Acupuncture and herbal medicine offer safe treatment options during pregnancy. I am passionate about offering high-quality health care, and approachable support for pregnant women in the Portland area.
The therapies recommended all fall within strict safety standards, for mother and baby, whether mom is pregnant, nursing, or beyond.
Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Functional Nutrition During Pregnancy
Acupuncture is not only safe during pregnancy, but can actually treat and prevent many pregnancy-related health issues. Since many pre-pregnancy medications are not safe during pregnancy, women seek alternatives. I gladly work with your OB-Gyn or midwife to ensure your comfort, and to address any concerns.
Herbal medicine is carefully administered only if necessary, and more commonly it is dietary therapy that is recommended instead. Each treatment is tailored to your needs at each session. I never recommend any therapy that I would not use during my own pregnancies.
The following is a list of prenatal issues that I commonly treat in my downtown Portland acupuncture clinic:
- Morning Sickness
- Early Threatened Miscarriage
- Insomnia
- Anxiety/Overwhelm
- Depression
- Carpal Tunnel
- Hip and Back Pain
- Migraines/Headache
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Swelling
- Fatigue
Getting regular acupuncture during pregnancy can also help prevent or treat possible complications* such as:
- Gestational Diabetes
- Placenta Previa
- Preeclampsia
- Pre-Term Labor
- Hypertension
- Stalled Labor
- Breech Presentation
*Most of these conditions require strict monitoring by your primary care provider, and we work closely to ensure safety.
Women’s bodies are stressed by even the healthiest pregnancies, and often that stress is not only physical, but also mental and emotional. As a result, the body carries imbalances from pregnancy long after baby joins the world. Compounding this is other factors such as nursing, returning to work, sleeplessness, and changes in the family dynamic. I honor all of these issues as a part of the tapestry of motherhood. You are encouraged to talk about all issues, concerns, and fears you are facing.
Getting regular pre-natal acupuncture can help not only with physical and emotional maladies such as heartburn, hip pain, and anxiety, but can also help ease labor, and ease the transition into the post-natal time.
Postpartum Care
The postpartum time frame, generally thought of as the first 6-weeks or 40 days after giving birth, is a time of great healing for your body. It is also one of the most challenging times of life, as you juggle your new role, or juggle multiple children, all while you feel exhausted.
Healthy children need a healthy mama. This is a crucial time for you to focus on healing, and acupuncture provides a safe avenue of care for healing and nursing mothers.
Together we discuss a postpartum healing plan that ensures that you have all the support you need at the ready. Traditional Chinese Medicine is useful for so many post-natal issues including
- fatigue
- insufficient lactation
- joint pain
- cesarian recovery/scar therapy
- night sweats
- anxiety/depression
- overwhelm
I also offer specialized treatment for mothers of newborns who do not want to be away from their little bundles, or who do not have childcare for them. Patients can bring baby, and hold and/or nurse baby during sessions. Contact me, and we can discuss specialized options.