Acuneedling for Pregnancy and Postpartum in Cairns
A gentle, evidence-informed needling therapy administered by a trained midwife. Safe, natural support for pain relief, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery.
What Is Acuneedling?
Acuneedling is a specialised form of needling therapy designed specifically for pregnancy, birth preparation, and the postpartum period. It draws on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is administered by a trained midwife, not a general acupuncturist.
The methodology was developed by Debra Betts, a world-renowned acupuncturist specialising in pregnancy care, who first brought acupuncture into the midwifery sphere in 1997. The training is now led by acupuncturist and researcher Dr Kate Levett and midwife Heidi Williams, and is designed specifically around the midwifery scope of practice.
What makes acuneedling different from standard acupuncture is the context. Caitlin understands pregnancy and postpartum from a clinical midwifery perspective. She’s not treating symptoms in isolation. She’s supporting your whole journey, and acuneedling is one of the tools she uses to do that.
How Acuneedling Can Support You
During Pregnancy
- Back pain, hip discomfort, and sciatica
- Symphysis pubis pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn and constipation
- Sleep difficulties
- Emotional concerns and anxiety
- Anaemia
- Oedema (swelling)
- Optimal positioning of baby
- Pre-birth preparation (from 36 weeks)
- Labour activation support
During Postpartum
- Postnatal recovery and healing
- Emotional wellbeing and adjustment
- Milk let-down support
- Early intervention for mastitis
- Persistent postpartum bleeding
- Perineal pain
- Postnatal mother warming (day 3 to 4 postpartum)
Acuneedling is gentle and safe. Most women find the experience deeply relaxing.
What Happens in a Session
Every session begins with a conversation. Caitlin will discuss your medical and pregnancy history, any concerns or symptoms you’re experiencing, and what you’re hoping the treatment can support.
The needling itself takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes, during which you’ll sit or lie comfortably and relax. The needles are very fine and most women describe the sensation as mild or barely noticeable.
Caitlin may also incorporate moxibustion during your session depending on what’s needed (more on this below).
Sessions are available at the Freshwater clinic or in your home.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning dried mugwort near specific points on the body. The gentle heat stimulates acupuncture points and improves the flow of qi (energy).
It is a safe treatment used during both pregnancy and postpartum. The two most common uses are:
Moxibustion can be incorporated into an acuneedling session or provided as a standalone treatment depending on your needs.
Breech Babies
Moxibustion can encourage a breech baby to turn to a head-down position. It is typically used from around 34 to 36 weeks and is a gentle, non-invasive option before considering other interventions.
Mother Warming
Mother warming is a postpartum moxibustion treatment applied to the lower abdomen in the days following birth. It may help reduce persistent postpartum bleeding and perineal pain, and supports overall recovery.
This May Be Right for You If...
You’re experiencing pregnancy-related pain or discomfort and want natural, drug-free relief
You’re approaching your due date and want to prepare your body for labour
Your baby is in a breech position and you’d like to try moxibustion before other options
You’re in your postpartum period and want support with recovery, feeding, or emotional wellbeing
You’re a Beneath the Palms Midwifery client and want to add acuneedling to your care
You don’t need to be an existing client to book an acuneedling session. This service is available to any pregnant or postpartum woman in the Cairns region.
Pricing, Medicare Rebates, and What to Expect
Understanding cost is an important part of your decision, and you deserve clarity before you commit to anything.
As an eligible private midwife, many services through Beneath the Palms Midwifery attract a Medicare rebate. This means your out-of-pocket cost is often lower than people expect.
Medicare rebates are available for eligible clients. Caitlin processes the claim and the rebate is returned directly to your bank account.
Questions About Birth Debriefing
Yes. Acuneedling is specifically designed for use during pregnancy and postpartum. Caitlin is trained in the Acuneedling for Midwives methodology, which is tailored to the midwifery scope of practice and the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum women.
The needles used are very fine and most women describe the sensation as mild, like a light tap or a dull pressure. Many women find the experience deeply relaxing and some fall asleep during the treatment.
No. Acuneedling is available to any pregnant or postpartum woman in the Cairns region. If you are a BTPM client, acuneedling can be integrated into your existing care plan.
That depends on what you’re using it for. Some women come for a single pre-birth preparation session. Others find regular sessions throughout pregnancy helpful for managing pain or discomfort. Caitlin will discuss what’s likely to be most beneficial for your situation.
Acuneedling is a specific methodology designed for use by midwives during pregnancy and postpartum. It draws on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles but is tailored to the midwifery scope of practice. Unlike a general acupuncturist, Caitlin understands your pregnancy and postpartum context from a clinical midwifery perspective.
Moxibustion has been used for this purpose for centuries and there is evidence supporting its use alongside other techniques. It is a gentle, non-invasive option that is typically tried before considering medical interventions. Results vary, and Caitlin will discuss realistic expectations with you.
Still have a question?
Let's get on a call and have a chat.
Interested in Adding Acuneedling to Your Care?
Whether you’re looking for relief from pregnancy discomfort, preparing for birth, or supporting your postpartum recovery, acuneedling may be a helpful addition. Get in touch to discuss your options or book a session.
