Accupuncture for optimal positioning and possible induction

[jenstano]

Hi, All.

Just wondering, what are your thoughts on:

- using accupuncture to optimally position the baby in late pregnancy?
- using accupuncture for possible natural induction?
- using moxa bustion (spelling?) for possible natural induction?

Has anyone personally used these methods and found they worked? Has anyone had a clint who used these methods and found they worked?

Thanks!!

Curiously yours,

[DoulaCBE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenstano Hi, All. Just wondering, what are your thoughts on: - using accupuncture to optimally position the baby in late pregnancy? - using accupuncture for possible natural induction? - using moxa bustion (spelling?) for possible natural induction? Has anyone personally used these methods and found they worked? Has anyone had a clint who used these methods and found they worked? Thanks!! Curiously yours,

Jen,
I just had a client who was almost 42 weeks and was on the cusp of risking out of midwifery care. She agreed to an induction and they tried pgel, nothing. We did 7 hours of pitocin (which was 4 mu's from being maxed out) nothing, no cervical change. Did overnight cervidil, really no marked change.

That third day they asked to go to the cafeteria for breakfast, left the hospital went and had acupuncture done, a chiropractic adjustment done (her partner is a chiro but couldn't get a good adjustment on her in the hospital bed) had a great breakfast and came back to the hospital and with pit at just 2mus (the minimum they start with) was having regular contractions.

The acupuncturist used mustard seeds and left three points in each ear (mustard seed was placed on the point and a small adhesive bandage square was placed over the seed to hold it into place) and mom stimulated those points during contractions to help keep her relaxed.

While ultimately she needed more pitocin and didn't really get anywhere until she agreed to AROM, I think it really did free up her energy and allowed her to focus more.

One of our local homebirth midwives uses acupuncture regulary to help induce labor when necessary. She claims to have GREAT success with that and herbs.

[douladot]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[amymaew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenstano Hi, All. Just wondering, what are your thoughts on: - using accupuncture to optimally position the baby in late pregnancy? - using accupuncture for possible natural induction? - using moxa bustion (spelling?) for possible natural induction?

If Henry hadn't turned the day he did, my next step was going to be accupuncture. Fortunately, since needles skeeve me out, he turned lol. I didn't know about moxabustion for induction - I used it to turn Henry. Can'tsay if it worked or not, but something worked! Boy I'm helpful lol

[jessa_bee]

I recommend that my mamas get acupuncture from a really good practitioner* when they're looking at an induction or need to try to turn their breech babies.

* (I have short list of folks that I refer to for this purpose vs. general acupuncture treatments)

[jenstano]

Well, everyone's comments have been very interesting!!

I used accupuncture for "well being" during pregnancy, visited my accupuncturist once every 4 weeks up until 34 weeks, then every 2 weeks.

My last 2 visits were 2 weeks apart, and my last visit was 3 days (9/3) before Emily was born - a day before her due date (EDD 13/3). I did some moxa bustion (again, spelling?) on the same day (9/3) and again the next day (10/3). This was because I wasn't sure what position she was in and wanted to make sure it was the best one possible!!! Also, I had been leaking hindwaters (I was told it wasn't amniotic fluid and that maybe I had urinated... hmmm... then the day before she was born they swabbed my pad and told me I had lost quite alot. But I never felt a gush... "oh, you must have had a hindwater leak". Yeah, that's what I told you!! LOL) since 5/3 (a whole week before she was born) and didn't want an induction if I could avoid it.

I had had some braxton hicks all week, but after coming out of the accupuncturist the tightenings started to become tighter! I eventually went to the hospital to check all was ok (re:infection) on 11/3 and Emily was doing fine. They said they would need to induce me if nothing happened overnight. Well, it did happen and here we are.

I have just always been curious as to wether the asccupuncture and moxa bustion were the dynamite I needed!!

Thanks for your posts. VERY interesting!!

[amymaew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by applevalleychick Okay. I did it. I got acupuncture to induce labor. I know I know...I'm only 37 weeks but I did it more out of sheer curiousity! It obviously didn't work for me. I did it yesterday and today. I'm guessing it didn't work because my baby hasn't dropped and she's not ready.

OK, this might not be a popular opinion, but WHY? Why would you do something to induce when you aren't even close to your due date yet??? I know you're uncomfortable, but you still have 3 weeks until your due date, and 5 weeks until 42 weeks. I wouldn't try to induce naturally or medically until at the very least 40 weeks unless there was a damn good reason, because an inducer is just that - an inducer. If baby isn't in a good position or isn't ready, and the inducer works, you could be setting yourself up for a long difficult labor. The best thing you could do right now is be patient - spend time with your family, because it's going to change in a few weeks and your dd (ds? I can't find your siggy!) won't be an only child anymore. So make the most of it now! Get a massage, go shopping, relax. Baby will come, I promise. And please don't hate me, but I say this b/c I really want you to succeed at your HBAC!!

[doula Michele]

Quote:

Originally Posted by applevalleychick Okay. I did it. I got acupuncture to induce labor. I know I know...I'm only 37 weeks but I did it more out of sheer curiousity! It obviously didn't work for me. I did it yesterday and today. I'm guessing it didn't work because my baby hasn't dropped and she's not ready.

Ok, you gotta be patient girl!! Don't start messing with induction just out of curiousity.
You will be better off doing lots of sex to ripen your cervix. Lots of swimming and walking to get baby in a good position.
And find a fun project to do while you wait.
If you try to put yourself into labour before your baby is ready, it can make it way more unpleasant for you both than it needs to be!
Wait it out...good luck!

[Pixie T]

There are two naturopathic doctors, that I know of, in Toronto who do a preparatory course of homeopathy, acupuncture and hypnosis - one is a doua who recommends that all her clients do it - she claims that she has not yet had a client have a labour longer than 8 hours...Anecdotal, but compelling...
The purpose of this protocol is not induction (though for women who are post-dates, the acupuncture/homeopathy combo works quite well) but rather to assist the cervix in ripening optimally, getting babe into the best position and helping mama to release her fears and anxiety prior to labor. I've had three moms use the program who had lovely smooth labours, and I am personally working through the protocol now. Sooo, we'll see when the babe comes - I'll report more later!

[Mama Coltrane]

I just joined this forum and I was psyched to see this thread on acupuncture. I am a licensed acupuncturist in NH and VT ( I live on the border ) I am a doula too, but that is a newer thing in the last year or so. I have been an acupuncturist for about 8 years.
There are things that I have seen work with acupuncture in my practice in regards to pregnancy, labor, etc. Breech and transverse babies can often turn when a point on the small toe is needled or when moxabustion is applied at the point. It is amazing and safe.
With induction, it is true that acupucnture alone will not put a woman in labor until her body is ready. That being said, it can be used beautiful when a woman is 41 weeks , let's say, and the body needs a little gentle push.
I have not used acupucnture during actual labor because I do not have hospital rights in these states. I could do points on a woman at a homebirth, but that hasn't happened yet. Acupressure and ear seeds and just about everything else is legal to use, just not the needles. ( in my state ) So, I think the ear seeds for applying pressure during contractions is a great idea. I am going to try that. I use ear seeds often in my regular acup. business. Acupressure is something that anyone can do once they learn of a few points. Even the partners could get in on this at the hospital.
I would love to have more discussion about this here. I think the way that acup and other wholistic medicines can be used in labor is a new field for us in america and it is of great interest to me for obvious reasons. i dream of a world soon where I get to merge my two loves together and wear both the doula and acupuncturist hat in the hospital.

[DoulaCBE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mama Coltrane I would love to have more discussion about this here. I think the way that acup and other holistic medicines can be used in labor is a new field for us in america and it is of great interest to me for obvious reasons. i dream of a world soon where I get to merge my two loves together and wear both the doula and acupuncturist hat in the hospital.

While I believe in those modalities, DONA is very clear that if you use them with a client, you should NOT be calling yourself a doula, and I agree with them. It's a very very thin line to walk and one that is usually very unclear to the hospital staff.

[FLLucinda]

Mama, I have recently become interested in accupuncture when a possible client who is 30 weeks now has been having accupuncture for feet problems. They have been swollen and extremely painful..yes a common pregnancy complaint...however..she was almost crippled and in a wheelchair from it when I met her. In 2005 she fell off a horse and broke her back and pelvis. (Oh...OUCH!) She has been to several doctors who cannot figure out why her feet are so painful and swollen. A few visits to an accupuncurist and she is seeing marked improvement!!
I'm thinking of checking into it for my lower back!

[b'earth angel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLLucinda Mama, I have recently become interested in accupuncture when a possible client who is 30 weeks now has been having accupuncture for feet problems. They have been swollen and extremely painful..yes a common pregnancy complaint...however..she was almost crippled and in a wheelchair from it when I met her. In 2005 she fell off a horse and broke her back and pelvis. (Oh...OUCH!) She has been to several doctors who cannot figure out why her feet are so painful and swollen. A few visits to an accupuncurist and she is seeing marked improvement!! I'm thinking of checking into it for my lower back!

Reflexology or Zonal therapy would also be of great benefit. Plus your DH or older child can learn to do it on your feet at home. My grandfather sustained a major back injury when I was a child, which Doctors said he'd never walk again. Through shear determination and reflexology not only did he walk again, but quite well up until his death last winter. I'm a firm believer in pressure points, etc and it just feels sooooo goooooood to have it done to your feet! [unless of course you have a serious issue and it does hurt in those affected areas.]

[lovemama]

I did all throughout my pregnancy. It worked for us! I was also given a light induction to help with labor that kept stalling out. It took three times, but worked great. I recommend chiropractic care and acupuncture care.

[raeben]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaCBE While I believe in those modalities, DONA is very clear that if you use them with a client, you should NOT be calling yourself a doula, and I agree with them. It's a very very thin line to walk and one that is usually very unclear to the hospital staff.

from my understanding, DONA doesn't say that they shouldn't call themselves a doula, but that they just have to be very clear about what role they are in at that time - "i'm putting on my acupuncturists hat now"

we have a doula in our group who is a licensed acupuncturist. i think she mostly uses these roles separately but she does bring her needles to births and it has been really helpful in augmenting or freeing up some of the labors. i think it says on her doula card that she is a licensed acupuncturist and she is clear with the hosp staff about her various roles and since it is the parents who request it, i don't think its been a problem. maybe the laws are different here though.

in regards to the OT, i have been getting acupuncture throughout this pregnancy and actually just got back from a session about 2 hours ago - it was wonderful and is helping me fight off a sinus infection. they had been doing the "induction" points for almost the past 2 weeks (i'm 41w 4d currently) but the main purpose isn't to induce (which i would be philosophically opposed to) but to open up your energy for birth. needling or stimulating the points isn't a magic button and it won't really work if you aren't ready. as i understand it, their protocol for "induction" is to have the woman come in as often as every day (after they are due or unless there is legitimate reason to so earlier) for a general treatment where they also do the "induction" points and then when the mom thinks she is in early labor, to try to have 3 treatments that day to really facilitate a smooth labor. (this is a community-based acupuncture group so they have super affordable sliding scale rates which allows people to utilize them as frequently as they need - don't think that protocol would work too well if it cost $50 - $100 a session)

all that to say, i have been getting "induction" acupuncture for almost 2 weeks now with no birth yet but i think it has a lot to do with having to fight off a series of colds and infections and working through some recent family issues. i feel the acupuncture has helped me move through the sickness and stress and that my body is really warm to the idea of giving birth now so as soon as everything is ready, i will be ready too.