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