Abdominal Release

The Abdominal Release is also called the Diaphragmatic Release. 

The Diaphragmatic Release helps the broad ligament relax giving baby more room to get into position for labor. 

This is a simple myofascial technique that can be learned by the partner or friend.

What:

The Diaphragmatic Release helps "untwist" and "untighten" possible snags in the abdominal fascia or the muscle fibers of the broad ligament. The release is a subtle physical technique using the lightest pressure possible. The upper hand does not rest on the abdomen, that would be too much pressure for the fascial response we want.  Actually, an electrical circuit forms from the contact of the helpers two hands.

Some people say it is "energy" work, and though all matter is energy, I disagree with labeling this technique as an energy technique simply because the pressure is light. We need the light touch for the fascia to respond. If we press, we'll be going to the level of the muscles and the fascia will be "pinned" down by the force of even moderate pressure, the pressure of a hug, for instance. 

Practice holding a balloon between your palms so lightly that if you held it with any less pressure and it would fall towards the floor. That's the lightness of being I'm talking about using in this technique. Now set the balloon down and hold your hands near it, focusing energy at the balloon to move the balloon. See what I mean, light touch is still touch!

This is how I interpret the technique. Professionals in the area of myofascial work will be more articulate.

Why:

A successful series of abdominal releases improves fetal positioning as well as the woman's comfort in late pregnancy and labor.

When:

Any time in pregnancy or labor. It takes about 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual. 10 minutes is common.

How to do the Diaphragmatic (or Abdominal) Release:

The mother can lay on her back or side. If on her back, she can be slightly propped up by pillows. Her weight should settle through her back though, not her bottom. Loose clothing may seem to help success.

I learned this with the mother on her back. When a woman can't lay on her back, she can stand and use the Standing Release instead.

Her helper sits beside her, facing her, in a comfortable way. 

The helper uses the palms of each hand to 'hold" the woman but applies no pressure. 
The top hand touches the lower abdomen. Use the hand that will end up having the thumb "point" in the direction of the woman's upper body, or navel. The light pressure means the helper can't rest the hand on the woman's abdomen-that's too much pressure.

Gail, in the photo above, shows the doulas of the UK in North London how to place their hands below and above the woman's pelvis.

The bottom hand is horizontal across the sacrum and soft or passive. The mother lays on the bottom hand. Her weight as she relaxes "opens" her back over the wedge shaped palm of the helper. In the photo just below, Gail get's her hand positioned under Bridget's sacrum.

Now, the mother breathes as if she is relaxed and falling asleep. She can sleep, rest or have a pleasant and soothing conversation with the helper. 

Within moments, and the time varies with the woman, the helper will feel subtle movements traveling slowly (usually) between his or her hands. There is a delay between the hands of a few seconds. 
The movement may feel like flutters or like waves. A fluid motion might be noticed, or something like tapping or little pops. The woman can usually feel them, too. They are light enough to be missed unless the helper is quiet in her perceptions.

The two of them continue to "do" the abdominal release until the motions stop. Here, Midwife Shawn Walker does an abdominal release with our Spinning Babies volunteer in Norwich, England.

Above, hand placement on the plastic pelvis: the hand underneath cradles the sacrum; the hand above lightly contacts the lower abdomen with chin upward. 

Follow up: 

The abdominal release can be done weekly, or once only, in pregnancy and/or in early labor. I suggest it when ever there is a fetal malposition, heartburn that repeats, or the pregnant woman feels uncomfortable or even in pain when the baby kicks. 

This can be done before or after rebozo sifting, the forward-leaning inversion and other 1st Principle activities to help Balance.