Preparing for Labour
From 37 weeks women come in for weekly treatment to help them focus and prepare physically and emotionally for labour. At this time we focus on helping the cervix to soften, stress-reduction, relaxation, improving sleep and energy levels to give more stamina and endurance during the labour.
Women are shown how to teach acupressure points to their husbands and birth partners to use for pain relief during labour. And it can also be a good time to talk through final fears and anxieties and to strengthen confidence in preparation for the birth.
" My labour went well. Very mild contractions started at 6 a.m and began intensifying around 2 p.m. I was nicely relaxed at home and stayed there until 8 p.m. Got to hospital at 8.30 p.m at which stage I was already 6 cm dilated. My son was born at 10.15 that night. I used gas and air and the Tens machine at home but that’s all…thanks for your treatments. I really believe they contributed to the smooth labour and quick delivery. Thanks! " Fiona
Pre-birth acupuncture has not only been shown to shorten labour but more importantly it increases the likelihood of a spontaneous and natural labour and decreases the need for medical induction and the cascade of intervention which often follows. (The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth by D. Betts, the Journal of Chinese Medicine)
