Experience with Red Raspberry Leaf?
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| Fri, 03-06-2009 - 11:03am |
I am concerned because yesterday at 3dpo I had some mild cramps and a little bit of spotting. I know that it is way too early for implantation, and I never have spotting mid-cycle.
I started taking red raspberry leaf caplets on CD10 to improve the thickness of my lining. (I decided to use the caplets rather than the tea so I knew how much I was taking.) I started off with 3 caplets/day (half the recommended dosage) and then increased to 6/day after O. Yesterday, I only took 3 in the morning and did not take it in the evening because of the cramping and spotting.
I have read that rrl is supposed to "tone" the uterus (which I assume means mild contractions). I have also read that it is safe to take through the entire cycle while TTC. Some sources say it should be stopped after getting a BFP because it could cause a miscarriage while others say it is safe to take throughout pregnancy.
I am very confused! Could these mild cramps and spotting interfere with implantation? Should I stop taking it now?
Thanks in advance for any input.
http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/236397
Edited 3/6/2009 11:07 am ET by babylb



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Hi Krista,
I hope you're having a good weekend! :o)
I'm glad you ordered the book!! I hope you like it. I loved it. I've read it cover to cover twice! I've also read up on Daoshing Ni on the net www.taoofwellness.com and he sounds like he really knows what he's doing!! He has a waiting list a mile long of women wanting to see him.
Yes, you can definitely use frozen raspberries. I meant to tell you that last time. I actually think frozen is better b/c they are flash frozen (I think that's the term) while they're at their ripest so they don't lose their nutrients. It's a yummy shake and it only has just over 200 calories. :o) I also throw some blackberries and strawberries in there too. And if you want you can put a teaspoon of flax seed oil in for an extra benefit (I hate the taste so I just take those in pill form). :o)
Regarding the acupuncture...I think it would probably be beneficial if they specialized in infertility b/c there's specific meridians involved in fertility. I usually have like 5 needles in my head, about 10 in my belly, some in my legs, feet and hands. Surprisingly enough, they don't hurt when she puts them in. Occasionally one will hurt but she says that where the energy is blocked and then it makes me feel better to know that the energy is being released. :o) She also gave me some Chinese herbs to take. I take 16 of them 3 times a day...but they're tiny so it's not that big of a deal. :o)
Oh, I'm actually not in Canada...but I am Canadian. :o) I'm in North Carolina. I guess the flag by my name makes it a little confusing....I should change that. :o) I was referred to my acupuncturist by a friend of mine (who is now 5 months pg) but I researched it on this site www.acufinder.com It's the same site I gave to Melissa (who also wrote to you) and I THINK she found someone through there...not positive tho.
As for when I go and how often...I go throughout my cycle. I think you can start at any time. I usually go once a week but now that I'm in my 2WW she wants to see me twice a week. She's always telling me these wonderful success stories of her patients who are now pg!! It's amazing! I've also noticed a HUGE difference in my body since I started going. This may be TMI but I had EWCM for the first time in a LONG time (I'm 38 yrs old), my energy level has increased dramatically and I sleep sooooooo much better at night. One of the first questions she asked me was how often I get up during the night to pee...at the time it was around 5-6 times a night-- now I sleep right through!! I feel a million times better!!
I really hope you decide to try it and find someone who you like!! Please keep me posted!!!
Good luck!! Tons of wishes for a BFP for you!!!
~Danielle
Me:I'm 38 and have been trying to conceive since June 2008. Cycles 1-7 natural BFN Cycle 8- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN Cycle 9- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN
Krista~
Shairstin
Hi Danielle,
I can't thank you enough for all the wonderful information! You have given my spirit such a boost (you have no idea), and I am eager to receive the book next week. I have been reading Doashing Ni's website, and I can understand why he has such a waiting list given what I have read.
Great news that I can use flash frozen raspberries (and other berries as well). I was never certain about frozen fruits and veggies and how freezing affects their nutrients. I do take flax seed oil as part of an omega 3-6-9 supplement. My DH and I both take it. I still have tummy trouble with the supplements from time to time :( (so I totally know what you mean).
Thank you for all of the info on acupuncture! I never would have imagined that there was a website to help find acupuncturists. I know of a couple of acu's in our area that specialize in orthopedic injuries, but I don't think (could be wrong) that they have any experience in fertility.
I just saw the Canadian flag and assumed. I apologize and please don't change your icon. It is who you are and that is wonderful. (My husband is from Europe so I totally understand.) I am in southeast Georgia, so we are almost neighbors. :)
You have given me fantastic info. for acupuncture/fertility treatments. Your results with acu. are impressive and for the first time in several months I am actually feeling positive about my next cycle.
I certainly will keep you posted and thank you again!
Best of luck to you & tons of BFP wishes all around
Krista
Hi Melissa,
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with acupuncture & RRL tea. I am still having some heaviness and cramping in the uterine area... not sure what it might be from (probably not RRL). It is still too early for implantation, and I stopped taking the caplets so... who knows.
I plan to find an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility for next cycle. Did your insurance cover IUI or did you have to pay for that out of pocket as well. Looks like ours only covers diagnose, but any form of treatment (including all med's) are on us!
Sorry that you are looking at self-paid IVF and praying that you get your much deserved BFP, Godspeed.
Krista
Glad I could help. :o) And I'm glad that you're feeling hopeful again! I hope you find someone great and it works for you!! Please keep me posted!!!
P&PT for success and a BFP for you!! :o)
Danielle
Me:I'm 38 and have been trying to conceive since June 2008. Cycles 1-7 natural BFN Cycle 8- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN Cycle 9- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN
Hi Krista :)
My insurance pays for the ultrasounds and lab work associated with IUIs and it pays for Femara (a loop-hole since it's actually a breast cancer drug) but the actual IUI and sperm wash are all out-of pocket.
I just saw my acupuncturist today and she says rrl tea is safe to drink all cycle and into pregnancy, she says it has progesterone-like properties so is good for early pregnancy. who knew!
I hate to say it, but it's nice to have found a couple of you in your mid to later 30s and ttc #1, you find so many 20-somethings here (which is fine) but I feel a real camaraderie with you and Danielle bc we're more in the same boat :)
BTW, are you going to test soon??
Shairstin
Hi Melissa,
Your coverage sounds very similar to what Dh and I have. Femara is on our list of approved drugs but Clomid is not. Is it covered for infertility vs. breast cancer because of how the Dr. codes it? Even with u/s and labs covered I know each IUI cycle is expensive!
My Dh is quite traditional, and I am not sure how he will react to the prospect of fertility treatments. He wants children just as badly as I do, but he has always maintained that God will bless us with a child when the time is right.
After 6 months of the casual approach with no results, I had to do something so I saw my OB. She recommended OPK's and charting. My husband thought that I was being impatient (OK I was). So we have actually been trying longer... I just don't count the first 6 because our timing was who knows what.
Now he is used to the charting and even asks when my O will be. I am religious as well, so I understand his perspective, but I also feel like I have to do what I can to help things along. I see my OB at the end of the month, so we'll see what she recommends next.
I've been drinking 3 cups of the rrl a day and plan to continue with it. I had read about its progesterone-like qualities which is why I didn't want to suddenly stop taking it during my LP. I guess if I did get a BFP I would want to continue drinking it for that reason as well.
I know exactly what you mean about being 35+ and TTC #1. (I will be 36 in June.) I've also been on the TTC over 35 board, but it seemed like the majority of the women are TTC #3 or 4. I know all women TTC have similar issues, but sometimes I can't help but feel like I've missed the boat. Meeting wonderful ladies like you and Danielle gives me hope that there is a special boat just for us! :)
Wow, sorry this is so long! I should test on 3/16 (which will be 14dpo), but I may breakdown and test earlier. I've been having some IPS, but I had major IPS last cycle and nothing but BFN's. The worst part was that I told Dh about my IPS last cycle so he got his hopes up too. Seeing his disappointment just about did me in. I am keeping it to myself this time, but it's hard.
When do you plan to test?
Best wishes for a sticky BFP!!!!!!!
Hi ladies,
I hope you both are having a good day!!
Krista~ I asked my acupuncturist today about RRL and she wasn't familiar with it....which surprised me!! Well, at least that's what I THINK she said...there's a bit of a language barrier there. haha
I'm glad Melissa's acupuncturist could answer your question. I test on the 17th but I have a feeling I'm going to test earlier. lol I'm getting anxious already. I'm not feeling all that positive about it...actually I'm having mixed emotions. I had a dip in my bbt a couple of days ago and I'm hoping it was an "implantation dip" but then I'm not having any IPS (last month I had a ton and got a bfn!). So who knows.
Oh, did you get your book from Amazon yet?? Another one I'd recommend is Taking Charge of Your Fertility! It's great! You'll definitely know a LOT more about your body than you thought you did after reading that book! haha
Are you taking any other supplements like Evening Primrose Oil or drinking V8 Splash (all the little tricks that ttc women do!) :o)
Melissa, what about you?? When are you testing? I'm pretty sure we are cycle buddies, right?? You've been quiet lately...everything OK?
Yes, I LOVE the thought that there's a special "boat" made especially for us. It's a tough sometimes and it's nice to talk to people who TRULY understand what you're going through. You and Melissa are so easy to "talk" to!! :o)
Baby dust to you both!! Have a great evening!
Danielle
Me:I'm 38 and have been trying to conceive since June 2008. Cycles 1-7 natural BFN Cycle 8- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN Cycle 9- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN
Hi Danielle,
LOL, I was planning to write to you this evening but you beat me to it! Yes, The Tao of Fertility was waiting on my doorstep when I came home. How I do love Amazon! I can't wait to dig in this evening although I do have to finish dinner and a few other things around the house first.
Interesting that your acu. had never heard of rrl tea. I am assuming that she is Chinese, so perhaps rrl is more of a western herb??? I think I mentioned my husband is from Europe, and we still find language to be a stumbling block sometimes. It is especially funny when we "think" that we disagree on something and argue only to realize that we actually agree and were just not understanding each other clearly.
Yes, I bought Taking Charge of Your Fertility right about the time that I started using OPK's. I started charting shortly thereafter. I have read it twice cover to cover and refer to it regularly.
As far as supplements, this cycle I took soy isoflavones (180mg) cd5-9, omega 3-6-9 daily, CoQ10 (100 mg) daily, Emergen-C daily and of course RRL capsules (switched to tea) starting on cd14 (I think). I also drank lots and lots of carrot juice from 5 days before O for CM. Dh also took vitamins including FertilAid for men, the omega's, zinc, CoQ10 and Emergen-C.
I am feeling very anxious about testing too! One day I feel like this really could be it, and then the next day I think "who am I kidding here?". Wow, a dip sounds good, and it is right in the time-frame for implantation. Everything crossed for a BFP!!!!!!!
Do you have a link to your chart?
I had a similar experience last month. Tons of IPS but no BFP! I have read that having a very different cycle (even if that means no IPS) can be a good sign! :) I have had one weird IPS that I have never seen before. The veins in my breasts and the next day in my hips were far more visible than usual. Today, they seemed normal again so perhaps I was just seeing things.
Baby dust and best wishes to both of you as well!!!!!!!
Krista
http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/236397
Edited 3/11/2009 8:25 pm ET by babylb
Hi Krista,
Oh, I'm so glad you got it. Have you started reading it yet? I find that even the book is calming. haha Were you able to find a good acupuncturist in your area?
Yes, my acupuncturist is Chinese so that's why I was so surprised that she had never heard of rrl. (Dr. Ni recommends it so I think it's an Eastern thing). But maybe she just found what works for her and she hasn't tried to find other things, you know? Where in Europe is your husband from? I think that's so cool. The language barrier is cute!! :o) Where did you all meet?
Ok, don't quote me but I think I read somewhere that you shouldn't take high doses of Vitamin C before you O. I think it said that it dries out your CM. DON'T quote me on that though b/c I could be wrong. I'll try to Google it and find out. It looks like you're taking a lot of other good supplements. :o) Try drinking V8 Splash or take Mucinex about 5 days before you expect to O...it helps with CM.
I know EXACTLY how you feel!! One minute I'm thinking that this is it...we're pg and then the next there's no chance. It's crazy. That's weird about the veins in your hips and breasts....you know the second I read that I HAD to peek down my shirt and look at mine. LOL!!
Yes, I have my chart online http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/25d878 It's just one month b/c I use the cd that came with the TCOYF book and use that as my primary charting tool. Please take a look at it and let me know what you think. I should really try to go in there and input my last few months so that it gets to "know" me. :o)
So are you going to wait or are you going to test early? I'm sooo tempted.......
Have a good day!! TAlk to you soon! Baby dust!!
Danielle
Me:I'm 38 and have been trying to conceive since June 2008. Cycles 1-7 natural BFN Cycle 8- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN Cycle 9- IUI with Femara and trigger BFN
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