by Andrea Crossman, RN, BS, BA on February 8, 2010
in Fertility,HDNYC,Holistic Health,NYC Local Resources,Yoga, Acupuncture, and Other Healing Traditions
The blog Well + Good NYC is kicking off a Fertility Week with a post on fertility-enhancing acupuncture. The post features Jill Blakeway who was mentioned here previously in the post Fertile Mamas Resource: NYC Acupuncturists, and is also referenced by Dr. Sami David, in this fantastic 3-part video series about fertility. For all you mamas working on your fertility mojo, I hope you find some good resources here!
Don't worry, acupuncture doesn't hurt. The needles are teeny tiny.
If you are interested in using Chinese medicine herbs, and acupuncture to optimize your fertility, here are some recommendations for practitioners in NYC who specialize in women’s health:
- Sara Frohlich, MSc, LAc, is in private practice as a licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist. She also does some doula work and is just an all around lovely, knowledgeable woman. I was the doula for one of her clients and it made for a wonderful partnership! By the by, to support everyone’s healthy new year, Sara is offering 20% off one acupuncture treatment through January 31st. I think that’s a pretty good reason to get your chi in check asap!
- Erin Hessel, MSc, LAc, is the Director of Gynecological Health at the Berkeley Center for Reproductive Wellness and Women’s Health. Like Sara, she also has experience as a labor support doula. I haven’t yet met Erin in person, but have had some great professional interactions with her and am impressed with her work.
- I do not know Jill Blakeway, MSc, LAc, but she is mentioned in the interview of Dr. Sami David that was previously posted, and co-authored the book Making Babies.
Did you use acupuncture along your fertile mama journey? Tell us about it!
I love this video from prenatal yoga teacher Penni Thorpe showing how to use the ball in labor. Many of her recommendations are great for the weeks leading up to the big day as well, for optimal fetal positioning, opening the hips and pelvis, and receiving support (and endorphin releasing touch!) from your birth partner. Do what feels good and tune in to your inherent wisdom!
Birth ball tips
- Unsure of what size to get? Select a 65cm ball if you are 5’8 or shorter,
and a 75cm ball if you are over 5’8.
- I researched to find the most environmentally friendly ball and choose it for the HDNYC store. Unlike every other stability ball I’ve seen, these are non-toxic and phthalate* free. This is a great find and important as you may use this with baby later on.
- General fit tip: when sitting on the ball, with your feet flat on the floor, your hips should be raised approx 10cm above your knees. This raised sitting position brings the weight of the baby forward, giving relief from back pain and general discomfort felt in pregnancy. This position also keeps the pelvis open and pressure off your lower back during labor and contractions.
*Want to know more about why to avoid phthalates? Click here.
Click the pic to go to www.prenatalyogacenter.com and check out this great resource for pregnant women in NYC!
via the Prenatal Yoga Center website:
Free Prenatal Yoga Classes!
Pre-registration required
Our Fall 2009 teacher trainees will be teaching the following classes as part of their final examination:
Tuesday, January 5 | 4-5:30pm
Wednesday, January 6 | 3:15-4:45pm
Saturday, Janury 16 | 1:30-3pm (FULL)
Each class is also supervised by Prenatal Yoga Center staff.
Admission is FREE, however we do ask that you sign up in advance, as classes are limited to 10 students each. Additionally, if you do reserve a spot, please make every effort to attend – or let us know well in advance so that we can fill that spot.
Please call 212-362-2985 for availability or to register!
