Elaine Stillerman, L.M.T. explains massage during labor in the second installment of the series on massage for mothers-to-be and new mothers in “Partner Labor-Support Massage.” Stillerman provides statistics from a study that support the use of massage during labor and cautions labor partners to be sensitive to the laboring woman’s needs when applying the massage techniques described in the article.Techniques are given for “seated, side-lying and recumbent positions.” Stillerman describes precautions that labor partners should take when massaging a woman in labor.  She also explains how acupressure points that are contraindicated during pregnancy can now be used to “stimulate uterine contractions and expedite labor.” Graphics and a sidebar with acupressure how-to’s is provided.

Read Part One                              Read Part Three