Acupuncture for Labour Preparation
If you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy and are seeking an acupuncturist experienced in labour preparation, come see me. Located in Perth- I provide gentle, evidence-informed acupuncture to optimise pelvic balance, encourage baby positioning and support relaxation in the weeks leading up to birth. Appointments are tailored to your needs, with practical self-care advice to complement in-clinic treatment and help you feel confident and prepared for labour.
Labour Preparation
Monthly acupuncture is helpful throughout the pregnancy, but often women will start having acupuncture from 35 weeks to help prepare the body ready for labour and birth.
These sessions are done weekly until baby arrives. They are incredibly relaxing and you will walk out feeling calm, plus with a little more energy in the tank. This is great preparation before your postpartum begins.
Is This For You?
Acupuncture in your late pregnancy can help you in the following ways:
Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety in the lead up to labour
May help balance hormones and encourage the body’s natural readiness for birth regardless of how you want to have bub
Help to soothe aches and pains in the lower back and hips
Encourage your body to rest or fall asleep easier if you are starting to struggle
Support your energy levels especially in those last few weeks of pregnancy
Assist in shifting fluid retention in the body
How I Can Help You
Being a mother myself means I understand exactly where you’re at, and what’s ahead for you. Each of your sessions with me are experienced in a calm, supportive environment where each session is tailored to your needs.
Over a number of acupuncture sessions in preparation for labour- we discuss your postpartum plans to explore practical ideas to help you prepare emotionally and physically after the birth.
I can share simple massage and acupressure techniques your partner can use during labour to provide comfort and relief.
The space is relaxed and focused, allowing time to address any questions you may have so you leave feeling informed, confident and more prepared for the postpartum period, labour and birth- no matter how you have baby.
Faqs
Ideally you can start your labour preparation acupuncture at 35 weeks of pregnancy, but if you’re close to your due date and really want to try get things moving- please do come in for a session or two before baby arrives. If you have any questions that aren’t covered below please feel free to ask.
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If you have extras cover, you might be able to claim a portion of the fee paid back. I will issue you a receipt at the time of your appointment and you can upload it immediately with your private health insurer to access your rebate directly with them.
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No referral is required.
However, if you have any specific pregnancy complications, we will work collaboratively with your care provider. -
Yes. Acupuncture can be used in the days leading up to a planned induction to support cervical ripening and help the body respond more efficiently.
It can also support you if you are hoping to avoid medical induction where appropriate.
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Ideally once a week from 34- 35 weeks onwards, but if you are only starting closer to 40 weeks of gestation I would recommend coming twice a week until baby arrives.
Most of the work I do is labour preparation acupuncture in Perth, so I can get booked out quickly- I’d recommend booking in your appointments up to 40 weeks and we can always cancel if baby arrives before then. -
No, not like a medical induction does.
Instead it’s used for preparation to help soothe the nervous system and support the hormonal cascade that needs to occur for labour to begin.
We support the body with encouraging the hormones needed to ripen the cervix, help baby descend into the pelvis and of course to relieve the feelings of anxiety around birth. -
I will do a brief check in as to how you’re feeling physically and emotionally. Then you will hop onto the table where I will place very fine, sterile needles into acupuncture points that will help prepare the body and help you to totally relax.
The acupuncture points are located on legs, feet, hands, lower back and head. I’ll let you rest for about 30 - 45 minutes, and often mums fall asleep during the treatment. You’ll walk out feeling very relaxed. -
Not with me. I am a very gentle acupuncturist, and use very fine needles so quite often you may not feel anything at all. Sometimes you might find a point that might ache a little bit, but not painful.
Ready?
Book your Labour Preparation appointment online to secure a time that suits you.