Glossary
Acupuncture
a form of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted in the skin at specific points along what are considered to be lines of energy (meridians), used in the treatment of various physical and mental conditions.
Cascade of interventions
The "cascade of interventions" is a phrase that refers to the idea that one intervention during pregnancy or childbirth can lead to more interventions as birth progresses. For example, a medical procedure that seems innocuous at first could trigger a chain of events that eventually leads to a caesarean section.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is known for being the hormone of love, trust and empathy.  It stimulates the uterine muscles to contract during labour, and increases production of prostaglandins, which increase the contractions further.