THE CLINIC OF NATURAL THERAPY

Treatment inPregnancy and Childbirth

In my private practice treatment is provided to help not only a variety of pregnancy conditions, some of which are listed below, but all expectant mothers who can enjoy the absolute benefits to be gained to aid their pregnancy, the delivery and not forgetting the postnatal period.

As with any other condition and in discussion with the expectant mother I use whichever therapy I believe to be appropriate at any given time – this might be acupuncture, reflexology, oriental body balancing, massage or aromatherapy and lifestyle advice is also offered.

Acupuncture offers women the choice of drug free treatment and can be successfully used for the treatment of a wide range of conditions.

• Miscarriage
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Varicose veins
• Urinary tract infections
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Anaemia
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and depression
• Thrush and abnormal vaginal discharge
• Itching in pregnancy
• Sinusitis
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Oedema
• Small for dates babies
• Breech and posterior positioned babies
• Induction
• Pre-birth treatment to prepare the body for an efficient labour
• Acupressure for pain relief during labour
• Pain relief and problems during labour
• Postpartum recovery

Pre-Birth treatment involves a series of four treatments weekly from 36 or 37 weeks to prepare for labour. Points are used according a woman's constitution and pregnancy history. These include points to ripen the cervix, to help position the baby in the best presentation for labour and to promote optimal energy and stamina for women to enter into labour.
A pre-birth treatment to include birthing partner(s) is offered specifically for the application of acupressure to help during labour and delivery.

Research
Data on 169 women was gathered by 14 midwives as part of their midwifery practice in Wellington, New Zealand. It found that when comparing all caregivers (Midwives GP's and Specialists) to those women who had received pre-birth acupuncture there was:

• An overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby this was a 43% reduction)
• A 31% reduction in the epidural rate.
• When comparing midwifery only care to women receiving pre-birth acupuncture there was a 32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery.
• A 9 % increase in normal vaginal births.
• There was no difference in the onset of early labour in those women receiving pre-birth acupuncture.

Breech babies are ideally treated between 34 - 36 weeks gestation. This is often a one off treatment with women being shown how to continue treatment at home with a moxa stick (a herb that has been shaped into a cigar like stick). The moxa stick is lit and held over specific places in the body to stimulate the acupuncture points.

For further information on pre-birth acupuncture and on the use of acupuncture and moxa treatment for conditions in pregnancy, including research papers and journals please refer to:

http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/JournalArticles.aspx the official website of Debra Betts, practising acupuncturist, trainer and writer specialising in Pregnancy and Childbirth.

Needle Phobia
In the event of needle phobia or a weak constitution reflexology will be offered as an alternative treatment and may even be used in combination if felt appropriate.

Testimonials
Julie, Nantwich
Dear Irene
I want to express my thanks for all the help, advice, information and support you have given me during my pregnancy and over the last few years.
I am convinced that one of the reasons I have had three straight forward and quick births has been because of having reflexology throughout my pregnancies. It has relaxed me and helped me to remain calm and healthy. During this pregnancy I have had so much more energy and I think it is because of the addition this time of Oriental Body Balancing and acupuncture and all your hard work!!
I still can’t believe that my dream of not having another third degree tear and being able to walk back to the ward has come true! It’s made all the perineum massage worthwhile (thank you for the oil you made up for me). The stretch mark cream you have me has not only prevented extra ones forming but it has made the old ones from my previous pregnancies disappear!
Thank you for being so flexible and fitting me in for extra acupuncture sessions to encourage him to be born before I was induced. I’m sure it’s not a coincidence that he was born only five hours after you gave me acupuncture – and when I wasn’t in labour when I saw you! Thank you also for training Ian on the acupressure points as that made such a difference during labour, especially near the end.
I am determined to continue with regular appointments with you as I’m sure I am a more balance, calmer, positive and healthier person for it. Maybe you could set up a crèche!!!! Anyway, thank you again – I can’t say it enough.
Bye the way, I am recommending you to all my friends – pregnant or not!!!

Note:
Julie produced a whopping 10 lb baby at 41 weeks. See the gallery for a photo and report. She received acupuncture to help things along at 7 pm on the Wednesday evening and was in established first stage labour by 10 pm that night. 2 hours 15 mins later she started 2nd stage and 8 mins later James was born. Her husband was assisting the labour and birthing process using acupressure techniques and she used only tens and a little gas and air towards the end. One of her biggest worries had been that her previous third degree tear would be repeated – she suffered only a minor 2nd degree tear.