Our path to parenthood was certainly not what we expected it would be- but we got here, finally, after all of the hoping and wishing and waiting...
HSG = x-ray using a dye to visualize any blockages, etc of the fallopian tubes / uterus
IF = infertility
IUI = intrauterine insemination
Lap = laparoscopy
LH = luteinizing hormone
LP = luteal phase
m/c = miscarriage
MF = male factor
O (or O'ing, O'd) = ovulation
PG = pregnant
PGD/S = preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening
POAS = pee on a stick (like for a HPT)
RE = reproductive endocrinologist
SA/SFA = semen/seminal fluid analysis
TSH = thyroid stimulating hormone
TTC = trying to conceive
TTCAL = trying to conceive after loss
TTCAML = trying to conceive after multiple losses
u/s = ultrasound
3 comments:
she's precious!!
You will do great!!
Hey there! Thanks for leaving the comment on my blog! Okay, about the pumping...HANG IN THERE. It totally stinks. I still curse the pump everyday. I cannot wait to hang it up. But I am glad I have stuck with it even if it is only for a few months (the first 2 months were the hardest). Also, don't give up on going back to the breast if that is your goal. I think we could do it now, but we are such on a schedule with the pumping, I don't want to mess that up.
Also, I am now down to only 4 pumps a day (5 am, 11 am, 5 pm and 10 pm) and I still can pump about 45 ounces a day. This helps so much. I felt like all I did was get hooked up to that darn thing and be a dairy cow. When you can decrease your pumps, it helps so much. I hope to get down to 3 in just a week or two and then stop soon after that.
Keep every drop - freeze as much as you can. I am going to stop around 4 months and will probably have enough to get to 5 months just on the stash in my freezer (with introducing a bottle of formula at night). It was hard those first 2 months (easier now because I see the light at the end of the tunnel), but because I worked hard at building my supply early, I can provide more even when I stop pumping.
Here is a support group for those who EP where you can ask questions, get advice, etc - http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppexcluspump.
Two more pieces of advice - make sure your shields are big enough because it got very painful for me. I needed a size bigger. Also, go without your breast pads if you can for an hour or two after you pump so your nipples dry out (make sure to put them back in before your let down so no leaking). Sometimes the moisture made my nipples irritated which caused bigger problems.
This has been the HARDEST thing other than the no sleep for me with having a newborn. It is so much extra work it felt like, so if you can do it...great, but if not, it is completely understandable. I almost threw in the towel numerous times!
Again, hang in there! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!!!
(phew that was long)
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