Labor Support with Acupuncture on Maui
Acupuncture can be a great way to support soon-to-be moms in preparing for labor.
Trained acupuncturists on Maui can help women throughout all stages of pregnancy, from pre-conception to post-partum. Finding a trained acupuncturist on Maui to help during all stages of pregnancy is safe and can be a great way to relax during pregnancy and while preparing for labor. Working with an acupuncturist on Maui who specializes in labor preparation is recommended for best results.
Labor preparation with acupuncture is a safe way to support the labor and birthing process. Labor preparation with acupuncture will not trigger labor before the baby is ready to be delivered. Normally, the baby will send signals that it is ready to be delivered via a tiny amount of a substance signaling the mother's hormones to begin labor. Acupuncture can help by increasing uterine contractions if the labor process has already begun.
Studies have found that electrical stimulation of certain acupuncture points like Hegu LI-4 and Sanyinjiao SP-6 can help to stimulate oxytocin and other brain chemicals, as well as prepare the cervix and uterus for birth. Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus, which is stored in the posterior pituitary gland. Acupuncture is believed to work with hormones like oxytocin via the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis. Trained acupuncturists on Maui can ensure safe and effective use of electrical stimulation machines and can gently guide you through the entire session so you feel comfortable and relaxed.
It should be mentioned that acupuncture is not likely to help reposition the baby when the pregnancy has reached full-term (for breeched baby, see my article on "Moxibustion for Breeched Baby Position"). If the baby is malpositioned at full-term, artificial stimulation of contractions or mechanical delivery (cesarean, etc.) is the recommended course of action.
While the term "labor induction" is sometimes used, acupuncturists are not technically "inducing" labor but rather supporting the body to be ready once labor begins. True labor induction is performed by Western medical doctors, with either a synthetic hormone called Pitocin or a procedure called "membrane sweeping".
If you're looking to support your pregnancy and labor with natural healing methods like acupuncture, please reach out for a free 15 minute consult with me. I'd be honored to help during any and all phases of you or your loved one's pregnancy.
