Arm Massage
This massage is used if it is impossible to massage the back or legs for example during a vaginal examination. It helps to keep the woman focused on her breathing, aiding relaxation and pain relief. It maintains reassuring contact during a possibly frightening experience (e.g. prior to forceps/ventouse delivery) and keeps the partner involved.
The masseur stands to the side and holds the woman’s hand, supporting the wrist.
The massaging hand goes up the inner arm to the shoulder, around and down the outer side of the arm back to the hand. As with all the other massages outlined, it works in combination with breathing; up on inspiration, down on expiration.
Conclusion
The massage techniques described here encourage women and their partners to play a more active part in the birthing experience. While the importance of positive touch from the midwife cannot be overstated, these techniques are designed to give control to the couple, helping them to become more reliant on each other, instead of focusing entirely on the midwife for support.
References
1. Tew M. Safer Childbirth. London: Chapman and Hall,1990.
2. DoH Expert Maternity Group. Changing Childbirth (Cumberlege Report). London: HMSO,1993.
3. Kimber L. Effective techniques for massage in labour. The Practising Midwife April 1998; 1: 4: 36-39.
4. Inch S. Birthrights. London: Green Print,1989.
5. Moorhead J. New Generations: 40 Years of Birth in Britain. London: National Childbirth Trust,1996.
6. Tisserand R. Aromatherapy today – part I. The International Journal of Aromatherapy 1993; 5 (3): 26-29.
7. Thomas R. National Occupational Standards for Alternative and Complementary Therapists. International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 1995; 13 (11): 23-26.
8. UKCC. The Midwife’s Code of Practice, London: UKCC,1994.
9. Acolet D. et al. Changes in plasma cortisol and catecholamine concentrations in response to massage in preterm infants. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1993, 68: 29-31.
10. Kaada B, Torteinbo O. Increase of plasma endorphins in connective tissue massage. General Pharmacology 1989, 20: 4: 487-89.
11. Balaskas A., Balaskas J. Active Birth Manifesto 1982.
12. Brant H. Childbirth for Men. Oxford: Oxford University Press,1985; 125.
13. Nolan M. Caring for fathers in antenatal classes. Modern Midwife 1994 Feb; 4(2): 25-28.
• This article was originally published in two parts in April and December 98 issues of The Practising Midwife (formerly Modern Midwife) published by Hockland and Hockland, 174a Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9SF 0161-929 0929.
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