Pregnancy

BIRTH

Reflexology can play an important role during the birth. Many women have reflexology to try and encourage labour, if they are overdue. Due to its superb relaxation qualities, reflexology may help lower levels of adrenalin and cortisol, which then allows the body to release of oxytocin, the hormone that starts uterine contractions.  During labour, reflexology might help to keep the body relaxed and calm and may be useful for pain control as it can steady the nerves as the contractions become stronger.  It will also help keep your body calm and in control.  It is advised that you have at least two reflexology treatments prior to term before receiving labour promoting reflexology, but this is not essential.

POST-NATAL PERIOD

Babies tend to throw your world upside-down as you battle with loss of sleep, strange routines, lactation, stress, frustration, tiredness and loss of energy.  Reflexology may help put all these things into perspective, keeping you calm and helping you to cope should it become difficult.

The balancing, harmonising, and restoring qualities of reflexology therapy are superb. Even if a woman has had a straightforward, trouble free labour, her entire system will appreciate balancing back to a non-pregnant state, and after all that hard work she deserves a relaxing reflexology session.

After childbirth, many parents experience physical and emotional stress. A reflexology session may:

• Encourage deep relaxation.
• Reduce feelings of tension and anxiety.
• Provide dedicated time for self-care during a demanding period.
• The relaxation response itself can have positive effects on overall well-being.

May improve sleep quality   Sleep is often disrupted with a newborn. While reflexology won’t eliminate nighttime waking, many new mums report:

• Falling asleep more easily.
• Feeling more rested after treatment.
• Better quality sleep between feeds.

Supports physical recovery    Many women report relief from common postnatal discomforts, such as:

• Muscle tension in the back, shoulders, and neck.
• Tired or aching feet.
• General feelings of fatigue.

May help emotional well-being    The postpartum period can bring significant hormonal and emotional changes. Reflexology may:

• Create a calming environment.
• Encourage feelings of balance and well-being.
• Help reduce mild stress and promote positive mood.

It is not a treatment for postnatal depression or anxiety disorders but may give you a little space to rest as it is known to improve wellbeing and mood.

Anyone experiencing persistent low mood, anxiety, or distress should seek assessment from a healthcare professional.

May support breastfeeding indirectly    Reflexology may improve milk supply by balancing hormones. At present, there is no strong scientific evidence to support this, however, because stress can affect breastfeeding for some people, relaxation may indirectly make feeding feel easier or more comfortable.

Is it safe?    For most healthy women, reflexology is considered low/no risk when performed by a qualified, experienced practitioner. It may not be appropriate if you have:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Severe foot injuries or infections.
• Certain circulatory disorders.
• Pregnancy related complications that are still being medically managed.

If you’ve had a caesarean birth or experienced complications, it’s sensible to check with your midwife, GP, or obstetric team before booking a session.

Postnatal reflexology offers many benefits primarily through relaxation, stress reduction, and enhanced feelings of well-being, which is incredibly valuable during recovery after childbirth.

BABY – THE NEW ARRIVAL

Reflexology is not just for mums – babies can benefit too.  Reflexology may help to alleviate any small problems babies may have, such as:

• digestive disorders
• skin problems
• colic
• jaundice
• teething
• coughs & colds
• sleep problems
• irritability
• ear & respiratory problems

Treatments may also help calm a baby after the trauma of labour and delivery and may also help with sleep problems.

Happy, contented babies will benefit from regular reflexology too as it will help to keep them calm and comfortable.  General, all over loving and nurturing massage will gentle the distress felt by baby and mum.  Please visit my Baby Reflex page for more information about my workshops for parents.