Maternity Reflexology
Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a woman, and in an ideal world, once you discover you are pregnant, your life
would slow down, allowing you plenty of time to nurture yourself and your baby. The benefits of a stress-free
pregnancy for both mother and baby are well documented, but of course achieving this can be especially
difficult if you have a busy work schedule or already have children.
In September, it was revealed by baby
charity Tommy's that 31 per cent of 1500 women surveyed felt that they had over-exerted themselves in
pregnancy.
Regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy can be very calming for both mother and baby. They are completely safe and can help to maintain a healthy pregnancy, guide you towards a natural and healthy birth experience, and are a wonderful way of ensuring that you invest a small amount of time in yourself and unborn baby.
Maternity reflexology has also been shown to be extremely helpful in reducing the symptoms of many common pregnancy complaints including:
- Fluid retention and swelling in feet and ankles
- Morning sickness and heartburn
- Lack of sleep and fatigue
- Backache
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- General aches and pains
- High Blood Pressure
- Constipation
- Haemorrhoids
- Anaemia
- Cystitis
In addition, recent trials in Denmark and the UK have found that those receiving regular reflexology treatments during their pregnancy tend to deliver closer to term and have shorter labours. In a UK trial in 1988, 37 pregnant women completed a course of 10 reflexology sessions. For these women, the second stage of labour lasted an average of 16 minutes, compared to the expected 1-2 hours.
Treatments normally begin at twelve weeks of pregnancy and can continue to term, during birth and
post-natally.
Please check with your Consultant, GP or Midwife if you have previously experienced premature
labour, high blood pressure, placenta previa or bleeding before booking a treatment.
Pre-pregnancy
Pre-pregnancy studies and extensive anecdotal evidence have shown that regular reflexology treatments can improve the likelihood of a healthy natural conception. Reflexology can enhance fertility by influencing hormone levels and regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Post-natal Reflexology
Coping with a new born baby isn't always as easy as we expect; it can be an emotionally and physically draining time for parents. Reflexology can help during this period by:
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Helping with fatigue
- Reducing the chances of Post-Natal Depression
- Re-balancing hormones
- Increasing energy levels & vitality
- Boosting immune system
- Promoting lactation
I have trained in Maternity Reflexology with the International Expert Mauricio (Moshe) Kruchik; I also have three children of my own and have worked with many women trying to get pregnant, in pregnancy and during the post-natal period to help them get the absolute best out of their experiences and enjoy this magical time to the full.
