Many women have recently been re-discovering an ancient use for acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as a treatment for infertility, pains and discomforts associated with pregnancy, difficult labor and delivery, as well as postpartum restoration of health.   Stunning results have encouraged more couples to explore acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as a complementary or alternative option to their standard medical treatment.

A doula is a total-care birthing professional who helps the mother in all phases of childbirth. Before the baby is born, a doula will help the mother feel both physically and emotionally comfortable during her pregnancy. Throughout labor and birth  (hospital, home or birth center; natural, medicated or surgical), the doula is present to provide support and guidance.

After the baby is born, a doula helps  new parents by demonstrating practical newborn care and by supporting the feeding methods the mother has chosen to use. A doula also helps the new father gain a higher level of confidence in caring for his new baby. 

Pregnancy is both a wondrous and physically challenging experience for the expectant mother. Many women experience pain and discomfort throughout pregnancy and following the birth of a child. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment provides relief for many expectant mothers. Chiropractors are trained to identify the proper areas involved with your discomfort and provide the necessary treatment based on your specific needs.  Chiropractic has been a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant patients for over 100 years.

Breastfeeding can be a deeply satisfying and rewarding experience benefiting both mother and baby. For some women the nursing relationship proceeds smoothly. Other mothers may face challenges that cause difficulty with breastfeeding and may lead to untimely weaning.

A Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a board certified healthcare professional with specialized skills and up-to-date knowledge of the breastfeeding process and lactation management. A Lactation Consultant provides prenatal instruction in breastfeeding for expectant mothers and offers timely assistance and support for new mothers if problems arise. To solve breastfeeding problems, a Lactation Consultant will work directly with the nursing mother, her family and her doctor to develop a personalized plan to help make breastfeeding a successful and satisfying experience. A Board Certified Lactation Consultant can help you with:

• Information and instruction about breastfeeding
• Assessment and solutions for breastfeeding challenges such as:
• breast refusal / reluctance to nurse
• nipple or breast soreness
• engorgement
• positioning and latch-on problems
• low milk supply
• suck / swallow difficulties
• slow infant weight gain
• jaundice and breastfeeding
• breast infections
• nursing an adopted baby
• cleft lip / palate
• prior breast surgery
• relactation
• medications and breastfeeding
• returning to work or school
• premature, hospitalized or special need infant
• expressing milk for a preterm or ill baby
• breastfeeding twins or other multiples
• Breastpumps and other nursing supplies

Although not every breastfeeding mother and baby necessarily require the help of an IBCLC, it as been demonstrated that "breastfeeding education and access to a lactation consultant can be critical to the successful initiation and continuation of breastfeeding."

Remember: breastfeeding problems are easier to solve when help is sought early.

Reprinted with permission from Chonyi Glassman and Beth Shulman

 

A physical therapist (PT) is a licensed health care professional that diagnoses and treats people of all ages with various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. PT’s are also able to utilize fitness and wellness programs to help maintain the benefits that have been gained during physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to help reduce pain and symptoms, increase function, improve quality of life while teaching the patients the way they can maintain wellness.

During your initial evaluation a thorough review of your medical history and the primary symptoms that have brought you to therapy will be discussed. You can expect your therapist to perform a postural assessment, body screen, muscle strength testing, flexibility testing, palpation as well as functional tests to best assess your symptoms. Typically a summary of the therapist’s findings and a treatment plan are discussed with the patient at the time of evaluation.

A specialized women’s health physical therapist has had additional training in the diagnosis, evaluation and successful treatment of numerous diagnoses that occur across a woman’s lifespan.

Commonly Treated Obstetric & Women’s Health Diagnoses:

• Prenatal & Postpartum Care
• Lower Back & Neck Pain
• Postural Dysfunction
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction/ Weakness
• Pelvic Pain
• Urinary Incontinence
• Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
• Gestational Diabetes
• High Risk Pregnancy
• Multiples Births
• Blocked Mammary Ducts
• Osteoporosis/Osteoarthritis
• Post-mastectomy/Oncology care
• Wellness Programs

A Women’s Health Physical Therapist partners with the client to ensure a healthy lifestyle and success in achieving their goals.

Reprinted with permission from Jennifer Raponi

A postpartum doula is a birthing professional who helps the new family following birth.  She helps new parents by demonstrating practical newborn care and by supporting the feeding methods the mother has chosen to use.  She makes sure the new mother is rested, well-nourished and adequately hydrated, and teaches her tips for future self-care. The postpartum doula also helps the new father gain a higher level of confidence in caring for his newborn, and she can assist new parents with sibling care, when necessary. With the help of a postpartum doula , the transition to parenthood is much easier, and the household of the new family runs smoothly.

Services

Regular postpartum visits to provide the following:

• Newborn care
• Care for the new mother
• Assistance with breastfeeding
• Help with siblings
• Help with errands and chores (laundry, grocery shopping, light meal prep)
• Addressing birth announcements
• Accompanying parent to medical check-ups