Some Midwives Suggest Acupuncture During Labor

Midwives in other areas of the world, such as Germany, are being trained to conduct acupuncture therapy while mothers are in labor. Although it is not widely used in the United States for labor purposes, other acupuncture therapies have become quite popular, especially in the recent years.

This natural practice has been known to be a great complementary therapy to increase fertility and even encourage quicker healing in mothers who have just given birth. Acupuncture, which can be an alternative treatment for a wide variety of ailments, is used by expecting mothers to reduce nausea, indigestion, anxiety, stress or aches and pains that are felt with pregnancy. After giving birth, acupuncture offers new mothers a reduction in pain without having to use prescribed narcotics or other pain killers. Whether a mother has had a natural birth or a Cesarean birth, acupuncture can speed up the healing process.

How can acupuncture help during labor?

In China, ancient medical practices highly favor the use of acupuncture, especially during a woman’s labor and delivery. Recent studies, such as the Cochrane Review, suggest several areas in which acupuncture aids a laboring mother,

• Helps reduce labor pain
• Can diminish the use of anesthesia
• Provide a shorter labor, with less complications
• Increases patient satisfaction
• Reduces rates of instrumental vaginal birth, such as suctioning

Many hospitals, especially in the U.S., do not allow acupuncture needles to be used during labor and delivery. Trained midwives and acupuncturists can, however, use acupressure to relieve pain and induce a smoother delivery. Acupressure consists of the use of pressure points on specific areas of the body. Pressure points, such as spots on the hand, can effectively reduce pain, anxiety and even aid in cervical dilation.

Not only is acupuncture a safe, natural therapy, it is also cost effective, which is a highly attractive alternative to pharmaceutical medications such as opioids or an epidural.

Preparing your body before and during pregnancy

Deanna Carell Acupuncture specializes in women’s health, from managing infertility issues, through pregnancy, birth and motherhood. We encourage women to begin their acupuncture journey before they even conceive. Acupuncture treatment can help the body reach its healthiest potential, creating a perfect place for a baby to conceive and grow.

Before and during your pregnancy can be a perfect time to get to know your acupuncturist. At Deanna Carell Acupuncture, we take pride in getting to know our patients on a personal level. Our goal is to cater to your specific needs and wants and then turn them into successful stories.

If you are thinking about receiving acupuncture treatments before labor, having an acupuncturist who knows what your body needs and responds to is of utmost importance. Whether you have anxiety about the big event, or you have had a complicated, painful pregnancy, our office can ease your fears as you transition from pregnancy to motherhood and beyond. 

Call our office today to set up a stress-free consultation with one of our friendly acupuncturists.