Dr. Paige Bourassa is Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture, founder of Shen Medicine, and mama to baby Luca.
Q&A with Dr. Paige Bourassa
Q: Dr. Paige! You just birthed a baby boy! Tell us about your pregnancy journey in 5 words or less.
A: Amazing, hungry, grounding, confident, cheese.
Q: Weirdest pregnancy craving?
A: Didn't have many weird ones, just like SO MUCH CHEESE.
Q: What kinds of Chinese medicine practices became important to you while growing a human!?
A: Blood building was extremely important to me because I know so much of postpartum has to do with blood deficiency so I became mildly obsessed with nourishing and building blood while I was preggers through diet, herbs, acupuncture, acupressure. Also meditation and calming your "Shen" (spirit) while I was pregnant can have a positive effect on the baby's neuro pathways and trying to make sure my blood wasn't always pumping with cortisol running through it (a little difficult in a pandemic!)
Q: What about Postpartum? How are you taking care of yourself now that you're caring for a child as well?
A: Slowing everything down is crucial. I used to run at 100mph in NYC and I found that just doesn't work with a bebe, you have to let go of expectations and be on their schedule. Also warm warm warm foods, this is a Chinese Medicine law, but I found it is EXTREMELY important in postpartum because I can actually feel my energy dip if I have a smoothie, iced coffee and then breastfeed, I'll need a nap STAT versus doing a warm breakfast congee with egg and a hot coffee. Also I nap when he naps, I try and get as much done around the house as possible but I nap during one of his naps a day. Herbs and acupuncture are super important when I can incorporate them and I really think placenta encapsulations have helped too!
Q: Do you have any tips and tricks for moms to be that are seeking a more energetic, healthily pregnancy and postpartum experience?
A: YES! Self care your butt off. I did so much prep on the front end while I was pregnant that I am sure that's why my postpartum journey hasn't been too bad (knock on wood!). Get prenatal massage, eat blood nourishing foods, nuts, bone broth and spinach. Go to an acupuncturist, see an osteopath or chiropractor that specializes in prenatal care. If you can't access any of that then learn some simple acupressure techniques and give yourself a little acupressure massage with coconut oil and essential oils before bed, just pamper and nourish yourself to the best of your ability, it will pay out big time on the back end.
