Acupressure for pain management during pregnancy

After reading up on effects of medical interventions in child birth I was  determined to have as little medical intervention as possible during the birth of my baby.  The research shows that one intervention often leads to another, and I felt strongly that being pregnant and in labour was not an illness but completely natural and shouldn’t necessarily warrant drugs or surgery if myself and my baby were perfectly healthy.

It was after speaking to a friend of mine who had recently had a natural birth that I first heard about acupressure for labour.  She had a back labour and found acupressure during labour was really effective pain management.  Back labour is known to be much more painful so I thought if it worked for her it was worth a try.

A few weeks before I was due myself and my husband attended licensed acupuncturist Suzanne Cafferky.  She showed my husband what points to press depending on how I was getting on during labour.  For the delivery I attended the Midwife Led Unit in Drogheda, and the midwives were so supportive of us using acupressure for pain management.  During labour the points were so  unbelievably effective, I wouldn’t let my poor husband leave my side as without him holding the points, the contractions felt so much more intense.  Luckily the midwives took over so he could have a few breaks!

I delivered a beautiful healthy baby girl without any drugs and without any tearing, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I’m so glad I wasn’t drowsy and I felt in control through the whole labour.  My husband had such an important role on the day, and I know that meant a lot to him too.