Maternity Reflexology
What is maternity reflexology?
Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive, complementary therapy that helps to maintain the body's natural equilibrium. It works on the principle that any stresses and strains you are feeling will be mirrored in particular areas on your feet. A reflexologist can work these areas with their hands to relieve these stresses and strains. Maternity reflexology is specifically designed to help your body adjust to and cope with pregnancy and to help you to relax and prepare for the birth.
How can maternity reflexology help me?
- Trying for a baby
- Trying for a baby can be a very stressful and emotional time for some couples. Reflexology is a natural way to help you both to relax and can also help to balance hormones which regulate ovulation and prepare your body for pregnancy.
- If you are receiving fertility treatment, like IVF, you will not be able to have reflexology while you are actually taking any fertility drugs. This is because it will encourage your body to behave naturally and produce just one egg – the opposite of the effect that fertility drugs try to achieve.
- During pregnancy
- As your body changes in shape and size throughout pregnancy, you may feel tired and stressed or suffer from back pain and swollen ankles. Many women also experience morning sickness and constipation. All are reflected as tension and imbalances in your feet that can be felt by the sensitive, trained hands of a reflexologist. By working on these areas of the feet, using only their hands, the expert practitioner can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body.
- The birth
- Stimulating certain parts of your feet with reflexology can help boost levels of endorphins – your body’s natural pain relief hormones. Your reflexologist can teach your partner some simple techniques to help with pain relief during labour.
- After the birth
- Reflexology aims to rebalance your body and your hormones to help you recover after giving birth. It can also help you cope with the stresses and tiredness associated with a new baby.
- Your new baby
- If you enjoyed having reflexology and found it helped you during your pregnancy, why not continue enjoying the benefits with your new baby? Baby reflexology is a natural, drug-free way to help calm upset babies and relieve baby discomforts. And because this is all about teaching you how to apply the technique to your baby, it’s a brilliant way to bond. A qualified baby reflex practitioner will be able to teach you how to give baby reflexology.
What happens during a reflexology session?
Your first visit will begin with a consultation to discuss any health issues you may have, and to check that you are a suitable candidate for the therapy. You will then make yourself comfortable in a special reclining chair, in the relaxing environment of the treatment room. Your reflexologist will begin to work on your feet, or your hands if necessary, noting problem areas.
The way the therapy is applied, and the effect it will have on the body, are unique to each individual. But normally tensions in the body will ease, and circulation and elimination will improve.
Any discomfort you may feel will be fleeting, and will be an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of your body. For the most part, you will find the sensation pleasant and soothing. Many clients actually fall asleep during their treatment.
A reflexology session usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Depending on your body's needs your reflexologist may recommend a course of treatment.
What happens after the treatment?
After the first treatment or two your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people have a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation. Some may feel lethargic, nauseous or tearful - a transitory phase that is part of the rebalancing process.
Whatever your reaction, it is vital that you feed this information back to your reflexologist: your feedback will tell them how your body is responding to the treatment, and will enable them to devise a treatment plan tailored to your particular needs.
Should I ask my midwife or doctor if it’s okay for me to have reflexology?
It’s always a good idea to let your doctor or midwife know that you are going have reflexology during your pregnancy. Some may even recommend it if you are suffering from any aches or pains, or pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness.
