Preparation For Birth & Breech Babies |

One of the most common email/phone call enquiries I receive is from post full term (40 + weeks) mum-to-be enquiring about Reflexology to induce labour.

Often, they may be feeling pressure of medical induction looming and it can be a stressful and anxiety-making time. Friends, relatives or midwives may recommend Reflexology at this stage after positive personal experiences.

I have past clients who are adamant that Reflexology ‘nudged’ them into labour and I am always extremely grateful for recommendations and feedback. However, I feel it necessary to explain what we, as Reflexologists, can truly offer at this stage of pregnancy.

Reflexologists Do Not Induce Labour

Induction is a medical procedure, one in which few of us (with the exception of some midwives who are also Reflexologists) are trained in. It happens under medical supervision and monitoring and not in holistic clinics or treatment rooms.

What Reflexologists can assist with, however, is holding vital space for women to find deep relaxation; a state where anxiety, fear and patterns of emotional and physical stasis can be released.

As a therapy of nurturing touch, Reflexology aids oxytocin release and helps to shift the nervous system from the sympathetic response (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic response (rest and digest). This is the optimum ‘zone’ for labour to begin. A place where mum feels safe and comforted.

I have heard it said that Reflexology is just a foot massage. This isn’t true. It’s far more nuanced. Though a foot massage can be wonderful (and Reflexology does include aspects of massage like effleurage), it’s the ability to tap into the connections with the reflex points on your feet and the organs, systems and glands of your body that make it so profound.

Though subjective, I firmly believe that Reflexology offers an almost unrivalled level of relaxation. It engages the nervous system, guiding clients into the alpha-brainwave state where we hover somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. It is truly restorative.

In addition to relaxation, post 37 weeks we can begin to bring in specific reflex points and systems that may be beneficial in preparation for birth. With training in TCM Pregnancy Reflexology I can also work acupressure points on the feet, ankles, legs, arms and hands in treatments and suggest self-care points for home use.

Five Element Reflexology also allows me to work with tonifying energy. Many heavily pregnant women I meet are busy with work and raising toddlers and/or older children. They are often running on empty in terms of physical and emotional energy.

My goal is to empower you through Reflexology to refill your tank. To view energy as the ancient Chinese and Traditional Chinese Medicine perceives it. A precious reserve that should be ‘banked’ and treasured. A cherished resource that should always fill your own cup first.

When Should I Book Preparation For Birth Treatments?

In an ideal world you will already have been receiving Reflexology during your pregnancy since the benefits are cumulative. Please read The Journey Of Pregnancy for more information on how Maternity Reflexology evolves over the trimesters.

For acute low-risk symptoms of pregnancy, sessions may initially be recommended once a week for a period of time. Then, moving to fortnightly or monthly for clients looking to ‘top-up’ their relaxation and reserves.

Post 37 weeks, weekly treatment is highly recommended. For Preparation For Birth sessions you will need to have received at least two general Pregnancy Reflexology treatments.

This is because Preparation For Birth sessions incorporate a mixture of lighter and deeper pressure. At a deeper pressure there is more potential to experience a healing event, which can best be described as the body finding balance.

This may result in clients feeling temporarily a little unwell. Although this is a positive effect of treatment with pregnant clients we can minimise this potential through working-up, over time, to a deeper treatment.

But I’m 41 + Weeks! Is It Still Worth Having Reflexology? Will It ‘Do’ Anything?

At 41 weeks with no previous Reflexology I would definitely still recommend coming for treatment. I will work all of the areas I would for a Preparation For Birth Session but to minimise a healing event would use a lighter pressure and less focus on certain points.

Will it DO anything is a good question. There are no guarantees. Reflexology can’t force your body to do anything it isn't ready to do. Reflexology is simply an invitation. Your body will take what it needs from treatment and you and your baby will decide how to RSVP.

What I very much believe, after working with hundreds of heavily pregnant women, is that the relaxation aspect of Reflexology alone is hugely valuable and not to be underestimated.

Breech Babies

I’m often asked if there is anything I can do to help a breech baby turn? Reflexology can’t turn babies. We can however, work to provide deep stress relief which helps to relax the bodies muscles creating more space for potential movement. As a Five Element Reflexologist there are specific acupressure points that can also be worked where indicated for a breech presentation.