Pregnancy
The use of Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular in pregnancy from turning a Breech baby with Moxabustion (a heated herb), treating the side effects of pregnancy such as morning sickness and using Acupressure during labour. Historically there are records of these treatments as far back as the Ming dynasty in China in the 14th century.
There are benefits of an appointment with a Midwife Acupuncturist, my knowledge and experience gained as a Midwifery Sister will lead to a more specific and enhanced treatment. I am also able to detect if there is any change from the norm, with the symptoms you have, thus ensuring a prompt referral to the Maternity unit. For example did you know that indigestion or headaches could indicate pre-eclampsia. I also keep up to date with current Midwifery practise and will understand the care you are having.
Pregnancy Problems
There are many ‘minor ailments’ of pregnancy such as sickness, headaches, sciatica and joint problems, but to anyone suffering from them they are not at all minor. The advantage of using Acupuncture is that it treats the problem safely and effectively, as in pregnancy you are often unable to take any of the usual medications. This can also help women with uncontrolled symptoms of hay fever or migraines.
Childbirth
Pre- labour treatments are recommended to prepare the body and energy for birth. The points used help position the baby, open the pelvis and cervix for labour. It has showed that the duration of labour in a group of 70 women was reduced from 8hours, 2 minutes to 6hours, 36 minutes. I would recommend having 2 treatments from 36 weeks onwards. During the pre-labour treatment you will be shown Acupressure treatments to use in labour for pain relief.
Breech Baby
By 34 weeks of pregnancy the baby should be in a head down position, and by 36 weeks the head should descend into the pelvis or engage. If the baby is in a Breech presentation at this stage there is a high success rate in turning the baby with moxabustion, a lit moxa stick, used to apply a warming sensation to a specific point. It will take one appointment to show you where and how to use the Moxa sticks, you will then be given a supply to use yourself at home for the next 10 days. This causes the baby to move around and increase its larger movements during the Moxabustion and for a period after, this seems strongest from day four to six and again from day ten to eleven. The Chinese report a success rate of 80% using this method.
Post Natal Period
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is considered that a mother and baby need to be built up and supported for the next 30 days. It is also very important that any issues arising from the birth are treated before it causes later problems, breast feeding problems, scar healing delay after a caesarian or prolonged bleeding. A lovely treatment to have is a needle free warm moxa treatment before the 30 day period is over.