Helena has received specialised training from renowned Midwife and Acupuncturist Debra Betts as well as working with women during pregnancy. Acupuncture is effective for many of the everyday challenges that can be associated with pregnancy such as insomnia, nausea, constipation, heartburn, muscular-skeletal problems, regulation of blood pressure, and foetal positioning. Pre-Birth Acupuncture is an excellent way to prepare the body for labour. To help prepare the body for the birth of the baby, a relaxing and gentle Cervical Ripening program is used, from around Week 37 until delivery, to assist the expectant mother prepare for labour.

Also known as pre-birth acupuncture, it refers to a series of soothing treatments in the final weeks of pregnancy and focuses on preparing the body – in particular, the cervix and pelvis – for labour and childbirth.

It also has the effect of reducing the number of hours spent in labour, minimising the risk of induction and harmonising the body to encourage a smooth and efficient childbirth.

The acupuncture points used are located from the knee down, rather than the abdomen.

Studies have shown that cervical ripening helps prepare the body for labour in a number of ways:

• Encourages optimal positioning of the baby for birth, by turning unfavorable or posterior presentation – breech
• Decreases the need for medical inductions (such as oxytocin)
• Reduces cesarean rates
• Reduces need for pain medication and/or epidurals
• Decreases labor times, especially in first time mothers
• Improves overall birth experience by addressing anxiety and supporting emotional and physical well being leading up to the birth

As part of the pre-birth treatment, clients will be advised on acupressure points that they and their partners can use during labour to help ease and cope better with labour pains.

Breech babies are ideally treated between 34 – 38 weeks gestation. This is often 1-2 treatments with women being shown how to continue treatment at home with moxa.

Other conditions treated prior to labour:

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Heartburn
• Haemorrhoids