Reflexology and Hypnotherapy in the news

I'm always interested to see reflexology and hypnotherapy in the news.

I may not know very much about the magazine stars but I am  pleased to see the therapies I am passionate about discussed.  This week I have read about actress  Samia Ghadie benefiting from maternity reflexology and enjoying baby reflexology.  Also,  Kim Kardashian is reportedly using hypnotherapy to encourage her breech baby to turn.

In her blog for OK magazine Samia Ghadie discusses her use of reflexology in her pregnancy and how she is now learning baby reflexology with her baby Yves:

I mentioned a couple of blogs back how reflexology had helped alleviate my pregnancy back pain. Since then I've started a baby reflexology course with Yves.

We've had 2 sessions so far and it's been so cute seeing all the babies on their changing mats ready for their pampering! 

We've focused on learning how to calm baby down when they get a bit grizzly and also how to help their digestion and common complaints like reflux and constipation. I've been practicing on Yves everyday and it is really making a difference.

Baby reflexology is a great skill for all parents, and it is really very easy to learn. Samia is attending a group which can be a lovely way to meet other mums but if you prefer to learn on an individual basis you can at Breathe Holistic Therapy.  Many mums, like Samia, choose to learn baby reflexology after enjoying reflexology in their pregnancy.  Reflexology for babies is also a technique that dads benefit from learning;  it can help them to feel more skilled and confident when handling their new babies.  

In a separate blog Kim Kardashian's  breech baby is discussed. Kim explains how she is trying everything she can to encourage her baby to turn into the head down position for child birth:

I even started acupuncture where I burn moxa (mugwort) on my pinky toe every day! I am even attempting hypnosis!

Hypnotherapy to turn breech babies has been researched and shown to be a  very successful intervention.  Relaxation and visualisation can help to create the right internal environment for a relaxed mum and relaxed uterus enabling the baby to move into the head down position. Letting go of fear and stress relating to child birth through hypnobirthing can  also promote the optimal position for the baby in the womb.

 For more information on either baby reflexology or hypnotherapy for breech presentation please do contact me.

Ideas to encourage a breech baby to turn

The optimal foetal position for birthing is babies head down, but sometimes babies get comfortable in the womb with their buttocks or feet down towards the cervix. Before the pregnancy reaches about 37 weeks it does not matter if the baby is breech because many will turn, but 3-4% do not and this presents problems for a vaginal birth. This how to article looks at ways to convince or encourage a breech baby to turn before their due date.

It is helpful to regularly use forward leaning positions. This allows more available space in the pelvis for your baby to turn. Spending time on all fours can help baby bring their back forward, washing floors and skirting boards is a useful activity. When kneeling spend some time with your head lowered and your bottom in the air. I know it doesn't sound great but it gives baby lots of space to move! Kneeling on the floor over a large bean bag or cushion can also be a good position, maybe try this while watching T.V.

Try swimming on your front. This allows your abdomen to relax forward again giving baby more potential room to turn if they feel inclined!

The Chinese believe the baby is lying in breech position due to cold energies ( chi ) and by applying heat you can encourage baby to turn. Only apply heat as comfortable and safe, for example a warmed flannel. Also, keep your feet warm and avoid chilled drinks again to keep heat in the chi energies

Visit a maternity reflexologist. There are certain points on your feet which can encourage baby to become more active. If baby becomes more active then there is a chance they may kick themselves around.  The Federation of Holistic Therapists in the U.K. can provide lists of qualified and insured therapists.

You may experience a very uncomfortable amount of movement when baby turns, or it may happen when you are sleeping. You should loose the uncomfortable lump under your rib cage which is especially apparent when trying to climb out of the bath! 

Please try not to worry and always talk any concerns through with your midwife or obstetrician. Do not blame yourself, your baby is not in the breech position because of anything you did or did not do.  Always consult your midwife / health professional prior to implementing advise as the information  is not a replacement for antenatal care.

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Reflexology in Kidderminster. Please contact Jo 0753 1121199