ballarat born acuneedling — Not sure what acuneedling is or how it might be able to help you? Acupuncture by a midwife — specifically for pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum — is a safe and gentle treatment that has been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

I discovered acupuncture during my first pregnancy — it gave me some relief from the constant nausea I was experiencing and has helped me with many things since.

I’m excited to share this beautiful treatment option with the women of Ballarat and wanted to share some of the benefits that it may bring you during your pregnancy. As an Acuneedling Midwife I use a certain number of points that are considered safe during pregnancy.

Acuneedling may assist with:

Back/hip/symphysis pubis pain & sciatica
Pre-birth treatment
Labour activation (in specific circumstances)
Postnatal mother warming - using moxabustion to aid recovery and healing
Milk-let down
Early intervention of Mastitis.

Emotional concerns
Optimal positioning of baby
Breech babies (using Moxibustion & may increase success of ECV)
Nausea & vomiting
Heartburn
Constipation
Haemorrhoids/varicosities
Insomnia, itching
Thrush

One of the acuneedling services I offer and love is Pre-birth treatments.

Acuneedling can be used prior to birth to help prepare the body. It may help with cervical ripening, improving blood flow to the pelvis and provide the emotional benefits of relaxation and calm.

Midwives in Wellington, New Zealand have been using pre-birth acupuncture treatments since 1997 and have observed that women receiving pre-birth acupuncture consistently experienced efficient labors, reporting a reduction in the length of labor and medical intervention, specifically the use of epidurals, medical inductions and caesareans.

Betts & Lennox (2006) undertook a small observational study to look into the clinical practice of pre-birth acupuncture. Fourteen midwives recorded their pre-birth treatments over a four-month period in 2004 of 169 New Zealand women who received pre-birth acupuncture.

Results of the study - “When compared with the local population rates, there was an overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for primigravida women, this was a 43% reduction); 31% reduction in the epidural rate; 32% reduction in emergency cesarean delivery; and a 9% increase in normal vaginal birth.” (Betts & Lennox).

They concluded that while a further randomised controlled study is warranted, it showed some promising therapeutic benefits in assisting women to have a normal vaginal birth.

The protocol for pre-birth treatments is weekly from 37 weeks depending on your individual situation. It usually involves 20 minutes of treatment time (needles in) lying on your side or sitting on a chair. Once they’re in you can rest and relax.

If you have any questions about it you can book in a free 15 minute chat here and if you’d like to book in for a treatment you can here.

*Betts, D., & Lennox, S. (2006). Acupuncture For Pre-birth Treatment: An observational study of its use in midwifery practice. Medical Acupuncture, 17(3), 16-19.

Much love -

*Information shared is of a general nature only and is not medical advice — please see your own care provider for specific and individualised information and advice. All personal stories & photos shared with permission.

Keep reading: