A few women will have the luxury of being massaged throughout their labour. Some massage techniques incorporate Shiatsu pressure points or reflexology points. The points may be stimulated to help balance the woman's body and / or stimulate contractions. In some cases, the massage will just relax the woman's mind and body, helping to support a more positive outlook for the remainder of her labour.
There is a trend in Australia at present, for midwives to learn reflexology techniques. You may find your caregiver has some expertise in being able to utilise reflexology to augment your labour. Alternatively, if you have a reflexology practitioner, or shiatsu masseur, they may be able to show your partner, or support person, some techniques during the pregnancy.
Nipple stimulation
In the last 20 years or so, nipple stimulation has become a more recognised method to augmenting labour contractions, especially if the waters have broken. Nipple stimulation may not work for everyone, but it may be worth a try.
When the woman (or her partner) massages her breasts (and strokes the nipples) it stimulates a natural release of the oxytocin hormone into her bloodstream. This causes her uterus to contract.
Nipple stimulation can be used to:
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Help the uterus to start contracting after the waters have broken, to avoid the need for an oxytocin drip or prostaglandins. |
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Help the woman to progress in her labour, accelerating her progression to the next phases. |
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Co-ordinate the contractions to be more regular, effective and stronger. |
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Reactivate a labour that has slowed, or stopped. |
Nipple stimulation is a personal choice that will depend on your circumstances.