Fairbairn Holistic Therapies - Feel Better Live Better
Maternity Reflexology
 
 
Maternity reflexology is a gentle, beneficial therapy that supports you from pre-conception, during pre-natal stage and through into postnatal period.     Reflexology improves general well-being and vitality and creates a sense of calm and relaxation.  It is a wonderful method for helping you to prepare for conception, adapt to the great changes of pregnancy and adjust to parenthood.  During your treatment gentle pressure is applied to reflex points on your feet that correspond to every part and system of your body. 
 
Each appointment begins with a consultation to ensure your health and well-being.  Please note however, that reflexology is not a replacement for medical treatment and you should consult your doctor, obstetrician or mid-wife if you have any medical illnesses or concerns.
 
Pre-conception reflexology
Reflexology can help with fertility problems by strengthening the immune system, balancing necessary hormone production, promoting blood circulation and promoting overall good health.  Three months prior to starting a family is the ideal time for couples to begin reflexology.  It takes this time to produce a healthy sperm and one month to produce a healthy egg.  Ideally, both partners should receive treatment at the same time and on a regular basis. 
 
                       
IVF and Reflexology
Reflexology can help you and your body prepare for IVF treatment.  It is recommended that you receive a course of reflexology in the six weeks leading up to the start of your IVF treatment.  However, as the aim of reflexology is to create balance within your body it is recommended that you cease reflexology once you have begun the stimulation part of an IVF cycle.
 
 
Pre-Natal Reflexology                                        
During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes amazing changes.  Reflexology can help you to adjust to these and to help ease or prevent many of the discomforts and complaints that are commonly associated with pregnancy.                  
                                         Common symptoms of pregnancy include:
Nausea                                 Mood changes
Vomiting                               Muscle tension
Heartburn                             Breast tenderness
Constipation                          Fluid retenion
Craving (pica)                        Loss of bladder control
Backache/Sciatica                  Cramp
Headaches                            Stress and anxiety 
Tiredness and fatigue              Insomnia
                                                                    
Trials in the UK and Denmark have shown that women who received regular reflexology treatments tended to deliver closer to their due date and experienced shorter labour. 
 
Frequency of treatments
The frequency of required treatments varies for every woman.  In general it is recommended that you receive one treatment every 3 to 4 weeks in your second and third trimesters, increasing to once a week during the last 6 weeks of your pregnancy.  Your first appointment includes an in-depth consultation to ensure the health and wellbeing of yourself and your baby.
 
 
Post-Natal Reflexology
Following the birth of your baby your life changes in many wonderful, although at times demanding, ways.  Reflexology can help you to adjust to this remarkable time by helping you to:
 
  • adjust to the demands of your new baby
  • cope with interrupted sleep and fatigue
  • maintain or increase your milk supply
  • support your menstrual cycle to return to normal
  • increase your energy levels
  • enjoy some 'me-time' 
  • relax and rejuvenate.
 
 
 
Pre-cautions
Reflexology is a safe therapy that works by enabling you to balance your physical, mental and emotional well-being.  However, there are a few circumstances when it cannot take place during pregnancy:
 
  • Pre-term labour (pre 37 weeks)
  • Placenta previa (low lying afterbirth) if grade ii or ii at 32 weeks or more
  • Hydroamnios (too much fluid around the baby) at 32 weeks or more
 
You must also seek the advice of your obstetrician, mid-wife or GP before commencing treatment if you are at risk of:
 
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pre-eclampsia
 
It is also recommended that you wait until your second trimester before beginning your treatment of reflexology. 
 
 
Important Information - please read
At the start of each appointment a full consultation is given to ensure your safety and  well-being. 
In general, these holistic therapies are safe for everyone to receive.  However, if you have any concerns about your health or that of your baby you must seek the medical advice of your obstetrician, mid-wife or GP.  In cases of serious medical conditions it may be necessary to seek the advice of your obstetric care-giver.  After receiving your maternity reflexology treatment you will have time to relax and discuss aftercare advice to enable you to maximise the benefits of your treatment. 
 
Please note for the safety of other clients, you will not be able to receive your treatment if you have an infection for example cold, 'flu etc.