Every journey to parenthood is unique. For some, it’s smooth and joyful; for others, it can be filled with waiting, challenges, and unexpected twists. At every stage of the journey; whether preparing to conceive, navigating fertility treatments, or moving through the stages of pregnancy, having the right support can make all the difference in how you navigate your pathway to parenthood.
Conception doesn’t always happen as easily as you expect, with the process sometimes feeling overwhelming. Alongside medical treatments or lifestyle changes, women, men, and couples often look for more natural ways to help themselves.
How can acupuncture help us reach our goal of being parents?
Women are well versed in seeking support for managing their menstrual cycles and hormonal challenges. Conditions like cycle irregularities, PMS, or conditions like PCOS or endometriosis have an impact on fertility. Your GP, midwife or fertility specialist may suggest acupuncture for stress reduction, supporting ovulation and preparing the uterus for implantation in line with their overall treatment plan. Treatment can help women feel more in tune with their bodies and cycles, and provide space for rest during what can be an exhausting process.
Male fertility is often overlooked, yet it plays an important role in conception as male fertility issues can be half the issue. Men are often hoping to improve sperm count, motility, and quality, as well as reducing stress and boosting general wellbeing during the conception process.
Acupuncture can help your body before trying to conceive, during conception or while preparing for IVF, during pregnancy and postpartum. People have shared that their periods become more regular and with reduced pain, improvements to mood and emotional balance, increased sleep and strengthened immunity.
For those seeking support during IVF cycles there are specific acupuncture protocols to assist you at each stage. Regardless of which road to parenthood you are taking, Zoe can support you in coping with any stress, disappointment, or emotional strain.
By both prospective parents developing a coordinated acupuncture treatment plan they can feel cared for as a team, not just as individuals. Treatments are usually weekly and tailored to your cycle, with lifestyle and dietary advice to support your fertility goals. Creating a safe and calm space to process the ups and downs of each cycle.
Early Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often described as a special and transformative time—but it doesn’t always feel that way. Many mums-to-be experience discomforts or challenges that affect their wellbeing. Each stage of pregnancy can produce different symptoms but not everyone experiences them all and they can also change between pregnancies. This is made harder because medications are limited, so many mums seek natural alternatives such as acupuncture.
In early pregnancy you may seek support for morning sickness, tiredness or insomnia. Despite the excitement anxiety often arises; creating a need to keep body and mind relaxed and settled. Zoe has in depth knowledge of the phases of early pregnancy. During this busy time of growth it is important to keep everything on track.
Support in the second trimester
In the second trimester, as baby gets bigger more pressure and demand is put on your body. This can lead to a variety of aches, pains and ailments such as:
- back pain, sciatica, or pelvic discomfort
- swelling, cramps, or carpal tunnel
- heartburn, headaches or constipation
Acupuncture can be helpful in managing both these muscular issues and body wide concerns. Additional acupuncture support during high-stress pregnancies, including IVF or after previous loss can ease concerns.
Preparing for birth and baby
As the pregnancy moves into the final stages focus switches to preparing for birth. The position of baby in the uterus became very important. Midwives and Obstetricians often direct women to acupuncture to help ready their body for birth. Acupuncture can continue to ease escalating aches and pains during this time.
Continuing to care for new mums after baby is born is key. The postpartum period can be a time when mums’ needs are overlooked as the arrival of baby is celebrated. She may require help for her body to recover, adapt and feel more like herself again.
Even the easiest birth can strain the body. She may require help for her body to recover, adapt and feel more like herself again. Acupuncture is sought at this time for specific calming treatments. From the nourishing mother-warming tummy treatments in the weeks after the birth to easing anxieties around milk supply. From the transition to new sleeping patterns and emotional demands to stimulation of the core muscles as a new Mum looks to get back into shape, support posture and regain strength to lift a growing bub. With children of her own, Zoe is well versed in the natural support needed at this time.
Please book now with Zoe or contact our team for more information.
