Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Acupressure is in practice worldwide for over 2,500 years, and it is still widely practiced today.
To illustrate, acupressure involves the application of pressure to specific points on the body with the hands, fingers, or elbow. When successfully applied during childbirth, it provides pain relief and healing.
Labor and delivery can be a long, exhausting process. When it comes to the final stages of labor, most people look for natural, safe, and effective ways to help them. Acupressure for labor and delivery is safe, natural, and effective.
Your Natural Labor and Delivery
Labor and delivery are natural and beautiful expressions of life. However, childbirth is not without its pains and challenges. Acupressure is as natural as childbirth itself. With it, this holistic experience of natural birth will significantly benefit the mother and newborn.
Given that, working with a certified nurse-midwife will also enhance your support during this momentous occasion. With this in mind, your midwife is knowledgeable and skilled. Understanding the correct and proper use of acupressure during labor and delivery is key.
Labor is a long and exhausting process. The pressure points applied by the midwife stimulate labor and reduce pain. Nerve pressure and stress ease for both mother and infant.
With this purpose in mind, acupressure is non-invasive and safe during labor and delivery. The Department of Health and Human Services lists acupressure as part of its natural pain relief options.
How Acupressure Provides Relief
Relief comes through attention to where the mother is experiencing discomfort. These three acupressure points help with your labor and delivery. Additionally, the Healthline website explores other pressure points.
1. Spinal Support Point: The point is on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. Back labor pains benefit from this pressure point gentle massage.
2. Heart Point: The point is on the outer part of your hand, close to your wrist.
3. Knee Point: The point is on the outside of your knee and helps release tension in the leg and abdominal area. Particularly helpful for the mother’s body due to the pain of the birthing chair stationary position.
In particular, these points will help you release unwanted tension and provide relief from labor pains. The gentle pressure applied to the body’s meridians and points free the body of pain. Signaling all is well for the delivery and arrival of your newborn.
Acupressure During a Water Birth
Besides a birthing center, hospital, or home birth, water birth is a natural, safe, and painless way to give birth. It is also a great way to reduce the risk of infection and blood loss.
Waterbirth can be done at home or in a birthing center. The mother-to-be is in the water up to her chest. She will then lean on the side of the pool with her arms outstretched for support.
Acupressure provides added relief during a water birth under the guidance of a nurse or midwife. Hence, Iaboring women who wish to avoid more invasive forms of pain relief benefit.
Consider Using Acupressure for Labor and Delivery
There are many great benefits to using acupressure during labor and delivery. They can help reduce pain, shorten labor time, and are a safe alternative to medical interventions.
To conclude, acupressure puts the mother in tune with the rhythm of her body during labor and without pharmaceutical interventions. She is aided to experience the moment in as natural a state as possible.
Midwifery is the health profession dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and women’s sexual and reproductive health throughout their lives. Midwife360 is committed to providing women’s health services from family planning through labor and delivery. Our support team serves the West Palm Beach, Florida area.
Contact us today for a consultation.
