Louisa  Roebuck Bailey
Clinical Reflexologist, MIIR, MAOR

Profile

I qualified as a Clinical Reflexologist with the International Institute of Reflexology in November 2006, since beginning to practice I have received an influx of pregnant ladies who wanted to try Reflexology. 

Their conditions have ranged from morning sickness to insomnia, and even I have been amazed by the results Reflexology can achieve. I am a member of the Association of Reflexologists, and to maintain my membership with the AOR I have to take part in continued professional development, which ensures that my knowledge and skills are always kept up to date, and are constantly refreshed.

Reflexology works by improving the circulation, promoting relaxation, relieving stress and anxiety, and unblocking nerve endings. It acts, as a catalyst to support the natural ability the body has to heal itself. By using a unique form of massage (the Ingham Technique) to stimulate reflexes within the feet (or hands) many conditions can be treated and prevented.

Reflexology is a relaxing, non-invasive treatment, which makes it ideal during pregnancy. There is some confusion over the contraindications of Reflexology during the first trimester. Because the first trimester is such a precious and anxious period when most miscarriages or problems occur, Reflexologists often choose to avoid treating, and prefer not to treat until their patient has reached the 12-week mark. There is no evidence to suggest that Reflexology is in anyway harmful to either the mother or foetus during this time, it is just out of caution that we may decide not to treat. Personally, if I have been treating the patient prior to their pregnancy, have a full understanding of their medical history, and the patient is happy with me continuing treatment I am quite happy to do so.

Recently my best friend had a beautiful baby boy, I was honoured to be at the birth, and had high hopes of trying to use reflexology during labour, In the early stages of the labour I gave relaxation treatments, and then felt helpless as to what I could do to help as the labour progressed. You see my friend spent most of her labour standing on her feet, and so this made it difficult for me to give her any Reflexology. 

Being inspired by my experiences of my friends labour, I decided to complete Maternity Reflexology training, with the international Expert Mauricio (Moshe) Kruchik. During my training I have learnt many new techniques, and also learnt that the best reflexology during labour is the reflexology that we do not have to give! That is if the Reflexologist has done there job during the pregnancy, and the mother is relaxed, then no reflexology will be required during labour, as the mother will be on her feet, moving about, doing what her body tells her, and the contractions will come naturally.

No matter how many Reflexology treatments mothers have during their pregnancy, it is true to say that most mums to be experience fear, stress, and a lack of self-esteem as the birth of their baby approaches. These are all factors that can increase the bodies’ adrenalin levels; high adrenalin levels in the body effect the bodies’ normal secretion of Oxytocine (the hormone which stimulates the uterus to contract during labour). Reflexology can help you to relax and by working on certain reflexes on the feet assist the release of Oxytocine, this can help to naturally induce labour. Reflexology can even be used during labour to help stimulate and control contractions.

Many mums-to-be will not have reflexology until they need inducing, some believing that if I press a certain point then their labour will begin instantly! Unfortunately Reflexologists cannot work miracles, if the baby is not ready, the baby will not come out. Reflexology can help to relax the mother, relieve anxiety and thus prepare the mother for birth.

Do you know the benefits of Reflexology during pregnancy?:
Morning sickness, Heartburn, Headaches, Oedema, General aches and pains, Gestational Diabetes (can be prevented not treated), High Blood Pressure, Constipation, Haemorrhoids, Anaemia, Cystitis, and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, can all be helped and prevented, by having regular treatments throughout your pregnancy. 

Research also suggests that regular treatments can lead to a shorter labour. 
Reflexology is also beneficial after the birth, to help with relaxation, healing, insomnia, backache, urination problems, constipation, lactation, and postnatal depression.

I work from the Uttoxeter Chiropractic Clinic, and also offer home visits after an initial treatment in the clinic. 

For more information about myself, please visit my website: www.roebuckreflexology.co.uk