Beautiful Bump Photography Worcestershire

As a maternity therapist I have the pleasure of working with many beautiful mums to be at Breathe Holistic Therapy Kidderminster.

I am privileged to watch my maternity reflexology and pregnancy massage client's bodies develop as they go through their pregnancy. Many couples now choose to celebrate this with a pregnancy photography session. I know a lot about pregnancy but nothing about photography so I have asked a local photographer to share some advise on maternity photo shoots.

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Hey! I'm alex, I'm a local photographer in Worcestershire - I specialise in newborn, bump to baby and family. 

Wow so you're a mum to be!! 
Having a child myself I know all the changes that happen to your body during that wonderful 9 months - what a great adventure you're on. 
I remember the stage " your really glowing " I never saw it myself, but now photographing pregnant mumma's I see it! You look absolutely breathtaking. There you are with a life inside you waiting to enter the big wide world, it's truly amazing!

My maternity sessions are very relaxed and comfortable, being completely led by you; would you like to be gracefully nude? Would you prefer to be a completely natural shoot of you bump and partner? Studio or location? 

These are just some of the questions we will talk through and see what exactly you want. 
If you change your mind last minute and think "ah no... I cannot bare to show anything"... again the session on the day is completely led by you. 

Are you thinking what do I wear to a maternity session? How do I dress?... I always say go with what you're comfortable in. The jeans with a casual shirt is a nice look - dresses are great for showing the bump proudly. I recommend all colours, bright, dark and graceful white.

Makeup and hair, again that's your decision, you know your best look and what you feel best in.  I also here at Alexandra Creative Photography have set out photographic pregnancy dresses that can be used if you choose to do so. 

A lot of mums-to-be say they couldn't believe how comfortable they were in my presence on the first day we met. I recommend pregnancy sessions from 30+ weeks, with booking your pregnancy session at 12 + weeks.

Please take a look at my work feel free to call/email to discuss further. http://www.alexandracp.com/

www.facebook.com/Alexandracreativephotography

Exercise for Expectant Mums

It has been great to link up with Puddle Ducks Worcestershire this month and learn about their aqua natal classes in Kidderminster and Worcestershire. My maternity reflexology and pregnancy massage clients often ask me about other activites available for them.

I'd like to share this guest post kindly written by Clare Harris from Puddle Ducks Worcestershire

It can be hard to find a suitable exercise class when you are a mum to be. We all know that it is good to keep fit while you are pregnant but your normal class may longer be suitable or you might not feel like going to the gym. 

An Aquanatal class, is a great combination of relaxation together with cardiovascular exercise. The right class can provide a range of benefits including keeping fit, improving sleep, and reducing the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
 

Swimming is one of the safest ways to exercise during pregnancy as the water supports your joints whilst also providing resistance work for all the muscles, strengthening your back and abdominal muscles ready for carrying your baby around!

When choosing a class it is worth checking what training your teacher has undergone. Puddle Ducks teachers must pass antenatal swimming training that is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives Trust, STA Aquacise training and our own extensive Aquanatal training. This means that you’re in the safest possible hands as you work out and relax.

It is great to be able to combine exercise with relaxation– the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a little ‘me’ time. Classes take place in the soothing, warm comforts of pools and combine exercise with relaxation activities Exercise and relaxation release your body’s natural happy hormones, endorphins, which suppress pain and help you (and baby) feel calm – not only helpful in later pregnancy, but also really important during and after labour.

If you have recently had a baby then Aquanatal classes can also be undertaken post-pregnancy, the gentle exercise helps mums’ bodies recover after birth and get back into shape gently. 
Puddle Ducks classes are held at DW Fitness in Kidderminster on Saturday mornings at 12.15 pm. You can attend as many classes as you like, throughout your pregnancy, for the one-off admin fee of £45, you do not need to be a DW Fitness Member to attend. If you would like to go to the sessions post-natally they are then £5 per class.

A great bonus for all expectant Mums attending is that you will get 20% of the cost of your first term when you sign up to swim with your new baby. Puddle Ducks run swimming classes for children from just a few weeks old through to 10 years at 10 pools throughout Worcestershire and the West Midlands. Swimming is an amazing experience to share with your little one and one of the few activities that you can both enjoy together.

If you would like to attend a class for free please call Puddle Ducks on 01905 888346 or email worcestershire@puddleducks.com, please quote the code  BTSAQ17.

For more information take a look at the website:  Puddle Ducks

Meditation in the Media

As I work with my reflexology and mindfulness meditation clients in Kidderminster and the Worcestershire area I regularly see and hear about the positive effects of meditation. I love to read articles promoting meditation, spreading the word about the benefits.

 I read with interest "10 reasons to meditate" recently in a national news paper. This brief little piece shared some great points and even covered some recent research.

1. " It will help you relax" Meditation provides a break from everyday tasks, an opportunity to slow down and focus on breathing, free from distractions.  These few moments can allow the body to relax as well as the mind.
2. " It might help your exam results" In a 2013 study regular meditation improved student's exam performance by boosting memory and concentration. Students saw an average of 16% increase, which really could make a difference to the final grade.
3. "Preserve the brain" Researchers in California found that people who practiced meditation over 20 years had better preserved brains than non-meditators. The study showed their brains had more grey matter.
4. "...or rebuild it" A 2014 study in Harvard found meditation could restore grey matter.  In as little as eight weeks changes were seen in brain tissue.
5. "It can bring down blood pressure" Transcendental meditation has been seen to trigger the production of telomerase which is an enzyme linked to lower blood pressure.
6. "Boost your mood" A review of almost 50 separate studies concluded that meditation can help anxiety and depression. Meditation appeared to strengthen the person's ability to regulate their feelings.
7. "It's good for the gut" Many digestive disorders are worsened by stress. A study of women with irritable bowel syndrome found that meditation for eight weeks led to a reduction in pain, bloating and cramps.
8. " It can help you quit smoking" A study in Texas found that smokers who meditated alongside using nicotine replacement reduced the amount of cigarettes they smoked, often without noticing! 
9. "Shed the pounds" It is common for people to make unhealthy food choices when stress levels are high.  In 2011 a study of obese women found that meditation helped to reduce comfort eating.
10. " And improve sleep" Meditation for only six weeks can help reduce insomnia, a study found.  The investigation found that the subjects who meditated improved more over six weeks than those on a sleep education course.

Meditation has many clear benefits for all our well being. If you would like to learn more about meditation and how it could help you then please do contact me.

Pregnancy Massage Myths

As a maternity massage therapist I was surprised to hear the reaction to pregnant Coronation Street character, Leanne Battersby, having a pregnancy massage. Many fans reacted with shock accusing writers of a massive blunder.

The character was taken to a spa as a treat by her sisters and during her visit she enjoyed a back massage.  Viewers expressed their opinions on twitter.  

One wrote on Twitter: “Erm, how did Leanne get a back massage when she is heavily pregnant #Corrie” while another added: “How has Leanne Battersby just laid on her front for a massage?”  A third agreed, writing: “How can you get a back massage with a massive bump?” Others speculated how she managed to have a back massage, with one writing: “Just how is Leanne going to get a back massage with that giant pillow stuffed up her? Is she going to stand or what?”   Viewers were baffled how a heavily pregnant woman would be able to get her back massaged without hurting the baby. One fan even expressed how she felt massage would bring on labour  "Massaging a pregnant woman? Doesn't that usually, er, prompt a delivery?"

I though maternity massage was quite a mainstream therapy, but it seems I am very wrong! The myth that you cannot enjoy massage in pregnancy is clearly still commonly held.  This is really sad as it must be preventing so many pregnant women from enjoying and benefiting from massage. 

Massage and other therapies such as maternity reflexology can be very supportive during pregnancy, helping to manage the many changes taking place both physically and emotionally. After the first scan at around 12 weeks is a great time to explore maternity therapies. It is important to visit a therapist training to work with pregnant clients and tell your midwife about your plans first. 

As one twitter user guessed:  “do you think Leanne lay on her side for her back massage? #practicalquestion #corrie”.  Yes, pregnancy back massage is usually performed in a side lying position with cushions to support the bump. The massage tables available with holes in to accomodate the bump are not advised as they put unnatural pressure on the uterus and surrounding muscles. 

If you are in the Kidderminster Worcestershire area please do contact me to discuss any questions you may have.

Vertical Reflexology Therapy, a powerful new technique

I began my work as a reflexologist in my home town of kidderminster ten years ago and have regularly enjoyed learning new techniques to help benefit my clients. These have included a wide variety of training such as maternity reflexology and baby reflexology.

I have for many years been aware of a technique called vertical reflexology (VRT). This form of the therapy involves working on the feet whilst in a standing, weight bearing position. I have looked at VRT over the years but felt that it was not something I wanted to explore further because my treatments focus on promoting deep relaxation which I did not feel could be achieved when asked to stand.  After reading a number of studies, however, reporting strong results form VRT I decided it was time try it out! 

I trained with the Booth Method last year and have been working on the technique with my nearest and dearest over the last few months. Whenever I add a new element to my work I believe it is important to hone my skills and look at the results before introducing then to my clients. My friends and family are always keen to offer me their feet! This enables me to explain the experience and the benefits with complete confidence.

What is Vertical Reflexology Therapy?

VRT is a unique technique where the feet are briefly treated in a standing, weight bearing position. It was originally developed by Lynne Booth to help musculoskeletal conditions. The therapy has now expanded to have a universal application just as traditional reflexology. Working on the feet in this position results in deeper responses for the client. For some the pressure can feel very much stronger than traditional reflexology.  I was working on my partner, for example, who was experiencing acute wrist pain and when working the reflex area for his wrist whilst standing the discomfort was intense but resulted in a good reduction in wrist pain.  I have found throughout my VRT work since training that the brief standing treatment can be uncomfortable for some but the results are quick and impressive.  

VRT can be incorporated into a traditional reflexology session with a brief period of standing treatment before reclining in the chair.  The standing element of the session is only around 6 - 10 minutes long allowing plenty of time to enjoy the relaxation benefits of traditional reflexology. At Breathe Holistic Therapy many clients appreciate a 90 minute appointment which allows time for holistic reflexology and specific techniques such as VRT.  This provides a fantastic balance of specific focused work and holistic relaxation. 

Lynne Booth the developer of VRT has worked extensively with sports injuries and for over ten years she has been part of the medical team at Bristol City Football Club.  Lynne works with the coaching staff and players to address injuries as well as issues such as sleep and anxiety. The very knowledge that VRT has been employed by the team for so many years is a strong testament to the power of this therapy. I plan to share more details relating to specific studies including the work at Bristol City in future blog posts.

If you would like to know more about VRT or to book your appointment please do contact me.

 For more details of treatments available and prices please click here.

Gift vouchers available for that special Christmas present

You can give someone a gift they will remember this christmas with gift vouchers from Breathe Holistic Therapy Kidderminster.  The gift of precious "me time" will allow your loved ones to take time out for themselves. A glorious gift of relaxation.

Gift vouchers can be purchased for either a specific treatment such as reflexology or for a cash amount. The choice is yours. You can be sure you friends and loved ones enjoy a treat that's just right for them. This gift allows your friends and family to enjoy a treatment when they may not usually take precious time out for themselves.

Are searching for a present to show someone how much you appreciate them? There is no better way than focusing on their well being with a blissfully relaxing reflexology treatment. Do you love reflexology yourself?  Sharing this wonderful treatment with a gift voucher can introduce the benefits of reflexology to friends and family enhancing their well being.

If it's a mum-to-be you want to treat then there are gift voucher options perfect for pregnancy. Maternity reflexology or massage are greatly enjoyed and appreciated after the first trimester of pregnancy. Baby reflexology and massage are great skills for new parents and a wonderful unusual gift that they will continue appreciate for years to come.

Buying a voucher is relaxing for you too, simply contact me and we can discuss your choices, then the voucher will be in the post to either yourself or the recipient. Payment is easy too either by bank transfer or paypal.  

Below is a list of treatments available, but you can always pick a cash amount and allow the recipient to choose exactly what suits their needs.  If you have any questions please do call       07531 121199 or  e-mail me. 

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Hypnobirthing

£55 one hour

£250 for full course of five hours training

Reflexology

£40  90 minutes

£30   one hour

Reflexology home treatment
(up to 12 miles from DY11 5LB)

£45  90 minutes

£35   one hour

Reflexology and mindfulness

£40  90 minutes

Maternity reflexology

£40  90 minutes

£30  one hour

Maternity back massage

£25

Maternity body massage

£35

Baby reflexology 1-1 instruction.

£20.00 

(Please request home visit prices) 

Pregnancy Massage in Kidderminster Worcestershire

Working as a reflexologist and massage therapist in Kidderminster I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work with pregnant clients. 

Pregnancy massage is available and enjoyed by many women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. This treatment has many benefits for mum to be and consequently the baby.  If you are pregnant and thought perhaps massage wasn't available in pregnancy then please do read on to find out more.

A study conducted in Sweden in the 1990's suggested that up to 56% of pregnant women experience lumbar and pelvic pain. Back ache in pregnancy may be common but that does not mean you have to suffer without any treatments to help. If you are suffering from back pain in pregnancy then massage can help to alleviate some of the discomfort just as a massage helps when you are not pregnant.  Back and pelvic pain can be a result of altered posture, the weight load form the growing baby, enlarged breasts and hormonal changes.  Before a massage do check with your midwife or obstetric care giver that massage is suitable for you and to be sure your symptoms don't need attention from the obstetric team.

My clients enjoy many benefits of pregnancy massage. The most obvious is a great sense of relaxation and reduction in stress and anxiety. Pregnancy can be a wonderfully enjoyable time but for some anxiety and stress can take away the pleasure so massage can help you to feel positive and calm.  A renewed sense of relaxation can assist with sleep problems and headaches.  If you are experiencing troubling levels of anxiety in pregnancy please do also speak to your midwife.  Hypnosis for childbirth provides many techniques to reduce anxiety especially that related to childbirth. Hypnobirthing training is something to consider as a perfect way to prepare for childbirth.

Pregnancy is a time of great change and for some women the effects on their skin can leave them feeling uncomfortable and tight.  Massage using a natural oil such as grape seed can help the skin to feel nourished and comfortable with increased circulation. Relief can also be gained from the restless irritable sensation many women experience on their legs.  If you do experience itching in pregnancy do get this checked by your midwife to eliminate any conditions that require treatment.

Maternity massage, as with all massage, encourages blood circulation and lymphatic draining through techniques such as efflurage and petrissage.  These movements stimulate the skin and underlying tissues to promote the natural movement of blood and fluids. This can alleviate the common pregnancy ailments such as heavy legs and swollen feet. If you have any new swelling you must also contact your midwife or obstetric carer to eliminate any serious conditions.

You may wonder how it is possible to receive a massage with your growing bump. There are a number of ways to position you for your massage but generally the back is massaged whilst you lie comfortably on your side supported by cushions. Your legs can then be massaged whilst you lie in a semi upright position on the couch again supported by cushions. These positions ensure comfort and safety for both you any your baby.  It is important that you do not lie flat on your back or front-ways on your bump.  there are couches available with slings to enable you to lie on your front with your bump in the sling. These are not advised as they put extra pressure on the ligaments and muscles supporting your growing uterus. 

If you have any questions about pregnancy therapies including massage or maternity reflexology then please do contact me.

The Value of Mindfulness within Cancer Care

I have been proud to work as a volunteer reflexology practitioner and mindfulness teacher at The Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.  There is a growing volume of evidence supporting the benefits of mindfulness for patients, their families and those working in the end of life care environment.

The Trish Bartley  book, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer: Gently Turning Towards, explores a Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for cancer care. This eight-week course has been tried and tested over ten years of clinical use. Bartley believes

“mindfulness is a way of being more present and aware. This offers us many opportunities to appreciate life more. It also enables us to respond more gently to what we find difficult, and by doing this we often find that we experience changes”

A study in 2008 (Chadwik et al) found that mindfulness was beneficial to people with terminal cancer both physically and emotionally.  An analysis of the research available in 2005 concluded that mindfulness based intervention in cancer care had positive results, including improvements in mood, sleep quality and reductions in stress. A further review of studies in 2011 supported this finding. They found significant improvements in anxiety, depression, stress, sexual difficulties and immune function

Christopher Johns in his book, Being Mindful, Easing Suffering: Reflections on Palliative Care explains

"Mindfulness is a quality of mind that notices what is present without judgment, without interference. Being mindful guides me to see things as they really are rather than as a reflection of myself. Mindful practice is being aware of ones experience as it unfolds in its unpredictable and unique way.”

In 2005 the use of mindfulness in hospice care was examined from the perspective of the nurses. For many of the staff the changes were very significant

“Mindfulness makes me alert to what is happening……I see things that I didn’t see before, I begin to notice. For example when there is a lot of chaos in the room…..is this what she is seeing all day?”

“I think that in itself to be mindful that someone is afraid and not to reject it, not to sugar it over with something but also not be freaked out, but to really be with that feeling and to embrace it….then it seems the person can usually relax”

Mindful presence enables the nursing staff to be totally aware and focused on the circumstances she finds in the here and now, regardless of what has gone before or what will follow. It is a valuing of “being” over “doing” in the belief that compassionately being present allows the nurse to respond with empathy to the needs in that moment.

When I worked on a hospital ward during my nursing days I was often guilty of not being truly present but more concerned with my list of jobs to do. I felt that truly experiencing each moment would be overwhelming as many situations were difficult and challenging, but mindfulness has taught me that being present in the moment without trying to be in control of it is actually a great relief. To experience the moment for just what it is allows choices to be made from a place of awareness rather than habit or panic. Removing the “what should I do” and replacing it with an understanding of what is needed in that moment is very liberating. I know life is often unbearably busy on the wards and nurses are pulled in so many directions, introducing mindfulness is not easily done, but this does not mean it can’t be done. The staff at Mary Stevens Hospice are working hard to introduce mindfulness to their clients and to their own work. I truly commend them for their commitment to constantly move forward to provide the very best care.

Mindfulness, as all holistic therapies, is not a replacement for medical care but it can be included within the home, hospice or hospital setting.  For more information please visit: mindfulness explained.

You may also enjoy reading : Mindfulness in a busy Kidderminster carpark

                                                 Mindfulness Explored

                                                 Meditation and pain