MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology in pregnancy, labour and post-natal period
Maternity reflexology is aimed specifically at women during pre-conception, labour, post-natal period.
Planning for and conceiving a baby is one of the most exciting experiences in a couples life. Pre-conception care is all about preparing the body and mind for the miracle of conceiving, growing and birthing a baby. For others the pain and disappointment of not conceiving can have a huge impact on their lives. Reflexology can be used successfully to aid conception and has an excellent reputation in helping couples overcome fertility challenges by balancing the bodily systems, regulating menstral cycles and reducing stress and tension.
During your pregnancy your body will go through significant changes, these changes will effect the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of the body.
Please scroll down to the bottom of the page for some useful links.
Useful Resource
Ovulation Calculator
www.babycentre.co.uk/tools/ovu
Pregnancy
During the 9 months of pregnancy a woman's body goes through enormous physical changes, a new life is developing inside her and pregnancy hormones are abundant. Reflexology has been shown to help with : - general relaxation, relief of stress and anxiety, increase energy levels, reduce heartburn, relieve backache, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, oedema (swelling of ankles of feet), symphysis pubis dysfunction, sciatica, constipation, insomnia and sleep problems, and preparation of labour.
- 'Thank you very much for your support this year. I've been through some tough times but we've got the outcome we wanted (pregnancy). Reflexology (and you) have really helped. Thank you so much. (Leo was born May 2010 - natural home birth) JB Stafford
Women can feel both jubilant and exhausted as well as having conflicting emotions after the babies birth. A reflexology treatment can be wonderful at this time as well as helping with other conditions associated with this post-natal period.
Reflexology can help to alleviate post-natal problems and help with breastfeeding, engorged breasts, post epidural pain, constipation, post-natal depression, and increase of energy levels.
- After going through the heartache of having two miscarriages that the doctors put down to bad luck, I turned to holistic medicine and reflexology. Caroline has been wonderful. She helped reduce my stress levels and explained how different parts of my feet related to my reproductive organs. We were soon pregnant again and seeing Caroline once a month helped control my natural anxiety that something would go wrong. It didn't and six months ago we had a beautiful little boy! I can't thank Caroline enough and I truly believe that without her magic hands we wouldn't have our son. She is a warm and generous person who puts you at ease straight away. I would reccommend Caroline and reflexology to anyone." L.M. Stafford
- After 4 failed IVF treatments I decided to try reflexology to help with my infertility. Caroline was recommended by a friend and I am pleased to say that after 8 months of regular reflexology treatments with Caroline, I am now pregnant, have had my 12 week scan and our baby is due in June 2010. (Amelia born June 2010) C.C. Eccleshall
- Cost of a Treatment £30.00
Labour Duration and Outcome Research
Pregnant women were offered free Reflexology session while pregnant. Of those who received Reflexology the 20 - 25 year olds had an average time of first stage labour of 5 or 6 hours. The 26 - 30 year olds seemed to have the longest labours, whereas the 30 to 40 year olds, who included many first time mothers, had labour times of 2 to 3 hours.
Overall, the average first stage of labour was 5 hours, compared to the textbook average of 16 to 24 hours.
The second stage of labour lasted 16 minutes, compared to the textbook average of 1 to 2 hours, and the third stage of labour averaged 7 minutes.
Only 5.4% of the women who had reflexology treatment required emergency caesarian section compared to an average of 13% in Newham district where the study was conducted.
Dr. Gowri Motha and Dr. Jane McGrath, Forest Gate, London
Useful Links -
1. Article on Reflexology and Infertility
2. Article on Reflexology and Infertility
3. Pregnancy Woes
4. Relationship between stress and infertility
"After two failed pregnancies, one of which resulted in a fallopian tube being removed, I took my sister's advice (who herself used reflexology to help her with her pregnancy) and, with an open mind, searched on-line for a local reflexologist. I came across Caroline's website and booked a session - that phone call has changed my life in the best possible way. I am now the proud mummy of a little girl and truly believe that reflexology with Caroline helped to balance my body in preparation for pregnancy, regulate my hormones and stress levels and boost my energy levels. After every session I left feeling completely rejuvenated and full of a sense of well being. I carried on having reflexology whilst pregnant and during the sessions my little one loved kicking about in my womb- I think she was thoroughly enjoying the treatments too! I can't thank Caroline enough for all that she has done and continues to do - a wonderful woman with a truly great gift." A.W. Stone
To find out more, or to book an appointment, please call Caroline on 01889 508291 or 07960202391
