In February 2023, MIH Can members, Dr. Salomons and Dr. Levett travelled to Fernandez Hospital in Hyderabad, India, where they led a weeklong training program titled “Acupressure and Massage for Supporting Humanized Childbirth.” Over the course of the training, 88 midwives, doulas, physiotherapists, educators, and obstetricians from Fernandez Hospital and its regional partners received specialized instruction in acupressure techniques aimed at reducing labor pain and enhancing the childbirth experience.
The attendees were from three different regions of Hyderabad, India. Each group participated in a one-day training program, with groups from Sri Padmavathamma government college of nursing, Tirupathi (SMTI) Hospital on day 1, the Government college of nursing, Guntur (SMTI) on day 2, and the employees from Fernandez Foundation Hospital (FFH), Boggulkunta Hyderabad on day 3, with clinical support and follow up occurring on days 4 and 5.
The program evaluation, looking at knowledge, confidence, training satisfaction and usefulness, showed high feasibility and long-term learning outcomes, reinforcing the value of these holistic methods in improving maternal care.
Study Link: Acupressure for Humanised Childbirth
