Flatmama's Routine

[flatmama]

So like I mentioned before I was expecting them to shrink.....well, they did but they didn't. They did shrink down a bit smaller than they were with the swelling but still bigger than they were last cycle when I measured. They feel so firm and full to me.....not like when they are full of milk either. (The only firm feeling I know) Like meatier or something. Maybe they just haven't completely shrunk yet..or maybe it'll be happening a little later than usual. We'll see, I guess.
So my favorite thing now is that I can bend over when I'm not wearing a bra and my breasts don't look like a triangle and just go to a point anymore (I'm sure the mom's that have nursed know what I'm saying, sorry if it's TMI). They have roundness now....not so much emptiness. I don't even think I was ever this big before I had kids.
I'm starting to feel the little lobes again but they are really small right now....I wonder if they are going to get bigger again. Anyways, I need to go exercise....and my boobs are hurting! This is going to be fun!!!

[flatmama]

So here's a quick update. After my last post they shrunk some more. I kinda figured. They are starting to feel fuller now. I've had alot of itchies-been driving me crazy! They don't feel as firm as they did. I think we're just in that 'squishy' stage right now.

I was able to add Wild Yam to my routine this cycle and I've added 1 more Saw Palmetto cap so far. I'm going to try to add another...taking that up to 5. We'll see how that goes. So far with the new stuff the itchies have increased and there's alot more heaviness, not alot in the pain department. I'm also thinking of maybe adding in some Fennel too. If so, I'll need to run to the store and get some. I guess if I get the chance to go then I'll add it and see how that goes. I think I need some more fenugreek and Saw Palmetto anyways. I also might be switching the EPO to Borage oil when the EPO is gone and just take less of the other stuff. We'll see. Got a couple of weeks.

I'm finally back into an exercise routine again to help fend off the extra weight that tends to go to the stomach and thighs. It's definitely been helpful as my stomach is getting flatter and feels alot more toned. It's also been helping with the stress as 'life' is getting in the way alot lately.

As far as massage goes...I haven't been very good at doing that twice a day. Actually lately, I've been lucky to get one in at night. I try to do little massages throughout the day when I can though. When I do it in the morning, I use just the fennel extract and cocoa butter now, instead of the olive oil mixture.

I've still been feeling good except for being tired...but that's my fault. I've been staying up late and getting up early. We all know that is such a bad combination. It used to be alot easier doing that before kids though. I better go exercise before the kids wake up.
Have a good week everyone!

[flatmama]

For about the last week I've been forgetting to take some of my herbs....just gets away from me. I was pretty good with the morning dose and evening for awhile but then started forgetting that one too these last couple of days....so now just down to 1 pill a day of each. There's just so much going on right now. So I'm just going to finish the ramp down that I naturally started doing anyways and take a break for a cycle. I know things will be better then. There's just a couple weeks left in the things that are really stressing me out. That'll also give me some time to work on my body a bit or at least get my exercise routine more consistent like it was when I first started BE. That should also help give me a chance to see if what I've been doing has been real growth or swelling. Anyways....I guess that's all. Happy growing everyone! Good luck.

[flatmama]

So after I posted that last message I stopped taking herbs so I haven't been taking anything for a week now. I was considering starting up again afer a cleanse next cycle but am just going to stick with waiting a whole cycle without herbs. I haven't had any sensations since i stopped the herbs. Things I have noticed are my stomach looks flatter....almost like I might have been bloated alittle. It's really flat right now-and I'm usually bloated about now. No complaints. I've also lost a pound, .5" off my waist, .75" off my love handles and .5" off my hips in just the last week and I haven't done one tiny little bit of exercise!!! My diet is pretty much the same..well, I've had a few more treats then usual. My acne seems to be clearing up really fast....no new breakouts really. I haven't measured my breasts at all. Completely spaced it at mid cycle. They look pretty nice to me though....rounder than when I started and still fuller. I still mostly fill up my 34B push up so at least it's still there. I would really like to be close to the size I look in the bra without it!

When I start back up I'm probably just going to go with Fennel and Fenugreek and Fennel extract massages....maybe stick wtih the EPO mixture, not sure. I was having some great sensations with the Fennel...just those headaches, but hopefully it's better after the cleanse. Well, I'm going to take Fenugreek because I've always felt that was good for me anyways. We'll see how that goes and I might add 1 EPO a day. I think I want to avoid the Saw Palmetto completely this time. I'll figure it out but that's the plan for now. It could change by the end of my next cycle.

I can't wait to start again....I really hope I can end up at a 34C. The life problems I was having before are going to be gone this next week. Hopefully no new ones pop up!!!

[flatmama]

Wow, thought I'd update. I was able to not start herbs again although it was killing me. I just want to get back on the BE train here. I knew it was best to wait though. I'm finding that out as life just continued to get more stressful these last couple of weeks. Next cycle I am starting back up on the herbs and can't wait.

So here's my little update. My last cycle was quite strange. I've only have 1 other cycle like that before and wondered if it was an early miscarriage....wonder if this one was the same too. In a situation like that I know it's hard to tell. All I know is that is was very different from my usual cycles and I've only have that happen one time before. I know it could also be because of the hormone changes from not taking any herbs. Who knows.....

I did swell before my period and also shrunk alittle after. I don't think it was as much as it was while taking the herbs. I have not measured at all during this time. I am still filling the same bras but am starting to think I need to get a 32 instead of a 34 because the 34 keeps sliding up a bit onto my breasts and by the end of the day when I take my bra off they just look flattened out. I think a 32 will stay in place better and probably even help my breasts have a bit more roundness to them. Going to go shopping for one, hopefully today. I might measure before starting up the herbs again but honestly, I'd like to keep that tape measure put away. It just stressed me out too much. I'll just keep track of how my bras are fitting and take pics that hopefully one day I'll dare (and figure out how to) post.

I have been having sensations since about 3 or 4 days into my period. Not as much or as intense as before, but still there. I'm pretty happy about that. Okay, here's the weird thing though....I swear I have started producing more milk!!! I never stopped when I finished nursing (usual for me) but while on the herbs there was less...like maybe a half a drop of so a day....but this last week or two I've noticed more and every time I adjust my breasts in my bra (yes, that's often...like I said, need to try another bra) I swear I can feel a drop leak out!
Anyone else have this happen?
I've been breaking out, not too much, but most of them are the under-the-skin zits that just hurt.
I've also been feeling a bit depressed lately. I'm not sure what's going on with that. It is probably all the stressful things that just seriously need to go away. I hate feeling this way though.

So there's all my crazy happenings. I don't know what's going on with my crazy body but if anyone does, love to hear it! Thanks! I'm sure I just need to get back on the herbs and I'll right myself out again. I wish I could remember when that was!! I know I'm some where in the second half of my cycle as I remember having my mid-cycle cramping (just for a few hours this time!!!!) a few days ago....gosh, wish I could remember when!!!

[flatmama]

So yesterday I was having some really sharp pains in my breasts. And they ached and felt heavy all day! I haven't started any herbs yet....it's quite weird to me. So I think I figured out my cycle now and I should be starting my next in about a week. So that could explain the pains probably, and the fullness. I'm completely filling up my 34B pushups...and they feel kinda tight too. No complaints! ;D
I definitely need a 32 band though....tried to find something and couldn't. I found only 1 bra that was a 32B and the cup was too tight (band was perfect though). I couldn't find any other cup but 32A and that definitely wouldn't work. Gotta keep looking.

I'm definitely making more 'milk'....seriously don't know why but I am. I know it'll right out when I start the herbs.....just kind of annoying right now.
I went to the health food store yesterday and got all my herbs ready to go. I'm excited...can't wait to get going again!!! I think I have a pretty good routine worked out....at least a couple cycles of it. I'm going to see how my body responds to that first.

[flatmama]

I'm almost there! Oh I can't wait to get started on BE again. My breasts are sooo big right now! Okay, well not really big...I'm still flat, but they are sure full. They looked so nice and round this morning. It was great. I know it's just swelling but still...it's nice to have. My bra feels very tight, especially at the bottom and sides. I've still been having pains and all that...but the 'milk' problem seems to be gone now. I'm very happy. I am very excited to get going again! I know, looking forward to AF! That'll probably go away pretty fast when the cramping kicks in!

So what I think I'm going to be taking is Fennel, Fenugreek, Wild Yam and Saw Palmetto...and possibly EPO...just 1 at night though. I will not be using the Flaxseed oil this time. I'm also not going to be taking the vit. C. I get enough with all the OJ and other juices that I drink. I'm eating much better. I'm not sure about taking a multivitamin either as I haven't been for a few weeks and I feel pretty okay. I have just been taking the calcium w/D supp. and a B complex vitamin and it seems to be what my body needs. I think I'm definitely going to go back to the Fennel extract, EPO, and EVOO massage mixture. I liked that! I'm going to ramp everything up to what works, that's why I don't have any doses right now.

I liked the results that I got when I first started. They came quickly and I felt really good while taking the stuff. I am thinking of using less of the Fenugreek though as it caused my blood sugar to get too low sometimes (when I wasn't very good and had too much sugar-the crash was lower!). I liked how the Fenugreek made my body feel in other ways though. That's why I'm adding the fennel in there, since they are similar, and will probably add more of that then the Fenugreek. I think before when I used them both I didn't quite have them balanced right yet. I know I just can't mess too much with my routine this time and be patient. The Lav eo has helped alot with my stress and I'm feeling much better, which seems to be helping me out with my patience in alot of things!

Seriously, I'm really excited here! I know, the 'timing of routines' thing doesn't give me much of a chance for growth in the winter. I'm just holding on to maybe some luck, since I actually spend more time outside during the cooler months.

[Wenonae]

Keep fenugreek really low- 1 cap at most. Fennel- play around.
Otherwise...have fun! Glad eo is helping out.

Wen'

[flatmama]

yeah, the eo has been great. It's been helping DH out too.

I was planning on ramping the Fennel first and filling in with the Fenu this time. That should help out more with the blood sugar headaches.

[flatmama]

okay...so today is day 3 of my cycle. I'm planning on starting the herbs today because I just wanted to make sure I was done with the Nettle first. AF hasn't been too bad this time. Just a couple of headaches and some cramping. My breasts are squishy today...so we're starting the shrinkage now. I'll probably be smaller tomorrow. I massaged yesterday for the first time in awhile. I'm going to try to massage every other day or something close to that, just not everyday.
I'm going to be trying to keep my doses low, thanks to a suggestion from Wahaika, for the winter. I'm going to see what my body does. If I start to put weight on in the wrong places then I know I need to take it down. If not, I might increase my doses slowly. There's nothing wrong with building up my doses over a few months. Might be good for me. I'm definitely going to be better wtih my exercising. I grew best when I was exercising about everyday. I'm skin brushing again too. I noticed last night my spider veins(product of my last pregnancy) were almost completely gone. I think it has been because of the skin brushing and maybe if I do it regularly I can get them completely faded. I loved how it helped tighten up the back of my arms too.
I guess that's it for now....should have some doses soon. Yay! Get to start again!

[flatmama]

Okay...I'm loving this low dose thing! Maybe I went too high in the beginning and that's why I got a big burst of growth followed by nothing really. Who knows...we'll find out.

So far, this is where I'm at. The shrinking seems to be reversing already. My bra is tight again...way tight. My breasts feel very heavy and full. I'm having tingles, and sharp pains. I don't know how much of that is from starting herbs again or from before. Like I said in earlier posts, I was having sensations during my break. However, these sensations are stronger then I was having earlier this week.
Right now this is what I've done
Fennel 450mg 3x/day (1350mg total)
Fenugreek 620mg (just started that today so only 1 dose, but planning on taking it to 2 or 3x/day- 1240mg or 1860mg total)

I'm planning on keeping the dose of each herb around 1500mg-ish. I still have wild yam and saw palmetto to add. I take a b-complex vitamin and calcium plus D when I remember. I've just massaged twice, not every day. So, so far so good. Have to see how it goes. For massage I used fennel extract & cocoa butter followed by heat once and just vit. E oil and cocoa butter no heat the second time.

That's it for now I guess. I have such a bad memory....I'm glad this board is here so I can log everything.

[flatmama]

They are filling back in!! My breasts look...amazing..to me right now. They feel so full. My bra was just killing me yesterday. It felt so tight on the bottoms of my breasts. Today is day 8 of my cycle. If things keep moving like this, there will be a big difference by day 14. I really don't remember my breasts looking this big on my previous BE effort, especially this early. That could be a combination of things though.

I have begun working out again, cardio in the morning and weights at night, not to mention all the 'get ready for winter' yard work. (I've lost 1lb. already...probably water weight though since I'm not measuring any differences.) My chest is having many sensations right now. Some of that is muscle soreness from the weight lifting, then I have the tingles, heaviness and fullness. I really think the chest exercises increase the sensations that I have. I believe it's because of the added blood flow to the area. Either way I think it's working great. I don't lift 'heavy' weights and always stretch out the muscles after I work them so I don't get any bulk.

Wahaika, I was wondering what you would consider a good 'maintenace' dose for the winter? I was thinking around 1500mg-ish per herb but do you think maybe that's too high? I want to grow some but not in the hips or waist!
Right now I'm taking Fennel 450mg 3x/day
Fenugreek 620mg 2x/day
Wildyam 400mg (so far just 1 a day since I started it yesterday)
and I have Saw Palmetto to add.
I massage with fennel extract, Vit. E oil, & cocoa butter- that order. I haven't been adding heat cuz I usually fall asleep.

I would love any input/changes/additions you think would be good. Thanks!

FM

[Wahaika]

FM,

The short answer is to keep doing what you are doing. You are in a point in your cycle where endogenous estrogen is rising. That you are growing in these days is very good. You may just blast my winter growing theory if you're not careful.

Still, I would say to stay where you are at with your dosages. Keep WY at 400mg once per day. If you ramp this, be careful that you do not stall, especially after day 12 or 14 when estrogen takes its dive while progesterone is rising. (I would normally say to increase dosages at this time - but it's winter and you do better on small dosages.)

Stick with the massaging!

Keep fennel and fenugreek where they are.

Keep detailed records on what you did on what day of your cycle and what the effect was and do the same thing next cycle. The dosages may differ slightly if you grow significantly, but you at least have a baseline. Start back at 10/21 and go from there, including your exercise regimine. I agree that the added circulation is a great benefit, but you are also getting Growth Hormone benefits from that type of exercise.

Hold on the Saw Palmetto!

Also, my idea of low maintenance dosages during winter is to take a break in November and December, then start at 500mg per day in January and part of February in preparation for mid March.

You're doing great! But remember, if you still end up not growing, or it starts going to the hips or rear end, remember that it's the natural thing for this time of year. Just drop your dosages and hang on, then do the same thing in the first two weeks of next month (dropping dosages in the last week of this month [cycle month, that is]).

Wahaika

[flatmama]

That'd be fun to blast your winter growing theory!

Well, that'll be good and easy to stick with what I have. So far, no bad growth anywhere. With the exercise and everything, I'm actually losing everywhere else so as long as I can keep that up, I think I'll be okay. I'll try to keep track of what is happening which days. Good cardio exercise and weights seem to definitely be a bennefit as I have stronger sensations on those days.

I kind of like that idea of dropping dosages in the last week of the cycle. Would I ramp them down and then back up if I did that?

Thanks for your help.

FM

[Wahaika]

Hello FM,

(still referring to this graph:
beboard.proboards107.com/index.cgi?board=medical&action=display&thread=4082
)

>>"I kind of like that idea of dropping dosages in the last week of the cycle. Would I ramp them down and then back up if I did that?"

I think that a cut off would be the most beneficial in this case. If you wanted to do about a 2 day ramp down starting 5 days before your cycle is expected to end, that might also be OK.

As for going back up, just do exactly what you did this time and look for the same signs, adjusting as you see fit. My opinion would be to do exactly what you did and just watch any deviations from that closely. But if Greenbush is correct in saying that the herbs are not that precise (I don't fully agree with them in this) then the exact same dosages should yield the exact same results. I would also add that if you have any permanent growth from this cycle, then the dosages may go up slightly, OR you could just massage a little more often to get more of the herbs in that way.

Wahaika