Acubirth™ - Shiatsu for Labour

Acubirth™ is the use of shiatsu techniques to help a mother before, during and after birth. The partner is shown some labour preparation techniques that are very welcomed by the pregnant woman, which help to relieve any muscular tension in the lower back, neck and shoulders. During birth, it can help ease stress, provide natural pain relief and quicken delivery. By applying finger pressure to specific points on the body, the partner can take an active role in labour, and help to promote a more positive birth experience. Points can be used to help induce labour, only recommended in cases 2-3 days prior to medical induction. And after birth it can be used to help with breastfeeding and afterpains.

Mother and baby in field

Acubirth™ classes are offered in Ireland by shiatsu practitioner Terri Fitzpatrick. In a two or three hour session, expectant couples are taught a number of shiatsu pressure points and their benefits for labour. Acubirth™ provides a significant and highly involved role for the father or birth partner before and during delivery, bringing the couple even closer together at this very special event in their lives.

Acubirth™ classes currently take place in Drogheda (Co. Louth), Leixlip (Co. Kildare), Galway (Co. Galway) and Westport (Co. Mayo). Other locations may be added dependent on local demand. For details on the next available workshops, and contact information, please see Terri's shiatsu website.

Terri meets Ricki Lake during the Homebirth Conference in Dublin, September 2009.
Ricki produced a documentary in 2008 about home birth entitled 'The Business of Being Born'.