Different points can be stimulated at various times during the labour to achieve a range of results. For information and diagrams click on the appropriate heading. You may wish to download and print specific directions to be taken with you for use in labour.
Labour and birth
Nausea and vomiting
Waters broken, no contractions
Pain relief
Stimulating contractions
Labour not progressing
Posterior labour
Anterior lip
The birthing phase (2nd stage)
Labour and birth
Hip and buttock point (BL 32)
The hip and buttock points are sometimes used in the days leading up to the baby's due date (often in combination with some sacral massage moving down to the buttock area). It is aimed at encouraging an efficient labour. The partner or support person usually starts with the hip points, and applies pressure on and off, (for 30 seconds or so), then move across to the buttock points to finish with firm downward stokes. This combination is often repeated several times.
Many people find that the points are easier to get to, if the woman is kneeling on all fours, or leaning against the wall, table or bed.
The points
The hip point is located by moving the fingers in a direct horizontal line from the top of the buttock cleft, moving out towards the hips. When this line is progressively pressed, a tender point is reached, around two thirds out from the buttock cleft, and one third in from the hipbone.
Image 4-09 shows the exact location of the hip point.
The buttock point (known as 'BL32') lies just above the buttocks, one-finger width either side of the spine. When the person feels this point with their finger, they should be able to feel a small depression where the point lies.
Image 4-10 shows the exact location of the buttock point.