My medicine protocol for our embyro adoption started on June 22nd. (If you missed my post about our choice to adopt embryos, you can read it here.)
The first step has been to start taking Kelnor which is a oral contraceptive. I was very dubious about taking it, not because of any ethical dilemma. I know that I am taking it for medical reasons, so it is allowed by the Church as long as we are abstaining from intimacy during this time. The knowledge of what the Church teachers made me feel secure that we *could* take these pills. I honestly just felt weird about taking a pill that tells my body to stop doing what it is supposed to do. I asked the office if there was any alternative. They said not, so here we are.
This process has not been fabulous. I’ve experienced abdominal cramping, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Even worse has been the weight gain. I have struggled with my weight since college. In 2023, I lost seventy pounds, and I kept it off in 2024. This year, I had gained about 20 pounds when I started taking the Kelnor, so I was already struggling. In the first three weeks of taking Kelnor, I gained about thirty-five pounds. I was shocked!
The worst part about this weight gain has been that none of my pants and shorts fit me anymore. I am stuffing myself into my clothes everyday, and I feel icky and uncomfortable. I know this is temporary, and I know it is for the greater good of achieving pregnancy. However, it stinks. I was feeling really good about my body at the beginning of the year, and now I am feeling not so good.
I know it doesn’t make any sense to focus on weight loss right now as we are heading into a pregnancy, so I decided that I would meet with a nutritionist instead. I have an appointment tomorrow at 11, and I am actually feeling excited about it. I found someone through Nourish, and our insurance covers it. I feel a little better knowing that I am doing something to take a step toward health!
I have eaten pretty low-carb for the past two years with breaks sprinkled throughout for vacations, celebrations, or lapses in self-control. I really like the way I feel mentally and my energy levels when I am low card. I’m honestly not sure if that is healthy for pregnancy, though, so I am excited to have someone in my corner to help me figure out a plan!
She also focuses on body positivity and overall relationship with food which are areas in which I definitely can use help.
I’m also going to get some new pants. I would rather have a bigger size and be comfortable than keep trying to make the pairs that fit last month fit now.
Here’s to taking little steps in the face of big obstacles!
Mission Today 