acupuncture for labor*

A beautiful blog friend referred us to an Acupuncturist out here that is known to help induce labor if needed. His partner is a Doula, so he is well informed and sensitive to the needs of a woman in the beginning stages of labor that has been stalled.

K has never had acupuncture before and was really open to trying it. For someone who is not all that keen on needles, I was so proud of her bravery. When we walked into his office, we both took a deep breath. It was very soothing and light and nurturing.

He came out and sat across from us knee to knee and with a gentle, soft spoken voice, asked K many questions and talked her through how his treatment can help move the baby down and pull all her energy in a downward motion to get things moving.

When she was being treated, he came out to talk with me, sharing with me that he has worked with adoptive parents and birth moms before and finds the whole new concept of family so beautiful. He then handed me a few "Mothering" magazines and told me to keep them. He talked with me like I was already a parent and it just filled me up to brimming.

If she doesn't go into hard labor by today, she is going in again Friday for another treatment. We did notice that after her session, the baby had moved down a bit. When she first walked in, the top of her belly was tight and then when she left, it was softer and more fuller towards the bottom. He said this was a perfect sign that it is working.

We also took her to get a pedicure last night, which is also supposed to help along with an acupuncture treatment. During her pedicure, all of her pressure points were massaged that also help induce labor.

Its been a struggle to see her so uncomfortable and in pain but yet it is not moving as fast as everyone is expecting. We are doing our best to keep things light and fun so that the heaviness of the stress we all feel does not overwhelm our days.

Thank you so much for all of your support and wisdom. We feel certain that our little boy wanted to enter a world that already felt changed. He is riding on the wave of celebration with Obama being elected. We too are all celebrating with tears and hugs. K had said a few weeks ago that she hopes he waits until Obama is elected and now we already know our son is a good listener. ; )

{Gentle Favor: I received this comment in my previous post...

we gathered our faith community and asked for their prayers, and we ourselves began visualizing opening doors, penguins sliding into the water, otters, fast-motion flower blooming...anything even remotely related to dilation, effacement, and birth. Within 30 minutes she dilated & effaced fully and my nephew arrived not long after. Just goes to show you the combined power of the mind and spirit, and the love of good people.

If you find a quiet moment, can you all do this for us? We are so very grateful.}