Reflexology for starting labor.....

[Nora_SEA]

I'm looking at a possible induction next week due to high bp and my Mom offered to buy me a couple massages next week to help me relax. (gotta love her!) Anyways, as of last Thursday I was dilated to 2, softening but not effaced, and when I called to schedule the massage, explaining my situation, the gal offered that she could do reflexology inaddition to the regular pre-natal massage. Depending on how my bp keeps running--I would MUCH rather try natural forms of induction over Cervidil and Pitocin. Has anyone tried reflexology to get labor going? Does it take more than one session--and I assume as with most things--it will only work if cervix and body is ready?

[mom2emerson]

Originally Posted by Nora_SEA

Has anyone tried reflexology to get labor going? Does it take more than one session--and I assume as with most things--it will only work if cervix and body is ready?

Yes and yes. I was facing a possible induction which I was so so so against. I worked with a massage therapist that used reflexology and also did reike (sp?). After each session (we started using these techniques as soon as it was safe to do so) I definitely felt more early labor. BUT as you said, the baby will come only when he/she is ready.

My induction was sched for a Tues morning. The weekend before I also went to an accupuncturist (that worked in the same office with the massage therapist and that I had been seeing during preg for sciatic pain). As my final and last resort I saw my hynotherapist (who had taught our hypnobirthing classes) Monday morning. I went home after our session, took a nap and woke up in labor DD was born 2:32 am Tuesday morning. Induction was scheduled for 8:30 same day. I thanked DD after she was born!

I would definitely take the offer for reflexology. It can't hurt to try!