by Alex Phillips | May 26, 2022 | Fertility Treatment
Unexplained infertility If there isn’t a problem, why aren’t you pregnant? If you’ve been trying to get pregnant and the doctors are reassuring you that everything is fine with you and your partner but it’s still not happening, you may be feeling a sense of failure, frustration and helplessness. All those tests and no reason for why you haven’t been conceiving. Super frustrating. You may even be hoping they do find a reason, so at least you’ll have some information to work with! We don’t like it when there isn’t a specific problem to be solved. Often, when conventional medicine doesn’t find a specific reason for not getting pregnant, the solution can be found in complementary medicine. My clinical experience has shown that there usually IS a reason and it’s connected to the same reasons that causes the myriad of other problems I treat in my clinic. The uterus is not in it’s optimal position The uterus is not in it’s optimal position which affects it’s function and ability to allow a fertilised embryo to implant. The five flows (blood to the heart, blood from the heart, lymph, nerve energy and general energy (chi) ) are not flowing freely to the abdomen and pelvis. As a result, the ovaries and uterus are not getting all the nutrients they need and can’t work optimally. Tension in the diaphragm In addition, often there is a lot of tension in the diaphragm, the dome shaped muscle that sits right under your lungs and separates the organs of your chest and your pelvis. So often, due to stress and tension, the diaphragm is tight, causing shallow breathing and lack of flow to your uterus and ovaries. Even more importantly, a tight diaphragm can make you feel like you are wound tight like a spring. How do we treat it? I use the Sobada Therapy, a pleasant and relaxing abdominal massage over the belly and back to help release the tension in your belly and encourage better circulation to the uterus and ovaries. In this natural state, your chances of conceiving increase because your body is more in balance. I combine reflexology; guided imagery and other supportive therapies with Sobada to help bridge the gap between mind and body to help you relax and improve your chances of conceiving and enjoying a healthy and uneventful pregnancy. I’m a holistic therapist and I am here to help you! I love helping women to overcome their fertility challenges and other issues related to your cycles, pregnancy, periods and/or anxiety. I treat women with abdominal and womb massage techniques known as Sobada (formally the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage) and reflexology. I’m also an Advanced EFT Tapping practitioner and I work with women in particular issues around anxiety, depression, stress levels. I teach Fertility Awareness to help women better know their bodies and improve their chances of conceiving or prevent pregnancy naturally. I live in Modi’in, Israel and that’s where I spend my days helping women during their fertile years, pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal conditions. Bodywork sessions (massage and reflexology take place in my clinic in Modi’in but EFT Tapping sessions and Fertility Awareness education can take place online or in person). Learn more about working with me here. Send me a WhatsApp message FollowFollow Testimonials I went through such a journey with Annette. I came here because i couldn’t get pregnant. During the process of healing a lot of pain, I fell pregnant and gave birth to a wonderful son. I came back to Annette again after the birth for some peace and quiet and an hour to myself once a week which allowed me to feel more present also at home. Annette is a wonderful person. She is so present and is wonderful at holding space and she brings healing in a simple and easy way which is really amazing and shouldn’t be taken for granted. I feel like every woman needs a space where she is able to heal herself and give herself an hour of peace, quiet, love and for me Annette is the perfect address. A huge thank you and so much appreciation that I came to you and gave myself these treatments. Sveta, Rehovot Dear Annette, there are no words to thank you and appreciate you enough for everything you have done for us. Because of you we were able to bring life to the world and we will always be so appreciative to you. Wishing you and your family a wonderful year with blessing, health, happiness and joy. Ya’ara and family, Modi'in Annette, I came to you after a recommendation from a friend because I was feeling stressed about not falling pregnant. After two treatment I was pregnant! After each treatment, I had a feeling of energy, relaxation and quiet. Naomi, Modi’in I went to see Annette because we had problems conceiving. I really enjoyed the treatments, especially her kindness, her true desire to help and her optimism that we can succeed. Arvigo treatments are the best. As a result of the treatments my period has stabilised and we are ready for the new baby ???? . I've...
by Alex Phillips | May 26, 2022 | Fertility Treatment
Thin uterine lining What is the endometrium or uterine lining? The endometrium, or uterine lining is the innermost layer of the uterus. Each month at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, this lining is shed via the vagina (aka your period). Leading up to ovulation the uterine lining begins to build up again in expectation of a potential pregnancy. The hormone estrogen is vital to the formation of a healthy endometrium. Following ovulation and until menstruation, the endometrium begins to secrete essential nutrients and fluids needed to nourish an embryo and prevent the endometrium from breaking down. Why is the endometrium (uterine lining) so important for conception? When you get pregnant, the uterine lining remains in place and the tiny growing embryo embeds itself into this lining approximately five or six days after conception. This process is known as implantation. A thick and healthy endometrium is crucial for a pregnancy. Think of a seed in the ground, it can only grow if it has a continued supply of water, sunlight, nutrients, etc. In the same way, a growing embryo is However, in some cases, the lining is too thin which can prevent pregnancy. If you’re having medical check-ups, the uterine lining thickness will be one of the things they will check via ultrasound along with how many follicles are growing on your ovaries. What is a normal uterine lining thickness? Ideally, the uterine lining will be 7-8 mm thick for successful implantation of a foetus. When the lining is thin, usually less than 7mm, the body cannot sustain an embryo and a growing foetus. What causes a thin uterine lining? Past operations including a D&C following miscarriage Bacterial or viral Infections that have damaged the uterine lining Uterine fibroids Low oestregen levels: oestregen is one of the reproductive hormones that helps build the uterine lining. If your oestrogen levels are too low, that could be the cause of a thin uterine lining. Lack of blood flow to the uterus: part of the process of building the uterine lining involves increased blood flow to the uterus carrying nutrients, hormones and oxygen. Repeated use of the fertility drug Clomid is known to negatively impact endometrial thickness Long-term use of birth control pills is also suspected to temporarily cause thin endometrium A history of anorexia (low body mass index) may affect the endometrial lining Will a thin uterine lining always prevent pregnancy? For some women, a thin uterine lining is a natural state for them and they are still able to conceive and carry a full term pregnancy. For other women, it can be a contributing factor to fertility issues. In order to grow a thick endometrial lining, the uterus requires a good supply of blood. Improving blood flow to the uterus with womb massage can help increase your chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy. What can help improve the uterine lining? I use a combination of abdominal and back massage known as Sobada ( often nicknamed womb or uterine massage) which can thicken the uterine lining by improving blood flow to the uterus. I combine the Sobada treatment with reflexology in order to balance the body and encourage your body to produce a thicker uterine lining. Sobada can be helpful for women who have had surgery that damaged the uterine lining and also in cases where there is no known cause for the thin uterine lining. Some women respond very quickly to treatment and see a measurable improvement within the first month following treatment. In other cases, longer treatment is required. What else can help improve your uterine lining: Nutrition: Good general nutrition (a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, good quality protein and unprocessed carbohydrates) will help. Eating beetroot on a daily basis is also known to improve the uterine lining. Exercise: Regular moderate exercise to improve blood flow to your reproductive organs. This is especially important in this day and age when most people are sitting at desks or not moving much throughout their workday. Brisk walks, easy bike rides, gentle yoga classes are all great ways to get your blood pumping. You can do this type of exercise several times a week without putting too much stress on your body. Ideally, you will find an exercise you enjoy doing so it feels pleasurable and not like a chore. Eliminate or limit substances which may restrict blood flow. Caffeine and nicotine are not good for your circulation. Find support so you can quit smoking and cut back on coffee and other caffeinated drinks to one cup a day. I’m a holistic therapist and I am here to help you! I love helping women to overcome their fertility challenges and other issues related to your cycles, pregnancy, periods and/or anxiety. I treat women with abdominal and womb massage techniques known as Sobada (formally the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage) and reflexology. I’m also an Advanced EFT...
by Alex Phillips | May 26, 2022 | Fertility Treatment
Posterior uterus Your uterus is held together in your pelvis by ligaments. This gives it the ability to move in order to allow for normal body functions like peeing, pooping, menstruation, ovulation and the greatest period of change and movement for the uterus – pregnancy. What is a posterior uterus? Ideally, your uterus is sitting closer to the front of your body (anterior) just above your bladder, than the back of your body (posterior). When your uterus is twisted back in a posterior position it is leaning back towards your spine and may be pressing on your intestines and possibly causing lower back pain, digestive issues and period pain. What causes a retroverted or posterior uterus? You were born with it: The conventional belief is that women are born with their uterus in this position. A fall or blow during childhood: traditional healers including my teachers believe that the cause is often a fall or blow to the lower back during childhood. Two of the ligaments supporting your uterus attach to your sacrum, the triangle shaped bone at the base of your spine. A fall or blow where the ligament attaches to the spine can cause the ligaments to pull the uterus back towards the spine. Adhesions and/or scar tissues that form in the area follow a fall or injury mean the uterus becomes fixed in place. Endometriosis and/or recurring pelvic infections: either of these situations can cause adhesions in your pelvis that affect the ligaments supporting your uterus and can pull the uterus from it’s natural position in the front of your pelvis. Surgery: Whenever tissue is cut, the body forms scar tissue so any kind of lower back surgery or pelvic surgery could also cause adhesions and/or scar tissue on the ligaments holding the uterus and cause the uterus to move to a posterior or retroverted position. How is a retroverted or posterior uterus identified or diagnosed? Your doctor or ultrasound technician may tell you verbally or write on the ultrasound summary that your uterus is in a posterior position. You may also suspect this is the case based on your symptoms. What symptoms can you expect if your uterus is posterior or retroverted? When your uterus is not in optimal position, the concern is that the blood supply to the uterus and other pelvic organs is compromised. Blood carries oxygen, hormones, hormones and other substances that are critical for every organs function, it also carries away waste products from cells. As result, this can cause painful periods, fertility problems and pain during sex. Painful periods: During menstruation, your uterus contracts to release the innermost layer of the uterus, the endometrium which built up during your cycle. Imagine your uterus trying to contract while contorted in an uncomfortable position. It’s not surprising that it’s painful. Fertility problems: Any situation which affects the blood supply to the uterus and ovaries can potentially lead to fertility issues whether it’s related to the inability to ovulate, lower egg quality because of the reduced blood supply to the ovaries. Sometimes, ovulation may be unaffected but the uterine position prevents the pregnancy from progressing once the foetus reaches a certain size. Pain during sex: Sex can be painful when the uterus is retroverted because each thrust into the vagina may be unintentionally pressing against the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Some positions may be comfortable while others, usually those that encourage deeper penetration may be painful. Back pain: remember those ligaments I mentioned earlier that attach from the spine to the uterus? Sometimes the tension and pulling on the area where they attach to the spine can also cause back pain, specifically lower back pain. Constipation: If the uterus is tilted back and is leaning on the intestines, it can cause constipation. Many women in this situation find that the constipation worsens as their period approaches when the uterus is at its heaviest in the menstrual cycle. How can we treat a posterior uterus? Firstly, it can help to know that it’s possible to encourage the uterus back to a better position and relieve many, if not all of the related symptoms because the underlying issue is the adhesions and lack of good flow in the abdomen. Using abdominal massage, we can improve the blood flow to the area allowing the body to release waste products and improve function of all the organs in the pelvis. When the uterus and fallopian tubes can move more freely we usually see na improvement in overall fertility, improved egg quality and less painful periods and less back pain. Is a posterior uterus always a problem? Many women have a posterior or retroverted uterus without even knowing and for many of them it’s not a problem at all. However, if you suffer from any of the symptoms of a posterior uterus then the important thing to know is that it is possible to treat it. I’m a...
by Alex Phillips | May 25, 2022 | Fertility Treatment
Miscarriage Firstly, I’m sorry. If you’ve experienced one miscarriage or multiple miscarriages I know how hard it is. And it doesn’t matter if the miscarriage was early on, the pregnancy was planned or not or how long you’ve been trying to get pregnant. It’s hard. One moment you were pregnant and then you weren’t. Maybe you started bleeding and that was your first sign that something wasn’t right. Or during a routine ultrasound you were told there wasn’t a heartbeat or the foetus wasn’t growing as much as it should. Either way, it sucks. And can lead to feeling like your body has betrayed you. Plus concerns that you won’t be able to conceive again and deliver a healthy baby. What causes a miscarriage? You may have been given an “explanation” from conventional medicine for why you had a miscarriage. In many cases, we don’t have an explanation for why it happened. Approximately 12% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, the vast majority in the first trimester. However, the good news is that while many women do experience at least one miscarriage during their fertile years, most of them go on to safely birth one or more children. Here are some of the common causes of miscarriage: Low progesterone or other hormonal issues – progesterone is the hormone that maintains and holds the uterine lining in place during the pregnancy. If levels aren’t high enough, you may start bleeding leading to a miscarriage Genetic or other problem with the foetus: your body is smart and in many cases if it detects there is something wrong with the foetus, it will decide to cause a miscarriage. While this is very upsetting, it also shows that your body is doing it’s best to help you meet your goal of a healthy baby. Age: Unfortunately, the older you get, the higher your chances of miscarrying. This may seem alarming because age is something we don’t have control over. However, if you focus on improving your overall and reproductive health in other ways, you may be able to conceive and birth a healthy baby in spite of your age. Accident: A hard fall, especially on your back or pelvis can cause a miscarriage. Infection: Some viral and bacterial infections can cause pregnancy loss and some studies suggest that some common vaginal infections can increase your chances of miscarriage. If you are concerned, speak to your doctor. Blood clotting issue (coagulation): Incompetent cervix (I don’t like that name but unfortunately that’s what it’s called). The cervix is located at the bottom of the uterus opening to the vagina. Your cervix should remain closed from conception until birth. However, if the tissue is weak, it can cause miscarriage or premature birth. In addition to strengthening the tissue before you get pregnant again, if your doctor suspects this is an issue for you, they may want to stitch the cervix closed to try to prevent premature birth. How can I help you after miscarriage? I use a combination of Sobada, abdominal massage (sometimes referred to as uterine massage or womb massage) and reflexology to help prepare women recover from miscarriage and prepare for another pregnancy Sobada abdominal massage is a pleasant and relaxing massage on the abdomen and back that focuses on improving blood flow to your uterus and ovaries and encouraging your uterus into the best possible position in your pelvis. Reflexology is a series of massage and pressure techniques on the feet and hands that help relax you, bring your body to balance and The treatment is very relaxing and improves both your breathing and digestion in addition to your fertility. In turn, this improves your chances of conceiving and bringing home that much yearned for healthy baby. During the treatment, sometimes emotions are released and many women leave the session feeling a renewed sense of hope. When should I come for treatment after miscarriage? I usually suggest two options: Waiting till you get your next period and then coming for treatment straight after the bleeding stops. This gives your body and your uterus a bit of time to adjust to the changes that have been taking place. If two months have passed since the miscarriage and you still haven’t gotten your period, you can book a treatment anyway. Booking a treatment ASAP: the reason I offer this option is that you may be highly distressed after your miscarriage and waiting 2-8 weeks till you get your period is not ideal. If you come now, I adjust the treatment to what is going on for your physically and emotionally so you can return to daily life. Often these sessions are a safe space for you to release the many emotions that miscarriage stir up and help bring your body back to physical and emotional balance. Don’t fool yourself that an early miscarriage is easier than one later in pregnancy. Each woman experiences miscarriage differently and there may also be trauma related to medical procedures that you want to release for your own health and before...
English