Reflexology during labour

[mariia]

HI I was wondering if anyone has any experience of treating a pregnant lady whilst in labour. I've heard that reflexology is great for the pain, and would love to learn more if anyone could recommend a book on this that would be great.

Many Thanks Rachel

 

[patrick s]

It is excellent, but bear in mind reflexologists are normally not allowed to attend childbirth. If you are hoping to have a reflexologist on hanfd, you would need to have a reflexology trained midwife.

 

[Fabio]

Gussie

Thanks for the reply, I'm not pregnant myself, but curious as a reflexologist. I also know a few pregnant women at the moment who I have been treating and got me thinking about pain relief for labour.

 

[homer00j]

Where I stay in Scotland, pregnant women are allowed to take in 2 birth partners.

IMO if the woman wants her therapist..any therapist..thenshe should be allowed as long as the health board/trust concerned has had disclaimers from the mother that any intervention from the therapist is at her discretion.

As long as the therapists insurance company is willing to insure them(at a hefty premium, I am sure) then I see no problem working with women in labour.

 

[Paulius]

Hi there!

I treated my friend to reflexology during her labour(Jayden is now 11 weeks old). When a contraction was starting I used Pressure to the solar plexus while she took 3 deep breaths in while releasing the pressure as she exhaled really helped her with the pain and she had a drug free labour. I also carried out a lot of relaxation moves on her feet.I gave birth myself 4 weeks ago and a fellow reflexologist of mine 'did my feet'..it was amazing to be on the receiving end of the treatment and I feel it helped me immensely. As a qualified reflexologist i have to suggest that it would be wiser to have a professional do it for her so she truely gets the benefit of the treatment. The hospital(I live in Northern Ireland) were very open to the idea of the reflexology and did not require a disclaimer to be signed(tho some hospitals may).Ask her to check with the maternity ward that it is ok for a reflexologist to attend.The midwives we spoke to said it was at the patients discretion, as would be hypnotherapy and other alternative therapies. Oh the rule is normally 1 or 2 'birth partners' during the labour and only 1 during the actual birth but again at the midwifes discretion

Blessings Earthspirit

 

[nlqmpsza]

I'm with the AOR and this was a stipulation when I trained, I'm not sure but think if you've done a later course you may be able to attend, I am fairly sure my insurance wont cover me to attend labour although I wouldn't have a problem with it. As a friend it'd be ok - as long as you know insurance may not be valid - some hospitals wont allow people to treat during labour. It's all very odd, but in talking to people about it, I understand it really does help. It's an experience I'd love to share, but for me, it's not looking a likely occurence just yet. I've induced labour with reflexology and that was successful, the one woman started true labour within a couple of hours of treatment. I'd say it's a great and beneficial thing to do.

 

[Saleswaks]

Hi My sister asked me to be one of her birthing partners to provide reflexology, reikior aromatherapy, whichever felt the most beneficial. She had to write to the head of Midwifery to ask permission for me to be there as well as her husband. Whilst it was her first birth and she had nothing to compare it to, she felt the reflexology was a huge benefit, and calmed her immensley inbetween contractions. She had initially thought that aromatherapy back massage would the be the one she would want the most, but it was reflexology that helped her throughout. Having no kids myself, I think it's put me off for life, but it was a superb experience to be there when my gorgeous, superb little nephew was born. And four years later, he is still a little star!! Still doesn't entice me to go through that though.....!!