Combating Infertility

It's a time for celebration for an Illinois family who fought so hard to become complete. The Gaytons are expecting their third child in just 5 1/2 weeks. Their battle to make this baby has been long and at times grueling. I met up with Melanie Gayton when she was 6 months pregnant and so very excited. Here is the verbatim from the story that was scheduled to air on HOI 19. However, most of the video got deleted this morning. :( Still, it's a great story and she is such an inspiration to women who are struggling with infertility.

About 10% of people in the U.S. will struggle with infertility. It is devastating for couples who are eager to start a family. Sometimes finding the right infertility doctor is the most important decision you will make.

39 year-old Melanie Gayton is six months pregnant and she is ecstatic. She spent the last three years giving herself injections, taking oral medications and going to hundreds of doctor's appointments.

Melanie Gayton said, "I was driving almost 3 hours to get here. Some days I was here almost every other day." Melanie travels from Geneva, Illinois to Peoria to see Dr. Natalie Shultz from the Sher Institute for Reproductive Medicine. Gayton said, "She really just gave me hope. I could tell she was in it to help me."

Dr. Shultz is Melanie's fifth infertility doctor. Melanie was about to give in and use a donor egg before she found Dr. Shultz and immediately knew it was the right fit. Melanie, "No other doctor would give me that quality time. That detective work. She said, I will find. We are going to help you."

Dr. Shultz says the key to solving infertility issues is to look at the whole body. Shultz said, "I think sometimes people can feel frustrated because they feel they don't have access to their clinician and that's what it's all about really."

Melanie doesn't have a history of infertility. She had two boys with no problem, but when she tried to get pregnant at 35 years old nothing happened.

Shults said, "I felt she was mis-informed and she could definitely get pregnant." In addition to infertility medication, Dr. Shultz prescribed some good ol' healthy habits.
1.Avoid fast food.
2. Get moderate exercise 30 minutes a day.
3. Take natural supplements like Vitamin D3.
4. Take Intralipids or soy fat.
5. Drink reverse osmosis water to combat pesticides in the air.

Dr. Shultz said, "Eat smaller amounts of complex carbohydrates, dark green leafy vegetables, healthy fats, healthy protein, smaller amounts, more frequently throughout the day." After strictly abiding by the recommendations, Melanie started her fourth round of in vitro fertilization.

Melanie said, "You have hope and you pray. Oh my gosh, we prayed and prayed and prayed." Her prayers were answered. She is expecting a healthy baby this fourth of July weekend.
Melanie said, "I still can't believe I'm pregnant. I feel it move a whole lot now and it's just thrilling.

Melanie's advice to couples going through infertility: find a doctor who treats you as an individual instead of a number and you too could be celebrating more than fireworks by next July 4th.

According to the latest research, The CDC says a woman between 38 and 40 years old with infertility problems has a 21% chance of having a live birth with the help of medical intervention.



-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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