Alternative therapies

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Hypnotherapy

Sharon Citron, 45, from London, thought she'd never have a family. 'Doctors told me I couldn't get pregnant naturally, as I only have one ovary and one Fallopian tube. They also said that, as I'm so petite, the technique they use to extract eggs for IVF treatment might not work. In the end they suggested a practice run. I took a hypnotherapist along to help me cope and later had three more sessions with her. Three months later, I was pregnant - without IVF treatment. I believe that if it hadn't been for hypnotherapy, I wouldn't have Leonie.'

Clinical hypnotherapist Tina Taylor says it's about clearing people's mental barriers. 'People have mental blockages stemming from factors such as past traumas and failed IVF attempts. I remove those blockages and instil positive beliefs about their ability to conceive and be a good parent.'

One recent study found that, when used alongside IVF, the chances of conceiving increased from 20 per cent to 42 to 55 per cent. Such therapies, however, don't work for everyone. Lisa Shaw, 36, from London and mum to Sam, 5, is desperate for more children and, as well as IVF, has tried various treatments, including hypnotherapy. 'They were relaxing and it felt good to be pampered, but they didn't make me pregnant,' she says.

Reflexology

For Claire Cremona, 30, from Devon, it was reflexology (a special type of foot massage) which, she believes, did the trick. Endometriosis and other complications made conceiving difficult and after three years without success she decided, while waiting for IVF treatment, to try the natural approach.

'I was sceptical but willing to give anything a go. The reflexology treatments were painful at first, but by the seventh week the pain had gone and by week eight I was pregnant. I couldn't believe it,' says Claire, who's now 37 weeks pregnant.

According to reflexology practitioner Jane Holt, the treatment works to re-balance the body. 'By massaging specific areas on the feet you can help to regulate your menstrual cycle, improve ovulation and promote relaxation,' she says.

Read on: Alternative therapies continued