Assisting with Childbirth: Deep Relaxation Release & Childbirth Pain Points by Anne Braund

My first experience with this was in 1996, with permission from Aminah, when I introduced the Deep Relaxation Release to nurses at a local hospital. It was part of a six-month Maternal Child initiative. The labor and delivery nurses used this protocol and noted that it was particularly helpful during the first 5 centimeters of dilation.

Recently (in 2017) I had confirmation that the Deep Relaxation Protocol does support the expectant mother in early labor. My initial plan for the couple was that they would learn and use the Deep Relaxation Release at home for at least a week prior to labor, but the baby decided to come one week early! I was asked to come to the labor room to provide support. As I held the points the frown came off the mother’s face as the “surges” (or contractions) moved through. I repeated the protocol numerous times, at intervals, to help keep the points open.

There were several people (family) in the labor room initially and I instructed a sister to join me in holding our Childbirth Pain points. The husband focused on supporting his wife with her breathing.The contractions noticeably picked up in frequency to about four times per minute.

I stayed with the couple through the night and continued to hold points that were accessible as the mother labored, alternately walking, resting, kneeling, squatting. Contractions came regularly, and she handled them beautifully. The nurse was clearly pleased and stayed to encourage her.

Dilation did not progress through the night, even though her water broke early on the day before. The couple and the physician agreed to perform a c-section delivery and a healthy baby was born at 7:20 am.

It was significant to observe that the Deep Relaxation Release was helpful for this mother’s experience during labor and to understand, after the fact, that labor could not ultimately progress because the cord was entangled around the baby’s body. The wisdom of the body is great, and in this case failure to progress in labor was a way to protect the baby.

Suggestions for Clients who are pregnant: 1. Learn the Deep Relaxation Release and begin to use it daily in the weeks before the due date so that both mother and baby’s systems recognize it, even during a contraction. Repeat many times before the due date.

2. Find a Practitioner who knows and can use the Childbirth Pain Points in the labor room. 

Skills used in this session: Clinical Acupressure and Good Points Childbirth Pain Points
Protocols used in this session: Deep Relaxation Release and Childbirth Pain Points

 Note: This story was originally published in Empowering Whole Being Health: Case Studies by Deanna Waggy and Cathy Miller.  Client names have been changed for privacy. 

Are you interested in learning about Acupressure and Reproductive Health? For more information, contact Missy Oleaga at [email protected]