The Pregnancy Clinic
A Low-cost community pregnancy clinic running every TUESDAY afternoon from 1pm - 3pm.
With the wisdom of Chinese Medicine and with acupuncture treatments, we are here to help pregnant women enjoy a comfortable pregnancy, support the healthy development of their growing babies, and prepare their bodies for a smooth birth. Acupuncture can be used to relieve many of the discomforts often regarded as part of a ‘normal’ pregnancy and can target specific symptoms such as nausea or pubic pain. We also offer pre and post-birth support and dietary advice, as well as acupuncture and moxa to help with breech babies and natural inductions. See below for more information.
About the team
Mim and Charlotte are both experienced acupuncture practitioners and mothers with a passion for supporting pregnant women to have the healthiest pregnancy birth, and postnatal experience that is possible. Our unique approach is based on thousands of years of traditions from China (and around the world) and how they have supported women through this important transition.
Multi Bed
The room is set up with two beds and two chair’s so pregnant women will be either lying or sitting comfortably propped up for their treatment. There will be other pregnant women having treatment in the same room, the atmosphere is calm, friendly and relaxing.
Fees
We want to make treatment affordable to as many families as possible and for pregnant women who need regular ongoing treatment. We invite you to choose the fee band which most closely reflects your financial situation. You choose what you want to pay, no questions asked. (See Below for sliding Scale)
What to expect
We have created a relaxed and friendly space for pregnant women. During an initial consultation we will take time to get to know you and take a full health history finding out how your pregnancy is going. Each woman is treated according to their own unique set of conditions and symptoms. After the initial consultation you will also receive an acupuncture treatment. For follow-up treatments there will be a shorter catch up time followed by a treatment.
We recommend regular treatment for women in pregnancy to support their rapidly changing bodies and developing fetus. Monthly maintenance treatments are recommended for the first 8 months of the pregnancy and more intensive weekly treatments in the final weeks leading up to the birth. However, more regular treatment is often needed when treating specific ailments although this will depend on each individual.
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Low Income Families
Families who struggle to make ends meet and often don’t
New patient consultation and treatment (40mins) - £40
Follow up consultation (40 mins) - £28
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Average income families
Families who have some financial struggle but manage to make ends meet
New patient consultation and treatment (40mins) - £48
Follow up consultation (40 mins) - £38
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Supporter rate
Families who are financially secure and can afford treatment
New patient consultation and treatment (40mins) - £55
Follow up consultation (40 mins) - £45
PRE-BIRTH ACUPUNCTURE
This involves a series of four treatments weekly from 36 or 37 weeks to prepare for labour. Points are used according a woman's constitution and pregnancy history. This may include points used to assist in ripening the cervix, positioning the baby in the best presentation for labour and to promote optimal energy and stamina for women.
For further information on research involving prebirth acupuncture click here
ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXA FOR BREECH BABIES
Breech babies are ideally treated between 34 - 36 weeks gestation. This is often a one off treatment with women being shown how to continue treatment at home with a moxa stick (a herb that has been shaped into a cigar like stick). The moxa stick is lit and held over specific places in the body to stimulate the acupuncture points.
For further information on research into using moxa therapy to treat breech presentations click here
ACUPUNCTURE FOR INDUCTION
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment to encourage the natural onset of labour for post-term babies. It works harmoniously with the delicate hormonal balance of late pregnancy, stimulates uterine contractions, dilates the cervix and aims to promote an efficient labour by invigorating and descending a woman’s energy to allow her baby to be born. Acupuncture treatment can often facilitate the initiation of contractions. In some cases women will only require one treatment, but more commonly two or three treatments are required to sustain contractions.
POSTNATAL ACUPUNCTURE
There is a long documented history in traditional Chinese medicine of women using diet to encourage lactation and recovery from childbirth or a miscarriage. This was seen as very important for ensuring future fertility and for women to provide future care for their families. Termed the ‘Golden month’ in China this was seen as a time of resting and consuming specific foods to aid recovery. While 30 days of recovery time may initially sound a little excessive, it was considered essential to compensate for not only the birth but also the total experience of being pregnant for nine months. This is not a time for absolute bed rest but rather a time where physical rest is taken at every opportunity, exercise is appropriate (not an exhausting attempt to get back into shape), and a diet that focuses on building blood and energy. Acupuncture and moxibustion (mother warming) treatment can be given at this time to support your body to rebuild strength. We also give specific dietary advice at this time to support you with your recovery.
