Seminar Nasional Komplementer Bidan

Summary

The video records an online national seminar on complementary therapies in midwifery, focused on supporting maternal and child health. The program includes opening remarks, presentations on acupressure and aromatherapy, audience questions, and a closing.

Opening remarks and context

Speakers frame complementary care as an area midwives can learn about alongside standard midwifery practice. They refer to midwives’ professional competencies and to regulations governing midwifery and traditional or complementary health services.

The seminar aims to help optimize care for mothers and children. Speakers stress that complementary methods should be part of broader health services—not a substitute for addressing pregnancy risks or seeking medical care when needed.

In remarks about the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional midwifery representative reminds attendees to follow the “5M” precautions, including masking, handwashing, and keeping distance.

Presentation 1: Acupressure — Dr. Hanung Prasetyo

Dr. Hanung presents acupressure as a non-invasive, relatively simple, and low-cost complementary approach. He discusses its possible use for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting and for labor pain.

General approach

• Assess the person and select an appropriate point rather than pressing arbitrarily.
• Position the person comfortably and use a fingertip, knuckle, or another suitable part of the hand.
• Apply pressure or massage to the selected point. He gives three to five minutes as a typical duration and says the pressure can be repeated.
• He describes acupressure as potentially promoting relaxation and refers to proposed effects involving blood-vessel dilation and the release of substances such as endorphins. He also discusses pain-gating mechanisms and the role of stress and anxiety in pain.

Pregnancy-related nausea

• He identifies Pericardium 6 (PC6/Neiguan) as a point commonly used for nausea and vomiting.
• The point is on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths from the wrist crease, between two tendons.
• He demonstrates how to find the point and apply pressure, noting that it may feel tender when correctly located.
• He also reviews practical measures for nausea: eat small portions more often, avoid foods or smells that trigger symptoms, rest, and consult a midwife or doctor before using medicines or supplements.
• He advises seeking medical attention for concerning symptoms, including being unable to eat or drink, vomiting blood or brown material, marked weight loss, severe pain or headache, or dizziness, fainting, and palpitations. He notes that severe symptoms may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum and dehydration.

Labor pain

Dr. Hanung explains that labor pain is associated with uterine contractions and cervical dilation, and that fear and anxiety can intensify the experience. He describes acupressure as a possible supportive, non-pharmacological method. In his account, touch and stimulation may affect pain transmission and the body’s natural pain-modulating responses.

He demonstrates points including LI4 (Hegu), between the thumb and index finger, and SP6 (Sanyinjiao), above the inner ankle alongside the shin bone. He cautions against using certain points during the first trimester, saying they may stimulate uterine contractions. He also emphasizes that acupressure does not necessarily eliminate labor pain and should not replace appropriate clinical care.

Presentation 2: Aromatherapy — Dr. Meliana Nurul Widyawati

Dr. Meliana describes aromatherapy as the use of aromatic plant extracts, especially essential oils, in supportive care. She discusses its history, possible effects, methods of use, and examples related to pregnancy, postpartum care, and infants.

How aromatherapy is described as working

• She says inhaled aromas are processed through the olfactory system and connected with parts of the brain involved in memory and emotion, including the limbic system, amygdala, and hippocampus.
• She also discusses massage with diluted oils, describing possible effects through touch and absorption through the skin.
• She presents aromatherapy as potentially supporting relaxation, mood, and comfort, including through massage and relaxation practices during pregnancy and postpartum care.

Use and handling

Methods mentioned include inhalation, room diffusion, compresses, bathing, and massage with a carrier oil.

Dr. Meliana advises not applying undiluted essential oil directly to the skin, as it may cause irritation. She also warns against drinking essential oils without appropriate professional guidance, stressing that product quality, dose, and individual circumstances matter. Essential oils should be kept in suitable containers and conditions because they may evaporate or degrade.

Examples discussed

• Ginger and lemon are mentioned in connection with nausea; lavender is discussed for relaxation and comfort.
• Peppermint is described as potentially helpful for nausea or focus, though she cautions about its use during pregnancy.
• Jasmine and fennel are discussed in relation to postpartum mood, relaxation, and breastfeeding support.
• She gives other examples of oils for skin care, relaxation, or massage, and describes products and research projects developed through her organization.

Pregnancy and infant cautions

Dr. Meliana advises caution with essential oils during pregnancy, noting that some may be unsuitable or may stimulate contractions. Her examples include warnings about certain oils and recommendations to consider dilution and individual sensitivity.

She advises against routine use of concentrated essential oils on babies under one year old, saying their concentration may overstimulate or harm infants. She says use should be limited to specific indications and handled cautiously.

The seminar’s aromatherapy recommendations vary by oil and situation. They are presented as the speaker’s guidance, not as a substitute for advice from a qualified clinician.

Overall lessons

• Complementary therapies were presented as possible additions to midwifery care, with acupressure and aromatherapy discussed as tools for comfort and support.
• Both presentations stress technique and context: identify the right point or oil, consider the person’s condition, and use appropriate pressure or dilution.
• Pregnancy and infancy require particular caution. Severe symptoms or concerns should be assessed by a health professional rather than managed with complementary methods alone.

Speakers and sources featured

• Indah — event host/MC.
• Sutarti — identified in the introduction as chair of the Yogyakarta regional midwifery organization; gives opening remarks.
• Dr. Raden Suryo Hadijono — chair of STIKES Guna Bangsa Yogyakarta; gives a welcome and opening address.
• Dr. Hanung Prasetyo — seminar presenter on acupressure.
• Dr. Meliana Nurul Widyawati — seminar presenter on aromatherapy.
• Yunri Merida — moderator for the presentations and discussion.
• Audience participants — several attendees ask questions during the Q&A. The subtitles identify some names, including Yeni, Umi, Okta, Eni, Nurida, and Yuni Setyawati, though the auto-generated captions make some names and wording uncertain.