Supporting Birth Naturally: A Class on Acupressure for Labor
How to effectively use acupressure during labor. Applied by a support person or yourself
Tips and tricks for applying pressure
An acupressure sequence to be used after 36 weeks, to prepare for birth
Points for pain relief during labor
Points to promote cervical ripening and efficient contractions
Points to help the baby move into an optimal position
Points for anxiety and nausea
In this class you will learn:
Expecting parents
Pregnant people who are 35+ weeks along and preparing for labor
Partners, spouses, or chosen support people who plan to be present during birth
Birth professionals
Doulas, midwives, and other birth practitioners who want to expand their comfort measures toolkit and better support the families they serve
If you are pregnant, I highly recommend attending with the person who will be supporting you during labor. Learning these techniques together allows your birth partner or support person to feel confident and prepared to offer hands-on support.
Who Is This Class For?
Price:
Sliding Scale $10-$50
No one turned away for lack of funds. If you need a scholarship, please contact me.
Date:
August 9th 2026
Time:
2:00pm-4:00pm
Location:
Healing on Hays 1103 Hays St. Tallahassee, Fl 32301
Why Acupressure During Labor?
Labor is an active, dynamic process and having simple comfort measures can make a difference in how it’s experienced. Acupressure is a technique which uses firm pressure on specific points of the body in order to help the body work more efficiently. Acupressure may help dilate the cervix, promote the release of endorphins, block pain receptors, and promote efficient contractions.
Many partners want to help but are unsure how; acupressure can safely be learned by birth partners, which can allow them to play an active, hands-on role throughout the labor process.
Benefits Supported By Research
Acupressure has been used to support labor and birth for centuries, and modern research continues to explore its potential benefits. While acupressure doesn’t work the same for every labor, studies suggest it may:
Decrease the intensity of labor pain
Promote relaxation and reduce stress during labor
Support the normal labor progression and may contribute to shorter labor
Improve satisfaction with the birth experience
Increase confidence by giving birth partners practical ways to provide support and comfort
Lower the likelihood of cesarean births
References
Smith, C. A., Collins, C. T., Levett, K. M., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., Tan, A. L., & Mesgarpour, B. (2020). Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management during labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 2, CD009232. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009232.pub2. This is the highest-quality systematic review currently available on acupuncture and acupressure for labor pain. It found that acupressure may reduce pain intensity and acupuncture may increase satisfaction with pain management while reducing use of pharmacological analgesia, although certainty of evidence varies.
Smith, C. A., Armour, M., & Dahlen, H. G. (2017). Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 10, CD002962. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4. This review evaluated cervical ripening and induction and concluded that acupuncture may improve cervical readiness for labor, while evidence for acupressure remains limited and additional high-quality studies are needed.
Debra Betts. Acupuncture and Pregnancy Research Library. Rhizome Acupuncture. This website provides summaries of research on prebirth acupuncture, cervical ripening, labor pain, and clinical use in maternity care, making it a useful practitioner resource alongside primary research articles.
Meet Your Instructor!
Hi, I'm Tylre Bigbie, a licensed acupuncturist and the owner of Heartwood Acupuncture in Tallahassee, Florida.
I specialize in women's and reproductive health, providing Traditional Chinese medicine for women and people of all gender identities seeking support with menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, labor and birth preparation, postpartum recovery, menopause, and hormonal wellness.
I've completed advanced training in fertility, pregnancy, labor support, and postpartum care, and I'm passionate about helping people feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their reproductive journey.
A favorite part of my work is teaching practical tools that empower partners and support people to play an active role during labor. My goal is for you to leave this class feeling prepared, connected, and confident in using acupressure to support the birth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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At least 35 weeks.
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It is highly recommended that if you have a support person/birth partner that they attend with you. If you don’t have a support person, I will share tips for how to stimulate the acupressure points on yourself.
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No supplies are necessary for this course. Feel free to bring something on which to take notes.
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This class will not be recorded, but you are welcome to record me showing how to locate the acupressure points.
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Please bring payment to the class on 8/9/26 in the form of cash, check, or Venmo. The class price is based on a sliding scale of $10-$50, meaning you choose what you can afford to pay within that range.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register.