Acupuncture During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Acupuncture has proven effective as a treatment for back pain, nausea, vomiting, fluid retention (edema), headaches, migraines, and many
other conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Starting in the 36th week of pregnancy, we offer you
the option of using acupuncture to prepare the birth canal for delivery. Acupuncture according to the “Mannheim Method” has been shown to ease the dilation phase and can shorten the duration of labor by up to 2–3 hours. In cases of breech presentation, moxibustion—a special type of acupuncture—offers the possibility of turning the baby into a cephalic position. Moxibustion should be started as early as the 33rd week of pregnancy to make the most of this gentle method of turning the baby. Acupuncture is also very effective during the postpartum period for breastfeeding issues such as milk engorgement, insufficient milk production, or other conditions.
Location/Date/Registration:
by arrangement with the midwife
Aquafitness for Pregnant
Women This offers pregnant women (from the 13th week of pregnancy onward) a great way to stay fit and get in shape so they can approach childbirth in good physical condition.
The buoyancy of the water creates a sense of well-being, and the exercises are particularly gentle on the spine, joints, and intervertebral discs. If you enjoy a brisk workout, music, and dynamic movement, this is the right class for you. This course is led by midwives from our practice.
Duration/Fee:
8 sessions of 1 hour each, €70
Location/Registration:
“Bewegungsbad,” Mondays starting at 2:30 p.m.
(max. 10 participants per class)
Yoga for Pregnant Women
This course offers breathing, relaxation, and body awareness exercises to ease and support labor contractions, as well as
exercises to strengthen the back muscles (starting at the 13th week of pregnancy). Yoga also helps counteract shortness of breath during pregnancy.
The course is led by a certified yoga instructor.
Duration/Fee:
6 x 1 hour, 48€; 8 x 1 hour, 64€
Location/Schedule/Registration:
“Elternschule,” Mondays—dates by arrangement (closed-group classes)
Instructor:
Ms. Köhne, yoga instructor
Childbirth Preparation
Starting in the 24th week of pregnancy, your thoughts will increasingly focus on the upcoming birth. The goals and content of childbirth preparation are to help you get in the right frame of mind and prepare for this major
and important event. Through discussions and sharing
experiences with other expectant mothers and experienced midwives, we’ll cover information about pregnancy and childbirth.
Through relaxation and body awareness exercises, you’ll learn techniques that can be helpful during childbirth.
On the 4th and 5th course evenings, we’d be happy to include your partner or other support persons in the childbirth preparation. We’ll answer many of your specific questions, and you’ll learn partner massage as well as shared relaxation and breathing techniques. In addition, we’ll provide hands-on demonstrations of how to handle and care for a baby, and you’ll practice these skills with your partner. You’ll also receive practical handouts with instructions to take home.
Duration/Fee:
7 double sessions, billed to your health insurance,
plus a partner fee of 40€ (not covered by health insurance)
Location/Registration:
“Parent School,” Wednesdays starting at 6:30 p.m. (closed-enrollment courses)
Childbirth Preparation for Couples “Weekend Seminar”
Many working couples would like to attend a childbirth preparation course together. For these couples, we offer an intensive weekend
course. Courses are scheduled upon request, so early registration is necessary. The curriculum covers all important topics related to childbirth
and the postpartum period, with many practical exercises on breathing techniques, birthing positions, and partner exercises. In addition, we’ll provide you with
a course folder to review at home. We promise you a wonderful weekend with your partner “centered around the most beautiful experience.”
Our tip: This course is also ideal as a “refresher course”!
Duration/Fee:
approx. 7–8 hours; billed to your health insurance provider,
plus a partner fee of 50€ (not covered by health insurance)
Location/Date/Registration:
“Elternschule”; courses scheduled upon request
