University of … Relaxation techniques, patterned breathing, emotional support, and self-hypnosis are already widely used alternative therapies in labor. Author Information . Allaire AD(1). Use of alternative and complementary therapies in labor and delivery care: A cross-sectional study of midwives' training in Catalan hospitals accredited as centers for normal birth November 2013 The nurse can function as the patient’s advocate by helping her explore natural Because no two women interpret pain in the same way, now is the time to think about how you might react to your labor pains. For this reason, alternative therapies for pain relief during labor may be considered for the safety of both mother and child. Incorporates integrative therapies. GENTZ, BRENDA A., MD. Alternative Medicine In Obstetrics. Induced labour is a medical treatment to start labour. It may be recommended if your baby needs to be born before labour is due to start naturally. Nonpharmacologic Pain Management During Labor Comfort measures that provide natural pain relief can be very effective during labor and childbirth. Delivery is referred to as “labor” because it is hard, grueling, painful work, but it is not work that you have to fear. ... Music therapy can be an effective aid in helping you relax and work through your contractions. ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR PERINATAL CARE 7 permanent and lead to problems in the bonding between mother and child (Poole, 2003). The current literature examining the role of acupuncture, acupressure and other related treatments for pregnancy, labor and birth includes two systematic reviews and seven additional original research articles (see Table 1).Research examining outcomes related to the use of acupuncture and acupressure by women during pregnancy, labor and birth was reviewed in a paper published by the … A holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth includes the use of integrative therapies (also known as alternative or complementary therapies) to prevent or treat common discomforts and complications of pregnancy, in a way that is … Complementary and alternative medicine in the labor and delivery suite. Options include use of a birthing ball, touch and massage, superficial heat and cold, hydrotherapy, and more. Labor and delivery can certainly fall into that latter category, and research has shown that some fragrances can have a calming effect during childbirth and even reduce the perception of pain. Unsafe Alternative Therapies During Pregnancy. Alternative Therapies for the Management of Pain in Labor and Delivery. During labor, they provide both emotional support and physical support — helping to get moms into comfortable positions, massaging their back or legs, getting water or ice chips, and so forth. Some studies have shown that labors attended with doulas may actually be shorter in length, although there is no effect on cesarean delivery rates. The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. Author information: (1)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7570, USA. 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