Preparation For Birth & Breech Babies |

One of the most common email/phone call enquiries I receive is from post full term (40 + weeks) mum-to-be enquiring about Reflexology to induce labour.

Often, they may be feeling pressure of medical induction looming and it can be a stressful and anxiety-making time. Friends, relatives or midwives may recommend Reflexology at this stage after positive personal experiences.

I have past clients who are adamant that Reflexology ‘nudged’ them into labour and I am always extremely grateful for recommendations and feedback. However, I feel it necessary to explain what we, as Reflexologists, can truly offer at this stage of pregnancy.

Reflexologists Do Not Induce Labour

Induction is a medical procedure, one in which few of us (with the exception of some midwives who are also Reflexologists) are trained in. It happens under medical supervision and monitoring and not in holistic clinics or treatment rooms.

What Reflexologists can assist with, however, is holding vital space for women to find deep relaxation; a state where anxiety, fear and patterns of emotional and physical stasis can be released.

As a therapy of nurturing touch, Reflexology aids oxytocin release and helps to shift the nervous system from the sympathetic response (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic response (rest and digest). This is the optimum ‘zone’ for labour to begin. A place where mum feels safe and comforted.

I have heard it said that Reflexology is just a foot massage. This isn’t true. It’s far more nuanced. Though a foot massage can be wonderful (and Reflexology does include aspects of massage like effleurage), it’s the ability to tap into the connections with the reflex points on your feet and the organs, systems and glands of your body that make it so profound.

Though subjective, I firmly believe that Reflexology offers an almost unrivalled level of relaxation. It engages the nervous system, guiding clients into the alpha-brainwave state where we hover somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. It is truly restorative.

In addition to relaxation, post 37 weeks we can begin to bring in specific reflex points and systems that may be beneficial in preparation for birth. With training in TCM Pregnancy Reflexology I can also work acupressure points on the feet, ankles, legs, arms and hands in treatments and suggest self-care points for home use.

Five Element Reflexology also allows me to work with tonifying energy. Many heavily pregnant women I meet are busy with work and raising toddlers and/or older children. They are often running on empty in terms of physical and emotional energy.

My goal is to empower you through Reflexology to refill your tank. To view energy as the ancient Chinese and Traditional Chinese Medicine perceives it. A precious reserve that should be ‘banked’ and treasured. A cherished resource that should always fill your own cup first.

When Should I Book Preparation For Birth Treatments?

In an ideal world you will already have been receiving Reflexology during your pregnancy since the benefits are cumulative. Please read The Journey Of Pregnancy for more information on how Maternity Reflexology evolves over the trimesters.

For acute low-risk symptoms of pregnancy, sessions may initially be recommended once a week for a period of time. Then, moving to fortnightly or monthly for clients looking to ‘top-up’ their relaxation and reserves.

Post 37 weeks, weekly treatment is highly recommended. For Preparation For Birth sessions you will need to have received at least two general Pregnancy Reflexology treatments.

This is because Preparation For Birth sessions incorporate a mixture of lighter and deeper pressure. At a deeper pressure there is more potential to experience a healing event, which can best be described as the body finding balance.

This may result in clients feeling temporarily a little unwell. Although this is a positive effect of treatment with pregnant clients we can minimise this potential through working-up, over time, to a deeper treatment.

But I’m 41 + Weeks! Is It Still Worth Having Reflexology? Will It ‘Do’ Anything?

At 41 weeks with no previous Reflexology I would definitely still recommend coming for treatment. I will work all of the areas I would for a Preparation For Birth Session but to minimise a healing event would use a lighter pressure and less focus on certain points.

Will it DO anything is a good question. There are no guarantees. Reflexology can’t force your body to do anything it isn't ready to do. Reflexology is simply an invitation. Your body will take what it needs from treatment and you and your baby will decide how to RSVP.

What I very much believe, after working with hundreds of heavily pregnant women, is that the relaxation aspect of Reflexology alone is hugely valuable and not to be underestimated.

Moxa & Reflexology For Breech Babies

I have trained in Moxa For Reflexologists which allows me to apply this practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine to the feet, legs, arms and hands.

Moxibustion is a form of therapeutic heat. The dried herb mugwort (ai ye in Chinese herbal medicine) is burnt close to acupressure points to create warmth and tonification. In treatments I use mugwort compacted into smokeless sticks.

The aim is to disperse stagnation and create a smoother flow of blood and Qi along the meridian channels using heat and by proxy strengthening the organs associated with the channels. Typically, Moxa is used for deficiency conditions where the body lacks warmth and for pain relief and immunity boosting.

In the case of breech babies, heat from a burning Moxa stick is applied to acupuncture points BL-67 which are located just beneath the lateral bottom corner of the little toe nails. The Moxa stick does not make direct contact with the skin and although warmth at the point should be felt, the treatment is not painful and won’t burn.

Constant dialogue between practitioner and client ensures that the Moxa is removed from BL-67 when the warmth reaches the edge of becoming too hot.

How Does Moxa Encourage Breech Babies To Turn?

The exact mechanism of action of Moxa applied to BL-67 is not known. But it is thought to direct energy downwards to the uterus and may possibly influence maternal hormones encouraging fetal movement. Moxa can be used from 33 to 36 weeks of pregnancy but the most ideal time is around 33-34 weeks.

How Long Do Treatments Take?

Moxa is applied for 15 minutes to each little toe. I follow with 30 minutes of Reflexology focusing on relaxing the spinal reflexes, working on the pelvis and hips and deep nervous system relaxation. The aim is to create a state of relaxation that allows the bodies muscles to soften and relax.

The final 15 minutes of your session will be used to run through the guidelines and safety aspects of continuing Moxa treatment at home.

Moxa & Reflexology sessions require an initial complimentary consultation to gain information regarding your pregnancy and health to assess if it is an appropriate therapy. Treatments include full hand-out instructions and follow-up phone or email contact if you have any questions or concerns. Session price including a Moxa stick is £80.