Why I Always Recommend a Doula — And How Acupuncture Can Help in Early Labor
I always recommend a doula to my patients. These amazing women offer non-medical support during labor — a time when you deeply need the steady presence and guidance of someone experienced. Birth is a threshold moment, a profound crossing into motherhood. Even when everything goes according to plan, the journey is rarely smooth. It’s meant to be intense — a portal through which a woman must shed part of her old self in order to step into something new.
Doulas are vital. They offer emotional support, grounding presence, and practical help with pain relief during each contraction. Ideally, contractions follow a wave-like pattern — rising in intensity, peaking, and then falling. Between contractions, the body is designed to rest and reset.
One of the keys to coping with the pain of contractions is our body’s own natural pharmacy: endorphins. These powerful chemicals act like nature’s morphine, easing discomfort and supporting a sense of well-being. Acupuncture, which we know helps release endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin, is a valuable tool for supporting women — especially in early labor.
What I’ve seen time and again in practice is that acupuncture can help prepare the body and mind for the journey ahead. Often, when a woman realizes she’s going into labor, a surge of excitement, anxiety, or even fear kicks in. Unfortunately, these emotional states are not conducive to what the body truly needs: calm, openness, and trust in the process.
That’s why I often encourage women to come in for acupuncture during early labor. It helps shift the nervous system, quiet the mind, and promote the release of endorphins — laying a foundation of resilience and relaxation for what’s to come.
Birth is more than a physical event — it’s a rite of passage. And with the right support, it can be a powerful, transformative experience.
Also check out this testimonial from Rachel P ~ May 2025 (she also went on to have a VBAC!)
“I first saw Monica for a labor inducing acupuncture treatment when I was 41 weeks pregnant. This was the first time I had ever received acupuncture. When I was almost to 42 weeks, I was having prodromal labor and very tired, fatigued, and anxious. I was in tears from exhaustion and was having false labor contractions and explained to Monica what was going on. She quickly personalized my treatment so I could move through contractions and used acupressure to help me relieve tensions. After just a 30 minute session, I felt more stable, grounded and comfortable. I never knew the power of acupuncture until now but Monica truly knows how to tailor to your needs.”
(Pictures of me giving ear acupuncture to a woman in labor)
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