Labour induction: Are you looking for a natural approach for a smoother delivery?
(Qi Meidcicine, Moonee Ponds, Melbourne)
Last updated 4th October 2024
The journey to motherhood is a beautiful and transformative experience, often accompanied by excitement and anticipation.
As the expected due date approaches, expectant mothers may explore alternative and natural methods to facilitate a spontaneous onset of labour. Labour and pregnancy is one of the things we do best here at Qi Medicine acupuncture.
In this blog post, let’s chat about how we can assist in labour preparation.
Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy!
Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture over the years has become an often sought-after complementary method for pregnancy and labour induction.
Fine, sterile needles are used to stimulate targeted points in the body to encourage and support the body toward labour.
As a low intervention practice, this makes it a desired option, especially for pregnant women who are hoping to avoid medical interventions like a pharmaceutical induction.
Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to promoting wellness, focusing on both emotional and physical well-being.
This approach supports the emotional and psychological aspects of pregnancy by helping to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety associated with the approaching labour and offer pain relief along all stages of pregnancy.
How can acupuncture help with labour induction and a smoother delivery?
Acupuncture helps to stimulate hormones and release endorphins, this response to treatment is beneficial for labour preparation as it supports pain management and any nervousness or anxiety.
Patients often feel a sense of deep relaxation and can have a bit of ‘me’ time during sessions. The value of these sessions allows many expectant mothers who worry about the discomfort associated with childbirth to feel supported in their journey – especially in the final weeks leading up to birthing.
During treatment, practitioners may be able to target specific areas of discomfort and address any pain at its source in a holistic and natural manner.
When should you start acupuncture for pre-labour induction?
As a general rule, we encourage expecting mothers to come and see us around the 34-week mark.
This allows us enough time to support you to ensure we can help you dot all the i’s and t’s to allow for a smoother labour.
Not only do we have enough time but it gives you time to enjoy the last leg of your pregnancy with ease.
Many mothers, whether it’s their first time expecting or not, usually have a lot on their plate, so during this period we see the importance of embracing where you are before your life changes again.
Often we see expecting mothers who are further along than this and we are happy to accommodate for this – we generally like to allow for more time to support and relax the body for an even smoother experience.
Can I come to see you if I want support before 34 weeks?
Absolutely! Even if you’re not currently at the 34-week mark or perhaps you’ve just found out you’re pregnant and you’re planning, we see a lot of mothers throughout all stages of their pregnancies – for morning sickness, discomfort, emotional support, baby breech and pain that pops up here and there.
Is acupuncture safe for my baby?
YES! Babies are very in tune with the energy around you.
Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into channels that we call meridians. These meridians are like rivers or roads that flow throughout ourselves.
We stimulate these points to support and free flow the movement of energy around the body. As babies can be sensitive to the energy moving, during the session they tend to do little flips and tumbles before settling down again.
How to prepare for your session at Qi Medicine?
1. Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing
We often choose acupuncture points along the legs, ankles, hands, lower back and around the head. These points will be explained and selected according to the treatment plan your practitioner discusses with you.
2. Have someone bring you / have someone available to chat with on the phone during your journey home
Acupuncture is known for its relaxing effect.
We recommend bringing someone with you so you can fully enjoy all the effects of your acupuncture session. They are welcome to wait in our waiting room and enjoy a lovely cup of tea (and a cookie too).
3. Have something to eat before your session
To get the most out of your session we recommend having a snack or some food before coming. As Acupuncture can be relaxing, this can sometimes leave you a little light-headed. We have plenty of cookies in the clinic to make you feel better but we always recommend having a bit of food.
Labour induction take-home tips:
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Stay warm!
Keep those feet and toes nice and toasty, this helps to increase the blood flow to the lower part of the body. Maintaining a good body temperature can help to relax the body and the more relaxed you are the less stressed your body is. Warmth helps to relax muscle tension which can support a smoother contraction of muscles during labour.
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Get your partner to give you an acupressure massage
Similar to acupuncture, acupressure points can be massaged along certain points in the body to stimulate energy. Pressure can be applied to these points using fingers, thumbs or palms depending on the location. Your practitioner will guide you through which points to stimulate at home while you wait for baby’s arrival.
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Eat warm foods
Eating warm foods will help to start your post-partum recovery journey now. It offers several benefits including aiding digestion, providing comfort and supporting overall well-being. Warm foods are gentler on the digestive system compared to cold or raw foods. The nutrients are better absorbed from warm meals to help boost energy levels and provide adequate nourishment especially if you plan to breastfeed. Certain warm foods like lactation-promoting teas and soups contain substances that can support milk production for additional benefits.
Extra tasty side tips for postpartum recovery
Try these delicious meals to help you recover after baby is born. You can prep these before hand and have lots of ready meals on hand for when you really need them.
- Bone broth soups and stews with vegetables, proteins and whole grains
- Warm oatmeal for a nourishing breakfast
- Herbal teas including chamomile, ginger or peppermint
- Warm quinoa or rice dishes with cooked vegetables and lean proteins
- Cooked whole grains like barley, brown rice and quinoa in porridge
- The best time to start acupuncture for postpartum recovery is at 6 weeks post-labour
Ready to book?
Book online here or phone the clinic on (03) 8394 7665 to book your acupuncture treatment today.
Other posts you may like
How to maximise your chances of a natural birth
Acupressure for labour and delivery
Needing acupuncture in pregnancy in Melbourne? We are easy to get to!
Qi Medicine acupuncture in Moonee Ponds: Find us on Google maps here:
The clinic is located at Suite 4, Level 1, 151 Pascoe Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds. (Please ensure you take the ground floor elevator to reach us or level one.)
We provide acupuncture in pregnancy Melbourne to the North Western suburbs of Melbourne and are close to Highpoint. Qi Medicine acupuncture is minutes away from Ascot Vale, Essendon, Avondale Heights, Maribyrnong, and Brunswick West. We also service many clients with acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Travancore, Flemington, Aberfeldie, Maidstone, and we are just 10 km from Melbourne city.
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