Lull Reflexology | Pregnancy & Women’s Wellbeing Reflexology | East Dulwich

The Journey Of Pregnancy |

Maternity & Preparation For Birth Reflexology

Pregnancy is a wonderful time to experience Reflexology. In fact, I became fascinated with the therapy (and later decided to train as a practitioner) after receiving Reflexology whilst pregnant with my first child. I absolutely love working with women during this amazing, life-changing journey. It is a huge privilege and wonderful to be able to give mums-to-be and their 'bumps' an hour to relax and connect with their baby/babies.

In addition to my Reflexology diploma course I chose to consolidate my training and gain a deeper understanding of maternity work with a post-graduate course in Prenatal, Maternity and Postnatal Reflexology under the tuition of Sally Earlam; Maternity Specialist and Training and Education Manager for The Association Of Reflexologists.

Over the past 9 years I have specifically focused on Maternity work and have solid experience of having worked with hundreds of pregnant women with a wide range of pregnancy needs. I am also proud to be a part of the multi-disciplinary YESMUM Hypnobirthing Family of practitioners, handpicked as their Maternity Reflexologist. I have also been featured in Hollie De Cruz’s book Your Baby, Your Birth.

Why Maternity Reflexology?

Maternity reflexology is a safe, gentle, deeply relaxing therapy that supports the natural processes of pregnancy and childbirth and can help to enhance a woman's sense of well-being as she navigates the sometimes challenging physical, physiological and emotional changes bought about by pregnancy.

Two studies have shown that reflexology in early labour significantly reduced pain during labour (1) and reduced the length of the first stage of labour (1). Reflexology following birth improved quality of sleep in post-natal women (2).

(1) VALIANI M ET AL (2010) Reviewing the effect reflexology on pain and outcomes of labour or primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 15 (Dec) pg 302-310. 2) LI C-Y ET Al (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve the quality of sleep amongst post partum women. Midwifery 27. Pg 181-186.

Since Maternity Reflexology follows slightly different protocols to a 'non-pregnant' Reflexology session, I will explain below the way that my approach changes and evolves during trimesters.

Reflexology In The First Trimester

There is no reason why Reflexology cannot be enjoyed throughout your entire pregnancy. Many Reflexologists receive clients from day one, especially if they have been supporting women during the preconception phase.

Whilst there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that Reflexology can cause a miscarriage, since miscarriage is sadly statistically more likely to occur during the first trimester some clients may prefer to have had their 12-week scan before starting sessions.

Reflexology in the first trimester can help to ease common pregnancy concerns such as digestive upset, difficulty in sleeping and muscular-skeletal issues. It can also be beneficial for women who have previously experienced the devastation of losing a baby, in helping to manage stress and anxiety.

Reflexology In The Second Trimester & Up To 37 Weeks

In the second trimester Reflexology supports clients aiding relaxation, stress reduction and improved sleep. I also include lymphatic drainage movements which can help with general, uncomfortable pregnancy-related oedema in the feet and ankles that doesn't have a pathological cause - i.e, the swelling is not a symptom of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia.

From the second trimester you will be seated for Reflexology on the treatment couch with the back elevated and propped with comfortable pillows behind you and underneath your body to support the lumbar spine, knees and feet. This is avoid supine hypertension and to follow safe maternity treatment practice.

Reflexology In The Third Trimester Post 37 Weeks

After 37 weeks we can either continue treatments as before or we can tailor reflexology sessions in the lead up to birth, this is called a Preparation For Birth session. These treatments include specific reflexes that are believed to be beneficial in the run up labour.

Having completed TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Pregnancy Reflexology I am also qualified to use some key acupressure points found on the meridians of the feet and legs.

Additionally, deep relaxation is a cornerstone of this treatment, gently guiding the body into the optimum calm, endorphin-rich state conducive for natural labour to begin.

Professional training advises at least two gentler Preparation For Birth sessions before practitioners begin using deeper pressure. This is because holistic therapies can occasionally trigger reactions which, though considered a normal and positive after effect of reflexology, may be minimised during pregnancy by slowly building up pressure over a series of weeks.

For more information on Preparation For Birth & Moxa For Breech Babies please see here

Frequently Asked Maternity Reflexology Questions

Q. Help!! I'm 41 weeks + pregnant and I've had enough. I've heard that Reflexology can induce my baby, please say it's true?

A. Reflexologists can't induce babies because induction is a medical procedure, but at a time when fear and anxiety (which is not conducive to labour) may be running high Reflexology can help to very effectively counter stress. For post-dates clients I would adapt sessions with specific reflex work and include lots of lovely tension and stress-release movements to calm the mind and body. I may also include optional visualisation techniques to help you to focus on connecting with your baby. To discuss Reflexology if you are post dates, contact me directly here

Q. How Many Maternity Treatments Do I Need?

A. Fortnightly or monthly sessions throughout pregnancy are recommended and it’s always beneficial to start sooner rather than later. moving to once weekly at 37 weeks.

However, if you are nearing the end of your pregnancy and/or are post-dates and haven't had reflexology previously then definitely do still consider a treatment.

Reflexology will give you all the benefits of relaxation, a sounder nights sleep and supports your body naturally as it works towards labour.

Q. Can Reflexology Turn A Breech Baby?

A. Again, Reflexologists certainly can't claim to turn breech babies. Here we would focus on creating a deep sense of calm to ease tension in the body and soften tense muscles with the intention of creating 'space' for baby to possibly turn if they are willing/able.

I am also trained in Moxa For Reflexologists which allows me to offer a treatment including Moxibustion on specific acupressure points on the little toes which have an energising and descending motion traditionally used in TCM to encourage breech babies to turn.

I can also give you instruction on how to use Moxa at home to consolidate treatment. For more information on Reflexology and Breech Babies please see here.

Q. I'm Post Dates And Booked For A Membrane Sweep. Is It Okay To Have Reflexology On The Same Day?
A. Yes, absolutely. There is no issue with booking a session before or after a membrane sweep. Either are a great time to have treatment!

Q. My Waters Have Broken But I'm Not Having Contractions. Can I Still Have Reflexology?
A. Provided you are at home and have midwife consent, then there is no reason why you cannot have Reflexology. Hospital visits can also be made but would require the consent of your obstetrician.

Q. I'm In The Latent Phase Of Early Labour And Contractions Are Intermittent. Can I Have Reflexology?
A.Yes, again with consent from your midwife there is no reason why you cannot receive Reflexology to support early labour. Sessions can be adapted and I can work around you. For more information on Reflexology and early labour please contact me here

Contraindications To Maternity Reflexology

‘The following situations are contraindicated in pregnancy. DVT (deep vein thrombosis), pre-eclampsia, pre-term labour, polyhdramnios, oligohydramnios, vaginal bleeding, placental abruption. Women with placenta previa can receive Reflexology after discussion.’

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