A Seattle mom & maternity photographer’s perspective

Trying to conceive can feel like a lonely, overwhelming, and all-consuming journey. As a maternity photographer here in Seattle — and a mom who’s been through it — I want to share a little bit about something that helped me through: acupuncture.

Whether you're just beginning to try, knee-deep in IVF, or navigating pregnancy after infertility, my hope is that sharing my experience will help you feel a little more supported, a little more informed, and a little less alone.

Acupuncture During TTC (Trying to Conceive): A Ritual in Surrender

I first started acupuncture when we were trying to get pregnant. After months of trying with no success, I was ready to try anything that might help. Acupuncture gave me something tangible I could do — it felt like action, like I was leaving no stone unturned before we moved on to the next step.

For me, it became almost meditative. A quiet place to calm my nervous system and embrace the waiting. Even though I didn’t get pregnant “naturally,” I truly believe acupuncture supported me emotionally and mentally during that difficult season. And it gave me something I didn’t expect — a deeply trusting relationship with my acupuncturist, Dana, who I leaned on for years to come.

Acupuncture Alongside IVF Treatment

When we transitioned to IVF, I kept going to acupuncture. It had become a safe haven. Dana would target stress points, back tension, areas for sleep and digestion, and of course, fertility-related points. As someone dealing with the intensity of IVF — hormone shots, endless appointments, emotional whiplash — acupuncture felt like a place where I could breathe.

It was one part of the larger support system I built during this time, along with therapy and a few other healing professionals. Together, they helped me stay grounded and hopeful through a process that often felt anything but. (For more, check out this blog post about my pregnancy care team).

Post-Transfer Acupuncture: Supporting Implantation

After a successful egg retrieval, we opted for a fresh embryo transfer. My body was exhausted and bloated from the IVF cycle, but we were told we had a good shot. I remember going to acupuncture immediately after that transfer — it felt like a moment of hope.

And we were lucky — the transfer worked.

Pregnancy, Breech Baby, and Moxa

Later in pregnancy, we discovered our baby was breech. Cue: trying everything. Acupuncture became a familiar part of the waiting game again — a peaceful place to feel like I was doing something, even when so much felt out of my control.

Dana used acupuncture points for turning breech babies and introduced me to moxibustion — an ancient technique using a burning herb near your feet to encourage baby to move. My husband helped with the moxa at home, which became a beautiful way for us to feel connected during that uncertain time. And TBH - I wanted him to DO something too - when my brain was spinning and my body was expanding and aching. (Spoiler: baby didn’t flip — but I still felt empowered and supported by the experience. You can read Fitz’s birth story here!)

A Second Embryo, Another Transfer, and Even More Support

Eighteen months later, we were ready to transfer our one remaining embryo. I was incredibly nervous. What if it didn’t work? What if we had to start over?

Again, acupuncture helped me manage my anxiety. Dana prepped me leading up to the transfer, and her friend Brittnie even met me on a Saturday morning post-transfer for another session — this one focused entirely on encouraging blood flow and energy to my belly. That care and intention meant everything.

That second transfer worked too — and I was overcome with relief and gratitude.

So… Does Acupuncture Work?

I can’t say for certain whether acupuncture was the thing that helped me get pregnant. But I do believe it helped me navigate the uncertainty of trying to conceive, IVF, and pregnancy. It helped me slow down, calm my nervous system, and feel like I had some agency in a process that often felt completely out of my hands.

I recommend it to anyone in this season of life — whether you're trying to conceive naturally, going through fertility treatment, or preparing for birth.

Looking for Acupuncture in Seattle During TTC or Pregnancy?

If you're in the Seattle area and considering acupuncture as part of your fertility or pregnancy journey, I’d be more than happy to share my recommendations. It’s so personal — and finding the right practitioner can make all the difference.

Feel free to reach out if you want to chat more about this — and if you’re looking for a maternity photographer who gets it, I’m here.