Supporting you through your pregnancy journey
Why Reflexology?
I learnt a lot when I trained in reflexology for pregnancy, there are specific techniques and protocols that are followed for a pregnant woman in each trimester of pregnancy and this is what allows me to tailor bespoke treatments to all my pregnant clients. However, I really learnt a lot when I was pregnant myself, and I realised the value in having a safe, quiet space to really relax and take time for myself. This is what reflexology provides women with during their pregnancy, and so much more.
One of the most important pieces of information to be aware of when you are pregnant is that relaxation is super important throughout the pregnancy and leading up to the birth. This is a time to put yourself first and make you a priority. When a women becomes pregnant she will continue to release the hormone progesterone, this is a super soothing hormone, and it’s natures way of getting mum’s to be to relax. Sometimes though life has other plans, and for some, pregnancy can be filled with some fear, stress and anxiety. Having a space to really receive can work wonders.
A lot of my clients come to see me when they are in their third trimester, and this is a great time for reflexology, especially in the time gearing up to birth. In order for contractions to start and continue, the hormone Oxycontin needs to flow, and what is interesting is that Oxycontin and adrenaline have trouble flowing at the same time, so if a pregnant women is feeling any stress, she may find it impacts labour. To me, this bit of information is so powerful, as it really highlights the importance of self care leading up to the birth.
Studies have shown that reflexology significantly reduced pain in labour (*1/2), and another study has also shown that six weekly treatments of reflexology prior to giving birth on for women who experienced low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during their pregnancy significantly reduced the second stage of labour.(*3).
Many pregnant women who come for reflexology love it so much that they continue to book treatments post birth, and this is a great time to receive. Usually a massage is out of the question straight after giving birth, however, because reflexology is a non-invasive treatment, it allows the mother to sit back fully clothed, and even nurse her baby at the same time. In fact a study has even shown that it has significantly improved the quality of sleep in the post partum sleep(*4), and that cannot be under valued, as sleep is one of the main pillars of health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22069404/
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.793.547&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29024881/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613809000539