Postpartum
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Postpartum

17 Jan

Posted at 23:59h in PDX Resource, Postpartum

Here in Portland, OR we are on day seven of being homebound due to snow and ice. Everyone is starting to go a little crazy. In my house, our unexpected 24/7 family time is combined with the stress this storm is placing on our small businesses as well as, though I don’t love to admit it, perhaps a little PMS on my part. It’s too cold and slick to exercise outside and it’s not easy to meet friends for a drink so I have found myself reaching for any and all other stress busters I know. Here a few of my favorites for the busy stressed parent who doesn’t even have the time to go to the bathroom without interruption let alone an hour long acupuncture session or yoga class: Natural Vitality Natural Calm magnesium. This stuff is awesome. It helps to balance magnesium and calcium at the cellular level helping us feel our best. Most of us are deficient in magnesium due to soil degradation and stress can further damage the cal/mag balance. My patients have reported improvements in muscle spasm and tension, insomnia, headaches, energy, anxiety and stress with supplementation. Yogi makes a Kava Stress Relief tea that is super convenient and yummy. All you need is time to steep up a cup! Kava is an herb that is used to calm both body and mind and many people find it very relaxing. Meditation and mindfulness apps are...

13 Jun

Posted at 05:18h in PDX Resource, Postpartum

Baby has finally arrived and it is the moment your family has been waiting for. What many new parents don’t realize is that their new babes will need to nurse somewhere between 8-18 times per day. For many folks this will feel like the majority of their day. For the nursing parent, the job is clear. If you are the non-breastfeeding parent you may be wondering what the heck to do with yourself. Fear not, you can still be incredibly helpful and supportive even if you aren’t the one with the milk. Here are are few idea: Help make your partner is comfortable. Bring pillows, a blanket, whatever can help set your partner up for a comfortable nursing session. Make sure your partner always has a glass of water while nursing. Hydration is key! This could be the time to learn to make a mean mocktail! Is your partner’s milk supply a little low? Brew them up a cup of mother’s milk tea. Traditional Medicinals and Earth Mama Angel Baby both make nice organic blends to help support milk production. Change diapers before or after feedings. Your partner can be in charge of what goes in while you are in charge of what comes out! This is a great time for bonding and teaching your new kiddo that they can count on you for life’s basic needs. Many good stories arise from early diaper changes! Take care of routine chores...

11 Feb

Posted at 22:33h in Postpartum

You’ve just spent the better part of a year, or more if you were planning to conceive, nourishing your pregnant body and growing baby.  Now, baby is here and if you are anything like the rest of us, self care seems to be the first thing sacrificed in early parenthood.  Your body is basically recovering from an ultra-marathon, your calories are going straight into making breastmilk, sleep is evasive, and hormones can make your emotions a little more variable than “normal”.  As an acupuncturist, doula, and mama of two, here are a few suggestions to help you feel your best postpartum. Accept help, even ask for it.  Babies are meant to be raised by villages where everyone pitches in to support the new families.  One tiny human is a lot of work for even two adults.  What if everyone who came to meet your baby brought you a warm meal, took your dog for a walk, or folded some laundry?  Folks who come to visit want to help, they just need a little direction.  Ask a friend or family member to arrange a meal train before baby is born so your family can focus on bonding with baby for the first few weeks instead of cooking.  Most people love tiny things so folding clean baby clothes is totally swoon worthy.  Nearly everyone who comes over will ask if you need anything so let them know how to help! Continue prenatal...

19 Nov

Posted at 02:31h in Acupuncture, Group acupuncture, Postpartum, Pregnancy

Since launching group acupuncture for pregnancy and postpartum, this is the most common question I have been asked.  The answer is yes!  I want you to get the postpartum care your body needs and if that means getting acupuncture with babe in tow, we will make it work!  You just made a human, that is no small feat!  You need, and deserve, to be nourished. Curious how you would manage acupuncture needles and a baby?  I use tiny needles on stickers on your arms so they are still free to tend to baby.  These needles don’t protrude at all and won’t hurt your baby or bother you when you move around.  Any other needles on your head or legs can be quickly removed if baby goes from zero to 60 and you need to get up. So, if your baby is a pre-crawler that is non-verbal, sleeping or otherwise mellow, feel free to bring him or her along. Here are a few suggestions to make bringing baby a little easier: -Fill out your intake paperwork ahead of time if this is your first visit.  We don’t want to waste baby’s nap with paperwork when you could be getting a treatment! -If you have a comfortable carrier, put baby on and head for a short walk around the block before coming in for your treatment.  Hopefully, baby will fall asleep on you and you can enhance your acupuncture with that sweet relaxation of a sleeping baby...