Holistic Feet

Maternity reflexology

As women go through life, at various times the body undergoes major changes, be it from girl to woman, during pregnancy, going through the menapause or approaching senior years. Maternity reflexology deals with the time of life from conception to birth.

Reflexology helps the body prior to conception by creating balance and harmony which enables us to attain and maintain health and well being, all of which are so important when a woman is trying to conceive.
During pregnancy, your body will go through significant changes which will affect the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of your body. Reflexology may help to alleviate or prevent discomfort arising from this imbalance.
It is felt that reflexology may dramatically speed up labour and help to reduce pain.

Is reflexology safe during pregnancy?

Reflexology is generally considered safe provided that all is well with your pregnancy. I always request that you advise your midwife that you are having reflexology treatments and tell me if there are any concerns.
As a maternity reflexologist I cannot give medical or obstetric advice and always put the care of the client first.


Treatments

When to commence treatments
Ideally, if you are planning to become pregnant, it would help to have some treatments prior to conception. This helps the body to be in a relaxed and balanced state.
If you are already pregnant, then the ideal time to begin treatment is around 12 weeks.

Frequency of treatment

This varies depending on the pregnancy but ideally, I would suggest once a month up until 30 weeks and then slightly shorter treatments but every two weeks until the birth. This is always done with your consent and may change depending on how the pregnancy is progressing.

Induction of labour

Reflexology may stimulate the commencement of labour if the baby is at full term or overdue and if both mother and baby are ready. It can help to stimulate the body to produce the hormones needed for birth. Reflexology may also be beneficial in making labour and delivery easier. It may help to relieve the pain of labour and shorten delivery time.

After the birth.

Following the birth, reflexology helps the body recover physically, emotionally and hormonally, restoring the body to its natural balance. The physical effects of post natal reflexology include a uterus which returns more quickly to its non pregnant size, increased energy levels and can help with lactation. It helps you to remain relaxed and calm at possibly the largest life changing time of your life.