A labour of love
Helping hands: John and Tara Synnott, and below with Terri Fitzpatrick, are using acubirth
Monday July 14 2008
Not having been through labour yet, I'm taking it that it got its name for a reason. Unfort-unately this, coupled with imagining what is involved, does little to encourage expectant mothers to try a natural delivery.
In the western world, childbirth has become a predominantly medicalised event and a variety of pain-relief options are available in maternity hospitals, ranging from epidural, gas, to a Tens machine, to name a few.
Now another thing can be added to that list: a partner who knows what shiatsu points to press to provide natural pain relief and support, aid the dilation of the cervix, shorten labour, or indeed induce labour should you rather not be artificially induced.
The subject of this week's column, acubirth, is relatively new in Ireland but has been practised widely in New Zealand, Australia and within Britain's NHS for years. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body.
Terri Fitzpatrick runs workshops for couples or expectant mothers and their chosen birthing partners in Mayo, Leixlip, Drogheda and Dublin.
"As a shiatsu (acupuncture without needles) practitioner, I was taught the points as part of our training, but it wasn't until I was in labour myself that I experienced their powerful affect.
"By pressing one point on my hand on the way to the hospital, I got past the point of dilation where lots of women are screaming for an epidural, yet my pain was manageable. But the real test was when my husband had to leave the room -- in the time he was gone the pain level had shot up.
"Once back, he again applied pressure to points on my shoulders with his elbows, which allowed me to focus on breathing through the contractions," says Terri.
"By pressing specific shiatsu points along the spine you are working on the body's parasympathetic system, which keeps the adrenalin low and encourages the release of the natural hormones oxytocin and relaxin."
Since then, Terri has trained further with Debra Betts in London, and it seems she is the only person in Ireland teaching this method. So, in the Healthy Way Centre in Leixlip, Co Kildare, we meet -- Terri, myself and my partner, whose hands I'm hoping will contribute to the natural birth of our baby. But first, Terri needs to show him what is required.
Be warned, though. Some of the points are contra-indicated during pregnancy. Birthing partners need to learn where they are but not be tempted to go pressing till you're 'on', otherwise you could be in for a big surprise.
There are points known as 'eject buttons', which are pressed in the second and third stages of birth. We learn these points using daddy as our model.
Starting with safe acupoints, my partner presses with his thumbs, applying the seven levels of pressure as I breathe out. His job involves tuning in to my breathing. Even though I'm not in labour, it feels good.
Focusing on about eight shiatsu points, Terri explains what each one is beneficial for, and shows which the mother can press herself, for example, those in the hands and ankles.
"In addition to providing pain relief, acubirthing could be used by midwives in Ireland to help with cervical lip, failure to progress, and to encourage optimal foetal positioning," explains Terri.
"Post-birth, there are also points to aid breast-feeding."
Full of feedback from previous couples who have used it, I have to admit to being excited about the prospect of using a natural form of pain relief and involving my partner.
Roisin, from Drogheda, has two children and says their births couldn't have been more different.
"For the first birth I was in labour for more than 12 hours and had expected to have an epidural, but then when it came to my time the anaesthetist was called away. The second time I was seven days overdue and I found shiatsu absolutely fantastic for easing the discomfort. It was so relaxing and soothing when my partner pressed the points, that I could almost go back to sleep.
"Then, when in the hospital he was actively involved and could see on the monitor when contractions were starting and would press. In the end, I went from three centimetes dilated to delivery in 35 minutes," she says. "I'd highly recommend it."
Verdict: Acubirth strikes me as a very practical pain relief tool. Once guided on how to locate the points, all you need is a pair of hands and a willingness to listen to what's working.
An acubirth workshop for a maximum of four couples with Terri Fitzpatrick costs €100 per couple. To enrol or for information on private sessions call 087 649 2754. www.shiatsubyterri.com
- Niamh Hooper
