Reflexology offers a natural and safe way of helping you to cope with the rapid changes your body goes through during pregnancy and can help with related conditions that may arise such as:

• Anxiety
• Morning sickness
• Backache / sciatica
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Symphysis Pubis Disorder (SPD) or Pelvic Disorder Syndrome (PDS)
• IBS/ Constipation / Diarrhoea
• Cystitis 
• Oedema (mild swelling in the hands/ankles)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Headaches / migraines
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Mood swings

Joanne has trained in reflexology for maternity care and is therefore able to treat clients at any stage of their pregnancy unless there is a history of unstable pregnancies or miscarriage. Joanne is happy to discuss this with you and will always check for any contraindications before commencing treatment.

Over due baby - how reflexology can help induce labour

There are a number of reflexes that can be worked to help induce labour, although it is important to note that reflexology is not a magic off/on switch and there are no guarantees that it will work for everyone. Please let your midwife know that you are going to have a reflexology session to induce labour before you come for your appointment. Joanne is unable to offer this treatment if you have not passed your due date.

The reflexology treatment to help encourage labour is quite different to a typical reflexology session - very specific points will be worked with a firm pressure. The treatment is energising and you may feel some reflexes are quite painful. This is perfectly normal - the stimulating nature of the treatment encourages the onset of labour.

If you would like to bring your husband or partner along with you to this treatment Joanne will be happy to show you both how to use the techniques so you can stimulate the reflex points yourselves at home if required.

Postnatal reflexology

Following the birth of your baby you may well struggle to get time to have a reflexology session. However, it is worth bearing in mind that reflexology can help speed up the healing process and can also help with problems that may arise such as constipation and haemorrhoids. For mothers who are stuggling to lactate, reflexology can help to stimulate milk production.  Post-natal depression is also a common problem and reflexology has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins - your natural feel good hormones so could well be worth a try if you feel you need a lift.

Please note that reflexology is not a replacement to orthodox maternity care and if you have any concerns about your pregnancy or are suffering from post-natal problems please seek the advice of your GP/midwife before having reflexology.