Natural methods of induction: recommendations of complementary therapists in London please

[franch]

Will try all the usual home methods if I go overdue (this time next week) but if anyone's got a good complementary therapist they can recommend, please let me know: reflexology, acupuncture, whatever. Thanks

PS I'm in N1 so north or central is good

Same for me but I am in Birmingham

I can highly recommend Alison Courtney, accupuncturist. She is also a senior midwife at the Homerton Hospital, and specialises in pregnancy acupuncture. She is absolutely LOVELY and is very calming and reassuring.

She is on holiday at the moment but back a week today, so perfect for you! She practices in Hackney and in Islington.

www.acupuncturealison.co.uk

I have had a couple of sessions with her in the last few weeks to get the baby to move down - which worked, whilst I was on the couch!! And for a dreadful cold, cleared up in 48 hours.

My baby is due at the weekend, but I'll be seeing Alison next week if he's not here by then!

She also gave me the names and numbers of colleagues she recommends when she's on holiday. They are both Islington based I think. Let me know if you want their details

Spud
39+3
x

Wow, thanks Spud, that's excellent. I'll contact her if necessary when she gets back. I've got an awful cold too - didn't know acupuncture could work for that! Can I ask how much she charges?

I see her at Holistic Health, Hackney and it's £40 for 3/4 hour. I think it's £38 at the Mackenzie practice.

She told me that a heavy cold in late pregnancy is very common. Your immune system totally switches to the baby, and it's almost like your body has a clear out of any infections lurking. She also said it's very very rare for women to labour with a heavy cold or flu, which was reassuring. Almost like your body has 'purge' but doesn't expect you to labour feeling less than 100% in yourself.

I was utterly miserable with my cold and was so frightened I'd go in to labour with it! I've planned a homebirth and really want to be feeling in tip top condition...she says, lardying around in bed with laptop!!

x

I second the Alison Courtney recommendation - I went to see her to induce my ds - he arrived the day after the second session (usually three sessions) - she is wonderful and calming and if nothing else comes of it you will get a lovely nights sleep after acupuncture! Good luck!

Gosh...I hope her ears are burning! It's like a mini-fan club in here for her. She's a lovely lady, she reminds me of my Mum (who died a few years ago) and makes me feel very cared for.

x

spudballoo, my waters have broken (or I've had a leak at least) and nothing is happening - this is what happened to me last time round and I want to avoid a repeat of the nightmare induction I had then, at all costs, so need acupuncture urgently! If you are around (I havent checked other threads yet to see if you've had your baby yet or not), I'd be really grateful for those other numbers that Alison gave you. Will CAT you too. Thanks.

Ah, you've blocked CATs. Will just have to hope you see this thread

Franch - if you're desperate I can probably get hold of someone via my very nice acupuncturist but I know it's a long shot. You have my email, don't you.

MI, I'd be VERY grateful - yes I am desperate. I have your email but can't find it right now! Could you email/CAT me if you're able to get any info? Thanks so much

Am I too late? You need to see Selina 7607 7067, she's in Islington and practices from home. I sent a girl from NCT there last week to be induced, Ithink it must have worked as haven't heard from her!

Or, Gill on 07752 684808. She's the other person recommended by Alison but I have no dealings with her.

Selina might see you today as I gather she was VERY flexible about seeing my friend.

Good Luck! xx

spud: thank you thank you thank you! How are you????

Oh good! Glad I caught you hope she can help.

I'm good, 40+1 and chilling....! I'm seeing alison on Tuesday which I hope will get things going if I've not made a start on my own.

Lots and lots of luck! Spud x

Saw her this morning and had a lovely session. Going back tomorrow and Wed (if necessary!).

Thanks again spud, really appreciate your efforts - GOOD LUCK to you!!! xxx

Great! I'm so pleased I got hold of you, my friend told me she is lovely.

I am very fed up today. Was due to meet the last standing NCT girl for lunch, and she didn't show....because she was having her baby! Queue jumper, she was due yesterday, I was due Sat. Feel quite miserable about being the last one for some reason. Like being the last one to be picked for a team at school, hee hee.

Hope you'll be in labour very soon! And me too...

xx

And me too!!

Just wondering franch, roughly how much did your acupuncture cost? do you pay per session? and did you have to book it much in advance? just curious, as I'll definitely be considering it if I go over my dates!

£40 per session (takes up to 3 sessions) - no she's very flexible and we've been taking it day by day. Hope you won't need it

Same with Alison, £40 a session - I saw her yesterday afternoon, booked to see her again Friday but SSHHHHHH I think I'm going in to labour! Very strong BH and bad period pains all night.

I also ate a whole pineapple, had a very very strong chilli for dinner, bounced vigorously on my birthing ball and took some pulsatilla yesterday. Perhaps it was that? But the pains started after acupuncture, as did the BH.

Oooh baby OUT, although I'm a bit knackered due to a bad night's sleep.

Spud
40+4
xx

Fingers crossed Spudbaloo. I am very jealous if you are in labour

Well, it certainly worked! Had 3 sessions with Selina - contractions started in 3rd session and built up till Thu night when I seemed to go into labour then stop - then one with Alison - contractions started up again and resulted in birth the same afternoon! Details here, with full story to follow