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Childbirth

Reflexology for labour

17 replies

franch · 18/03/2005 20:14

Anyone tried it? Thoughts? Recommendations (London)?

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KoalaBear · 18/03/2005 20:17

two of my girlfriends tried reflexology to bring on labour - for both, they went into labour within the day

or did you mean reflexology for pain relief?

unicorn · 18/03/2005 20:30

I am a big fan of reflexolohy- having experienced this (with both dd and ds) and written an article on it.

If you want it to help with labour etc, you need to start having sessions as early on as you (and reflexologist ) feel happy with.

It is not a quick fix, it is psychological as much as physical.

I found my sessions extremely relaxing, and just what I needed to remove my anxiety.

unicorn · 18/03/2005 20:30

sorry.. reflexology.... (on the red wine !!!!!

franch · 19/03/2005 11:32

Unicorn, that sounds good - I def need something to reduce anxiety after a traumatic birth last time round! Did you use it during labour? Did the reflexologist come to you? Any idea how to go about finding a good one who'll do this (for a home birth)?

Yes Koala sorry I should've been clearer - I'm thinking of it during labour as I understand it can help regulate contractions etc. Good to know it's effective tho.

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pupuce · 19/03/2005 12:40

Franch - what about a doula (some are reflexologists too actually!)
Where in the country are you?

franch · 19/03/2005 12:53

pupuce I'm in London. Not interested in a doula really as I have a wonderful birth partner Would prefer just to pay for the reflexology

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franch · 19/03/2005 12:56

Sorry I said London already didn't I?! N1

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unicorn · 19/03/2005 13:52

I didn't have it during labour ( up to the day before with ds!)but I know it can be done,as I spoke to a reflexologist who had it during her own labour (no- she didn't do it herself!!)

Not sure of any in N london- but have you tried the Active birth centre?.. or Google 'Jeyrani method', Dr Gowri Motha... hth

franch · 19/03/2005 18:54

Will try the ABC - thanks unicorn

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pupuce · 19/03/2005 20:07

Would be interested to find out if a reflexologist in labour is cheaper than a doula.

dinny · 19/03/2005 20:10

my mw did reflexology on me at my 40-week antenatal app to bring on labour. started that evening. am sure it triggered it. I think it could be v helpful in labour - but can't help with recommendations, I'm afraid. good luck

franch · 20/03/2005 18:31

Thanks dinny. Pupuce, I've no idea as I haven't looked into doulas but I would really be looking for reflexology only - DH is my own personal doula and quite protective of his role - which is fine by me as he did a fabulous job last time round

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pupuce · 20/03/2005 18:35

My point being that a doula would actually be proactive at :
reducing anxiety
which is what you want....
I am not suggesting you should get a doula - I was only making the point as I know quite a few reflexologists who are doulas.
More generally a good doula would know when to let the father BE proactive in the birth. I find some of the dads very proactive and very relaxed which I think is really nice as it helps them enjoy the birth.... at some births I do very little, the fact that I sit in a corner is more than enough to reduce anxiety is most women (it's the principle of one to one care really).
Out of simple curiosity, you say your last birth was quite traumatic for you ? Was it not for your DH?

lemonsquash · 20/03/2005 19:36

Hi All, I am 39 weeks this week first pg and have booked a refelxology session for this fri 4 days before I'm due. A couple of colleagues at work recommended it. It was hard to find a reflexologist qualified to do it in pg where I live but by chance my local Neal's Yard does various therapies on site and they had someone, so might be worth trying one of their shops.

I had a chat with the reflexologist about it who said it can bring on labour if overdue but also mainly for relaxing so I thought I'd give it a go as I am panicking about the birth. My dh is the calmest person I know so he will be great but I cannot stop worrying about it all.

Also, have just found out my baby is back to back with me and 3/5 engaged so hoping (along with lots of me being on all fours) the session might releive some back pain. Anyone else had experience of this?

franch · 21/03/2005 14:01

Thanks lemonsquash and good luck - let me know how you get on.

Pupuce, many thanks for your thoughts. A doula is definitely not what I'm looking for.

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pupuce · 21/03/2005 14:14

franch · 21/03/2005 14:18

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