Today we are going to explore the importance of pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting and how acupuncture can support individuals through this process. Listen as a board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbologist Sharon McDermott joins Debra Pascali-Bonaro to discuss the role of traditional Chinese medicine and other modalities to help with fertility, pain reduction, induce labor, energy levels for breastfeeding mothers, and calming the body and spirit.

Tune in now for this empowering conversation about childbirth!

Sharon received a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Sciences, magna cum laude. She received her Bachelor’s degree (BA) from Hunter College, magna cum laude. Sharon is board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbology and licensed in the State of New York. Sharon’s practice, Healthy Healing, focuses on women’s health, fertility, stress, and pain reduction. Sharon is a certified birth doula and recent author of “Unleash Your Inner Goddess: How to Experience an Empowering Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth.”

In this episode:

• Sharon McDermott is joining us to discuss how to experience an empowering pregnancy, labor, and birth and all about acupuncture.

• Sharon has a wealth of wisdom and experience in traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese herbology, fertility, stress, and pain reduction.

• Cesarean birth sometimes happens when other methods don't work

• Discussing postpartum depression and other mental issues is important

• Nutritional counseling to help keep fortified while pregnant

• Empowerment through education on questions to ask doctors and understanding medical procedures

• Holistic approach to birthing, including nutrition, meditation, and Chinese medicine

Key Takeaways:

• Acupuncture can support pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum.

• Essential oils, such as lavender and peppermint, can be used for calming or energizing

• Acupuncturists recommend beginning right from the start of pregnancy

• Nutritional counseling to help keep fortified while pregnant

• Acupuncture can be helpful in postpartum for energy and milk production

• Reeducating women that it is okay to take control of their birthing experience

Quotes:

"Let's give women a lift, and as much as we're tied to the medical system, let's do as much as we can to make it a better experience for the woman." - Sharon McDermott

"We always say when you're feeling down, you need to speak up." - Sharon McDermott