FOOTWORKS
Reflexology in Basingstoke and surrounding areas

Maternity Reflexology for Pregnancy and beyond

"I am committed to the best possible birth experience for you and your baby, naturally"

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Pregnancy is one of the most special conditions a woman can experience in life. However, hormonal changes occur dramatically both physically and emotionally. You may feel very different even within the first few weeks. Treatments from a professional Maternity Reflexologist will support you through each of the trimesters and prepare your body for the best possible birth experience.

Research carried out in 1993/1994 by Dr Gowri Motha showed that first time pregnant mums who received at least nine maternity reflexology treatments during their pregnancy, had far shorter birthing times than those who did not have reflexology. On average, their labours lasted 5-6 hours and they required significantly less pain relief too.

"Over my third pregnancy I have felt physically well, especially after reflexology treatments. Being able to relax and let someone work on you is a very personal issue, especially during pregnancy. I as made to feel completely at ease by Sally. Following 2 previous painful deliveries, this time I only needed gas and air during a 4 hour labour! I recovered very quickly following the birth and was out walking the baby within 24 hours. Fantastic."

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So how can Maternity Reflexology help?

Every woman has a different experience of pregnancy and often no two pregnancies are alike. Relaxation is the key and taking time out for yourself and the new life growing within, is the best investment you can make. An hour of peaceful therapy will leave you feeling refreshed and energised to cope with the pressures of daily life and pregnancy.

"I benefited from reflexology in many ways during my pregnancy but what I looked forward to most was having an hour to myself after a hectic day at work. The sessions were so relaxing and took away a lot of my aches and pains and I always had a good night's sleep afterwards."


Maternity reflexology may effectively benefit these and other conditions:

• nausea and morning sickness
  
• anaemia
  
• anxiety and mood swings
  
• back pain
  
• regulation of blood pressure (other than eclampsia and pre-eclampsia)
  
• constipation
  
• insomnia
  
• muscle fatigue
  
• muscular tension
  
• swollen ankles (oedema)
  
• cramp
  
• heartburn and acid reflux
  
• improve flexibility of pelvic floor
  
• urinary tract problems

Breech Position Baby
By using specific techniques it is possible for an experienced reflexologist to encourage a 'breech baby' to turn. Your midwife's consent is necessary before trying this procedure.

"At my 31 and 34 week checks my baby was in the breech position and my midwife recommended reflexology to encourage the baby to turn. As I was keen for a normal delivery, I contacted Sally to give it a go. She told me not to expect miracles but set about attending to specific points for pregnancy niggles I had described and of course for encouraging the baby to turn. The sense of relaxation following the session was incredible, as was the uninterrupted sleep that night.

I continued throughout the next week to follow the advice regarding kneeling positions and applied gentle pressure to the points Sally had showed me. I was amazed and relieved when the midwife informed me at 36 weeks that the baby was head down and only need go a little further to fully engage. All being well, and with Sally's help, I hope to go on to deliver my baby in the most natural way possible"

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Postnatal Reflexology

Congratulations again! You're now a mummy. You have experienced enormous changes, both physically and emotionally, over the last nine months and now this little person has taken over your life. It is so important that you are given the time and opportunity to recover from the whole birthing experience and to regain your strength and fitness. You have some busy times ahead!

If possible (and yes I do appreciate how hard it is to find 'me' time) have a reflexology treatment once a week for the first 12 weeks.


Reflexology may help:

• to restore your sleep patterns
  
• your milk let-down if you are breastfeeding
  
• the uterus to contract and return to its normal size and tone
  
• recovery following a Caesarean section
  
• to alleviate anxiety and 'babyblues'
  
• ease digestive problems
  
• to encourage your menstrual cycle to return to normal
  
• give you calm and relaxation when sleep is in short supply!

Please note that early 'baby blues' and Postnatal Depression should not be confused. PND will not be diagnosed until after your baby is 6 weeks old and it can affect not only the mother but father too. You must seek professional medical advice from your GP and please, don't try to weather it out or in any way think it reflects on your parenting skills. Reflexology treatments will bring you physically and emotionally back into balance.

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Other Maternity care you may like to consider...

Fitmama offers private and class tuition to get you 'birthfit'. Marie Behenna-Moran will teach you gentle Pilates, abdominal strength exercises, breathing techniques and relaxation.
www.fitmama.org


Harmony Hypnobirthing with Fiona Miller offers tuition and support to you and your partner so that come The Birth Day you will feel calm, in control and experience the birth you always anticipated.
For more details contact Fiona
fiona@harmonyhypnobirthing.co.uk

I also recommend you read Gentle Birth Method by Dr Gowri Motha, a top London obstetrician for her common sense approach and total inspiration.

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If you have any queries or would like to book a Maternity Reflexology treatment please call me on 01256 882133 or 07796 908890 or click here to send me an email.

FOOTWORKS, for reflexology, maternity reflexology and reiki, is easily accessible from Basingstoke, Bramley, Reading, Odiham, Hook, Hartley Wintney, Oakley and Overton