PDX Resource
-1
archive,category,category-pdx-resource,category-8,bridge-core-3.0.6,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-theme-ver-30.4.2,qode-theme-bridge,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-6.10.0,vc_responsive,elementor-default,elementor-kit-803

PDX Resource

17 Jan

Posted at 23:59h in PDX Resource, Postpartum

Here in Portland, OR we are on day seven of being homebound due to snow and ice. Everyone is starting to go a little crazy. In my house, our unexpected 24/7 family time is combined with the stress this storm is placing on our small businesses as well as, though I don’t love to admit it, perhaps a little PMS on my part. It’s too cold and slick to exercise outside and it’s not easy to meet friends for a drink so I have found myself reaching for any and all other stress busters I know. Here a few of my favorites for the busy stressed parent who doesn’t even have the time to go to the bathroom without interruption let alone an hour long acupuncture session or yoga class: Natural Vitality Natural Calm magnesium. This stuff is awesome. It helps to balance magnesium and calcium at the cellular level helping us feel our best. Most of us are deficient in magnesium due to soil degradation and stress can further damage the cal/mag balance. My patients have reported improvements in muscle spasm and tension, insomnia, headaches, energy, anxiety and stress with supplementation. Yogi makes a Kava Stress Relief tea that is super convenient and yummy. All you need is time to steep up a cup! Kava is an herb that is used to calm both body and mind and many people find it very relaxing. Meditation and mindfulness apps are...

17 Aug

Posted at 18:45h in Acupuncture, PDX Resource, Pregnancy

“Acupuncture is the hidden gem of pregnancy self care, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t do it.” -first time mama Acupuncture is a great way to support a healthy pregnancy. An experienced acupuncturist can help you diminish aches and pains, alleviate common pregnancy annoyances, and prepare your body for birth. Here are the answers to some common questions about prenatal acupuncture: What pregnancy related conditions can acupuncture alleviate? Nausea Constipation Heartburn Pubic pain Back pain Headaches Carpal tunnel Insomnia Anxiety Depression Sinusitis Itching Edema   What are the benefits of prenatal and postpartum acupuncture? Reduce stress Diminish pain Build trust in body Prepare for labor Optimize fetal position Speed recovery Promote healthy milk supply   When are the best times to get prenatal and postpartum acupuncture? Breech presentation: ~34 weeks or at discovery of position Labor preparation: 35 weeks Postpartum nourishment: Begin 2-4 weeks postpartum Pain: at onset Stress: anytime Wellness: anytime   Many people choose to seek out regular prenatal acupuncture for their entire pregnancy, others from 30 weeks onwards, and some just for labor preparation treatments at the end of pregnancy. An acupuncturist with expertise in pregnancy will help you design the right treatment plan for your goals. Depending on your health and stage in pregnancy, your acupuncturist may also recommend adjunctive therapies or alternatives to acupuncture.   What about induction acupuncture? Many people have heard that acupuncture can help start labor. Thus, it is not uncommon for folks to request “induction acupuncture” at their first visit 40+ weeks...

13 Jun

Posted at 05:18h in PDX Resource, Postpartum

Baby has finally arrived and it is the moment your family has been waiting for. What many new parents don’t realize is that their new babes will need to nurse somewhere between 8-18 times per day. For many folks this will feel like the majority of their day. For the nursing parent, the job is clear. If you are the non-breastfeeding parent you may be wondering what the heck to do with yourself. Fear not, you can still be incredibly helpful and supportive even if you aren’t the one with the milk. Here are are few idea: Help make your partner is comfortable. Bring pillows, a blanket, whatever can help set your partner up for a comfortable nursing session. Make sure your partner always has a glass of water while nursing. Hydration is key! This could be the time to learn to make a mean mocktail! Is your partner’s milk supply a little low? Brew them up a cup of mother’s milk tea. Traditional Medicinals and Earth Mama Angel Baby both make nice organic blends to help support milk production. Change diapers before or after feedings. Your partner can be in charge of what goes in while you are in charge of what comes out! This is a great time for bonding and teaching your new kiddo that they can count on you for life’s basic needs. Many good stories arise from early diaper changes! Take care of routine chores...

18 May

Posted at 18:58h in Acupuncture, PDX Resource, Pregnancy

Nine months (give or take) of no hangovers, no periods, no birth control concerns, a credible excuse to get out of anything you don’t want to do and the superpower of growing a human — pregnancy has its perks! As an acupuncturist specializing in pregnancy, an experienced doula and a mama of two spirited blondies here are my tips for an awesome pregnancy: Hire a doula! Doulas are incredible. Regardless of the type of birth you think you want, having a doula will be helpful in more ways than you can imagine. You will get to know your doula over several prenatal visits. They will be at your birth as well as follow up with postpartum visits. At your birth, your doula will hold space for you and your partner providing you a general sense of security with their presence. Your doula will help you cope with labor both physically and emotionally. They will also offer nonjudgmental support and information about your choices and options. Your doula is an intuitive wealth of information who is well connected to the resources in your community that will benefit you in pregnancy and postpartum. Research even confirms that having a doula present at your birth is associated with fewer interventions and better birth outcomes! If you live in Portland, check out the amazing doulas on my referrals page.  Ditch the fear. Sure, it’s natural to be afraid of the unknown and for most of...