Unfolding Dreams

It's not uncommon for women to have two positive OPKs (ovulation prediction kits). But what about three, four, five...? This has happened to me too. When trying to conceive my first two children, I would usually get one or two positive ovulation tests and the rest were negative. However, when I started trying to conceive a third child, I kept getting close to / positive ovulation tests while waiting for my postpartum menstrual cycle. Every test looked about the same.  The more close to positive / positive ovulation tests I saw, the more confused I got. Had I ovulated? Was I in my two-week wait? Did my body fail to ovulate and keeps trying to? What was going on? This prompted me to do some research about ovulation prediction kits (OPKs) and LH surges. Here are some tips I have learned about multiple positive OPKs. 1. Chart Your Cycles with BBT (basal body temperature) + OPKs (ovulation prediction kits) The BBT will confirm that you ovulated. It's harde...

If you are expecting multiples, have 2 kids and want a little more room or you have 3+ kids, you're probably wondering what your car options are. Even fitting 3 car seats of children the same age or various ages can be challenging in the back row of a 5 seater car, mostly because car seats come in all shapes and sizes and can be very large from the infant base of an infant carseat, to a slim booster with 5 point harness. Also as you're having more kids, you're probably looking at factors of is your house and vehicle big enough for the children you want to have, about to have or already have.  Here is a list of some bigger vehicles for bigger families. To see what they look like, go and click on the links beside the name and seating number. The cars are not listed or rated in any particular order. 1. Honda Pilot  2013 Honda Pilot - Seats 8 -  Photo of 2013 Honda  Pilot 2014 Honda Pilot - Seats 8 -  Photo of 2014 ...

Avoid the following, because this is said they may contribute to higher levels of estrogen: Alcohol,  Caffeine, and  Chocolate link:  Infertility Answers: Endometriosis What is said to maybe help alleviate symptoms: Omega 3's and Antioxidants Link:  Top 10 list for Endo ,  Natural Fertility Info: Endometriosis

How Endo affects varies from woman to woman. It's important to know information so you know your options and what steps that can best help you conceive. 1. Egg Quality "T he loss of egg reserve can be accelerated by a number of factors including   Endometriosis." To read more click on the following links: How Endometriosis affects egg production on women Decreased Egg Reserve Supplements that may help (click on links):  Pregnitude ,  Ovaboost 2. May Cause Miscarriages " The woman’s body may form antibodies against the misplaced endometrial tissue. The same antibodies may attack the uterine lining and cause miscarriages (up to three times the normal rate)." To read more, go to the following links: Natural Fertility Info: Endometriosis Endometriosis associated with a greater risk of complications in pregnancy

My Endometriosis Story ~ click on the links to read my story ~ Symptoms Factors Affects Relationships Discovery My Laparoscopy Photos Recovery Reaction To The News Worries Fertility Natural Amenorrhea I was pain-free for almost two years. Pregnancy really did help alleviate my symptoms. Also, I breastfed my first child for 30 months and for 17 months I did not have a menstrual cycle after the birth of my first child. My menstrual cycles still are uncomfortable. As they have progressed, they are getting more and more uncomfortable. However, I only need to take between 50-200 mg of Ibuprofen now in a day and generally altogether now up to 800 mg throughout a cycle. I feel as if my quality of life is back since the temporary effects of the laparoscopy, pregnancy, and breastfeeding without a menstrual cycle. Overall Thoughts Before I got a positive pregnancy test, I was once where you are, hoping, wishing and praying it wasn't...

Breastfeeding Pillows Diaper Bags

When you hear twins or more you automatically think I need two or more of every baby item I buy. That may not be true.  Even moms of 2 with 2 in diapers may think they need 2 diaper bags. (I know I did, when I realized I would need to carry diapers for my toddler and baby). Most moms just need a larger style diaper bag to carry for their multiple small children, twins or more babies for multiples mom. Maybe in Octo Mom's case who expected 8 babies, she probably needed more than one diaper bag, but for twins or triplets, you can probably find a large enough diaper bag to meet your needs without buying a diaper bag per baby. Here are some larger style diaper bags: Trend Lab Deluxe Duffle Style Diaper bag Skip Hop Duo Double Deluxe Diaper bag Fisher Price Carry All Diaper Bag 7 AM Enfant Voyage Diaper Bag Ecosusi Deluxe Designer-Diaper Bag JJ Cole Satchel Diaper Bag Carter's Duffle Diaper Bag

Twin Nursing Pillow Breastfeeding Twins If you decide to breastfeed, there are twin nursing pillows that allow you to breastfeed your twins (or 2 babies if you have more than twins) at the same time with one pillow.   Pumping or Formula Feeding Even if you're bottle feeding pumped breast milk or formula, you can still use these pillows to feed the twins at the same by laying the babies on the nursing pillow and holding both their bottles to their mouths. If you have twins or more, using this pillow with a bottle holder maybe helpful, if holding bottles is not a realistic or possible option, due to multiple feelings, other children, work, holding bottles is too time consuming... Here are some of those twin nursing pillows: My Best Friend Twins Deluxe Nursing Pillow 0-12 months Double Blessing San Diego Bebe Deluxe Nursing Pillow Twin Z Nursing Pillow Taking Turns with One Nursing Pillow If you're not interested in breastfeeding your twins at the same tim...

Most pregnancy books have a small section or two about if you're expecting Multiples. In a day in age where having Multiples is more common due to the uses of fertility drugs, it makes more sense to getting a book dedicated to a mom expecting multiples. Here is a list of some pregnancy books. The links will take you to where you can buy them. When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, Quads The Multiples Manual: Preparing for Twins or Triplets The Everything Twins, Triplets or More Book Twinspiration: Real Life Advice from Pregnancy Through the first year The Multiple Pregnancy Source book: Pregnancy and the first days with Twins, Triplets or more

Veridian iBasal Digital Thermometer Geratherm Digital thermometer

For a woman trying to conceive with no known issues or a woman who has an uncomplicated pregnancy, she will usually take an over the counter prenatal vitamin with folate or one with folic acid or a prescription from her doctor with folic acid. She will usually follow the guidelines of not exceeding 2,000 mcg of folic acid, unless the doctor or other health care provider she is seeing recommends she takes MORE folic acid for X reason. So what are these X reasons that a woman may require MORE Folic Acid? Baby with Neural Birth Defects (4-5 mg) If you have / had a baby that has a neural birth defect (examples: Anencephaly or Spina Bifida), it is recommended in a subsequent pregnancy to take 4 mg of Folic Acid one- two months before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy under the supervision of a doctor.  The idea behind why this occurs in some women is that they do not absorb folate / folic acid as well and require higher doses....

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any links.  Over-the-counter in the United States means you can legally buy without a prescription.   Prenatal Vitamins with Folate   Garden of Life ( Folate - 800 mcg) New Chapter (Folate - 600 mcg) Mega Food Baby & Me Prenatal (Folate - 800 mcg) Thorne Research Basic Prenatal (Folate - 500 mcg) Last Edited: June 20, 2023

Below are some questions, you will want to find out now that you are expecting twins (triplets or more). About Midwives Will you be allowed to choose a Midwife? (Not all take a twin pregnancy) What if you use a midwife and go into pre-term labor? * Can you work with both an Obstetrician and midwife, if you want to use a midwife? *   If you are using a midwife and you go into preterm labor, labor before 37-38 weeks, a Midwife will most likely not be able to deliver your babies. If your midwife is licensed by the state, she may not legally be able to deliver you if you are expecting twins, because twin pregnancies are considered to be higher risk pregnancies. About  Obstetricians Does your Obstetrician induce twins at 38 weeks? Does your Obstetrician deliver multiples via C-Section only? Does your Obstetrician believe it is not safe for identical twins to go pass 37 weeks, because it increases the risks of st...

Spring Valley Prenatal & New Chapter Prenatal What's In Your Prenatal? Closer Look at Prenatal How Much Folic Acid Do I Need? Miscarriage Prevention & A Quality Prenatal Looking for Prenatals? Here is a page with some different prenatal and their links:  Prenatal Vitamin Brands . Considering Taking Gummy Prenatals? Why you might not want to use them long term:  Why Prenatal Gummies Are Not The Best Choice Long Term

Different Opinions As you research about supplements, you will most likely encounter  contradicting  information: www.livestrong.com says Maca Root has not been proven safe to take for breastfeeding mothers and urges expecting or lactating moms to speak with their doctor before using a possible “unsafe” product. www.wellnessmama.com , says maca is used to increase fertility and balancing hormones. Also that adding it to one’s daily regimen may help a couple conceive easier.  Comments in online forums urge mothers with regular cycles to avoid using this particular product. Forms of Maca Root Powder or Capsules Comes in Red and Black color Cost Powder is usually cheaper and capsule is usually more expensive Doses This is why it is important to research your product before using: www.wellnessmama.com says to take in small amounts daily  www.feelgoodtime.net says can be taken in large amounts daily It is recommended just a teaspoon e...

Pre-Postpartum Menstrual Rainbow Light Prenatal (has 800 mcg of Folic Acid) Omega 3's Fiber Gummies Supplements Strength How Much? Vitex   225 mg 15 pills Cassava Root 800 mg 30 pills Folic Acid 400 mcg 4 pills Pomegranate Juice - 2 bottles Postpartum Menstrual Rainbow Light Prenatal (has 800 mcg of Folic Acid) Omega 3's Fiber Gummies Supplements Strength How Much? Vitex   225 mg 20 pills Cassava Root 800 mg 30 pills Folic Acid 400 mcg 4 pills Pomegranate Juice - 2 bottles

My Cloth Wipe Solution (Using Perfectly Posh Naturally's Fabulous Baby Brand) The large container for my changing table, small spray bottle for my diaper bag Changing Area Large Spray Bottles Sprays that I use for my changing area are large bottles, usually designed for cleaning products. Diaper Bag   Travel Size Bottles Sprays that I use for my diaper bag are travel size bottles found for a dollar at the dollar store

Basic Wipe Solution 1/2 cup of Baby Soap 1/2 cup of Baby Lotion 1/2 cup of Olive Oil 2 cups of water heated Click here for:  Favorite Baby Soap & Lotion Brands

Buying How many wipes do I need? On average for a stash 2-3 dozen cloth wipes Some bigger stashes may have 50-60 or more wipes Where can I buy cloth wipes? Amazon, E-bay, Wal-Mart, fabric stores (if making), almost anywhere... What are alternate cloth wipes? Baby Wash Cloths Diaper Changes How many wipes do I use for pee changes? On average 1-2  (I usually use 1) How many wipes do I use for poo changes? On average 2-3 Solutions Basic Wipe Solution Cloth Wipes Solution Containers

The pocket diaper is comprised of two pieces, a waterproof outer cover with a pocket, normally made of microfleece or suede cloth. That liner wicks moisture quickly away from your baby's bum. The absorbing soaker pad is placed inside the pocket, providing a barrier from wetness. Pros: They are very similar to disposable diapers in how they go off and on. They fasten with Velcro, Aplix, or snaps. They are available in one-size options, making for a more economical diaperYou can adjust the absorbency by stuffing the pocket with different types of inserts. Cons: Laundering can be a bit tricky. Pocket diapers are particularly vulnerable to detergent build-up which may affect both the absorbency and waterproof outer.Once your baby soils the diaper with urine or stool, the cover cannot be reused. This differs from covers over fitted diapers or prefolds that can be reused multiple times within the day. Bibliography: White, Jennifer. "Pocket Diaper." About.com: Bab'ys ...

Real Cloth Diapers I've bought from E-bay. The 3 cloth diapers were sold individually.   I bought them for a total of $11.51.  That's 3 cloth diapers for less than $12! Buying From E-bay The website I have bought the majority of my cloth diapers and cloth diapering products on is e-bay. There are always so many listings for cloth diapers. It's a great place to buy without breaking the bank and splurging on the cutest designs, sometimes below retail. Is it worth buying? How I personally decide if a listing is worth it is I calculate how much my bid or the buy it now price is with the shipping divided by the number of cloth diapers or items I am receiving. My motto is the higher the price, the more cloth diapers/products should be in the lot (selling more than 1 item). I also avoid buying from listings where they are selling single diapers for $10-12 +. I usually try not to spend more than $5-6 dollars on a single diaper.   Buying Cloth Diapers from China Wh...

Buying Cloth Diapers from China When I am buying off e-bay, I like to buy the brands offered by China. Mostly, because they have cheaper prices and free or cheap shipping. When searching for them on e-bay, you can type cloth diapers from China to narrow down your results from all the cloth diapering listings. Link: E-Bay: Cloth Diapers from China Search Bidding on Cloth Diapers from China  The ones I like to go for, if I am bidding are the ones that start at $0.01 – 0.99 with free shipping or some that have $1.99-2.99 shipping. If many people do not bid on it, it can stay at $0.99 or often get up to $10 dollars. Sometimes the bids can go pass that. However, I stop bidding if bids are going pass $10 dollars. I don’t like to pay more than $5 dollars for a single cloth diaper.  Below is an example of my purchase of a cloth diaper from China. Click on the photo to see it in better detail. In my photo it says the bid started at $0.99 and the shipping $2.99. I was the on...