Reflexology to induce labour?

[Distracted]

I've booked myself in for a reflexology session this afternoon to see if it will help get things going for me as I'm now 8 days late (and have had 2 sweeps which haven't worked).

However, I've never had reflexology before, just heard it can work (and the reflexologist I'm going to doesn't specialise in this but is happy to give it a go - the midwife who was recommended didn't have time to fit me in and gave me the name of this other local reflexologist).

Does anyone else have experience of this?

I did and I'm still here . Think we did manage to get the right place though - didn't feel anything to start and then baby started jumping around and did get some sensations of pressure/mild braxton hicks, so think he was doing the right thing. Although he was rather 'pinching' my ankle rather than rubbing it in the way the reflexologist did as couldn't properly explain to him and also had no massage oil.

Maybe we'll try again tonight as it's my last night before induction. Also had a final sweep this morning so have tried most things now. And one way or another I think the baby will be here by the end of tomorrow (as having waters broken rather than gel and if that doesn't work will be straight onto the drip apparently).

Distracted - you can use olive oil for this massage.

Good reflexology point from a friend - the woman must be standing - you place forefinger under middle of fleshy part of big toe and use a pinching movement with your thumb on the nail. The woman should move her weight forward, This stimulates the hypothalmus/pituitary and might well get things going. Stimulate the point for a while.

Also try asking yourself if you are maybe anxious about this baby coming? don't have names picked out, room not ready, worried about how other child will react, how life will change,.... basically is something holding you back?

Distracted...
enjoy tonight (pineapple curry with raspberry leaf tea followed by massage + er hot sex (inc nipple stimulation )
Try and relax (ha!)and I'll start the ball rolling by sending you lots of positive vibes for tomorrow.

Best of luck!

Thanks both - have to say Unicorn I tried most of that last night, can't face any more tonight, will finish off my pineapple and get an early night I think. Will be my last undisturbed night (assuming things don't start spontaneously between now and morning) Thanks for the positive vibes, think I need them (Pupuce you're probably right about things holding me back - bad memories from last time etc.)

good luck anyway, distracted!

the techniques i gave you were just a few of what is included... but its difficult to explain many of them.

AS A MIDWIFE REFLEXOLOGIST I CAN RECOMMEND REFLEXOLOGY TO INDUCE YOU- FAR BETTER THAN THE HOSP INTERVENTION. I HAVE HAD GREAT RESULTS SO GIVE IT A GO!

I am also a Reflexologist in Central London and have seen great results with inducement. Sometimes you may need more than a single treatment, ideally a few before your due date is advisable. It is also a great way to calm the body and rebalance the hormones after birth.