Acupuncture and herbal medicine offer safe treatment options during pregnancy and post-natal. I am passionate about providing high-quality health care and approachable support for women who want a healthy pregnancy. With my experience, I am your guide in prenatal acupuncture in the Portland, Oregon, area.
The acupuncture treatment and therapies recommended all fall within strict safety standards for expectant mothers and babies, whether the mom is pregnant, nursing, or beyond. Acupuncture treatment can help the body’s ability to prepare for childbirth and reduce stress during the birth preparation process, in addition to its typical benefits.
Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Functional Nutrition During Pregnancy
Acupuncture is not only safe during pregnancy but can also treat and prevent many pregnancy-related health issues. Since many pre-pregnancy medications are not safe during pregnancy, wise women seek alternatives. I gladly work with your OB-GYN or midwife to ensure your comfort and address any concerns.
The goal of acupuncture and accessing acupuncture points during pregnancy is often to increase blood flow, ease emotional conditions, and help in reducing stress. While pregnancy is a joyful process for most, it does cause stress on the body and emotions.
I carefully administer herbal medicine only if necessary; I commonly recommend dietary therapy. You receive tailored treatments customized to your needs at each session. I promise I will never recommend any program that I would not use during my pregnancy.
I treat my Portland area patients with safety and concern for both mother and baby. Being pregnant means demanding a lot of the body, and by reducing pain and promoting health for women, my goal is to help them experience less stress and trauma during labor.
Every mother deserves support, and each tailored session at my clinic ensures prenatal support is paramount. Plus, acupuncture can help from the moment you receive your positive pregnancy test.
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
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Birth preparation anxiety
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 together to ensure safety.
Even the healthiest pregnancies stress women’s bodies, and often, that stress is not only physical but also mental and emotional. As a result, the body carries imbalances from pregnancy long after the baby joins the world. Other factors include 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 discuss all issues, concerns, and fears you face.
An acupuncturist can help you prepare for a less painful birth experience. No matter what life brings — from complications during pregnancy to a known breech baby birth — my clinic will do everything we can to prepare you for your time. Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help — with fertility, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and post-partum concerns.
Getting regular prenatal 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.
Chinese Medicine and Fertility Acupuncture
In addition to pregnancy and prenatal acupuncture, I specialize in fertility acupuncture. I am happy to work in conjunction with the recommendations of fertility doctors to improve blood flow and use acupuncture to reduce stress and increase fertility and the chances of pregnancy for concerned patients.
We can also work on your general health, negative symptoms, and pain reduction to help the IVF and fertility process. Supplementing fertility treatments with massage and emotional support can help greatly — and we can do that here in Portland. Our fertility acupuncture treatments at my clinic also work in line with IVF.
Postpartum Care
The postpartum time frame, generally thought of as the first six weeks or 40 days after giving birth, is a time of great healing for your body. It is also one of life’s most challenging times, as you juggle your new role or multiple children, all while you feel exhausted.
Healthy children need a healthy mama. Postpartum 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 you have all the support you need. Traditional Chinese Medicine is helpful for many post-natal issues and symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Insufficient lactation
- Joint pain
- Cesarian recovery/scar therapy
- Night sweats
- Anxiety/depression
- Overwhelm
- General pain
- Hormonal imbalances
- Post-birth anxiety
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. You are welcome to bring the baby and to hold and even nurse your baby during sessions. Contact me to find out about specialized options by calling me at (503) 442-1205. Visit my website to find out more about what I can offer you.
From one mama to another, I am so happy to help.
