Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Acupuncture is a great tool to use at any time, but can be especially useful during pregnancy. Often, pregnancy is associated with a lot of different discomforts, but there are alternative therapies that can help! You don’t have to “just accept” that you will be uncomfortable for 9 months. Research has shown acupuncture to be useful in easing a lot of symptoms associated with pregnancy during every trimester and for promoting overall health, relaxation, & well-being.

First trimester:

-          Morning sickness

-          Constipation

-          Headaches

-          Fatigue

-          Anxiety & Stress

-          Hormonal Imbalance

Second trimester:

-          Back & Pelvic Pain

-          Sleep Issues

-          Constipation

-          Headaches

-          Anxiety & Stress

Third Trimester:

-          Heartburn

-          Sciatica

-          Leg Cramps

-          Swelling

-          Back & Pelvic Pain

-          Sleep Issues

-          Constipation

-          Anxiety & Stress

Fourth Trimester (Postpartum):

-        Birth After-Pains

-          Stress

-          Postpartum Anxiety

-          Postpartum Depression

-          Clogged Ducts

-          Low Milk Supply

-          Mastitis

-          Swelling

-          Constipation

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that focuses on correcting imbalances of energy in the body. There are believed to be more than 2,000 acupuncture points within the body that are connected by pathways. These pathways create an energy flow. Disruption of this energy flow (Qi) can cause disease. But by restoring the flow of Qi through acupuncture, you will also be restoring health and promoting well being.

Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people feel none to minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needles are activated through gentle specific movements of the practitioner’s hands.

How does it work?

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the body and brain to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.

How do I find an acupuncturist?

It’s important to make sure you choose an acupuncturist who is licensed and has experience with pregnancy. As always, it is also important to check with your doctor before seeking out additional therapies.

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Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Pain during pregnancy is extremely common but it is not normal. There are many complimentary birth support options available to help you have an easier pregnancy and birth experience! Chiropractic care is a great treatment option for anyone but can be especially helpful during pregnancy.

Why should I be adjusted?

Your body begins changing the moment of conception. Some of these changes involve your ligaments, back, pelvis, and posture which can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care can address these issues, help relieve the pain in these areas, and promote healing throughout your body. Routine adjustments are not just good for you, but your baby too! When you’re misaligned and your muscles/ligaments are extremely tight, your baby’s ability to move is restricted. This can sometimes lead baby into positions that are harder for birth. Routine adjustments give your baby a better shot of being in the best possible position for delivery! Optimal positions statistically lead to shorter and easier labors with less interventions. Studies have found that mothers who have had chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy have a 25% shorter labor in first pregnancies and up to 40% shorter in subsequent pregnancies!

Choosing a Provider

It is important to research any type of provider before starting treatment. Some chiropractors have additional training in prenatal and postnatal care. Finding a chiropractor who is certified by the ICPA in the Webster technique means that they have been specially trained to work with pregnant women and may use tables that adjust to fit your growing belly. You can find a list of certified practitioners in your area on: www.icpa4kids.com.

What are the benefits?

There are many potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy. Some of these include:

-          Maintaining a healthier pregnancy

-          Controlling morning sickness symptoms

-          Shorter, easier labor & delivery

-          Relieving back, neck, or joint pain

-          Preventing a potential C-Section

When can I start getting adjusted?

You can start receiving chiropractic care as soon as you’d like! There isn’t a specific time to start beginning care. Seeking care before you’re in pain is ideal. However, chiropractic care can be beneficial to anyone at any time during their pregnancy even after pain has started. Always consult your doctor if you are concerned.

Sources: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/

https://schumacherchiropractic.com/pregnancy-and-chiropractic-care

https://www.thejoint.com/chiropractic-care-and-pregnancy

So, what really is a doula?

What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional and labor support person that provides continuous emotional, mental, and physical support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period. They will be your coach, advocate, and resource. In addition, doula’s provide informational support so that you can make the most informed decisions regarding your care. The job of a doula is not to make decisions for you! It is to provide you with the information so that you can make the best decisions for yourself.

what does this look like?

During pregnancy, you will receive text/phone support from your doula. They will answer questions, provide resources and emotional/ informational support as your body is continuously changing to grow your baby. Typically, you will meet with your doula around 36 weeks for a prenatal visit to develop a birth plan, learn pain management techniques, positioning, and discuss an overview of childbirth and breastfeeding. Then, when you are in labor your doula will come to your birth to provide you with continuous support in whatever way that you may need. This may look like a lot of physical support, providing comfort measures or position suggestions to help the progression of labor. Or, it may look more like holding space and helping families feel emotionally supported. It could also be supporting the partner to be as involved as they’d like with the birth. Maybe it’s a little bit of all of those. Every birth is different, and your doula will support you no matter how or where you plan to have your baby. After your baby is born your doula will help with the establishment of breastfeeding if you are choosing to breastfeed. Then, will see you again within 2 weeks of your birth for a postpartum visit.

What are the benefits of having a birth doula?

There are many benefits of having a doula, including a significantly reduced chance of interventions during labor. Statistically, with a doula present at the birth:

• C-sections reduced by 50%

• Pain relief requests reduced by 30%

• Epidural requests reduced by 60%

• Forceps/Vacuum-assisted births reduced by 40%

• Over-all time spent in labor reduced by 25%

If you would love the benefits of having a doula, or would like to know more- schedule a free consult with me today! I would love to talk further with you as you embark on this journey.