Lull Reflexology - Maternity Reflexology

Pregnancy is a wonderful time to experience Reflexology. I absolutely love working with women during this amazing, life-changing journey. It is a real privilege and wonderful to be able to give mums-to-be and their babies an hour to relax and connect. Although all Reflexologists who have undertaken a diploma course are ‘technically’ qualified to work with pregnant women, and most will have studied maternity reflexology during their training, it is a field that I believe requires additional knowledge so I highly advise seeking a Reflexologist who has qualified in continuing professional development (CPD) courses such as Maternity and Prenatal and Postnatal Reflexology. I trained with Sally Earlam, Maternity Specialist and Training and Education Coordinator for The Association Of Reflexologists.

What Is Maternity Reflexology?

Essentially, in basic terms, Maternity Reflexology is the practice of giving Reflexology to a woman during pregnancy to help support the natural processes of pregnancy and birth. Holistic therapies adapt to the individual working with the whole person rather than a detached set of symptoms alone.

First Trimester Reflexology – 

Reflexology is a safe, beneficial therapy which can be enjoyed throughout your entire pregnancy. Many reflexologists treat from day one, especially if they have been supporting clients during the preconception phase. However, some choose to begin sessions following the first trimester. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that Reflexology can cause miscarriage but, since miscarriage is sadly statistically more likely to occur during the first trimester, my general feeling is that I prefer for clients to have had their 12 week scan before beginning reflexology treatments. However, if you would like to receive reflexology in the first trimester I am open to discussing your individual circumstances.

Second Trimester Reflexology, Up To 37 Weeks

Here, Reflexology supports clients aiding relaxation, stress reduction and improved sleep. Additionally I focus on reflexes that relate to any current issues clients may be living with such as sinus congestion, back ache, constipation and stomach upset. Sessions are light, gentle and soothing. I also include lymphatic drainage of the calves, ankles and feet, which can help with swelling.

Post 37 weeks, Preparation For Labour

After 37 weeks Reflexology can either continue as before or we can begin building up pressure and paying attention to the reproductive reflexes. Weekly sessions post 37 weeks are highly recommended especially if a client has not had Reflexology throughout her pregnancy.

Many women seeking Reflexology at this stage are looking to ready the body for labour and/or may have passed their due date. Unfortunately, there is no ‘magic button’ I can press to evacuate a baby but I do recognise that Reflexology helps to deeply relax the body and when the body is relaxed, conditions for labour are believed to be optimised.

Professional training now advises at least two/three gentle, balancing sessions before practitioners begin using deeper pressure. This is because holistic therapies can trigger a ‘healing response' that may make clients feel temporarily unwell. This is considered a normal after effect but any reaction can be minimized during pregnancy by slowly building up pressure over a series of sessions.

If a client has not had Reflexology prior to presenting after 37 weeks (or if a client presents for a single session when 'overdue'), treatment pressure will be lighter. As each individual reacts differently to the therapy this does not mean a lighter sequence is necessarily lesser.  

In Summary - 

* Maternity Reflexology is a safe and beneficial touch therapy where practitioners apply pressure (using the thumbs and fingers) to reflex points on the soles, sides and surfaces of the feet.

* Ideally choose a Maternity Reflexologist who has undertaken additional training.

* Lull Reflexology offers sessions from 14 weeks to clients whose pregnancies are progressing without *complications. Up until 37 weeks the focus is on relaxation and supporting clients physically and emotionally during their pregnancy.

* After 37 weeks sessions working the reproductive reflexes on the feet can begin if the client wishes.

* At least two/three balancing sessions are recommended before deeper pressure is applied to the reflexes.

* If your pregnancy is high risk and you would like to receive Reflexology please do get in touch and I will advise if I have the necessary experience level or will do my best to help you to find a practitioner who can. 

I hope you’ve found this information useful and if you have any questions regarding Maternity Reflexology or Post-Natal Reflexology please do email me at info@lullreflexology.com

Warm wishes,

Hannah

www.lullreflexology.com