I was the girl who passed out at the blood lab. The one who would just see a needle and instantly feel my palms start to sweat. So when our infertility doctor said after a few years of trying to conceive that IVF was our only option, I was devastated. Injections every day? More needles? I couldn’t even bear to think about doing this procedure until I saw the pleading in my husband’s eyes. It was our only chance to conceive on our own, and I knew I had to try everything.
So I did the most illogical thing imaginable, I started seeing an acupuncturist. Yep, more needles.
Acupuncture for me wasn’t just a way to try to relax and heal my body, it was a spiritual awakening. Not only did I learn to meditate and focus on what was troubling me emotionally, but it helped me to overcome those fears. It also taught me to open up my heart and fully accept where we were in our fertility journey, and kept me present and positive through the procedure.
Not sure if acupuncture might be a good option for you? Read about it’s benefits in this article I wrote for Bundoo.
Wonderful message, and I like how you turned to a holistic healing method and had success. Blessed!
I did acupuncture when I was trying to get pregnant with my second.. I really feel like it did help us.
I am so glad that you found something to help you!
Ha! I’ve passed out in the lab too (even the thought of needles makes me squirm!). And went through IVF. And did acupuncture along with IVF. And got pregnant with my second child (now 10 years old). I’m a big advocate for acupuncture!
I tried acupuncture on our fertility journey. It was relaxing and peaceful. I think I hoped it would help the pregnancies last (which it did not). Ultimately, I didn’t do it for my pregnancy (where I didn’t have a miscarriage) though I would be open to trying it again for something else in the future (due to the relaxation).
I’m so sorry to hear your pregnancies didn’t last through acupuncture. I had to take Lovanox injections throughout mine to sustain the pregnancy, which was of course worth it. I can’t wait to read your journey!
That’s really amazing! I know people who swear by acupuncture for so many different things. I never heard of the connection to fertility. Do you still go?
I hate needles too! I have never tried acupuncture but I’m a fan of alternative medicine. I’m glad it helped you on so many levels.
Needles aren’t my problem but I’d love to read anything about acupunture. I’ve heard it can help with allergies and anxiety, and anything really.
On to read!
You are one strong Mama! It is amazing what can heal our bodies. I am glad this was a healing part of your journey to motherhood.
Do you still go at all?
I have heard it can have great effects! Although yeah, those needles look SCURRY!
This is so cool that it had so many benefits. My brother has Crohn’s disease and speaks really favourably about acupuncture for that too.
That’s so awesome Kristen! I did acupuncture when I was dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I truly don’t understand it – but it works!
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
I’ve heard that acupuncture can really help with fertility challenges. I’m also a fan of holistic medicine. Not a fan of needles though, I hear you on that one!
I can imagine making the decision to go was a big feat all in its own. I have tried acupuncture too – for other reasons and found it incredible on so many levels. It is far from as scary and painful as your initial fears! – and the end results for you are so adorable!
I hate needles too, but one horrible bout with a kidney stone and I was there in a flash. It worked like a charm!
acupuncture RULES!
I love acupuncture, as well. I believe it helped me get pregnant. Now it’s helping improve my side effects with cancer treatment. 🙂
I know that my former SIL tried acupuncture when she was trying to conceive. Infertility is so stressful, and taking a few moments to lie back and force yourself to do nothing but try to relax is important during those times. I can’t say that the acupuncture worked for them, but it seemed to help her relax a bit more.
So great to hear about others like me who hate needles, yet have got into acupuncture! I was a massive sceptic (and also very scared about someone sticking pins in me) until my friend dragged me along after listening to me complain about my neck for weeks. Glad to hear people are using it to get other problems treated!
Totally agree – acupuncture isn’t just a healing modality, it’s a gateway to a completely different sense of being/thinking/feeling. Thanks so much for sharing.
That’s amazing that you found a spiritual awakening through acupuncture! I can see how deep relaxation and the stimulation of your energy system would help facilitate this process….not to mention your willingness to let it happen.
Namaste:)
Melissa
Your experience is definitely a good recommendation for those seeking an emotional healing while dealing with infertility issues. Hearing that you were able to focus and meditate also makes the experience seem well worth it.