Val Groome Reflexology

Pregnancy and delivery are natural, joyous, human events and pregnancy reflexology can greatly enhance this momentous time.

Val Groome

MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY SPECIALIST
MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY TUTOR

REFLEXOLOGY DURING PREGNANCY AND LABOUR
Maternity Reflexology is a specialised therapy and I would advise any mum-to-be ONLY to have treatments with a reflexologist qualified in MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY. On the Welcome page I have explained my journey into Maternity Reflexology. I work regularly on patients suffering from nausea, morning sickness, hyperemisis, heartburn and carpal tunnel syndrome all these common "conditions of pregnancy" can be helped with reflexology. Pelvic girdle pain (Symphysis pubis dysfunction) can be debilitating and I have found using specific reflexology techniques can be extremely effective for this painful condition. In the latter stages of pregnancy and during labour I use stimulating, relaxing or sedating "Preparation for birth" techniques appropriate for the mum-to-be and her baby.
When you find out that you are expecting a baby, nothing will have prepared you for the huge physical and emotional changes happening within as your body prepares for birth. I am pleased to say Maternity Reflexology is helpful and beneficial throughout pregnancy and labour, many future mums only find out about Maternity Reflexology when they are in the final stages of pregnancy and yes having a treatment can still make a big difference to your labour.

Look down at at your feet
The two feet together represent the whole body, when treating the feet I imagine a body shape overlaying the feet, each organ, gland and nerve has a reflex area on the feet. The two big toes are the head, the heels are the bottom and all parts in between are in proportion to the body I am treating. The outside anklebones represent the hips and the inside anklebones imitate the internal pelvis. Below the inside anklebones, towards the sole, the tissue becomes quite puffy THIS IS THE REFLEX FOR YOUR BABY. As the baby grows in the womb so does the puffy area on your feet. My advice is not to wear shoes or socks that leave marks across these reflex areas as they could become over stimulated.

Reflexology is a gentle holistic therapy that has a calming and harmonising effect upon the body. Regular maternity reflexology treatments, NOT general reflexology treatments, will help to prepare your body for child birth and can also relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy including:

Morning sickness

Heartburn and other digestive disorders

Hyperemesis (persistant vomiting)

Emotional disturbances and mood swings

Fluid retention

Back pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pelvic Girdle Pain (Symphysis Pubis dysfunction)

Please note that as maternity reflexology complements the skilled work of the midwife, it is important that a midwife's permission is obtained before reflexology treatments can commence.

PREPARATION FOR BIRTH
I have attended many births and I have found the specialised 'Preparation for Birth' techniques I use, have really helped mums through their contractions and reduced the need for pain relief. I also show partners key techniques that can help them become an integral part of the birthing experience.

Sometimes expectant mums may not have their babies until well after their estimated "due date", which may result in them needing a medical induction to start and accelerate labour. With the agreement of the midwife a Specialised Maternity Reflexology treatment at this late stage of pregnancy can help the body to relax, often resulting in spontaneous labour and preventing the need for medical intervention.

Research has shown that expectant mums who had regular maternity reflexology treatments throughout their pregnancy, had a marked reduction in the duration of their labour.


POST-NATAL CARE
Following the birth, aftercare of the new mum is extremely important, tired after the birth and being expected to know what to do with a new baby can take its toll.
Please remember that postnatal reflexology treatments help restore balance to a body that has been affected for nine months both physically and emotionally.

THIS IS THE IDEAL TIME TO GIVE A REFLEXOLOGY GIFT VOUCHER.