Reflexology is a wonderful and very relaxing therapy which you can choose to have during pregnancy. It is regarded as very safe and can improve your general well-being and help the body to adjust to the major hormonal changes which are occurring during this time. Treatments can help ease many of the discomforts and ailments commonly associated with pregnancy. These can include anything from nausea, backache, digestive problems, anxieties, tension and sleeplessness. Research has shown that regular Reflexology treatments during pregnancy can shorten the duration of labour, with many women requiring less pain relief.

What happens during a treatment?

As with all new clients, you will be taken through a Client Consultation Questionnaire to help me find out about your general state of health, wellbeing, life style and to help me to understand any pregnancy specific concerns you may be facing. Only shoes and socks need to be removed and you will then be made comfortable in a relaxed, reclined position (to your comfort and dependant on the stage of pregnancy) on the couch ready for your treatment. I would then begin focusing on various reflex points on the feet with the emphasis on relaxation. It is the aim that the treatment be very pleasant and soothing. The treatment itself will last approximately one hour but extra time should be allowed for the first treatment.

Do I need to get permission from my obstetric caregiver?

It is strongly recommended that you inform your obstetrician/midwife/G.P. that you wish to have Reflexology. If they have advised you not to receive complementary treatments on medical grounds, naturally it would be my duty to respect their wishes.

Is it safe?

Reflexology is a very safe holistic therapy that works in harmony with your body and it cannot make your body do something that it does not want to do. Around 98% of all early miscarriages are thought to be caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. In this situation, sadly a miscarriage is inevitable and would not have been 'caused' by Reflexology. If there is a viable foetus, it is extremely difficult to dislodge it as Mother Nature is irrepressible in her campaign on ensuring the survival of the species!

Situations where treatment is contra-indicated are DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), Placenta Previa, vaginal bleeding, severe hypertension or history of premature labour. As mentioned earlier, Reflexology is safe to use during pregnancy, however, if you are new to reflexology, you may like to wait until the first trimester has passed and the pregnancy is established before embarking on a treatment. I would also suggest where the mother-to-be is diabetic, she should check her blood sugar before and after treatments, as reflexology can balance the endocrine system and insulin levels.

Post Pregnancy

During pregnancy everything seemed geared to getting you through your pregnancy and to the birth, but it doesn't stop there. Suddenly the focus changes from you, the expectant mum, to the new baby.  Although naturally, he or she will become your first priority, it is very important to look after yourself. By continuing to receive reflexology it can help balance, harmonise and restore your body during this demanding time, and help support as your menstrual cycle returns to normal. It may also be beneficial in helping you cope with 'baby blues' and post natal depression. However, we would always recommend that you consult your G.P. if symptoms of depression persist.

Reflexology for sub fertility

Reflexology can be particularly beneficial if you are experiencing difficulties becoming pregnant. The term sub-fertility is used if conception has not occurred naturally after 12 months of trying for a baby. Sometimes there appears to be no apparent reason for this and, can often happen even if you already have a child. The ability to conceive depends on many factors but it is important that both partners are taken into consideration and in good health to enable this to happen. Due to the demands of modern life, many people fall into patterns of behaviour that they may not realise can have such a big impact on their health, and in particular their fertility. Reflexology can help regulate and balance hormone levels within the body, encourage the body's own natural healing abilities, enhance all body systems to function effectively and very importantly, bring about deep relaxation during, what can be a very emotionally draining time.When a couple are experiencing problems with fertility, it is very important that all aspects of their lifestyle are explored and, together with commitment by both partners to make changes if necessary, can give the best possible chance of a successful outcome.

What if I am taking Fertility drugs?

Reflexology is not recommended when a client is taking Clomid or undergoing an IVF programme. The reason for this is that Reflexology will aim to balance the body to produce a single ovum, which is contradictory to the drug therapy. When the drug treatment has been completed and, with medical permission, Reflexology can commence.

Reflexology in babies and infants

Reflexology is a lovely therapy for young babies and children. They generally respond to treatment very quickly as they don't have the same build up of stresses on their bodies as adults do.

Some conditions which can be relieved by Reflexology are colic, constipation, sleeping difficulties, teething etc. It can help boost the immune system and have a very calming effect. A treatment would be generally comparatively short compared to an adult, maybe 15 minutes or even less. I can also show these techniques to mum or dad so that they can be applied as needed. It is also a lovely way to improve the bonding process.

Please note: Reflexology is intended to 'complement' conventional medicine and should not be regarded as a substitute for medical and obstetric care.