk and O is limited and I do seem to O quite early in my cycle..so need to bd heaps from CD 8-13 i think lol

[Katie.Z]

LMSM thank you, makes perfect sense. Such great advice!

[atomic sagebrush]

Hi Atomic thank you for the reply. That is fascinating. I will start testing earlier next month since it’s my attempt month it will be crucial to get it right. But even if I didn’t test early enough (this month) , the Peak the test showed me was still accurate, yes? Is it possible to see peak two days in a row? (This didn’t happen but I’m just curious) I don’t want to mess anything up

Lastly is the morning the best time to test? The ovulation kit says first thing in the morning but many other places (like SMEP) link above it says test in the afternoon?

I am sticking to my plan, but just curious doesn’t smep sway blue?

Thank you for tirelessly answering all of our questions ��

Yes the peak is so noticeable that the strips pick it up. The shift from low to high is much more subtle than that which is why it can get "confused".

The Clearblues are supposedly calibrated to work in the morning, but honestly I think we get better results after lunch anyway provided you can keep from drinking tons of fluids.

Yes, SMEP sways blue. I'm not sure what your question is here. If you're asking me why I don't use it for everyone if it sways blue I'm happy to explain that (and also explain why it wasn't in your plan) if that's what your question is.

[atomic sagebrush]

LMSM if there's any way to swing the sperm analysis it might put your mind at ease, but I doubt you guys truly need it. I seriously, seriously doubt that any couple with 3 babies is having any kind of serious male factor infertility.

:agree: fine to BD before the fertile window opens; let's go easier on the early attempts (like CD8-10) and heavier on the later ones (CD 11-14). I don't want to see you with scads of too-early attempts and then have hubby taper off once the window is truly open.

[Katie.Z]

Thank you Atomic. I do understand why my plan is different. I was just curious if SMEP sways blue. Thank you as always. ❤️

[LMSM]

LMSM if there's any way to swing the sperm analysis it might put your mind at ease, but I doubt you guys truly need it. I seriously, seriously doubt that any couple with 3 babies is having any kind of serious male factor infertility.

:agree: fine to BD before the fertile window opens; let's go easier on the early attempts (like CD8-10) and heavier on the later ones (CD 11-14). I don't want to see you with scads of too-early attempts and then have hubby taper off once the window is truly open.

Cool - won't stress too much about it - I just guess the fact that hubs' SA wasn't stellar (not "bad" but not awesome either) back then already, makes me worry that some years down, having had three girls - that the key is to get those swimmers in top notch shape lol

Forgot to mention - will scale down the avocado - maybe 1/2 a small one instead of a full one (usually they are small anyways and if big I would only get a 1/2 max).

Re BD - noted: I will see over the coming months when O is and adjust so we focus our energy mostly on the fertile window - with maybe just one-two BDs before to clear the pipes ^^ just ordered OPKs to begin tracking (will get into BBT later, my sleep is too disrupted still).

[LMSM]

Also, Atomic - if you see this - looking at my last DD's chart (when I swayed) on the 1st page of this thread- what do you think of the BD pattern compared to the OPKs/temp etc?
On paper, this looked pretty solid for blue, right? or maybe what could be done to better it?
I know every cycle will be slightly different and somewhat unpredictable (including and especially the actual exact time one ovulates) - I just like to anticipate all different scenarios so I can then adjust as needed ;)
Thanks ^^
xx

[atomic sagebrush]

Thank you Atomic. I do understand why my plan is different. I was just curious if SMEP sways blue. Thank you as always. ❤️

:agree: yes, SMEP sways blue, but we find with many of our blue swayers, their husbands run out of steam doing SMEP and so we do the every 2-4 day pattern instead of every other day. The thing we're trying to avoid is having hubbies "waste" their early attempts having them too often, and then when the fertile window opens, not being able to perform in that time frame. :)

[atomic sagebrush]

Also, Atomic - if you see this - looking at my last DD's chart (when I swayed) on the 1st page of this thread- what do you think of the BD pattern compared to the OPKs/temp etc?
On paper, this looked pretty solid for blue, right? or maybe what could be done to better it?
I know every cycle will be slightly different and somewhat unpredictable (including and especially the actual exact time one ovulates) - I just like to anticipate all different scenarios so I can then adjust as needed ;)
Thanks ^^
xx

Yes it looked blue friendly to me, I would do something very much along those lines in future.

[LMSM]

Cool, thanks :) good to know that we were ok on that point at least last time :)

On the plus side, since I’ve said to hubby that I will prove to him that I WILL exercise at home ( he thinks I won’t be committed unless I go to the gym)...he’s actually responded “well, we will have to exercise some together at home then... I’ve got that pull up bar, we could set that up too” WIN! Lol He needs to work on his muscles more ( and he does have a bit of abdominal fat that he could do without) so a little extra at home will be good, plus ...My plan of pushing him by driving his competitive side seems to be paying off haha

X

[atomic sagebrush]

Sperm analysis are notorious for swinging from bad to spectacular and back to mediocre again LOL. We can't draw a conclusion from that and I don't think you guys have anything to worry about.

:agree: yes the avocado is good but you don't have to eat quite that much!

It's fine and in fact beneficial for you guys to BD out of the fertile window, even every 2-4 days, just don't tire out hubby doing lots of attempts before the fertile window opens, is all.

[atomic sagebrush]

Cool, thanks :) good to know that we were ok on that point at least last time :)

On the plus side, since I’ve said to hubby that I will prove to him that I WILL exercise at home ( he thinks I won’t be committed unless I go to the gym)...he’s actually responded “well, we will have to exercise some together at home then... I’ve got that pull up bar, we could set that up too” WIN! Lol He needs to work on his muscles more ( and he does have a bit of abdominal fat that he could do without) so a little extra at home will be good, plus ...My plan of pushing him by driving his competitive side seems to be paying off haha

X

Nice!! Did you see I missed a question the other day?? I replied above

[LMSM]

Sperm analysis are notorious for swinging from bad to spectacular and back to mediocre again LOL. We can't draw a conclusion from that and I don't think you guys have anything to worry about.

:agree: yes the avocado is good but you don't have to eat quite that much!

It's fine and in fact beneficial for you guys to BD out of the fertile window, even every 2-4 days, just don't tire out hubby doing lots of attempts before the fertile window opens, is all.

I know that SA are not the be all and end all - and that just one month can yield polar opposite results - sigh - I just feel that was one way to gage hubby's state of affairs so to speak LOL
I still need to see my specialist re my endometriosis - so if the subject is raised, etc, will envisage it - otherwise, won't fret and focus on what I can work on ^^

Definitely wouldn't want to wear him out - which is also why I am working on a simili SMEP right now - to see how much is too much etc - also, don't want him to feel added pressure to perform once we are TTC - so would love to fall into a 2-4 days pattern naturally now, so that when the time comes, he will feel like it is business as usual, and less pressure to suddenly deliver :P Gosh when we first met we were a 1-2 times a day couple lol
Over the years it became 1-2 a week...fortunately since my cycles returned, so did my libido and it's every 2-3 days on average without effort ^^

PS: Shame it takes so long to get an avocado tree up and running, because they thrive here - don't have 6-10 years to wait so will have to buy them- had I know I would have planted one when we got the house 7+ years ago haha I am just eating a fair few atm because they are in season and cheap ^^

[LMSM]

Nice!! Did you see I missed a question the other day?? I replied above

Thanks! yes, saw that now :)

[atomic sagebrush]

That is very much the pattern that many of us get boys with!

So jealous of your climate - I have so long wanted to plant things like citrus and avocados and we can't here. Plant one now so when you're an old lady like me you can enjoy them! :) :bluecheer: :bluecheer: :bluecheer:

[LMSM]

That is very much the pattern that many of us get boys with!

So jealous of your climate - I have so long wanted to plant things like citrus and avocados and we can't here. Plant one now so when you're an old lady like me you can enjoy them! :) :bluecheer: :bluecheer: :bluecheer:
So reassuring, thanks :) have ordered some OPKs so next cycle hopefully will be able to chart more closely to see how the LH surge, EWCM and libido all marry up to pinpoint the perfect fertile window :P

Haha we have a plethora of citrus trees - as the birds leave those alone and hubby proceeded to plant plenty when we got the house: we have lime, lemon, lemon meyer, pomelo, and my fav - blood orange (which we planted for DD1 when she was born ^^)... still waiting on our pomegranate trees to yield anything (sigh) and hoping the mango tree will have some left when it's the season again (bats and possums get to them!)...also have a passionfruit vine, and white mulberries and bananas ..must sound exotic to you hehe would love an apple tree too (and if I could have a supply of bluebrries I'd be in heaven ^^)
But have def tried to push for an avocado tree - might just buy it and plant it myself LOL but I have nooo time for gardening and even then, absolutely the opposite of a green thumb - as much as I love the idea of a lovely garden, I kill everything because I forget to water them and we have had sooo little rain of late :P

[atomic sagebrush]

Yes that's what I have found too, it does sound lovely and exotic but I know a lot of people would love to have apples and cherries and blueberries instead! It sounds beautiful. :)

[LMSM]

You'd be welcome to come and sample stuff in my garden haha :D

[LMSM]

Also, separate question - about to place an order for supps: for CQ10: I think Ubiquinol/none is the best, right?
I see a lot of Ubidecarenone supps so not sure anymore haha
I've tried searching but can't find definite answers so if anyone knows, will be happy to know before I order!

Also re probiotics - are the ones stored in fridge best? I assume so but best to check :)

[atomic sagebrush]

You'd be welcome to come and sample stuff in my garden haha :D

Someday I would love to travel the world and meet all you lovely ladies! :)

[atomic sagebrush]

Ubidecarenone is fine especially in those under 40. Your body just converts it. As we get older we have less ability to convert it into the ubiquinol form but to be honest I suspect that's probably a worry we don't need to truly have.

Re probiotics - that used to be the case but they've really improved quality control on probiotics over the past 10 years (so the ones on the shelf haven't been sitting there for 17 years LOL). If you can swing it, the refrigerated ones are great, but the on the shelf ones are much better than they used to be and are worth taking, particularly the well known brand names.

[LMSM]

Someday I would love to travel the world and meet all you lovely ladies! :)
If I win the loto, I'll buy you a ticket hehe

[LMSM]

Ubidecarenone is fine especially in those under 40. Your body just converts it. As we get older we have less ability to convert it into the ubiquinol form but to be honest I suspect that's probably a worry we don't need to truly have.

Re probiotics - that used to be the case but they've really improved quality control on probiotics over the past 10 years (so the ones on the shelf haven't been sitting there for 17 years LOL). If you can swing it, the refrigerated ones are great, but the on the shelf ones are much better than they used to be and are worth taking, particularly the well known brand names.

Oki doki - cool, will just get whatever I can at this stage and maybe when really close to TTC, will look at the "better" ones?! The Ubiquinone are seriously expensive, but willing to get them closer to TTC (like a few months before) along with the more expensive refrigerated probiotics :)

Thanks again! X

[atomic sagebrush]

I personally think the cheaper ones are fine for the vast majority of people. Maybe a 42 year old doing IVF might see some difference but the rest of us can use the cheaper stuff.

[4blue2pink]

so exciting!! :D your sway plan looks amazing, im dropping off all my blue dust for you :bluecheer::bluecheer::bluecheer:

[LMSM]

I personally think the cheaper ones are fine for the vast majority of people. Maybe a 42 year old doing IVF might see some difference but the rest of us can use the cheaper stuff.
Cool :D the job I was pursuing isn't happening (insert sad face) so I am now focusing on working hard in my current role to still get that competitive spirit up (the other role's Director is keen to get me heavily involved though so still potential to learn plenty) and prep for my very last TTC and baby so conditions are top notch...bright side is, less demanding job, less guilt at taking another mat leave :D

[LMSM]

so exciting!! :D your sway plan looks amazing, im dropping off all my blue dust for you :bluecheer::bluecheer::bluecheer:
thanks hun - I'll def take that blue dust especially if it helps make little men as handsome as yours! :love:
Are you still hoping TTC next year at some point? :D

[4blue2pink]

thanks hun - I'll def take that blue dust especially if it helps make little men as handsome as yours! :love:
Are you still hoping TTC next year at some point? :D

its the type of blue dust that defies 2 different pink sway diets so id say its pretty strong stuff!! we arent using any contraception and my cycles are back so bfp is possible anytime :)

[LMSM]

its the type of blue dust that defies 2 different pink sway diets so id say its pretty strong stuff!! we arent using any contraception and my cycles are back so bfp is possible anytime :)

I'll happily take the potent handsome little guys blue dust :D thanks :D
You know you are welcome to my pink one - it's pretty strong stuff too hehe

And woohoo for TTC - so exciting! You are a Wonderwoman - here I am with just 3 kiddies, and not feeling ready ttc for another yet & my last is 19 m.o! little Mister C. is only tiny still and yet you still have the stamina - as usual, my hat off to you my dear! :love:
xx

[LMSM]

Hi everyone!
Digging this back out as ttc is for the cycle starting end of August, IF hubby doesn’t do a 180 on me!
I’m as big as ever..sigh.. I think being home, with the kids trying to work for 2 months = less exercise and more food...SOooo
My kids are back in school on Monday so now is my chance to make that last stretch count!!
Also, time to add in all the supps etc :D

Sooooo, Atomic, if you have any feedback, please feel free :)

Exercise:
- Have been doing Chloe Ting sessions (2-4 /week with some light walking most days)- I keep each session between 20-40 min.
- My problem area is the mum tum : can’t seem to shake it. Idon’t care so much about the number on the scales (though, am at 61.5kg/168cm (bmi 22) so between 5.5/10 kg heavier than at the time where I conceived my three girls..also, which is the depressing bit, heavier than 1 month post partum #3 lol).
Can I increase my workouts (either frequency, intensity or length) to help muscle up and lean out? Eating less is hard :P

Supps
- I will get the l arginine and carnitine for hubs, can/should I add NAC??? Is it worth it, and if so, to avoid too many pills for him, can I do alternate days or would we loose the benefit of them all?
- He is taking the 50+ multi, probiotics, and will now add in the rest: fish oil, cq10, l arginine carnitine, and extra vit D
- I am on the multi, probiotics, cq10, extra methylfolate, will add the fish oil and extra D.

FOOD
I’ve made a batch of bone broth and froze small portions: I’ve added some to vegetarian meals (soups or even non veg meals such as Chili, bolognese etc) to get some goodness.
Is that ok? Or not enough to get “protein”for those meals? Most meals do have some animal protein, it’s moreso for the once in a while veg meal :)
It’s been harder for me to get some things as I’ve restricted my shopping but that should ease again soon - just means we probably ate too many carbs to bulk the meals :(
I will get back To a more normal meal planning soon, and have less reliance on carbs and more on veg and protein instead but kids are hard to feed so they tend to go for carbs lol

Blue Mommas out there...please share any tips :D happy to give you my details , as am clearly a pink Mumma (lifestyle/food wise..personality wise, not so much :P)

Thanks!!!!!!

[LMSM]

Also, meant to add:
BD
We have been doing unprotected 2-3 BD before I get to CD 9/10..protected 3-4 times between CD10-17 ..then another 3/4 until end of cycle (26-27 days on average). Hubby has been holding up on the “fertile” week BDs as he can feel I am keen anyways haha
My only issue is working out when the hell I actually ovulate.
For instance, this cycle CD 12 opk clearly as dark as control or even slight ply darker, no real ewcm, increased libido, next day (yesterday) opk darker even, some ewcm, libido ++, end of day, O pains (I know that’s indicating of Ovaries working but could Ben gearing up for O,actually O or post O ..or even nothing lol)..
I always felt my surge was short and had a slow rise post O (As per chart) but could be that I O later than I think and hence stopped the intense BDs too early in the past?!....
BUT don’t want to BD and waste those sperm and hubs stamina too early...maybe I should up the bd around those days, adding an extra one to see how he copes lol
I’m driving myself nuts :P
Any words of wisdom appreciated ,all the more because one month peak is on CD 11/12 the next cd14/15 etc so I cant exactly predict when to up the Bd intensity (or at least, on,y with very little notice)

[atomic sagebrush]

Yes please exercise a bit more than you've been. I am fine with you going up to 45 minutes, 5 days a week. OR you can even break that up into 2 workouts of 30-40 minutes (although at some point that gets to be a lot with kiddos)

I have always, always had a tummy even when I was young and quite thin and got all four of my boys that way. NO worries about that for all we know it helps a blue sway.

I remain unconvinced and pretty skeptical of NAC. I don't think it's at all necessary and it has a lot of interactions. I'd skip it.

Yes absolutely bone broth is great. I had made my own soup long before "bone broth" was a thing and got 3 of my 4 of my boys while eating it regularly (and not my girl, because we were super busy that whole summer before I got her and I didn't make any soup for probably 6-8 months before)

You're doing great!! Keep up the good work!

[LMSM]

Yes please exercise a bit more than you've been. I am fine with you going up to 45 minutes, 5 days a week. OR you can even break that up into 2 workouts of 30-40 minutes (although at some point that gets to be a lot with kiddos)

I have always, always had a tummy even when I was young and quite thin and got all four of my boys that way. NO worries about that for all we know it helps a blue sway.

I remain unconvinced and pretty skeptical of NAC. I don't think it's at all necessary and it has a lot of interactions. I'd skip it.

Yes absolutely bone broth is great. I had made my own soup long before "bone broth" was a thing and got 3 of my 4 of my boys while eating it regularly (and not my girl, because we were super busy that whole summer before I got her and I didn't make any soup for probably 6-8 months before)

You're doing great!! Keep up the good work!

You rock, thanks so much!
Have dropped the NAC from my order and hit buy buy buy the rest hehe
Will get to the organic butcher soon as mon supply is about to run out and get some grass fed beef bones to make a new batch..muuuuch cheaper than the powders etc :)

I guess I will embrace my flab tum haha
..but yes, will up the sessions a bit :D the kids will all be back in care/school as of next week and I am till working remotely at this stage, so easier to cram in a bit more exercise during the day (obviously otherwise it’s after my whole day and kids are in bed aka when I’m cooked already lol) I like the feeling of being stronger so def want to keep that up and up the ante.
Hubby is the issue: gyms have been closed for months, so he hasn’t been..on the WEs we have been going on long walks (7-10 km/ Day on average ..a few longer too!) but that isn’t enough.. he is my problem child, because I am pretty sure flab on HiS tummy is NOt blue friendly :P

[atomic sagebrush]

Hey, that walking is great!! Just be sure his "boys" don't get too overheated, but generally walking is not the issue, intense jogging or most especially biking is what should be avoided.

Everything else is sounding great!!

[Lilawt]

Hi LMSM,

Followed you on here since I joined over a year ago now! So excited for you!!

You’ve done so much planning and I can just feel how much you want this from your posts . I’ll be awaiting your news , sending you lots of love and luck! And all my blue dust. I have two gorgeous cuddly boys, a lot of what you write in your plan is me.

Lots of Food and snacking, literally grazing all day, all fruit and veg and meat. No coffee ever but tea all day. Took vitamins prior to conception, Bd a lot whenever. Don’t drink or smoke, worked at pc all day. Quite controlling, like to plan everything and make lists.

Please send me your pink dust for the future !!

I’ve got a good feeling about your sway.

Lil


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LMSM]

Definitely not overheating his boys.. he doesn’t like them compressed either lol
BUT he does have a small pot belly...and less muscles than in the past. He doesn’t seem keen on exercising at home like me :(

[4blue2pink]

LMSM my dh is overweight and puts on fat really really easily i wouldnt stress over that :heart: keep going wih your diet and bd as much as you can!! sending all my blue dust :)

[atomic sagebrush]

Definitely not overheating his boys.. he doesn’t like them compressed either lol
BUT he does have a small pot belly...and less muscles than in the past. He doesn’t seem keen on exercising at home like me :(

I wouldn't worry about that a bit!

[LMSM]

Thanks for reassuring me ladies, truly :hug2::hug2::hug2:
Now that we are just a few months away, dd3 is sleeping poorly again ..sigh
Hope he doesn’t put a stop to our (my? Lol) planned ttc :P
My eldest keeps saying she wants a baby other, or better even..two..:ttcboy::bluecheer::DS:
No pressure! Lol

[LMSM]

Hi LMSM,

Followed you on here since I joined over a year ago now! So excited for you!!

You’ve done so much planning and I can just feel how much you want this from your posts . I’ll be awaiting your news , sending you lots of love and luck! And all my blue dust. I have two gorgeous cuddly boys, a lot of what you write in your plan is me.

Lots of Food and snacking, literally grazing all day, all fruit and veg and meat. No coffee ever but tea all day. Took vitamins prior to conception, Bd a lot whenever. Don’t drink or smoke, worked at pc all day. Quite controlling, like to plan everything and make lists.

Please send me your pink dust for the future !!

I’ve got a good feeling about your sway.

Lil


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lila, so sorry I somehow missed your post! ;)
Thanks so much, really appreciate it!!! I definitely have powerful pink dust going so sharing all round :)
When are you going to ttc ? From what I recall it’s still a while away?
I really, really hope this will be my son...because if hubby still is ok, then it will definitely be our last chance ever at a boy :) and when I say our, I mean mine, as he truly doesn’t care for any specific gender ...though am sure secretly he would love to not be the only guy on our house lol
FX for us all anyhow :D

[LMSM]

Bumping this as I have another question :wave::bluecheer::bigsmile::agree::bowdown:
Hubby is being painful with taking his supps...I just added Arginine and Carnitine (which admittedly is 3 pills/day)..but he doesn’t take them.
I know Atomic you say, if he can take just one thing let it be the multi but am determined get him better supps than last time (3 years ago now!).
The Arginine Andy Carnitine are those caps you can open so thinking of putting them into food so it’s seamless for him..but any ideas of easy options ? :D
If all else fails...Out of the supps, any we could do eod or every three days and still get benefits?

On the plus side, he went back to the gym yesterday for the first time in months so yay :D he only’ does weights

Thanks!!!

[Lilawt]

Lila, so sorry I somehow missed your post! ;)
Thanks so much, really appreciate it!!! I definitely have powerful pink dust going so sharing all round :)
When are you going to ttc ? From what I recall it’s still a while away?
I really, really hope this will be my son...because if hubby still is ok, then it will definitely be our last chance ever at a boy :) and when I say our, I mean mine, as he truly doesn’t care for any specific gender ...though am sure secretly he would love to not be the only guy on our house lol
FX for us all anyhow :D

Hi LMSM,

Thanks for the pink dust!

I will be swaying but not for a couple more years. Need to be in a good head space to accept whatever gender joins our family. Plus my youngest is now at the age where I can go out without him and enjoy some child free time! Which I’m not ready to give up just yet!

Have all my fingers and toes crossed for you, I’ll be awaiting your news when the time comes.

Lil


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[atomic sagebrush]

Yes any of the supps even if only used occasionally are better than nothing. As long as he can't taste the supplements and is aware you're putting them in for him that would work.

Do you mean eod or so on supplements or BD?? Either is good LOL

Great news on the gym!! :bluecheer: :bluecheer: :bluecheer:

[LMSM]

Haha sorry meant on the supps :P
good to hear it’s ok to only be occasional if not possible to do better...(am trying not to be a b*tch and force him as I don’t want to argue either and he’d just stop altogether so am trying to be thankful for anything he does take!)... don’t worry, I would never make him take anything behind his back :)
He hopefully will go twice a week to the gym..FX!
Which is why the arginine /Carnitine would be good as it’s good for cells and muscles hehe
he also plays tennis once a week with a friend (which I know would be cardio but can’t really stop him)

[LMSM]

Lil, I totally get wanting to enjoy the somewhat free-er time now that bub is a bit older!
Almost am’considering pushing back an extra year to enjoy some baby free time (also because that way could be on mat leave when DD3 starts school_ aka also less costs because daycare is soooo expensive) but then, too many unknowns, getting older, not wanting to risk getting even more girl friendly with age, the waiting etc etc
Sigh lol
I so hope that all your lovely pink swayers get your girls! I know what you mean with being in the right headspace..in retrospect, I rushed my pregnancy for dd3, had just weaned DD2 a few months before, and I would likely have coped better with my GD if I had had space for myself a bit longer before’ sharing with a demanding new bub, and two young kids (at the age of dd3 now , I had had DD2 and for dd3 I was heavily pregnant so my first two were just little toddlers at 26-30 months).

I mean I alway saw myself as a boy mum, and they do drive me nuuuuts (oh the drama...I think seeing mini mes is confronting lol) but I do love them more than life too, they do know how to be cute at the right times (no, my girls ware NOt the stereotypical quiet, calm, soft mannered girls_ they are rowdy, loud, cheeky and mischievous but sweet lol) :)

[atomic sagebrush]

Please don't let "getting more girl friendly with age" be a factor. That is NOTHING. It's so minor I think things like the seasons (which are minor) are far more important. I got my 3rd boy at 37, my 4th at 39. My mom had a boy after girls at 38, my grandma had twin boys after a girl at 37, my great grandma had 2 boys after 6 girls in a row in her late 30's!! Please do not rush yourself past what will work best for your family because of this, it's really of no import at all.

:agree: your girls sound so precious!!!

[LMSM]

Please don't let "getting more girl friendly with age" be a factor. That is NOTHING. It's so minor I think things like the seasons (which are minor) are far more important. I got my 3rd boy at 37, my 4th at 39. My mom had a boy after girls at 38, my grandma had twin boys after a girl at 37, my great grandma had 2 boys after 6 girls in a row in her late 30's!! Please do not rush yourself past what will work best for your family because of this, it's really of no import at all.

:agree: your girls sound so precious!!!
I know it’s not an important factor but it’s still colouring my mind as I have been so girl friendly younger lol I don’t want to rush either. If hubby is still ok when ttc is on early September, then we will try. If that month doesn’t work we would likely skip some months anyways to avoid pregnancy until early 2021 at least (IF we can travel, we had booked tickets for December to visit our family in France so still hoping to go so ttc in Sept would still allow 1st trim to go past, do all my scans, enrolling at hospital etc before we go)...so feel like if it’s meant to be it’ll work out then and if not, will aim for ttc July 2021 onwards instead :)
That being said, I worry that telling DH from’the getgo « oh we won’t ttc for another year » he may just back out and there goes my chance :P

[Lilmb2019]

My sway for DD#2 was opposite. I had GD for a few months but it was more with the fact of failing the sway (I purchased a plan and followed it perfectly). I'm obsessed with DD#2! I always pictured myself as a boy mom too, can't believe I ended up with 2 little minis. I adore them, wouldn't change it.

We are trying for our third and thought why not try to sway again?

I also struggle with the getting older, age thing and my hubby will be 45 when we try. We are not in any rush this time and would be blessed with another girl since we are experts at it now :-)

Hubby is on board with making some changes too - he didn't cooperate with our last sway ;)

We hope to try in October.

[LMSM]

Gaaaah panic...
Just found out I am pregnant !!!!
We BDd unprotected CD8, protected CD13 and a couple of times’ well’after O unprotected.
O on Cd13/14...
This is one super sperm !!!! This would be really pink, no?
My diet was good, and‘ took my supps’ but
I am In tears, in utter shock....
I did NOt plan this. We’ve done the whole unprotected outside fertile’ window and protected in fertile window for a year and’ no accidents...how???!!! The ? Actual??
I’d been planning to sway since pregnant with #3 and feel’like I’ve been robbed of the chance to give it my best .
Sorry for the rant :(
Alsô, I know I need to stop some supps: am taking vit D, multi, extra folate, Coq10, fish oil, probiotics ..I think the coq10 and’ fish oil I need to stop? Not cold’ turkey obviously

[mommymachine]

It’s going to be ok! You never know, this could absolutely be your little guy! Like you said, your diet was good and your supplements are awesome!!! Also, (selfishly on my part) now you get to join my due date group!!!

The little baby was meant to be, a year from now you could never imagine your life without him/her.

Atomic had me gradually wean off the Coq10, however I’m still taking my fish oil.


3 blue 3 pink

Due January 29th

[4blue2pink]

:heart: like mommymachine says a year from now everything will be perfect, what is meant for you wont pass you by and this baby was meant for you guys!! Sending you all my blue dust and hoping i get my bfp soon so i can walk this journey again with you :heart: so much love xxx

[LMSM]

Good luck lilmb!
My “failed sway “ is 2 and I my also obsessed with her, love her so much! :)

[LMSM]

Thanks Mommymachine and 4b2p...it means a lot!
Just SO shocked!!! Definitely an oopsie ..but I guess we will see what life brings. I was keen on gong team green but am scared not coping well considering the pregnancy itself was a surprise..we’ll see what we decide. :)

[atomic sagebrush]

WHAT??? OMGosh LMSM!! Yes wean off coq10 now, you can continue fish oil if it's 500 or less, or wean off if you would like and replace with a pregnancy DHA that is of a similar or less dose.

How was ovulation confirmed?

[LMSM]

Yep, probably best to just get pregnancy dha to add to my others(that way I get to use them haha)
Coq10 will be weaned gradually over the next days/weeks :)

I had my peak on Sunday 14/6, and seems O was Tuesday 16/6 (I have an Ava fertility tracker) but had massive O pain the night of 15/6 (which is also when we had that BD that was eventually protected).Will see if I am get my chart but now that it’s in pregnancy mode not be sure what it’ll look like.
We’re both shocked! It must be a crazy cut off or a pre semen babe lol

[boywish]

Hi LMSM congratulations on your pregnancy! I have everything crossed that this is your boy [emoji1696]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[atomic sagebrush]

:bluecheer: :bluecheer: :bluecheer:

[Lilawt]

Wow I’m super excited for you!!!

Hope this is your little boy! Diet is more important than timing I’m sure that’s what Atomic says !

Fingers crossed for you!! Whoever joins your family will bring nothing but LOVE

All my Blue dust for you

Lil


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mommylife]

Wowwwwwwwwww Congratulations!!!!
Please keep us updated the gender once you find out !!!
Have a safe and healthy pregnancy!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hakrueg]

Congratulations!! Blue dust! [emoji3072][emoji226][emoji228][emoji305][emoji3041][emoji476][emoji592]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LMSM]

THANKS ladies !
Once the pregnancy is confirmed to Be viable will join a DD group (Mommymachine ;) ).
I am not sure if I will go team green or not so either will find out early September via NIPT or early March at birth :)

[Jazmin]

Congratulations [emoji4] praying this is your baby blue.. you did well with diet .. enjoy your pregnancy [emoji7] keep us updated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[treens]

Congratulations for a healthy baby boy :)))!!!!