Now That Your Pregnant, Acupuncture Can Continue to Help
Congratulations on your pregnancy! You may have already experienced the enormous benefits acupuncture can offer in helping a couple trying to conceive, with or without Western reproductive therapy, or perhaps your pregnancy occurred without intervention or difficulty. Either way, I'd like to introduce you to our Women's Health Department at the Berkley Center. As the Clinic Director, I work with women who are in various stages of their pregnancies and lives. Acupuncture can play an important role throughout the rest of your pregnancy and beyond. Here's how:
First of all, Pregnancy is not a disease, and therefore does not warrant treatment in and of itself. However, just as acupuncture works at its best in a non-pregnant individual when done over a period of time and before illness ensues, pregnant women can receive the same preventative-health benefits during pregnancy and before labor and delivery. As certain discomforts arise, acupuncture can offer natural relief, in addition to deep relaxation. It is also completely safe for a growing baby and may prevent certain medical interventions as the due-date approaches.
During the 1st Trimester
An array of uncomfortable symptoms can ensue such as nausea, vomiting, appetite changes, fatigue, headaches, and constipation. Acupuncture and/or herbal medicine can help reduce these symptoms in a safe and natural way. Oftentimes, even prescription medications to help with morning sickness do not alleviate the symptoms entirely. In this case, Chinese Medicine can work safely with the prescription to make you more comfortable. For women who have a history of repeated miscarriage or are high-risk for miscarriage (such as advanced maternal age or and IVF pregnancy), acupuncture and herbs can be a powerful tool in strengthening a woman's body to prevent pregnancy loss.
During the 2nd & 3rd Trimesters
Many women experience some level of pelvic girdle or low back pain during pregnancy, a symptom that is often greatly alleviated by acupuncture. Several studies have also shown this to be the case, and effective points often used are located on the ear - far away from the local area. Ankle swelling, constipation, insomnia, and mood changes are other events that can happen later in a woman's pregnancy. While such discomforts are often idled as simply 'par for the course' among pregnant women, expected to alleviate only after the birth of the baby, acupuncture can offer natural relief now.
Perhaps you are blessed with very few discomforts during your pregnancy, acupuncture can still play a critical role in preparation for labor and delivery. A woman's body knows what to do when it comes to labor, but sometimes it needs a gentle nudge in the right direction - especially with the high push for medical inductions merely one week post-due date. I typically work with women after week 37, seeing them one-two times a week to help address any circumstances that may arise; such as rotating a breech-positioned fetus through acupuncture. Additionally, acupuncture helps relax the pelvic floor muscles to promote cervical dilation, provide natural induction, regulate contractions, and even assist in pain relief during active labor. Unlike medical inductions, which often result in a cascade of further interventions, acupuncture works with your body in a way that it can safely and effectively handle.
During Labor and Delivery
I am also a trained Labor Doula and often accompany women to their births as an emotional, physical, and (when desired) acupuncture support person. Acupuncture during labor and delivery is not for everyone. It will never take the place of the pain-relief an epidural can provide, but it can offer natural support in women who desire it. Regardless of the birth-plan a woman is hoping for, acupuncture during pregnancy and prior to labor and delivery is helpful for anyone. Whether birth happens with epidural, non-medicated or with C-Section, it will be a tremendous expenditure of energy and the more nourished and prepared a woman's body is for this, the better the outcome will be.
Post Partum
Regardless of the nature of your birth experience, Chinese Medicine offers an abundance of safe ways to help you recuperate. In the excitement of new parenthood, it is easy to forget about the importance of personal needs and rest. Failure to adequately replenish energy and nutrients after something like childbirth (whether natural or surgical) can lead to certain symptoms down the road; ie Post-Partum Depression, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Menstrual Discomfort, Dizziness, Insomnia, Pelvic or Low Back Pain. If necessary, I am able to work with new moms from a distance, offering nourishing recipes and herbal formulas that are also safe when breast-feeding. Once time and energy allow, new moms can come in with (or without) their little ones for acupuncture treatment. I'll even incorporate acupressure techniques, when applicable, for the parents to use on the newborn and effectively help resolve colic, digestive upsets, allergies, cough, skin irritations, and more. When this isn't enough, I offer in-office pediatric consultations. The benefits to Chinese Medicine do not end, and best of all, it can help to build a healthy, natural foundation for you and your growing family.
Scheduling Your Visit
Whatever your needs during pregnancy may be, acupuncture will not only offer you rejuvenation and relaxation during this transition, but also offer effective relief for common discomforts. To set up your first appointment, simply contact Josie or Eileen at our front desk. If you are/were a fertility patient of Mike's, please declare it so we can easily transfer you to the Women's Health department, and include a special offer. The Berkley Center is a family of experienced practitioners, and we whole-heartedly welcome you to our facility.
I look forward to working with you and your growing family.
Erin Hessel, L.Ac
Clinic Director, The Berkley Center for Women's Health
Licensed Acupuncturist, Board Certified in Herbal Medicine
erinhessel@berkleycenter.com
www.berkleywomenshealth.com
