Maternity Reflexology
Reflexology undoubtedly comes into its own when it comes to starting a family. Parents-to-be really feel the benefits of this natural, non invasive therapy.
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from women who feel they have benefited from reflexology throughout their pregnancy. The understood benefits of reflexology in relation to reducing stress, relaxing the body and aiding sleep particularly beneficial at this time. Please see my research page for more findings.
Pre-conceptual Care
When a couple are planning a baby it is sensible for both of them to be in good shape mentally and Physically. Reflexology may help balance, relax and de-stress both parents, thus helping with conception.
It is not unreasonable to suggest that stress may affect your chances of getting pregnant. Its understood that Cortisol (a hormone released in response to stress) can cause the release an inhibiting hormone that reduces the production of follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and Luteinising hormone.
Both of these hormones are necessary to the release of the egg and the implantation of the embryo after fertilisation. In other words, feeling stressed may lower your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Stress is an issue for both sexes, so it is equally important that both partners employ some method of reducing their stress levels. Reflexology can be used by both partners to this end.
If you are struggling to conceive or have been given a diagnosis of why this may be the case and may be looking at medicated cycles such as Clomid, IUI,IVF,ICSI etc., then Reproductive Reflexology can help you.
Pregnancy
During all pregnancies, women go through many and varied changes - physical, hormonal and emotional. Reflexology may help to keep the body and hormones balanced, thus helping to alleviate those common pregnancy ailments, and this in turn reducing the risk of more serious disorders developing. The overall aim is to make the pregnancy as comfortable and enjoyable as it should be.
Post term labour "Priming"
Many midwifes will recommend reflexology throughout pregnancy but particularly in a post term pregnancy. Although there is no evidence to prove that reflexology can bring on labour, the general view is that it will help support the body to prepare for labour and promote relaxation at a time when anxiety levels are often high (Especially if a date for induction has been given.)
Reflexology can also helpful when mothers to be have been given dates for pre-term Inductions, often required due to medical complications such as gestational diebetes, rising Blood pressures or large babies etc. Again it help reduce stress and anxiety thus preparing the body so that early medical inductions are not such a shock to the system. It makes sense that a relaxed Mother and baby has a better chance of a normal labour and delivery. It may also helpful when a baby has not "turned" in time. Again not proven and the chances of success is less likely, but worth a go as most mothers find the medical alternatives to be very unappealing!
Birthing
Again a relaxed, balanced Mother and baby have the best chances of a natural labour and delivery all hopefully without too much medical intervention. Something that I have found most mothers would prefer.
Post-natal Care
The agony and ecstasy of the birthing experience can leave the mother feeling jubilant, exhausted, and sore. They often have many conflicting and confusing emotions and feelings. The balancing, harmonising and restoring qualities of Reflexology therapy are superb at this time, helping to restore her body to pre-pregnancy state and help her cope with the role of a new mum. We know that Reflexology can aid sleep, this can be a real boon, when as new parents, sleep opportunities are rare!
With all the hard work of labour, the new regime of feeding, mothering and sleepless nights, doesn’t she deserve a Reflexology session or two?!
I hold a Certificate of Competency in Maternity Reflexology - Practitioner no.1155
