Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
Acupuncture for Pregnancy & Postpartum
Treatments may include moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, herbs, and dietary suggestions
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are profound seasons of transformation: physically, emotionally, and energetically. Acupuncture offers gentle, evidence-informed care that honors the body’s innate wisdom while supporting the complex changes that occur as new life is created, born, and nurtured.
This holistic approach works with the nervous system, circulation, and hormonal balance, helping birthing parents feel supported, grounded, and resilient throughout pregnancy and beyond.
When provided by a licensed practitioner trained in prenatal care, acupuncture is safe throughout all stages of pregnancy. Treatments are thoughtfully adapted to each trimester, creating space for rest, regulation, and connection. Prenatal acupuncture may help:
Pregnancy
Reduce nausea, fatigue, and digestive discomfort
Ease back, hip, pelvic, and joint pain as the body changes
Support sleep, emotional balance, and nervous system regulation
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve circulation and help reduce swelling
Gently prepare the body for labor and birth (including breech position)
Postpartum
Rebuild energy and address postpartum fatigue
Support emotional well-being and hormonal balance
Promote physical healing after vaginal or cesarean birth
Relieve muscle tension, pelvic discomfort, and strain
Support digestion, immune health, and lactation
The postpartum period is a time of recovery, integration, and renewal. Acupuncture offers restorative support as the body heals and adjusts after birth. Postpartum treatments may help:
Rooted in traditional healing wisdom and supported by modern clinical understanding, postpartum acupuncture helps replenish what has been given, nurturing long-term vitality during this tender transition.
How often should I come?
Prenatal Care
1
We recommend coming weekly during the first trimester and then monthly as you enter the second trimester. Once you are 35-36 weeks pregnant, we recommend weekly treatments again to create the optimal conditions for labor.
See this 2017 Cochrane Review which shows that acupuncture increases cervical readiness prior to labor.
Please note, pre-birth treatments do not "induce" labor or make contractions, but instead help to create optimal conditions for labor to begin in a timely and efficient way.
Breech, Posterior, and Malpositioned Babies
2
Treatments for these conditions are most effective when started between 32 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes a second treatment is required.
The use of acupuncture and moxibustion is increasingly the subject of research and is included in RCOG Green Top Guideline as a clinical guideline to reduce the incidence of term breech presentation.
Instructions and moxa sticks for daily homecare will be provided.
Postpartum Care
3
We recommend a treatment 2-3 weeks after the birth. I can come to your house or the baby is also welcome in the space.
Plan on 2-3 sessions within the 6 week period after birth.
Meet your acupuncturist
Kristen has been working with patients during their fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey for over 10 years. She is a senior member of the Obstetrical Acupuncture Association (OBAA) & a graduate of the Maternity Acupuncture Mentoring Peer Support (MAMPS) program.
“She believes in the innate wisdom of the body and the intuitive powers in the perinatal season. I highly recommend Kristen to be one of the people on your team as you enter into motherhood.”
— Laura Baumgart, LCSW