Acupressure Brings a Natural Delivery (While Doctors Plan a C-Section)

A first-time mother, who was having a very difficult time in the hours leading
up to the delivery of her child, was greatly helped with acupressure administered
by an attending nurse. As a result, a child who very likely would have
come into the world via a Caesarean Section arrived through a natural birth.
The 32-year-old expectant mother was having a very difficult labor and
had already been placed on PitocinTM (a drug that increases contractions),
but was not making any progress. There was also concern that the baby’s
head was not in position to fit through the pelvis. A C-section was being
considered as the baby’s head should have descended by this point in the
delivery process.
It was at this stage that nurse Pamela Wallach began to administer acupressure
to the mother. Ms. Wallach, a nurse with 21 years of experience, who had
also studied Chinese medicine at the Midwest Center for the Study of Oriental
Medicine in Chicago.
The nurse performed acupressure on the mother’s back while enlisting the
help of the husband to apply pressure to a point on her feet. Acupressure
helped the mother with her labor by regulating and increasing the circulation
of blood and qi (energy), plus inducing downward movement of the baby’s
head.
Within just 20 minutes the contractions became more efficient and stronger
in intensity. The Pitocin flow was reduced as the woman’s own contractions
began to engage. Her mental outlook also greatly improved as she began to
feel the baby’s head moving downward and into birthing position.
After one hour, the mother was completely dilated and ready to push.
Within one more hour of pushing, the mother delivered spontaneously. All
involved were elated and very pleased. By looking at the situation and the
body in a different way and moving the blood and energy, a natural birth
occurred and a C-section was avoided.
SOURCE: http://www.acupuncture.com/qigong_tuina/obgynacupress.htm

Another interesting article I found about acupressure relieving discomfort during pregnancy can be found on the Parenting Weekly website at;
http://www.parentingweekly.com/pregnancy/breathingspace/vol30/pregnancy_health_fitness.asp