According to statistics provided by childbirth.org, cesarean rates in the United States have nearly quintupled from where they were 20 years ago. The increase of cesarean rates can be attributed to the increase in chemically stimulated inductions. Women are simply not allowed to induce labor in a natural way. They are frequently given the message that it’s quite easy to “schedule” a birth. This is not what nature intended, nor is it feasible in the long term.
Often the reason indicated for a cesarean is that the woman is having a “non-progressive labor”. Studies have shown that if a woman is relaxed, nourished and feels strong labor can progress quite naturally and safely. If a woman is put under conditions where there is pressure to “perform”, to have the cervix dilate, to strengthen contractions, the labor will halt and the result is a cesarean.
Women need to feel empowered. Women need to know that they are capable of having a baby. If the power to induce labor or to allow labor to begin naturally is taken away from the mother, the mother loses confidence and is more susceptible to a cesarean.
There are natural and holistic ways to induce labor and allow labor to progress in a healthy and efficient way. Pregnant women should eat healthy foods. If their bodies are nourished, they will feel strong. If they will feel strong, they will be confident. If they are confident, they will feel capable of handling labor on their own.
Pregnant women can exercise. There are modifications, of course, depending on where the woman is in her pregnancy. Studies have shown that women, who exercise before and during their pregnancy, have much shorter labors and recovery times.
Pregnant women can also find natural ways to induce labor and cope with pain during labor. One excellent method is called maternity acupressure. Most people are familiar with acupuncture. Acupressure is based on the same philosophy. It is an ancient method of treating many ailments. Instead of needles, trigger points are pressed firmly with fingers or thumbs to promote circulation of blood and energy. It is highly effective in relieving pain during labor. Pregnant women can learn the techniques to manage the discomforts during pregnancy and can then teach the techniques to a husband or partner which whom she will share the labor experience.
Acupressure is simple to learn. It can be used to treat insomnia during the last stages of pregnancy. It can relieve pain before and during labor. It is a tool to help you partner feel engage and involved during the labor process. It will bond the woman and partner together as they work in tandem to bring this new life into the world.
