MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY
Whether it is helping with conception, pregnancy, or labour, it is a privilege to be able to empower women at these key stages of their lives
Receiving Reflexology treatments before and during pregnancy may be extremely beneficial. Reflexology may encourage the body to minimise the length and intensity of labour, may benefit babies on a physical and even emotional level, may reduce anxiety and may facilitate recovery after birth.
Maternity Reflexology is a specific approach to Reflexology which focuses on:
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Improving fertility
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Supporting a healthy pregnancy and avoiding miscarriages in a holistic way as dealing with anxiety and stress
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Improving the health of mother and baby during pregnancy (morning sickness/heartburn/aches & pains/ tiredness, and structural problems such as pubis symphysis and back pain, haemorrhoids)
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Encouraging the onset of labour
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After birth recovery
The benefits of natural vs caesarean births
Caesarian births are becoming standard practice while a few decades ago they would have been rare and only performed under special and unusual circumstances. The reasons for this are complex and largely due to societal changes and a medical system under pressure.
However, it is important that pregnant women realize there is a lot they can do themselves to put the maximum chances on their sides for a natural labour and natural birth:
Regular reflexology sessions at the beginning of the pregnancy and in the last 4 weeks will do wonders for Mum and Baby. By giving yourself the gift of relaxation you are treating yourself and your baby to the most wonderful gift of love.
Indeed, magical things happen in your body and your baby’s body when endorphins are excreted to balance body and mind to the same beat.
Also, regular sessions throughout the pregnancy be it at monthly intervals will ensure the body maintains its balance ie: (less physical ailments, improved mood, sleep, immune system, and smooth transition between developmental stages).
The second immense benefit of a natural birth is the exposure of the baby to the bacteria of the mother’s birth canal. This has been shown to be crucial for the future quality of the different microbiomes of the baby ie: (the skin microbiome as well as the mouth, and the gut). This wide spectrum of beneficial bacteria contributes to the overall improved future immunity of the baby.
The third benefit of a natural birth concerns the quality and intensity of the bonding between mother and child. When born naturally, children have demonstrated to be less ‘needy’ as inherently more emotionally resilient, self-assured, more autonomous and independent. These babies seem to ‘know’ their place in the world when caesarean babies might struggle to gain resilience and independence as they have literally been ‘pull out’ of the womb in a brutal way at birth.
Reflexology is the perfect therapy to help you achieve the best natural birth possible with so much to gain along the way!
Regular treatments and adjustments or changes in lifestyle might be suggested for optimum results.
To maximise chances of a trouble-free birth and minimise side-effects, it is recommended to have a minimum of six sessions before the due date (one every week), and sometimes one or two treatments past this date, if necessary. My experience of Reflexology has shown me that women who are used to receiving reflexology treatments (not necessarily on a regular basis) before getting pregnant or at the onset of their pregnancy never experience the devastating effects of morning sickness or heartburn and are generally able to support a healthy pregnancy throughout, even if after the first 3 or 4 months they only receive one reflexology session a month! A therapy like no other that provides multiple benefits and is increasingly documented in the world of integrative medicine backed up and even adopted by an increasing number of midwives.
For inducing labour, ie. from the due date onwards unless dictated by specific medical circumstances, the combination of Reflexology and Visualisation seem to deliver the desired effect. I have seen many women able to give birth literally after just a few hours of this specific method of treatment which is all about calming the body physically and mentally.