Natural Pregnancy
Complementary or alternative therapies are a growing trend. Indeed, many women use them during preconception, pregnancy, labour, birth and after the baby is born. While some options are safe in pregnancy others are not. This means that it’s important to use complementary therapies with care and consult your midwife or doctor. Complementary therapies may help you achieve a natural pregnancy, avoiding the unnecessary use of synthetic chemicals and medication.
Complementary therapies include natural medicine products such as herbal preparations, nutritional substances, and vitamin and mineral tablets. They also include a whole range of therapies such as massage, acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic care. Aiming to shift the balance towards health and wellbeing; complementary therapies aim to treat the whole person – mind, body and spirit.
To help you achieve a natural pregnancy we’ve gathered together a range of resources on complementary therapies used during pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Natural Pregnancy Articles
Acupuncture Induction for Post Date Babies
Acupuncture Induction for Post Date is enjoying increasing popularity as women with uncomplicated pregnancies seek to avoid conventional medical induction, the imposition of medical timeframes, and the cascade of interventions that often follow. Acupuncture induction is safe and effective and works harmoniously with the delicate hormonal balance of pregnancy to promote labour. TCM practitioners will never perform an internal, vaginal examination under any circumstance. The primary method of collecting TCM diagnostic information is by asking clinical questions. Another is through
Acupuncture is Successful in Reducing Depression in Pregnancy
Anyone who has experienced depression themselves, or watched helplessly as someone they love endures it, will attest that the affects of depression are far reaching and long lasting. Many studies have explored the prevalence and treatment of postpartum depression. However, few have explored the treatment of depression in pregnancy. There is no doubt that treatment of depression in pregnancy brings with it a new layer of complexity. Between 1999 and 2003 the use of antidepressants during pregnancy doubled in
Raspberry Leaf
You are probably familiar with the favourite fruit, the Raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The raspberry is native to many parts of Europe and Northern America. A century-old remedy, leaves of the raspberry plant are useful as a medicinal herb. Furthermore, the raspberry leaf may have many different properties, including those that are beneficial for pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Many think that raspberry leaf, if taken regularly through pregnancy and labour, can help with: Ease the symptoms of morning sickness. Sooth
Raspberry leaf: Panacea for pregnancy and labour or problem?
Red raspberry leaf, otherwise known as rubus idaeus, has been used medicinally since the sixth century. Its use and reputation as an aid in pregnancy and childbirth have grown throughout the years. This is despite the paucity of research into its safety and efficacy for mothers and babies during pregnancy and birth. A herb, red raspberry leaf is consumed in tea, tablet or tincture form by pregnant women. They take it in the hope that it will make labour
Making Your Own Aromatherapy Massage Oil for Pregnancy
By Wendy Mackay One of the basics of rules of aromatherapy is that essential oils must be diluted to be applied to the skin. Making your own massage oil can be a wonderful way of using essential oils. Massage oils can also be used as body oils, as a way of moisturising and protecting your skin in a similar way to a body lotion. When making your oil you will need A bottle to make and store your completed
Chiropractic – Philosophy, Art and Lifestyle
The chiropractic approach to health is one of harmony and vitalism. Chiropractic is based on the scientific premise that the body is a self-regulating and self-healing being. In Australia, there are over 215,000 consultations each week (1) including the elderly, mothers, fathers, children and newborns. Chiropractic care is focused on supporting and sustaining health by maintaining the integrity of the structure (primarily the spine, and pelvis) and function (the nervous system) of the body through chiropractic adjustments and a
Relaxation During Pregnancy
Relaxation during pregnancy has many benefits. It can help to relieve physical, emotional and psychological tension. It assists in preparing the mind and body for birth. Ultimately, it supports better outcomes for mothers and babies. Relaxation during pregnancy can take many forms. From something as simple as taking time to rest or do something pleasurable, to more structured activities like Yoga. However it is taken though, one common outcome exits – relaxation during pregnancy reduces stress! Generally speaking, most
Aromatherapy in Pregnancy
People get very concerned about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme. Also, a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time. There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often
Women’s Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies During Pregnancy
By Amie Steel, Jane Frawley The majority of women rely on health professionals, such as midwives, general practitioners (GPs) and obstetricians, during pregnancy and birth to ensure that both mother and baby are as healthy as possible. Are these the only practitioners providing care to women during this important time in their lives? New research suggests there are 'others' involved. These other health professionals are broadly defined as 'complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners', an umbrella term that covers