Our Journey to Conceive

After a stillbirth at 36 weeks of pregnancy (conceived by IUI) and 6 attempted IUI/IVF cycles, my husband and I were feeling hopeless.  I was 39 years old and my fertility specialist told me that he had done all he could do to help us get pregnant.  My ovaries were just not responding well to the medications.  So, that summer my husband and I decided to take a break from treatment.  My body was worn down and emotionally I was a wreck.  We agreed that we would focus on getting me healthier. 

I decided to begin yoga to help me with my stress management and to try to get my body into better shape.  I also had heard about using acupuncture for infertility.  I did some research on-line and that is when I discovered Dr. Zhou.  I made an appointment that changed our lives.

When I met with Dr. Zhou she was very comforting and gave me hope that there was still a possibility that we could get pregnant.  We discussed trying only acupuncture for a while and if that was not working alone, then I might want to consider adding back in some traditional fertility treatment.  She gave me specific instructions about changing some things in my diet such as no caffeine, no cold liquids, no alcohol and eating organic foods.  She also gave me a tea to drink every morning and every night.  I also began seeing her for acupuncture treatments once a week and charting my body basal temperature every morning. 

After 3 months of sticking to everything in the plan, I went in for one of my weekly appointments.  After looking at my body basal temperature chart Dr. Zhou looked at me and said, “I think you are pregnant.  Go home and take a pregnancy test.”  I did not believe her.  I did not feel pregnant, but I did as she said and the test was positive.  We were so excited.  Unfortunately that pregnancy ended in miscarriage.  Although we were devastated again, we were now hopeful that we could get pregnant without using traditional fertility medications and this seemed to be what was working best for my body.

We continued on with the plan and after another 3 months we were pregnant again.  What we had not been able to do in 2 years with fertility medications, we had now been able to do twice in 6 months with Dr. Zhou and her treatment plan.  We were so overjoyed and hopeful that this pregnancy would be a positive one. 

Well, that was about 9 months ago and on September 28 we delivered a healthy beautiful baby girl.  She is already the love of our lives and we are so grateful to have her. 

We are so eternally thankful to Dr. Zhou that we cannot put it in to words.  She helped us when we felt like we were at the end of the road.  Acupuncture and a few lifestyle changes helped us to get to where we are today….the proud parents of our precious little girl. 

Thanks,

Robin and Clay