CHAPTER 6. PAINLESS CHILDBIRTH.
Any method, no matter how improbable-seeming it may be, calculated to render labor or operations upon women less of an ordeal, is worthy of consideration by physicians, midwives, and the laity. Therefore there may be something well worth “trying out” in the “pressure” method of inducing relief from pain.
A number of physicians have reported results that, if confirmed by further experiences, warrant us in believing that zone pressure promises to be a boon to womankind.
To those who have had experience with pressure analgesia in dentistry, and in the relief of rheumatism, lumbago, neuralgia, and other painful affections, mitigating—or even entirely relieving—the pains of childbirth seem quite within the bounds of possibility. In any event, it will not be difficult to put it to a broad conclusive test. And it is absolutely harmless, there is no danger to mother or child in its employment, and no indication that it might be responsible for a “blue baby.” For in almost every case in which it has been tried, labor has been accelerated six hours or more—instead of retarded.
Fig. 14.—This shows method of treating lumbago and pains in the back of the body, affecting all the zones.
The methods are so simple that they can be utilized by any one—even by women who may, in their hour of labor, chance to be remote from medical attention. Two combs (broad aluminum combs about four inches in length have been found to be the best) to clench the fingers and thumbs over (see Fig. [14]), and some sharp or edged surface to press the soles of the feet against (see Fig. [15]), are all the instruments that are required, altho a clamp has now been devised (see Fig. [16]) which can be fastened on the hands to include both surfaces and all zones. It is applied when contractions begin, and is kept in position intermittently until delivery is completed. Rubber bands, bound around the great and “index” toes, also afford a gratifying help.
To relieve the after-pains and facilitate the expulsion of the afterbirth, it has been found that “stimulating” strokes, with the teeth of the aluminum comb, or the “bristles” of a wire hair brush, are most effective. It may require that these strokes be given from ten minutes to one-half hour. But they assist wonderfully in contracting the uterus.