Embryo Transfer Day: Helpful Hints, Superstitions and Good Luck Charms
Let’s be honest, the surrogacy process can be overwhelming and come with a lot of pressure for success. Here are a few helpful hints as well as a little fun with superstitions and good luck charms. We all want the best possible outcome, so of course there are some common hints for a stressful situation, but it never hurts to have a little fun and that usually helps lower stress too!
Making a less-stress environment + Happy Uterus = Happy Baby – right? I know all of these are easier said than done, however even a little adjustment is better than none.
Essential Oils – These seem to be the new craze, just make sure to clear this with your IVF doctor before use since you are under their care and instruction. The most common oil for less stress and relaxation is lavender, even if you just smell it. If lavender and/or oils aren’t your thing, find a candle you like, a reed diffuser or something similar that helps you relax.
Feng Shui – I think of this kind of like “nesting.” Whether you follow the actual practice of Feng Shui with organization, symbols and colors or just feel like you need to get rid of some of the old to issue in the new, it can’t hurt. I am not always sure that these practices themselves help, skeptical here, but if it in some way makes you happier or eases your mind, then it is totally worth it.
Clowns – Ok, maybe not literally clowns. The point is to find something that encourages laughter and positive thoughts. If clowns don’t do that for you, find a good, new series on Netflix, some EllenTube, or funny Facebook videos could do the trick.
Acupuncture – The practice of having acupuncture before and after transfer is becoming more and more common, with some clinics even including it as part of their process! Check out Gina Horton’s blog that talks all about it.
Helpful foods –
Pineapple (especially the core of the pineapple) is rich in bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. The idea is that reducing swelling could help with blood flow to the uterus. Besides its nutrient properties, it represents warmth and hospitality.
Brazil nuts pack a punch of selenium, an anticoagulant, which may also increase blood flow.
We all know, whether we eat enough of them or not, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes are good for your diet. But, if you need to veer outside the lines of healthy food, we’ve heard old wives tales that McDonald’s fries (and the salt in them!) have some sort of post transfer properties.
Lucky Symbols –
Turtles -Turtles are a symbol of womb health and receptiveness, as they are water animals (water represents the womb), and they are associated with protective energy. Having a simple charm is supposed to help when around during the surrogacy process. Don’t feel like you need to go out and buy a real one.
Green and yellow represent fertility; wearing socks with these colors to transfer day is a must. They are to keep your feet warm because of the old wives’ tale that warm feet equal a warm uterus, add in some extra luck with a shamrock or horseshoe. Also., other than the gown, socks are the one thing that can be worn to transfer, so you might as well have fun with it.
“Sticky Thoughts” is a common saying for transfer day, you can use sticky notes, Pooh with honey figurine, or anything else that represents “sticky” to get you ready for transfer day.
Honestly the medical professionals have this down to a pretty good science, as long as it’s okay with your doctor, a little lucky charm can’t hurt! The goal here is a baby and giving it the best environment to grow in; therefore, find what works for you, whether it be a superstition, charm or a hint someone gave you. As a Gestational Carrier, you are already another family’s lucky charm, and if you are interested in making their dreams come true, fill out our intake form here.