Well month 5 of TTC has come and has gone….ya, it pretty much sucks…but since I am still going with “Everything happens for a reason” we are going to think that it’s for the best since it would’ve been tough for my sisters wedding. So we are moving on to month 6! When I first spoke to my doctor about TTC he told me that on average it takes 6 months to conceive. I would’ve been OK with being average had it not happened so fast the first time. But it looks like this time we are aiming to be average. This month we are doing some “extra” methods to help with the process. I have decided to try acupuncture. That’s right! I am becoming a voodoo doll!
I have heard from many people in the TTC community that acupuncture is a great tool. So I found a woman who came highly recommended and decided to give it a try. I have never been an alternative medicine type of gal, but in all honesty at this point I am willing to try just about anything, and if anything it’s a great way for me to relax. I found my first appointment to very interesting! The woman was extremely calming, and in the first five minutes she was able to tell me so much about myself just by looking at my tongue. To some it may sound weird, but I have to tell ya I really believed her. We spoke about my goals, and then she asked me to stick out my tongue. When I did she cringed..lol…yup, physically she cringed. She told me that nutrients are not getting my organs, especially my spleen. She told me I have stomach trouble…TRUE! That I run cold…TRUE! That I am a worrier…TRUE! And that I over think things…TRUE! She said in Chinese medicine that they check 12 pulses…and when she did mine she said my pulse was low which meant my blood wasn’t flowing well. This is why my organs aren’t getting nutrients, and my body is running cold. She told me to think of my body as a nest, and that it needs to be as warm, and safe as possible to allow a life to be nurtured there. It kind of made sense! What I liked the most out of the consultation is that she gave me ways that I could improve all of that. Whether it’s true or not I like that I feel that I can DO something! So here’s what she said….
- Cinnamon: Add cinnamon to anything you can. It warms the body, and strengthens the stomach. So I have been adding it to my toast and peanut butter in the morning. Very yummy!
- Raspberry Leaf Tea: This is to help keep my body warm, and it supposedly strengthens and tones the uterus. Making “the nest” strong.
- Cherry Juice: This has many functions but for me it is supposed to increase blood blow.
- Red meat 2 times a week to increase blood flow and to help with low Iron
- No salad or cold veggies..think warm, warm veggies, warm soup etc.
The procedure itself was much less scary than I thought. She talked to me as she did it to keep my mind off the needles. She put 4 in my stomach, 1 on each hand between my thumb and pointer finger, 3 on each leg, and 1 on each foot and one in my left ear. I was thankful there were none on my face. That may have freaked me out. But after they were all in…she left me to relax for 45 minutes. It sounded like a long time at first, but it went quick. There was soft relaxing music playing, and it was very peaceful. I probably would’ve fallen asleep, except my body was feeling like it was floating, and it felt almost like I couldn’t move my arms or legs, so I kept twitching them to make sure I could. That may have been counter productive, but next time I will know what to expect.
So I kind of liked being a voodoo doll. I accept that there is no magical thing that will get my pregnant. The only way is the old fashioned way. But acupuncture is said to help…so I say…WHY NOT??? Bring on the needles!
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Thank you for sharing that experience! I’ve been thinking of trying acupuncture, but not knowing anyone who has been through it makes me kind of nervous.
Those are some great tips of things to add. I have a “cold” body so perhaps I’ll start trying some of those things.
I was nervous too but it’s kind of neat! I will keep you posted on how it goes! Definitely give some of that “warm” stuff a try!
That actually sounds pretty amazing, I have been meaning to ask my clinic how to get in contact with their in-house acupuncturist. Every little bit helps, and I have heard good things, your post just adds to that. Do keep us updated on all your treatments, yes?
HopefulMamaHack´s last blog ..Nothing to See Here
I will definitely keep you posted! And I agree…Every little bit helps!
You are doing so much. I will keep following the saga. Stopping by from SITS!
JDaniel4′s Mom´s last blog ..Winners of the Cozy- Soft Wear Me Blanket Giveaway
Wow, it sounds like she really went through everything with you, not just going for the procedure and that’s it. I have heard wonderful things about the Raspberry Leaf tea, I used it in my 18 month journey to conceive my 2nd. Also, have you tried Evening Primrose Oil? It is supposed to help improve the quality of your cm (sorry if I’m getting tmi!) You are supposed to use it up to ovulation & then stop. I used this as well as preseed. It gets exhausting between the temping and the teas etc etc. Good luck this cycle, I hope #6 is your lucky number!
Ashley@ Just Another Mom of 2´s last blog ..Get ready… I’m moving!
I have not tried evening primrose oil. I have been usins fertile Aid prenatals and something they call fertile CM which may actually have that in it b/c its supposed to help with that…Nothing is TMI For me! lol I also use preseed:)
Good luck! I know how hard it can be to want something that seems just beyond your grasp right now, but it sounds like you have been so positive through the process. Using your blog as an outlet is brave and wonderful.
A friend of mine has had very positive results from acupuncture for another medical situation and she highly recommends it for, you guessed it, the relaxation if nothing else!
Heidi´s last blog ..Six months
My blog is definitely my outlet. I find it very theraputic, and I figure If i can share and give just 1 person info then I feel good, and that maybe what I am going through has a purpose.
Good for you girl! I had a horrible experience with an acupuncturist once, she wasn’t friendly & then proceeded to make me bleed. Errrrr! You know I’m pulling for you! xoxo from Chilly FL! ~ Heather
Thanks Heather! I am rooting for you too! I’m sorry you had such a bad experience. Bleeding?? Ouch! And I don’t want to hear about chilly Florida! lol I live in the North East! it’s horribly cold
I love these tips! Thank you so much for sharing. The “warm” thing is completely new to me, as is the cherry juice. I’m going to have to try it out. Sounds like you got a good acupuncturist, stick with it. I think you’ll have good results!
Busted Kate´s last blog ..And "Yet THESE People Can Procreate": Superbowl Sunday Edition
Very Interesting & it really seems to make sense! Could be coincidence- but I conceived Olivia in Dec. 1) I ate Oatmeal w/ cinnamon for breakfast every day 2) Had soup almost every day for lunch (salads not so much in winter b/c I like soup for warmth) and I pay attention to my Iron b/c I tend to me anemic. Also, I have a very warm body temp. Soooo, her advice sounds pretty good to me! I’m glad you are able to relax with the Accupuncture too- I think above all that will help a lot. I hope you have a successful, blessed 6th month!! xoxo
I totally agree with you…anything that can possibly help you conceive, is worth doing! I love the idea of “warm” things! I’ve also read that drinking green tea everyday is good for the baby making process! I hope this works for you and month number 6 is your lucky month!!
Sounds very cool!! I agree what ever you can try…it cant hurt! Very interesting that she knew soo much!
Stopping by from SITS . . . will keep you in my thoughts! Acupuncture fascinates me, not sure I could do it though.
The Local Cook´s last blog ..Maple Glazed Parsnips
As a mama to three boys, I know how truly blessed I am.
I’ve found the best way to get pregnant is to stop “trying” and have fun!
Thanks for commenting Pamela! As for not “trying” it sounds great in theory, but so far that method hasnt’ worked. And when you want something sooo bad…even when you think you are aren’t trying…it turns out you really are.
hoping it all works the way you wish — I had two failed pregnancies (years ago); and have five kids now. you never know what’s in store…
How cool. I once had a friend who used acupuncture to quit smoking and it worked!
Best of luck. Stopping by from SITS.
Tina Lane´s last blog ..Jewelry Giveaway: Raid My Etsy Shop
OK, so strange. I just learned what TTC means tonight on Twitter.
My sister had problems conceiving for 6-8 months. As soon as they stopped trying, it happened! I think that sometimes stress can play a factor.
I’ve always thought trying accupuncture might be kind of neat, but it is kinda like voodoo
Stopping by from SITS… have a great weekend!
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