| So, you've waited nine months and you're | | | | used during labor to cope with contraction |
| tired of waiting. And so is your doctor. | | | | pain, it is beneficial to have a basic |
| But you're not looking forward to the extra | | | | working knowledge yourself. |
| interventions that you know are associated | | | | |
| with a medical induction. Needles, IVs, | | | | Since it may be three o'clock in the morning |
| lying on your back, epidural, c-section. You | | | | and no one else is up with you as you look |
| need a way to induce labor at home and you | | | | for a solution to an impending medical |
| need something that will actually work. You | | | | induction, you'll be pleased to know that |
| don't have time for old wives' tale remedies. | | | | many pressure points are completely |
| | | | accessible to your own hands and fingers. In |
| It is possible to naturally self-induce labor | | | | fact, many women have been able to stimulate |
| using the techniques of acupressure. This | | | | their own labors by performing acupressure on |
| holistic medical system is similar to | | | | themselves. With regular application of the |
| acupuncture but does not require needles or | | | | techniques to the appropriate points, labor |
| even much training to perform. It relies on | | | | usually begins in 2 to 3 days. |
| a specific way of touching the body on | | | | |
| certain points that are associated with | | | | If you want something that will jump start |
| various functions and effects throughout the | | | | your labor without overwhelming your body, |
| body. Often the person being treated feels a | | | | maternity acupressure is a great option to |
| deep sense of calm as acupressure works on | | | | explore. Since it works with your body, it |
| the body: the techniques encourage the body | | | | will not force your body to do something in |
| to function better in the way that it is | | | | an unnatural, overpowering way like many of |
| designed to. | | | | the drugs commonly used to induce labors. |
| | | | However, it is still important to have some |
| The practice of acupressure dates to at least | | | | idea of what you are doing and to not attempt |
| 2000 B.C. Using it to augment or cope with | | | | to induce labor until you are either 40 weeks |
| labor is gaining popularity as women come | | | | pregnant or scheduled for an induction within |
| away from their birth experiences either | | | | 2 to 3 days. Since these techniques do |
| "satisfied or very satisfied" with the | | | | produce the desired result of stimulating |
| effects of this form of traditional medicine. | | | | contractions and beginning labor, you |
| In part, this may be due to the technique's | | | | wouldn't want to risk a premature delivery of |
| flexibility and ease of use. It is entirely | | | | your baby. |
| possible to learn the procedure and find the | | | | |
| pressure points on your own with a qualified | | | | Remember, also, to keep your practitioner |
| book or course. Specialists are available, | | | | informed of your attempts to induce labor, |
| so you may seek one out if you truly feel you | | | | even if they are "natural." Are you ready to |
| cannot manage the techniques. However, since | | | | meet that baby? Make sure your hospital bags |
| many of the points you will learn may also be | | | | are packed, because it's going to be soon! |