Reflexology for Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy Reflexology
Reflexology during pregnancy can help relieve the following:
-Water retention and swelling of the feet
-Boosts the immune system
-Varicose veins
-Nausea
-Fatigue
-Leg cramps
-Constipation
-Back ache
-Disturbed sleep
-Depression
-Worrying over the birth
As well as helping with all the physical ailments, having that hour to themselves to relax and discuss any worries or fears they have in a confidential an stress free environment can do wonders for the Mother in terms of her emotional well-being also. Clients who have regular reflexology during pregnancy generally have shorter labours and are better able to deal with the pain as the body is in a relaxed state to start with. This in turn can lead to less medical intervention.
Reflexology Treatment for Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy is a very special time in a person’s life and while it is a natural process and part of the cycle of life, each can put a strain not only physically but also emotionally on the Mother’s body.
It is important to treat the pregnant client holistically, with due consideration to her unique situation and condition which may change from one week to the next.
Many Reflexologists prefer not to treat during the first trimester fearing it may cause a miscarriage.
However if the pregnancy is stable and the client has had no previous history of problems there is no reason why a general treatment, with no emphasis on the reductive reflex cannot be given. This can be a beneficial for morning sickness and any anxiety the Mother is experiencing in the early months.
It is now known that an anxious Mother may pass on the emotions she is feeling to the developing baby so anything that can alleviate stress and induce relaxation can only be a good thing.
It is important to find a Reflexologist that has undertaken a postgraduate training in Ante-Natal reflexology and has a full understanding of all the aspects of the various stages of pregnancy and the potential problems that may occur.
Just to reassure expectant clients, it is very difficult if not impossible to cause a miscarriage in a stable pregnancy by having a reflexology treatment.
All the members of the NRRI are highly trained, professionally insured and have to do CPD training every year to be able to renew their membership!
The main aims of reflexology for any situation:
-To relax the body and so reduce stress.
-To bring the body back to a state of homeostasis balance.
-To clear energy blockages so all systems can function normally.
-To balance the endocrine system which is very important during pregnancy.
Reflexology is given during the early stages of Labor can release pain and stress and help the Mother core better with the impending birth.
Partners can be taught what reflexes to work during this time and indeed it is a wonderful way to get them involved in the birth process from the start.
Many Reflexologists we’ll do a session for expecting Fathers towards the end of the pregnancy and they can put this into practice before the birth to gain confidence and relax their partners as the due date approaches.
Reflexology Post-natally where to help Mother to recover from physical an emotional experience after birth. it may help the womb contract, it can also simulate urinal and bowel function which can be very sluggish, particularly after an epidural or general anesthetic.
This is excellent for promotion breast feeding and getting the milk flowing freely, often a problem with first time Mothers in particular.
A general treatment can speed up healing and get the hormones (endocrine system) back into balance which is very important for post Natal depression, which can be a very serious condition if not treated promptly. It may improve mood and reduce afterbirth anxiety.
Contraindications Reflexology is best avoiding for the following conditions
-Threatened miscarriage
-Eclampsia
-Unstable diabetes
-Deep vein thrombosis
-Warfarin medication
-Please check with your doctor if you have any conditions before starting reflexology
It is advisable to check that your reflexologist has done an accredited postgraduate course infertility issues so that they have a good knowledge of what you are going through, both emotionally and physically.