Pregnancy
Your pregnancy should be as smooth and care-free as possible. The different trimesters each bring their own challenges, especially for first time mums or women with prior difficulty in pregnancy.
I have more than 20 year’s experience treating pregnant women, and can offer you safe, drug-free treatment for most commonly experienced problems during pregnancy.
Morning Sickness
Acupuncture is highly effective in relieving mild to severe nausea and vomiting. Treatment frequency will vary depending on severity.
Premature Contractions
Called “restless fetus” in China, acupuncture and Chinese herbs may stop cramping and/or bleeding, and may strengthen the uterus’ ability to support pregnancy.
Low platelets
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs, safe for pregnancy, may help restore platelet levels to a more normal range, decreasing the likelihood of interventions causing an unnatural delivery.
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)
Acupuncture treatments may help keep your blood pressure down and decrease the chance of further complications.
Breach & Posterior Presentation
Between 34-37 weeks, research has shown acupuncture to be very effective in turning a breech or posterior baby. Treatments are recommended beginning week 34.
Safe during Pregnancy
For women who want to avoid taking pharmaceutical drugs, acupuncture is a safe, effective way to treat common ailments such as colds, flu, tendonitis, allergies, fatigue, migraines and backache during pregnancy.
Labour
Labour Preparation
Recent studies in Europe conclude that Acupuncture can significantly reduce the duration of first stage labour. In an Austrian study, the average first stage labour was 196 minutes for women receiving acupuncture compared with 321 minutes for those who did not. Acupuncture is also effective for regulating and strengthening contractions in stalled labours, in instances of prolonged ruptured membranes and for reducing stress hormones known to inhibit labour progression.
It is recommended that pregnant women receive weekly Acupuncture treatments beginning no later than week 36 to help shorten labour, increase relaxation and facilitate a smoother birth.
Acupuncture “Induction”
In cases where you are overdue, Acupuncture may be highly effective at getting your labour started.
Stalled Labour
Sometimes labour can slow down or stop. Other times your “water” may break and contractions still do not start. Acupuncture can help get labour going again, regulating and strengthening contractions.
Studies have found that those receiving acupuncture had significantly less need for synthetic oxytocin (pitocin) during first stage labour (15%) compared to 85% for those not receiving acupuncture.
Anxiety & Stress
Stress hormones are known to slow the progression of labour. Acupuncture is a wonderful way to raise your natural oxytocin levels, relieve stress and anxiety before and during labour.
Post-partum
The post-partum period is a critical time for rebuilding your strength. In China, the post-partum period is four months and women do not work during this time. In our culture, the need for rest and recuperation post-partum is not greatly emphasized, but no less necessary. Please allow time to nurture yourself while you are nurturing your baby. We recommend 42 days as that is the time it takes your uterus to shrink back to its normal size and 6 weeks is about how long it takes normal breast feeding to become well established for first time mums.
Post-Natal Depression
Lack of sleep, exhaustion and the responsibility of a newborn may all contribute to feelings that range
from “the blues” to more profound depression. Acupuncture and herbs may elevate mood, make you calmer, more relaxed and help your emotional balance.
Placenta as Medicine
The human placenta may be used as an extremely effective preventative for postpartum depression. It is also widely used in China for rehabilitation from long-standing illness as a “superfood”, replacing vital nutrients and hormones. Ask Laura for more info and advice if you are interested in using your placenta to help in your postpartum recovery.
Insomnia
New parents are often sleep-deprived because of the frequent feedings and sometimes are unable to fall back asleep. Acupuncture relaxes you and may help regulate your sleep cycle.
Constipation
This is commonly experienced after giving birth. Acupuncture helps regulate bowel function to alleviate this condition; and works well during pregnancy too!
Lactation Difficulties
According to Chinese medicine, low or no milk flow can occur because of a blockage of energy or because of exhaustion and blood loss. Research in China has shown acupuncture to have a 90% success rate in
increasing milk supply. Acupuncture can also help in cases of clogged ducts and mastitis.