I just read this wonderful article that I wanted to share with everyone. I brought back a topic from January because it goes along with it. The article is from U.S. News & World Report, May 7, 2007. It's called "Success at Last." There is a woman who tried 3 AIs that didn't work, but took two different relaxing vacations and got pregnant both times. There is also a story of a woman who gave up on failing IVFs, tried acupuncture, and healthier living, and was pregnant eight weeks later. I know, all of us hear these stories all the time. And believe me, I've heard, "Just relax and it will happen," or "If you adopt, then you'll get pregnant," enough that I could probably puke on the next person who says it to me. But this article gave me a new look at the whole idea. A doctor said that "sometimes, the body's refusal to get pregnant can be a sign of its wisdom." Then she gave some examples like, being overweight puts a pregnant woman at risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, or an abnormally large baby. She says this may be why extra body fat produces excess estrogen, interfering with ovulation. The same works for underweight women, in which the pituitary gland releases less of the ovulation hormones FSH and LH. There were many other examples: smoking, trans fats, low iron, over exertion (such as strenuous exercise), and the big one that affects all of us: STRESS. This is a quote about it: "Couples who are actively trying to conceive need to understand some biology: Several hours before ovulation, the pituitary gland normally sends out a surge of LH, which causes the ovary's follicle to release an egg. But say you have a fender bender before the surge happens or suddenly discover you need a $10,000 roof repair. Such stresses can signal the pituitary gland that the body is in trouble, which slows the release of LH...Even if ovulation occurs, a shortage of LH could mean a shortage of progesterone, which is necessary to nourish and sustain a fertilized egg." This is so interesting to me, and it makes sense to me in a way it never has before. Now, I am not saying that this is the answer for everyone. No two people are exactly alike. Obvioulsy, children are conceived by stressed-out women every day. But I am seeing that there is something to this, after all that I've heard. We are often talking of it here anyway: acupuncture, vacations, taking a break for awhile, etc. So this is nothing new. I just have a fascination with how complex and amazing our bodies are. This article really made me believe this whole relaxation thing is worth a try. So I am clearing my calendar for the whole week of ovulation in June. No piano lessons, no daycare kids at my house. Just me, my family, some yummy healthy treats, great movies, and playing games. I'd love to take a "procreation vacation," but we can't afford it, especially with gas prices the way they are! Who's with me?