Tina has a particular interest in maternity massage and reflexology since doing the Susanne Enzer course in October 2006.

Starting out in maternity reflexology
Like many reflexologists, Tina was initially apprehensive about carrying out reflexology on pregnant women, fearing to harm either the mother or baby but as Tina listened more to what the feet had to tell her about the mother/baby's bodily changes she became in awe of the whole process taking places, and wished such things had been about for during her own pregnancies.

Test Clients
Tina's initial maternity clients were to be given 5 reflexology sessions, but they found the sessions so enjoyable and beneficial that the treatment continued throughout their pregnancies. Often the mothers-to-be would come very tense, tired and unsure of what was happening and they would leave looking and feeling relaxed. Tina found it fascinating how each pregnancy was so unique with the whole transformation of each woman and her body into someone with a responsibility for a new life growing within her body.

Maternity Reflexology
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body goes through significant changes, affecting the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of the body. Reflexology can help to restore the body's equilibrium.

• General relaxation
• Relief of stress and anxiety
• Increased energy levels
• Ease physiological discomforts
• High blood pressure
• Oedema (swelling, mainly of feet and ankles)
• Sciatica
• Relieve backache
• Reduce heartburn
• Nausea/vomiting
• Ligament and groin pain
• Symphysis pubis dysfunction
• Constipation
• Cystitis
• Insomnia/sleep problems
• Turning a breech baby

Labour
Research has shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy are more likely to have a shorter labour and require less pain relief.

• Induction of labour
• Co-ordination/acceleration of regular contractions
• Preventing a retained placenta

Postnatal
Reflexology can help to alleviate postnatal problems and help with breastfeeding.

• Inadequate lactation
• Engorged breasts
• Urine retention
• Constipation
• Backache
• Stress/anxiety/sleep problems
• Postnatal depression
• Increasing energy levels

The Safety of Reflexology in Pregnancy
Reflexology is a complementary health support for maternity clients and not a substitute for obstetric or medical care. Reflexology is safe and effective during pregnancy, but as always, if any problems are suspected, please contact your doctor or midwife. Any clients with a history of premature labour, severe hypertension, placenta previa or recent vaginal bleeding are not recommended for this treatment.

Maternity Massage
Massage during pregnancy has demonstrated significant benefits for both mother-to-be and developing baby. Massage not only allows time out for rest and relaxation, but has obvious benefits in the alleviation of aches and pains, caused by the changing weight of baby and mother, and hormonal changes. Particularly noticeable is the improvement in circulation, which increases the supply of oxygenated blood and nutrients to mother and baby.

• Promotes relaxation and aids the reduction of stress.
• Boosts energy levels
• Relieves muscle aches and leg cramps
• Helps minimise back and sciatic nerve pain
• Helps to improve circulation, relieving oedema (water retention)
  

Postnatal
After childbirth, massage may help provide relief from aches and pains especially those commonly experienced in the back, neck and shoulders, alleviating fluid retention and promoting relaxation. Tina remembers the first postnatal client she treated, who brought her baby girl with her. The daughter slept through the sequence and the mother enjoyed the time for herself, with an improved sense of well-being.