CONGRATULATIONS MAMA-TO-BE!
Would you like to know how pregnancy massage, reflexology and aromatherapy can support you during this special time? You’re in the right place!
Pregnancy is a time of momentuous change. It can be a time of great happiness and contentment, but also one where your body is placed under increased strain. Furthermore, you may also experience anxiety over how your life is changing and how you will adapt when baby is born.
As a mum of six, I know well the pleasures, but also the pains that pregnancy can bring. It is this personal experience that is a drive behind my passion for supporting pregnant and postpartum women.
HOW PREGNANCY MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY CAN HELP ME?
Carrying a baby (or more!) leads to an increased weight load on your body. This places all kinds of strain on your muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Pregnancy massage, in particular, is probably best known for being able to help ease the tightness, reducing levels of pain and discomfort. However, all three therapies help to increase dopamine and serotonin, and lower cortisol and norepinephrine levels. This helps to reduce tension that can lead to headaches; tiredness and fatigue; stress and anxiety.
Pregnancy also places an additional demand on your circulatory system, leading to swelling and general ‘sluggishness’. Massage is particularly helpful at reducing swelling and helping improve the circulation of oxygen and nutrients around the body.
Further more, improving circulation supports your skin as it is called to stretch and is affected by changing levels of hormones. It helps to bring welcome additional nourishment and pliability through carefully chosen oils and gentle manipulation. As a qualified aromatherapist and Weleda Wellbeing Advisor I’m well placed to offer you advice on caring for your skin!
Pregnancy reflexology (maternity reflexology) is a popular choice during pregnancy. It can take place clothed (handy when you’re at the point of struggling to get undressed!) In addition, it can take place seated.
Studies have shown that:
- 6 weekly treatments of reflexology prior to giving birth for women who experienced low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy significantly reduced the second stage of labour by 44.3 minutes. (McCullough J et al. 2017)
- Two studies have shown that reflexology in pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour (Valiani M et al. 2010 & M Dolatian et al. 2011) and reduced the length of the first stage of labour (Valiani M et al. 2010)
Pregnancy therapies can also be beneficial for baby too! As they grow, babies can feel gentle abdominal massage and may respond with a kick (or more!) Plus, studies have also shown that unborn babies are also affected by any stress that their mother is experiencing, so a relaxed mum equals relaxed baby.
My approach as a complementary therapist is to look to work with an holistic blend of the therapies that I offer in a way that I feel best supports your needs. As such, most of my appointments are based by appointment time, rather than a specific therapy.