Naturally Induced Labour ?
It seems to be a topic that comes up a lot when talking to my clients in the clinic. I hear the words ‘my caregiver would like me to be induced at week 38’. For some this could be due to the fact that they have gestational diabetes, or perhaps their baby is not moving as much as it should and it could also be that it is observed to be oversized or undersized. There are many reasons as to why your caregiver may suggest an artificial induction of labour. In my experience some of the reasons are not what you would expect. The topic of why you need induction of labour is very broad.
Due Date
It goes almost without saying that babies don’t have calendars, nor do they have clocks and actually, they don’t know their due date, so why is it that we place precise time and date expectations on that point in time when mother and baby wake from pregnancy. Of course there are sometimes medical reasons that are vitally important to understand, and a healthy baby and mother is the critical outcome.
Midas Touch?
I find in clinic clients come in with the clear purpose of getting acupuncture so they can give birth within the next 24 hours. Quite often I say in a joking manner “Did you see the large line up outside?” They look at me puzzled, I then reply, “If I could magically place you into a natural labour everyone would want the same.” The reality is without the mind-body connection, connection to your baby and being present this is a difficult task.
Intention
As an Acupuncturist I work with intention, each needle inserted goes in with the intention of what I am wanting to achieve. Working with clients is not purely harnessing the power of acupuncture, or the energy that channels around the human body. The breath is also incorporated, to begin to slow down the mind and the body. The client is placed into a nurtured, mind body space that is calm and positive. The saying ‘Where the intention goes, energy flows’ as I work I explain why I am needling and what it is that I hope to achieve. A clear explanation helps the receiver understand the process and they to can visualise the desired outcome.
