Ways To Induce Labor Naturally At Home
July 22, 2009 by Linda Deen
Filed under pregnancy
When you are past your due date, you’re probably keenly awaiting for your baby to make an appearance. But before you consider medical induction, it’s important to understand the dangers of the medications. If not for medical reasons or as an emergency, you should try to avoid medical labor induction.
There are many natural methods you could try before medical induction. In this article we will explore some of the possibilities that are at your disposal at home.
Having sex is one of the favorite for many pregnant women. The semen contains a hormone called prostaglandin, which is actually similar to the medications for inducing labor, and can help soften the cervix and start dilation. Additionally, a woman releases oxytocin, which can help stimulate contractions. So why not end your pregnancy the same way you started it – by having sex.
Some methods use the force of gravity to bring the baby down. Walking around, squatting, bouncing on the exercise ball and similar activities can all help the baby to descend into the birthing canal and into the world. Some women also find walking helps them to cope with the discomforts associated with contractions.
Another option are herbs. Blue and black cohosh are believed to have properties to stimulate childbirth. You should know, however, they are potentially unsafe. They can cause excess bleeding during labor and hearth problems in newborn babies. Not recommended.
One of the most effective methods that has been used for thousands of years, but is not very well know in the western world is acupressure, or maternity acupressure, to be exact. It has been proven to be both safe and effective.
Maternity or labor acupressure uses fingers and thumbs to apply gentle pressure to key points on the skin called acupoints. This can strengthen contractions, improve dilation of the cervix, lessen labor pains, shorten the delivery time, and relax the mother. It can be safely used at home. Recommended.
What is Maternity Acupressure
May 17, 2009 by Linda Deen
Filed under Caffeine and Pregnancy, Featured
Labor (or maternity) acupressure is a very effective and safe technique to make childbirth easier and help naturally induce labor at home. It’s entirely safe for both the mother and the baby and no, there are no needles involved.
But what is acupressure? Many people mistake acupressure for acupuncture. It’s true they have a similar name and work in a similar way, but there is one major difference. Acupressure uses fingers instead of needles. It’s a very gentle and safe technique, even for the pregnant mother to be.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art practiced by Chinese people for over 6000 years. It uses fingers and thumbs to apply pressure on acu points that are found on body’s energy pathways called meridians. Pressure on these points releases muscular tension, stimulates circulation of the blood and aids the body with it’s natural self-restorative abilities.
Is there some research evidence that acupressure really works? Yes, many studies have been conducted and they all confirm positive effects of acupressure to some degree. I’m not familiar with any negative conclusions about acupressure. After all, it has been practiced by millions of people for thousands of years.
Acupressure is used for treating a wide variety of ailments. From pain relief (low back pain, labor pain, joint pain, migraine headaches), depression, anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, enuresis, incontinence to many every day illnesses such as colds, headaches, sore muscles and even hangovers.
It can also be very useful during pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy it can be used to combat morning sickness, and increase energy levels and overall well-being. When the time comes it can help induce labor naturally, relive labor pains, strengthen contractions and keeping you calm and relaxed.
You’re probably familiar with risks and side effects that come with medical induction. Maternity acupresure is certainly one of the safest and most effective way to induce labor naturally.

