From preconception care and IVF support through to pregnancy, birth preparation and postnatal recovery, West Street Wellbeing provides experienced, individualised acupuncture and Chinese medicine care in Crows Nest.
Our approach combines acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, targeted nutritional supplementation and practical dietary and lifestyle advice. We consider your medical history, current health, reproductive goals and existing treatments, bringing together traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary reproductive health knowledge.
We work collaboratively with GPs, fertility specialists, obstetricians and midwives to provide thoughtful, coordinated care.
| Fertility & Preconception | IVF Acupuncture | Pregnancy & Birth Preparation |
| Postnatal Support |
Fertility Acupuncture & Preconception Care
Modern reproductive medicine has made extraordinary advances, yet fertility remains remarkably complex. Even with sophisticated investigations and treatments, there are times when the reasons for difficulty conceiving remain unclear.
Chinese medicine brings another perspective to reproductive health. Through a holistic approach, we look at menstrual and ovulatory patterns alongside digestion, sleep, stress responses, immune function, mood, skin health and other signs that may provide meaningful clues about your overall health.
By considering how these patterns relate to one another, we can build a more complete picture of your individual health.
At West Street Wellbeing, our fertility acupuncture treatments draw on extensive clinical experience, traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary reproductive health knowledge. We take the time to understand your history, review relevant investigations and develop an individualised treatment plan that considers both your reproductive health and broader wellbeing.
Our approach brings together the strengths of conventional reproductive medicine and the different insights offered by Chinese medicine, giving you the benefit of two complementary perspectives.
How We Can Help
We develop individualised treatment plans that may include fertility acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, targeted nutritional supplementation and dietary or lifestyle recommendations.
We regularly work with people experiencing:
- Irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation concerns
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis and painful periods
- Low ovarian reserve and age-related fertility concerns
- Male fertility concerns, including abnormal semen analysis results
- Unexplained infertility
- Stress, sleep disturbances and fatigue associated with fertility treatment
We support couples, single parents by choice and people using donor eggs, donor sperm or assisted reproduction.
When Should You Start Fertility Acupuncture?
Beginning around three months before a planned pregnancy gives us time to review your health, menstrual patterns, nutrition and any existing concerns. It provides an opportunity to establish practical changes and address symptoms before conception.
If you’re already trying to conceive, you can begin at any stage.
IVF Acupuncture & Support
IVF is a remarkable medical achievement, but even the most sophisticated treatment protocols can’t account for every aspect of reproductive health.
At West Street Wellbeing, we offer IVF acupuncture as part of a broader, individualised approach to care. We consider your health history, previous fertility investigations, treatment experiences, current symptoms and overall wellbeing.
Our practitioners understand the different stages of IVF treatment and provide care that complements your fertility specialist’s medical plan.
How Can Acupuncture Help During IVF?
Acupuncture may provide support for:
- Stress and anxiety: Encouraging relaxation and helping manage the emotional demands of treatment.
- Sleep and fatigue: Addressing sleep disturbances, muscular tension and fatigue.
- Treatment-related discomfort: Supporting comfort during periods of bloating, headaches or other symptoms associated with hormonal medication.
- Menstrual and reproductive health: Addressing associated symptoms such as painful periods, pelvic discomfort and cycle irregularities.
Research into acupuncture and IVF continues to evolve, and there is still much to learn about how acupuncture may influence reproductive health and fertility treatment. While some studies have reported encouraging findings, the overall evidence remains mixed, particularly when it comes to pregnancy and live birth rates.
We believe acupuncture has a valuable role to play in supporting patients through IVF by helping manage stress and treatment-related symptoms, while taking a broader approach to their health and wellbeing throughout the process.
Herbal Medicine & Targeted Supplementation
The months before IVF provide an opportunity to review nutritional status, existing supplements, pathology results and other aspects of reproductive health.
We may recommend targeted nutritional supplementation, dietary adjustments or Chinese herbal medicine where appropriate to your individual circumstances.
Once ovarian stimulation begins, we take a conservative approach to introducing herbal medicines and supplements. We consider potential interactions with fertility medications and coordinate recommendations with your fertility team where appropriate.
When Should You Start IVF Acupuncture?
Starting approximately three months before an IVF cycle allows time for a comprehensive assessment, symptom management and an individualised treatment plan.
If your IVF cycle is already underway, acupuncture can still be introduced, with treatment adapted to your needs and medical protocol.
Acupuncture During Your IVF Cycle
Treatment frequency depends on your symptoms, circumstances and preferences. Some patients attend weekly, while others prefer additional appointments at particular stages of treatment.
Acupuncture can be arranged around embryo transfer, where practical, to provide a calm and supportive treatment experience. The aim is to make your treatment as comfortable as possible without adding unnecessary appointments or pressure.
Working Alongside Your Fertility Specialist
We respect your fertility specialist’s treatment plan and the purpose of any referral.
Our practitioners work within the boundaries of your medical care, communicating with your healthcare team where appropriate and avoiding unnecessary additions to an already complex treatment protocol.
Pregnancy Acupuncture & Birth Preparation
Pregnancy brings significant physical and hormonal changes. Sleep, digestion, energy, posture and muscular comfort can all be affected as your body adapts.
At West Street Wellbeing, we provide pregnancy acupuncture in Crows Nest, with individualised care from early pregnancy through to birth preparation and postnatal recovery.
Our practitioners have extensive experience treating pregnant women and adapt each treatment to your stage of pregnancy, symptoms and medical history.
Common Reasons Women Seek Pregnancy Acupuncture
- Nausea and digestive discomfort
- Back, hip and pelvic pain
- Headaches and muscular tension
- Sleep difficulties
- Fatigue and stress
- Constipation
- Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel symptoms
Acupuncture may be used to support symptom management and general wellbeing alongside your regular maternity care.
Acupuncture for Birth Preparation
From approximately 36 weeks, birth preparation acupuncture provides an opportunity to address physical discomfort, support relaxation and prepare for the final stages of pregnancy.
Appointments are tailored to your individual needs and may focus on sleep, stress, pelvic discomfort and general wellbeing.
We can discuss acupressure techniques that you and your birth partner may find useful during labour.
Breech & Posterior Presentation
Finding out your baby is in a breech or posterior position can bring unexpected concerns as your due date approaches. Acupuncture and moxibustion offer an additional approach worth considering as part of your birth preparation.
For breech presentation, moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses gentle heat stimulation at specific acupuncture points. Research suggests it may help increase the likelihood of a breech baby turning to a head-down position, particularly when used at an appropriate stage of pregnancy.
For posterior presentation, acupuncture may be considered as part of your birth preparation, with treatment focusing on relaxation, muscular tension and pelvic comfort. Evidence that acupuncture can change a baby’s position is limited, but there may still be value in addressing the mother’s comfort and wellbeing.
Our experienced practitioners assess your individual circumstances, discuss the timing and suitability of treatment, and work alongside your midwife or obstetrician to ensure your care is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy.
Postnatal Recovery & Breastfeeding Support
The weeks following birth involve significant physical recovery, hormonal changes and adjustment to caring for a newborn.
Chinese medicine has long recognised the postnatal period as an important time for rest, nourishment and recovery. Our approach brings this traditional perspective together with practical, individualised care.
Women commonly seek support for:
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep
- Muscular tension and physical discomfort
- Stress and emotional adjustment
- Recovery following vaginal birth or caesarean section
- Low breast milk supply
- Breastfeeding discomfort, including pain and spasms during feeding
- Blocked or narrowed milk ducts and recurrent mastitis
Acupuncture and other appropriate therapies may be used to support comfort and wellbeing during postnatal recovery. Breastfeeding concerns require appropriate assessment and management, particularly where milk supply, milk transfer or infection is involved.
We can provide referrals to trusted local lactation consultants and other healthcare specialists where additional assessment or support is needed. Good postnatal care is collaborative, and we’re happy to work alongside your existing healthcare team.
Bringing Your Baby to Appointments
Postnatal appointments can be a valuable opportunity to rest and receive treatment. If possible, we recommend arranging for someone else to look after your baby during your session so you can relax without interruption.
Of course, that’s not always practical. Babies are very welcome in the clinic, and we’ll do our best to make your appointment comfortable for both of you.
Experienced, Individualised Care at West Street Wellbeing
Our practitioners bring extensive clinical experience and a collaborative approach to fertility, IVF and pregnancy care.
We take the time to understand your circumstances, consider your health from multiple perspectives and develop a treatment plan suited to your needs.
For questions about treatment options or which practitioner may be most appropriate, please contact our team.