Categories > Fertility Health

Join us this year, as we collaborate with Alberta Fertility Centre as well as Registered Psychologists, Caroline Andersen and Dr. Adrienne Witol to offer meaningful events to educate, empower and advocate for fertility supports.

We are joining Fertility Matters Canada in this year’s Canadian Fertility Awareness Theme: “One Voice,” which speaks to ‘the collective strength and unity of individuals and communities coming together to advocate for fertility awareness and support, emphasizing the power of standing united as one voice, raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and promoting education surrounding fertility issues and reproductive health.’

NEW STUDY FINDS FINANCIAL COST A MAJOR BARRIER TO CONCEIVE FOR MOST EDMONTONIANS WITH INFERTILITY

New data from Fertility Alberta reveals that most Edmontonians dealing with (in)fertility do NOT proceed with treatment due to financial cost, and of those who do proceed, nearly half take out loans for just a chance to have a baby.

The survey of 640 Albertans conducted in Sept 2023 found that most Albertans who need medical assistance to have a family are struggling to access the help they need. Survey highlights include:

• 74% of people who did not proceed with needed fertility treatments identified cost as the reason
  • 96% of these respondents said financial assistance from the Alberta government would have enabled them to proceed with treatment.
• 60% of those who did undergo treatment spent $10,000 to $50,000
• Nearly 50% of patients that underwent treatments required a loan to cover the cost

Currently, only seven provinces in Canada provide funding related to fertility and family-building care to residents, and the programs and access to services vary widely across the country, including fully funded IVF treatment, tax credits or reimbursement programs. Albertans do not receive any IVF funding.

We are working to increase accessibility to fertility patients and optimize chances for success, including offering free monthly Online Support Circles; Community Acupuncture; and donating all proceeds from upcoming CFAW events to local non-profits to support advocacy for IVF funding in Alberta. 

The CFAW events support Fertility Alberta, a patient-led, fertility advocacy organization, whose recent fertility survey results paint a sobering picture on treatment access in the province.

Canadian Infertility Awareness Week Events:

Wednesday, April 24 | Therapeutic Arts Workshop: Creative Journeys:

• Fertility patients will explore the transformative process of artistic expression, as they reflect on their fertility journeys through expressive arts and mindfulness. Individual art pieces will collectively form a ‘One Voice’ mural. MORE INFO

Thursday, April 25 – 7:30 p.m. | National Light Up the Night at the Muttart

• Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory will be one of the monuments across the country that will light up GREEN, symbolising health, growth, and life in honour of the 1 in 6 Canadians who are impacted by fertility challenges. Join us and those on their fertility journeys at the light-up. MORE INFO

Saturday, April 27 – 4:30 p.m. ‘One Voice’ Mural Exhibit

• Join ARC and WFH as they unveil the mural exhibit from the ‘Creative Journeys’ Therapeutic Arts Workshop at Alberta Reproductive Centre, showcasing individual art pieces and stories, collectively representing and honouring the unified strength of individuals who face fertility challenges. MORE INFO

Location: Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC)
#102 – 17203-103 Ave NW
Day: Friday each week
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 PM

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Currently open to ARC patients, whether you are trying to conceive assisted or unassisted, at the beginning of your journey or in treatment.

We have teamed up with ARC to make acupuncture more accessible. Our community-based group setting & lower cost invites ARC patients to experience the benefits more easily.

What is Community Acupuncture

Did you know that acupuncture is traditionally offered in shared healing spaces & group settings in Asia?

Our community acupuncture is a modern interpretation of a centuries-old Eastern healing tradition. 

It is an accessible and affordable alternative to conventional acupuncture settings. This group acupuncture approach brings individuals together in a shared space, promoting both community support and individual well-being.  

Join others who are facing similar fertility challenges for acupuncture in our quiet, safe, & discreet group setting. Where we can share in a sense of collective well-being, support and community. 

Benefits of Community Fertility Acupuncture:

Accessibility

• Our group setting facilitates overcoming cost barriers.

Regular & Consistent Treatment Leads to Increased Success

• Accessibility allows for regular & consistent treatments, leading to higher success rates.
• Studies show that clinical pregnancy rates are significantly higher in groups that have received courses of multiple sessions of acupuncture during IVF, when compared to control groups.
• Research shows that acupuncture leads to improved clinical pregnancy rates & live birth rates in people undergoing IVF.

Community Support & Connection

• Know that you are not alone in our unique atmosphere of shared support & collective healing.

FEES

Initial Community Fertility Acupuncture Session (45-60mins) $60
Follow up Community Fertility Acupuncture Session (45-60mins) $60
Pre-paid Package of 6 Community Acupuncture Sessions (6x 45-60mins) $300

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Exciting announcement!

We are collaborating with Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC) to offer Whole Person CARE Guidance.

At ARC, they understand the importance of personalized and comprehensive support throughout the emotional and medical process of your fertility journey.

That is why we have teamed up with them to offer fertility care including the following services to all ARC patients.

Introducing WFH’s Alda Ngo, the ARC Whole Person CARE (Coordinator and Reproductive Education) Guide: your Compassionate Coordinator on the Path to Parenthood at ARC.

Embarking on the journey to parenthood can be both exciting and challenging. At ARC, they understand that fertility care is not just a medical process; it is also deeply personal and emotional. That is why they are proud to introduce a dedicated Whole Person CARE Guide, a compassionate coordinator committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Together, ARC and WFH recognize that growing your family is a profoundly meaningful human experience. We are also aware that trying to create a healthy pregnancy can bring up challenging thoughts & emotions, as well as a sense of loss of control.

We want to nurture your sense of agency throughout the process, because we see that you should be in charge of your fertility journey.

Your Personal Advocate:

As your personal advocate and liaison at ARC, Alda brings a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to holistic fertility care. She will ensure that your journey to parenthood is physically supported and emotionally empowered.

Alda is not just a guide; she is your trusted advocate throughout your fertility journey.

Comprehensive Support Tailored to Your Needs:

The Whole Person CARE Guide goes beyond the traditional role. Alda will help you identify your fertility wellness goals as well as explore & navigate all the additional care options that are available to you.  

Tailored Key Services offered by our Whole Person CARE Guide at ARC:

1. Personalized Care Plan: She will work with you to create a personalized fertility plan that addresses all aspects of your unique fertility wellness needs & goals.
2. Information & Education: She will provide clear information about fertility treatments, procedures, and potential challenges, to ensure you are well-informed and empowered to make confident decisions.
3. Wellness Integration: She will provide you with information about curated supportive service options that are accessible to you. For example: counselling, acupuncture, Registered Dietitian, support groups, mindfulness, massage & yoga.
4. Coordination of Care: She will serve as a liaison between you and your holistic medical team, streamlining communication and ensuring a seamless experience throughout your fertility treatment process.
5. Empowering Emotional Support: She will offer a compassionate ear, ensuring you feel heard and supported, while helping you navigate your treatment plan options to create a positive experience.

How to Book

If you are a patient at ARC, please call the front desk at (587) 442-0461 to book a FREE appointment with your Whole Person CARE Guide.

A systematic review and meta-analysis presented in the “Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics” has opened up new possibilities for those undergoing IVF.

The conclusive evidence suggests that acupuncture is a valuable asset in enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth during IVF treatment.

The recent systematic review and meta-analysis, published in July 2023 in the reputable Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, has shed light on the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving IVF outcomes.

The Study:

This research aims to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on IVF outcomes, particularly focusing on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). The study is based on an extensive search of digital databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the available evidence.

A total of twenty-five trials, encompassing 4757 participants, were included in this systematic review. The research analyzed the data to draw insightful conclusions.

Key Findings

Improved Clinical Pregnancy Rate (CPR):

The analysis revealed that the pooled CPR in all acupuncture groups was significantly higher (43.6%) than that of the control groups (33.2%). This finding suggests that acupuncture has a positive impact on the likelihood of achieving a clinical pregnancy during IVF.

Key Findings:

Enhanced Live Birth Rate (LBR): Furthermore, the systematic review found that the pooled LBR in acupuncture groups (38.0%) was significantly higher than in the control groups (28.7%). This indicates that acupuncture can significantly increase the chances of a live birth following IVF.

Additionally, the study explored various factors that might influence the effectiveness of acupuncture in IVF, including different acupuncture methods (manual acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, and transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation), the timing of acupuncture (before or during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and around embryo transfer), and the number of acupuncture sessions (at least four sessions and less than four sessions). The findings indicate that all these variables can have a positive impact on IVF outcomes, underlining the versatility of acupuncture as a complementary therapy.

Conclusion:

In light of these findings, it is important for healthcare providers and patients to consider acupuncture as a part of the IVF process. Its potential to improve clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates provides a ray of hope for people striving to expand their families through assisted reproductive techniques.

IVF Acupuncture

We are in collaboration with Alberta Reproductive Fertility Centre, to offer on-site acupuncture treatments specifically for individuals on their IVF journey, right on the day of embryo transfer.

Contact us for a free 15-minute session for further details about how you can optimize your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Research:
doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1

We are thrilled to be teaming up with Alberta Reproductive Centre to participate in the Fertility Matters 6K National Awareness Event that’s taking place on October 21st & 22nd. 

The FM6K is a nationwide virtual two-day fertility awareness and fundraising event that rallies communities from coast to coast.

We are lacing up our sneakers in solidarity with all those on their fertility journey and to raise awareness to break the silence and stigma surrounding fertility challenges.

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser will go directly to supporting FMC’s access and advocacy programs to ensure more equitable access to fertility services is available to all Canadians.⁠
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The virtual event allows you to participate from anywhere, at a time that is convenient for you! We encourage members of our community to sign up as an individual, join a team, or donate to this wonderful cause!

For more info: https://www.fertilitymatters6k.ca

Embarking on the journey of healing after a pregnancy loss can feel like navigating uncharted waters. We want you to know that you’re not alone, and there’s a supportive community here to walk with you through the process.

Time and space 

Allow your time yourself to grieve: there is no right or wrong way to grieve and there is no timeline for healing. It’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions from sadness and anger to confusion and numbness. Give yourself permission to mourn.

Be patient with yourself: healing is unique and an individual process. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate this difficult journey. Your strength is immeasurable.

Connection and community support 

Lean on your support system: Reach out to your partner, family, and friends. Share your feelings with those you trust. Talking about your loss can be a crucial step in the healing process.

Connect with others: Reach out to support organizations, online communities, or local groups that focus on pregnancy loss. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide comfort.

Seek professional help: Consider speaking to a therapist, counsellor, or support group specializing in pregnancy loss. They can provide valuable guidance in a safe space to express your emotions.

Take Care

Take Care of Your Physical Health: Ensure you’re getting proper rest, nutrition, and hydration. Your body needs time to recover, both physically and emotionally. 

Self-Care Is Essential: Take time for self-care, whether it’s through meditation, gentle exercise, reading, or simply resting. Prioritize your emotional and mental well-being.

Memorialize and Remember

Create a meaningful way to honour your baby’s memory. This could be through a memorial service, planting a tree, lighting a candle, or keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings.

Contact us

Whether you’re here for guidance or to extend a comforting hand to those in need, we’re honoured to be a part of this compassionate and supportive community.

Contact us to explore options for gentle next steps towards healing.

In the gentle embrace of October’s autumn, we pause to acknowledge a profound and often silent journey that touches the hearts of countless families. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month—a time to unite, remember, and offer solace to those who have faced the unimaginable.

For those who have known the depths of loss, we want you to know that you are not alone. Your grief is valid, your pain acknowledged, and your precious babies remembered.

In our acupuncture clinic, we witness the incredible strength of those who walk this path and the unwavering love that forever connects them to their little ones. We stand with you in your grief and in your healing journey.

To those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy, a child, or a dream of parenthood, we extend our deepest compassion and support. Your stories, your courage, and your resilience inspire us daily.

This month and every month, we honour the memory of the little souls who left us too soon and stand alongside those who continue to carry them in their hearts.

If you or someone you know needs support during this challenging time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our clinic is here as a safe and nurturing space for you.

Let us create a world where love and empathy shine brightly, where healing is not a destination but a continuous journey, and where the strength of our community knows no bounds.

If you have had a recent preganncy loss, contact us for more information about how we can support you.

Cortisol and Stress

Many of us have heard that having high cortisol levels can be damaging to our health, but what about having low cortisol levels? Studies show that low cortisol levels, or hypocorticolism, can be linked to long term exposure to stress.

During stress, the body adapts by increasing levels of cortisol to push the body to respond to danger (whether the danger is real or apparent). But if the stress response persists (like in the case of chronic stress), these elevated cortisol levels are unable to fall back within normal range & the body’s cortisol baseline level changes.

Chronic Stress and Hypocorticolism

After prolonged time of elevated cortisol levels, there is a fail-safe mechanism in the midbrain that tries to rebalance the hormone levels. For example, the amygdala and hippocampus can become less responsive, thus lowering levels of cortisol in the body. This negative feedback pattern continues and eventually the body can become less responsive to stress. This might sound good, but any long term imbalance can cause more issues down the road.

The body’s stress response is important & cortisol is designed to protect the body from danger and invasion. So when cortisol levels are chronically low, the body can become less responsive to inflammation and allergies.

Cortisol, Inflammation & Adaptability

Research has linked inflammation to higher levels of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis as well as symptoms like fatigue, stress intolerance, and low blood sugar. Those living with hypocorticolism are often tired, might be intolerant to exercise, overweight, crave sweet and salty flavours, and commonly experience anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Overall, having chronically low cortisol levels reduces the ability to adapt to changes and stressors in life. Finding ways to better manage stress through meditation and yoga, acupuncture, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help bring the stress response back into balance.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can help you manage stress and balance hormones.

Reference: PMID: 15950390

Summertime is ideal to practice communally. It is a time to get out and spend time with others, teaching and learning from each other through observation and insight. Summertime is joyful and uplifting! This is the polar opposite of winter, which is interpersonal and reflective.

Some postures to incorporate into a summer practice are dynamic movements, standing postures, and pranayama (breathing exercises) to lighten up the heart.

Summertime can bring about bitterness emotionally if one does not allow heat to come in and flow out of the body. Any extra heat in the body has a cascading effect on sleep, digestion, and mood. Using techniques to flush out excess heat will benefit during the summer months, and also prepare the body for autumn.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can support you throughout every season with individualized one-on-one yoga.

Watch Whole Family Health fertility specialist, Christina Pistotnik and Alberta Reproductive Centre’s Reproductive Endocrinologist, Dr. Ariadne Daniel on CTV Morning Live – speaking to Canadian Fertility Awareness Week 2023.