Natural Labor Preparation + Stimulation
Naturally stimulate labor via massage + acupressure.
natural labor preparation + stimulation
Labor Massage
Labor preparation is a gentle but effective way to nudge the body to get ready for labor. This massage is specific to women at 38 to 40 weeks gestation or those who have gone beyond their due date. It will not force the body to go into labor, but instead work with where the body is naturally to help get the body and baby ready and or help facilitate the process.
Studies have shown that stimulating the acupressure induction points help raise oxytocin levels (hormones needed for labor) to stimulate the body to shift into labor (however, the body and baby must be ready for induction massage to stimulate labor). If the body or baby is not ready, the induction massage will help the cervix to ripen, efface and dilate, but labor will not begin until both the parent and child is truly ready.
meet your massage therapist
Nicole Budeau
LMT, CPMT, CIMI
Nicole is the owner of A Healer’s Hand + The Nest, a licensed massage therapist (LMT), certified prenatal massage therapist (CPMT), certified infant massage instructor (CIMI), certified Reiki Master Practitioner, and continuing education instructor with over 20 years of experience providing therapeutic labor massage.
Committed to easing the overall labor experience and birthing process, Nicole is available to perform on-call labor massage as needed. Her approach combines specific acupressure techniques with nurturing and gentle touch to promote relaxation and help relieve pains associated with labor. The acupressure points Nicole uses help dilate the cervix, increase uterine contractions, and guide the baby down through the birth canal during labor. Arrangements can be made with Nicole directly to have her assist you during your labor.
Labor Massage Goals
Provide a nurturing + safe space for both parent + child
Assist the body in activating contractions and labor
Release stored emotional + energetic blocks
Relax parents-to-be while preparing birthing muscles
Promote cervical dilation + oxytocin production
Help guide baby down the birth canal
Client Testimonial
“When I was in labor and things were moving slowly, Nicole did some points to bring on labor. The pain at the end was extremely intense, and she found points to take the edge off. I loved having her there, quietly taking care of me, while chaos was going on all around me. She was the calm in the storm, and she helped me to be present to the birth of my baby boy instead of being focused on my own pain and discomfort.”
– Shannon
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology
Supporting Research
Benefits of Labor Massage
Twenty-eight women were recruited from prenatal classes and randomly assigned to receive massage in addition to coaching in breathing from their partners during labor, or to receive coaching in breathing alone (a technique learned during prenatal classes). The massaged mothers reported a decrease in depressed mood, anxiety and pain, and showed less agitated activity and anxiety and more positive affect following the first massage during labor. In addition, the massaged mothers had significantly shorter labors, a shorter hospital stay and less postpartum depression.
%
Reduction in Cesarean Rates
%
Shorter Labor overall
%
reduction in epidural requests
%
Reduction in Oxytocin Use
%
Reduction in Analgesia Use
%