If you’re pregnant, or trying to conceive, reflexology can help you feel relaxed, improve your mood, relieve tension, have better quality sleep and enjoy a sense of wellbeing during pregnancy.
During conception and pregnancy, reflexology aims to optimise the physical and emotional health of pregnant women.
It works holistically – your reflexologist can provide general lifestyle advice and support you throughout your pregnancy. Reflexology can be used safely throughout the pregnancy (a qualified reflexologist will always take a full history to ensure that it is safe and appropriate to carry out treatments).
Recent studies have shown that women who have had regular reflexology through pregnancy can have shorter labours, with less pain during labour, fewer postpartum haemorrhages, better quality sleep after delivery – and babies benefit too, with better Apgar scores. All these factors can contribute to better birth and post-birth experiences for mothers.
Although there is no evidence that reflexology can induce labour, the general view is that it will help to support the body in preparation for labour and promote relaxation when anxiety levels are often high.
Who is it for?
Pre-conception – both partners can receive treatments aimed at boosting fertility, preparation for pregnancy, relieving anxiety and more.
Mums – during pregnancy – treatments can help to ease common complaints such as indigestion, skeletal issues (eg. backache), anxiety, tiredness. It can also can help with more complicated issues like pubis symphysis, swelling in lower limbs and depression. Reflexology can be given for birth/labour preparation, and even during the early stages of labour. After birth reflexology may help you with bruising, lactation, tiredness and emotional overload including post partum depression.
Partners – to help with relaxation both before the birth. You could also learn to give your birth partner some reflexology during the labour, as often you can feel like there isn’t much you can do to help. You can carry on giving these treatments to your partner after the birth, which may help with re-bonding as a couple, and give you some together time, which is very important.
Babies – can receive reflexology safely from birth. Gentle stimulation of reflexes through touch has many benefits – including aiding breathing straight after delivery, improving circulation, feeding and of course, bonding. Touch is the most available sense to babies, which is why skin to skin contact has so many benefits. Anyone can learn to give baby gentle treatments – so it is possible to involve the wider family circle if desired.
If you’re interested in having reflexology during pregnancy, then I would be delighted to work with you. I will tailor a treatment plan package for your needs, focusing on what’s important to you. You will have support throughout your pregnancy and beyond, with this powerful and gentle therapy.
All reflexology treatments include a consultation and health review, with personalised home care advice to reinforce the healing benefits between sessions.
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For parents and carers
Babies – can receive reflexology safely from birth. Gentle stimulation of reflexes through touch has many benefits – including aiding breathing straight after delivery, improving circulation, feeding and of course, bonding. Touch is the most available sense to babies, which is why skin to skin contact has so many benefits. 