Natural Labor Preparation + Stimulation
Naturally prepare for and stimulate labor with gentle therapeutic massage.
natural labor preparation + stimulation
Labor Induction Massage
Labor induction massage is a gentle and effective therapeutic practice that naturally prepares your body for childbirth. It does not force your body into labor and delivery but naturally stimulates and facilitates the overall process, assisting in contraction activation, dilating the cervix, preparing the birthing muscles, and promoting relaxation.
Scientific research show that stimulating specific acupressure induction points helps raise oxytocin levels (the hormones needed for labor) and signals the body to shift into labor as long as both parent and baby are truly ready. If you and/or the baby is not quite ready, induction massage will still help the cervix ripen, efface, and dilate, but it will not stimulate labor.
natural labor preparation
Benefits of Labor Induction Massage
Naturally assists the body in activating contractions
Encourages cervical dilation + oxytocin production
Promotes relaxation + prepares birthing muscles
Relieves labor pain + lowers risk of perineal trauma
Decreases depression, anxiety, and cortisol levels
Reduces the overall duration of labor + delivery
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
%
reduction in forceps delivery
meet your massage therapist
Nicole Budeau
LMT, CPMT, CIMI
Nicole is AHH’s owner and a licensed massage therapist (LMT), certified prenatal massage therapist (CPMT), certified infant massage instructor (CIMI), and certified Reiki Master practitioner with over 20 years of professional therapeutic experience.
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.