It is essential to be as healthy as possible during preconception, pregnancy and childbirth. Paying attention to diet and nutrition, reducing stress, getting adequate sleep and exercise, avoiding exposure to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and environmental toxins contribute to a healthy pregnancy and child. Typical physical and emotional conditions experienced during and after pregnancy are morning sickness or nausea, skin changes, back pain, pelvic pain, preeclampsia, toxemia, gestational diabetes and post-partum depression. Infertility is common and can be caused by a variety of problems in the man or woman. Fertility may be affected by many things such as ill health, poor nutrition, stress, subconscious feelings of fear or anger, hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism, genetic factors, sperm problems, blocked fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and fibroids. There are many natural options for managing the pain of the birthing process such as Lamaze or Bradley method. Un-medicated, water or home births, sometimes using the assistance of a Doula or midwife, are popular natural delivery options. When choosing alternative methods it is important to create a birth plan, to be trained in pain management and learn what to do at different stages of the birth. Holistic and alternative approaches recommended by our practitioners:

Causes and Approaches

Pamela Myers, CMT, RYT | Profile
The weight of baby pressing on nerves and muscle tissue can create low back discomfort.

Often times, the broad ligament is stretching (usually in the sixth or seventh month)and a sciatic sensation appears. Slow, diaphragmatic breathing to relax the body can bring relief.

Applying hot/cold packs and using a tennis ball to massage affected area may alleviate symptoms.

Prenatal Massage Therapy/Reiki
Prenatal Yoga