April 1st, 2010
by Debra Betts
Debra Betts, an acupuncturist from New Zealand, has produced an excellent booklet titled, “Acupressure for Labour- promoting natural labour and partner involvement”. She has made this document available free of charge and you can download it here. Acupressure Booklet D.Betts
I recommend that couples (or women and their labour partners) print out the booklet and practice point locations and positions in advance of the labour so that you feel comfortable with the information when you need it. Debra’s suggestions are helpful and effective.
Most partners want to be actively involved in labour and are often at a loss of how to help and stay connected. Suggestions in this booklet will benefit both the labouring woman and her partner.
Thank you for Debra Betts for her clear presentation, useful information and great generosity.
Feel free to contact me at www.dawnaarons.com if you have any questions about the handout or would like more information about other labour options.
January 7th, 2010
I love attending births. It is a magical experience and a great honour to attend a birth. I also love the experience because I feel I have so much to offer the labouring woman.
As an acupuncturist, the main thing I offer is the use of needles and acupressure to help a woman have an efficient and positive labour. Every birth is unique. Acupuncture and acupressure can be used for pain relief, augmentation (making contractions stronger and more effective), relief from nausea, encouraging dilation and fetal descent, improving energy, and helping focus.
In my experience, the use of small auricular needles or tacks (the entire body is mapped out on the auricle of the ear) is the greatest support I can offer. Ear needles do not interfere with the woman’s mobility. My favorite point, Ear Shenmen, has made an enormous difference for many of the women I have supported in labour. On a couple of occasions, I have pressed on that point in the ear through every contraction. If I stepped away, the woman would call me to her ear. She would not want to endure a single contraction without that pressure. In addition to offering intense pain relief (in part by bringing pain to the ear and splitting attention?), the pressure increased a woman’s focus and ability to cope.
I am very interested to hear about other people’s experiences and questions. From my experience, acupuncture is a wonderful support for labour.
