Acupuncture for Labor & Delivery
You’ve managed to get through almost three trimesters of pregnancy and now you are realizing that the baby has to come out. It can can a daunting task to try and invision what your labor and birth will look like, especially if you have never done it before. While no two births will be exactly alike, even for the same mother, there are some recommendations that we find useful for expecting moms who are getting ready to meet their beloved littles and really yearning for a smooth labor and delivery process.
The 5 Elements for a Smooth Child Birth
In Chinese medicine, we have 5 elements. Each element is like a spoke in a wheel. They all balance the wheel and lead to overall health. We will briefly explore these aspects to promote a healthy labor/birth. The Five Elements of Chinese Medicine are as follows and it’s never too early to start using them to help set the foundation for the birth you are dreaming of: Support (Fire), Movement (Earth), Breathing (Metal), Relax (Water), Be Flexible (Wood).
Support (Fire)
The fire element involves our relationships. Develop your support team before labor- partners, family, friends, and professionals. Make sure to assign roles to your partner, who can often feel left out of the process. They can help ensure you get snacks and meals and take breaks. Utilize your providers in the best efforts to help with ensuring healthy labor. This may even mean saying no to someone that would like to attend your birth, but stresses you out. Remember, starting before pregnancy with supportive practices like acupuncture, chiropractic, and yoga is best.
Movement (Earth)
The earth is at the center. We balance and ground our energy during labor to help the energy to move downward, so having a good understanding of how to move your pregnant body helps immensely. Always move the body if possible throughout your pregnancy. A general rule of thumb is if you were active before pregnancy, you could be active during pregnancy. The body goes through quick and significant changes with pregnancy and labor. Be kind to your body and try to be as present as possible when moving your body so that you can listen to it’s subtle cues. The movements that can help along the way and during birth could include walking, hip rotations, cat/cow, goddess pose, and sitting on an exercise ball to loosen the hips.
Breathing (Metal)
The metal element promotes a letting go and has a downward moving energy. By doing breathing exercises you help to move the energy down and out for a healthy labor. Alternate nostril breathing is a great way to help to reduce stress and settle an aroused mind. You can also do Dr. Weil's breathing exercises 4,7 and 8. You can even do essential breathing in and out through the nose and try to extend the exhale. The simple act of extending the exhale helps to inform your nervous system that you are safe, which speeds up the birthing process in many cases.
Relax (Water)
The stillness in winter is a perfect example of the balanced water element. Do whatever you can to relax. Go for a slow walk, do meditation, have sex, do breathing exercises, take a bath, get a massage, or get an acupuncture treatment. Relaxation looks different for everyone. Get creative and find ways to keep the body calm. When the body is in a stressed response it can increase labor times. The body doesn’t want to deliver in what appears to be a hostel environment.
Be Flexible (Wood)
In Chinese medicine, we say rigid wood breaks, but wood that bends will last for years. The average first labor can be 9-12 hours. Practice patience and being flexible. Plans often change quickly with pregnancy. Be flexible and open to accepting if things don’t follow your birth plan.
Our Providers
We have four acupuncturist providers that are skilled at helping mothers have healthy labor and deliveries. And it isn’t uncommon for someone try acupuncture with moxibustion for the first time to try and move a breech baby, or avoid a medical induction. We look forward to supporting you and nurturing your family before, during, and after pregnancy with traditional chinese medicine. If you have questions, we would love to answer them and put you at ease.