Pregnancy is a very unique and special time in your life. I support expanding families through all stages of pregnancy.
In particular, I am passionate about helping women navigate the experience of birth and the postpartum period. Ongoing treatments during this time are an opportunity to explore your feelings around birth. I will work with you to clarify what is important to you during labour and understand what to expect during childbirth and in the postnatal period.
Chinese medicine has an extensive history of use throughout the duration of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Some things women seek help with during pregnancy include: nausea, back pain, constipation, fatigue, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, breech presentation, and induction. Pregnancy treatments are aimed at facilitating relaxation and preparing the body for birth, as well as addressing any other symptoms you might have.
How often should I come for treatment during pregnancy?
Every woman is different and I always make an individualised plan with you based on your situation. Typically I see women weekly throughout the first trimester; monthly until 34-36 weeks, and then weekly to prepare the body and mind for labour. If any symptoms come up that you are concerned about, I encourage you to get in contact for extra support.
What if I’m already at the end of the pregnancy, can I still come for acupuncture?
It’s perfectly fine to seek care at any point in your pregnancy!
What about after the birth? Is it important to continue care afterwards?
Yes! I wish I could say this to every new mum and family. Traditionally in Chinese culture, the 40 days after your birth are known as the Golden Month. New mothers are supported to rest and given nourishing food in order to recover and connect with their new baby. It is considered to be a significant opportunity to repair the body to promote vitality for years to come, as well as placing you in optimum health for breastfeeding and any future pregnancies. The benefits of resting at this time and nurturing yourself and your little family flow on to your parenting and community as a whole.
I love to talk with you after your birth and hear about your experience. Herbs and/or acupuncture can be used to help restore blood flow and energy and address anything else that might have come up for you. Some things women seek help with postnatally include ~
- Hemorrhoids
- Lactation
- Depression and anxiety
- Prolapse (bladder, rectocele, vaginal)
- Pelvic pain
Mother Warming
Traditionally, about 10 days after the birth new mums receive a treatment called a ‘Mother Warming’. Moxibustion is used to add some warmth to the womb and surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments to aid healing and recovery. This is combined with some gentle acupuncture. For cesarean birth, this treatment is best received about 2 weeks postpartum and we can use some additional techniques to help the scars heal.
These books are wonderfully written and very informative (they also make a great gift to friends and family who are pregnant!) ~
- ‘Golden Month: Caring for the World’s Mothers After Childbirth’, by Jenny Allison.
- ‘The First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother’, by Heng Ou.
Please get in contact if you would like to discuss how I can support your pregnancy.
I pay my respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their vital role in custodianship of land, skies, waterways, plants and animals. I honour the deep relationship between traditional health practices and care for country.
I support their sovereignty and recognise that it was never ceded.
Emma Brinkmann Chinese Medicine is committed to social justice for all.
I aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of ability, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation or faith.
