Pregnancy Support
Miscarriage prevention
When trying to start or expand your family, miscarriage can be a devastating loss and set back. The emotional component for women experiencing miscarriage is often understated. These women may feel their bodies have failed them or they may experience increased fears about trying again. When women experience more than one miscarriage these fears are amplified. In general, miscarriage rates are the lowest for women in their early 20s, at 12%, and are as high as 50% for women in their 40s.
For women who experience an early loss, prior to their 6th week of pregnancy, there is often an issue with embryo quality and the body is naturally ending a non-viable pregnancy. Between 5 to 10% of women working with us may experience an early loss as their egg quality is improving, and most go on to achieve a healthy pregnancy within a few months. Women who have experienced miscarriages or bleeding after hearing a heartbeat on ultrasound require careful attention and support during pregnancies to address weaknesses in the mother’s health.
Asian countries have been using Chinese herbal medicine for over 1000 years with clinical documentation. The herbs used are very effective in strengthening the mother’s reproductive health and ability to stabilize pregnancy. The herbs will not encourage the retention of a non-viable fetus. If the pregnancy is non-viable, most will miscarry within two weeks, therefore reducing damage to the mother’s body.
At Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC we focus on strengthening both parents’ health to promote a healthy pregnancy. We recommend at least three months of acupuncture and nutritional support for anyone who has experience a miscarriage. Weekly acupuncture is recommended during the first trimester or until the heartbeat is heard on ultrasound. After the heartbeat is heard, acupuncture every two to four weeks is recommended on an individual basis. Nutritional support is recommended based on the client’s individual needs.
Pregnancy Massage
What are the benefits of Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy massage helps the body adjust to accommodate the life growing within. Massage relieves physical discomfort including leg and back pain, muscle spasms, and cramps. Ongoing massage helps to recognize and alleviate physical and emotional tension, allowing a more enjoyable pregnancy. Massage helps the mother to relax, lowers blood pressure, increases energy and circulation, and encourages restful sleep.
Can it help with labor?
Modern humans retain an instinctual fight-or-flight defense mechanism, and a stressed body will resist going into labor. Relaxing prenatal massage eases labor, providing a peaceful space for baby’s entrance into this world. Expectant mothers learn effective ways to breathe and relax for childbirth and are taught techniques to ease the pain of labor. If needed, labor-inducing techniques can be utilized between 37 and 40 weeks.
Does Pregnancy Massage effect the baby?
Stress during pregnancy has unwanted side effects on infants including elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increased crying and fussing. Pregnancy massage helps counteract the negative effects of stress and helps the baby to be healthy and happy.
How is Pregnancy Massage different from regular massage?
While therapeutic massage is wonderful for stress reduction, pain relief and general health at any time, the techniques used during pregnancy massage are done with a healthy pregnancy in mind, and the massage is expressly intended to benefit both mom-to-be and the baby she carries. Regions of the body, as well as certain techniques, should be avoided during pregnancy massage. IAC’s certified pregnancy massage therapist evaluates each client individually to assess her appropriate treatment options through each trimester.
During pregnancy, is it safe for me to lie face down for a massage?
During the first trimester you are able to lie on your stomach for short periods, as long as it is comfortable. After the first trimester, being on your stomach is no longer recommended due to compression of the uterus and strain on spinal and uterine ligaments. Even with a table designed for pregnancy massage, (a table with a hole or space for the belly) or a pregnancy support system, the weight of your body as well as the pressure of massage strokes can contribute to strain in the already stressed uterine ligaments and/or can create undue intrauterine pressure affecting placental attachment.
We recommend a semi-reclined or side-lying position for pregnancy massage, allowing massage techniques to be applied effectively with no risk to you or the baby.
How does post-partum massage benefit the new mother?
Post-partum massage helps reduce stress which interferes with breastfeeding by reducing milk production and flow. Postpartum massage also helps ease the body back to its pre-pregnancy state, refuels the new mom’s energy and reduces tension. It is a wonderful way for the new mom to have some time just for herself, while being nurtured and comforted by a caring professional massage therapist. Less stressed and more relaxed, she is better equipped to care for her newborn.
Who does IAC’s Pregnancy Massage?
Lisa Shepherd, Certified Massage Therapist, and Sabrina Henderson, Certified Massage Therapist specialize in pregnancy massage at IAC. Lisa and Sabrina are certified in pregnancy massage and have successfully completed the Kate Jordan Seminars’ Bodywork for the Childbearing Year®, an advanced certification training for practitioners in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum massage.
I started seeing Lisa in my second-trimester of pregnancy. She helped me deal with fluid retention and muscle and joint pain. She helped me enjoy a much nicer pregnancy and get to my due date pain-free. Thanks to her, I didn’t have to suffer of any “extra” pain during labor!”