Hi all,
Have no experience of reflexology specifically in the realms of the delivery room, but would love to learn, read, expand my knowledge and experience. Am sure there will be a huge well of knowledge in the forum and am looking forward to your replies already! I have successfully worked with pregnancies up to term. I know there are courses - but please - I will welcome advice.
littleredperson
xxx
Reflexology and birthing
Hi Littlered
I attended a confinement at my local hospital after my client went in to labour a few hours after her treatment at my home, the first time I had met her. She was overdue and feared induction. There was a problem because every time a midwife or doctor entered the room her contractions stopped so she rang me from the ward and asked me to come and help. The hospital staff were welcoming and helpful. I watched the baby's heart monitor as I worked. I gave Mum foot, face and hand reflexology almost continuously for 2 and a half days, going home to rest at night. I taught her partner pain relief and relaxation techniques to use during the night. As she moved around constantly I just worked wherever I could. The pain was controlled (a late epidural was put in the wrong place so would have been ineffective according to an anaesthetist!) and we managed to keep the contractions going but there was a complication, hips too small and the baby got stuck so in the end she had to have a caesarian section during the night. She rang me the following afternoon and asked me to visit her. Both she and the baby were bright and well.
PS She asked me what my fee was as she had saved to pay a doula, but this was such an invaluable amazing experience I just asked her for the hospital car parking fees!
No course I have attended prepared me for this, every confinement is going to be different, every mother unique and therefore every treatment tailored to that particular mother and her baby.
Hi,
I know you know there are courses but I would really recommend Susanne Enzer's maternity reflexology course as she covers this in detail.
I haven't actually attended any births but do remember Susanne saying that one simple thing you can do when a labouring woman is standing is to keep the plantar aspect of the feet in contact with the ground so that the woman remains grounded. She recommended kneeling behind them and gently holding the heels down - we tried it on each other and it felt very calming and supportive.
I also remember she said that because many women become scared in labour it was important to focus on relaxation techniques, bi-manual solar plexus hold and sedating the adrenal glands.
Hope this is useful!
I can second what Potion said in her reply as I have also attended Susanne Enzers course which I can thoroughly recommend as well! 🙂 Tracey