Congratulations…
Here begins and continues the remarkable journey of motherhood. The following is a summary of our offerings and little tips for helping you support yourself during the many changes and phases of pregnancy. As mentioned below, our physical and emotional experience in pregnancy often vary, as do our needs throughout. It is my wish to you that you move with ease into this new phase of your life. If you find yourself with serious concerns I am pleased to work in conjunction to your main health care provider, ensuring a safe and supported pregnancy.
The First Trimester:
Welcome to pregnancy. During this three month period we see the most changes happening in a woman’s body~ yet we add to this the paradox that the outward signs of pregnancy often present themselves after this time. The drastic change in hormonal levels can create many experiences such as mood swings, tiredness, and nausea. During this time your blood supply is also increasing to support this new life and you may find your blood pressure can dropping to accommodate this change.
Ways you can support yourself:
Deep breathing, relaxation and slowing down will support your body and baby during this growth of new life. Rest as much as you can.
Continue with activities that support health and wellbeing. This is not the time begin a new rigorous exercise regime or create drastic changes in the uterine environment.
If there is a history of miscarriage or other health concerns during this time, Acupuncture can be beneficial in supporting the body to help you to carry baby to full term.
“I was suffering greatly from ‘all day nausea’ and vomiting between 4 to 5 times every day from the time I was 6 weeks pregnant. I was exhausted and overwhelmed, and to top it all off I had an active toddler to look after who had just stopped napping during the day! All the ‘things’ that people said would help me didn’t – ginger, plain biscuits, toast, etc. Between my GP and Obstetrician, I was given prescriptions which were supposed to help but eventually after changing my medication 3 times I was still feeling the same. One afternoon my neighbour mentioned that she’d heard that acupuncture helped relieve sickness in the first trimester, and that it’s available in Strandhill. So I went online and did a quick online literature review of what it was about and how it helped. I decided that I had nothing to lose by trying and contacted Lauren. She quickly responded and from the tone of her email I had a good and positive feeling about trying it out. She put me at ease as soon as I was in for my appointment and we chatted about how I was feeling. All in all, I had 3 sessions and she suggested a few things that I could try to eat and drink to ease the nausea and vomiting. By the time I went in for my second acupuncture session, the vomiting had reduced to 1 to 2 times daily, and I was finally able to keep fluids down! By my third session I was starting to feel semi-normal and able to concentrate and focus on some work I had to do. Between the sessions, the advice and most importantly the warm and caring nature of Lauren, I was well able to get back to feeling fairly well for the rest of my first trimester. I can not recommend this highly enough to anyone who experiences difficult first trimesters in pregnancy.RKM.”
The Second Trimester:
Most women breathe a sigh of relief during this phase. The signs of pregnancy are now apparent and the incredible changes of the first trimester are easing into a blossoming body. During this time the continual loosening of joints due to hormonal changes can create pelvic or back strain, so continuing to strengthen the body through Yoga or other activities can be a preventative and beneficial practice. Acupuncture works with these additional changes and helps to maintain mother’s health at this time.
Ways you can support yourself:
From 14 weeks onwards our Pregnancy Yoga class in the Radisson provides a supportive environment in which to strengthen and prepare your body for birth. These series of classes may be booked for one term or many terms and are suitable even if you are new to yoga.
Monthly Acupuncture sessions are an excellent way to support your body during pregnancy. A dedicated hour to look after yourself and your baby, this time of rest is so important during the growth and changes of pregnancy.
Hypnobirthing classes can be booked from the end of the second trimester onwards. Private and group classes are available in our clinic in Strandhill.
I would highly recommend Pregnancy Acupuncture with Lauren. I had severe lower back pain towards the end of my second pregnancy and had to wear a support belt and use a crutch to walk. I went to one session of acupuncture and cupping with Lauren, which was a lovely, relaxing and reassuring experience. The next morning I woke feeling fantastic emotionally and physically and could walk without the crutch. I couldn’t believe the results.
~Aisling R.
The Third Trimester:
From the 27th week onwards we continue to feel the effects of a growing and changing body. For a woman who has maintained good health throughout her pregnancy, this continual transition may ease into the last week of pregnancy without much complaint. For others, discomfort can arise in the body as ligaments continue to stretch and a sometimes demanding lifestyle asks more of us than we’re willing to give. The end of pregnancy is a perfect time to deepen relaxation, breathing and meditation techniques. If disturbed sleep, heartburn or other common symptoms arise working with Yoga and Acupuncture during this time can continue to offer relief and prevention.
For conditions such as Pre-Eclampsia, Gestational Diabetes and Foetal malpositioning – prevention is key.
Continuing to work with supportive nutrition, gentle exercise and supportive treatments offers you and baby the best chance of a healthy, natural birth experience.
Ways you can support yourself:
Continuing to practice yoga, deep breathing, and exercise such as swimming which helps to strengthen the body and build stamina (without as much gravity!)
This is a perfect time to deepen relaxation and meditation practices and to start or continue with Hypnobirthing or other such programs that remind a mother that her body knows how to birth and her baby knows how to be born.
Should mother-to-be discover her baby is in a non-ideal position for birth, Acupuncture has an excellent success rate using a non invasive treatment called moxabustion (read more here).
Acupuncture, massage and reflexology continue to safely support a woman’s changing body. Prebirth Acupuncture is offered from 36 weeks onwards and is helpful to increase a woman’s Qi and blood and therefore prepare her for labour. The points I use are from a tested protocol, with the addition of addressing what is present for you, physically and emotionally.
Lauren…instantly puts people at ease with her calm approach to teaching and as a result, her yoga classes are simply fantastic!
When I found out Lauren also taught Hypnobirthing I immediately signed up when I was pregnant with my first child. The techniques that she taught me allowed me to have the birth that I wanted, which was drug free and I can safely say for the most part pain free too!
I am currently also attending Lauren for Acupuncture and I would highly recommend her to everyone!
~M.S.