an adventure into the unknown

Something I've loved about hopping aboard the natural birth and parenting bandwagon is the minimalism of the whole approach. It often touts a less is more philosophy: less interventions (or none at all, please!), less processed food (or none of that either!), less toys and more fresh air. Its a convenient approach for busy schedules and small homes, I think. I've recently delved into a branch of all this naturalism that is new to me though (and certainly not for the faint of scheduling heart- these take some time).

As I've written, this pregnancy has been tough. I've also called it hard and different, both through smiling, gritted teeth. In my Google searches for something to fix the various side effects of building a baby with my body, acupuncture and chiropractic both rose to the top of the list. Neither has any potential for harm to me or the little one and both are available and affordable near by (even covered by insurance!). So, off I've gone on a personal adventure in self-care...

Acupuncture
My first step was finding a place nearby that was affordable and well-reputed. North Shore Community Acupuncture is both of those and my insurance HSA has covered the minimal cost of each appointment. I emailed to ask if they've any experience dealing with my various symptoms and after receiving confirmation, I booked my consultation (and ignored the fact that I was about to voluntarily subject myself to needling).

The consultation took much longer than anticipated, which was a good sign (to me). Stephanie really wanted to hear about what was going on and to even brainstorm beyond acupuncture as to ways I could seek relief (drinking mineral and coconut water, sitting on a certain kind of cushion...). I appreciated her kindness and investment from the start. I'll be completely honest- if it weren't for her, I'd have probably flaked out of acupuncture near-immediately. Because, seriously, how weird is acupuncture? 

Friends- acupuncture enthusiasts- tried to tell me having needles poked into you doesn't hurt and is relaxing. I call shenanigans on that claim. Well, at least on the "it doesn't hurt" claim. It is not comfortable or painless! Yet, as of my third appointment, I do admit to the relaxation assertion. I can see why there are people snoring with needles sticking out of their faces and legs...I'm just not there yet.

Acupuncture hasn't solved my pelvic pain, but it has helped in other ways. My digestion and sleep both saw an immediate improvement and that is no small feat. I hadn't had a good night's sleep in 4+ months and have had digestive issues my entire adulthood. Perhaps equally importantly in my book, I've appreciated the complete submission to the unknown in this acupuncture endeavor. I, frankly, have no idea how/if this works. Yet, I have found an enjoyment as significant to say I relish the chance to just give it a dang try.

Chiropractic Care
Words like "subluxation" sound like Harry Potter speak to me, but if you're a chiropractic enthusiast, its practically a worldview. I'll go right ahead and say here near exactly what I said about acupuncture: if I ended up with any other chiropractor, I'd have probably flaked out. Because, seriously, how weird is chiropractic? Having my back and hips and neck poked, prodded, and cracked is weird. It is also surprisingly LOUD. Yet, I venture on with two appointments per week, because Dr. Gallant at Beverly Family Chiropractic (formerly Gauthier Chiropractic) is a gemstone. Just like Stephanie at  North Shore Community Acupuncture, he is invested and sincere. They both listen.

When was the last time you had a medical professional actually listen to you? Like, really listen. My gosh, it is a lacking asset in our health care system.

I took a similar course with chiropractic: first the lengthy consult, and then on to regular visits. My insurance covers chiropractic care entirely, so I walk in and out without even having to take out my wallet. And this work on all my spine's "subluxations" seems to actually be moving my pelvic pain in the right direction. The pain isn't nearly as consistent, nor as sharp, and Dr. Gallant has recommended exercises to keep me on the right track too.

In conclusion...
When this pelvic pain set in I was incredibly overwhelmed. The idea of navigating pain with every step for the next six months, while working multiple jobs and being an active mom to an active toddler? Phew, that was not a fun thought. So, simply doing something, anything, to ease my pregnancy pains has been impressively effective on my entire mental outlook. I'm hopeful. And what a gift hope is.

*More photos by our favorite person to yell "INTRUDER!" whenever anyone enters the room.