Counterpressure During Labor: What It Is and How It Helps
When someone is moving through the sensations of labor, comfort techniques can make all the difference. One simple, hands-on method that doulas often use is counterpressure. While it sounds technical, it’s really just the practice of applying steady, firm pressure to certain areas of the body—most often the lower back or hips—to help ease intensity and create relief for the birthing person.
Why Counterpressure Works
During contractions, muscles in the uterus are working hard, and the hips and lower back often carry much of the sensation. By pressing firmly against these areas, counterpressure can:
Offer relief from strong sensations. The steady pressure provides a grounding, reassuring counterbalance to what’s being experienced during the throes of labor.
Encourage relaxation. When the body feels supported, the mind can release some of its tension too. Counterpressure gives your body the relief it needs and gives your mind a distraction and something else to focus on (counting, grounding, etc.) during the most intense parts of your labor.
Give partners a role. Counterpressure allows loved ones to be actively involved in the birth space, offering tangible support that’s often deeply appreciated. Physical touch can be soothing and reassuring for both partners, although it can be overstimulating in the moment. Giving your partner a role, such as providing counterpressure, is a way for them to apply touch that feels supportive for you and them!
Support movement and positioning. Techniques like the double hip squeeze can create more space in the pelvis, sometimes helping the baby rotate or descend.
Common Techniques
Lower Back Pressure: Pressing into the sacrum with the heel of the hand or a closed fist.
Double Hip Squeeze: Squeezing the hips together to create relief in the lower back and pelvis, as well as create more space and help the baby move through the birthing process.
Knee Press: With the birthing person seated, pressing the knees back can open the hips and ease intensity. This can also help open the hips and provide relief for hip and back cramping and discomfort.
There are certainly other counterpressure points to utilize during labor - try other pressure points and areas that may feel good for you and your partner!
Try It at Home Before Labor
One of the best ways for partners or support people to feel confident with counterpressure is to practice ahead of time. A few easy ways to get started:
Test out hand placement. Have the birthing person guide where pressure feels supportive versus uncomfortable.
Experiment with firmness. Some prefer gentle pressure, while others like strong, steady support.
Use timing practice. Try holding the pressure for a set amount of time—about 60 to 90 seconds—to simulate the length of a contraction.
Switch roles. Practicing together helps partners understand how much effort it takes to maintain pressure, so breaks can be planned during labor.
Things to Keep in Mind
Like any comfort measure, counterpressure isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are a few considerations:
Personal preference: Some people love the sensation, others find it distracting. It’s important to ask and adjust, especially as labor progresses. Practicing at home is great but in the moment, it may feel like too much for the birthing person. This is okay, and no one’s fault!
Consistency matters: Counterpressure works best when applied steadily throughout a contraction, rather than starting and stopping. Ensuring that you have breaks built in or multiple support people who know how to do counter pressure will help ensure consistency during the moment.
Physical strain for helpers: Providing strong, steady pressure can be tiring, so partners may need breaks or tools like a tennis ball for support to apply the right amount of pressure.
Not always effective: While often helpful, counterpressure doesn’t guarantee relief for everyone and may become less effective as labor progresses.
A Gentle Reminder
Every birth is unique, and counterpressure is just one of many tools available. Whether used throughout labor or only during certain moments, it’s a safe, simple way to bring grounding and comfort. The most important part? Listening to the birthing person, following their cues, and adjusting as needed. There is no right or wrong way to go through a birth, and expanding your toolbox by adding counterpressure may be just the thing you need!
