Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
Robin is a member of the OBAA (the Obstetrical Acupuncture Association) ‘The association is dedicated to promoting the highest level of safety and knowledge in the field, along with reproductive justice and equity for all.’ She welcomes everyone at any stage in their pregnancy, to birth and beyond. She is gentle, and caring, and is dedicated to ongoing education in the field. Please reach out if you have any questions, or to see if acupuncture may help!
Robin has opened up a new service in Whistler and Pemberton for Pregnancy and Postpartum care.
Please note, If you prefer a longer, private session please book…
Some conditions that may be relieved include : feelings of stress and overwhelm, breech baby or posterior (OP) position, nausea, heartburn, fatigue, iron deficiency, body aches or pain. Birth and labour preparation treatments or cervical ripening as well as instruction of acupressure for labour.. This treatment may also be ideal for mothers experiencing postpartum anxiety or mild depression, early-stage mastitis, blocked ducts, or low milk supply, incontinence, cesarean recovery, or insomnia.
Read more about this service here:
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Creekside Health, Whistler BC
Pregnancy + Postpartum Acu-Lounge
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Acupressure for pain relief during labour,
cervical ripening
and more
download, print and share with your support person here
by Robin Marissink
For help finding the acupoints; check out these great resources by Debra Betts
Note:
It’s important not to press any of these points before labour (or induction) begins, or before you’ve been advised.
These are intended for people who are cleared by their provider for a vaginal birth. -
Acupressure to support different kinds of breastfeeding issues. For difficult letdown, blocked ducts, or for limited milk flow due to stress - try the first two pages “acupressure for stress and blocked milk flow”
For a true milk supply insufficiency - use the second set of points to support the digestive organs + increase nourishment to enhance milk supply. -
Please only use these acupressure points after your 37th week of pregnancy*
If you have been informed your baby’s spine is facing your spine and you’re close to your due date, these points will be your new best friends. Also check out spinningbabies.com -
EBB podcast Perinatal Mood Disorders
“Dr. Rebecca Dekker welcomes Dr. Kat Kaeni, a perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook, and host of the Mom & Mind podcast. Dr. Kat shares her personal journey with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD, and how it shaped her commitment to supporting parents during the perinatal period. They explore the spectrum of perinatal mental health conditions, from baby blues to postpartum psychosis, and discuss the stigma, barriers to care, and strategies for managing symptoms. Dr. Kat explains the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and the importance of accessing resources like Postpartum Support International.
Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of perinatal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Sensitive topics such as intrusive thoughts, stigma, feelings of guilt and shame, and the potential for harm to self or others are addressed. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage anyone who may be affected by these topics to reach out for support through Postpartum Support International or a trusted healthcare provider.”
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30 recommended foods for fertility according to Chinese Medicine by ORG
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Traditional Chinese Wisdom for nourishing the fetus and supporting a healthy pregnancy at all stages.
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Research for acupressure use in labour + labour prep:
Acupressure to reduce labor pain: a randomized controlled trial
Acupuncture for cervical ripening and induction of labor at term – a randomized controlled trial
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“Dysmenorrhea” ~ painful menstruation and pelvic inflammation points found along the inner crest of the tibia (shin bone) points Ligou LV5, SP 6 Sanyinjiao & Sp 8 Diji
Keep it simple - choose the most tender point, leave your hands there for a few minutes and wait for the tissue to soften.
These points are also great as labour prep points, but please no pressing the lower zone prior to 37 weeks! Its intended use is to soften the cervix (part of the cervical ripening protocol) and prepare for labour.
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Check out this study on complemntary therapies in labour (including acupressure)
Complementary therapies for labour + birth ; Integrative medicine for pain outcomes in labour by Kate M Levett1, et al.
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Acupressure for breech research
Moxibustion at BL 67 has been shown to help fetuses move into the head down, cephalic position at a significantly higher rate than without intervention. Consult your practitioner to see if this treatment is right for you.
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Check out these Traditional Chinese Medicine diet principles from heart and hands here.
Congees are easy to make, nourishing, and help replenish yin, qi (energy) and blood that has been consumed during pregnancy and child birth.
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Planning a VBAC? Here is research done by evidence-based birth.
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Bloom Acupuncture has created a beautiful resource here
exploring the seasons as phases of our menstrual cycle. Chinese Medicine offers of insight into harnessing the potential of each phase of our cycle, and living in harmony with the phases to become our most nourished selves.
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Acupuncture and moxibustion "Moxa" are wonderful tools to help with various aspects of breastfeeding, including pain, difficult letdown, blocked ducts, and low milk supply.
Check out Kelly Mom for additional breastfeeding support -
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Conscious Fertility Podcast - Forgiveness + Peace with Isabel Costa
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helpful resources from Undefining Motherhood found here. Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum resources
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Check out some VBAC facts here
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How to properly do kegals, an easy explanation from health.com
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How to nourish yourself during postpartum
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Learn more about cervical mucous here
