Tips from my Acupuncturist
For the last month, I have been seeing an acupuncturist. I pushed back on this for a long time, not out of disbelieve, but because of the cost. However, we have decided that at this time we will put everything we have into every possibility for the best chance at a healthy pregnancy.
In addition to the needles and relaxing, my acupuncturist has recommended a few things that I can do on my own, and I wanted to share them with all of you here!
I often see questions about supplements or references to “It Starts with the Egg”, but I believe that each person’s diet and needs are different, so this is what is recommended for me but not necessarily for everyone.
For some context, I am a vegetarian with a healthy diet (lots of veggies, but a big stomach for carbs as well). Some other aspects we discussed are that I go to the bathroom a lot (even though I drink a lot of water, I am possibly not absorbing enough), my temperature runs hot, and I get terrible menstrual cramps likely due to my endometriosis.
Omega-3 from Algae - Omega 3 is crucial in life, not just fertility! But while most people get this from fish, vegetarians need to find other sources. This supplement is vegetarian, I also try to include Flax Seed in my cooking.
Hydration: 1/4 tsp of himalayan sea salt in 30 oz of water + lemon; twice daily
Castor Oil packs: Just apply a thick layer of cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil to your lower abdomen (between your belly button and your pubic symphysis). Lay an old hand towel or washcloth over your belly, and then lay a heating pad on top of that. You should be laying down while doing this, and of course feel free to read or watch TV while the pack is on! Leave on for 45-60 minutes, by which point all the castor oil should be absorbed. Castor oil can stain so it’s best to do these packs while you’re wearing pajamas or something similar. This is a very nice nighttime ritual, especially during your period! (Only use after your period is over and before you ovulate. For most women this will be roughly CD5/6 – CD14 - not during Luteal Phase) https://fertilegroundmn.com/castor-oil-packs-why-how/
Prenatal Vitamin with Folate (not folic acid): I like Ritual because they are vegetarian capsules!
B-12 Spray: Some studies have linked low levels of vitamin B12 with female infertility. Plus, a 2015 study found that having higher levels of B12 and folate may enhance fertility in women undergoing infertility treatment.
Below are some additional tips shared by my acupuncturist:
Meditation & Yoga:
Fertility Yoga: Restoring Fertility with Brandon Horn & Wendy Yu
No hot yoga!
Headspace App (or any meditation app) for daily meditation practice
Circlebloom.com Guided meditation for fertility
Daily Activities:
Soak feet in hot water 10-20 minutes daily, use as hot of water as you can handle
Always keep body warm, especially neck, head, feet and low back
Chinese Herbs:
Premium quality herbs are essential to the healing process.
Diet:
We recommend a whole foods, nutrient dense diets rich in fats, and fermented foods.
Fats: coconut oil, ghee, butter, olive oil. Remove any other vegetable oils, canola oil, safflower oil.
Always choose organic.
RAW dairy products, kefir, full fat Greek yogurt, raw cheese, raw milk when available
Fermented foods: sauerkraut, kefire, kimchee
Prepare your food, warm & cooked as much as possible
Gluten free, no refined sugar
Real Foods for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols
Sleep:
Remove all light sources and devices from your room at night. Room should be pitch black.
Acupuncture:
1-2x/week (practitioner can assess) while prepping to conceive
While pregnant: acupuncture 1x/week for first 12 weeks, bi-weekly 13-35 weeks
Resume weekly visits from week 36 to delivery!!!!
