A lot of women are keen to have a natural labour and sometimes look into ways of helping them to cope with the strong sensations that they will be faced with. The following are a list of points that I used in my childbirth experience. Each elicits a specific reaction and often a woman will just “know” if that point feels good to them.

You can either use press-tack needles (tiny needles that are inserted into the skin and attached with surgical tape) or simply use acupressure using thumbs, hands, elbows etc. I offer a service where, on the onset of labour, I will come to your house to insert these needles and your partner can simply press them when needed.

• Induces Labour (and reduces pain)

LI4- On the dorsum of the hand, at the midpoint between the bones of the thumb and first finger.

• Reduces Pain

BL32 (useful with acupressure)- Over the second posterior sacral foramen – 1 inch above the top of the buttock crease, approximately 1 inch either side of the spineGB30 (use with BL32)- Point lies approximately two thirds of the distance between the buttock crease and the hipbone.

• Strong Contractions but Not Much Progress/Dilatation

Liv3- On the dorsum of the foot, in the hollow 1.5 inches between the 1st and 2nd toe

• Improves Efficiency of Contractions, Dilates Cervix and Reduces Pain

SP6- Point is 3 inches above the tip of the medial malleous (the shin bone on the inside of the ankle)

• Decending Baby (and reduces pain)

BL60- Point lies in a depression midway between the tip of the lateral malleolus (the outside ankle bone) and the outer edge of the Achilles tendon.GB21- Midway between top of the spine and the tip of the shoulder, at the crest of the trapezius muscle, i.e. point lies at the highest point of the shoulder muscle.

• Panic

Kid1 (acupressure only)- This point lies in depression found in the top one third of the sole of the foot.

• Back to Back Baby

1. BL60 + SP6 (use together)

Point lies on the little toe, approximately 0.1 inches lateral (outside) from the corner of the nail.

• Boosting Energy