Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine for Pregnancy & Postpartum Support in Yarmouth, ME
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of profound change—physically, emotionally, and hormonally. Many people seek support for symptoms like nausea, fatigue, pain, anxiety, sleep disruption, or recovery after birth, while also wanting care that feels safe, grounded, and attentive. At River’s Edge Acupuncture, we offer gentle, individualized acupuncture and Chinese medicine support to help you feel more comfortable, resilient, and supported through pregnancy and into postpartum healing.
Pregnancy Support
During pregnancy, acupuncture is commonly used to support:
Sciatica and low back pain, including pelvic, sacral, and hip discomfort
Nausea and vomiting, particularly in the first trimester
Headaches and tension
Anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances
Digestive changes and constipation
Along with the discomforts that can be side effects of pregnancy, we also use acupuncture preventatively and in response to complications in 3rd trimester:
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A core focus of care at River’s Edge Acupuncture is routine pre‑birth treatment beginning at 36 weeks gestation. At this stage, acupuncture is not used to “force” labor, but rather to support the body’s natural readiness for birth.
Pre‑birth treatments may help:
Encourage efficient uterine activity
Support cervical readiness and pelvic balance
Calm the nervous system and reduce fear‑tension patterns
Promote smoother labor progression and recovery
This style of care is commonly used in midwifery‑integrated settings and is valued as a supportive, non‑invasive complement to standard obstetric care.
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As part of routine pre‑birth care, we also teach basic labor acupressure techniques during these late‑pregnancy visits. Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Acupressure techniques, when applied early and consistently during labor, may help:
Reduce pain intensity
Support relaxation between contractions
Increase partner involvement and confidence during labor
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For pregnancies with breech presentation, acupuncture and moxibustion are sometimes used in late pregnancy to encourage optimal fetal positioning. Moxibustion involves the gentle warming of specific acupuncture points and is typically done daily for a short period, often with guidance for safe home use.
While not a replacement for medical care, this approach is widely used as a conservative, low‑risk option alongside monitoring by your provider.
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Some patients seek acupuncture in late‑term pregnancy to support labor onset when medically appropriate. These treatments are always coordinated with your care team and tailored to your individual situation.
Postpartum Support
In the postpartum period, acupuncture and Chinese medicine focus on recovery, nourishment, and nervous system regulation.
Postpartum care may support:
Milk supply and lactation challenges
Anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation
Sleep disruption and nervous system recovery
Low back and pelvic pain
Prolapse and hemorrhoid discomfort
Itching and postpartum hair loss
Replenishing qi and blood to restore energy, resilience, and overall well‑being
Care is adapted whether you are newly postpartum or months into recovery, recognizing that healing continues well beyond the first six weeks.
Research suggests acupuncture can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce pain and inflammation, and support emotional well-being—factors that are particularly important during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Case example (anonymous)
A postpartum patient came in several weeks after birth struggling with low milk supply despite frequent feeding and pumping. We began with a course of acupuncture focused on supporting lactation physiology, circulation, and nervous system regulation. By the third treatment, she noticed a clear, measurable increase in supply. We then added daily, take‑home moxibustion to reinforce treatment between visits. With continued acupuncture and consistent moxibustion use, her milk supply ultimately doubled. Care was adjusted throughout to support rest, emotional well‑being, and overall postpartum recovery.
FAQs about pregnancy & postpartum acupuncture
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy and late pregnancy?
Yes. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist trained in prenatal care, acupuncture is considered very safe. Treatments are adapted for each trimester, and specific points are chosen carefully based on your stage of pregnancy.
When should I start acupuncture during pregnancy?
People come in at all stages—early pregnancy for nausea or anxiety, later pregnancy for pain or preparation for birth, and postpartum for recovery. There is no “wrong” time to start. If you are looking to do a pre-birth prep, please come in at 36 weeks.
Can acupuncture help with postpartum recovery and milk supply?
Yes. Postpartum acupuncture often focuses on restoring energy, supporting emotional regulation, relieving pain, and helping the body recover from birth. Care can begin as soon as you feel ready.
Do you offer herbal medicine during pregnancy or postpartum?
Herbal recommendations are offered selectively and conservatively during pregnancy, and more flexibly postpartum. All recommendations are tailored to your individual presentation.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your symptoms, goals, and where you are in pregnancy or postpartum. Some people come weekly for a period of time, while others come less frequently for ongoing support. For pre-birth prep, please schedule your first visit between 34-36 weeks.
Serving Yarmouth, Portland and the mid-coast Maine community
River’s Edge Acupuncture is located in Yarmouth, Maine, and we regularly work with patients from Brunswick, Freeport, Falmouth, Portland, Durham, Bath, Lewiston, Auburn and across the mid-coast region. Our clinic is easily accessible and designed to feel calm, welcoming, and restorative.
What to expect at River’s Edge Acupuncture
Care at River’s Edge Acupuncture is intentionally slow, spacious, and highly individualized—especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Your visits are 75 minutes, allowing time to check in fully, adjust treatment as your body changes, and ensure you feel comfortable and supported.
Treatment may include:
Gentle, pregnancy-safe acupuncture
Hands-on palpation and assessment
Herbal and nutritional guidance when appropriate
Lifestyle and nervous system support tailored to your stage of pregnancy or postpartum recovery
We work collaboratively with your existing care team, including midwives, OBs, doulas, pelvic floor physical therapists, and other providers. Treatments are always adapted to where you are—first trimester, late pregnancy, immediate postpartum, or months beyond.
Ready to feel supported through pregnancy or postpartum?
If you’re pregnant, preparing for birth, or navigating postpartum recovery and want thoughtful, evidence‑informed support, we’d love to connect.
Primary next step:
Book a complimentary 30‑minute discovery call to talk through your needs and see if care at River’s Edge is a good fit.
Already feeling ready?
Ready to book your first visit? You’re welcome to schedule an initial acupuncture appointment directly.