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Vibe

Acupunture

Acupuncture to induce labour

The role of Acupuncture in labour induction is vastly different to a biomedical induction of labour. 

It does not have the same immediate effect on the body as a Syntocinon drip or prostaglandin gel and it is important that you are guided by your obstetrician or midwife regarding what is safest for you and your baby.

If your baby is not ready to come out, or your body is not yet ready, Acupuncture will not force your body to go in to labour. Giving birth is a complex physiological process and given the nature and risks of giving birth, there is not enough good quality scientific evidence to claim that acupuncture induction treatments are effective. So why do so many people seek acupuncture for labour induction?

How does Acupuncture induction work?

The most important thing to know is that everyone is different, there are a lot of variables in play, and there are no guarantees that acupuncture will induce labour.

The primary goal of Acupuncture in labour induction is to support the natural progression of labour by calming the nervous system, improving blood flow, and encouraging the release of hormones such as oxytocin and prostaglandins that are known to be involved in the initiation of labour.

Your Acupuncturist will aim to reduce stress, anxiety and tension and help you feel more relaxed and prepared for labour.

Acupuncture is also a well documented treatment for pain, especially lower back pain and post-operative pain. It may assist in the management of pain both in the early stages of labour and postpartum.

When should I have Acupuncture Induction treatments?

Traditionally, the protocol for acupuncture to promote the induction of labour generally includes three treatments over a 3–5 day period.

Acupuncture is generally considered relatively low risk when used in the context of encouraging labour after full term has been reached. However, it is still an artificial intervention, and as with all medical intervention, some risk is involved. You should always speak with your midwife and obstetrician about your individual case to be sure there is no medical reason not to proceed with Acupuncture treatments. The philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine is not to ‘force’ the body to do something it is not yet ready to do, and this rings true for induction treatments. While there are many potential benefits of Acupuncture that may assist in the early stages of labour, if the body (and baby) have decided that it is not ready, labour may not progress.

It is important to note that the Acupuncturists at Vibe Natural Health will not attempt to induce labour before your baby is full term. There are supportive treatments that can be performed pre-term (see our pregnancy acupuncture Brisbane page) If you wish to receive induction treatments before your due date you will need to provide a letter from your Obstetrician at the time of booking acknowledging and support Acupuncture treatments for labour induction.

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What to expect from your Acupuncture consultation

At the start of your consultation, your acupuncturist will take a detailed case history. This will include asking details about your current treatment schedule with your oncologist.

Once the case-taking is complete, you will receive a hands-on treatment to provide initial relief. Your treatment consists of the insertion of fine needles in acupuncture points. This aims to improve circulation and relax the nervous system. If you are experiencing pain, acupuncture may also provide an analgesic effect.

Depending on your case, your practitioner may also incorporate Tui Na massage techniques, cupping, and moxibustion.

PRICING Suzzanne Sunner:

Initial Consultation           60minutes     $130

Follow Up Consultation   45minutes     $100

PRICING Anthea Watson:

Initial Consultation           60minutes     $135

Follow Up Consultation   60minutes     $100

As with all health treatments, some people may experience adverse effects. However, acupuncture is considered a generally safe modality. Our Acupuncturists are gentle, compassionate, and experienced practitioners who will take good care of you.

Meet the Acupuncturists at Vibe Natural Health Brisbane

Emma Kopcikas Osteopath North BrisbaneSuzzanne Sunner

Suzzanne is a result focussed AHPRA registered acupuncturist who believes that the human body is always seeking balance within itself. Often, when we allow our body to become out of balance, either through lifestyle, physical trauma or psychological stresses, these imbalances manifest themselves as illness, physical complaints or dysfunction.

Emma Kopcikas Osteopath North BrisbaneAnthea Watson

Anthea has over 10 years of clinical experience as an Acupuncturist. She has a particular interest in conditions relating to stress and anxiety, fertility, IVF support and pregnancy, as well as pain management. Anthea has a holistic approach and is passionate about collaborating with other health professionals to achieve effective treatment outcomes. Anthea is fully registered with AHPRA/CMBA.

 

 

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