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Prenatal Passport = Big Savings on Prenatal Massage, Nutrition & Acupuncture

A growing body of clinical evidence now suggests that prenatal stress, depression and/or anxiety is linked to adverse health outcomes for both moms and babies including preterm birth, preeclampsia and even future risk of chronic disease and obesity (1).

Women, especially women who have struggled to conceive, may feel guilty about experiencing anxious emotions during this "blissful" time.   Yet preparing for a new baby, no matter how hard one had to work to get it, can be stressful.  Changes in the body during pregnancy, including the strains of a growing belly  and nighttime muscle cramps, can also disrupt sleep, which increases stress.  Rather than worry about worrying, we suggest you take the bull by the horns and enjoy a 360 degree self-care program during pregnancy.  And honestly, it will never again be as easy to justify self-care like acupuncture, massage and yoga as it is when your efforts are a "double-dip" - good for mom and great for baby.

Here are several strategies for decreasing maternal stress and improving overall well-being during pregnancy:

1.  Get acupuncture.  A 2010 study in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that acupuncture treatment alleviated symptoms of stress and depression in pregnant women and women experiencing infertility (2, 3).  Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective at managing morning sickness, back and pelvic pain and labor pain.   Make sure, however, that you see a practitioner who is experienced in treating pregnancy.

2.  Do prenatal yoga.  Compared to controls, women who did prenatal yoga experienced significant reductions in physical pain from baseline to postintervention compared with women in the third trimester whose pain increased.  Women in the yoga group  showed greater reductions in perceived stress and trait anxiety in their third trimester than women from the control group (4)  The same women also experienced better sleep and less wakefulness (5).

3.  Get prenatal massage.  Research shows that women who received prenatal massage reported decreased depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain. Cortisol levels decreased, which decreased excessive fetal activity; the rate of baby prematurity was also lower (6).

4.  Seek expert prenatal nutrition counseling.  There are specific nutritional strategies for managing weight gain, avoiding conditions like Gestational Diabetes and Pre-eclampsia and improving digestion (less heartburn, avoid constipation).   At Pulling Down the Moon we target our prenatal nutrition consults based on trimester.

Our Prenatal Passport is an excellent way to surround yourself with support and expert prenatal wellness care.  The Prenatal Passport includes your Initial Acupuncture Consultation, one Pregnancy Massage and a two-session Prenatal Nutrition Package as well as a free 3-session package of our "Divine" Prenatal Yoga class visits (where available) for just $372.00 - which represents a savings of almost $150!  The Prenatal Passport also makes a great gift.  Gift certificates are available at our online store shop.pullingdownthemoon.com.  

2.  Smith CA. 1.  SMith The effect of acupuncture on psychosocial outcomes for women experiencing infertility.  J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Oct;17(10):923-30. Epub 2011 Oct 6.

3.  Manber et al. Acupuncture for depression during pregnancy:  a randomized controlled trial.  Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Mar;115(3):511-20.  

4.  Beddoe AE et al.  The effects of mindfulness-based yoga during pregnancy on maternal psychological and physical distress.  J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2009 May-Jun;38(3):310-9.

5.  Beddoe AE et al. Effects of mindful yoga on sleep in pregnant women:  a pilot study. Biol Res Nurs. 2010 Apr;11(4):363-70.

6.  Field, T. (2010). Pregnancy and labor massage therapy. Expert Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5, 177-181.

April Savings on Acupuncture and More...

Now is the time to get started with holistic fertility treatment.  Call 312-321-0004 (Chicagoland) or 301-610-7755 (DC Metro) for more information!

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week Pulling Down the Moon is offering the following savings in April: 

• Acupuncture 10/720 - From April 15th to 30th our 10-Pack of  acupuncture follow-up sessions is only $720.  Don't miss this limited opportunity to save 20% on treatment.  
• 50% off Initial Acupuncture Sessions on Mondays and Thursdays in Rockville and Arlington Heights, and Mondays in Chicago during the ENTIRE month of April.  
• In Chicago, Reiki – Get 20% discount on your Initial 60 or 90 min Reiki Session when you purchase 3 Pack of Reiki follow-up sessions 

We also have some great classes coming up including Yoga for Fertility, Mindfulness Training for Fertility and new Divine Drop-in Prenatal.  Click here for more info!

Does Exercise Negatively Impact Fertility?

In our blog Beth Heller discusses research suggesting that women who exercise regularly, particularly women with a higher "drive to thinness," have more menstrual dysfunction that age-matched controls.  In fact, the occurrence of menstrual dysfunction was 50% in the women who reported exercise vs. 4% in controls.  

Does this mean we have to give up exercise when we're trying to get pregnant?  No, but it does mean we need to redefine our exercise to ensure it is fertility friendly.  Read Beth's blog to learn the steps you can take to keep exercise a healthy part of your fertility journey and how nutrition, acupuncture, yoga and massage can help restore a depleted body.  

Click here to read the full article.

Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Packages Now Available

A woman’s body experiences gradual yet profound changes during pregnancy and the postpartum months following the birth experience. Pulling Down the Moon now offers massage packages to accompany you on your journey during this special time.

Beginning in the second trimester, or week 14, the Moon’s certified prenatal massage therapists provide safe, nurturing and supportive massage focused on your specific needs.  Treatments can melt away pregnancy pain and discomfort, increase relaxation and promote health and wellness for mother and baby. 

Once you give birth, your body slowly returns to its nonpregnant state, typically taking six weeks. Massage during this postpartum period supports your recovery from giving birth, reduces pain caused by structural and muscular changes and encourages relaxation and stress relief. 

Experience the benefits of maternity massage. Purchase a 60-minute prenatal or postpartum massage three-pack for $340 and save $10 per massage. Schedule an appointment with one of the Moon’s certified prenatal and postpartum massage therapist in the Chicago Area (312-321-0004) or the DC Metro area (301-610-7755).

We look forward to accompanying you on your journey!  Click here to schedule online...