Pregnancy & Birth

Acupuncture For Pregnancy & Birth Preparation In Tillamook County

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! I am so excited to support you during this special time. The first trimester can be quite the transition with its myriad of symptoms, from fatigue to mood changes and heartburn to nausea. It can also be a time of increased stress and anxiety. Most women do not receive as much care during the first trimester while they wait to see if the pregnancy is viable. This time can be incredibly nerve-wracking if you have a history of infertility or pregnancy loss. I will provide consistency for you during this delicate time.  

During the second trimester, we will focus more on the physical changes you are experiencing, like low back or pelvic pain. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be helpful for some of the digestive and other hormonal shifts accompanying this time, like constipation and acid reflux. We will check in after milestone appointments like your 20-week anatomy scan and your glucose screening. Acupuncture can also help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce swelling during pregnancy. 

In your third trimester, we will focus on emotional balancing, sleep, and optimal positioning for the baby. Modalities like moxibustion and acupuncture can help turn breech babies and reduce the chances of back labor, which can be very uncomfortable. We will also prepare your body for labor, birth, and the postpartum period. I welcome women who are surrogates as well as women who are planning a homebirth, birth center, or hospital birth. And, I have many years of experience supporting women who are preparing for a VBAC, have experienced loss, or have a history of birth trauma. 

Some of the many conditions I can help with: 

The treatment & my approach: 

Plan on your first visit lasting about 90 minutes. During the initial consultation, I will take the time to gather a thorough health history with an emphasis on your pregnancy needs. I will discuss the degree to which I can help. You will be informed about the number of treatments I estimate you’ll need to achieve the best results. Follow-up visits last about 60 minutes. 

After the treatment, to achieve the best results, I will give (if necessary) advice, including: 

• Diet & lifestyle recommendations 
• Exercise & self-care suggestions (qigong, breathing, stretching, etc.)
• Referrals if needed 

I adjust and follow up on all my recommendations throughout the pregnancy and will be available between appointments to answer any questions. 

The recommended frequency of treatments during the first trimester is once a week for optimal results. The recommended frequency of treatments for the second trimester is evaluated for each individual. Some patients will continue with weekly treatments while others may be seen 1- 2x/month. Studies show that women who receive regular acupuncture during the third trimester typically have shorter and more productive labor. Specific sessions are also available for breech babies & birth preparation. 

Acupuncture for birth preparation and labor: 

Birth Preparation: 

A few months before your baby is estimated to arrive, we will start incorporating some birth preparation points into your acupuncture sessions. I welcome new patients during this time, or this could continue the work we’re already doing together. 

The goal is to start preparing your body for a shorter, more peaceful, and less painful labor with acupuncture! It’s a way to help your body and your baby be in better shape for birth (and the many benefits of acupuncture treatments have been proven by multiple studies). You can rest assured that you’ll be served by a skilled acupuncturist who knows the field and is dedicated to helping as many people as possible experience a beautiful birth. 

Natural Promotion of Labor 

I offer pre-labor acupuncture treatments that are designed to prepare your body for a smooth and supported birth experience. These gentle sessions promote cervical ripening, encourage optimal fetal positioning, and reduce physical tension to facilitate a more efficient and comfortable labor process. I combine traditional techniques with evidence-based approaches to help activate your body’s natural birthing mechanisms. Additionally, I provide personalized acupressure education for expecting mothers and their support team with practical, hands-on techniques that can be applied during labor to ease discomfort, enhance contractions, and support the natural progression of birth. 

Some of the many ways acupuncture can help: 

The treatment & my approach: 

Pre-Birth treatment:  
​Pre-birth acupuncture involves a series of 6-8 treatments weekly from 32 or 34 weeks to prepare you for labor. Acupuncture points are selected according to your constitution and pregnancy history. Pre-birth acupuncture may include points used to ripen the cervix, position the baby in the best presentation for labor, and promote optimal energy and stamina for birth.  

Preparation for a medical induction: 
There are a variety of reasons why you may be advised to have your labor induced. The goal of this treatment is to support cervical ripening and shorten the time interval between your baby’s expected due date and the actual time of delivery. 

Treatments vary and may begin every other day after your baby’s estimated due date. If a medical induction is planned, it can be beneficial to start treatments at least 2-3 days before the induction, followed by self-administered acupressure. Sometimes, you may receive acupuncture daily before a planned medical induction. 

Acupressure For Pregnancy & Birth Support 

I will demonstrate acupressure techniques that you or a support person can apply daily to specific points on your body.  

The acupressure is beneficial for: 

• Birth Preparation
• Labor Support
• Natural Pain Relief
• Preparation for a Medical Induction
• Premature Rupture of Membranes 

Resources: 
Acupressure for Pain Relief in Labor Handout
Birth Preparation using Acupressure Handout
Using Acupressure on Yourself for Pain Relief During Labor Handout
Acupressure for Natural Pain Relief in Labor Tablet and Phone App or DVD 
Online Course 

Research: 
Acupuncture or Acupressure for pain management in labor 
Impact of acupressure on onset of labor & labor duration