Hi this is my first post. I am a practising reflexologist with VTCT diploma and an interest in maternity reflexology (doing my maternity reflex part 1 in March this year). I have a pregnant client with a baby in breech position. She has heard reflexology can help turn the baby.
I've had a look on the internet and a reflex point is referred to but is not specified! There is no mention in my Suzanne Ezner Maternity Reflexology Manual either. She's 38 weeks.
Any help or experience? Many thanks [sm=sandrine.gif]
RE: Maternity reflexology - help!
Hi there
Yes there is a point which Suzanne teaches to help turn breeches but it is my understanding that you would be very unlikely to turn baby at this late stage - there just isn't the room for them to move. I may be wrong here and maybe someone with more experience than me will tell you othewise. Sorry - I wish it was more positive. Not much consolation I know but I was breech and I turned out ok!! LOL:D
RE: Maternity reflexology - help!
Hi BettyB
Yes the point to turn breech babies is called Bladder 67 and is found on the lateral side of the little toe in line with the base of the toe nail. Have a look on page 49 of her manual. It doesn't specify here that it turns breech babies, but i do know because i have just done Part 2. You have to do three little presses on the point with the side of your nail. i.e 1,2,3, rest etc...Reflexologist is right, the baby may not turn and the baby may turn and then go back to being breech, but its worth a go! I haven't been asked to turn a breech yet, so i cannot tell you if it has worked for me.
Hope this helps you
RE: Maternity reflexology - help!
I use the point chickenlicken mentions here, and so far I haven't had anyone with a baby that didn't turn the right way (I reckon I've had about 4 mums whose babies weren't in the right position, from upside down to transverse). That isn't to say it isn't infallible, and maybe I've just been incredibly jammy and the baby would have moved anyway. Moxibustion is practised by acupuncturists and is meant to be a fairly reliable method for turning breech babies - if they feel so inclined and if they have room to turn!! I believe they stimulate that same Bladder 67 point by burning something that looks like a cigar next to it, sorry to be vague but hopefully somebody will fill in the information gaps here.
RE: Maternity reflexology - help!
Thank you Siobhan, ChickenLicken and reflexologist!
Excellent support. I've familiarised myself with 'Bladder 67' and indeed found it on p49 of my book. I'm seeingmy patienton Monday. I'll post and let you know how I get on and if the baby turns (and stays turned).
I really appreciate your help. Best wishes.
[sm=sandrine.gif]
RE: Maternity reflexology - help!
Is this not a point used to induce labour? I thought there was such a point on the little toe. If so, shouldn't it be avoided until 37/38 weeks?
xk
RE: Maternity reflexology - help!
Yes kokopelli
This point can be used to expediate labour as this point gives the baby energy. I was taught not to stimulate this point to try and turn the baby until after 38 weeks.It can only be done prior to this if clear written permission was given by the midwife and she also if she explained why she wanted it done earlier. Betty B's client is 38 weeks so she should be ok.
x