| Having a baby is a joyful experience. Many of | | | | |
| us mothers-to-be, however, are apprehensive | | | | You can avoid the need for an epidural and |
| of the delivery process. | | | | the risks connected with one, by using labor |
| | | | acupressure. Acupressure is a holistic method |
| Yes, there is some stress and pain involved | | | | that targets the same acupoints used in |
| in delivery. | | | | acupuncture. The difference is that, in |
| | | | acupressure fingers are used to put pressure |
| Over the years medical science has come up | | | | on the specific pressure points instead of |
| with methods to reduce labor pain. | | | | piercing the skin with needles. |
| Unfortunately the side effects of these | | | | |
| methods can be unwelcome. Anesthetics used | | | | Acupressure is a completely safe method, |
| during labor leave your baby and you in a | | | | without any side effects. It is impossible to |
| drugged state, during and after childbirth. | | | | over-stimulate the body while administering |
| An epidural anesthetic is known to increase | | | | acupressure, because the body naturally |
| the chances of having a Cesarean operation, | | | | regulates and accepts only the required |
| or the need for the vacuum and forceps. | | | | stimulation. Labor acupressure is also a very |
| Statistics show that half the deliveries with | | | | simple, 'thumbs-on' method. It can be |
| an epidural results in resorting to such | | | | administered by anyone receiving basic |
| medical interventions. | | | | instruction in its application. This means |
| | | | that you don't need any great skill to |
| A Cesarean delivery is sometimes necessary in | | | | administer acupressure. Because the method is |
| order to save the life of the baby or the | | | | so safe, and incredibly effective, even the |
| mother. A Cesarean, however, is a major | | | | World Health Organization recommends it for |
| operation involving severe risks. These risks | | | | pain relief. |
| include higher maternal mortality rates | | | | |
| compared with normal births, risks of blood | | | | Giving birth to a baby is a unique and |
| clots and infections, not to speak of a | | | | wonderful experience. With the help of |
| longer recovery time. Additionally, if you | | | | acupressure, both you and your partner can |
| deliver by Cesarean, you might find it | | | | actively participate in it... And you can |
| difficult to breast-feed your baby. This | | | | soon have your baby with you, alert and not |
| could lead to less closer bonding between | | | | doped by unnecessary medication, ready to |
| your tiny tot and you. It can also result in | | | | breastfeed and bond with you and the family. |
| reduced immunity to illnesses for him or her. | | | | A wonderful memory for your later years! |