Because of her own background and experiences Ann is passionate about providing a supportive acupuncture service alongside conventional maternity care, and has taken advanced post-graduate studies that have been approved by the Royal College of Midwives. Her studies have been with international obstetric acupuncture teachers such as:
Acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth
In 2010, The Whittington Hospital (London), which runs a full time maternity acupuncture service in collaboration with Westminster University, conducted a survey into patient attitudes to their service. This revealed that:
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90% of mothers rated the service as 'greatly enhancing their patient journey'.
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69% of mothers said their problem had 'greatly benefited from acupuncture'
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88% said that they would preferentially re-book at the Whittington Hospital as a direct
result of their experience of the maternity acupuncture service.
Acupuncture is especially useful in pregnancy as it offers a natural, drug-free approach that may help a range of problems.
Also by helping to relieve, for example, lower back pain which is often considered a 'normal' problem of pregnancy, acupuncture may help to improve the quality of a woman's pregnancy experience.
What are the benefits of acupuncture in pregnancy?
What conditions can be treated?
Post natal Care.
In Labour.
In Pregnancy.
It is very relaxing and some mothers like to come for regular acupuncture sessions throughout their pregnancy to help maintain their sense of general well-being.
Acupuncture may also be used to help prepare for an efficient birth, and optimise the position of the baby (including turning a breech baby), increasing the chance of a natural delivery.
The use of acupuncture at any stage of labour can be very useful. Women are particularly responsive to its effects at this time.
Acupressure, which is the application of sustained pressure by either an acupuncturist, birth attendant or partner taught in this method can also be extremely helpful
It allows the woman greater freedom of movement than using acupuncture, and enables their partner to have a very supportive and interactive role throughout.
Different points can be taught during pregnancy that may be used for both pain relief and for help during the different phases of labour.
Read more about this simple, effective technique by clicking on the link .
Traditionally the postnatal period is the time when both the mother and the baby are supported and nourished. The mother may need time to recover from the birth and for lactation to be established. She may have problems sleeping and maintaining her energy. Many mothers find that acupuncture helps them feel revitalised during this time, with an enhanced sense of well-being.
In 2006 Sarah Budd reported an audit of 188 patients from her Hospital clinic in Devon. This showed similar positive results and improvement in womens wellbeing following acupuncture treatment in pregnancy.
There are also a study showing measurable benefits to having acupuncture for birth preparation.