Ways To Induce Labor
Three years ago when I gave birth to my daughter, I was lucky to have a doula who knew about acupressure techniques which were supposed to help ease labor pain. Using acupressure involves pressing on certain parts of your body with your fingertips to bring about a desired effect. During my labor, my husband was able to press certain parts of my leg to reduce the amount of pain I was feeling. It really worked!! So much so that I ended up getting only some mild pain medication instead of the epidural I was planning on.
Later, my doula explained that acupressure is one of her favorite ways to induce labor as it is safe and easy and really works. I filed this information in the back of my mind since I really wasn't thinking about labor anymore having just gone through it!!
However, the idea of acupressure as one of the best ways to induce labor did in fact enter my mind again a few years later. This time I was pregnant with my son and was just finishing my 40th week of pregnancy. I couldn't have been more uncomfortable but I hated the idea of having my doctor induce me with drugs. Unfortunately at my last doctor's visit she did in fact tell me that I would need to be induced one week later if I didn't have the baby by then.
I was desperate to try anything that might start up my labor. I tried all the usual methods that one hears about...nipple stimulation to increase oxytocin, bumpy car rides, light exercise and of course sex. I even tried some meditation because I really believe in the power of the mind. Unfortunately my mind power wasn't working very well and neither did any of the methods I tried. Then a light bulb went off in my head and I remembered that my doula from my previous pregnancy had suggested that acupressure was one of the best ways to induce labor. I knew how much it had helped me with my labor pains but I had forgotten that it's more popular use was for inducing labor.
So I researched the 'net and found a highly recommended e-guide that had all the techniques in a step by step format. I have to give thanks to Dr. Lena Leino for putting together such an all-inclusive, easy to follow guide that makes it so simple to learn the acupressure techniques. I read the guide from cover to cover and that evening my husband did his magic with his fingertips and applied the acupressure techniques.
Now of course there's no way to prove that it really worked, but all I know is that the following evening I had mild cramping that later turned into full blown contractions. I remembered to take the printed out e-book to the hospital with us so we could use the techniques to help with pain management. Not only did the techniques work, I really think it helped my husband by giving him a job to do that was really helping me (as opposed to him just standing there helpless while I'm writhing in pain!)
My son arrived in just a couple of hours and I later described my labor as being "wonderful." Most of my friends assumed I meant that I had "a lot of drugs" and were quite surprised when I told them that I didn't need the epidural again. I don't know why more people don't know about the fabulous method of acupressure as being one of the best ways to induce labor and relieve some of the pain of giving birth.
If you ever find yourself facing the possibility of being induced by your doctor, definitely give acupressure a try first. You surely won't regret it. It's natural, safe and will not cause any harm to you or your baby.
