Pregnancy

The equation is simple: A healthy mother = a healthy child.

In TCM, the health of the baby begins at the moment of conception. It is then that the pre-heaven Qi (or inherited Qi) is created and passed on to the child. The quality of that Qi depends on the health of the mother & father at that moment.

Acupuncture can help ensure a healthy mother and child at every step of your pregnancy. Regular sessions before conception increase the chances of creating a strong, healthy constitution for your child. During pregnancy, acupuncture keeps both you and your baby healthy, and sets the stage for an easier birth. A combination of regular acupuncture and herbs after the birth of your child helps to replenish your Qi, so that you have all the energy you need to care for baby.

Staying Healthy During Your Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women are advised to forego medications due to the risk they pose to the developing baby. Still, ongoing health issues you have may continue, or new issues may arise, such as back pain, headache, nausea, constipation and sciatica. Acupuncture offers a holistic, drug-free way to address these concerns, while at the same time keeping your body healthy and your emotions balanced.

Breech/Posterior Presentation

Moxa (the application of a cigar-like roll of mugwort) to the point UB67, at the baby toe can turn a poorly positioned baby. I’ll show you and your partner how to perform this relaxing treatment at home. It only takes 10-20mins/day for 10days to help your baby move into the best position for delivery.

There are many clinic studies that show it’s effectiveness

Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Read more here)

The conclusion of this Italian study “Acupuncture plus moxibustion is more effective than observation in revolving fetuses in breech presentation. Such a method appears to be a valid option for women willing to experience a natural birth.”

Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy (Read more here)

A study in the clinical dept of OBGYN in this Croatian hospital concluded that “acupuncture correction of fetal malpresentation is a relatively simple, efficacious and inexpensive method associated with a lower percentage of operatively completed deliveries”

Labor Preparation

Acupuncture gets your body ready for labor, increasing your chance of a quick and efficient natural delivery and reducing the need for induction. Labor Preparation includes weekly acupuncture sessions starting at 36 weeks as well as follow-up home care recommendations (including points to press, moxibustion and ear seeds).

The acupuncture points used boost energy, aid relaxation and nourish the blood in the body, soften the ligaments and tendons prior to labour, and aid in cervical dilation

Midwives in New Zealand using prebirth acupuncture found the following:

• Shorter labor (ave 9hrs for first child instead of 12 and 5 for 2^nd instead of 7)
• A 35% reduction in epidural rate
• A 43 % reduction in induction for 1^st child (35% for 2^nd)
• A 32% reduction in caesarian sections

(Acupuncture for prebirth treatment: an observational study of its use in midwifery practice. Medical Acupuncture. 2006; 17:3)

Postpartum

After the joy of bringing home your new beautiful baby, you probably feel exhausted and overwhelmed. These normal feelings can be compounded by problems with nursing, heavy discharge, slow healing stitches or post-partum depression. Acupuncture can help relieve these issues while nurturing your body and spirit. Remember, the key to healthy happy baby is a healthy happy momma.