Introduction
These beautiful babies have been shared with the kind permission of their parents; each one represents an individual journey. While many people choose to have treatment at Elder Cottage Clinic to support their fertility or IVF process, every body is unique and outcomes can vary. The stories and photos shown here are intended to offer hope and encouragement; they are not a guarantee of pregnancy or birth.
If you are considering treatment, I am always happy to discuss your personal situation and explore how acupuncture or holistic therapies may support you.
babies
Charlotte and Lee came to see me after they had a failed attempt at their first round of IVF. As a couple, their case was complex as there were many factors at play such as male factor, age, histories of substance abuse and particular health issues. Each came weekly for 6 weeks before egg collection, and then Charlotte came for further sessions before and after embryo transfer, and during her pregnancy. Charlotte gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Charlotte and Lee were the first couple I supported and prepared for IVF, and their successful outcome inspired me to learn more about fertility and take dedicated CPD in this area. I will always admire them for trusting in me.
Dayna came to see me after she and her husband Chris had been trying to conceive for approximately 3 years after coming off a lengthy 9 year period on the depo-provera contraception injection. We talked a lot about changes the couple could make to their lifestyles, and the emotional support made a big impact on Dayna’s mood and outlook. After working with me through just 1 cycle Dayna fell pregnant naturally. Dayna continued to come to clinic during her pregnancy and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Kelly and her husband Sean had been trying to conceive for approximately 2 years and had started to get checked out before coming to see me. Their picture was male factor and low AMH. The couple made lifestyle changes and Kelly followed particular advice for the pattern she was presenting. Kelly prepared for IVF with me for 6 months and also had acupuncture after egg collection and before embryo transfer. The first IVF cycle was successful and she had a healthy pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Lisa came to see me after a first failed attempt at IVF. None of the embryos had made it to the transfer stage. They wanted to rush into a second round quite quickly but after taking on board the advice to prepare for at least 3 cycles before trying again, they decided to wait. Lisa prepared for 12 weeks with me before the egg collection, and her husband made lifestyle changes to improve sperm quality. She then had acupuncture support after egg collection and before and after embryo transfer. This round was successful and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The couple also have another embryo in the freezer for their future family planning.
Rachel came in for acupuncture to prepare for IVF. After our initial consultation together it became clear that the recurrent miscarriages she had previously suffered were due to an autoimmune condition she had recently been diagnosed with. She was prescribed a blood thinning medication and conceived naturally again, and carried her pregnancy to full term, giving birth to a healthy baby boy.
Helen came for acupuncture when she and her partner were experiencing secondary infertility after trying to conceive for around 18 months. 3 months before acupuncture Helen had suffered an ectopic pregnancy. There was also a male factor issue of vasectomy reversal which can often mean there is an autoimmune issue with sperm, and that there is a likelihood of requiring ICSI/IVF assistance. However it became clear to me that Helen also needed immune-modulation, with lots of overactive immune responses to food and animals. After 6 sessions of acupuncture she conceived naturally and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.
Sarah approached me feeling lost after having one halted round of IVF and 5 cycles of ovulation induction. After a full health intake it became clear that a very prolonged use of the oral contraceptive pill had completely suppressed her ovaries. Time away from the stress of ovulation induction and micromanaging the tracking of her cycle would be beneficial for her, taking her foot off the accelerator and allow her body to find its way back to homeostasis. On her 6th session of acupuncture she came into the clinic with a positive pregnancy test! She carried her pregnancy to full term giving birth to a baby girl.
Beth got in touch with me after trying to conceive for a few months for a second baby. She knew that stress was a major factor and that this was likely upsetting the balance of her body, alongside a lot of over-reactive responses within her immune system, also triggered by stress. We also discussed in detail the correct timing of intercourse within her cycle and, after just 6 sessions of acupuncture, she conceived naturally and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Grace came to work with me in preparation for her frozen embryo transfer after her fresh cycle had failed. During our time together it became clear that she had a problem with progesterone absorption, based on her overall picture through the lens of Chinese Medicine, as well as what was happening from a western medical viewpoint. After lots of discussion with the clinic, and a halted cycle, we finally got the prescription we needed which resulted in a positive pregnancy test. She carried to full term giving birth to a healthy baby girl.
Suzie prepared with me for 4 months before her frozen embryo transfer, after the fresh cycle failed. She came weekly for acupuncture and followed lifestyle advice. The transfer was successful and resulted in a positive pregnancy test. She carried to full term and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Andrea was diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis and had been trying to conceive for 12 months. She came for acupuncture weekly and both she and her husband made lifestyle changes to help improve their chances of conception. She also booked surgery to remove a uterine polyp. 2 cycles after surgery she fell pregnant, and carried to full term giving birth to a beautiful baby girl.
Molly prepared with me for a frozen embryo transfer for 6 weeks as well as acupuncture pre and post transfer. This couple’s case was quite complex and they had one or two difficult times. It was an honour to be able to support them through the journey to that positive pregnancy test and beyond. A special couple who hold a very special place in my heart. I cannot be happier for them on the birth of their beautiful baby boy.
Shenna came to me for IVF support just as she was going in for egg collection for a second child. Although it is always advisable to prepare with me for at least 3 menstrual cycles to the lead up to IVF, sometimes people do not find me until they are about to start. And that is absolutely fine – I am always happy to meet you where you are at and support you in the best way that I can. Shenna had a successful stims cycle, egg collection and transfer, and carried to full term giving birth to a healthy baby boy.
Roxy came to me as she and her husband had been trying to conceive for a year. There was a lot of emotional stress in her life and this was definitely impacting her ability to relax. After making some drastic changes to her work and lifestyle, they then discovered that her husband had a varicocele. I referred them to andrologist Claire Mooney for a virtual consultation for their next steps. They had a sperm DNA fragmentation test and an embolism procedure which was unsuccessful, so their final option was to go for IVF, which was successful! And Roxy gave birth to a baby boy.
Claire approached me to prepare for a frozen embryo transfer after her fresh cycle had failed. She really wanted to have acupuncture because she had read a lot of information backed by research which suggests that acupuncture is beneficial to support you through IVF. However, she was petrified of the needles! She tried one session and it just wasn’t relaxing or enjoyable for her. She was anxious and clammy. This wasn’t going to be conducive to our goals, in fact it was quite the opposite! Thankfully I am also a qualified reflexologist and was able to offer her soothing and relaxing reflexology sessions instead of needles. She had a successful transfer and is now enjoying pregnancy.
Get the support you need
Are you experiencing infertility? Have you had multiple IVF failures? No explanation for fertility problems? Feel stuck and alone? Looking for a safe person to walk with you on your journey? Please get in touch.
Thinking about starting or growing your family? Learn how reflexology and acupuncture could support you. Book a Consultation.
Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, PR4 