Acuneedling
Acuneedling is a form of acupuncture performed by a midwife.
The ancient practice of acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. Acuneedling involves the use of needles to stimulate specific points on the body, to create balance and flow of ‘qi’ or energy.
Danielle is a Mum, Wife, Midwife and fierce supporter of women. With an overwhelming passion for holistic care during pregnancy and early mothering, Danielle graduated from UTS in Sydney with a Bachelor of Midwifery with Distinction. Over 10 years’ experience as a Registered Midwife across all areas of Maternity Services in both public and private hospitals; she holds post grad qualifications in Acuneedling, Perinatal Mental Health, Optimal maternal/fetal positioning and Childbirth Education. Danielle’s aim is to fill the gaps and empower women with the confidence to make informed choices about their body, baby and parenting. Danielle blends the ancient arts of Midwifery and Acupuncture to help women move through the perinatal period with joy and confidence which lays the foundation for a smoother transition to parenthood and future health. Originally from Canada she studied Social Services and Massage Therapy before travelling Europe where she met her now husband, Shane. Australia has been home for the last 18 years. She lives by the beach on the Central Coast with her young family and dog, Alf. When she is not supporting pregnant people, she thoroughly enjoys a glass of red by an open fire while reading recipes she is never going to cook or indulging in a bit of reality tv.
What is Acuneedling? What does an appointment look like?
Acuneedling is the practice of inserting fine, sterile needles into acu-points along the body’s meridians or pathways. It is used to influence the flow of ‘Qi’ or energy within the body to bring balance of yin and yang; which lays the foundation for wellness, gives symptomatic relief and promotes healing for future health. With the radical changes that happen within the pregnant body, support to gain a new balance while managing the increased demands may be helpful.
Acuneedling is a form of acupuncture by a Registered Midwife specifically for pregnancy, labour, birth and the early postpartum. The ancient and gentle practice of Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and can provide support, both emotionally and physically during this time of change and growth. As an Integrative Midwife Danielle is uniquely qualified to support you through your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey to help with pregnancy symptoms, preparation for birth and early mothering. Based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acuneedling has been specially adapted to the scope of practice of a Midwife’s specialty- caring for women in the perinatal period.
In pregnancy Acuneedling is a safe treatment that may help with a range of pregnancy symptoms including: nausea/vomiting and heartburn, constipation, haemorrhoids/ varicose veins and vulval varicosities, back/hip/symphysis pubic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, emotional concerns and insomnia. Whether you actively have a complaint, or you want to relax and ‘just be’ for a while - a treatment in the caring hands of a Midwife is a great place to start.
Birth Preparation treatments aim to align your body and mind for your birthing day! With a focus on ripening the cervix, preparing the ligaments and soft tissues of the pelvis to encourage optimal positioning of your baby and optimising your hormones to connect your mind and body in preparation of welcoming your babe in arms. All sessions are individualised to your care needs but could include a mix of needling, antenatal education, optimal maternal positioning techniques, moxibustion, body work and cupping.
Treatments in the postpartum can be used to aid recovery in the delicate 4 th trimester with “mother warming” treatments to enable healing, treat breastfeeding issues such as blocked ducts or early onset mastitis as well as c-section scar binding to help bring the fascia back together.
Treatment Sessions
When should I book an appointment?
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Pregnancy sessions can be helpful at any gestation!
Whether you have an acute complaint/symptom or just feel some extra support - mind, body or spirit is needed. An appointment during your pregnancy may address:
Nausea/vomiting/hyperemesis and heartburn
Back/hip/pubic pain and musculoskeletal concerns
Haemorrhoids and constipation
Headaches/migraines
Emotional concerns and antenatal depression
Insomnia
Restless legs/calf cramps and carpel tunnel
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Optimal Fetal Positioning for breech, mal (transverse/oblique) or posterior baby’s is addressed from 34 weeks pregnant. These sessions include indepth assessment and discussion of fetal position, pelvic anatomy, optimal maternal positioning techniques and include take home moxa stick(s) to continue at home ongoing management.
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Birth preparation/Labour activation sessions are recommended weekly from 36/37 weeks, with the evidence showing the cumulative benefit of prebirth sessions laying the foundation for the best outcomes: by increasing cervical readiness prior to labour and decrease the need for medical induction, pain medication and rates of emergency caesarean section. Sessions at this gestation focus on all things birth! It is not a magic button, but instead helps to create optimal conditions for labour to begin and continue in an effective and efficient manner.
It's not all about the needles!
Every appointment is individualised to the woman’s current needs at the time, integrating optimal fetal positioning, identifying maternal tension patterns and midwifery knowledge alongside needling to bring about balance and connection which can greatly affect the transition to motherhood. An appointment could include: needling, cupping, moxibustion, antenatal education, breathwork, bodywork, acupressure, birth debriefing.