Did you know that Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to enhance fertility, assist women through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and to recover postpartum?

As a board-certified Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner (NCCAOM) in the Boulder and Aspen areas for over the past 20 years, Cameron Elmendorf specializes in women’s health, fertility, prenatal/postpartum wellness, and hormone balance. She employs both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture techniques, as well as Chinese Herbal medicine, and Asian bodywork techniques such as Tui Na and Shiatsu. She complements her acupuncture practice with a deep knowledge of the western paradigm of women's health, including fertility, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), menstrual issues, and menopausal challenges.

This long tradition of women’s medicine provides a wonderful, nurturing, non-invasive platform on which to treat the mother-to-be well into motherhood. Chinese medicine can be used as an alternative to Western fertility treatments, with great success. It can also be used as a beneficial adjunct to those women already undergoing fertility treatments with their Obstetrician or in a reproductive medical center.

Here are some of the remarkable benefits you can experience with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine during your pregnancy and postpartum journey:

Fertility: 

Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to enhance fertility, assist women through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and finally to build her back up postpartum. This long tradition of women’s medicine provides a wonderful, nurturing, non-invasive platform on which to treat the mother-to-be well into motherhood. Chinese medicine can be used as an alternative to Western fertility treatments, with great success. It can also be used as a beneficial adjunct to those women already undergoing fertility treatments with their Obstetrician or in a reproductive medical center.

First 3 months Prenatal: 

As a person enters into the 1st trimester of pregnancy, Traditional Chinese medicine can be beneficial in many ways. The transition into the early stages of pregnancy can be abrupt and tough on the mother’s body. Morning sickness, headaches, fatigue, digestive upset and a host of other symptoms can plague a mother-to-be. Chinese Medicine can help palliatively alleviate these and many other symptoms that come with a rapidly-changing physiology. 

3-6 months prenatal: 

As the mother’s body continues to aid in the growth of the fetus, her body becomes a vessel for many important functions, and it can seem that this tiny being is demanding of all the mother’s resources. In the second trimester, many women can experience increased fatigue, breast tenderness/pain, skin issues, sinus/septum issues, dizziness, leg cramps, UTI’s and mood shifts, to name just a few. Chinese Medicine is a wonderful tool to help alleviate these persistent and uncomfortable symptoms.

6-9 months prenatal: 

In the final stretch of pregnancy, the third trimester can feel daunting and extremely demanding upon the mother. Symptoms from the 1st two trimesters can increase, along with heartburn, leg cramps, painful varicose veins, back and pelvic pain, hemorrhoids and frequent urination. Many mothers-to-be rely on Chinese Medicine to bring balance into the system, while supporting the growing fetus, and preparing the body for labor and delivery. 

Labor/Delivery: 

Chinese Medicine can be incredibly helpful in aiding the mother’s body to prepare for birth. With acupuncture and herbal medicine, induction of labor can help mother’s transition and birth naturally, or in support of a medicated birth. 

Postpartum: 

After baby has arrived, it is equally as important to tend to the mother as it is to your tiny bundle. Making sure that the mother is receiving loving attention and care can help everyone thrive in those early weeks and months. 

Lactation support, hormone balancing, rejuvenation of fluids and nourishment of the mother’s blood are essential. Paying close attention to her moods, sleep, bonding, nourishment and hydration can be a wonderful way to support mother and baby, while ensuring that everyone’s needs are met. As the saying goes, a healthy mom is essential for a newborn to thrive. 

Emotional and mental health support:

A new baby can add so many aspects to a family’s life - joy, excitement, love, adventure, sorrow, frustration, anger and mood shifts, such as depression and anxiety. It is essential for family members to tune into the new mother, in her ability to bond with the baby, her ability to self-care, and mother in a healthy manner. If anything beings to slip, and she begins to have struggles, we are here to support the entire family in this sometimes challenging transition.

We are here to help, through every stage of this wild ride! Reach out today for more information.