Pregnant after 40

by Karen
(Bermuda)

I feel lucky to have met Amelia Hirota. It was a chance meeting. I was in my native RI for a family visit when I opened the phone book to look up acupuncturists in the area. I had been seeing an acupuncturist near my home in Bermuda for fertility but thought I should have a treatment while in RI to support the IUI I had had just days before. As soon as I reached Amelia on the phone I knew I was talking to “the real deal.” She gave me an appointment the next day and supported me through the luteal phase of that IUI cycle for the remaining time I was in RI. The IUI was unsuccessful.

Not living in the area, I was thrilled to learn that Amelia had a coaching program that I could access from my home in Bermuda. I was ripe for learning about how acupuncture and herbs might help me get pregnant. I was ready to do the work of learning and Amelia was patient and generous enough to support me on my path towards having a second child.

After a quick and successful try at pregnancy with my first child I was a bit puzzled about having to deal with infertility. Sure, I was 40 but I got pregnant with ease at 37 and then again at 39. I figured I beat the clock, that I was one of the lucky ones. After the second pregnancy ended in miscarriage, I realized I may not have escaped father time.

My husband and I continued to try for several months but then decided to make an appointment with an endocrinologist. He recommended IVF and because of my age wanted to do it immediately. It was that same week I met Amelia who helped me believe that I could conceive naturally. She was so passionate about her work and so knowledgeable. I wanted to impart even a small bit of her knowledge. I was intrigued with the intricacies of fertility. I decided not to think much about my age and to dedicate myself, with the help of Amelia, to natural fertility.

Over the course of the next several months, I went to weekly acupuncture appointments in Bermuda. Amelia meticulously reviewed my monthly cycle charts online and communicated regularly with my acupuncturist in Bermuda providing her with support to treat me in the best possible way. Amelia prescribed and shipped herbs to me regularly, always tailoring them to the trends of my cycle. Amelia became a lifeline to me and I strongly believe that I would have gone the route of IVF if it had not been for her support and guidance.

I’m happy to report, however, that 9 months after I began working with Amelia I became pregnant naturally. I am currently 22 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby boy. My husband and I are entirely grateful to Amelia for her dedication to our case. Even when we felt discouraged, Amelia remained positive and hopeful. Amelia is a true professional and friend. We can’t thank her enough!