What is the Program about?
The Childbirth Support Program has been developed to assist women who are nearing their due date to help to prepare the body for labour and delivery and encourage a more natural and efficient labour. The Crane Clinic has supported hundreds of expecting mothers on this exciting part of their journey, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
How can the Program help in preparation for childbirth?
Breech baby
If your baby is breech, moxibustion can be useful to help turn the baby between 33-35 weeks. Moxibustion sticks are lit and applied to points on the feet, emitting a gentle heat which can result in the baby turning from breech to cephalic position.
A recent randomised controlled trial has proved the effectiveness of this. 138 breech presentation patients were randomly placed into two different groups. 83% of breech babies in the acupressure group turned to a cephalic (head down) position, compared to only 17% in the control group (routine care).
Labour Preparation
Acupuncture prepares your body for labour by stimulating oxytocin which helps soften and dilate the cervix. It is also a very relaxing treatment to have prior to childbirth and reduces apprehension and tension, and promotes restful sleep so expectant mothers are in a calm space before labour.
Labour Induction
Many women choose to have acupuncture induction as it is a gentle natural way to bring on labour, and can avoid medical intervention. We use electroacupuncture on points on the hands and feet over a period of 50 minutes which helps the mother and baby reach the right level of energy and hormone balance to bring on labour.
According to a study at the University of North Carolina, women who were treated with acupuncture were more likely to go into labour without medical induction, and were also less likely to need a C-section (an almost 50% reduction).
When can I start?
Acupuncture can be started a few weeks prior to your due date so that we can get to know you and start preparing your body for labour. We can do induction acupuncture close to the time of your due date, following a check up with your doctor to ensure that the baby’s head is down and that there are no complications. Please email us and one of our fertility specialists will call you back to schedule your first appointment.
What does the program involve?
Each program is customised to our patient’s needs and all clients are treated empathetically with professional and confidential care. Most patients receive a combination of acupuncture, electro acupuncture, and moxibustion.
Is the Program safe for me and my baby?
Yes. Our practitioners will ensure they have a full medical history to highlight any risk factors. Acupuncture is generally considered a safe and low intervention treatment that can be used with many co-existing medical conditions.
Acupuncture has been shown to be a very effective complementary medicine and often improves patients’ response to standard medical treatment.
Our therapists can liaise with other health care providers and doctors if requested.