Trying to conceive - first steps

A natural approach to your fertility health

Starting your journey to pregnancy is an exciting step, and preparing your body for conception can make a significant difference.

Whether you’re just beginning or want to ensure your fertility is at its best, acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine, along with fertility health assessments, can help optimise your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

I provide acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and fertility blood testing in Christchurch, Dorset, as well as online consultations for those further afield.

Badge labeled "Fertility Support Trained" with a pink flower design on a blue ribbon.
Logo for Acupuncture Fertility Network with a circular design and needle graphic.

How I can help

  • A couple sits on a couch looking at a laptop together in a cozy living room.

    Assessing your fertility

    Perhaps you’re wondering if you are as fertile as you could be, or maybe there’s something about your fertility that concerns you, but you’re not sure where to go for answers. An initial fertility assessment can help provide clarity, giving you a deeper understanding of your reproductive health so you can take proactive steps towards conception.

    I offer a comprehensive fertility assessment, combining conventional blood tests with a full Chinese medicine analysis to ensure we optimise your fertility health from the start.

    A fertility assessment may include:
    ✔️ Hormone testing (FSH, LH, oestrogen, progesterone)
    ✔️ Thyroid function checks (essential for reproductive health)
    ✔️ Ovulation tracking (to confirm regular cycles)
    ✔️ Male fertility markers (including referrals for sperm analysis)

    Alongside this, I assess your fertility from a Chinese medicine perspective, considering cycle health, digestion, energy levels, stress, and overall balance to create a full picture of your reproductive well-being.

  • Woman in an orange sweater relaxing on a beige couch with hands behind head, smiling in a modern living room.

    Optimising your fertility - women

    Once you’ve had an initial fertility check-up, the next step is to prepare your body for conception. Many factors influence female fertility, from hormonal balance and egg quality to stress and overall well-being.

    I work with women to:
    ✔️ Regulate menstrual cycles and promote ovulation
    ✔️ Balance hormones naturally to support conception
    ✔️ Improve egg quality and uterine lining health
    ✔️ Support implantation and early pregnancy well-being
    ✔️ Reduce stress and improve sleep, key factors in fertility

    By focusing on whole-body balance, we create the best conditions for a successful pregnancy.

  • Man eating healthy meal at a table with a cup and window in background.

    Optimising your fertility - men

    Male fertility plays an equally important role in conception, yet it’s often overlooked. Sperm health is just as crucial as egg health, and simple changes can make a big difference.

    I help men improve:
    ✔️ Sperm count (the number of sperm per sample)
    ✔️ Motility (how well sperm move)
    ✔️ Morphology (the shape and structure of sperm)
    ✔️ Overall reproductive health and hormone balance

    I also offer male fertility blood tests and referrals for sperm analysis, ensuring we address any underlying factors that may be affecting fertility.

  • Acupuncture and massage table, rolled white towel, potted plant, and shelves with towels and decor.

    Acupuncture and Herbal medicine for fertility

    Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are powerful tools for supporting natural conception. Used individually or together, they can help to:

    ✔️ Regulate menstrual cycles & promote ovulation
    ✔️ Improve egg and sperm quality for optimal fertility
    ✔️ Increase blood flow to the reproductive organs
    ✔️ Support implantation and early pregnancy health
    ✔️ Reduce stress and improve sleep

    This holistic approach helps restore balance, whether you are preparing your body for conception naturally or alongside medical fertility treatments.

What previous patients have said about my treatments

  • “Kate is a fantastic herbalist and acupuncturist, very caring, flexible, a good listener and takes her patients well-being and progress very seriously. In my case, the odds of conceiving after one round of IVF were low and I put my positive outcome and healthy pregnancy down to Kate’s sessions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was something I knew very little about before starting but I’ve really enjoyed the way it makes me feel and the benefits I have gained from it and would recommend it to anyone.”

    Helen M, Marketing Director

  • “The sessions with Kate were great and were just what I needed in the midst of a sometimes stressful fertility journey. Her calm and relaxed manner helped to make me feel supported and I’ve already seen the benefits acupuncture can have on my well being"

    Anna B

  • I was recommended to Kate from a journalist friend of mine, whilst I was trying to conceive. Kate somehow wraps acupuncture, calming healing and a bit of therapy into one session. I feel immediately at ease with Kate and she patiently listens to my woes every week before starting the session.

    Lauren Stevenson, business owner

  • If it wasn't for Kate, I am not sure I would have ever become a mother. She is amazing.

    Susan, freelancer