Maternity Reflexology

Pregnancy is a time of tremendous change for a woman both physically & psychologically. Maternity Reflexology incorporates an awareness for the growing baby, utilizes an energetic balancing technique for the endocrine reflexes and focuses the touch to the reflex areas on the feet and hands that are associated with balancing the common issues experienced during pregnancy.

During Pregnancy

During the nine months of pregnancy a woman's body goes through amazing physical changes; a new life is developing inside her and pregnancy hormones are abundant.

Whilst some Mums-to-be experience few issues, for some women pregnancy can be a long period of discomfort and fatigue with nausea, headaches, backache, water retention, cramp and other conditions, taking away the joy and excitement of being pregnant and expecting a baby.

During Labour

Mums-to-be may seek the help of a reflexologist for child birth. During labour reflexology can help Mums-to-be to relax and regulate breathing, which in turn can help lessen the pain of childbirth. Reflexology may also help to regulate contractions. It can help if the Mums-to-be go over their due dates and want to avoid a hospital induction. The reflexologist will work certain points on the feet to gently encourage the body to go into labour naturally, and, if mother and baby are ready, labour may start within a few days.

After the Birth

After the jubilation of the birth, Mums may experience conflicting emotions due to loss of sleep, fatigue, problems breast-feeding. By continuing reflexology treatments after the birth of their child, it is reported that most experience a reduction in pain and a higher state of relaxation. Practitioners also claim that repeated treatments promote lymphatic drainage, which reduces swelling, and reduces breast mastitis.

All this can help enhance the bonding by removing physical issues that may cause a distraction. Many Mums also report that regular reflexology sessions have reduced postpartum depression or eliminated it entirely.

Before engaging in a maternity reflexology treatment, the patient should always notify her doctor to be sure that she does not have any contraindicated conditions. These are conditions in which reflexology should not be performed. In addition, she should always be sure her reflexology practitioner is fully qualified to practice maternity reflexology.