Dr. Bean is an advocate of informed health care decisions. One area is ensuring mothers are aware of their options and choices as it pertains to labor. If you are a mother that is hoping for a natural labor, Dr. Bean utilizes acupuncture to assist in helping achieve this goal.
How does Acupuncture Support Labor?
Acupuncture can encourage proper positioning, moving baby down into the birth control along with cervical ripening by way of activating strong acupuncture points.
A study conducted by Harper TC and Others, published in The Journal of Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (2006) found “70% of women who received acupuncture went into labor on their own, compared to 50% who received standard care. The women who received acupuncture were also less likely to deliver by cesarean section — 39% compared to 17%.”
When used appropriately, acupuncture is a safe therapy that can help you and your baby progress naturally towards labour and delivery. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works to move Qi and blood and by way of activating these acupuncture points, we are moving Qi within the body.
Expectation of Treatment
Treatments are given with you laying on your side with lots of pillow support. Acupunture placement change from week to week as we get closer to your due date. The session will last for 20-30min During the appointment you may feel more movment from your baby due to the stimulation of the acupuncture. This is normal response. After the treatment, it is typical to feel more consistent uterine contractions and the gradual progression of the baby moving down.
Dr. Bean advises starting labour support acupuncture at week 36 with having weekly appointments until reaching week 39 where 2 appointments take place along with 2 appointments during week 40.
Breech Babies
If your baby is breech, Dr. Bean advises to come in week 32 with the latest appointment being week 36.
Be fully informed
Being informed is empowering. Not only for you but for your entire family.
