Fertility Support.

Kate is the co-founder of The Norwich Natural Fertility Partnership.  A programme bringing together Norwich’s most experienced fertility practitioners in the field of complementary medicine. She sees patients through this partnership and also independently using acupuncture.

TTC Naturally:

Kate works with each woman on a slightly different timetable depending on their natural menstrual cycle and underlying health conditions. For example, a woman with PCOS might visit the clinic more often in the first part of her cycle compared to others. There really is no ‘standard’ fertility package, as the key to getting the best out of each woman is to work with her natural rhythm rather than enforce a 28 day cycle upon her. Common worries such as age, ‘high FSH’ or ‘low AMH’ can – and have all lead to happy healthy pregnancies – given the right conditions!  As a rough guide expect to have acupuncture every 2-3 weeks.

Acupuncture has a long history of being used for gynecological complaints and pain relief. If you are struggling with endometriosis or adenomyosis related pain you have probably been recommended to try acupuncture at some point alongside your exisiting pain management plan. Ususally Kate advises 3 appointments at 7-14 day intervals before reducing to either fortnightly or monthly appointments.

IVF / ICSI / IUI support:

The groundwork for all assisted reproductive techniques (ART) begins as soon as possible. Kate recommends you get booked in for a couple of sessions 3-6 months prior any medication. You then have some time before IVF to implement any lifestyle changes you are asked to make. Kate then asks to see you again as your down regulation starts usually every two weeks, through the ‘stims’ and sometimes after egg collection and embryo transfer. IVF is a huge deal for each couple. It’s possibly the most important, stressful and expensive thing you’ve ever done together – and it’s worth taking a little bit of time and care over your physical and emotional health in preparation. According to a review of acupuncture alongside IVF, after four acupuncture appointments the success rate of IVF increases. Therefore Kate recommends you aim for a minimum of four appointments in the 6-8 weeks before egg collection. 

Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Kate safely works with women through all stages of pregnancy. 90% of fertility patients continue with acupuncture until their second trimester.  First trimester can be a very anxious time and acupuncture is super for managing this.

Aches and pains are more likely from second trimester onwards with lower back and hip pain being the most common.

You can receive acupuncture around your due date providing baby is not breech and that you have no problems your midwife is concerned about.

To find out more please contact Kate to discuss your individual needs.

Kate is an approved health care provider working in Norwich, Norfolk with many insurance companies including: Aviva, Buck and Willis Healthcare Ltd., Clinicare, C.S. Healthcare, Forester Health, HealthShield, SimplyHealth, HSF, Legal and General Healthcare, Medisure, Pinnacle PLC, Royal and Sun Alliance Healthcare and Assistance, Standard Life Healthcare, Sun Alliance Health Insurance, Westfield and WPA.