What is Acupressure for labour preparation all about? Acupressure for Labour has been substantiated with some clinical trials. Using it during your labour can be helpful. But why wait until the last minute to feel the symptomatic relief and use it?
It's true midwives in many hospitals across Australia are aware of the Acupressure for Labour protocols. They may even carry a little reference card on their belt or in their pocket during their rounds on the ward.This is great to see Acupressure being used and taught in hospitals. But is this leaving it too late? Should couples be considering learning Acupressure before they go into labour?
Instead of letting the midwife do the Acupressure, encouraging your birthing partner or husband to learn Acupressure beforehand means you're prepared before labour begins, using the points sooner and feeling some relief.
Some of the research findings:
Of the 13 trials, 4 focused on Acupressure for Labour. They found women reported on reduced pharmacological pain relief reliance, less intense pain and increased maternal satisfaction. But further research is required.
2. Impact of Acupressure on onset of labour and duration: A systematic review
Looks at 7 trials on using Acupressure before and during labour. Results suggest Acupressure reduces the length of labour but further research is required.
3. Acupressure to reduce labour pain
213 women used acupressure for labour and authors concluded that acupressure seems to reduce pain during the active phase of labor in women having their first baby and that that acupressure may be most effective during the initial phase of labor.
All three can be summarised and viewed directly on Debra Betts' website here
The Power of Touch
Acupressure doesn't involve any needles, it just uses finger pressure on selected Acupuncture Points. It's readily accessible if you know the points, no equipment needed, just start!
The benefits of Physical Touch include:
- Building trust
- Reassurance
- Calming the nervous system (and nerves!)
- Soothing, relaxing and it just feels good.
- Giving stimulus to the brain and nervous system
Here lies the power of Acupressure for labour by helping influence your breathing and therefore your emotional state all of which helps the birthing process.
Here are the Acupressure for Labour Points:
- Colon 4 and Spleen 6- both used for preparing for an induction or spontaneous labour initiation, progressing the labour, any delays.
- Gall Bladder 21 - to prepare for medical induction or spontaneous labour initiation and pain relief
- Bladder 60 - for transition or retained placenta.
- My go-to-guide for clients is via Debra Betts' fantastic resource-filled website here.
If you'd like to be shown the Acupressure for Pregnancy and labour prep points by me, tell me at your next appointment face-to-face or make contact with me via email or message me on my Facebook page here. Starting sooner rather than later is best for your birthing partner to get used to using their thumbs and fingers with Acupressure - they will be busy helping you during your labour in the most productive way.
