Women's Health Series II
Meet my best friend Kaitlyn Doyle ne Czislowski - she is incredibly funny, loves a nap, research and learning (even if she gets a little Google happy on topics she most certainly should not Google) and has most recently started to navigate her way through motherhood.
Kaitlyn shares her own personal women’s health story, as she reflects on her quest to improve her mental wellbeing, which in turn led to the surprising conception of her beautiful baby boy, Harry.
Can you tell us about your health journey in regards to conceiving?
I had recently been through some stressful times with my family and had read that your mental wellbeing can really impact your ability to conceive, as well as impact the health of the embryo/bub. I wanted to give myself the best chance of conceiving and also give my baby the best start.
I was in a routine of waking up at 5am and going to Reformer Pilates 4 times per week. I used Insight Timer to meditate - 5 minutes in the morning and I listened to a sleep meditation at bed time. I made healthy choices with my eating - but nothing drastic (i.e. no juice cleanses, cabbage soup etc). I saw a naturopath a few months prior and was taking vitamins based on her advice. I also had visited our GP to let her know we were looking to start trying and she gave the OK and advised that both my husband and I should be in good health.
How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?
It was a shock! My husband was away on a Buck's party weekend in Melbourne and arriving home on the Sunday night. I wasn't late for my period but I had a "feeling" or maybe it was just that ever-present curiosity that lurks when you're trying for a baby. Whatever the reason, I decided to do a pregnancy test about an hour before I was due to pick him up from the airport.
I was totally expecting the single line when I went back into the bathroom to check... but there was the faintest second line. I literally leaned back on the wall and slid down to sit on the floor with my mouth open. It was such a spin out to know that we had conceived a baby! I would say I experienced a healthy mix of excitement, shock, joy and disbelief. It was so special sharing the news with my husband when he got home and to see the biggest smile on his face.
What advice would you give others who are struggling to fall pregnant?
It is such a personal experience and every woman and couple faces their own struggles. I feel like I spent such a huge part of my life trying NOT to get pregnant, and when we decided we wanted a baby... I had no idea how difficult it could be!
Taking the time to understand my cycle and fertile windows was probably the biggest game changer for me. The time we conceived was RIGHT ON my fertile window. I used an app called Clue and it’s really simple to understand. Other than that, just try and do your thing, get in a healthy, happy space and give it a go. Also, I feel seeking help from medical professionals (naturopaths etc), can help better equip you with the information and tools needed to give yourself the best shot (pun intended!).