Pictures of Acupuncture during Birth
Preconception
Recently I had the amazing experience of giving birth at home to our beautiful baby boy. I could not have done it without the wonderful people there to support me. One person stands out as having made a major difference throughout the last year and a half. Monica Leibson, Acupuncturist and Doula, was an incredible person to have as part of my team throughout my preconception, pregnancy, labor, and delivery experience. I began seeing Monica for acupuncture because we were not getting pregnant as quickly as I would have liked. Within a few months of seeing her, through her acupuncture treatments and advice on other aspects of my health, we got pregnant!
Pregnancy
During my pregnancy Monica continued to treat me with for hyperemesis (excessive vomiting). The first twenty weeks of my pregnancy I was constantly vomiting and one of the very few things that relieved my symptoms were the acupuncture treatments from Monica. Then in the latter part of my pregnancy when I was uncomfortable with general issues like sore feet and back pain, she was able to help relieve those as well.
Acupuncture During Labor
Monica performed acupuncture on me during my labor and it made an incredible difference for me. I remember feeling completely desperate and was ready to give up until Monica arrived. I was just beginning transition when she started the acupuncture treatments and instead of it being the most intense part of my labor, I actually felt some relief. I was able to focus during my contractions and rest between them. She also worked on some acupressure points and used other techniques to release endorphins and showed my husband them as well. My physical pain was eased by her, but just as importantly, my mental state was revitalized. I was feeling discouraged and not sure if I could go on, but she brought a sense of calm when I needed it and instilled me with confidence that I could do what I needed to get done. I will never forget her voice through labor there for me all the way letting me know that this was something I could do. She assisted me every step of the way suggesting different positions, providing support and helping me focus. As if it weren’t enough for her to help me, she helped my husband as well. I know my husband was feeling helpless watching me and feeling he was without anything he could do but Monica instructed him on how to help me as well. This made a huge difference for both of us. I felt more like it was something we were doing together instead of just me doing it and him watching. With her there we were both able to focus, relax and get through labor and delivery and in the end when we met our beautiful baby boy and had an experience we will cherish forever. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever should my husband and I choose to have another child, we will ask Monica Leibson to be there.
– Dr. Michaella Walter, D.C.
Acupuncture During Labor Testimonial from Michaella’s Husband John
Recently my wife and I had a home birth in which our beautiful baby boy was born. We had a great team with us through the entire process but one member of the team was extremely valuable. During labor Monica Leibson, my wife’s acupuncturist and doula, came to our house. My wife was having an intense labor and incurring near unbearable pain. When Monica arrived she went right to work. Not only was she working on different points on my wife’s body in order to help relieve pain and pressure, but she was helping me by showing different physical methods to help comfort my wife thru the pain and contractions. Prior to her arrival I honestly was feeling somewhat helpless. I was watching my wife in an extreme amount of pain with seemingly no way to help. Once Monica showed me different strokes on my wife’s arms, back, and neck my wife was much more at ease and able to move thru transition, her most intense period of labor with a little more comfort. I feel there is a chance we may have ended up abandoning the home birth and going to the hospital if it weren’t for Monica. Not only was her presence at the birth physically productive in that she was performing acupuncture and relieving different pressure points, but also mentally comforting. She brought a strong sense of comfort and confidence to the room that was not always there prior to her arrival. My wife was almost instantly moved from discouragement to positivity in knowing she could do it. My wife progressed into pushing and not long after our wonderful son was in our arms. It was a moment I’ll never forget but part of that moment was brought to us by Monica. I will never forget her presence there. I can still see her face and in a time where I may have been panicked, I was calmed by her. I’m certain my wife feels the same way and should we decide to have another child, I have no doubt we will both insist Monica be there again. The birth of a child is the greatest joy a person can ever experience however without question one could only enhance your experience by bringing Monica Leibson into your team.
– John V.
Leave a Reply