Acupressure For Induction And Augmentation Of Labour

Abstract

This article reports on a case of the successful use of acupressure for induction and augmentation of labour for a post-maturity in a home birth setting. Induction of labour is increasing worldwide, and with its holistic approach to care, it offers a potential opportunity to reduce the medicalisation of childbirth and enhance childbearing women’s and people’s choice about the place of birth, even when a pregnancy goes beyond the estimated date of birth. Practising acupressure could allow midwives to provide more options to mothers, fathers and parents, enabling them to experience a safer and more natural childbirth or to feel more in control during their pregnancy and birth. Acupressure, as a complementary therapy, may offer midwives a chance to expand their role as autonomous practitioners, particularly when training mothers to perform this themselves and retain their own autonomy. However, midwives must only use such approaches when properly trained and in line with the regulation of their country or state, and in line with the rules and protocols of their employer. In the UK, midwives must only practise in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery Council Code of Conduct (2018),1 and must ensure that they are competent and safe to offer complementary therapies within their roles.