Reflexology During Labor

I had been to see a reflexologist regularly before I became pregnant with my son. When I did tell her that I was pregnant, she told me that reflexology was supposed to help ease labour and that in some labor hospitals in London there is a reflexology department. On this note, I continued with my reflexology monthly during my pregnancy. My reflexologist was a lovely lady called June (who has sadly now moved away from my area so I no longer see her). She once remarked that when I went into labour I should phone her and she would come out to give me a reflexology treatment.

When I did go into labour – at teatime on a Wednesday evening – I didn’t phone her straight away as I didn’t want to bother her during her evening time unless I had to. I had a bath, and at about 9 o’clock the midwife arrived (I’d decided to have a home birth). My mum called June at about 10.15 or so and she arrived at 11. She worked on my feet until after midnight and the midwife said she had never seen anything like it – a woman in labour falling asleep from relaxation! She left and my waters then broke at 2pm – the midwife told me I could be in for a long wait…….out popped my son at 4.20am!!! Considering that this was my first child, I definitely think that this was to do with the reflexology treatment that I’d just had.

I would recommend this treatment because at the end of the day, what harm can it do?! If you are worried about it being tickly or somebody touching your feet – then don’t! I used to hate the thought of anybody touching my feet, but reflexology is not tickly in any way. It’s just a very relaxing treatment.