Acupuncture During Labour
" During the pre-birth sessions the acupuncture helped me with terrible varicose veins, swollen legs and carpal tunnel syndrome. I wasn't sleeping and I was worried about post-natal depression. I felt such relief after each acupuncture session that I also began to feel more positive about the birth. I went into labour two days before my due date and the acupressure tecniques, Hanna showed my husband helped him feel useful and involved in our daughter's birth. In fact, they were so effective that I gave birth to our daughter without gas and air, epidural or any other pain relief other than acupressure." Antonia.
Acupuncture in the early stages of labour has a long-lasting effect on pain relief right up to delivery. It can work well if the acupuncturist can see the woman at home for a short session when contractions first begin. The treatment raises endorphin levels, keeps her cervix dilating gently and allows contractions to build gradually so that when she gets to the hospital or birthing centre she already feels in control of her labour.
If it’s not possible for an acupuncturist to be with you at home or at the hospital it can be invaluable for her partner, doula or independent midwife to use acupressure to help her through her contractions and to keep labour progressing. I usually teach these points in the weeks leading up to the woman’s due date and give handouts and whenever possible birth partners will come to the clinic for hands-on-training.