in vitro fertilization Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

The EEVA Test – Boost Your Chance of IVF Success #EEVACAN

Paula — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 14:09:39 +0000

Many times over the past four years I have written about infertility and the emotional and financial cost of treatment. While some infertility patients get pregnant with drug treatment alone, there are also times when in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the prescribed course of action. Where in vitro fertilization is medically prescribed, there is often a great financial cost involved. Couples have sometimes been through the ringer emotionally and had to save thousands of dollars for a chance at doing a round of in vitro fertilization. Even if they manage to save the amount necessary and wade through all of the emotions involved, IVF, while extremely efficient, is not a guarantee of success. That’s where the EEVA test comes into play. EEVA TEST What is the EEVA test and should I do it? EEVA stands for Early Embryonic Viability Assessment. It helps your clinician and fertility team consistently pick the best quality embryo for transfer. That can help increase your confidence and give you a bit of control over the infertility process. EEVA can boost your chances of success. EEVA is a test that carries an extra fee. There are benefits and risks associated with the Eeva Test. EEVA test has been cleared by the FDA for use in the United States to aid in embryo selection. To date thousands of women in Europe, Canada and the US have chosen to include the Eeva Test in their IVF cycles. Basically EEVA uses time lapse video to determine which embryo is the best quality. Genesis Fertility Centre in BC was the first clinic in Canada, to offer patients the Early Embryo Viability Assessment (Eeva), cutting-edge technology that helps people trying to conceive. Genesis is also the first commercial clinic in North America to offer EEVA. Now there are many other clinics in Canada and the US that have the EEVA test. Recent tests show that using EEVA test in addition to standard lab practices increase chance of success by up to 10 %. One study demonstrated that EEVA test together with traditional methods increase chances of forming a blastocyst, an important developmental milestone, by 53 %. ASK your clinic if they have EEVA. This is a sponsored post and as such I have been compensated. My opinion is 100% truthful.

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IVF Math in Alberta – How Does IVF Funding in Alberta Save Money? #abhc4ivf #abpoli

Paula — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 22:09:58 +0000

IVF Math really isn’t that complicated. Areas of the world that fund in vitro fertilization, with a stipulation of single embryo transfer, save money. The above IVF funding in Alberta infographic breaks it down. In 2013 the Government of Alberta commissioned a report done by the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health to review the province’s approach to IVF. That report indicated the province could save as much as $179 million over the course of 18 years if single embryo transfer were publicly funded and IVF regulated. Alberta, like much of the rest of the country, is forced to make some serious smart economic decisions for the future. A new government this year under the NDP party headed by Rachel Notley is currently undergoing pre-budget consultations. SO, the time is right for advocates to speak up, tell their stories and help politicians understand IVF math. If IVF were tied to single embryo transfer, savings of up to $179 million could be realized over the first 18 years of life. Shortly after 18 the child starts to contribute to the economy as a taxpayer. Why does SET ( single embryo transfer) and IVF funding make sense? Because when couples are forced to take on three jobs, or take out a bank loan to pay for IVF, they tend to take more risks transferring multiple embryos. Multiples come with higher risk of health complications to Mom and baby. In the end they cost much more to the health care system. [tweetthis]Alberta can’t afford the status quo. IVF funding is necessary to save health care dollars #abhc4ivf #abpoli [/tweetthis] Here’s How You Can Help: Share this post. Share this infographic and talk to your MLA about why Alberta can’t afford to wait to fund IVF. Ontario is currently building an IVF funding program expected to be ready to announce any time now. It was promised for 2015 and the Ontario government is making good on that promise. Right now, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick all have a commitment to fund, or a funding program of some sort in place to help infertility patients access vital health care treatment to help them conceive. In Manitoba that’s a tax credit. In New Brunswick it’s a grant. It’s time Alberta had an IVF funding program too. It makes economic sense. Alberta can’t afford the status quo. I am community manager for Generations of Hope and as such I am compensated. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful.

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MLA Rick Fraser on the Calgary Marathon and Why Infertility Patients and IVF Funding Alberta Captured His Heart #abhc4ivf #abpoli

Paula — Thu, 28 May 2015 19:22:41 +0000

Generations of Hope is a group of amazing, passionate, volunteers and infertility patients who are driven and talented and inspiring. They believe an accessible health care system also includes infertility treatment and funding for in vitro fertilization. They are smart and motivated and they work hard to help people understand why infertility patients and IVF funding Alberta matters. Together they champion better lives for infertility patients, and they envision a better future for their province. This weekend members will be running in the Calgary Marathon to raise funds and awareness to help others needing in vitro fertilization to build healthy families. They will be joined by MLA Rick Fraser who is running in support of Generations of Hope. I spoke to him this week about why infertility matters to him, why he is running and why he cares. There are a few things you should know about MLA Rick Fraser. He is a father of two and an MLA who successfully held his seat in the election this month in Alberta. He is a Progressive Conservative MLA and was a paramedic before he ran for office. He is a genuinely approachable politician motivated by the need to help. [tweetthis]Why does MLA Rick Fraser support Generations of Hope? #abhc4ivf #abpoli[/tweetthis] Q: – How did you learn about Generations of Hope? RICK – My introduction to Generations of Hope started when a constituent came in to my office and talked to me about infertility and IVF funding and how it impacted families. Then I heard from more constituents about their difficulties conceiving and the need for IVF funding. I attended their Family Fun Day last year as well. Q: – What resonated with you? RICK – Being a parent is one of the greatest gifts I have ever had in my life. I can’t imagine my life as an adult without having my children. My kids are the inspiration to me for everything I do. People struggling with infertility should also have that chance to be parents. Q: – Why did that visit or issue matter to you? RICK – As an MLA you have to see the things everyone has in common. Someone took the time to show up at my office to tell me their story. That’s important to me. We have political fundraisers. There’s a lot of money raised at those. I feel we have an obligation to give back. Through the charity portion of the Calgary marathon we decided we would support Generations of Hope this year. This is an issue that matters to my office. We have brought this issue to the Minister (previous minister of health) They have heard from us because this matters and because it is important to me to make sure Generations of Hope and my constituents who struggle with infertility all have a voice in the leg. In my office, we have issues that we support and causes that are dear to us every year. It is hard to pick each year. Sometimes I wish there were ten of me and then I could raise more. Q: – This isn’t your first time running the marathon, is it? Rick – I have run the marathon three times. (Rick supports a local cause each time he runs.) I have run half marathons. I was running years ago even before I was elected. Q: – Any other thoughts you want to share? Rick – From the time kids are born, each year, each six months there is so much you get to experience with them that is truly wonderful. To not be able to have the chance to experience that well, every parent can understand that. Q: – What is the goal? Do you have a target time you want to complete the marathon in this year? Rick – We just finished an election and we were out working hard knocking on doors. It’s been a busy time so I haven’t had as much time to train. At this point I just want to be able to finish. MLA Rick Fraser and Generations of Hope have raised money towards helping Alberta families make safe health care choices on the path towards becoming a family. But we can continue this support right up until the marathon. Race day is: May 31st. This is the link to donate. Generations of Hope is still advocating for IVF funding for Alberta. Generations of Hope was conceived of in 2005 as an initiative of the Calgary Regional Fertility program. An Ontario IVF funding program is expected to be ready this year. IVF funding coupled with single embryo transfer is safer for both mother and child. IVF is often the most effective treatment for infertility patients, but at a cost of $10,000 to $14,000 a round, there are very few who can afford that. As a result many will take out second mortgages or borrow money, perhaps take out a credit line, work three jobs or use credit cards just to have a chance at treatment. When that happens many couples transfer multiple embryos thinking it might increase their chance at a family. Multiple births have much higher risk of lifetime health care issues. IVF funding is in place in many areas of the world. It helps to build healthier babies and it saves money. For more information about why this is still the right choice for Alberta you can read this: Families are the Future of Alberta http://www.generationsofhope.ca/ I am community manager and social media consultant for Generations of Hope. I strongly believe in everything I have written about infertility and the many reasons to help build healthy families. My opinion is 100 % honest and all mine. Related articles across the web IVF In The Age Of Precision Medicine: 5 First Steps This Is No Test Baby: The Science Of Making Babies Via In Vitro Fertilization Alberta election 2015 results: From PC blue to NDP orange Alberta NDP must act quickly to ensure change endures Quebec to allow IVF for women over 42

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One Year Later: Happy Anniversary to Infertility Patients And What is Happening with IVF Funding in Ontario 2015

Paula — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 03:40:05 +0000

One year ago so many infertility patients in Ontario breathed a huge sigh of relief. I remember ecstatic voices and many tears too. I remember this post from last year and the patient reactions. It was an exciting time to be involved in this advocacy effort striving to generate support and IVF funding for infertility patients in Ontario. When the announcement came I remember being here watching it all unfold on television. Right before an election was called. The election plunged everyone into a period of high activity, anxiety and nerves too. It was a roller coaster ride added to the already brutally bumpy ride that is the infertility journey. Such a challenging time for all. Would IVF be funded or not? Would we lose it in an election. Everyone in the Ontario infertility community was concerned. But, as we now know, the Ontario government came back stronger than ever in numbers and in resolve and they announced publicly again that IVF would be funded and healthy families are a goal for Ontario. IVF Funding in Ontario 2015 was still within reach once the election ended. So where are we at one year later? Is the Ontario IVF funding program 2015 still coming? It’s the question I get asked every day. It’s one of the most searched terms here on this blog. It is clearly on every infertility patient’s mind in the province of Ontario. I can tell you Yes we have every indication the Ontario IVF funding program 2015 is still coming as promised this year. I can tell you that Conceivable Dreams patient members are involved on the advisory board working to develop IVF Funding in Ontario 2015 with government. Patient members are at the table giving valuable feedback. They are advising on things like what shape this policy will take, and what eligibility criteria will be in place. They are meeting regularly. I can tell you that infertility patients in Ontario and members of Conceivable Dreams continue to advocate daily on line and in person. [tweetthis]There are many things patients can do while waiting for the 2015 IVF funding program #ivf4on #onpoli[/tweetthis] I can tell you that the best advice still is to follow the instructions of your fertility treatment team. Do not delay. If they agree that you need IVF and should not wait, then please follow the treatment plan. [tweetthis]the best advice still is to follow the instructions of your fertility treatment team #ivf4on #onpoli[/tweetthis] I can tell you that Conceivable Dreams board is meeting constantly, sometimes monthly and sometimes biweekly to decide what is the role now? Until the program is here, ready for patients to access, in many ways the role is the same as it always was. Advocacy and support are the most important goals of the group still. Conceivable Dreams, the Ontario infertility patient advocacy and support group, is still grateful, excited and happy that Ontario IVF Funding program 2015 will help many patients become families. We are also hopeful that the government will share a timeline soon. In the Meantime What Can You Do? [tweetthis]The Conceivable Dreams board is still meeting regularly to discuss progress and advocacy goals #ivf4on #onpoli [/tweetthis] As we also gear up for Infertility Awareness Month remember to follow us on twitter for more information and join us tweeting about IVF funding in Ontario 2015 and 2016 too. Look for an upcoming twitter chat to be announced here soon. We share infertility news on the twitter channel with #ivf4on #onpoli hashtags. [tweetthis]If you have a strong voice consider helping the Conceivable Dreams board, or joining committees #ivf4on #onpoli[/tweetthis] Stay hopeful! Happy Anniversary! I am community manager for Conceivable Dreams and as such I am paid. My opinion is all my own.

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No Such Thing As Synthetic Children: On #IVF, Same Sex #adoption and Boycotting Dolce and Gabbana

Paula — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 01:36:50 +0000

Last night I was scouring twitter to check my messages when I spied a new friend talking about IVF, in vitro fertilization. She was clearly upset. I asked her what I had missed that had her so fired up and she sent me the link to the Dolce and Gabbana statement about IVF children being synthetic. The statement hit on same sex adoption as well. Did you Miss it? In an Italian magazine called Panorama Magazine Dolce and Gabbana, world renowned celebrity fashion designers, were quoted stating that IVF children are synthetic. They went on to add that they oppose same sex adoption. “The only family is the traditional one,” they said. “No chemical offsprings and rented uterus: life has a natural flow, there are things that should not be changed.” Boycott Dolce and Gabbana I have never owned any Dolce and Gabbana products and I never will now. Social media was on fire last night and parts of today with this hateful talk. Celebrities reacted. On Instagram, Elton John called for people to boycott Dolce and Gabbana. Courtney Love Cobain was trashing her D and G products. People were tweeting photos of garbage cans stuffed with Dolce and Gabbana cologne and fragrances. Al Roker, tweeted that his family is not synthetic. Ricki Martin weighed in. Celebrity backlash was significant. And a lovely thing started to flower out of the manure. Normalcy. How is that, you ask? Oh some comical folks tweeted yes, right I shall boycott Dolce and Gabbana right after I hop out of my golden bathtub and put on my bathrobe made of unicorn hair. (Mollie Goodfellow @hansmollman.) There were a few jokes. But mostly there were hundreds of people outing themselves as parents of children created lovingly with help of assisted reproductive technology. Hundreds. People I know, twitter users I have known for years who have never actually spoken openly about infertility and their IVF miracles. So even in the muck some things grow. Those of you who know me and read this blog, Thrifty Momma’s Tips, know that I have spent hours reflecting on and advocating for infertility and adoption awareness and funding. I am an adoptive parent with dozens of friends who have conceived thanks to the modern miracle of IVF. I also community manage a couple of different patient groups including Conceivable Dreams and Generations of Hope where people struggling with infertility agonize over treatment, often after they have been through complicated health care journeys such as cancer treatment, endometriosis and premature ovarian syndrome. I know many children born thanks to IVF. I know many people waiting for a chance to be able to fund this necessary health care treatment. As an adoptive parent and support group leader of a local post-adoption support group I can tell you also that I am no stranger to hateful and insensitive statements. We have heard many. “Are they real sisters?” “Were the birth parents drugged out losers?” “What happens when the real mom arrives?” And I know, a few things about our incredible families. Same sex adoption is a gorgeous way to build a loving family. That is all. Period. Single parent adoption is also a brave and brilliant way to build a family. At last count I think there were about 9,000 children waiting for homes in Ontario alone. That’s 9,000 children needing love, home, parents, stability, forever families. It doesn’t matter to them what that family looks like. In fact many of our families look like snowflakes: each one is unique. IVF is a blessing to many. In fact 1 in 6 struggle with infertility. IVF is often the most efficient form of ART. Recently I read an article that indicated 1.5 % of births in the US are due to IVF. IVF and gay adoption are both realities of life in 2015 and they both help to build healthy families. Families in 2015 are beautiful and varied and there is really no standard mould any more for traditional family. People say hurtful things about adoption, homosexuality and assisted reproductive technology every day. I have heard many of these things before. The world would be a much better place if people always stopped and thought before they uttered ignorant statements. Dolce and Gabbana supporters suggest they have a right to say what they want because of freedom of speech. It is a free world. That’s true to a degree. You are technically allowed to express your beliefs. However, there are many unspoken rules within the context of society that thinking individuals intuitively learn and practice in daily life. The one unspoken rule I wish more people thought about is this: would you say that to a child? Would you call your niece or nephew, son or daughter synthetic? Would you look into the eyes of a five-year-old and call them synthetic? Would you ask him or her if that was her real sister? Would you tell them their same sex parents make their family less than a traditional one? Would you say that to a child? Children, just like families, are many things. They are beautiful, bright and energetic, full of promise. They are dreamy, hopeful, hyper. They are happy and sad, active and busy, creative and fast. They are tired and wide awake. They are tiny, and sometimes they are huge. They are open to adventure and sometimes they are terrified of getting, or being hurt. They are quiet and loud, strong and vulnerable, pretty and handsome and cute and ferocious. They are real and huggable, sweet, and incredibly precious. They are a gift. They are a blessing. They are never ever synthetic.

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Ontario Infertility Patient Chat Tonight #ohip4ivf #onpoli

Paula — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 20:49:15 +0000

Ontario is the province I call home. Many of my readers also live in Ontario. I believe strongly in the leadership of this province and I believe also that Ontario values families. There is no greater evidence of this than the recent commitment to fund IVF for people struggling with infertility. Infertile couples will soon have access to vital efficient fertility treatment. Why is that such a big deal? WELL, let me tell you: 1. Funding IVF (in vitro fertilization) with SET ( single embryo transfer) saves money. When couples must pay 10,000 to $13,000 for a round of IVF that ends up being extremely cost prohibitive. Some couples borrow, some take out a line of credit and some will take on three jobs or a second mortgage. That’s when they often end up taking risks because of the cost involved and they transfer multiple embryos. Multiples have a host of lifetime health care needs that healthy singletons do not. Funded IVF saves from $97 million over a course of 18 years to $179 million with greater societal costs such as lifetime health care and social supports required when children are born prematurely (multiple births). [tweetthis]Every province needs to invest in people. #ohip4ivf #onpoli [/tweetthis] 2. Every province needs to invest in people. People start little and they grow into taxpayers and they contribute and build and shape the future of the province. This is vitally important. Investments in family now makes a massive impact in the future of this province. Ontario does this. They have shown commitment and leadership with strong anti-poverty strategy, commitment to invest in health and mental health and addictions strategies. They continue to strive to find alternative energy sources. [tweetthis]Infertility care matters to maternal health #ohip4ivf #onpoli [/tweetthis] 3. Maternal health is greatly impacted by infertility. Infertile couples struggle emotionally, financially and physically. It can be devastating. IVF when funded with SET leads to much better maternal health outcomes. The Society for Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada has stated the same. [tweetthis]Healthy children are in everyone’s best interests #ohip4ivf #onpoli [/tweetthis] 4. Children are the future. Healthy children are in everyone’s best interest. Healthy children build our future. They are the future politicians, builders, teachers, nurses and doctors we will all rely on. WE are all invested in the future. [tweetthis]Last spring we were overjoyed to hear the Ontario government had allocated $50 million per year in 2015 towards IVF funding #ohip4ivf #onpoli[/tweetthis] Last spring we were overjoyed to hear that the Ontario government had allocated $50 million per year in 2015 towards IVF funding program. [tweetthis]The Ontario IVF program should help 4,000 a year #ohip4ivf #onpoli[/tweetthis]That should help 4,000 patients in the province. As many anxiously await the green light to go ahead, some patients struggle knowing that infertility and time are not friends. The longer people wait, the harder it can become, even with ART, to get pregnant at all. Waiting becomes a risk factor for parenthood. The waiting truly is the hardest part. [tweetthis]Infertility and time are not friends. The longer you wait the harder it can become #ohip4ivf #onpoli [/tweetthis] Right now we are celebrating a month where Family Day and Valentine’s Day reminds us of what and who we love. We love a lot about Ontario. We love that Ontario is stepping up with this new funding program to help build strong futures and strong families. We are hopeful, but also mindful that some will not be able to wait. Please join us tonight for an Ontario Infertility Patient Chat and follow along with these hashtags as always #ohip4ivf #onpoli

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Public Funding for IVF in Ontario: Can We Afford to Wait? #ohip4ivf #onpoli

Paula — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 18:23:32 +0000

Back in April we heard the happy news that IVF (in vitro fertilization) would be funded in Ontario. Then suddenly an election was called and infertility patients were worried the promise of IVF funding would die before it even had a chance to be reality. But then, in an amazing twist, the Ontario Liberal party won a majority under Premier Kathleen Wynne. The Liberal government promise was good. The Wynne government confirmed that public funding for IVF in Ontario would be reality in 2015. It was a cause to celebrate. It still is a cause to celebrate. In Canada an estimated 1 in 6 people of reproductive age struggle with infertility. Infertility is a complex health issue according to the World Health Organization. Forty per cent of infertility is male factor and another 40 per cent is female factor. Twenty per cent of infertility is undetermined causes. In fact 47 per cent of Canadians have been impacted by infertility. There are some couples who never understand the reasons for their infertility and others who have very specific causes related to other health conditions. People with endometriosis, PCOS, Crohn’s Disease, premature ovarian failure, prior surgeries, and cancer sometimes also experience infertility directly related to their disease. For some of those patients IVF is the recommended course of action. But IVF carries a price tag of $8,000 to $13,000 and is not affordable to the average family. Many will not be able to afford the health care treatment. In Quebec IVF is funded. In Manitoba there is a tax credit for infertility treatment and in areas of the world like Australia and New Zealand there are various different funding models. In reality, all funding commitments help. Currently the cost is extreme in Ontario. Patients, and many doctors too, are anxious to see what public funding for IVF in Ontario will look like. But, in the last few months, there hasn’t been much information shared with patients. Members who started the advocacy ball rolling seven years ago started to get worried. No news isn’t always good news. Many infertility patients feel routinely like they are living life on a roller coaster of emotions. Infertility is a complex health care issue that can be devastating both financially and emotionally. It is also very often extremely time sensitive. The treatment plan and the end result all depend on time. As we finish up the final months of 2014 with a promise that funding will happen some time in 2015, many patients are wondering when it will happen and what exactly the program will look like. Will there be restrictions? Waitlists? What can I expect? If you are an infertility patient in Ontario, or someone who cares about an infertility patient, you need to join us this Wednesday night at 8 p.m. EST for a Linked Moms chat about public funding for IVF. This is a very special chat with guest Dr. Marjorie Dixon, medical director at First Steps Fertility in Toronto. Dixon is a well known expert in the field of reproductive medicine. She is an advocate for funding and has been a regular guest health expert on City Line. Dixon is also an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Dixon was also consulted during the original Raising Expectations report commissioned several years ago that examined infertility and adoption policies in Ontario. Join us this Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST when we ask what should we expect from a program to fund IVF? Is there any new information? Can we afford to wait? All patients in Ontario need to be here for this special twitter party event. Please follow @DrMarjorieDixon @linkedmoms @inkscrblr @downshiftingpro and @ohip4ivf and finally @thexaviers Conveivable Dreams acting president and infertility advocate Danielle Xavier. Don’t forget we tweet with hashtags #ohip4ivf #onpoli This is what the reaction looked like when the initial announcement took place in Ontario. Patients are still positive, but because infertility is such a time sensitive diagnosis, they need answers on what the timeline looks like so they can plan their treatment and make important life decisions. https://www.thriftymommastips.com/infertility-community-reacts-to-ivf-funding-announcement-for-ontario-ohip4ivf-onpoli/ This was the most recent post about the ew health care policy shared here: https://www.thriftymommastips.com/ontarios_ivf_public_funding_commitment/ I am community manager for Conceivable Dreams and as such I am compensated. My opinion is all my own and this is a group I wholeheartedly support.

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Raise Your Voice IVF Funding Alberta Twitter Chat #abhc4ivf #abpoli

Paula — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 01:43:00 +0000

It’s time, Alberta. Wednesday night at 8 p.m. EST. It’s time to raise your voice and make some noise on twitter. It’s time to challenge our notion of a health care system that is accessible to all. It’s time to tweet and talk and write and visit and share this message with the politicians in your area – the MLAs you vote into office. It’s time to tell them healthy families matter to everyone in Alberta and IVF funding matters to Alberta. By now you have to know the facts. I talk about them often enough here in this space. Infertility impacts one in six. Infertility is a complex health condition as recognized by the World Health Organization. Infertility is crushing. Infertility is devastating emotionally and financially. IVF is often the prescribed course of action, but with a price range of $8,000 to $14,000 in Alberta (depending on whether medications are included in that total or not) the cost of this health care treatment is not a possibility for most Alberta couples. That leaves families in need of health care wondering how do I pay for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Several provinces of Canada now have funding for IVF, or a commitment to fund IVF. Quebec started funding IVF in 2010. Manitoba has had a tax credit in place for a few years. New Brunswick recently announced an IVF funding grant of up to $5,000. And most recently Ontario pledged to fund one round of IVF. That program is expected to be ready some time in 2015. Details and criteria for who qualifies for the program are currently being developed. Many areas of the world have successfully funded IVF for years. There are numerous different funding models. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada has stated they support public funding for in vitro fertilization combined with single embryo transfer as the healthiest choice for families in Canada. But Alberta still has no program in place to help infertile people access the treatment they need to conceive. [tweetthis](The Assisted Reproductive Technologies report) shows that IVF funding coupled with SET can save up to $179 million over 18 years #abhc4ivf #abpoli [/tweetthis] In Alberta right now we are at a critical juncture for infertility advocates and public funding advocates. This fall, the province chose a new premier, Jim Prentice. A report by the University of Alberta (The Assisted Reproductive Technologies report) has been under review by the Alberta government for months now. That review is expected to be finished soon. That report found that the province of Alberta can save up to $97 million by coupling IVF funding for Alberta with single embryo transfer for those who need treatment. Want to read more: Five Reasons Why Public Funding for IVF Makes Sense for Alberta Three Things You Can Do to Help How One Person Can Make a Difference [tweetthis]The time for IVF funding for Alberta is now. #abhc4ivf #abpoli[/tweetthis] The time for IVF funding for Alberta is now. Join us on Wednesday the 8th at 8 p.m. EST to talk about the many reasons this makes sense and next steps for advocates. Don’t forget to follow twitter chat hosts and panelists. Linked Moms Inkscrblr Generations of Hope Downshiftingpro and My 3 Lil Kittens as well as MsBrookeBerry and use these hashtags: #abhc4ivf #abpoli. Retweet the hosts and any questions the hosts share. It’s time for Alberta. I am community manager for Generations of Hope and I wholeheartedly support public funding for IVF because it builds healthy families. I am also a member of the blog team for Generations of Hope and as such I am compensated. My opinion is all mine.

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Did you know? Five Canadian Facts about Infertility #abhc4ivf #abpoli

Paula — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 19:24:00 +0000

Shutterstock ImagesThis Canada Day infertility patients have a lot to celebrate in Ontario, and in Quebec, and in parts of Nova Scotia and Manitoba too. But what of the rest of the provinces? What about Alberta? Patients struggling with infertility in the province of Alberta and British Columbia are still advocating and waiting for public funding for in vitro fertilization. Public funding for IVF is now in the works in Ontario. It will soon be a reality, anticipated for 2015. The Ontario Liberal government will fund one round of IVF with single embryo transfer.That’s big news. [tweetthis]Public funding for IVF is now in the works in Ontario. It will soon be a reality. #ohip4ivf #onpoli [/tweetthis] Five Canadian Facts about Infertility [tweetthis]47 % of Canadians have been impacted by infertility #abhc4ivf #abpoli[/tweetthis] 1. 47 % of Canadians have been impacted by infertility. 2. 1 in 6 Canadians struggle with infertility. 3. Canada’s first IVF baby became a dad this year. Read more here: http://london.ctvnews.ca/first-test-tube-baby-born-in-canada-becomes-a-dad-1.1670598 4. Robert Reid was the first test tube baby produced in Canada, but not the first born here. Catherine Rankin, who underwent IVF treatment at a British clinic, gave birth to test tube twins in Oakville in March 1982. 5. The first IVF baby conceived in Canada was born Christmas Day in BC. in 1983 at Vancouver General Hospital. The baby was about 3 pounds. [tweetthis]The first IVF baby conceived in Canada was born Christmas Day in BC. in 1983 #ohip4ivf #onpoli[/tweetthis] In the province of Alberta 76 % believe government funding should be available for people wondering how to pay for in vitro fertilization. This summer take the time to write your MLA and tell them why public funding for IVF makes sense in Alberta. This is Brooke’s take on why IVF funding is important to infertile families. [tweetthis]In the province of Alberta 76 % believe government funding should be available for those who need IVF #abhc4ivf #abpoli[/tweetthis] Follow our debate on twitter http://www.twitter.com/gensofhope Or join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/generationsofhope/ and on Pinterest too. Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund helps raise money to make IVF happen for some couples who are unable to afford medical treatment. You must be undergoing treatment at the Regional Fertility Clinic to be eligible to apply for assistance. You can ask your family doctor for an application. Gor more information on why this makes sense you can read the recent Alberta Report on Reproductive Technologies. [tweetthis]Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund helps raise money to make IVF happen for some couples who are unable to afford medical treatment. #abhc4ivf #abpoli[/tweetthis]http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/AHTDP-Assisted-Reproductive-Technologies-2013.pdfI am community manager for Generations of Hope. As such, I receive compensation. I back this cause 100 % and my opinion is all my own.

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Five Ways to Pass the Two Week Wait IVF #infertility

Paula — Mon, 05 May 2014 18:18:00 +0000

The two week wait. Cue ominous music. In infertility terms the two week wait is a suspenseful, frustrating, stressful time. It’s the two week wait IVF or IUI. After what is often months, and sometimes years of treatment the two week wait is one of the final hurdles and it can be a frustrating time. Here are some ideas to pass that time without going stir crazy. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Anyone who has struggled to conceive and undergone fertility or infertility treatment such as IVF or IUI knows the torture of the two week wait. The two week wait IVF is bad enough without adding the stressful factors of infertility. Financial strain, time off work for doctor’s appointments, potential lack of support from family members and employers, makes infertility treatment draining. When you are trying to conceive and fertility treatment is in full swing, the two week wait is essentially the period of time that is between the treatment (in vitro fertilization – IVF or intra-uterine insemination – IUI) and the precious moment you can take the pregnancy test. Why do you wait? Well, one of the hormones taken during IVF is hcG, the same hormone home pregnancy tests detect to measure whether you are pregnant or not. So inaccurate tests results are common when you take your pregnancy test too soon. Like the song says the waiting is the hardest part. During the two week wait it’s completely common to overanalyze each twinge, cramp or slight symptom happening in your body. So how can you fill the two week wait without coming completely unglued? Five Ways to Pass the Two Week Wait. 1. Yoga: Yoga is a calming activity that helps keep both mind and body strong and centred. There are many useful reasons for yoga and even specific yoga for fertility sessions you can join. But you don’t have to go crazy. A routine of using the mind body breathing techniques incorporated into yoga practice can help many people with many different health care situations. 2. Meditation: Meditation is the practice of calming your mind and centring your energy. Sometimes it involves focussing on a word or picture to calm the outside world and soothe mind and body. This is a great way to positively change anxious thoughts and slow worry down. 3. Journalling: Put your thoughts on paper. I kept busy working while I was undergoing infertility treatment (that’s my go to default cycle when I am stressed and I am sure that probably didn’t help my infertility treatment.) Those who know me also know we ended up choosing adoption to create our family. When I was waiting to adopt I journal led and then passed the book on to my daughter to let her know how much she was wanted. She hasn’t read it yet but I know she will one day. Plus it helped me take my mind off waiting to be a family. [tweetthis]How did you pass the two week wait? #IVF #infertility [/tweetthis] 4. Go outside and restore. Fresh air does a body good. Or you could schedule a low key movie night with your partner or, on your own if you are single. Go easy on yourself right now. A purely escapist entertaining movie might be just the ticket to help. 5. Reading: Take a book that is fiction or something totally removed from infertility and parenting and health fields. Then escape into it and free your body to do what it needs to do while your mind is otherwise occupied. See also Five Free Infertility Apps. and Five Reasons why Public Funding for IVF Makes Sense.

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