This blog was medically reviewed by Zena Kocher, MaOM, LAc, clinical supervisor for the integrative medicine hospital programs at Allina Health and the Penny George® Institute for Health and Healing.
At The Mother Baby Center, we want to support your pregnancy, labor and postpartum in ways that make sense for you and your family. Many people are interested in learning about natural options for their pregnancy journey. We’re here to talk you through how integrative medicine can support you through your pregnancy, labor and postpartum experiences.
What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine is a wholistic, evidence-based care that is integrated into your usual care.
Offerings such as aromatherapy, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, energy work and mind/body therapies are tailored to your needs and conditions. Your physician or nurse can order integrative medicine to address pain, stress or anxiety that you may experience during your pregnancy, labor and/or postpartum stay.
Integrative medicine:
- Focuses on the whole person, including the mind, body and spirit.
- Promotes health through education, coaching, self-care and wellness practices.
- Taps into the body’s natural healing capabilities.
- Treats individuals as empowered partners.
Integrative medicine during labor
Integrative medicine offers a variety of non-pharmacological options for pain, anxiety and stress that can occur during labor. Massage and acupuncture are helpful for pain and muscle tension, whereas relaxation techniques, energy work, and guided imagery are wonderful options for anxiety and stress. All our services support the progression of labor. Our providers can integrate multiple methods to address your labor needs.
Integrative medicine for postpartum
Our integrated medicine options also help you through postpartum when your body is recovering from birth and adjusting to caring for your baby. Our non-pharmacological options can address the fatigue, pain and anxiety that can occur during this time, as well as support lactation. Once consulted, our providers can make a care plan specifically for you and your condition.
- Aromatherapy and/or massage relax muscle tension and resolve discomfort.
- Acupuncture could help alleviate pain, urinary dysfunction and may support lactation.
- Reflexology, energy work and/or acupressure address anxiety and stress.
Integrative medicine for pregnancy
The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing, through Allina Health, is now offering perinatal acupuncture to support people during their pregnancies either in the hospital or outpatient clinics. Acupuncture is a safe non-pharmacological option to address any type of pain like headaches, back, hip or ligament pain during pregnancy. It can also support blood pressure and sugar imbalances and can be used to prepare for birth or medical induction.
Learn more about prenatal integrative medicine at Allina Health.