A - Z Guide

What is Maternity Reflexology?

Maternity Reflexology is a specialist type of reflexology that can help women with common conditions of pregnancy. Maternity Reflexology or Pregnancy Reflexology, can help with nausea, morning sickness, heartburn and carpal tunnel syndrome. Stimulating, relaxing or sedating techniques may also be used in the latter stages of pregnancy and during labour.

Maternity Reflexology During Pregnancy
During pregnancy your body will go through physical and emotional changes as your body prepares for birth. It is therefore important during this time, that you have a chance to relax and look after yourself. If you already have children life may be very hectic, but it is recommended you still need to take a small amount of time out for yourself and the new life growing within. Maternity Reflexology is a great way of taking a little 'you time' as well as helping you with the many affects that pregnancy can have on your body.

Reflexology is a gentle holistic therapy that has a calming and harmonising effect upon the body. Regular maternity reflexology treatments, not simply general reflexology treatments, will help to prepare your body for child birth and also relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy including:

• Morning sickness
  
• Heartburn and other digestive disorders
  
• Hyperemesis (persistant vomiting)
  
• Emotional disturbances and mood swings
  
• Fluid retention
  
• Back pain
  
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  
• Symphysis Pubis dysfunction

Many future mums only find out about reflexology when they are in the final stages of pregnancy, however it is still helpful and beneficial to have a treatment at this time.

Please note that as maternity reflexology complements the skilled work of the midwife, it is important that a midwife's permission is obtained before reflexology treatments can commence.

Maternity Reflexology Assistance with Birth
Research has shown that expectant mums who had regular reflexology treatments throughout their pregnancy, had a marked reduction in the duration of their labour and in addition significantly reduced their need for pain relief.

Val Groome, a specialist in Maternity Reflexology who has worked in the Central Delivery Suite, has found the specialised techniques she uses have really assisted mums whilst in labour. She has also show partners key techniques that can help them become an integral part of the birthing experience.

Maternity Reflexology and Post Natal Care
Following the birth, aftercare of the new mum is extremely important as they will be tired after the birth and expected to know what to do with a new baby which can take its toll. Post Natal reflexology treatments help restore balance to a body that has been affected for nine months both physically and emotionally.

The most important thing for mum's is to relax and enjoy the wonderful experience that is having a child! Pregnancy and delivery are natural, joyous, human events and reflexology can greatly enhance this momentous time.

See more information on Reflexology here or the www.theReflexologyGuide.co.uk or for more information on Pregnancy treatments see www.thePregnancyGuide.co.uk

Source: Val Groome Reflexology www.valgroomereflexology.co.uk