You might be wondering how does it work and what benefits there are leading up to giving birth. Acupuncture is a highly effective safe and natural method during pregnancy, aiding women in gaining optimal health for mother and child. Pre-birth refers to the final weeks of pregnancy the 36^th week until birth. Research shows that the use of acupuncture prior to labor from 36 weeks prepares women by reducing the duration of the first stage of labor, by relaxing and improving the circulation of blood to the pelvis. Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce the need for caesarean births by 32%, reduce medical interventions by 35%, and reduce the need for epidurals by 31%.

It is recommended that pregnant women start pre-birth acupuncture weekly from 36-37 weeks. Pre-birth acupuncture supports the body and the release of prostaglandins to soften the cervix for labor and oxytocin to trigger contractions. Acupuncture relaxes and calms the mind whilst promoting a smooth vaginal birth. In a session the practitioner may also include points that encourage the rotation of a breech baby and treat any late pregnancy symptoms you may be experiencing like back and hip pain, swelling of the feet and hands, and heart burn.

Want to know more about the research; visit https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/

WHEN TO COME IN? 

Pre-Birth – Weekly from 36 weeks, and 2 sessions in the 40th week if necessary

Induction – Every 72 hours as necessary

Acupressure – The guide. above is useful for a list of points can easily be stimulated by you or your partner to prepare for labor to reduce pain and induce labor. For more guides visit; https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/

Rest – in the late period of pregnancy it is important to take it easy, sleep is vital for the body to support both mother and child. It is recommended to side sleeping with a pillow between your knees, ensure regular sleep times and waking times, and include relaxing pre-sleep habits and avoiding screens.

Medjool Dates – Many people have long believed that dates help induce labour. There’s some evidence that shows eating dates may help shorten labour, but it won’t necessarily kick-start it.

One study of more than 200 pregnant women in 2013 showed that eating dates can help with the softening of the cervix or cervical ripening for labour. Another study showed that pregnant women who ate 6 dates a day for 4 weeks before their due date had a shorter first stage of labour and their cervix was softer before delivery. Eating dates in late pregnancy has also been shown to lessen the need for oxytocin, the medication used to start or speed up labour.

Sick of dates?

For some women eating up to 6 dates every day for 4 weeks can get repetitive, so mix it up. Dates can be used in many middle eastern savory dishes, or can be used to sweeten dishes (try dates instead of palm sugar in Thai Green Curry).

Sex – Yep!

It may not be the solution for everyone but sex in the later stages of healthy normal low risk pregnancy can assist in labour promotion by;

1. Semen contains prostaglandins – Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that can help soften and ripen the cervix in preparation for labour.
2. Orgasm causes uterine contractions – Orgasm triggers oxytocin release, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions
3. Nipple stimulation during sex – Nipple stimulation also boosts oxytocin levels and can lead to stronger and more regular uterine contractions.
4.  Physical activity and pelvic movement – The movement involved in intercourse can help position the baby and gently stimulate the cervix.

Raspberry leaf tea – Raspberry leaf tea is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the raspberry plant, it has some amazing properties as a uterus tonic by boosting blood flow to the uterus, and strengthens the fibers, promote labor and aid in quicker post-partum recovery. We recommend to drink the equivilent of 4 cups at 40 weeks gestation.

Confinement?

After birth confinement (also known as postpartum confinement, postnatal confinement, or sitting the month) is a traditional practice in many cultures where a new mother follows specific rest, dietary, and lifestyle practices for a set period after childbirth—typically 30 to 40 days. Taking adequate time to rest after childbirth is so ingrained into Chinese culture that we commonly see mum or mother-in-law moving in to support the family, involving herself in cleaning, cooking and settling of the new baby.

The practice is rooted in the belief that childbirth leaves the mother’s body vulnerable and weakened, so a dedicated period of recovery is essential for long-term health, fertility, and well-being.

In our busy culture where we believe doing more is better, we often battle with our own self-belief system when allowing ourselves to rest adequately or ask for help. Simply the thought of making time for yourself or asking for help may seem extravagant, luxurious, or even greedy. Ask people to cook food for me? Or clean the house? Refuse to accept visitors before I’m ready? Many modern women are uncomfortable voicing their needs or sitting in the spotlight in this way.

So, we encourage you to:

• Allow yourself time to recuperate and recover – nobody expects to be social, radiant and slim. Spend some time bonding with your baby, resting in bed and doing as little as possible.
• If you haven’t already before birth stock your freezer with friendly foods for after birth (remember nothing too spicy, greasy or can cause you gas such a beans, pulses or legumes as these will not fare well while breastfeeding). Have simple snacks and meals planned that you can just throw together.
• Encourage family or friends to help out with chores and cleaning, or ask for cleaning services as a gift rather than another 100 singlets that baby grows out of so quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, most women need a team of helpers hence the saying it takes a village to raise a child. Some lucky women don’t even have to worry about changing a nappy for the first few weeks.
• Organise play dates for older children, and offer to return the favour at a later date
• Turn down visits, and dates
• Outsource as many jobs (such as online grocery services)
• Don’t expect your body to bounce back, give it time, and encourage the natural healing process.

A blood discharge (lochia) – Initially after birth it is often like a heavy period, and should last 3 to 4 days, after which it will become lighter in colour and volume. It can continue up to 6 weeks. Any further heavy bleeding, or continuous bleeding should be assessed.

To aid your body to discharge any non-serious retained products, and cleanse the uterus;

• Continue drinking your raspberry leaf tea
• Use our “After birth tea – Sheng Hua Tang”
• Create a gentle herbal tea at home using: Equal parts cinnamon, ginger and tangerine peel (Available at the clinic). Place in 3 cups of water, simmer until liquid has reduced by half.
• Abdominal massage using essential oils such as mandarin, orange, and bergamot, and rose mixed with carrier oil
• Acu-pressure on the Acupuncture point Spleen 6 – Shown below is located 4 fingers wide above the ankle, just off the bone. Press firmly into the flesh dip, often this point will be sore.

If these techniques are not effective then consider Acupuncture and/ or Chinese Herbal Medicine consultation

Unless you had a caesarean, this area will feel sore and bruised and you might have stitches or small tears that need to heal. Here, are some things to try which might help with recovery;

• Keep stitches clean and dry
• Pelvic floor exercises are helpful for healing
• Eat plenty of fibre and drink plenty of fluids to keep things moving. If you iron is constipating, ask us at the clinic for a non-constipating brand or recommendations
• Soak in a bath with a few drops of lavender oil
• Raspberry leaf tea
• Arnica tablets may reduce soreness from bruising
• Warm compress of witch hazel
• Try to avoid icing area, although ice may give you some temporary relief for swelling, and pain it can slow healing, and from a Chinese Medicine perspective introduce cold into the uterus.

Commonly after birth women experience haemorrhoids, and sometimes constipation.

• Firstly, make sure to hydrate
• Eat pears or kiwi fruit to gently move bowels
• Swap to an iron glycinate to avoid constipation
• Add probiotics
• Cypress essential oil bath for soothe haemorrhoid; add 2-3 drops to a basin of water, perch over this to submerge your bottom.
• Chinese herbs can be prescribed if needed.

An important tradition in Chinese Medicine is using food as medicine to repair and rebuild the mother’s vital Qi energy and blood, especially where blood loss has occurred. Principles of eating during the post-partum period are;

• Warming (Yang) foods: Restore energy (qi) and blood.
• Avoid cold/raw foods: These are thought to harm digestion and slow recovery.
• Boost blood & qi: Ingredients like ginger, black chicken, jujube (red dates), and goji berries.
• Promote lactation: Papaya, fish soup, pig’s feet, and peanuts.

So, from a traditional sense food to have plenty of include;

• Traditional postpartum eating involved a lot of animal products -. Meats, bone broths, eggs. For example, in Chinese culture Pork soup made from pork or ham hock is revered because it can aid in breast milk production and joint repair. For those who don’t eat meat, you may need to increase protein, B12, iron and fats by adding coconut oils, nutritional yeast, bee pollen, and tempeh.
• All dark leafy greens such as spinach, and kale
• Root vegetables especially beetroot
• Oats, and well-cooked rice are the best carbohydrate / grain choice. Traditionally “Congee” a rice soup so to speak was recommended. A more modern interpretation can be found here; https://www.abc.net.au/tv/pohskitchen/stories/s3063499.html
• Ginger!!!!, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, nutmeg, and thyme
• Traditionally adding Chinese Rice wine, and Sesame oil aids in recovery
• Slow cooked foods such as soups, stews and casseroles
• Pumpkin seeds have been used to promote lactation
• Drink plenty of liquids including raspberry leaf tea and herbal teas
• Cooked, and warm foods. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends to avoid overly cold and raw foods so not to slow down your digestive system.
• Bone broths are a great way to hydrate, and add back in essential amino acids and collogen. If you don’t want to make them yourself, try “NutraOrganics” powdered varieties.
• Omega, and good fats are essential for babies’ nervous system and brain development, they are shown to go through the breastmilk. If you don’t eat them then supplement them.

MEAL IDEAS

• Roasted vegetables (sweet potato, beetroot, pumpkin) with rosemary
• Chicken stir fry with mushrooms
• Shepard’s pie
• Beef stroganoff
• Scrambled eggs with parsley
• Rice porridge with stewed cinnamon and ginger fruit

STILL STRUGGLING

We suggest considering using a meal delivery or collection service. A local cafe Larder & Thyme is now offering Postpartum packages. More information found HERE

BREAST FEEDING SAVING ADVICE

Breastfeeding is one of greatest bonding experiences for a new mother, so we encourage all clients to give it a try. However, it is not easy! Here is some tips which might assist.

KANGAROO CARE

The principles of kangaroo care are as much skin to skin contact as possible, and as soon as possible can establish a good start to breastfeeding. If you are unable, your partner or support person can do it. Touch, and massage can assist later if you have been unable.

INSUFFICIENT LACTATION

HYDRATION is the first key; Water, water, water, lots of fresh filtered room temperature water. A simple counter top filter will remove any impurities, and remind you to drink regularly.

The second key is BLOOD; In Chinese Medicine the breast milk is directly related to blood namely iron and B12 stores, women who have lost a lot of blood may struggle with breast milk production. The assimilation and utilisation of iron and B12 from food is reliant on a good healthy strong digestion, so if this is compromised then these women fare worst.

Thirdly CALORIES; breastfeeding consumes a lot of calories; it is important that you are eating enough. Ideally the diet should also be high in protein, calcium and food fats. Plan your food, and don’t let it get too late in day before making time for yourself to eat. Additionally pumpkin seeds can assist.

Need more help?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help boost supplies; BOOK AN CONSULTATION HERE

FLOW DIFFICULTY

In Chinese medicine issues with flow can particularly stem from emotional issues, particularly what I like to refer to as the ‘Perfectionist gene’. As new mothers we want to do the best for our child, but sometimes we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves, which then in terms makes us feel stress and overwhelmed.

Practise letting go of the fact that your house looks like a dust bomb went off, and remember that when your amazing child becomes a toddler it will be strewn with toys and food that he or she doesn’t like this week. Get help, get advice and support to help you let go.

Grapefruit essential oil can be added to a bath & Acupuncture can assist.

MASTITIS

The herb “Pu Gong Ying” or Dandelion tea is particularly helpful to prevent mastitis, alongside Vitamin C and probiotics containing Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillis fermentum, and / or Ligilactobacillus salivarius. For example; Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding (can be ordered online or through the clinic).

Remembering to keep using affected breast to allow drainage. Massage the affected breast, and place a warmed wheat pack on before, and after feeding. If persists Chinese herbs are great to treat mastitis. However, if severe you may need to see GP, nurse or lactation consultant for antibiotics.

CRACKED AND DRY NIPPLES

Make yourself a-calming oil with 2 parts almond oil with 1 part wheat germ oil. Keep in mind cracked and sore nipples can be due to an incorrect latch so speak to your lactation consultant.

ENGORGED BREASTS

For engorged and painful breasts put good old fashioned cabbage leaves in the bra.

Many of you reading will not have heard of muslin binding after birth, traditionally used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Malaysia, and many other Asian countries to help with the following;

• Pelvic alignment and posture
• Re-establish abdominal tone and muscle strength
• Provide support for internal organs which have shifted with pregnancy
• Acts like a gentle post-surgery compression bandage which can be particularly useful post caesarean births to sooth the scar tissue
• A tight and more toned postpartum abdomen

Women can choose a more medical like:

https://www.mypostpartumwellness.com/best-abdominal-binder-after-c-section/

Or a more traditional approach:

https://wrapsodybaby.com/belly-binding-for-diastasis-3-ways/

Women often experience a dip in mood a few days after birth, often feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In the first few days after delivery, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, then the prolactin kicks in. The cherry on top is all your brain activity, and changes, your regions within your brain associated with complex emotional judgement, and decision making are getting bigger, and stronger.

You may fall madly in love with your infant, or it may be a slow burn. Your baby spends most of its time sleeping, eating and pooping, taking more of your time than you ever imagined.

When it comes to mood, prevention of post-natal depression is better than a cure. Any signs that you aren’t feeling right should be taken seriously, so keep an eye out for the following;

• Feeling low for long periods of time
• Tearfulness
• Irritability
• Panic attacks
• Lack of motivation or interest
• Lack of concentration
• Feelings of loneliness, guilt or inadequacy
• Feeling of being unable to cope
• Finding it hard to sleep even if tired
• Headaches, or stomach aches as a result of tension

Firstly, seek companionship, help and support from those around you. If not feeling better seek treatment. In Chinese medicine terms low moods often have their roots in imbalances, and can be address through treatment and herbs. If things become harder then go see a professional counsellor, or doctor.

Acupuncture is a supportive therapy in the post-partum time aimed at;

Physical Recovery

• Tonifies Qi and Blood (especially important after blood loss during birth)
• Restores hormonal balance
• Promotes uterine healing and lochia discharge
• Aids digestion and sleep
• Supports lactation

Emotional Support

• Reduces postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress
• Calms the Shen (spirit) and helps with mental clarity and emotional stability

Common Conditions Treated

• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Night sweats or chills
• Constipation
• Insufficient lactation
• Mastitis
• Postpartum depression or anxiety
• Lower back pain or pelvic pain
• Retained lochia or delayed uterine involution

When to Start

• Immediate care: Herbal therapy or moxa may be used in the first few days.
• Acupuncture: Typically starts after 1–2 weeks, or once the mother is stable and bleeding is light.
• Can continue regularly for the first 6–8 weeks, or longer for ongoing symptoms.

Postpartum acupuncture is often combined with:

• Chinese herbs (like “After-birth tea”)
• Diet therapy (warming foods like ginger, bone broths, lamb)
• Moxibustion (See “Mother warming technique“)
• Tuina massage or cupping for pain relief

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

After giving birth, your body needs time, rest, and nutrients to heal, replenish, and support breastfeeding (if you’re doing so). While a nutritious diet is the foundation, certain supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps and support your recovery. You may benefit from taking the following;

Postnatal Multivitamin

• Helps cover a broad range of nutrients you may still need.
• If breastfeeding: choose one designed specifically for lactating women.
• Recommendation: Look for: B vitamins, vitamin D, iodine, zinc, iron, choline, calcium. We recommend Eagle – Tresos Natal or Tresos Pro for 6-12 months after birth 

Iron

• Pregnancy and birth can deplete iron stores, especially after blood loss.
• Symptoms of low iron: fatigue, dizziness, low mood.
• Choose ferrous bisglycinate or iron with vitamin C for better absorption.
• Get your iron levels (ferritin) checked before supplementing long term.
• Recommendation: For mild deficiency or maintence take an extra iron glycinate supplement every 2-3 days. We recommend either BioMedica – BioHeme or RN Labs – RE Restore 

Vitamin D3

• Supports immunity, mood, and bone health.
• If breastfeeding, you may need 2000–4000 IU daily (especially if indoors often).
• Breast milk is usually low in vitamin D unless you’re supplementing.
• Recommenation; Take an additional 1000iu vitamin D supplement with your multivitamin 

Omega-3 (DHA + EPA)

• Supports brain health, mood, and baby’s development (via breast milk).
• Your store’s of DHA can be depleated if not sufficient, and if so can cause; Increased risk of postpartum depression, Slower recovery of cognitive function (“baby brain”), and Fatigue and mood changes
• As most diet’s are insufficient we recommend supplementation of either high-quality fish oil or algal DHA (plant-based).
• Recommendation: 300–600 mg DHA daily for 6-12 months or as long as you are breasfeeding. We recommend Eagle – DHA plus Choline (see choline information below) 

Choline

• Important for brain, liver, and nervous system support.
• Many women don’t get enough (even if taking prenatals).
• Found in eggs (147mg) and liver (chicken 290mg and beef 420mg), small amounts are also found in beef (70mg), chicken (70mg), milk (40mg), soybeans (100mg), broccoli (40mg), brussel sprouts (60mg).
• Recommendation: Check your multivitamin and/ or fish oil to ensure you are getting around 450 mg/day during pregnancy and 550 mg/day while breastfeeding or consider adding a supplement of between 250–500 mg/day from supplements if diet is low.

Probiotics

• Helps support digestion, immunity, and gut health—especially after antibiotics during delivery.
• Some strains may help mental health conditions such as post-partum depression (Lactobacillus rhamnosus)
• Some strains may also help reduce colic in babies if breastfeeding.
• Recommendation; Take a multi-strain or post-partum specific probiotic 

Calcium + Magnesium

• Important for muscle, nerve, and bone health.
• If avoiding dairy or on a plant-based diet, you may need extra support.
• Magnesium may also help with sleep and stress.
• Recommendation; Check your multivitamin for around 1000mg per day or additional supplement

Our Recommended vitamins;

1. Eagle – ‘Tresos Natal’ or ‘Tresos Natal Pro’
2. BioMedica – ‘BioHeme’ Iron or RN Lans ‘Fe-Restore’ Iron
3. Eagle – ‘DHA plus Choline’
4. Metagenics – ‘Ultra Flora Mother & Baby Probiotic’
5. NaturoBest – ‘Calcium & Magnesium plus K2 &D3’

Mother warming may not be a term you have ever heard before!

Mother-warming is a technique specific to Chinese Medicine performed during the confinement period after the post-birth bleeding has stopped. This unique moxibustion therapy is aimed at;

• Warm the uterus and lower abdomen
• Strengthen Yang and Qi
• Promote circulation of Blood
• Support recovery from childbirth
• Prevent cold invasion and postpartum disorders like fatigue, lochia retention, or digestive issues

During this unique techniue a Moxa stick (dried mugwort) is used to warm specific acupuncture points:

• CV8 (Shenque) – at the navel (often avoided directly, moxa is done around it)
• CV4 (Guanyuan) – on the lower abdomen
• DU4 (Mingmen) – on the lower back

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history of using herbal medicines for recovery, increasing breast milk, managing mastitis and other common complaints. The most common formula used after birth is “Sheng Hua Tang” which consisists of Dang gui, Chuan xiong, Tao Ren, Pao Jiang, Zhi gan Cao. This herbal decoction typically recommended to be taken for 5-7 days after a natural birth is formulated to;

• Promotes Uterine Cleansing by aiding the discharge of the Lochia; Helps remove stagnant blood and residual tissues from the uterus after delivery and prevents blood stasis and clots, which can cause cramping or infection.
• Warms the Womb; Supports proper circulation and warmth to the uterus to prevent “cold invasion”, which in TCM is believed to cause long-term reproductive or menstrual issues. Especially helpful after cesarean or for women with cold constitution
• Dispels Blood Stasis and Relieves Pain; Reduces postpartum abdominal pain caused by retained blood and cold accumulation. Assists in uterine contraction to return to pre-pregnancy size.
• Nourishes and Moves the Blood; Unlike pure tonics, Sheng Hua Tang both rebuilds blood and keeps it moving, preventing stagnation while supporting recovery. Prevents fatigue, dizziness, and poor circulation due to blood loss.
• Prevents Infection and Promotes Healing; Keeps uterine lining healthy and reduces the risk of infection by encouraging proper discharge and tissue renewal.

You can purchase “After birth Tea – Sheng Hua Tang” from the clinic.

Taking traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine after birth can aid rceovery, some conditions you might consider taking Chinese Herbal Medicine are;

• Breastfeeding issues; insufficient lactation, excessive lactation, mastitis
• Fatigue & immunity support
• Post-natal depression & mood support
• Retained lochia & persistant bleeding
• Healing of C-section scar & appesiotomy
• Pain
• Infant colic & Digestive issues
• And more

Traditionally we believe tthat herbs can;

• Replenish Lost Blood and Qi (Vital Energy)
  • Childbirth involves significant loss of blood and energy.
  • Herbs like Dang Gui and Shu Di Huang are used to tonify Blood, while herbs like Ren Shen or Dang Shen help rebuild Qi.
  • This supports recovery from fatigue, dizziness, paleness, and weakness.
• Warm the Body and Dispel Cold
  • In TCM, the body is in a “cold and empty” state after giving birth.
  • Herbs like Pao Jiang  and Ai Ye are warming and help prevent the invasion of “cold” pathogens, which are believed to cause chronic pain, menstrual problems, or infertility later.
• Promote Uterine Recovery and Lochia Discharge
  • Formulas like Sheng Hua Tang help expel residual blood and tissue, reduce abdominal pain, and aid uterine contraction.
  • This helps prevent blood stasis, infections, and slow uterine healing.
•  Stabilize Emotions and Calm the Spirit
  • Postpartum hormonal shifts can cause anxiety, insomnia, or depression.
  • Herbs like Suan Zao Ren or He Huan Pi  can calm the mind, promote sleep, and improve emotional stability.
• Strengthen Immunity and Prevent Future Illness. The postpartum period is seen as a critical time that shapes long-term health. Herbal tonics restore internal strength to prevent problems like:
  • Joint pain
  • Cold sensitivity
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Postpartum depression or anxiety
• Gentle, Food-Like Healing
  • Many postpartum herbs are incorporated into tonic soups and teas, acting like functional foods.
  • They are often less harsh than Western medications and can be used alongside nutrition therapy for a holistic recovery.