Baby Journey Next Step: Acupuncture

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Have you ever wanted to try Fertility Acupuncture? If you’re on the fence about it, check out my experience and learn what fertility acupuncture entails.

The Buckhead Acupuncture & Herbal Center Sign

Baby Journey Next Step: Acupuncture

So it’s been awhile since I’ve given an update on the hubs and I and our journey to start a family. The reason is really quite simple. There wasn’t anything to report. We did some initial testing and were told everything looked fine, so we continued on as normal.

{For a little bit of background, we’ve been trying to start a family for just over 3 years. I got pregnant in 2013, but had a miscarriage – Miscarriage and Trying to Conceive – in September 2013 at 6 weeks. Shortly thereafter I had an HSG – Our Baby Journey: Next Steps and HSG.}

Despite getting regular questions from friends and family about whether we’d looked into other options or not, we had not moved forward with anything. I had heard a lot about acupuncture – mostly from my mom – and had been thinking for a while that I should look into it. Back in January I actually called a fertility acupuncturist here in Atlanta to get more information. We chatted for a while and I got off the phone feeling overwhelmed and just cried. I remember I’d just pulled into the parking lot to go to the gym and decided to just go home.

Believe it or not, just making that phone call was a huge step, even though it didn’t lead to anything – yet.

One thing he did tell me was that he works with one of the fertility clinics here in Atlanta and they do informational sessions once a month and that we should look into going to next one, which was in February. I talked to the hubs that night and we arranged to go.

It was one of those things where I went, but wasn’t so sure it’s what I wanted or was ready for. I prayed. I prayed that if we were meant to move forward with something at that time, that I would know. That I would feel the Holy Spirit move in me. But I didn’t. So after the seminar – which was very interesting but convinced me that I would avoid IVF if I could – we left.

And that was it.

Until now.

While it may seem like I don’t owe anyone an explanation for my decisions, I know that many friends and family ask because they care. And I’m so open in talking about everything, that even my reasoning is shared. Truth is, there are many reasons why we didn’t move forward until now. I say we, but really it was me. The hubs would’ve been happy moving forward with anything whenever I was ready, but he has been so patient in waiting for me to be ready and I couldn’t appreciate that more. But the main reason, the ultimate reason, is that I believe God has a plan for us. I believe His plan will be better than any plan we could make for ourselves. And I’ve been waiting to feel Him push me forward.

A few weeks ago I finally felt ready and I made our first appointment. Again, after getting off the phone with my acupuncturist (the same acupuncturist I called back in January), I cried. I’m even crying as I write this. I’ve learned that I cry a lot now and it’s not always a bad thing. 🙂

So I’ve now had 3 appointments and I wanted to share the experience with you. Pretty much everyone I know has a ton of questions when I tell them what I’m doing so I figure why not share?

Firstly, this is the place I’m going, Buckhead Acupuncture and Herbal Center, and the acupuncturist I’m seeing. Check out those testimonials!

Secondly, how does it work? Well, I have appointments every week in which I get acupuncture. Starting at the third appointment (which was yesterday), you add in chinese herbs. More on that later.

My Experience With Fetility Acupuncture

So the first appointment. I had no idea what to expect. The office is really nice and relaxing. I had to fill out several forms detailing WAY more about my body, sleep habits, bowel movements, menstrual cycles, our sex life, you name it, than I’d ever shared with anyone before. We spent an hour or so going over that stuff before doing anything else.

The Buckhead Acupuncture & Herbal Center Sign

Then he placed his fingers on my wrists to feel my pulse and checked out my tongue. At this point I’m thinking this is pretty weird. Plus, I apparently have some weird bumps on the back of my tongue that he’s never seen before. He started taking pictures of it so I could see. I’m like, “Just tell me – am I going to die?” 🙂

Later, I learned that checking the pulse and tongue are two big diagnostic elements of Chinese Medicine. Don’t google “chinese medicine tongues.” Just don’t. I had no idea there was such variety in tongues out there – and it’s interesting – but also not pretty to look at.

Then he added the needles!

The first one? Right between the eyes.

I had additional needles on the top of my head, in my hands, between my breasts, on my pelvis, legs and feet. I laid like that for at least half an hour.

The needles didn’t really hurt going in the first time (though they hurt more the second time), except for in one place on my legs where I actually ended up with small bruises.

During my second appointment there were more questions to answer and as I said, the needles hurt a little more. Depending on where I am in my cycle, he adds more or less needles to my pelvis, but the rest seem to stay pretty similar. They could be in slightly different places, but I wouldn’t know for sure. Once he starts putting them in, I don’t move to look. I had an itch on my face yesterday, but I wasn’t about to itch it. If the needle on my hand and face collided, who knows what could could’ve happened! 🙂

The other thing my acupuncturist has you do is buy this book. It’s called The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis and it’s been a great book so far. It’s such an encouraging and informational book. It’s even made me cry several times – surprise, surprise. She actually experienced miscarriage and infertility as well and turned to acupuncture herself before going on to study and practice it. Here’s a snippet from the beginning of the book that does a good job of describing the book and it’s focus:

“Our reproductive systems are not made up of isolated organs and batches of separate hormones. Each element of the system must work together seamlessly so conditions will be right for pregnancy to occur. When you restore the health of the body, a woman’s reproductive system will do what it was designed to do naturally: conceive and carry to term a healthy child. The first step to fertility isn’t another drug or procedure, or even an acupuncture treatment: it’s discovering a new way of thinking about yourself, your body and your health.”

The book goes through so much about a woman’s body and health and how all the different pieces and hormones play a part in balance and fertility. It’s super interesting and truly has changed the way I look at this whole fertility thing and the way I treat my body.

Then yesterday, my third appointment, it was time to start adding in the herbs.

Packets in the Glass Mixed with Water to Create a Dark Colored Liquid

You guys.

He warns you from the very beginning that they aren’t good, but omg. Seriously. He had my first “dose” for me at my appointment. I took the first sip and thought, “Oh. This isn’t THAT bad. It’s sort of like gross tea.” I even said out loud that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.

I spoke too soon.

I took another sip and it got grosser. By the third sip I thought I might vomit so I waited a minute. I told myself mentally to put on my big girl pants, then took another sip.

It gets grosser with every sip, no joke. I now describe it as tasting like a combination of a** and vomit. Sorry, but true. It’s nasty. And I have to drink it 3 TIMES A DAY! And it can’t be cold. Room temperature or warm, but not cold. Ugh. Here’s how I feel about it.

A Collage of Three Images of Lindsay Drinking the Liquid From the Packets

That’s for real right there. I can’t even. Holding my nose has become necessary and while it helps…ugh! SO GROSS! I’m pretty positive it’ll make me vomit at some point. See all those packets? That’s for ONE WEEK. ONE.

Acupuncture Infertility Packets in a Plastic Grocery Bag

I know you’re jealous.

Think I’m crazy? I wouldn’t totally disagree with you. But I’m also excited about the possibility. I feel like a bit of an experiment and I’m curious to see what will happen. 🙂 It’s pretty astounding what women are willing to go through to get pregnant. It’s not easy and the decisions aren’t easy either.

One question I’ve been asked a lot is how long we’ll do this for. I honestly don’t have an answer for that. Like with deciding to do it, I imagine the decision to stop (if that’s a decision we have to make) will happen when it feels like the right thing. I’ve learned over the last several years that it does no good for me to say what I think I’ll do, because I just never know. I’m just waiting on the Lord to direct my path and taking it day by day. In the meantime, I’ll rolling with it. Doing my best to rest when I can and let as little stress affect me as possible. Much easier said than done, but I’m still trying.

I’ve said from my very first post about our struggles that people don’t talk about this stuff enough. Infertility, I mean. I know it’s hard for many going through it to talk about it, but I think more women would talk if they felt like they had someone to talk to who would understand. I know many times I’ve felt misunderstood and while I don’t think people can really understand unless they’ve been through it, my friends and family understand more the more I talk about it. My hope in talking about it is that others going through it are comforted and maybe even learn something, and also that those that know someone going through it (or will know someone one day) will know more about it to be able to talk and ask the right questions if that someone does want to talk.

The hubs and I are obviously hopeful, but we are also reasonable. We know it’s possible that this won’t result in pregnancy. However, I’ve already noticed changes in myself. My ovulation kit results were better this month, my mood has improved so much, getting up in the morning is easier, and other things that you really just don’t want to know about. I guess I figure that even if I don’t get pregnant, all of those changes are good things too. I guess we’ll see! And of course one way or another, you’ll know how this ends. 🙂

Sorry for such a long post, there was just so much I wanted to share. If you’ve gotten this far – thank you! And if you have stories about your own experience, I’d love to hear them in the comments below!

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44 Comments
  1. Robin

    Hi Lindsay,
    My journey with infertility was a long time ago, but is forever embedded in my heart and mind. The Lord has shown me repeatedly that what was painful at the time was meant for mine & my husband’s good as He has grown us in Him, knitted us more tightly together as a couple, and given us the privilege of being a sounding board and encouragement to other couples. We went through 5 years of primary infertility. After trying a large assortment of things and a couple of very good gynecologists, we saw a fertility doctor and I was pregnant with twins 5 weeks after my first visit. He put me on tetracycline, a low acid diet, and Clomid. I was amazed that he did not start with treating my endometriosis, but he was right. We went through another 4 years of infertility a few years later, choosing to not take Clomid, because of the possibility of twins, until the last couple of months. Once we were using the same “recipe” of treatment we had been successful with before, we did conceive and have twins again. By that time our girls were old enough that it was more manageable. 🙂 One extra blessing came along seven years later as a HUGE surprise – our youngest son. All those years of infertility, and then God just handed us a child without us even asking or going through all the motions we had to do before. I can truly say the Lord’s plan and timing were just right, even though I would have chosen differently. I pray that you can find rest in the plan He has for you too, and I pray he will bless you with children. Please — DON’T GIVE UP! But also keep in focus that your relationship as a couple has love and joy in its own right, not just when you have a child.

    1. Lindsay

      Thanks so much for sharing your story and some encouragement Robin. We have some friends who had twins via IVF two years ago and now are pregnant with their surprise baby as well. 🙂 As you said, this may not be what I’d have hoped for, but my trust and faith is in the Lord with this one. Thank you!!

  2. Beth

    I had 2 miscarriages before my first successful pregnancy. I also got acupuncture and took herbs (pill form thank goodness). I didn’t eat or drink anything cold (traditional Chinese medicine dr. told me to do that), and used a progesterone cream. In my first 2 successful pregnancies I used progesterone suppositories and I took baby aspirin. The baby aspirin is something they used to say would help to prevent blood clots and everyone said it wouldn’t hurt and it made me feel better because I felt like I was doing something. Anyway, now I have three babies and just want you to know I understand and hope all goes well for you. (Oh, and I read the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility and charted my ovulation).

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Hi Beth! Thanks so much! My acupuncturist actually just asked me about my progesterone this week so I’ve scheduled some testing. I’m so sorry to hear you struggled to get pregnant as well, but thank you for sharing.

  3. Aunt J

    Our God is so remarkably amazing, His Grace, His plan and His wisdom! He already knows exactly what is best for you and hubs and is working it out in His perfect timing. Continue to approach the Throne of Grace with confidence. I used acupuncture as well – not for fertility, but with very good results. As a baker I am grateful for your excellent recipes and tips. As a sister in Christ, I am grateful for the fellowship I feel. I agree. You will know – He will reveal His perfect plan to you at the perfect time. Thank you for displaying grace and willingness to wait on Him.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Thank you so much for you comment! I totally agree with you and am doing my best to wait patiently. 🙂

  4. Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector)

    Lindsay,you are so right in saying that His plan is greater than any plan we can make for ourselves. You are exactly where you need to be right now! I pray that his peaceful presence and grace be with you and your husband throughout this journey. Sharing your story is so brave and I KNOW it is helping others too in what can feel like such a powerless journey. Truly placing your trust in His hands is so inspiring and no matter what a person is struggling with, they can totally gain something from that.

  5. Nicole

    You and Ian have been on my thoughts a lot since your last update, and I’m sorry you’re going through this. Thank you for sharing your story and keeping the conversation going on something that people don’t like to share about.

  6. Catherine

    Your story is definitely helping others! What a big step it is to start doing something and put complete faith and trust in God’s plan for you. We are having some difficulty with trying for our second after a year. We have made some steps and yet another one today. Praying for you as I know it is a tough season of life right now.

  7. Emily

    So glad to see this update- think about you often! I really love the things you’ve shared from the book- about healing your body and looking at the bigger picture for all the systems to work together. I definitely think that was part of our issue, specifically my thyroid. Proud of you for trusting in His timing- that was definitely a struggle for me- and the month we decided we were done trying, is the very month we got pregnant.

  8. Lisa @ Wine & Glue

    YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! This makes me so happy! I don’t know if you remember or not, but starting acupuncture was the first step I took in building my now boisterous brood. I also went to someone who specialized in fertility (YAY!) and she also started with the HUGE questionnaire, checking my tongue, and feeling my pulses. She did that every time I saw her. I’m so sorry you have to drink it :/ Mine were capsules. And I’m so happy that you are sharing all of this so publicly. That is definitely not something I was able to do, but it needs to be done. I’m saying prayers for you that you find peace and contentment during this process and that you feel God’s presence as you walk this path.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      I totally remember! In fact, when I tell people I’m doing this and they look at me funny and think it’ll never work I tell them I have this blog friend who it totally worked for. 🙂 Your story totally stuck with me, so thank you! Glad to know that the program I’m on is similar to yours – I feel even more excited now! Thanks for the prayers Lisa!

  9. Barbara @ Barbara Bakes

    Thanks for sharing your story. I think it’s important to others struggling to know they’re not alone. My three boys were conceived with the help of IVF. It’s not an easy path. Hang in there!

  10. Erin B.

    Lindsay, I would not say we really had problems getting pregnant, it just took longer than expected (10 months) but I have always been a huge proponent of acupuncture. I love it. Interestingly, the month that we got pregnant was the month they started doing fertility acupuncture and I was taking the herbs. Good luck!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Well I’m glad hear you didn’t have trouble. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. 🙂 Glad to know that acupuncture may have helped you!

  11. Jennie

    Thank you, Lindsay, for your open heart and open spirit. Your honesty and kindness come through so clearly. Keep taking such excellent care of yourself. I love that you sound so willing to embrace whatever life brings to you, hard as it may be.

  12. Ronda

    I know someone who used acupuncture to get pregnant and it worked. I had not heard about the herbs but it’s interesting to read about. I’ve been wanting to try an acupuncturist since I’ve heard a lot about the overall health benefits. Thanks for sharing your journey.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Thats so encouraging – thank you! And I’ve definitely been noticing more health benefits from it every day. I’m a total believer in it. Hopefully I can be a successful pregnancy story too. 🙂

  13. Erin M.

    Good luck 🙂 I have no advice or experience with trying to conceive, but know that your readers are thinking about you and wish you the best! 🙂

  14. M. Weber

    Lindsay, as someone who experienced infertility for many years, I can certainly sympathize with you and your husband. We, too, tried many different avenues and even started down the path of IVF (we went to a seminar for interested couples at a medical university specializing in IVF at that time), and after that decided that wasn’t God’s path for us. We finally decided to adopt and were fortunate enough to have God bless us with two children over the years – they are now grown adults. Infertility used to be a very hush, hush subject and one that most people wouldn’t and couldn’t understand. I envied many friends who seemed to get pregnant at the “drop of a hat”, but now I realize that I was meant to have my children in a different way. I hope the acupuncture treatments (and that gross tea) work for you – I have done acupuncture over the years and swear by its results – although I never tried it during our infertile years (didn’t know it was an option then). From one who’s been there to one who’s going through it, best wishes!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Thank you for sharing! It’s definitely not an easy path, but God has made me much stronger through it. We’ll see how it goes. 🙂 Thank you!

  15. Erin R.

    Oh, bless you for sharing this update. I’m glad you have found your path forward and am hopeful this will be a success. Though I have never tried them myself, I believe herbal medicine and acupuncture are real things (not silly witch doctor stuff), and it sounds like you are already benefiting in your overall health. That can only be a good thing and set the stage for good things down the road. You can’t do things before you’re ready, and you were perfectly right to wait until you knew it was time. I ache a little thinking about others being unable to understand what you’re experiencing, because I have a medical thing myself that people NEVER understand or take seriously. I’m grateful for these posts from you because you’re right, it’s likely I will know someone someday who is experiencing infertility and my hope is that I won’t be taken unaware and say something stupid. I’m more familiar with the topic after following your stories, so, fingers crossed I don’t blow it when the time comes. Best wishes to you and your wonderful husband.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Thank you Erin! I’m sorry to hear you have another medical issue that’s not understood. That is one of the hardest parts. I’m glad you’ve found my posts to be helpful. 🙂

  16. Patty

    Lindsay I so appreciate your sharing your thoughts and experiences. I’m a mother who experienced miscarriages and infertility years ago before having 2 children. My daughter (27) has been trying to get pregnant for 14 months. She’s laid back about it and I struggle with worry and trusting God’s timing with my history. Your posts encourage me and give me insight into your perspective. Thank you!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      I’m so glad the posts are encouraging Patty! While I haven’t been on your side of things, I know my mom has probably struggled with that too. She was really excited when I told her we were doing acupuncture finally. 🙂

  17. Gudie

    Very interesting. I did go through IVF, hate to say it didn’t work. Never knew about Acupuncture and infertility, it really is interesting. I wish you and your husband the best. Thank you for sharing.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Thank you Gudie! I’m so sorry to hear that your experience with IVF didn’t work out. I can’t imagine all that you went through. You should definitely read up more on acupuncture. There are some amazing success stories, including for those that IVF didn’t work for.

  18. Holly Waterfall

    Hugs to you Lindsay! I was actually just thinking of you the other day wondering how things were going, so I’m glad you are still sharing your experiences with infertility. It really does help others who are in similar situations.
    Sending positive vibes your way!

      1. Holly Waterfall

        aww, thanks Lindsay. I’m actually doing really well.
        after 2 failed IUIs last year, we decided to take a break. And then I quit my job to blog full time, so money is flowing as freely… SO we’ve put it on hold, and I’m mostly okay with that. Hopefully in a couple years we’ll be able to give it another shot. But for now, I’m just focusing on business, marriage, and the kiddo we’ve got.

      2. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

        Glad to hear things are well. I’m sorry that things haven’t worked out so far, but it sounds like your outlook is good. 🙂 I saw that you quit your job – good for you! Congrats!

  19. Gena

    Thank you for updating us on your progress. You mentioned IVF, I’m curious if you are considering IUI, the less invasive, less expensive route. I had one in May with meds and it was unsuccessful. Then after months of dealing with cysts, I should be doing IUI #2 next week.
    I also have recently tried acupuncture. I’ve been twice and it hurt more the second time for me. I also took my husband as it can help guys too.

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      We have definitely talked about IUI in additional to IVF. I’m sure we’d try that first, but we’ve just heard so little success from friends with it that my husband doesn’t feel confident in it. I’m not sure how many times we do that before moving on to IVF. I hope your second round is a success!
      I’m glad to hear you are doing the acupuncture! From what I’ve learned it sounds like it can really help your chances of the IUI working!

  20. Mir

    Thinking of you, Lindsay. It’s wonderful that you’re sharing all of this. So many women have this experience and don’t say anything about it, which makes everyone feel more isolated. You’re doing so great!
    I had to see an acupuncturist for a while and the treatment involved something that looked like a joint that you wave over your foot. I looked pretty weird doing it, but hey, it helped!

    1. lifeloveandsugar@gmail.com

      Thanks Mir! That’s my goal 🙂 It definitely can feel weird with the acupuncture sometimes, but the stories of success are hard to deny. It’s definitely worth a try!

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I'm a wife and a mom to twin boys and a baby girl! And I've got a serious sweets addiction! Bring on the treats!

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29