Pregnant mamas and postpartum mamas have unique issues. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a variety of treatment options geared to your needs. I am passionate about offering high-quality, safe, healthcare and education for women before, during and after their pregnancies. Acupuncture done by a practitioner trained in a nationally certified Acupuncture program is not only a safe, but a very beneficial way to address many related health issues. The following are issues that I commonly see in my Leawood, Kansas clinic; nausea, hypermedia gravidarum, anxiety, hip and back pain, constipation, stabilizing of pregnancy, increasing rates of success in IVF treatments, depression, migraines/headaches, swelling, insomnia, carpal tunnel, heartburn, fatigue.

Getting regular acupuncture during your pregnancy can also help balance your body and treat the uncomfortable symptoms of possible complications such as; gestational diabetes, preterm labor, breech presentation, lengthy pregnancies, placenta previa, hypertension, depression, and anxiety. I find that not only do most obstetricians approve of their patients receiving acupuncture they encourage them to do the things that can safely relieve their symptoms and allow them to be more comfortable and happy.

For those mamas who enjoy a fairly uneventful symptom-free pregnancy they can still appreciate the value of a shorter and less painful labor. The knowledge and practical wisdom of thousands of years of Chinese medicine can help tremendously during your pregnancy, delivery and post-partum experience. Acupuncture can also set up the conditions of optimum health for your growing baby, hasten your healing process to prepare your body for future pregnancies if you choose to.

Even the healthiest pregnancy is stressful on a woman’s mind, body and spirit. After all, bringing the gift of life into the world is no easy task. Other factors such as nursing, changes in family dynamics, returning to work, and sleeplessness can compound these imbalances. I love to help women and watch them create strength and balance in their bodies and in their lives.

Postpartum care 

A healthy family needs a healthy mama. Acupuncture can re-balance your body during this crucial time. Traditional Chinese medicine puts the utmost importance to this time called ‘Zuo Yuezi’ or ‘Sitting Moon’. Together we can discuss a plan to best serve you. Along with Acupuncture, specific herbal formulas and dietary suggestions will be provided.

I have successfully managed the following postpartum issues for patients; fatigue, cesarean recovery/scar therapy, anxiety, insufficient lactation, night sweats, joint pain, depression, weight loss, hair regrowth and low-libido.

When is it time to call your acupuncturist after babies? Whenever you feel ready to leave the house. Bringing your newborn to your session is perfectly fine. I’m sure other acupuncturists agree, getting to meet your new little one is one of the great joys of treating mothers.

Below is a recipe for red date tea which is beneficial during late pregnancy as well as postpartum, see the following research study. The study is using Medjool dates but Chinese red dates are traditionally used and have less sugar.

Effect of Dates in Late Pregnancy on the Duration of Labor in Nulliparous Women 

Chinese Red Date therapeutic tea for pregnancy and postpartum 

36 ounces of filtered water

One cup of red Jujube dates

A half a cup of Goji berries/wolfberries

Place ingredients in a slow cooker for three hours on low heat. Strain. You may multiply the recipe. Store concentrate in glass jars, mix with hot water, drink during pregnancy or whenever you would like water for several days after pregnancy.