Birth Preparation
This is not just ‘acupuncture for birth preparation’. We will definitely do that, but let’s also dive a whole lot deeper. In these final weeks, as you linger on the threshold of birthing, there is so much we can do to facilitate a smooth and powerful transition.
Birth is a site of power. And I revere and support it as such.
My purpose in this moment is to honour and hold space for you as you walk through this huge life transition.
The way we structure these sessions is highly individualised and will depend on:
what you want to learn and how you best take in new information
knowledge you have already acquired through books, birth courses
previous birth experiences
who else is on your support team - if you have midwifery lead continuity of care, or a doula, our sessions will adapt around what you’re already learning.
Approaching with curiosity, and following your particular interests is where great things happen. I want to teach you what you want to learn.
We will always do a birth preparation acupuncture treatment, and I will always teach you acupressure to use in labour. The rest is malleable.
Together we will:
Do acupuncture to prepare you physically and emotionally for birthing
Address any symptoms that may be impacting you - anxiety, big emotions, insomnia, pain, fatigue. We will place particular importance on optimising sleep - as sleep quality leading up to birthing has extensive flow on effects
Talk through the influence of your posture and positioning on the way babe is positioned inside, and how that might impact the birthing process
Do moxa if babe is breech
Discuss your desires for birth, and ensure they’re rooted in your values (rather than being purely outcomes focused or coming from a place of fear)
Talk though any previous birth experiences
Address any fears or questions you have about the process of birth
Discuss meaningful ways to create an intentional postpartum - with your values at the centre of the transition.
Each session we will pick a topic to talk through. Topics include:
Demonstrating active and passive labour positions and how you can practically make them work around your house for early labour.
Acupressure techniques in labour and research around it
Mindset work for the hours of labour
Physical techniques to work with the pain in labour
What your birth partner can expect and what they can do during labour, and the early postpartum weeks
Talking though birth preferences
Dig deeper into what you value in your birthing experience. Talk about how our culture and society asks The Perfect Mother to be on display in the labouring room. What that looks like and how we can resist that to carve our own way.
Birthing physiology - what’s ‘normal’
Planning for a smooth postpartum / resource building for your postpartum
The Details:
Each session is 90 mins and in your home.
Each session is $375, paid prior to the session.
Ideal Frequency Weekly from 35-36 weeks. 34 weeks (or as early as possible) if babe is breech or there is a medical reason for babe to be induced prior to 40 weeks.
Private Health Insurance claim info on FAQs page.
I’d love you to read this short piece about Rewriting The Mother Story By Investing In Our Own Care
Feedback
As an AHPRA registered health professional (Chinese Herbalist, Acupuncturist) testimonials speaking to clinical treatment outcomes are no permitted. Feedback I am offering here is from women I have worked with - and speak specifically to my personal character and approach - to help you decide if we’re the right fit.
“I had the privilege of being treated by Amy as a Chinese Herbalist and Acupuncturists during the time we were riding the roller-coaster of fertility treatments. Amy quickly became a very important and valuable person to us, with her support and knowledge extending into my pregnancy and antenatal time. Amy's deeply compassionate, down to earth and genuine approach to her work made her a pivotal person in my journey. Amy also held birth preparation sessions for my husband and I which created a confident and calm vibe around my labour and birth. Amy's guidance and encouragement made a big difference to my birthing experience and if it wasn't for covid restrictions, I would have loved to have her attend my birth too!” - Shelly
Relevant Research:
“Acupressure in comparison to a combined control and usual care may reduce pain intensity. Acupressure probably reduces the need for caesarean section in comparison to a sham control.
Acupuncture in comparison to sham acupuncture may increase satisfaction with pain management and reduce use of pharmacological analgesia.”
“Acupuncture plus moxibustion is more effective than observation in revolving fetuses in breech presentation.”