We had started trying to conceive our first baby in February 2003. I charted my basal body temperature and there seemed to be no obvious health problems, month after month my pregnancy test was negative. Realizing that we might have a problem, we started the western infertility route with my Ob/Gyn by having all blood labs checked in January 2004. All values came back within normal limits, so my Ob/Gyn advised me to start seeing an RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) for more aggressive treatments. I was bothered by the fact that so many things seemed to be “unexplained” “no problem" - my short luteal phase (9-11 days), my short and light period, my progesterone just barely being over the lower threshold... I felt like all I needed was a little nudge in the right direction, not chemical bombs or a full-blown IVF.

Finally, in May 2004, somebody told me about acupuncture and that it can help with infertility problems. I looked up www.acufinder.com and luckily found a TCM practitioner specializing in infertility in my area - Dr. Diane Cridennda. I have to say that I was quite skeptical at first, but the very first appointment, which included a long interview, already laid a lot of my doubts to rest. Finally somebody was interested in what I had to say about my own health, not just about obvious fertility-related issues, but others like digestion, emotions etc. She continued to impress me by telling me things that I hadn't told her, like my kidney issues or my bad night vision.

During the next weeks, I learned more about the philosophy of TCM by reading a book Diane had recommended to me - "The Infertility Cure" by Randine Lewis. Diane was always happy to answer any questions I might have and discuss ideas. She continued to adapt my herb combination. In my third month, she used electro-acupuncture just before I ovulated. That was the month I conceived, just as she had predicted. (She had told me that if there are no additional problems, she expects her patients to conceive after 3-6 months of treatment). I am now well in my 4th month and continue my acupuncture treatments. I am convinced it is the reason I had virtually no morning sickness. I now hope she will be willing to help me with labor pains as well.

I am deeply grateful to Diane, for being such a compassionate, caring person and for being a great listener. I look forward to sharing a large bottle of champagne with her, once the baby is born! She told me that it feels like a boy, so we will see if she is right again :-)."