Fertility

Infertility represents a growing emergency in western countries, affecting about one out of seven couples who attempt to have a child.

Many times we are told it’s a genetic problem (or not given a reason), when in reality it is an epigenetic problem. This means our lifestyle habits and environmental factors change the expression of our genes. The good news is we can change them for the better.

There are 2 main approaches Dr. Mimi takes to address infertility—The Shared Journey Fertility Program and The Schaefer Protocol. She combines these 2 programs because one addresses the mobility and blood flow of the reproductive organs directly, and the other addresses the epigenetic aspect. Both of these play a critical role in fertility.

THE SHARED JOURNEY: MERCIER THERAPY

Mercier Therapy is a modality that utilizes deep pelvic visceral manipulation to bring about better organ mobility and restore overall blood flow so that optimal pelvic organ function can return.

Mercier Therapy has helped hundreds of women conceive gently while preparing many to achieve better overall outcomes with medically assisted cycles such as IVF.

We address scar tissue, adhesions, malalignment or decreased mobility of the pelvic and reproductive structures. This is the physical aspect that can prevent you from conceiving, implanting and holding a pregnancy. All of this work is done externally.

Dr. Mercier has written and published 2 independent research studies, the most recent indicating an 87.7 percent pregnancy success rate in women who have undergone Mercier Therapy prior to starting IVF stimulation. The abstract, “Mercier Therapy Improves IVF Outcomes” was published in the Winter 2018 edition of Midwifery Today.

THE SCHAEFER PROTOCOL:

The Schaefer Protocol is a physiology-based lifestyle program that understands that your function is optimal for your health.

This protocol understands that fertility is an expression of health. Healthy parents not only have better fertility outcomes, they have healthier pregnancies, healthier children, and easier postpartum healing experiences. Dr. Mimi’s goal is to help couples create the environment for a healthy conception and empower them to take responsibility of their health so they can create healthy families.

We follow this hierarchy in the protocol:

Structure dictates function;
Function allows for adaptation;
Adaptation is the expression of health.

It’s important to understand that this is a shared journey.

In about 50% of the cases of infertility, it is due to a male factor.

Paternal preconception health effects development of pregnancy complications such as:

• Preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Preterm birth
• Baby’s long-term health
• Health of pregnancy

Male preconception health even has an impact on pregnancy loss (miscarriage) and repeated pregnancy loss.

There are 8 pillars of health that are addressed through this protocol that are ESSENTIAL for your health and your future child’s health.

8 Pillars of Health:

• Chiropractic
• Hydration
• Glycosylation
• Rest
• Movement
• Real food
• Essential Nutrients
• Empowerment

Through these 8 pillars of health we address epigenetic factors that may be affecting your fertility, including causes of male factor infertility.

An egg takes 120 days to develop; Sperm take 60-90 days to develop

Given this physiological fact, Dr. Mimi’s best recommendation is starting care at least 120 days before trying to conceive. How healthy you are throughout that time determines the health of your reproductive cells, therefore conception.

What we offer:

• Natural Fertility preparation or to complement IVF, IUI, etc
• Regulating the menstrual cycle + ovulation
• Normalizing hormone and endocrine systems
• Improving ovarian and hormone function for better quality follicles/eggs
• Increasing uterine blood flow and lining
• Deep relaxation for reducing anxiety + stress
• Improving the success for IVF, IUI and other technologies
• Improving Male Factor sperm quality, quantity, and motility
• Decreasing miscarriage

This program addresses:

• High FSH
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Premature Ovarian Failure
• Luteal Phase Defects
• Endometriosis
• Autoimmune Infertility
• Recurrent miscarriage

What your journey will entail:

• 6 one-hour-long Mercier Therapy treatment sessions
• Supportive supplements/bio-identical hormone protocol
• One year of concurrent cycle monitoring
• Follow-up visits to review your journal
• Should it become necessary to utilize medically assisted options, we will serve as a liaison for you
• A period of active chiropractic care for both partners with frequency depending on your history and exam
• Education and action steps to minimize/eliminate environmental factors that are impacting your health and fertility
• Education and guidance on the 8 pillars of health, weekly challenges, and accountability checks

The cost is $240 for initial consultation and exam.

This program can be used as a stand-alone regime or in preparation for a more medically assisted cycle such as IUI or IVF. We highly recommend that you prepare your body properly prior to starting any medically assisted fertility cycle to help insure a successful first cycle. The Shared Journey can be completed in time for your stim start.

A stand-alone cycle without medical assistance is what is most natural and primal for your body. You will be guided to monitor your own ovulatory cycle along with our help for up to one year after finishing your therapy with us.

The program is custom tailored to each couple’s situation and will be discussed in further detail at the follow up appointment after initial consultation and exam.

When scheduling your consult please make sure to allow 60-90 minutes and bring any past medical records that may be helpful when discussing your history. During the consult a full medical history will be obtained as well as an exam and pelvic organ mobility evaluation.

Please call our office to schedule your consultation and exam. We cannot schedule these appointments through our website because Dr. Mimi’s availability is very limited.

Call us: (708) 403-5075

If you have any questions, please send them to drmimimcparland@ihsop.com.