As we launch our brand new PPG Power Mum Playlist we talk about scientifically proven fertility boosters and touch base on breaking the news to your boss. We’ve got all the goods; apps, books and podcast recommendations for new mamas or soon-to-be mamas. Motherhood is intensely personal and physical, always remember your strength through your unique journey. On the days that are tough ask yourself what you can do, not what can’t I do. You got this mama!
FERTILITY BOOSTERS
If you’re trying for a baby and not having much luck, don’t despair. Around 84 percent of couples having regular sex will get pregnant within a year. It might be that there are some simple changes you could make to your lifestyle that could increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Here are some fertility boosters that we’ve researched;
• Know when you ovulate, use a basal thermometer
Everyone’s cycle is unique, try app’s such as FLO can help have some certainty about when your fertile days are. The most accurate way to track your cycle is from your temperature readings. We recommend Natural Cycles.
• Supplements
Advice is to take folic acid if you’re trying for a baby or are pregnant, up until your 12th week of pregnancy. Vitamin E increases sperm mobility and the ability to penetrate the egg. It can also reduce age-related ovulation decline. Almost 50% of us have unhealthy levels of vitamin B12 Despite the fact that we need this vitamin for cellular reproduction and he needs it for a healthy sperm count.
Vit B can boost the release of eggs again by relating the level of insulin within your body, Evidence shows that it can also improve the quality of your eggs when they’re released, increasing the chances of getting pregnant.
• Reduce your stress level
Although it maybe a stressful process, try to remain calm and unwind at the end of each day. Try to reduce any anxiety by exercising, or give meditation or yoga a try. We recommend Calm or Expectful app.
• Boost Zinc
Zinc is an all-round essential nutrient to boost fertility for both male and females.
• Come off your pill 4 months before
Try not to stress if you don’t get pregnant straight away. It can take months of trying to conceive.
• Back away from the partying
Party substances can put your body on complete fertility lockdown. Steer clear from the strong drinks while trying to conceive.
• Eat healthy
Diet absolutely has an impact on fertility. Choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats, and have plenty of sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Try drinking at least 8 glasses of filtered water or herbal/fruit tea per day. This will help flush out excess toxins.
The nutrient selenium is good for males as it’s an antioxidant that has been shown to increase male fertility, it’s good for females, too – it can prevent chromosome breakage which can cause miscarriage. You can find selenium in Brazil nuts, lobster and tinned tuna.
• Quit smoking
One of the biggest impacts on fertility – in both men and women – comes from smoking. Quitting smoking can multiply your chances of pregnancy by almost half!
• Workout
A new study recently found that four hours of vigorous exercise a week could boost your chances of getting pregnant.
“HEY BOSS, I'M PREGNANT!” NOW WHAT?
It surely feels that there's no such thing as an ideal time to tell your boss you’re expecting. We're here to help you prepare and break the news in the most positive and productive way possible.
Deciding to spill the pregnancy beans is an intensely personal decision based on several factors. Whatever you decide you should tell your boss before your colleagues excitedly break the news first. Most women decide to wait until the end of the 1st trimester when the risk of miscarriage lowers, others decide to wait longer. If your symptoms are overwhelming and getting out of bed in the morning is an unthinkable task it's probably best to share the news with your boss asking them to keep the secret for a while.
Ensure you read up on your companies maternity / paternity policies and consider setting up a confidential meeting with HR if you have more questions. You should absolutely not fear that your announcement might influence the results of an upcoming performance or salary review and never underestimate the power of a support system at work.
• Set aside some time to talk with your boss
As tempting as it might be, try not to catch them on their way out or on route to a meeting. Set aside some time at the end of the day to discuss the happy news in a mindful and productive way.
• Accentuate the positive
Instead of starting with apologies, let your boss know you're happy about your pregnancy and confident in your ability to combine work and family life.
• Be flexible
Come up with a realistic plan together about your cover. Be prepared to compromise but be confident in your proposed plan.
• Set it in writing
Once you've worked through the details of your maternity leave, confirm in writing to avoid any confusion later down the line.
• Contact your wellbeing leaders
The team that takes pride in looking after your health will be the first to provide you with all the information you might need and adjustments you should consider to make. You can trust in the confidentiality of these experts, they will appreciate knowing your news!
ÁNGELA'S STORY
To raise awareness about the agony that surrounds ectopic pregnancies and the anxiety and stress involved in fertility issues, Angerla Bermúdez Carrasco has bravely volunteered to share her personal experience with two devastating baby losses.
Ángela, PVH's Senior Process Analyst, has a burning desire to normalise having the conversation about the tragic processes around babyloss and to be the spokesperson within the company for any woman who needs support. A raw and real first hand experience from the otherside of fertility, informative, moving, inspiring and incredibly brave.
We connect medical doctor and former researcher at Harvard on Women's Health Dr. Louise Lagendijk directly with Ángela to discuss mental wellbeing around fertility struggles and baby loss.
Ángela and Louise will be launching a virtual safe space, a healing, sharing circle between women within our community to take our support network for women further. If you are suffering, or feeling alone following a personal experience with baby loss or know someone around you that could use support from women who understand please reach out to Ángela directly.
