Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the most relaxing complementary therapies you can choose to have during pregnancy.  It is safe* through all trimesters and helps your body adjust to the major changes it is undergoing.

I have undertaken specialist maternity reflexology training which enables me to work confidently with women throughout their entire pregnancy and post-natal period to help with many of the symptoms associated with pregnancy such as:

• Anxiety
• Poor sleep
• Morning sickness
• Pelvic and Lower Back pain
• Constipation and Digestive issues
• Heartburn
• Swollen ankles and feet
• Itching
• Headaches

From 37 weeks onwards, specific reflexology techniques can be applied to help prepare the body for birth.  Reflexology does not induce labour but helps reduce the stress hormones which can delay natural labour.  

A recent study has shown that reflexology in pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour and reduced the length of the first stage of labour ( Valiani M et al ;2010 ' Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour of primiparous women' Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research; 15 Dec p302-310).

Another research study showed that first time mums who received 10 reflexology treatments prior to birth had average labour times of 5-6 hours. It was noted that the group treated with reflexology needed far less pain relief during labour too. ( G Motha and J McGrath - 1992 ' The effects of reflexology on labour outcome').

* If you are suffering from DVT, Pre-eclampsia or placenta previa, please speak to your GP or midwife.

 Postnatal Treatments

Reflexology helps support new mums.  After birth, our hormones take a nose-dive which can have a big effect on emotions, whilst the pressures of caring for a newborn and lack of sleep can increase anxiety.  Regular reflexology treatments can reduce the effects of post-natal depression and also support breastfeeding by helping promote the production of key hormones - prolactin and oxytonin.

You can have your treatment at home if you prefer whilst holding or nursing your baby.

Further research can be found here:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29024881/

Reduction of labour duration for women having reflexology.

https://www.gentlebirthmethod.com/press/press-cuttings-reflexology/reflex-action

Reduction of pregnancy-related symptoms in those having regular reflexology.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6111660/

Effectiveness of reflexology on milk production.