Invite yourself to experience the feeling of peak wellness as you prepare for the journey to birth and parenthood.

Acupuncture, Chinese medicine and massage can be used throughout pregnancy to encourage physical, emotional, and mental harmony. These therapies also offer safe relief from common complaints of pregnancy, help to prevent miscarriage, assist in preparing the body for birth, and aid in postnatal recovery. Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help to better manage these changes, along with the natural demands that pregnancy places on the body.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can be beneficial right from the very beginning of a pregnancy. Our program helps support your healthy and peaceful pregnancy every step of the way:

First Trimester

• Morning sickness, digestive irregularities

• Colds and flus, sinus congestion

• Threatened or recurrent miscarriage

• Anxiety and stress relief

• Fatigue and low energy

Second Trimester

• Heartburn, digestive irregularities

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Leg cramps, sciatica and muscle aches/pains

• Hemorrhoids

• Preterm labor

Third Trimester

• High blood pressure, edema

• Back and pelvic pain

• Malposition of fetus (breech, transverse or unstable lie)

• Insomnia

• Labor preparation (officially known as pre-birth acupuncture) — treatment recommended weekly from week 37 onward

Postpartum Care
The usefulness of acupuncture and Chinese medicine does not end at birth! In fact, it’s quite the opposite as Chinese medicine places the utmost importance on the window of time following every pregnancy.

The care received during this time is considered to set the body up for a lifetime of future health or lack thereof. Reflecting the very precious nature of this phase, the first 4-6 weeks following birth are called “Golden Month” (also known as zuo yue zi, or “Sitting the Moon”).

Postpartum care can accelerate the body’s innate processes of healing and recovery, along with promoting much needed calm during this transition. Ideally, acupuncture may begin at 2 weeks postpartum (or earlier, if you are ready) and may continue for as long as you find sessions beneficial.

We also find that classical herbal formulas are often indispensable at this time. Chinese herbs offer powerful daily support from the comfort of your home, especially helpful in the immediate and earliest stages of postpartum recovery. Each of our providers holds additional training and experience in the safe and effective use of herbs during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and lactation. Our onsite granular pharmacy allows you to take home herbs in advance of, and in the weeks following your birth.

Our postpartum treatments place a special focus on helping to navigate conditions such as the following:

• Lactation support: low milk supply, blocked ducts & mastitis

• Hormonal imbalances, depleted energy levels

• Postpartum incontinence & perineal healing

• Depression, “baby blues” & postpartum anxiety/mood support

• Postpartum pain and discomfort, including incision/scar healing from cesarean births

Our goals extend far beyond fertility support. We want you to have the family life you’ve looked forward to, and spend additional time during your pregnancy care discussing labor and postpartum preparation — from the birth itself to infant care, your physical recovery, maternity leave and relationship changes. During your time with Orchid, patients also enjoy access to our extensive referral network and other postpartum and parenting resources.