Pregnancy

Acupuncture

According to Chinese Medicine the emotional and physical health of both partners in the period leading up to conception, as well as the overall health of the woman during pregnancy and the birth, contribute to the constitution, health and well being of the child.

Chinese Medicine (of which acupuncture is a part), considers that fertility issues and symptoms such as those in pregnancy can be a sign of energetic disharmony within the human system, and has its own diagnostic system through which to understand an individual’s imbalance.

This additional perspective is a valuable part of the Acupuncture process, and together with a western understanding of health and disease enables the Acupuncturist to provide a truly individual approach.

Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine, and also when the use of drugs is contraindicated.

Research fact sheets can be found on the British Acupuncture Council website
www.acupuncture.org.uk including those about Female fertility, Male infertility, Infertility ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), Obstetrics, Puerperium (the first 6 weeks after birth), Pre-menstrual syndrome, Stress, Nausea and Vomiting, Dysmenorrhoea, Endometriosis among others

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Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine has been used safely by generations of women to help with the minor discomforts of pregnancy. Ginger in different forms is used for sickness but for some women other herbs are required.

Trained medical herbalists will only prescribe those herbs that are known to be safe in pregnancy. Whatever your discomfort while pregnant, we are happy to advise you about herbs and nutrition.

As your pregnancy progresses we are happy to advise about how the herbs can prepare the way for labour and make your baby’s journey as comfortable as possible.

We have herbalists with both midwifery and health visiting experience between them who will always put the well-being of you and your baby first and foremost.

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Dr. Bach Flower Remedies

Our Healing Thyme Practitioner Sheila Elmer is a registered member of the Dr. Bach Centre. Their leaflet “pregnancy and childbirth”, available free of charge from Healing Thyme, explains how these gentle flower remedies can help during the adjustments being made during pregnancy and childbirth and once baby is born.

Sheila, who is a retired midwife, will make a treatment bottle to match your emotions during pregnancy and will make a special treatment bottle for you to take during labour. The remedies are drops taken orally four times per day.

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Reflexology

Our Healing Thyme Reflexologist Sheila Elmer is a retired midwife.

Reflexology is often very effective in soothing any minor aches, pains or discomforts sometimes felt during normal pregnancies. In particular, it can be extremely helpful in relieving backache.

The British Reflexology Association endorses the use of Reflexology during pregnancy; likewise, obstetrician Dr. Gowrie Motha. Our Healing Thyme Reflexologist met Gowrie Motha at a Conference in 1996. She has stayed in touch with her and now recommends her CDs and books. Dr. Gowrie Motha advocates Reflexology prior to labour to help shorten the first stage.

Sheila is happy to help make a birth plan with you.

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