Labour &

Induction

Breech Presentation > Induction for natural labour > acupressure in labour

Breech Presentation 

Condition: Breech Presentation means that a baby is positioned ‘feet-first’ inside the Mother’s womb. Being feet-first can be very dangerous for the baby to be born vaginally. If the baby does not turn and position itself ‘head-down’ at the time of labour, a c-section is the typical course of action.

TCM Approach: Moxibustion has been used for generations to turn a Breech Presentation baby naturally, safely and non-invasively. The treatment is relaxing, as the warmth of the moxibustion heats up the feet at the associated meridians bringing about improved Qi flow.

Proposed Treatment: The ideal time to come in is at 33 to 35 weeks of pregnancy; the baby is small enough to have room to turn. Essentially, two moxibustion sticks are warmed and placed over 2 acupuncture points located at the toes. Acupuncture can be used as well, but moxibustion is the real star. A 45 minute follow-up treatment is the ideal amount of time to perform this procedure.The patient will be given moxibustion sticks to take home to continue the treatment until the baby turns.

Induction for Natural Labour

Condition: The ideal time for a woman to give birth is between 39 to 40 weeks. After this time period, the chance of pregnancy related complications rises. Many physicians will either encourage a c-section to be scheduled or for the baby to be induced chemically to stimulate childbirth. Some women find both options unappealing and would prefer a natural birth, but with minimal risk to themselves and the baby. 

TCM Approach: Utilizing a specific point protocol, acupuncture for induction is a relaxing method to prepare the Mother for childbirth by strengthening her Kidneys and Blood while simultaneously directing her Qi downward to encourage labour. 

Proposed Treatment: Acupuncture for induction is a safe method to prepare a woman’s body for childbirth. It is recommended that the induction treatments start around 38 to 39 weeks. A series of 45 minute acupuncture follow-up is recommended. Anecdotally speaking, some women respond to the treatments quickly, while others need multiple sessions to prime the body via a cumulative effect.

Acupressure in Labour

Condition: Active labour is a very stressful time for women and her support group. Staying calm and focused can be helpful with the process of childbirth; it’s an exciting but also a scary time for women. 

TCM Approach: By pressing and stimulating specific acupuncture points, we are activating the Mother’s body to encourage labour by sending her Qi downward. Acupressure in Labour can also be calming; physical touch from loved ones can be soothing in a high stress situation such as this.

Proposed Treatment: This is a safe and non-invasive approach that only requires knowing the point locations and pressing upon them. These points can be taught to a patient during a 45 minute follow-up. The frequency of the stimulation of the acupressure relies solely on the woman’s comfort.