PREGNANCY CARE IN OTTAWA, ON
Being pregnant often brings an array of emotions and feelings - from excitement to gratitude to fear. During this transformative period, it’s important to feel supported physically and emotionally. At Femade, we provide pregnancy care and support to all individuals going through pregnancy. Whether it’s your first or fourth pregnancy, this is a safe space to ask questions, optimize your health and healing, and move through challenges as they arise.
Throughout the entire pregnancy journey, from pre-conception to post-natal, there are many ways we can holistically support your body and mind. We provide pregnancy care and support that allows your body to function the most optimally throughout the process. Some of the many ways we can help include:
Acupuncture For PREGNANCY
Acupuncture is a safe and effective pregnancy care option that works by stimulating key areas of the body with thin needles. Acupuncture can be done throughout pregnancy to support your body and relieve ongoing (or changing) symptoms such as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, general pain and discomfort, reduce water retention and pain in legs and feet, reduce pain in the lower back and hips, and more. Moxabustion and needling are also often used to make more room in the hips to prepare for birth.
Acupuncture is also a popular and powerful option to turn breech babies and induce labor if you are past your due date (and cleared by your doctor).
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy For Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about many physical changes to the body which can impact how we move and feel on a day-to-day basis. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with pain and mobility issues specific to pregnancy. Some common concerns include pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, urinary symptoms, bowel concerns, and hemorrhoids. Staying active during your pregnancy is generally recommended as well, but can become difficult if pain or mobility becomes an issue. Your physiotherapist can provide exercise counselling for your pregnancy to support healthy activity. Most importantly, during your pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions, your therapist will help you to build awareness about the pelvic floor and help you to engage with it.
As you approach your labour date, your therapist can help you to learn and prepare for your birth. This is helpful for understanding labour sensations, working with contractions, and preventing fear and pain.
NUTRITION & LIFESTYLE SUPPORT FOR PREGNANCY
Ensuring proper nutrition is important during all times but especially during pregnancy. Working with a Naturopathic Doctor or nutritionist can be helpful to ensure individuals are getting the right nutrients and are supporting their bodies, so they may proceed through pregnancy in the most optimal way. Additionally, Naturopathic Doctors can help ensure nutrients are being met for a healthy pregnancy and the healthy development of your baby. Naturopathic care can also help with the conditions that often arise during pregnancy including morning sickness, fatigue, digestive issues, etc.
Massage Therapy For Pregnancy
Pregnancy can put a lot of added stress on the back and hips. Massage therapy can be a gentle and safe way to reduce stress hormones and loosen muscles. This can be helpful for expectant individuals dealing with hip, neck and back pain. Pregnancy massage is also helpful for leg cramping, swelling of hands & feet, joint pain and overall fatigue or feelings of anxiety. A pregnancy massage is also an opportunity to enjoy a quiet space to take a moment for yourself.
Closer to labour, massage can also help to loosen up hips and muscles involved in birth. We typically recommend booking an appointment about one week before your due date.
Why Consider Pregnancy Care at Femade?
At Femade, we are committed to supporting females, those who have transitioned, and those assigned female at birth. Our approach is unique in that when you visit our clinic for pregnancy support and care, we can work with you in a holistic and whole-body approach. From massage therapy to acupuncture, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey we can support you. Our team brings forth many different healing and health-supporting modalities, and we can work with you to create a health care plan that feels good to you. As you progress through your journey, our care can change. Our team offers full pregnancy care and support from fertility & pre-natal support all the way through postpartum care.
Not sure where to start?
If you’re not sure where to start, consider a health consult with our clinical director and founder. We can take it from there.
No Matter How Your Journey Feels, We Are Here For You
Whether you’re feeling excited or nervous, supported or alone, we are here to support you throughout this entire time. Femade is a multidisciplinary, safe space for you to gain pregnancy care and have questions answered and concerns heard. If you have any questions, please contact us directly, otherwise, book an appointment today.