Labour Wellness

For a short & productive labour Reflexology can help

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a wonderful relaxing therapy, A complimentary healing therapy where every organ, gland and body part is said to be reflected (mirrored) in the feet, hands and ears and that by working these areas in a certain way balance may be restored to the body

and can be used safely during pregnancy, labour and post pregnancy.

Preparing for birth

In the third trimester , as you prepare for birth, having weekly reflexology treatments can reduce labour time to between 4-6 hours. This is achieved by boosting the production of Oxycontin from the pituitary gland so that every contraction is productive.

As a result, only a small number of contractions are required to deliver your baby and the need for pain relief is reduced.

Reducing the likelihood of induction

UK based obstetrician, Dr Gowri Motha conducted a study on the effects of reflexology during pregnancy and the results indicated that while the UK standard rate of induction is 21%, patients having 9 or more reflexology treatments had reduced the rate by 70% to only 6.5%.

So if you have had a previous delivery where intervention was required or you are anxious about giving birth having regular reflexology treatments can be very beneficial.

Improving induction success There are many reasons why a pregnant woman may need to be induced. She may have an underlying medical condition, the baby may not be thriving or she may be past her due date.

When is Reflexology is not appropriate in pregnancy?

Even though Reflexology is mostly a safe therapy, some conditions are totally unsuitable to Reflexology during Pregnancy and they require immediate medical intervention:

Placenta praevia
Bleeding
Continuous vomiting
Toxaemia: Pre-Eclampsia & Eclampsia
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Always speak with your GP if you have any concerns

Reflexology and Labour

Reflexology can be used during Labour with the following results:

The length of labour can be very much reduced by having regular treatments in the weeks prior to your expectant delivery date
Reflexology can be used during labour to help boost energy levels and aid muscle relaxation between contractions
It can stimulate the production of natural endorphins during labour
After birth Reflexology babies are very calm, suckle better and are less prone to coli

Benefits of Reflexology

Improved nerve function

Boost energy levels

Increased circulation

Elimination of toxins

Speed healing, as cells grow faster and wounds are able to heal quickly

Deeply relaxing