Treatment #2! The Pre-Eclampsia Journey

So I've just gotten home for my second visit to the hospital to treat my patient.

It was so lovely to see her, I wish I could just take her hand and tell her everything is going to be ok. Whilst nobody can actually know this for sure, I know that by integrating acupuncture and some herbal medicines to her collective treatments, Im certainly more confident that her body and baby are being supported as best as they can be. It gives me peace of mind, because I too have experienced this first hand. Many memories are being jogged for me as I treat this patient. I too went into early labour with Olivia at 30 weeks. Looking back now, this was one of the most scariest experiences of my life. The lack of connection I felt in my body was incredible. However, following the realisation of disconnection came a massive sense of control. I took control of my body at that point and never looked back. I integrated herbal medicine, acupuncture and most of all plenty of rest and I was able to support Olivia's pregnancy until 40 weeks. It wasn't only physical strength, it was emotional and mental strength that I found. Its sometimes, not until that point of utter dispair that clarity may be seen. I know for me it was a turning point.

For this patient, there are more complications than I experienced. Pre-eclampsia is proving to be putting up a fight. However, today things are looking more stable and she is looking well! I feel honored to be part of this process and trust that we can do great things to see out extra weeks for this pregnancy and beautiful baby inside her

Oh and one more thing! See the flowers I have posted with this blog. They are sitting on my dining table and making me smile. Perhaps next visit I should take some to this patient, I think they would have the same effect! So beautiful.

When duty calls

Tomorrow Im off to do a hospital visit for a patient. She called me yesterday, distressed because she had been admitted to hospital for pre-eclampsia at 31 weeks gestation. Its really scary for any mother to be admitted 9 weeks before their due date. I can totally feel her worry. This was me. I too was admitted to hospital with Olivia at 30 weeks. I can't explain what happened to my world that day, but Im certain time stood still or at least went very slowly. Being in hospital and waiting for the unknown is awful.

But Im confident! Im looking forward to seeing her tomorrow and doing a 'house call.' I know I can use my knowledge to treat her and attempt to get things under control. If your not familiar with what Pre-Eclampsia is, it's the onset of high blood pressure during pregnancy which is serious for both the mother and baby.

So tomorrow I will aim to relax her and bring her body back to a parasympathetic state. This means that all body systems may have the ability to work better. By supporting the Kidneys (most important in treatment of reproductive health) we can also ensure that fluid is moving around the body and not building up. TCM excels in these circumstances as it treats the patient individually, as she presents. The diagnosis distinguished by careful observation of the patient as well as compiling their signs and symptoms. More than likely, the Liver has a strong involvement in high blood pressure. This means that its necessary to sooth the liver energy. Acupuncture has an affect on the endocrine system as well as the immune system, helping to inhibit an improper inflammatory response and prevent an autoimmune attack. Makes sense? Probably not to you but to me, all this means that we can really give the body some necessary support tomorrow and wait to see how the body responds.

Im keen to get in there tomorrow! I will keep you posted with this patients progress. Her situation is certainly on my heart and in my prayers.