natural childbirth

The journey from pregnancy into motherhood is both miraculous and daunting.  As the fetus develops and becomes a baby, remarkable demands are placed upon your body as you become host to another life. As you physically carry that responsibility, your health and well being are challenged in many ways.

If you don’t want to use drugs, what can you do?
Pregnancy requires your body to work overtime to meet the needs of the growing life within you.  Acupuncture is well suited to help you meet the everyday challenges of digestion, constipation and colds.  It can also be helpful with pregnancy related nausea, respiratory and urinary infections, pelvic, low back, upper back and neck pain, leg cramps and carpal tunnel syndrome.

How can I increase my chances for having a natural childbirth?
In the weeks before childbirth, acupuncture can be used to prepare your body for labor. Studies have shown that women who receive acupuncture weekly in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy have more comfortable labors with fewer medical interventions (pitocin, epidural injections and cesarean sections.)   Additionally, when needed, acupuncture can be used to turn the baby (with posterior or breach presentations) and induce labor.

Acupressure is an excellent way to manage pain and discomfort during labor.  Your birthing partner or labor support person can be trained to use specialized acupressure points to help manage pain during labor. These acupressure techniques are easy to learn and are remarkably helpful in the labor process. Bring your partner to your acupuncture treatment so they can learn the acupressure points for labor support.

After the baby is born, new mothers are often challenged. Classically, the Chinese have viewed the first month as Zuo Yuezi or “sitting the month.” In this important time the mom is supported, nurtured and sheltered to help both the new mom and baby develop and bond.

Can acupuncture help new mothers?  Yes! Acupuncture can help you with lactation problems,  post-partum depression and the many physical issues that visit the new mother’s body.

Five Element Acupuncture supports the health of the mind, body and heart to come into balance in pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood and at any time in your life. Call us at 973.509.8464 • 212.529.1901 or book on line to schedule an appointment.