I was 18 hours into the birth of my first child at a birth center two blocks from Inner Gate's office. I was struggling to transition into the final stage of birth because my daughter's head had descended before the final centimeter of my cervix had released.
My midwives and I had tried just about everything from position changes, rest, fear releases, and even manual manipulation to get my daughter's head past the cervix but nothing was giving. I was in an incredible amount of discomfort, was exhausted,and was desperate for relief, which I thought at that point would only come by going to the hospital for an epidural.
While my midwives persuaded me to try chiropractic care or acupuncture first, my sister, who is a regular patient at Inner Gate Acupuncture, raced down 2 blocks and happened to find Erik Isaacson just leaving a meeting. She told him the situation, and he grabbed his kit and raced back with her to the center.
By that point I was what my partner called in my ""bucking bronco"" stage--fighting each contraction as my tender cervix got pinched more and more. Erik didn't so much as hesitate or balk at my condition, he very professionally and gently approached me, and slid 3 needles into my ear. He sat patiently next to the tub where I was twisting and turning, ever so often tweaking the needles.
It wasn't but 2 contractions later that my cervix released and my body immediately began to bare down on my baby. Erik stayed for about an hour and continued working the needles to aid in relaxation and opening. As quietly as he came, he removed the needles and left my midwives and partner and I to weather the final stages together.
4 hours later I had my first child, 100% naturally like I had hoped and envisioned.
Erik's demeanor and expertise in his craft were the exact tool my body needed to release and allow my baby to come into this world. The generosity of spirit and professionalism Erik demonstrated at my birth was noted and praised by all who were present in the room. We were all amazed at the effectiveness and efficiency of the acupuncture itself and I highly recommend parents to consider it as an option and alternative in their birthing experience. I am eternally grateful to have had Erik's help in realizing the natural birth I had wanted for myself and my baby. Thank you a thousand times over Erik!
Pros: Acupuncture a Great Tool for Birth
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