Approximately 60% of pregnant people will receive an epidural. With those receiving epidural analgesia, up to 10% of those people will not receive full pain relief- there may be a spot where discomfort is still felt or pain relief is not delivered. Or you may find yourself waiting for pain medication or choose not to receive an epidural at all.
So what other comfort techniques can people employ? It is important to have a whole slew of comfort measures available instead of solely relying on only one.
In this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, I speak with massage therapist, acupuncturist and birth doula, Yiska Obadia. Yiska talks through a variety of comforting touch techniques like massage, counter pressure and relaxation techniques that can be very effective pain relief during labor. She also explains the 12 guiding principles of massage for labor. This is a “must” for both pregnant people and birthing partners!
In this episode:
- Learn about Yiska and how she got started in the birth world.
- Why massage, touch and counter pressure so effective as pain relief during labor.
- Practice makes perfect! Practicing these techniques ahead of time.
- The different approach to touch offered during a contraction versus between contractions.
- The 12 guiding principles of massage during labor.
- Recommendations for the birth partner to keep their body balanced and cared for since labor could be long and massage and touch may be offered for many hours.
- An explanation of the 4 counter pressure techniques.
- Other comfort techniques that can be incorporated when massage and counter pressure are not welcome.
- One tip or piece of advice Yiska has for new and expectant parents.
- Where you can find Yiska’s work!
About Yiska:
Yiska Obadia is a passionate teacher and healing arts practitioner, with over 25 years of experience as a massage therapist, acupuncturist and birth doula. In 2016 Yiska created Comforting Touch for Birth to teach doulas and parents-to-be how to skillfully provide hands-on support for birthing people, through her in-person workshops and an online guidebook. Most recently she’s added Comforting Touch for Babies and Havening techniques to her repertoire. Yiska’s practice is based in NYC, though she happily travels to teach Comforting Touch workshops wherever word has spread! Find more info at www.yiskaobadia.com.
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