After 6 miscarriages, 4 obstetric surgeries and numerous fertility treatments...

I had just about given up on my dream of having a baby. When acupuncture was initially suggested by my fertility specialist, Dr. Hudson, I had mixed feelings about it. I did some research and realized that studies have shown that acupuncture increases the flow of blood to the uterus, and I knew a bit about Yin and Yang and positive energy fields. I had nothing to lose, so I made my first appointment. I thought it would hurt as the tiny needles are inserted, but it didn’t. In fact, lying there with tranquil ocean music playing, I felt strangely calm and optimistic for the first time in ages. I felt a pleasant mild “buzzing” sensation around me. I attended weekly sessions and the treatment varied depending on the stage of my cycle.

After two months, I was pregnant again for the seventh time. We were (yet again) cautiously optimistic and I was put on strict bed rest for four months by my geneticist, Dr. Stephanie Rhone. After 7 weeks, I went for an ultrasound scan and
I held my breath as we waited for what seemed an eternity. We heard a fetal heartbeat for the first time after six unsuccessful prior attempts! We were over the moon! We were not out of the woods though as I was spotting and each time I moved I feared the worst. I took some Chinese herbs to prevent further spotting but this carried on for roughly 16 weeks. The only time I broke the boredom and ventured out of bed was for my acupuncture appointments. I started looking forward to them and felt I was doing everything I could do to give this baby a chance.

I carried on with the acupuncture, and once I had successfully made it through the first trimester, I went less frequently.
I found it was very helpful at reducing symptoms of nausea and backache in early pregnancy, and in the last trimester,
it seemed to help with the pain in my hips.

It is hard to believe, but we now have a happy, healthy (very energetic!) 14 month old baby boy, Tristan. It is impossible
to attribute this successful pregnancy on just one factor, but I do strongly believe that the acupuncture made a huge difference to me - not just physically, but psychologically as well. In fact, I have now re-started acupuncture as we try to give Tristan a brother or sister!

- Proud Mom , Registered Nurse, Masters in Public Health, Reproductive Health Consultant