How Acupuncture Can Help with Lactation

by Melanie Morrill | May 28, 2023

Categories: Acupuncture, Uterine Health and Fertility

Being a new parent is an exciting and challenging time. Breast and chest feeding is not always comfortable, but there are several options that a nursing parent has access to that make the experience better.

Here are three things to support your breast/chest feeding in Edmonton, AB:

1. Consult with a lactation consultant or peer resource. Click here for the Edmonton Breast Feeding Directory.
2. Try acupuncture. Acupuncture can be used to increase milk production, manage pain, release upper back and neck tension, resolved clogged ducts, support new moms’ mental health, and aid healing after cesarean sections. Book your acupuncture appointment online at accessibleacupuncture.ca.
3. Make modifications to your diet. Drink more fluids, rest, take supplements, and keep trying. Chest/breast feeding is different for everyone, and it takes time to find what works for you and your baby. Some foods that may be helpful are oats, barley, fenugreek, and bone broth. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about supplements and foods for lactation.

The above photo shows the small intestine one (Si 1) acupuncture point. This acupuncture point is lovely for breast/chest feeding mothers who are working on increasing their milk supply. Si 1 is usually combined with another acupuncture point called Ren 17 located in the center of the chest to promote lactation.

Lactation and breast/chest feeding challenges can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be! There are options for you that can be implemented yourself or provided to you by a healthcare practitioner to make this time in your life more comfortable. Be sure to reach out to professionals that can help you.

I would love the opportunity to help you with your lactation needs. Call the clinic at 587-879-7122 to book in.

Top Ways Acupuncture Can Help Your Pregnancy

by Melanie Morrill | Jan 17, 2023

Categories: Acupuncture, Uterine Health and Fertility 

There are many tools that you can use in your pregnancy journey, and acupuncture is an effective one. This help can start and last all throughout your pregnancy.

Prenatal acupuncture can help to reduce stress, support relaxation, and more during your pregnancy.

One of the biggest risks during your pregnancy is physical and mental stress. It’s important to address this stress and acupuncture is a great way to do that.

“A growing body of research shows that prenatal stress can have significant effects on pregnancy, maternal health and human development across the lifespan.”

— Dr. Mary Coussons-Read, Obstetric Medicine, June 2013

Acupuncture during your pregnancy can help alleviate your stress, resulting in a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, in a recent study, when pregnant women received acupuncture as part of their prenatal care, they experienced:

• 35% fewer medical inductions
• 31% fewer epidurals
• 32% less emergency C-section delivery
• 9% less complicated vaginal births

Acupuncture is famous for reducing stress and supporting healthy mood balance. Enjoy the peace that acupuncture brings during your pregnancy by booking an appointment with Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac. today. Not only can she help by performing acupuncture, but she can also help by suggesting remedies that you can implement in your everyday routine.

As a senior member of the International Obstetric Acupuncture Association Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac. is here to support your pregnancy. With her additional training in fertility and obstetric acupuncture, she is committed to ensuring you received the best care while you are trying to conceive, pregnant, and postpartum. You can book your appointment online with the link above or by calling the clinic at 587-879-7122. 

We love helping patients like Emma during their pregnancy! Check out this amazing review we received from her:

“Melanie has been an incredible source of information, calm and support during the first trimester of my pregnancy. I struggled with severe nausea, gagging/ retching, strong food aversions and morning sickness since week 5 and I am now 11 weeks. The acupuncture helped to battle the symptoms when medication did not which was relief as it took a while to convince my doc that the meds were not working! Needless to say it’s been rough and during this time Melanie suggested at home remedies, simple food & drink swaps and routine changes. With Melanie’s help, I feel like I have slowly regained some normality in my life and would happily recommend her to anyone! Thank you so, so much!!” 

– Emma Thomas (5 Star Google Review)