Acupuncture, acupressure, and breast stimulation are popular natural labor induction methods, but what does the latest research tell us about how well they actually work?

In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker dives into the new research on whether these approaches can help ripen the cervix, encourage spontaneous labor, or reduce the need for a medical induction. She explores the evidence on acupuncture, acupressure, and the related practice of Shiatsu, including why studies have reached conflicting conclusions about their effectiveness. She also examines the research on breast and nipple stimulation, how it can trigger the release of oxytocin, and what studies suggest about its potential role in preparing for and starting labor.

For a full list of resources and references, visit ebbirth.com/414.

(02:07) Understanding Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Shiatsu

(08:30) Cervical Ripening and the Bishop Score

(10:26) Evidence and Safety of Acupuncture for Labor Induction

(19:43) Evidence on Acupressure for Labor Induction

(23:16) Shiatsu and Labor Induction

(27:27) Breast and Nipple Stimulation for Labor Induction

(28:51) Research on Breast Stimulation, Cervical Ripening, and Labor

(32:54) Breast Stimulation vs. Pitocin for VBAC

(35:57) Safety of Breast and Nipple Stimulation

(37:42) Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Preterm Labor

Resources

EBB 359 – Mini Q & A on Early Induction for Gestational Hypertension, Acupuncture/Acupressure for Labor, and Time Intervals between Pregnancies

EBB 407 – Migraines and Insulin and Umbilical Vein Varix, Oh My! An Empowering Pregnancy and Hospital Birth Story with Heidi Gustad, Librarian and EBB Childbirth Class Graduate

EBB 408, what they didn't tell me about birth and parenthood with Dr. Jessica Vernon, Board-Certified OB/GYN and Perinatal Coach

For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.