Acupressure Post Birth

After Pains

These are intermittent contractions that occur for several days as the uterus moves back into position following birth. They are often at their most noticeable as the baby begins to breast-feed. While these afterpains may be mild after the birth of a first child they can become increasingly severe with subsequent births. Acupressure points include Sanyinjiao SP-6.

Acupressure to Sanyinjiao SP-6 can be can be used at the beginning of a breastfeed to help reduce the intensity of the contractions. Support people can apply pressure to both legs as the women begin to breast-feed or if this is not possible the women can apply pressure just before a feed. Often pressure to this point will have an almost "magical" effect in helping to lessen the pain associated with these after pains.

Breast Feeding

Support people can help promote efficient breast feeding by applying acupressure to Jianjing GB-21 just prior to or as the women begins to breast feed. Acupressure to this point is used to help promote the breast milk letdown reflex. It is also located in an area where women often carry a lot of muscular tension and can be a pleasant way for support people to help women relax during breast feeding.