Postpartum Acupuncture Support
The postpartum period is typically upheld as a time of joy as a woman embraces her new role as mother and blissful connection with her newborn. However, for many women, this time is characterized by deep fatigue, fluctuating hormones and accompanying mood swings. There may also be difficulties with breastfeeding and lactation, insomnia, constipation, uterine prolapse, etc. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, we at Well Woman Acupuncture recognize the need to support you during this joyous, but taxing, time and offer you the highest level of care possible so that you can offer the most of yourself to your child.
Acupuncture commonly treats the following conditions:
- Digestive Upset / Constipation
- Fatigue
- Frequent Illness / Allergies
- Insomnia
- Insufficient Lactation
- Mastitis
- Postpartum Depression / Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Weight loss / Loss of Appetite / Difficulty Losing Weight
Chinese Medicine and Postpartum Care
The 12 weeks following childbirth are a critical time in a woman’s life when self-care can have lasting effects on her personal health for many years to come. While it is natural to focus completely on the baby in those first few months, it is important to incorporate self-care into the daily schedule. After childbirth, a woman’s qi and blood become deficient as a result of the taxation from labor and blood loss of delivery. However, simple steps can be taken to ensure that both qi and blood are replenished during this important time period:
- Chinese herbs administered in the first 24 hours post-delivery can hasten the recovery of qi and blood, allowing for a quicker recovery.
- Rest, rest, rest.
- Eat nutritious meals that are high in protein and whole grains, especially if breastfeeding.
- Supplement with a quality multi-vitamin and DHA. DHA is an essential fatty acid that will benefit your newborn’s brain development and will support your mental-emotional health as your hormones adjust.
- For the first 21 days following delivery, avoid running errands and limit housework to only what is absolutely necessary. Stay in with your baby and rest often. Enjoy sunlight daily if possible.
4 Weeks and Beyond
After this initial 21-day period, it is perfectly fine to come back to the office for regular office visits. Acupuncture can be a great help in restoring your energy and is a wonderful way to naturally correct other postpartum issues that may arise.
We Offer Postpartum Acupuncture Visits in the Boulder + Longmont Areas
In the days and weeks following childbirth, your body goes through considerable change. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide unparalleled support for these changes. However, in the tradition of Chinese medicine, we always recommend that the new mom and baby stay safely nestled at home for 21 days following delivery, to support the replenishment of your body’s reserves and the development of the baby’s immune system. So how does one get acupuncture in those early weeks? We come to you, of course!
With nurturing care and in the luxury of your own home, we will help you with the following:
- Constipation
- Fatigue and / or Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Insufficient Lactation
- Lochiorrhea
- Mastitis
- Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Retained Placenta
Your Postpartum Acupuncture Home Visit Includes:
- Complete history and intake (first visit only): 30-45 minutes
- Chinese medicine assessment and diagnosis: 5-10 minutes
- Acupuncture treatment: 25-40 minutes
- Herb formula preparation and administration: 45 minutes
- Hand or foot massage: 10-20 minutes
- Dietary and lifestyle evaluation and discussion: 10-30 minutes
Rates:
- Extended visit, 3 hours: $350
- Extended visit, 2½ hours: $300
- Regular visit, 1½ hours: $225
- Home Births: call for pricing
Colorado Locations Served:
- Boulder
- Broomfield*
- Erie*
- Lafayette
- Longmont*
- Louisville
- Niwot*
*Home-visits to areas 15-25 miles from our location are subject to an additional fee.