Acupuncture for Labor Pain Relief

[umsami]

Has anybody used acupuncture during labor for pain relief?? If so, how effective was it??

The hospital I'm delivering it offers it for free... so I'll probably give it a try. I did use acupuncture to help ripen my cervix (I was induced) with my last pregnancy.... but didn't use it for pain relief.

Thanks for any and all info.

[iris0110]

From what i understand it is highly effective for labor pain. Aparently it is used all of the time in China or Japan (I can't remember which one now, I read about it a while back). They even do C-secs with just accupuncture. I am planning on talking to my midwife about it.

[hunnybumm]

The hospital I'm delivering it offers it for free... so I'll probably give it a try. I did use acupuncture to help ripen my cervix (I was induced) with my last pregnancy.... but didn't use it for pain relief.
I just wanted to say that that is awesome that they offer such an alternative treatment!

[umsami]

I have to admit, I was shocked that they offered it... because they seem so "traditional" in other regards.

They also have a free doula service, which is nice.

Things I don't like...
* No rooming-in with babies, babies must go to the nursery at 10 p.m.
* No tubs/hydrotherapy available

They do allow birth-balls which none of the hospitals in Jacksonville, FL (where I gave birth to my first son) allow... due to some liability thing.

[beachcomber]

I had wondered about accupuncture as well. Thanks for putting the question out there!

I wish my hospital offered it. We do have access to a shower, but no tub. I'll ask my midwife on Thursday if accupuncture is even an option because I'd really like to use it if I can.

[Rmeg]

.... ...

[nancy926]

I would totally do acupuncture for labor relief. My mw's husband is actually an acupuncturist, but if he comes to the birth too there'll be no one to watch their kids. I think I might ask her about it anyway...I've had acu with him twice so far just for "pregnancy tune ups" and both times i could feel a difference.

[Mama Coltrane]

Acupucnturist here. Yes, we I was taught about points and ways to relieve labor pain with acupuncture and/or pressure. I haven't been to someone's birth to actually do it though. I hope to someday- maybe work with a midwife and attend births??

[beaches1098]

I recieved acupuncture throughout my pregnancy and she did give me some tips of what to do during labor. . Things I or my doula could do. I loved my treatments. I have also learned in some trainings I have had certain pressure points that help and I have used them a few times. Moms seem to either love it or don't want to be touched in that spot at the time.

[applejuice]

From what i understand it is highly effective for labor pain. Aparently it is used all of the time in China or Japan (I can't remember which one now, I read about it a while back). They even do C-secs with just accupuncture. I am planning on talking to my midwife about it.
Yes, I saw this on television way back in 1971!

They were calling it a natural birth - caesarean with acupuncture!