The Birth Cycle: Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
Acupuncture for Female and Male Fertility
About 1 out of 5 couples struggle with infertility. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Kari offers a knowledgeable and compassionate approach to your fertility journey, and it has been a main focus of her practice since 2009.
Acupuncture helps to regulate both female and male reproductive system. Naturally, our reproductive systems regulate every 3- 6 months, and due to this, Kari suggests planning on committing to at least a 3-6 month period of regular acupuncture before expecting positive results, and in some cases, positive results can happen within one to two months.
Acupuncture for fertility works by balancing our reproductive hormone levels, and in turn, regulates menstrual cycles in women by strengthening the communication between the brain and ovaries. Acupuncture boosts sperm production, and works to regulate sperm motility and mobility as well as morphology. Acupuncture and moxibustion help to boost circulation and blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, thus improving the uterine lining, increasing the chances of implantation, as well as enhancing egg quality. Acupuncture reduces stress and invites calm, which are both extremely helpful during this time.
Kari has many years of experience in supporting women undergoing Fertility treatment through a Fertility Treatment Center, both in her office and at Fertility Centers. There are acupuncture protocols that are commonly used and very effective to enhance the outcome of fertility treatments, not only in getting pregnant, but also in staying pregnant. Studies show that when acupuncture is received both prior to an IVF transfer, as well as after the transfer, chances of becoming pregnant and staying pregnant go up by 26%. There are several Fertility Centers throughout the valley that allow Licensed Acupuncturists to come in and treat their patient before the IVF transfer, as well as after. Kari offers mobile services to the Fertility Centers that allow acupuncturists.
Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Acupuncture during pregnancy is extremely helpful if you are looking for ways to manage symptoms naturally!
During the First Trimester, Kari suggests weekly acupuncture treatments until week 13. Acupuncture helps to prevent miscarriage, and manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, decreased energy, sleep issues, frequent urination, bloating, constipation, as well as supporting the mama to be emotionally.
During the Second Trimester, Kari suggests acupuncture every 2-3 weeks, depending on your needs as well as your symptoms. Acupuncture helps to maintain your health and wellbeing, and prevents and treats common pregnancy symptoms such as back pain, hip pain, cramps, pelvic pain, sciatica, indigestion, insomnia and stress.
During the Third Trimester, Kari suggests acupuncture every 2-3 weeks, depending on your needs as well as your symptoms, until weeks 35-40, when Kari suggests coming weekly. Acupuncture has been shown to help boost energy levels, reduce blood pressure, reduce fluid retention, & reduce anxiety.
If your baby is in the breech presentation, the combination of acupuncture and moxibustion are highly effective in turning your baby into the right position. We will discuss techniques designed to help your baby turn naturally.
Labor Preparation
Acupuncture helps get you ready for labor, by tonifying your uterus, ripening your cervix and relaxing your body. Acupuncture can help to reduce the amount of time that you are in labor. Once you have reached 39 weeks, coming 2 or more times a week prepares your body, mind and soul very well for this life changing event!
Acupuncture for Postpartum Care
Acupuncture helps to increase milk supply, restore a sense of energy and vitality, build and balance your hormones, & generally support your healing process during postpartum. Acupuncture is an excellent way to support yourself if you are suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety. Kari suggests acupuncture visits every 1-2 weeks for a period of 6-9 months to help you fully recover.