Join us
$800 for 2-day conference with meals included
May 17-18, 2025
San Diego, CA
hosted by Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, Dipl. OM, L.O.M.
Perinatal Acupuncture Conference
Calling all licensed acupuncturists! Are you ready to take your skills to the next level and confidently support pregnant women through every stage of the perinatal journey?
The whole experience includes:
Networking & community building
Meet other acupuncturists from around the world
Perinatal acupuncture, herbal medicine, Qi Gong & TCM modalities
16 CEU/PDA
2 lunches and 1 dinner with farm fresh seasonal food prepared by Chef Kerra owner of The Tide Table
Access to sunshine and walking trails outside the venue at the beautiful San Diego Marina Village
Sponsored by:
Details
Location: Marina Village- San Diego's Premier Conference Center with beautiful view of Mission Bay!
Address: 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109
CEU/PDA credit hours: 16
Dates: May 17-18, 2025
Regular Price: $800
Payment Plan Available
Student Pricing
Plan Your Stay
Special Conference Rate Available
Call to reserve: 619-222-6440
Mention the Perinatal Acupuncture Conference for our (HUGE) discounted rate!
Hotels close to Marina Village
Join us
Payment Plan Available
$800 for 2 days with meals included
Schedule of Events
Day 1
Saturday, May 17th
8:00-9:30am
2025 US Perinatal Care: Current Trends and Practice
Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, Dipl. OM, L.O.M.
As 2025 unfolds, the landscape of perinatal care in the U.S. is shifting dramatically. A new presidential administration brings policy changes that impact women’s healthcare access, and online health resources are disappearing at an alarming rate. What does this mean for perinatal practitioners, and how can acupuncturists continue to support their patients amid these shifts?
In this engaging session, Dr. Deb Davies shares her personal journey—how loss, healing, and community led her to a career in perinatal acupuncture. Through powerful storytelling, we’ll explore the significance of connection, trust, and purpose in patient care. We'll examine the latest statistics affecting women’s health, discuss the political shifts influencing access to care, and address the concerning disappearance of critical health information online.
This session will equip acupuncturists with knowledge, strategies, and a renewed sense of mission, ensuring we remain strong advocates for perinatal health in uncertain times. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced practitioner, this class offers insight, inspiration, and a call to action to support the women who need us most.
9:30-9:45am
Break
9:45-11:45am
Enhance Your Herbal Expertise During Pregnancy and Post-Partum
Dr. Catherine Austin, MS, L.Ac., DAOM
An in-depth discussion to put you in your comfort zone with use of Chinese medicinals during pregnancy, preparing for labor, and commonly encountered post-partum conditions. We will cover gestational diabetes and safe treatment of urinary tract infections. Then, how to spot early signs of eclampsia and treatments to stop it during the pre-eclamptic state. Formulas and food therapies will be included for enhancing and ensuring an easy and shorter labor. Discussion of resources for safe collection of placenta and it’s proper use as a medicinal. Urinary difficulties can occur after delivery, also: we will discuss incontinence and blocked urination, especially when episiotomy is a contributing factor. Lactation issues are surprisingly easy to treat with herbs. The USA has the highest rate of post-partum depression: let’s look at both treatment and prevention strategies.
11:45am-12:45pm
Lunch and Networking
*Food will be provided
12:45-2:45pm
Pre-induction treatment, the art of setting the space and minimising the risk of a dissatisfactory birth.
Rebecca Bergeron, Dip. Ac, Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator
We are facing an induction epidemic in many countries for various reasons that we won't be able to change quickly (cultural practices, administrative demands, researches lacking nuance, etc.) If we can't change the sytem, we can at least always support every type of birth and offer better services to our clients with an impeding scheduled induction. You will learn how to treat your client just before the medical process starts, ideally IN the birth space, to help align their body and their soul for the journey's ahead. Releasing tensions (physicals and energetic ones) on the spot will help them have a smoother induction and reduce their complications rates. Being in the birth room will give you the opportunity to set the space and give deference to the birthgiver, their baby and their experience, therefore reducing the risk of a traumatising birth. If you can't be in the birth room, they can come to your clinic right before, where you will be able to give them exactly the treatment and support they needed to better face what's ahead. Don't underestimate how much a good head start can make a difference on the whole experience (and possibly their whole life)
2:45-3:00pm
Break
3:00-4:00pm
Qi Gong
Fay McGrew, Qi Gong Master
Discover a transformative Qigong practice designed for women, guided by Fay McGrew and developed by her teacher, Master Liu He, a respected 18th Generation Lineage Holder of the Ling Gui Tradition. This powerful technique clears stagnation in the Dai Mai channel, encouraging a balanced Qi flow that enhances overall health and well-being. Practitioners report reduced hip and lower back pain, improved digestive and liver function, and relief from gynecological and perinatal issues.
In this interactive class, you’ll also learn to fortify your Wei Qi, strengthening your body’s natural defenses against stress and the daily impact of modern technology while fostering calm and reducing stress levels. As a unique bonus, Fay will guide you in connecting with your personal Chinese astrological star (Bazi), offering a pathway to higher clarity and purpose.
4:00-5:00pm
The Power of Knowledge: Helping Your Pregnant Patients Navigate Pregnancy and Postpartum with Confidence
Dawn Thompson, founder of Birthify
Want to expand your support for pregnant patients beyond acupuncture? Join Dawn Thompson, founder of Birthify, for a session on empowering patients through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Learn how acupuncturists can address knowledge gaps, reduce anxiety, and help patients make informed choices with practical, holistic guidance. Discover trusted resources, avoid unnecessary interventions, and understand the impact of ongoing support for better birth experiences. Whether new to maternal health or experienced, this talk offers actionable strategies to enhance your care and support.
5:00-7:00pm
Networking Dinner
* Food will be provided.
Day 2
Sunday, May 18th
8:00-9:30am
Empowering Mothers, Elevating Care: TCM’s Role in Modern Perinatal Health
Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, Dipl. OM, L.O.M.
Perinatal care is evolving, and acupuncturists play a critical role in improving maternal health outcomes. Dr. Deb Davies shares evidence-based TCM strategies to support pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery in this session. We’ll explore how acupuncture and herbal therapies alleviate common perinatal challenges while enhancing emotional well-being, addressing reproductive rights, and promoting patient autonomy.
Using current U.S. birth statistics and cutting-edge research, we’ll analyze the impact of integrative care on reducing interventions, improving birth outcomes, and fostering a patient-centered approach. The discussion will emphasize the importance of bedside manner, ethics, and advocacy in clinical practice. Additionally, Dr. Davies will highlight the value of interprofessional collaboration between acupuncturists, obstetricians, and midwives in advancing maternal care.
This session also includes specialized techniques like navel cupping and moxa sacral fan—powerful tools for supporting labor, recovery, and overall well-being. Whether you’re new to perinatal acupuncture or looking to refine your skills, this class offers practical knowledge, research-driven insights, and new or refined tools to enhance your private practice.
9:30-9:45am
Break
9:45-11:45am
Unlock the Hidden Potential of TCM in Treating Placenta Previa
Grace Stojanov, L.Ac., MSTOM, Dipl. OM, Master Face Reader
Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides new approaches to managing Placenta Previa—a condition considered untreatable in allopathic medicine. In this dynamic presentation, Grace introduces the unique perspective of TCM, covering pattern diagnoses, targeted treatment protocols, and practical patient care strategies. You'll gain a fresh understanding of TCM’s potential to support healthier birth outcomes through an insightful case study on low-lying placenta and the latest research.
Grace expertly bridges TCM with Western medical insights, offering diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and expected outcomes, demonstrating a powerful alignment between these paradigms. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your care strategies and explore the transformative impact TCM can have on Placenta Previa in your practice.
11:45am-12:45pm
Lunch and Learn
*Lunch will be provided.
External Herbal Preparations in Support of the Perinatal Period
Ben Zappin, L.Ac., co-founder of Five Flavors Herbs
Practitioners can offer pregnant and postpartum patients increased comfort and alleviate common conditions associated with this phase of life with various herbal preparations. This talk will orient practitioners to a selection of practical and accessible delivery systems available as prepared remedies or to be prepared with bulk herbs, including ointments, salves, liniments, sitz baths, boluses, and plasters. The talk will include a discussion of internal and external formulas in support of the following:
· Lactation support
· Tissue injury from birthing
· Gestational diabetes
· Vaginal discharge
· Umbilical cord care
· Diaper rash
· Thrush
12:45-2:45pm
Supporting Belly Birth- How to take care of your c-section clients before, during and after birth
Rebecca Bergeron, Dip. Ac, Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator
More or less 15% of the birth will head toward an elective c-section, and another roughly 15% toward an emergency c-section. Even with this type of birth being such a likely path for so many families, the dominant culture of childbirth preparation often excludes c-section birth in their consideration. But every birth matters, these moms and babies and families matters, their experience still deserves to be honoured and supported. Learn how to take care of your client before the surgery to help them experience an easier procedure and an easier recovery, how to treat them in the OR (whether it's you directly helping them, or you coaching their partner how to best support them), and how to care for them during the fragile and beautiful post-partum time.
2:45-3:00pm
Break
3:00-4:00pm
Qi Gong
Fay McGrew, Qi Gong Master
Join Fay McGrew for an enriching Qigong practice designed to empower women's health and well-being, incorporating self-care methods you can easily learn and share with others. This revitalizing technique, rooted in Nei Gung internal practices and crafted by Master Liu He, 18th-Generation Lineage Holder of the Ling Gui Tradition, focuses on opening the Dai Mai channel to release stagnation and encourage the free flow of Qi, supporting whole-body vitality.
Practitioners will leave with a practical giveaway—a self-care guide they can use immediately with their patients. This guide includes easy-to-follow techniques for stress relief, hip and lower back pain reduction, and digestive and gynecological support. Experience enhanced Wei Qi, strengthening your body's natural defenses against daily stressors, technology impacts, and more.
In this supportive environment, you’ll connect deeply with yourself, reduce stress, and gain clarity with insights into your personal Chinese astrological star (Bazi), allowing you to harness this knowledge for clearer direction in life.
4:00-5:00pm
Perinatal Acupuncture: Reflection, Connection & Future Growth
Led by Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, Dipl. OM, L.O.M.
Perinatal acupuncture is evolving, and staying connected, informed, and engaged is key to advancing the field. This session offers a unique opportunity for practitioners to reflect on the conference experience, solidify professional relationships, and determine future educational needs.
We’ll start by synthesizing the most important insights shared by the seven expert speakers, reviewing clinical strategies, research findings, and emerging trends. Through guided discussion and Q&A, attendees can seek clarification on complex topics, ensuring a deeper understanding of the material presented.
Building a strong professional network is essential for growth, collaboration, and improving patient outcomes. We’ll explore ways to foster lasting relationships within the perinatal acupuncture community, creating a foundation for mentorship, referrals, and shared resources.
Finally, we’ll assess current gaps in perinatal acupuncture education and discuss future learning opportunities. What additional training is needed? What emerging topics should be explored? By working together, we can shape the next steps in advancing perinatal acupuncture education and practice.
Meet the Speakers
Dr. Deb Davies
DACM, Dipl. OM, L.O.M. Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator
Dr. Deb Davies, DACM, Dipl. OM, L.O.M., a Chinese medicine doctor, an educator, a mentor, a Best Selling author, a birth doula, and a mother. She’s spent over 20 years passionately following her mission of supporting women in fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. She empowers expectant couples by educating and equipping them with natural and integrative health care options.
Over the course of her career, Deb has helped thousands of families in their childbirth journey. She has a renowned expertise in helping families overcome fertility obstacles, maintain a healthy full-term pregnancy, and prepare for an optimal birth experience. She also provides support during labor and birth with acupuncture, acupressure, and massage therapy, and is highly skilled in postpartum recovery care and optimizing C-section recovery time.
Her first daughter, Mia Belle, was stillborn at term from an umbilical cord accident in March of 2001. Her second daughter, Lauryn, was born a year later. Both girls instill Deb’s work with an unparalleled degree of inspiration and passion that enable her to compassionately support other women through the childbirth process, including support for miscarriage and recurring pregnancy losses.
Deb created PUSH Professional’s Mentorship program for licensed acupuncturists that teaches them everything they’d want to know about pregnancy, birth & postpartum. Her mission statement is to empower pregnant couples to have safe and healthy pregnancies, births, and recoveries by offering natural options in healthcare. Dr. Deb’s goal would be to have an acupuncturist at every Labor & Delivery in hospitals around the world.
Dr. Catherine Austin
MS, L.Ac., DAOM
Dr Catherine Austin earned her Master’s Degree from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco in 1998. She has been a Licensed Acupuncturist in private practice for 25 years in both Northern and Southern California and in South America, specializing in digestive disorders, allergies, auto-immune diseases, and women’s health.
She began teaching at Pacific College San Diego in 2005 because of her long-time interest in promoting Integrative Medicine. She lectures on respiratory, gastro-intestinal, and endocrine disorders, with a special focus on customized herbal formulas. She also supervised in the on-site clinic from 2005 to 2021. In 2011 and 2012, Catherine was involved with the design and implementation of Acupuncture services in the new Integrative Medicine track in Family Medicine at University of California San Diego. In 2012 and 2013, she began additional training in Ayurvedic medicine and herbs while working with top neurologist Dr. Chaudhary at Wellspring Health in La Jolla, California. Catherine completed her Doctoral Coursework at PCHS in 2011, and is now lecturing at several acupuncture colleges at the Masters and Doctoral levels. Currently completing a book on Auto-Immune Disorders to be published in August 2025.
Rebecca Bergeron
Dip. Ac, Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator
Rebecca has assisted over 80 births as an acupuncturist and a doula in the last 10 years in Quebec, Canada, as well as working a private practice mostly focused on third trimester support and childbirth preparation. Her mission is to help as many people have the safe and empowering birth experience they deserve – and in order to achieve that, she also teaches other health practitioners how to take better care of their clients during the pivotal perinatal period. Her treatment philosophies are: "details are very important", "empower the sh*t out of everyone", "make your patients feel like magical unicorns", and ''be humble, you are not the expert in the room''
Fay McGrew
M.A., Q.T.P., Qi Gong Master
Fay McGrew is not just a name in the world of wellness; she’s a beacon of transformation, with a remarkable 54 years of deep immersion in mind-body-spirit traditions that seamlessly intertwine ancient wisdom with modern healing practices. As a certified Qigong Master Teacher, Healer, and family lineage holder, Fay specializes in Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life), a holistic approach that encompasses Qigong, meditation, and lifestyle adjustments to align with nature’s seasonal rhythms. For the past 34 years, she has passionately focused on Women's Qigong, empowering women to harness their unique and potent feminine energy. Her extensive expertise has touched the lives of thousands, addressing diverse health challenges at various medical institutions in San Diego, from general women's health and prenatal support to navigating the complexities of sexual trauma, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. Notably, Fay's innovative contributions to military medicine in developing programs for traumatic brain injury and combat PTSD reflect her unwavering commitment to healing in all its forms. With her nurturing guidance, you’re invited to explore the transformative benefits of Women’s Qigong and embark on a journey toward holistic empowerment and well-being.
Grace Stojanov
L.Ac., MSTOM, Dipl. OM, Master Face Reader
Grace Stojanov began her healthcare journey as an open-water lifeguard, EMT, and Orthopedic Technologist---assisting in orthopedic surgeries---when she began seeking non-invasive, holistic treatment options. This path led her to Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, herbalism, and Eastern nutrition. She graduated with a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science in 2009, and now practices as a licensed California acupuncturist and nationally board-certified Chinese herbalist. With specialized training in pregnancy and birth from Dr. Deb Davies, and having worked as a birth doula, Grace supports individuals and couples through fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a Master Face Reader, trained under Lillian Bridges of the Lotus Institute, she integrates Chinese psychological insights into her practice, enriching patient care with a deep understanding of emotional and physical health.
Dawn Thompson
Maternal Health Advocate, Founder of Birthify
Dawn Thompson is a nationally recognized maternal health advocate and founder of Birthify, a revolutionary virtual platform that supports parents through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. With over 20 years of experience, Dawn has dedicated her career to reducing unnecessary medical interventions, empowering women with knowledge, and improving maternal health outcomes. A founding member of March for Moms and an active participant in Mom Congress, Dawn works tirelessly to bring compassionate, comprehensive support to new families. Her work has been featured in NY Weekly, CEO Weekly, and numerous other publications, highlighting her commitment to helping families navigate the journey of parenthood with confidence.
Chef Kerra
Owner of The Tide Table
As a private chef, I’m passionate about curating farm-fresh, seasonal nourishment - that honors the beauty of our unique region. As sure as the tides, we can depend on farmers to commit to their practices. My offerings are a love letter to them, and to my community. I am all about creatively flowing with the produce that is available at the market. I value shaking hands with the people who carefully source these ingredients. From the citrus groves of Vista to the briny bites of Oceanside, I draw inspiration from the natural bounty that surrounds you & I. We share the same local farmers, the same water sources & a mutual love for where we live. My curated offerings highlight the vibrant abundance of flavors unique to these hillsides, valleys and coastlines. Let The Tide Table bring the best of our region to your next gathering.
Testimonials for Practitioners
"If you want to gain more confidence on treating placenta previa I highly recommend taking this course. The information is concise and straight to the point. I am very passionate about treating women's health conditions especially during pregnancy. We have so many tools we can use and this course really proves it."
Jordan B., USA
Participant in Treating Placenta Previa with ease by Dr. Deb Davies and Grace Stojanov
These two are an informative and dynamic duo. Really loved having both perspectives on labor/postpartum support. Found it highly valuable and informative.
Class Participant
Herbs and Acupuncture for Pregnancy by Dr. Deb Davies and Dr. Catherine Austin
My good friend recently asked me to be her acupuncturist during her birth (a first for me) and now I am feeling so much more confident about showing up for her and having a good plan in place! Thank you thank you! If there is one thing I could request it would be to have a document/handout of all the ways their partner can help.
Mentorship Participant
PUSH Professionals Mentorship by Dr. Deb Davies
I did love this course. She is very knowledgeable and precise. I was able to immediately put into use everything in the course with amazing results. I feel honored to learn from someone like her who definitely knows what she is talking about. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Beverly Lynch
Student of Rebecca Bergeron
Join us before we sell out!
Pick the price option that best fits your budget
Payment Plan
$150 monthly x 6 = $900
6-monthly payments
- Workshops
- Lunch both days
- Dinner on Saturday
- 16 CEUs
- Networking
CEU Price
$800
one-time payment
- Workshops
- Lunch both days
- Dinner on Saturday
- 16 CEUs
- Networking
Post-Conference
Breech Baby Masterclass with Rebecca Bergeron
Date: Monday, May 19th
Time: 9am-3:30pm
Price: $215 for conference participants
Location: 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109
Additional Details Below:
You always want to better yourself as a practitioner?
Don't worry, we got you covered with another day of fun on May 19, right after the conference! Rebecca Bergeron, one of our speakers, is teaching a masterclass on breech babies: how to help make more space for them to turn (with moxa, dai mai release techniques, needling, stretching, positioning changes, etc), and how to still hold space and celebrate this variation of normal (because breech babies aren't bad babies). And as an attendee of this year's annual Perinatal Conference, you get a 200$ discount off of this class.
A whole day on the art of treating and honoring the breech position, while also treating and honoring the person having a breech baby in their belly, and the struggle they will face in the current system because of their breech babies.
PART ONE
advanced anatomy of the uterus and pelvis
3D vision of the baby in the space
differential “diagnostics” in TCM (the right assessment = the right treatment!)
the Tao of the breech baby
causes and treatments of breech babies in Imperial China
disengaging the baby before the treatment starts
side body opener, a technique to open up the torso and the ribs
needling the diaphragm
stretches and techniques to open up the hips and the lower jiao
putting yourself in baby's shoes (a short meditation on baby positioning)
PART TWO
various types of moxa (and alternatives)
evaluation and treatment of the daimai (too loose or too tight, both aren't ideal)
trauma informed care (how to empower your patient instead of further increasing the trauma associated to their bodies)
assessment of anatomical structures that might limit available space
palpation of the uterus
palpation of the baby
disengaging the baby before the treatment starts
side body opener, a technique to open up the torso and the ribs
needling the diaphragm
stretches and techniques to open up the hips and the lower jiao
putting yourself in baby's shoes (a short meditation on baby positioning)
Refund Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to request a refund for your conference registration, please note that refunds can be requested up to 60 days prior to the event, and all refunds will incur a $50 transaction fee. Unfortunately, no refunds can be issued for requests made after the 60-day deadline. To request a refund, please contact our support team at hello@pushprofessionalsmentorship.com. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at the conference!