Reflexology
in Pregnancy
|
I
have been fortunate enough to treat many expectant mothers during
their pregnancy, some of whom came to me with conception problems and
wanted to continue with treatments throughout and after their pregnancy!
Much
of the advice that follows came from a seminar I attended held by
Susanne Ezner, a midwife and reflexologist of many years standing who
is also an author of "Reflexology - A Tool for Midwives"
and "Maternity Reflexology - A Guide Book for Reflexologists".
Her
book, Maternity Reflexology - A Guide Book for Reflexologists, has
been my bible on this topic ever since! |
 |
One
interesting point about pregnancy is how little say the mother has
in the proceedings. In fact, the first three months are dominated by
a hormone, Human Chronic Gonadotrophin (HCG), which is produced by
the foetus and which can sometimes make the expectant mother feel lousy!
The
mother's body responds to the growing baby by producing 'relaxin',
an ovarian hormone, that works to soften the pelvic ligaments to
prepare for birth. The baby's head must be able to emerge, but poor
mum often suffers considerable aches and pains as her body adjusts to
accommodate her baby's entry into the world. |
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This
is where Reflexology can be of enormous support in making her
adjustment to hormonal output less uncomfortable.
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Reflexology
has achieved a good name in gynaecology and obstetrics and is useful
in helping couples to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth (it is
ideal if both partners are prepared to receive treatments)
-
It
can also help in cases where some couples have problems conceiving
(preferably by treating both partners)
-
It
gives support to the mother through the enormous physical, mental
and emotional changes that occur in pregnancy
-
It
can help the mother in labour and delivery and afterwards in
recovery from the birth.
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Reflexology
can be helpful to a mother adjusting to coping with a new baby
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Reflexology
can also support the mother as her menstrual cycle returns to normal.
Providing
the mother-to-be wants to receive reflexology and the reflexologist
feels happy to give it, there are very few real contra-indications.
Your reflexologist will discuss any concerns you may have regarding
treatments and will satisfy him/herself that all is in order before
going ahead with the treatment.
Reasons
for treating with caution would be where:
* When they may have a Deep Vein Thrombosis and it would not be wise
to stimulate the circulation.
* If there is a risk of eclampsia, where the woman has hypertension
in conjunction with oedema and protein urea.
In
cases where the mother-to be is diabetic she should be asked to
check her blood sugar before and after treatments, as reflexology
helps to balance the endocrine system and insulin production.
It
is as well to remember that conception, pregnancy and birth are
natural processes and not a 'condition'.
Much
of the above information has been given at a seminar held by Susanne
Ezner, a midwife and reflexologist of many years standing who is also
an author of "Reflexology - A Tool for Midwives" and
"Maternity Reflexology - A Guide Book for Reflexologists".
RESEARCH
REPORTS
Childbirth
Of
593 women who gave birth at the Gentofte Hospital in 1988, 103 chose
reflexology as an alternative to both pain killing drugs and to
labour stimulating and inducing drugs. Of sixty-eight women who chose
reflexology with no analgesic drugs, sixty one(89.71%) stated that
reflexology had helped reduce pain., six (8.82%) felt no effect, and,
one had increased pain in spite of reflexology treatment. Four of the
sixty-one women who were helped by reflexology also required pain
medication. Of forty-nine women who chose reflexology to stimulate
labor, twenty-four gave birth without additional drug treatment.
Fourteen women who were candidates for surgical delivery, received
reflexology treatment between 30 and 60 minutes of birth. Eleven
(78.57%) were then able to discharge the placenta. The other three
had it surgically removed. All participants, except one, found the
reflexology treatments extremely pleasant.
"Easier
Births Using Reflexology." By Gabriella Bering Liisberg,
"Tidsskrift for Jordemodre", No. 3, 1989.
Milk
secretion in new mothers
*
Results of study: Women who have recently given birth lactate
earlier and more satisfactorily when given foot reflexology work. Siu-lan,
Li, "Galactagogue Effect of Foot Reflexology in 217 Parturient
Women," (19)96 Beijing International Reflexology Conference
(Report), China Preventive Medical Association and the Chinese
Society of Reflexology, Beijing, 1996 p. 14
All content within this website is provided for
general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute
for the medical advice of your own doctor. Please consult your GP if
you are in any way concerned about your health. Complementary
medicine can work alongside conventional treatment in many cases.