I was studying massage therapy when I became pregnant with my first child. What a blessing it was to enjoy regular, healing touch every week while my child developed within me! I am sure receiving so much loving energy is one of the reasons why my daughter was born so easily and why she was such a calm infant.
When my husband and I decided we were ready for a second child, I was entering my first year at acupuncture school. Yet somehow I did not conceive as easily as I had the first time. Since I was studying Chinese medicine, I explored all the natural and alternative fertility treatments I could find. After 3 years of no success, I received a customized acupuncture treatment plan from my teacher and finally conceived. I continued to receive acupuncture treatment along with conventional prenatal care throughout my pregnancy.
In my 13th week, I began to bleed heavily and feared the worst. My doctor told me the pregnancy was safe but that the placenta had grown near the cervix and was causing the bleeding. Unfortunately, there was not much to do but "wait and see." Getting acupuncture treatment at this time helped soothe my frayed nerves and my pregnancy continued without further complications.
When I went into labor, I used a TENS unit (electrostimulation to acupuncture points in the back) to ease the contractions until we could reach the hospital. My awesome doula, Jessica, soon arrived, and with her help I had a natural childbirth in 3 short hours. Having a doula present made a huge difference in helping me feel safe and supported in birthing the way my body wanted to.
After taking a few months off, I went back to acupuncture school to finish my final year. Since I was away from home for days at a time, I used a breast pump and saved the milk for my son. I soon developed mastitis from a combination of stress and poor pumping technique. My classmates treated me with acupuncture for both the mastitis and the stress and I was soon back on my feet (and taking it easier on myself).
I hope by sharing my story that you have a sense of how acupuncture may help in your own pregnancy. For more information on acupuncture and Chinese medicine, please visit my website at www.karuna-acupuncture.com.
University of Chicago, 1997 (BA, English Literature, Psychology)
Body Therapy Institute, 2002 (LMBT #2899)
Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, 2007 (LAc #500)
Tamara Cox, LAc
NC #500
phone: (919) 414-3414
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Karuna Acupuncture