Bumps, new mums, and babies- reflexology for every body and sole....

September 23, 2015 by Keri Jarvis from The Baby Project

Bumps, new mums, and babies- reflexology for every body and sole....

So it's World Reflexology Week! If you've never experienced reflexology, you might well wonder why others rave about it's seemingly magical effects. I was a bit clueless myself, but happy to enjoy what I expected to be a foot massage when the appointment was gifted to me when I was 7 months pregnant. Wow. What a lifechanger.

One of my friends says she will never pay for a full body massage ever again- such is the holistic soothing power of reflexology. I know what she means. That first appointment was incredible, so relaxing- both physically and mentally. But I truly knew the power when I was treated 4 days after my son was born.

You've heard it before- labour is like a marathon, and the 17 hours of mine had left me feeling strained and tender my whole body through. My arms were coming to terms with having supported me in strange positions, my back was confused by the sudden change in weight distribution, there had been very little sleep and the constant feeding was taking it's toll on my body.

Along came Louise (she comes to your house, yay! There's no way I would've been going anywhere- the state of me) and after an hour of reflexology I was a new woman. I could walk properly again, and without pain. I could fall asleep without the overtiredness tormenting my mind. It should be standard on all postnatal wards *prays for this*.

Since then, I've learnt much more about the benefits, and now regularly refer my hypnobirthing clients for reflexology to soothe various issues, to help bring labour on, even to encourage a baby to turn into the optimal position. Of course, there are no guarantees, but they always come back deeply satisfied by their experience, and regularly report on their desired outcomes.

Louise specialises in Fertility and Maternity reflexology, and has even worked with some women in labour- this is on my list for next time round!

It can also be used to soothe babies- wouldn't we all enjoy some additional tools in our box there?

So if you think it's just a foot massage, think again. It's a treatment for the entire body and soul. 

Louise Dodd can be contacted at www.body-n-sole.com