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Natural Options for Enhancing Fertility Class

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Join Dr. Elise at Blossom Clinic for a free class: NATURAL OPTIONS FOR ENHANCING FERTILITY

Wed. July 15th 6-7:30 at Blossom Clinic

getting healthy

Join us for a free class: Natural Options for Enhancing Fertility

If you or someone you love is trying to conceive or considering fertility treatment, join us to learn about your natural options for enhancing your fertility.

Sign Up for this FREE Class

One in eight couples have trouble getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. Roughly 12% of all U.S. women receive some level of infertility treatment from their healthcare providers. The options offered in a conventional setting involve medications or hormones to induce ovulation. What’s missing from those treatments is looking at the underlying health of the couple. Join us to learn about natural ways to enhance your fertility.

In this enhancing fertility class, we will discuss:

  • Tests to request from your health care provider, including nutritional markers, genetic markers, immune system markers and more.
  • What diet and nutritional changes may help your particular body type to get and stay pregnant
  • Top 5 vitamins for preconception
  • Lifestyle changes that are most important to implement during preconception
  • Ways to enhance your body’s ability to respond to treatment like IVF or IUI

Please give us a call 5032870886 or click the button below to RSVP to this class with Dr. Elise Schroeder. 

Sign Up for this FREE Class
 

The post Natural Options for Enhancing Fertility Class appeared first on Blossom Clinic.


Summer Special: 20% off Ayurvedic Consultations with Jen Ward, L.Ac.

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Jen Ward, L.Ac. is offering 20% off Initial Ayurvedic Consultation during July and August 2015.

Jen Ward, L.Ac. is offering 20% off  Ayurvedic Consultations through Labor Day 2015.

What to expect during your first Ayurvedic Consultation:

During your first Ayurvedic Consultation, we will meet for approximately 1 ½ hours. The Ayurvedic Consultation includes a thorough health intake, evaluation and pulse diagnosis to determine your unique constitution (body type) according to traditional Ayurvedic principles. Based upon this, specific recommendations will be offered around lifestyle, nutrition, herbal supplementation, yoga & exercise. Your follow up appointment should be scheduled within two weeks following your first consultation.

Price of your Ayurvedic Consultation:

Normally $130 but with 20% off, enjoy your session for $104!

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a complete health care system sensitive to health needs of women. Women are far more sensitive to the rhythms and cycles of nature and Ayurveda is founded on the principle of keeping the body in tune with nature. Stress, unhealthy dietary habits, environmental toxins create havoc with a woman’s delicate hormonal system, resulting in infertility, PMS, and premature and severe peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms.

Naturally women find Ayurveda very suitable. Ayurveda is ancient wisdom for our modern health needs. In your initial health consult, we will discuss your nature inside and how to bring balance to your cycles and your overall health. When you understand your body’s constitution, you can shift your body in balance with diet and lifestyle changes. Ayurveda is a wonderful complement to your Chinese Medicine/ND treatments.

Celebrating the addition of Ayurveda to Blossom Clinic, Initial Ayurvedic Consultations with Jen Ward, L.Ac. are 20% off through Labor Day.

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Price Increase Alert for Massage and Naturopathic Care

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July 1, 2015

Dear Patients:

Beginning August 1st, 2015, two of our practitioners will be having slight price increases:

Dr. Elise Schroeder (Naturopathic):

New patient visits will be $200.

Lori Reising, LMT (Massage)

There will be a $5 increase for sessions with Lori Reising, LMT (excluding prenatal massages which will stay the same)

60 Minute Massage $80

90 min Massage $110

Beginning September 1st, 2015, Dr. Elise will have the following price increase. Please be sure to schedule sessions this summer before the price increase.

Dr. Elise Schroeder (Naturopathic):

Follow-Up visits: $125

Please let us know if you have any concerns, questions, or a need for discounted fee. We would love to hear from you.

Warmly,

Liz Richards, L.Ac.

Clinic Director

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Join us for our Fall Cleanse 2015!

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What makes our Fall Cleanse unique is that it is simple, easy to follow, and will be tailored to each individual participant. It begins with a 30 minute “Pre-Cleanse Naturopathic Session” with Dr. Elise Schroeder, scheduled at your convenience before your cleanse start date. Then you will join other participants in a cleanse class here at Blossom where you will learn the ins and outs of the plan. You will leave motivated and ready for your two-week adventure.

Sign up for the Free Class!

During the cleanse, you are welcome to utilize the services we provide at the clinic including acupuncture, massage and Ayurvedic acupressure (Marma therapy)- all with an exclusive 20% discount. The cleanse is finalized with a 30 minute “Post-Cleanse Naturopathic Session” with Dr. Elise where she will set a plan for maintaining the benefits you gain from the cleanse.

Fall Cleanse 2015 Portland

All of us here at Blossom Clinic are gearing up for our annual Fall Cleanse. I don’t know about you, but after my routine-less summer with the kids, I am ready to make some behavioral changes that will make me feel lighter and more vital. Throughout the two week cleanse we will be posting recipes and connecting in a private facebook group. I love doing cleanses at the change of the season and I hope you will join us! –Liz Richards, Clinic Director

 

What is a cleanse?

Blossom’s two-week Fall Cleanse is an elimination plan, not a fast, and includes 3 meals per day.  During an elimination plan, foods that may cause sensitivities are eliminated, giving the digestive system a chance to rest and the body a chance to renew. Most people report feeling energized, having fewer cravings, and an overall sense of increased vitality following a cleanse.

What does the Fall Cleanse cost and what does it include?

The cost of the two-week cleanse is $250-330, which includes a free class, 2 sessions with Dr. Elise, private facebook group support, and your customized supplements, including a (yummy) protein powder for smoothies. 

 

In addition, select services at Blossom Clinic will be offered at a 20% discount during the cleanse. So if you want to receive acupuncture, for example, the cost will be $68 for an hour.

During the Cleanse Class, you will receive a special gift from us and some coupons for cleanse-friendly local businesses like Loyly.

When does the Fall Cleanse begin?

The start date for your cleanse is flexible and can be anytime after Sept 23rd or your first “Pre-Cleanse Naturopathic Session” with Dr Elise.

When should I receive acupuncture, Marma Therapy or massage?

If you choose to include any extra services (with a 20% discount) during your two-week cleanse experience, it is recommended that you have your first acupuncture appointment during the first 4 days of your cleanse to help with the detoxification process and your second session during week 2. Marma Therapy or massage is a great gift to yourself at anytime.

Space is limited to 12 participants and we expect the program to fill quickly.

Sign up for the Free Class!

Schedule your Pre-Cleanse Naturopathic Session

Questions? Call us at 503-287-0886. Chat soon!

 

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Discounts and Packages at Blossom Clinic

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We hope you’ll take advantage of these packages and discounts at Blossom Clinic. (Purchase them in October and use any time.

Jen Ward, L.Ac. Acupuncturist and Ayurvedic Practitioner Independent Contractor at Blossom Clinic Discounts

Reflect Your Nature: Autumn Special with Jen Ward, L.Ac., Acupuncturist and Ayurvedic Practitioner at Blossom Clinic

Liz Richards, L.Ac. Clinic Director and Acupuncturist Discounts Blossom Clinic

Buy 4 Get 1 FREE Acupuncture Session with Liz Richards, L.Ac., Blossom Clinic Director and Acupuncturist

 

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Watch this Video to Learn More About Blossom Clinic

Portland Monthly Top Docs 2016- Congratulations Liz Richards & Lori Reising

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Liz Richards Acupuncture Blossom Clinic Portland Top Docs Portland Monthly 2015 2016

Blossom Clinic owner and acupuncturist, Liz Richards, has been peer nominated as one of Portland Monthly’s TOP DOCS for 2016 in the Acupuncture category. Congratulations Liz!

Lori Reising Massage Portland Monthly Top Docs 2014 2016 blossom clinic

Blossom Clinic’s massage therapist, Lori Reising, has been peer nominated as one of Portland Monthly’s TOP DOCS in the massage category for 2016. Congratulations, Lori!

The post Portland Monthly Top Docs 2016- Congratulations Liz Richards & Lori Reising appeared first on Blossom Clinic.

Join Blossom Clinic on Instagram for Fertility Tips


Intimacy and Infertility

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Intimacy Infertility An article in the New York Times displayed some grim statistics about sex and marriage. According the author’s analysis of Google searches, “sexless marriage” is at the top of the list for searches on the topic of marriage. Anyone who has been married for a while knows that we can so easily forgot how great sex, and particularly intimacy, can be for every part of our being. If you are trying to conceive or dealing with infertility, the stress around sex and the lack of intimacy can be devastating.

Most of my patients at Blossom Clinic are trying to conceive and have been for a while. If you’ve been struggling with infertility you’ve probably noticed that sex has become noticeably un-sexy. Agree?

Relationships without intimacy will crush our spirit and sense of unity, so it becomes vitally important for those trying to conceive to cultivate intimacy without the expectation of sex attached to it. This can mean different things to different people.

Setting aside 10-30 minutes each day engaging in intimate acts is a great place to start if intimacy has fizzled in your relationship or you are experiencing stress from infertility. Remember, the way I am defining intimacy here, intimate acts do not need to include sex or the expectation of sex. Intimacy means different things to different people and discussing what intimacy means to each of you is probably a good place to start.


Can you challenge yourself to 10-30 minutes a day of intimacy?

  1. Go for a walk and hold hands the whole time. Don’t let go! Even the simple act of holding hands has been shown to decrease stress levels and cortisone in the body.
  2. Get out some massage lotion- even olive oil from your kitchen cabinet would work- and take turns massaging each other. Set a timer if necessary. Touch can increase oxytocin in the body, leading to feelings of contentment and euphoria.
  3. Write down five statements of positive affirmation for your partner and read them to him/her.
  4. Set a date night and carve out that quality time!
  5. Try this Circular Breathing Exercise:

Blossom’s Circular Breathing Exercise

In Chinese Medicine we say, “Where the mind goes, the Qi follows”. We can use our mind and our breath to direct our energy where we want it to go. In this exercise, you are physically wrapped around your partner while doing a breathing exercise that creates a breathing loop in your body and a breathing loop in your partner’s body, ultimately creating a figure 8, or two linked circles, between the two of you.

  • Step 1: While dressed or undressed, sit facing each other and wrap your legs around each other. If you are not that flexible, it is OK to have your legs a little open. Place your hand over your partner’s heart and begin breathing in and out. Feel your belly rise on the inhale and fall on the exhale. Do this for a good minute. Don’t worry about coordinating breaths. And if you laugh, that is OK!
  • Step 2: Remove your hand from the heart and wrap your arms around each other. Close your eyes. You each begin by quickly contracting your pelvic muscles. Then, on the inhale, imagine your breath beginning at the bottom of your spine, moving up your spine to the very top of your head. On your exhale, use your mind’s eye to direct your breath slowly down the front of your body past your chest and belly back down and around to the bottom of your spine (your tailbone). Don’t worry about coordinating your breath here — you can breathe in while your partner breathes out. Continue this for as long as it feels comfortable. End with a kiss, thanking your significant other for trying something new and cool!

If any of these suggestions make you feel silly, that’s OK too! Laughter really is the best medicine. I hope this blog has been helpful to you. If you need more ideas for acts of intimacy, please get in touch. Or, hey, if you have some ideas to add to the list, please comment below! I would love to hear from you.

Contributed by Liz Richards, L.Ac.

 

 

 

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Join us for an Italy Spa Trip this Summer or Fall!

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Italy Spa Abano Terme Venice Hotel Thermal BathYou are welcome to join Blossom Clinic owner, Liz Richards, and her husband, Joe, in Italy for an amazing Italy spa adventure for 10 nights! With 6 dates to choose from, join us at the Abano Grand Hotel or Grande Hotel Trieste & Victoria outside of Venice, Italy. As part of GB Hotels, these spas are known for their bio thermal clay and bath treatments. #VivaItalia2016

Our journey will start in Venice, Italy where you will be met by a private transfer company. Grace’s Distinctive Properties Transfer will take you on a 35 minute drive to Abano Terme, where you will stay either at the 5-star Luxury Abano Grand Hotel – Focusing on Anti-Aging, or the Exquisite 5-star Grand Hotel Trieste & Victoria – Vital Thermal Spa!

This incredible program includes all of the following:
  • The group will be escorted by Grace’s Distinctive Properties, and one of our representatives will always be available on site and at your service.
  • Deluxe Accommodations for 10 nights
  • All meals
  • Nightly entertainment
  • Medical evaluation by a Medical Doctor which is part of the Team at GB Hotels
  • Spa Card allows access to all spa & thermal pools
  • All spa treatments that are listed within this brochure
  • 5 tours with transfers which include 5 areas: Verona, Padua, Venice, Vicenza, and Euganean Hills with Wine Tasting
  • Round Trip Airport Transfers

2016 Selected Available Dates and Rates:

August 4 – 14  and October 13 – 23, 2016
DBL Occupancy starting at: $5,100 / person
SGL Occupancy starting at: $5,400  / person
 
July 21 – 31Aug 14 – 24Sept 8 – 18 and Oct 20 – Oct 30, 2016
DBL Occupancy starting at: $4,500 / person
SGL Occupancy starting at: $4,700 / person
 
Liz Richards Portland

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Raphael House Fundraiser

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Blossom Clinic Raphael House Fundraiser Portland

As a natural health clinic for women, Blossom Clinic practitioners support the health of women, their families and the overall well-being of their children. This is why we’ve decided to raise money for Raphael House, Multnomah County’s largest domestic violence non-profit. Our goal is to raise $2000. This amount would provide the down payment for an apartment and transition costs from the shelter back into a more permanent housing situation. For women and children who have suffered from domestic violence, safe nights are priceless.

There are three ways we are raising money for Raphael House:

  • 3% of all sales in April will be donated to RH. Just by coming into Blossom for treatments, you will be supporting our efforts.

  • We will be asking patients if they would like to donate an additional amount at check-out. There will be cards on the table to bring to the front desk if you would like to opt in!

  • You can donate online here and mention “Blossom Clinic” in the “How did you hear about Raphael House?” section.

Raphael House Fundraiser

We hope you will join us. Please find additional resources on the coffee table at Blossom.

Liz Richards

 

 

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Portland Massage Discount: $20 OFF

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Portland Massage Discount: $20 off!

Living and practicing in New York City since 2003, Lisa Hulick has now returned to her second home of Portland to continue offering massage and doula services in Portland.

Portland Massage discount

Click here to schedule your first massage with Lisa Hulick at Blossom Clinic and get $20 off!

She began practicing massage in 1999 after completing her training at the Oregon School of Massage while finishing her undergraduate studies at Lewis and Clark College.

In 2003, she moved back to NYC to be close to her family, help care for her newest nephew and attend the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. In 2005, she spent 6 months in Pune, India apprenticing with an Ayurvedic doctor, learning traditional therapeutic massage. Upon her return, she completed a 300-hour yoga teacher training with Kelly Morris and several years of Tibetan Buddhist studies with the Yoga Studies Institute, going on to teach yoga, meditation and Buddhist philosophy in some of the most beautiful and respected yoga studios in NYC and Brooklyn. She completed prenatal teacher trainings through Ma Yoga and PURE and went on to create her own prenatal teacher training program for the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training.

In 2013, she Founded MOM by LJ, a boutique doula practice providing pregnancy, labor, childbirth and postpartum care, combining her passion for prenatal care, yoga, massage and nutrition.

She is known for her caring, grounded touch and support and is thrilled to be joining the team at Blossom.

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Job Opportunities : Blossom Clinic

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job opportunities Naturopathic Doctor Massage Therapist job opening portland oregon Blossom Clinic is a well established natural health clinic in Portland, Oregon that specializes in Women’s Health, fertility and pregnancy. We currently have two job opportunities: We are looking for a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).

We are in need of dynamic team members who are comfortable working with multiple modalities. Blossom Clinic currently has two acupuncturists and one massage therapist. These job opportunities are high referral positions. We are currently turning patients away for Naturopathic care and massage.

ND Position: The ideal ND candidate will be available a minimum of 2 days per week. Primary job responsibilities include ordering labs, analyzing hormones, dispensing appropriate herbs/ supplements, and offering nutrition advice to our primarily female patients. You must be able to collaborate with practitioners of multiple modalities.

LMT Position: The ideal LMT will be available a minimum of 2 days per week. Practitioner must be experienced in pregnancy massage. Fertility or Mayan Abdominal Massage skills are a plus.

Blossom Clinic currently has two Job Opportunities for a Naturopathic Doctor and a Massage Therapist

Blossom Clinic currently has job opportunities for a Naturopathic Doctor and a Massage Therapist.

We currently have a lot of hours available in our larger treatment room with natural light.

Available times and days to choose from:

Mondays 8am-8pm
Tuesdays 8am-8pm
Wednesdays 8am-12:30pm
Thursday 8am-8pm
Friday 8am-8pm
Saturday 8am-8pm
Sunday 8am-12:30pm

There are multiple way we can structure this with you being an independent contractor at Blossom. The options will depend on whether you are currently on insurance panels and doing independent billing. Blossom Clinic is a fee-for-service clinic.

Please send résumé and cover letter to theblossomclinic@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Please Welcome Blossom Clinic Acupuncturist, Janene Mitchell, L.Ac.

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Please welcome our newest acupuncturist, Janene Mitchell, L.Ac! In practice since 2001, Janene Mitchell is new to Blossom Clinic but not to the practice of acupuncture. She comes to us from L.A., where she had a busy practice treating a wide range of conditions including fertility as a Board certified acupuncturist through ABORM. Janene will be seeing patients at Blossom Clinic on Tuesdays 10:30am-7pm and 10am-7pm on Saturdays.

Schedule online or contact us. 

blossom clinic acupuncturist Janene Mitchell acupuncture portlandJanene’s early interest in women’s health drew her to specialty training in fertility and pregnancy care. With a background in music, dance and energetic bodywork she developed a sensitive, intuitive approach.  Janene loves treating women in all stages of their lives – from the fertile years through pregnancies, menopause and beyond.  She also finds it extremely rewarding helping men and women who are having difficulty conceiving.

 

 

“I use an integrative approach, combining eastern and western therapies – acupuncture, herbal medicine, aromatherapy & massage with nutritional supplements, diet and exercise.  How we nourish ourselves is of great importance!

And hidden issues like vitamin deficiencies, gluten intolerance, unhealthy intestinal flora or auto-immune responses may need to be addressed to bring your body back into balance.

I’ve worked with many men and women, helping them create families through natural conceptions or assisted reproductive cycles – providing acupuncture to prepare for IUI or IVF procedures as well as on the day of embryo transfer.  Including the wisdom of Chinese Medicine can improve your chances of having a healthy baby – we’ll work together to discover how your diet and lifestyle choices are impacting your fertility.”

Janene has more than a decade of experience working with essential oils and includes them in her treatments for their deeply calming and rejuvenating actions, especially their ability to address emotional as well as physical issues.  She is also a certified Chi Nei Tsang practitioner and uses this type of abdominal massage to help regulate menses, improve digestion & elimination, and increase pelvic blood flow.

In over 15 years of practice she has treated a wide range of conditions. Janene works closely with western providers to ensure her patients have the best possible care.  She graduated with highest honors from Yo San University, Los Angeles, CA in 2001 with a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.  She is licensed in both Oregon and California as an acupuncturist and herbalist.  Board certified in the treatment of infertility since 2009, Janene is a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

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Portland Monthly Top Docs 2017 : Congratulations Liz Richards

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Over 13,000 medical professionals voted for Portland Monthly Top Docs this year. We would like to congratulate Blossom Clinic owner and acupuncturist, Liz Richards, on her nomination for the third year in a row. In practice since 2002, Liz is known for her compassionate and process-oriented approach. She specializes in fertility and pregnancy and has helped hundreds of families have healthy babies.

Interested in a free phone consult? Find out more information here. Portland Monthly Top docs Liz Richards

Liz Richards Acupuncture portland oregon blossom clinic

Click here to Schedule a Free Phone Consultation with Liz Richards

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Mother’s Day Massage Special

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Blossom Clinic has a lovely Mothers Day Gift Certificate Special 🌺 $60 for 60 minute massage or $90 for 90 minute massage.

mother's day massage special

Give us a call or email us and the Mother’s Day Massage Gift Certificate will be added immediately to the recipient’s account upon purchase. 5032870886

Contact Us

Give us a call or email us and the Mother’s Day Massage Gift Certificate will be added immediately to the recipient’s account upon purchase.
P.S. This special is good for all humans, not just mom.
P.P.S Our massage therapist is in on Sundays! Purchase by Friday May 12th at 3pm. 💕

 

 

 

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Vitamin D for Fertility and Pregnancy: Are you Getting Enough?

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Vitamin D Fertility Pregnancy Infertility If you’re thinking about having a baby it’s strongly recommended that you have your Vitamin D level checked, especially if you’ve been trying for a while or have a history of pregnancy loss.  Your doctor can order a simple blood test to ensure you have enough of this vitamin that is so important for fertility and healthy pregnancies – for both mothers and their children.  Vitamin D is typically low in the winter and spring months and in darker northern climates.  A Vitamin D deficiency puts pregnant women at risk of developing serious health complications.

Preconception & Infertility

If you’re having trouble conceiving, low Vitamin D could be contributing to your fertility issues.  A low level has been associated with Repeated Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained Infertility.  It’s been found to affect implantation which can cause bio-chemical pregnancies or miscarriages. [i]. Also more research is being done on PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) since these women often have Vitamin D deficiency and evidence is showing that supplementation may be beneficial for egg development and regulating menstruation. [iii]. One study found a healthier increased uterine lining in women with PCOS who were given Vitamin D during their IUI cycles. [ii].

A study (published in Fertility & Sterility in 2014) of 99 women undergoing IVF (in-vitro fertilization) at USC in Southern California looked at the impact of Vitamin D on IVF cycles. The percentage of women who became pregnant was 74% in those with sufficient vitamin D levels (above 30 ng/ml), 42% in women who were insufficient (20-30), and only 35% with deficiency (below 20).  Babies were born to 59% of the women with adequate D levels (above 30) and 31% of women whose levels were below 30.  [iv].

Vitamin D Fertility Pregnancy

If you’re thinking about having a baby it’s strongly recommended that you have your Vitamin D level checked, especially if you’ve been trying for a while or have a history of pregnancy loss.

Vitamin D in Pregnancy

Vitamin D is very important for brain development.  A recent study in the Netherlands of more than 8,000 women and their children showed a clear correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and autism.  Children whose mothers tested low in their 20th week of pregnancy were more likely to have autistic traits by the age of six. [v].  Other studies have seen an increased risk of schizophrenia with inadequate Vitamin D. [vi, vii].

When mom’s Vitamin D level is too low deficiency can be present at birth.  Babies receive this vitamin through the placenta, and after birth through breast milk or fortified formula.  Babies who are solely breastfed are more at risk of having deficient Vitamin D because human milk has a very low concentration, about 1.5-3% of the mother’s level.  So, exposure to sunlight is also recommended. [viii].  An Irish study found their dark winters produced more babies born in March and April with Vitamin D insufficiency, about 46% of births during that time.  You can read more about the importance of Vitamin D during pregnancy and while breastfeeding here.

Low Vitamin D during pregnancy has been linked to small-for-gestational-age births, increased susceptibility to infections and reduced bone density. [viii].  Kids whose moms did not have sufficient Vitamin D in their 3rd trimester had more broken bones than other children.  An Australian study published in 2016 tells us that children who have a lack of D in early childhood are more prone to developing allergic disorders like asthma and eczema. [ix].

Also, it’s very important to know that pregnant women with low D are more susceptible to developing preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy including high blood pressure and kidney problems which can have very serious consequences. [x]. Often an earlier birth by medical induction is necessary, which increases the odds of a cesarean delivery.   Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with developing gestational diabetes, so, you definitely want to make sure your level stays within optimum range.

What Level is Best?

30 ng/ml or higher seems to be most protective.  In several studies levels of 10-20 ng/ml have been linked to disease risk.  In a 2016 study of pregnant women in Ireland a lower risk of preeclampsia and small-for-gestational-age births were seen when levels were above 30.  Also, no adverse effects were found when Vitamin D was over 50 ng/ml. [xi]. This is reassuring since many people are concerned about taking too much.  It seems it’s much more risky to not have enough.

In an English study from 2011 they reported “of 40 mother-infant pairs, 76% of mothers and 81% of newborns had a 25(OH)D below 20 ng/ml at the time of birth, despite the fact that during pregnancy the mothers ingested about 600 IU/day of vitamin D from a prenatal supplement and consumption of two glasses of milk.”

In my practice I’ve seen the levels of patients taking less than 5,000 IUs a day rise very slowly.  Higher doses are required to increase levels by 10 points or more. In our experience with patients, oftentimes 2,000-3,000 IUs a day is not enough to increase serum levels.

When are you at Risk?

  • You’re more likely to have low Vitamin D if you’ve had pregnancies close together
  • Obesity, kidney or liver disease, anemia and malabsorption issues all affect D levels
  • A strict vegetarian or vegan diet (no fish) needs to be supplemented with Vitamin D
  • People with darker skin make less Vitamin D than those with lighter-skin, so they are even more likely to be deficient

Some medications like anti-fungals, anti-seizure drugs, anti-retroviral drugs and medications used to treat osteoporosis decrease D levels in the blood, but cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and diuretics used for high blood pressure increase Vitamin D.

Vitamin D Fertility PregnancyHow do we get Vitamin D – Food and Sun!

Only a few foods contain substantial amounts of D, mostly cod liver oil and oily fish like salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and herring.  Farmed fish may have less vitamin D content than wild.  Egg yolk, liver, and mushrooms contain small quantities of D.  Some foods are fortified with it – dairy, soy milk, orange juice and cereals.  The amount in most vegetables is negligible.

But, interestingly, mushrooms that have been exposed to light are one of the few foods that naturally contain higher amounts of Vitamin D.  Placing them in the sun with the gills facing up for an hour will increase their D dramatically.   Research conducted at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center showed that UV-treated portobello mushrooms contained 446 IUs per 3.5 ounces, compared to 10 IUs in untreated mushrooms.

You may think you’re outdoors so much you don’t have to worry, but wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher blocks more than 99% of Vitamin D production so you can become deficient even in the summertime.  Protecting ourselves from skin cancers is important, so it’s probably wisest to take a supplement along with some moderate sun exposure of 15-20 minutes without sunscreen either earlier or later in the day.  I even recommended this when I was practicing in Southern California where I found Vitamin D deficiency in my patients, no matter what month it was.

Vitamin D Supplementation

Vitamin D Fertility Pregnancy

If you find out you’re deficient in Vitamin D, it’s much better to take higher doses before conceiving than trying to correct it once you’ve become pregnant.

It’s a good idea to ask your doctor to check your level of this very important vitamin at least once a year.  Vitamin D is a vital part of reproduction, affecting the health of moms and babies.  If you find out you’re deficient, it’s much better to take higher doses before conceiving than trying to correct it once you’ve become pregnant.  At that point you wouldn’t be able to take a larger dose to bring up your level more quickly, so your baby would not be getting the Vitamin D they need.

In addition to improving fertility, Vitamin D also strengthens our immune systems, protects us from some types of cancer and helps us maintain good bone density.  It’s an easy way to support your overall health and vitality.  And, If you have any questions, we’re always here to help!

Janene Mitchell, LAc,  FABORM, Acupuncturist

Janene Mitchell, LAc, sees patients at Blossom Clinic on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. You can schedule online or call Blossom Clinic 503-287-0886.

Written by Janene Mitchell, LAc, FABORM – Acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, Aromatherapy

Janene specializes in fertility and pregnancy care but loves working with women in all stages of their lives, including menopause and healthy aging. With a background in energetic bodywork her treatments are deeply rejuvenating.  Janene has over a decade of experience using essential oils and is a certified Chi Nei Tsang practitioner. You can schedule with Janene online. 

References:

i. Kwak-Kim, Skariah, et al. Humoral and cellular autoimmunity in women with recurrent pregnancy losses and repeated implantation failures: A possible role of vitamin D. Autoimmunity Reviews, Volume 15, Issue 10, October 2016, Pages 943–947

ii. Role of vitamin D in ovarian physiology and its implication in reproduction: a systematic review, Irani, Mohamad et al. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 102, Issue 2, 460 – 468.e3

iii. M Asadi, N Matin et al, Vitamin D improves endometrial thickness in PCOS women who need intrauterine insemination: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.  Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics  Apr 2014, Volume 289, Issue 4, pp 865–870

iv. Influence of vitamin D levels on in vitro fertilization outcomes in donor-recipient cycles, Rudick, Briana J. et al. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 101, Issue 2, 447 – 452

v. Vinkhuyzen, Eyles, et al, Gestational vitamin D deficiency and autism-related traits: the Generation R Study. Molecular Psychiatry advance online publication 29 November 2017

vi. McGrath JJ, Burne TH, Féron F, Mackay-Sim A, Eyles DW,  Developmental vitamin D deficiency and risk of schizophrenia: a 10-year update. Schizophr Bull 2010; 36: 1073–1078.

vii.  DeLuca, G. C., Kimball, S. M., Kolasinski, J., Ramagopalan, S. V. and Ebers, G. C. (2013), Review: The role of vitamin D in nervous system health and disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol, 39: 458–484.

viii.  Mulligan, Felton, et al, Implications of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and lactation, Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 May; 202(5): 429.e1–429.e9.

ix. Vitamin D status through the first 10 years of life: A vital piece of the puzzle in asthma inception, Litonjua, Augusto A. et al. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Volume 139, Issue 2, 459 – 461

x. Bodnar, Catov et al, Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Increases the Risk of Preeclampsia, J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2007) 92 (9): 3517-3522.

xi. Kiely, Zhang et al, Vitamin D status is associated with uteroplacental dysfunction indicated by pre-eclampsia and small-for-gestational-age birth in a large prospective pregnancy cohort in Ireland with low vitamin D status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Aug;104(2):354-61.     doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.130419. Epub 2016 Jun 29.

 

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5 Essential Oils You Won’t Want to Live Without

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Do you love essential oils? We’re totally into clean air and lovely scents here at Blossom Clinic. Today on the blog, Janene Mitchell, Acupuncturist, shares some of her favorite 5 Essential Oils. Enjoy!

Do you love essential oils? We’re totally into clean air and lovely scents here at Blossom Clinic. Today on the blog, Janene Mitchell, Acupuncturist, shares some of her favorite 5 Essential Oils. Enjoy!

1. Bergamot

All citrus essential oils are uplifting but this one really shines for it’s effects on mood.  Bergamot balances the right and left sides of the brain!  It addresses mood swings – being very up then very down. Mental tension is relieved, listlessness, discouragement, frustration and anger are released.  This oil is also helpful for insomnia.

Caution:  All citrus oils are photosensitive so no sun or ultraviolet light exposure for 24 hours after using to avoid burns.

2. Geranium

Do you love essential oils? We’re totally into clean air and lovely scents here at Blossom Clinic. Today on the blog, Janene Mitchell, Acupuncturist, shares some of her favorite 5 Essential Oils. Enjoy!An adrenal tonic and hormone balancer, it is very helpful for PMS, painful or irregular periods and symptoms of menopause.  2 drops in a foot bath is a wonderful remedy for the swollen limbs that often come in late pregnancy.  Or you can make up a massage oil to use stroking up from the ankles and wrists to reduce swelling and relieve pain. On an emotional level geranium is used for grief and sadness, loss of confidence, depression, lack of motivation, as well as agitation, worry and restlessness.

Caution:  Do not use in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

3. Eucalyptus

This is a wonderful anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal oil.  Its strong action clearing phlegm and mucus makes it ideal for soothing bronchitis and sinus congestion.  Add it to a humidifier in a child’s room or adults can do a steam inhalation, using 2 drops in a bowl of hot water closing your eyes to avoid irritation.  You can also inhale it directly from a drop on a cotton ball.  Eucalyptus affects our mental state by clarifying feelings, addressing poor concentration or memory, and confusion.  It brings things into focus.  It’s very good for feelings of lethargy, low motivation, depression, grief or low self-confidence.

4. Lavender

A very versatile oil, known primarily for it’s calming effect.  Lavender is good for ongoing stress or an acute crisis, even leading to shock and trauma.  Tension, irritability, depression, fear or anxiety all respond to this soothing oil.  Applied directly to insect bites it takes away the sting and helps skin heal.  A lesser known quality is its ability to reduce pain – good for menstrual cramps and labor pains.  In a pregnancy massage oil it relieves aching backs, legs and ligament pain.  A lavender bath is good for fevers with body aches, sore throat, etc., great for children.  And applying or inhaling it before bed leads to a more deep and restful sleep.

5. Rose

Do you love essential oils? We’re totally into clean air and lovely scents here at Blossom Clinic. Today on the blog, Janene Mitchell, Acupuncturist, shares some of her favorite 5 Essential Oils. Enjoy!Finally, the nurturing essence of Rose can enhance self-esteem and soothe feelings of insecurity, broken trust and heart break.  Resentment, anger, frustration, jealousy, sadness, grief and disappointment all respond to this oil.  For this reason it’s great for women and men going through fertility issues.  As a uterine tonic it’s used topically (diluted in oil) for both heavy menses and pelvic congestion where things are not flowing. It’s lovely for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Rose is good for broken capillaries and stretch marks that come in pregnancy.  Combine it with lavender in a massage oil for the last few weeks of pregnancy.  It’s an excellent choice for a bath in the 1st stage of labor.

Do you love essential oils? We’re totally into clean air and lovely scents here at Blossom Clinic. Today on the blog, Janene Mitchell, Acupuncturist, shares some of her favorite 5 Essential Oils. Enjoy!How to use the essential oils:

  • All are safe to inhale from a drop on a cotton ball or tissue.  Place it in a ziplock bag to carry around with you for use throughout the day.
  • You can also put 1-2 drops on a clean wet washcloth in the shower or bath and inhale.
  • Add 3-8 drops to a warm bath, swishing well to disperse the oils evenly before you step in.  For a child’s bath you can add 1-2 drops of lavender oil to a spoonful of whole milk, then mix that into the bath.
  • 2-8 drops are good for a diffuser.  Use only 1-2 drops for babies.  After 1 year you can increase to 3-4 drops in a child’s room.
  • Lavender is safe to apply directly to the skin.  Rose is ok in a small amount.  The others should be diluted in another oil – almond, jojoba, sesame, etc.  Use 15-30 drops in 1 ounce of oil, lotion or cream.

If you see any reaction on the skin – redness, itchiness, etc, stop using the oil.  Some people are allergic to specific plants, so may not be able to tolerate any one of the oils.  And if you have very sensitive skin be sure to dilute all oils before applying.

Have fun experimenting with these amazing oils.  I use them daily for myself and my patients.  I love the results. They are a wonderful plant medicine that is widely available and easy to use.

Enjoy!

Janene Mitchell, LAc,  FABORM, Acupuncturist

Janene Mitchell, LAc, sees patients at Blossom Clinic on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Schedule online or call Blossom Clinic 503-287-0886.

Written by Janene Mitchell, LAc, FABORM – Acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, Aromatherapy

Janene specializes in fertility and pregnancy care but loves working with women in all stages of their lives, including menopause and healthy aging. With a background in energetic bodywork her treatments are deeply rejuvenating.  Janene has over a decade of experience using essential oils and is a certified Chi Nei Tsang practitioner. You can schedule with Janene online.

The post 5 Essential Oils You Won’t Want to Live Without appeared first on Blossom Clinic.

Schedule Changes : Acupuncture Hours Added

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Schedule Changes effective 6/19/17

Not much is changing here at Blossom- we still have 3 acupuncturists here 6 days a week and our massage therapist here on Tue/Wed/Sun; However, there will be some changes to Liz RIchards’ schedule effective Monday June 19th:

  • Liz will be in Wednesday evenings instead of Monday evenings.
  • Liz has added in Fridays for new patients only. You can schedule online here.
  • Liz has also added more morning hours to Thursdays.

We hope these schedule changes improve our availability. See you soon!

Schedule changes Mindbody Online Blossom Clinic scheduling

Schedule online easily by downloading the MINDBODY app, I promise you will love it!

Contact Us

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Infertility Around the Holidays: How to Cope

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Holidays Infertility Support GroupInfertility Around the Holidays: How to Cope

The Holidays are again upon us and for those dealing with infertility it can be a less than joyful time. While those around are celebrating with family and friends and one’s own family wants you to join in, the holidays can magnify even more the sadness felt at not having a child of one’s own. Gatherings are numerous and often focused on children. The end of the year can accentuate another year marked with no baby.

What are some ways to cope with this?

1. Give yourself permission to acknowledge that this is stressful and you are not being a Scrooge.

2. Identify your “A” team of family and/or friends who “get it” and can be supportive and spend more time with them. Identifying your “A” team is something many of my clients find helpful all year-long. There may be people in your lives who are good and well-meaning but say or do things that can be unintentionally painful. Maybe they are on the “B” or “C” Team because they care about you but don’t understand the things to say or do regarding infertility.

3. If invited to a Holiday gathering, you may not really know whether you can face going until that very day/evening. People cancel at the last-minute for lots of reasons and so can you. Or, if you decide to give it a try, and you are part of a couple, have a prearranged signal that you give to one another when one of you absolutely must leave. Stay close to each other while at the gathering to be mutually supportive.

4. Perhaps, instead of the usual round of holiday parties, you go off this year to some place by yourselves. Reassure your family that you’re not changing family tradition forever; you just need to take care of yourselves this year. Pamper yourselves. It could be something as big as a trip to Hawaii, or as simple as a weekend at a Bed and Breakfast.

5. Consider taking the month off trying to get pregnant. This can be difficult when you are feeling a time crunch but consider it a gift to yourselves to enjoy lovemaking and time together with no pressure.

6. Men and women often have different ways of coping. Remember that no one way is the “right” way and try to be accepting of difference. A good example, which I often see in my practice, is that men cope by wanting to hold on to whatever is “normal” in life. They want to go to all the parties and “enjoy” the holidays after months of disappointment. Women find holiday parties loaded with “danger” of talk of pregnancies and children and cope by trying to avoid them.  Respect each other’s way of coping and talk in an accepting way towards a compromise.

This post was contributed by Anne Korpi Dolan, LCSW, DCSW. Anne has more than 25 years working in this field, including leading groups for RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. She can be reached at 1-617-650-3732

 

The post Infertility Around the Holidays: How to Cope appeared first on Blossom Clinic.

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