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MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a wonderful therapy that can be used safely to help to treat minor disorders during pregnancy, labour and post pregnancy.

During this beautiful and special time, as the baby develops and grows, the mother goes through physical, mental and emotional changes in a very short period of time.

Reflexology can help alleviate many of the common symptoms of pregnancy and it can provide many benefits for both the mother and baby.  It is also a great tool to help the pregnancy to be as stress-free as possible, to optimise health and balance the body systems.

Reflexology can help the following conditions:

  • Fatigue, Nausea, Morning Sickness, Dizziness/Constipation

  • Anaemia

  • Heart Burn

  • Normal Oedema/Water retention

  • Anxiety, stress, insomnia

  • Skin rashes/itchy skin

  • Restless legs, Leg Cramps

  • Backache, Sciatica

  • Pregnancy Diabetes

  • Cystitis

When is the best time to start reflexology treatments?

It is recommended to start the treatments when you are 12 weeks pregnant or more and have had your first scan before you start. Reflexology is recommended by many maternity hospitals in Dublin for various symptoms during pregnancy. Even if you are just looking for a treatment to aim relaxation you should always check with your doctor or midwife that they are happy for you to start the treatments.

When is reflexology not appropriate during pregnancy?

Even though reflexology is a very safe therapy there are some contraindications where treatment isn’t suitable and it is recommended that you should immediately seek medical intervention. 

  • Threatened miscarriage/Bleeding

  • Toxaemia: Eclampsia, pre-eclampsia- severe headaches, severe oedema

  • Unstable Diabetes

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis

  • Placental Separation/Placenta Praevia

  • Recent Surgery in the foot area

Reflexology is a safe therapy and does not interfere with the viability of the pregnancy. However, it is recommended to wait until 12 weeks to start the treatment, when the pregnancy is well established
 

 Benefits of reflexology during pregnancy and labour:

  • Reduce morning sickness

  • Helps relieve heartburn and indigestion, constipation and haemorrhoids, lower back pain and labour sciatica.

  • The length of labour can be reduced by having regular reflexology treatment in the weeks prior to the expected date of delivery.

  • Prepares the body for labour by balancing the body systems, especially the endocrine system which rules the labour process

  • During labour, Reflexology can be used to boost energy and aid relaxation between contractions. It helps with pain control by stimulating the production of endorphins.

  • Babies born to mothers who had regular reflexology are very calm, suckle better and are less prone to colic.

  • Using reflexology after labour can help expel the reteined placenta, promote healing of episiotomies, will encourage breast milk production and can help relieve urinary retention.

Post labour benefits with reflexology

  • Aids mother’s milk flow

  • Balance, re-energises the body  

  • Helps with post natal depression

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Helps the Uterus to return to its original state

Laura is a registered member of the National Registered Reflexologist of Ireland (NRRI). As a member of NRRI her reflexology treatments are recognised and partially covered by most health insurance including Irish Life, Laya Health Care and VHI. For more information on whether your health plan covers for reflexology treatments please contact your insurance provider directly.

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