Maternity Reflexology

 

As a Maternity Reflexologist, I offer support for women during preconception, during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

 

 

 

How can Reflexology Help Me During My Pregnancy?

 

Throughout your pregnancy, your body goes through significant emotional, physical and hormonal changes. The gentle techniques of Maternity Reflexology will guide your body through these changes and can help to alleviate or prevent discomfort and ailments that are associated with pregnancy. For example:

 

• Backache
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Symphysis pubis dysfunction (pelvic girdle dysfunction)
• Improves flexibility of pelvic floor
• Oedema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Leg cramps
• Cystitis

 

Research has also shown that regular Reflexology treatments during pregnancy can shorten the duration of labour – ‘Motha, Gowrie & McGarth, Jan 1994, The Effects of Reflexology on Labour Outcome, Association of Reflexologists. Reflexology Research Reports (2nd ed). Association of Reflexologists, London.’

 

Ultimately the aim of treatment is for your body to be in the best condition for the type of birthing you are going to have.

 

Is Reflexology Safe During Pregnancy?

 

When you are pregnant it is important that you ensure that everything you do for both your baby/babies and yourself is safe. There is no evidence to show that Reflexology is unsafe to receive during pregnancy. However, there are a few conditions that would contra-indicate treatment with Reflexology. These include:

 

• Deep Venous Thrombosis (D.V.T.)
• Placenta Praevia (low lying placenta) if Grade II or III after 32 weeks gestation
• Polyhydramnios – if there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation
• Oligohydramnios – there is an insufficient amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby
• Pre-eclampsia
• Recent vaginal bleeding

 

In these cases, it is likely that you will already be closely monitored by your Midwife and Obstetrician.

 

 

How Can Reflexology Help Me Following the Birth of my Baby or Babies?

 

The postnatal period (puerperium) is the time from the end of birthing until six to eight weeks later. During this time, the woman’s reproductive organs gradually settle to their non-pregnant state. Again it is a time of significant emotional, physical, and hormonal changes. Reflexology’s balancing, harmonising and restoring qualities can be very helpful at this time.

 

The following is a short list of ways in which you may be helped and assisted by Reflexology treatment during this period of transition:

 

• Post epidural backache/headache
• Breast engorgement
• Inadequate lactation
• Post natal depression
• Aching joints and muscles
• Perineal pain
• Constipation
• Urination difficulties and pain
• Fatigue
• Backache and sciatica
• Hormonal balance
• Relief of anxiety and stress
• Insomnia

 

What can I Expect During My First Treatment?

 

Your first consultation will be combined with a consultation regarding your obstetric, medical and lifestyle history, and will last approximately 1 ½ hours. You will be asked to remove your footwear and you will be made comfortable on a treatment couch. I will assess your feet visually and then by applying gentle, intermittent pressure I will feel for subtle variations within each reflex. You may experience areas of sensitivity in certain reflex points, but I can adjust the pressure I use to alleviate this. The frequency of subsequent treatments will be discussed with you according to the findings. These treatments will last for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

 

Maternity Reflexology Prices

 

• Initial Consultation (1 ½ hours) - £34
• 1 hour treatment - £28