Pregnancy
Conception, pregnancy and birth lead to a huge
change in a couple’s life. It is important to give the body the fuel it needs
to lead to a healthy start for the baby.
Diet, exercise and a positive mind set are all
supportive in this experience.
Reflexology is a great tool to support this
special time in life.
Preconception
and during pregnancy
Preconception
care prepares body and mind for the miracle of conceiving, developing and
birthing a baby. Ideally both partners take part in this preparation at least
four months prior to trying to conceive as this provides the best chance for
the sperm and egg to be healthy.
Some of the things to eliminate
-
Pollutants such as chemical house
cleaners
-
Stress: meditation, relaxation and
deep breathing are useful
-
Sugars, alcohol, nicotine and
caffeine
-
Soft drinks including flavored water
-
Processed foods
Some of the things to include
-
A healthy diet including vegetables,
fruit, and a balanced ratio of protein, carbohydrates and good fats. Eat
organic where possible.
-
Exercise: walking at least three
times a week is a great start.
Any
strenuous exercise needs to be discussed with the doctor/obstetrician/midwife.
Things to consider
-
Discuss any medication taken as they
may affect fertility and later the growing fetus
Maternity
Reflexology
Maternity Reflexology is a specialist modality
under the umbrella of general reflexology. Many midwives in Australia and
overseas are now using these techniques (Rusten, 2010).
The treatments cover all aspects of pregnancy
including infertility, conception, pregnancy, birth and post partum care.
Conception
Reflexology
can help by
-
Stimulating ovulation
-
Removing stress and emotional blocks
to conception
-
Regulating periods and PMT
-
Male sub-fertility
When having
IVF treatments, Reflexology offers deep relaxation, which is important in that
phase. This often supports the body to have the right hormonal balance when the
time comes to harvest the eggs.
During pregnancy
Most women
have a wonderful pregnancy with some fatigue in the first trimester as the
hormones change many body systems to accommodate the growing baby and to
prepare for birth. Some conditions may appear which can be helped with
Reflexology.
Some of
these are:
- Fatigue,
morning sickness and postnatal depression
-
Oedema
-
Pain and discomfort of the symphysis
pubis (pubic joint)
- Lower
back pain
- Cramps
in the legs
- Diabetes
and gestational diabetes
Along
with relaxation, Reflexology supports and empowers mothers-to-be so that they
are relaxed and their bodies are ready to deliver their babies. Research shows
this may result in shorter deliveries.
Postnatal
Birthing
raises many emotions and physical sensations. Reflexology has a balancing and
restoring quality that supports the new mother at this amazing time.
Reflexology
is also beneficial for
- Post Natal Depression (PND), also as prevention
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty with lactation
Baby
Reflexology
Reflexology
helps babies who are suffering from
- Colic
- Constipation
- Reflux
- Sleeping difficulties
References
Enzer, S. (2004). Maternity Reflexology Manual. UK: Hart
Press.
Delpero, V. & Dance, J.
(2007). Stream of Life: Optimal
pregnancy, birth & beyond.
Rusten, K. (2010). Maternity reflexology. Retrieved from http://kimrusten.com/maternity_reflexology
