Pregnancy
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Pregnancy

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...

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...

19 Nov

Posted at 02:31h in Acupuncture, Group acupuncture, Postpartum, Pregnancy

Since launching group acupuncture for pregnancy and postpartum, this is the most common question I have been asked.  The answer is yes!  I want you to get the postpartum care your body needs and if that means getting acupuncture with babe in tow, we will make it work!  You just made a human, that is no small feat!  You need, and deserve, to be nourished. Curious how you would manage acupuncture needles and a baby?  I use tiny needles on stickers on your arms so they are still free to tend to baby.  These needles don’t protrude at all and won’t hurt your baby or bother you when you move around.  Any other needles on your head or legs can be quickly removed if baby goes from zero to 60 and you need to get up. So, if your baby is a pre-crawler that is non-verbal, sleeping or otherwise mellow, feel free to bring him or her along. Here are a few suggestions to make bringing baby a little easier: -Fill out your intake paperwork ahead of time if this is your first visit.  We don’t want to waste baby’s nap with paperwork when you could be getting a treatment! -If you have a comfortable carrier, put baby on and head for a short walk around the block before coming in for your treatment.  Hopefully, baby will fall asleep on you and you can enhance your acupuncture with that sweet relaxation of a sleeping baby...