Maternity Reflexology
Reflexology can be hugely beneficial at any stage of a pregnancy. A safe, non-invasive therapy, reflexology helps to balance the body by applying pressure to different areas of the feet (which correspond to areas of the body).
As a Mum, I understand the challenges that come with pregnancy, delivery and post partum recovery. From fatigue to nausea, sickness to aches & pains, it’s often not a ‘walk in the park’! Regular rest and relaxation are key to keeping stress and anxiety levels under control, which is especially important throughout pregnancy.
Reflexology creates a deep sense of relaxation as well as improving common pregnancy symptoms such as:
- Fatigue/ Low Energy
- Mood Swings
- Stress/ Anxiety
- Nausea
- Morning (Evening or All Day!) Sickness
- Joint Pain
- Muscle Aches
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Insomnia/ Poor Sleep
- Edema (Fluid Retention)
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Varicose Veins
- Heartburn/ Acid Reflux
- Pelvic Pain
Reflexology for Labour & Delivery
While there is no evidence that reflexology will induce labour, it helps the body and mind to relax in the run up to labour. Releasing the Mother’s tensions and anxiety around the birth mean that when baby is ready to make their appearance, so is Mom. Being calm helps with breathing and muscle relaxation, which in turn can help with pain management. When you reach 38 Weeks, reflexes are worked with the induction of labour in mind. This will not induce labour prematurely, it will simply prepare certain areas of your body for the big event, baby will come when they are ready.
Receiving reflexology during labour can be a great way to manage pain and keep stress levels down. Ask your partner to gently massage your feet during the early stages of labour if you can.
Post Partum Recovery
We often think a lot about labour and birth, but post partum recovery with a newborn baby is a challenge in itself! After the happiness and excitement of the new arrival, the hormones are all over the place once again. Reflexology can accelerate the body’s natural healing powers as the body and mind get over the strain and stress of bringing a baby into the world. By promoting hormonal balance, reflexology can help with post natal depression and mood swings. Improving sleep quality also aids recovery, but I can’t guarantee that your new bundle of joy will agree! And if that wasn’t enough, reflexology has also been shown to help breastfeeding mothers to improve milk production and help the menstrual cycle return to normal in the months after birth.
