Moxibustion involves burning the herb mugwort near specific acupuncture points to stimulate and warm the area. For breech presentations, the focus is on the acupuncture point UB67, located at the outer corner of the pinky toe. The heat generated by moxibustion is believed to stimulate prostaglandin receptors, leading to mild uterine contractions that can encourage the baby to move into a head-down position.

Labor preparation (prebirth) and induction acupuncture are two methods toward the same end — a labor and delivery with positive outcomes for birthing person and baby. However, the energy and intention behind each technique is quite different, as is the body of evidence to support their efficacy.

I was fortunate to work with two incredible acupuncturists throughout both of my pregnancies: Dr. Christine Cannon in Denver with my first in 2019, and Kristina Aschenbach in Richmond with my second in 2021.

Pregnancy affects each person differently, and subsequent pregnancies often affect the same body in different ways. Fluctuations in hormones can cause disruption physically and emotionally throughout pregnancy, causing symptoms such as nausea, depression, and gastrointestinal issues, and a growing baby often causes discomfort in the low back and pelvis especially during the third trimester.

I will never forget the experience of being spoon-fed this delicious meal soon after our daughter was born — it felt like my body was being brought back to life after the marathon of labor had taken its toll.