Acupuncture for Pregnancy & Postpartum
Whilst pregnancy can be a wonderfully exciting time, it can also be physically and emotionally challenging - you are growing a whole person after all, it takes it out of you!
Acupuncture is one of the few treatments that's entirely safe from the first pregnancy test through to labour and beyond. As a practitioner with advanced training in obstetrics (pregnancy acupuncture), I know how to ensure treatment is both safe and effective for you and baby at every stage of your pregnancy.
Depending on how many weeks you are, we'll adapt treatment to suit you. We might have you laying on your side supported with pillows, we'll use fewer points (or needles) and we'll use a range of pregnancy safe techiques to ensure you're getting the best possible results.
Treatment postpartum is focussed on nourishing you and healing from the physical strain of labour as well as the emotional turmoil that some new parents can face. Treatment is always gentle and restorative during this time and you're welcome to bring your baby to clinic if you wish.
How can we support you?
Nausea and Sickness
Nausea can be really common during early pregnancy and there's often not a lot you can do - this is where acupuncture can be a real help as it can effectively ease feelings of nausea or sickness, allowing you to feel much more comfortable in these early weeks
Calming Stress & Anxiety
Pregnancy can be a tricky time and you may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious. Acupuncture is incredibly effective at easing anxiety and calming your nervous system, allowing you to truly relax.
Easing Pain
Hormonal changes and the extra weight of the baby can take a strain on your back and pelvis, or lead to issues like carpal tunnel for example. Whatever the nature of your pain, acupuncture can help bring relief without the need for painkillers. Proven in many studies to be equally, and often more, effective than physio or osteopathy for alleviating pelvic pain and carpal tunnel.
Turning Breech Babies
If baby is in a breech position, acupuncture is proven to be the most effective way to encourage them to turn. We use a combination of acupuncture and moxa (which is a type of herb that's burnt to create a lovely gentle heat) and this encourages baby to turn. We will give you full guidance and some moxa sticks to use at home between treatment and we find the majority of babies turn.
Preparation for Labour
Acupuncture has been shown to help soften the cervix and ready the body for childbirth. We offer regular birth preparation sessions from 36 weeks which could help reduce the length of your labour and the likelihood of intervention being necessary.
Post Dates / Overdue Treatment
Acupuncture can be used to gently but effectively encourage the onset of labour if you've gone past your due date or if you're hoping to avoid a planned induction. We use acupuncture and a gentle electro acupuncture stimulation (like a TENS machine) to help encourage labour.
Recovery & Postpartum Support
After labour, acupuncture can be used to help restore you. Giving birth is a huge undertaking and really takes a lot of energy and resources from the mother, plus we then enter a time of sleep deprivation, often poor nourishment and to top it off, breast feeding! New mums deserve a bit of looking after!
We offer treatment to help aid recovery and healing and support you with breast feeding. Acupuncture is also fabulous for emotional support if you're experiencing post natal depression, trauma from birth, or simply feeling overwhelmed with the massive change that becoming a mother is. You're always welcome to bring your baby to treatment sessions if you wish.
I cannot begin to thank you enough for everything you did to help me in IVF and pregnancy. My waters broke naturally during the night after our final session and he arrived safe and sound
Pregnancy Acupuncture Treatment Options
Choose from the options below or if you're unsure and you'd like to speak to us before booking, please book a free Discovery Call online or get in touch.
Pregnancy & Birth Preparation Support
60 mins
£65
Suitable for anyone who's pregnant at any stage - can be used for pain or emotional support during pregnancy, preparation for labour or post due date treatment.
If you'd like to know more or need help deciding if this is the right service for you, please get in touch.
Breech Presentation (Moxa) Appointment
60 mins
£75 (includes moxa to use at home)
If you're over 32 weeks pregnant and baby is in a breech position, this treatment is designed to help encourage them to turn. You'll also be shown how to carry out moxa treatment at home for the greatest benefits.
If you'd like to know more or need help deciding if this is the right service for you, please get in touch.