When preparing for the arrival of a baby, I find it useful when mothers explore different approaches that can help during the prenatal or postnatal period. Acupuncture, for example.
Acupuncture is a safe preventative technique, part of traditional Chinese medicine. The acupuncturist uses thin needles and heat (moxibustion) on a specific meridian circuit system (electrical energy circuits) to provide an anti-inflammatory and calming effect for pain. In the case of women who are pregnant or giving birth, special points need to be avoided or stimulated, depending on the desired result. This means that you need to consult qualified acupuncturists for this type of clientele.
According to research about the effectiveness of acupuncture during labour and childbirth, it seems that women have noted a calming effect after treatments, feeling more relaxed and a greater feeling of control.
During pregnancy, acupuncture can reduce nausea, anxiety, digestive problems such as reflux, and help with bowel movements. Later in a pregnancy, this technique can soothe symptoms associated with carpal tunnel, which can develop due to swelling and liquid retention. At the end of a pregnancy, it can ease the mother’s back pain, help the baby position itself properly in the pelvis, slow or stop contractions during early labour by relaxing the uterine muscle.
During labour and childbirth, acupuncture can either stimulate or slow contractions (based on the case), contribute to the dilation of the cervix and help soften the perinea to facilitate the baby’s delivery.
Even during the postnatal period, this therapy can be effective, especially for reducing bleeding.
According to research about the effectiveness of acupuncture during labour and childbirth, it seems that women have noted a calming effect after treatments, feeling more relaxed and a greater feeling of control. Additionally, they required fewer pharmaceutical products (medication) to soothe pain. Because of this, during prenatal classes, I suggest this alternative for both your pregnancy and after giving birth.
Voila! Now it’s up to you…
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Related videos:
- Acupuncture and Pregnancy
- Natural and Alternative Methods to Soothe Pain
- Naturopathy, Pregnancy and Baby
- Childbirth in a Birthing Home
- The Bonapace Method
- Massages for Pregnant Women
Talk soon,
Marie
The Baby Expert
Please share your experiences in the comment section.
