Posts filed under maternity

Call for Pregnancy and Meditation Research Volunteers

I have been contacted by a student, Thomas, from Durham University who is undertaking a study into the benefits of meditation in pregnancy. The study aims to examine the effect of regular meditation on stress and anxiety in pregnancy. The benefits could be wide ranging for both mothers, their babies and their family. The study is purely academic and no financial incentives have been given to the student for his work. The study also has ethical approval from Durham University.

I’m obviously biased and you probably know my feelings on the benefits of meditation for pregnancy…and life in general, but it would be great if anyone can help Thomas with his study. I have included the application advert below so if you are pregnant or know anyone who is then please do take a look.

Hello!

Ever fancied trying meditation, or wondered if it even ‘works’?

Durham University is conducting a study on the impact of meditation on maternal stress, anxiety and depression during pregnancy.

We're looking for women who are curious and interested in trying it out!

Criteria for participation:

Living in UK

Proficient in English

No health complications

20-week anomaly scan (don’t worry - you can sign up now and participate later!)

Not currently practicing meditation or yoga

What you’ll be asked to do:

Follow a 15-min online guided meditation video every day for 4 weeks (whenever and wherever convenient).

Complete a short online questionnaire at the beginning and end of the 4 weeks.

Note: The online questionnaire contains questions you may find sensitive. You will not have to answer any questions you are not comfortable with.

Does that sound like you?

How to participate:

If you qualify and you’re curious to try meditation, please email:

thomas.r.gourley@durham.ac.uk

This study is supervised by Professor N. Reissland:

n.n.reissland@durham.ac.uk 


Posted on November 19, 2020 and filed under mindfulness, maternity, hypnobirthing.

Mindfulness and Reflexology Blog 2019

road to future

I love mindfulness and reflexology, and I am lucky enough to enjoy a career which promotes relaxation and living in each moment, but I love a long term plan too. I find making plans can be great fun and lists can be very therapeutic, its just about keeping a balance between experiencing this present moment whilst also planning your journey for the future. With this in mind I’m going to share some plans for future blog posts here on my therapy blog.

One area of life that so many of my clients and friends talk about improving is sleep. For countless clients their poor quality sleep or insomnia limits their enjoyment of life. My friends are often exhausted and overwhelmed with the hectic nature of life, made almost impossible due to sleepless nights. I am planning to explore general advise on improving sleep, how holistic therapies can help and maybe some more quirky tricks for that much needed great nights sleep.

During the last year I have been invited to provide therapies in the work place much more frequently. I absolutely love arriving at an office environment or school to be met with enthusiastic greetings form staff looking forward to their in work reflexology or mindfulness. There has been a great deal of research on the benefits of promoting well being at work and employers are more commonly realising their role in the mental health of their workforce. I will be exploring this further during the year and hopefully visiting more and more companies to bring therapies into people’s working days.

I love working with pregnant clients and seeing mums in the postnatal period. This year I am aiming to gather more research on mindfulness in pregnancy as I believe this will be a most helpful skill for all new families. I also feel strongly that mothers in the postnatal period or fourth trimester are often placed under unrealistic levels of pressure. After childbirth our bodies are still going through huge changes and we have very special emotional and physical needs which are so often ignored. This fourth trimester is an area of maternity care which I am investigating more this year.

Mindfulness is still making an impact in the media. One area that I hope to look into is mindfulness in sport. The use of meditation and mindfulness techniques is a growing area of sports science which is exciting for both sport and the less sporty of us! Any research into optimising sport performance can be helpful for everyone as, even though I am not planning to run a marathon, knowing how to be at my best physically and mentally is clearly beneficial.

I think that is enough planning for one day, although I am sure there are many other ideas for this year running through my head….. and talking of running maybe I will think about that marathon!

Reflexology Gift Vouchers

christmaslinebabies.jpg

You can give a gift they will remember this Christmas time with a gift voucher from Breathe Holistic Therapy Kidderminster. This gift gives precious "me time", a special opportunity allowing your loved ones to take time out for themselves. 

Treating  your loved ones and yourself to some time out can improve the whole festive season. It's such a busy time for everyone so you can avoid the hustle and bustle of the shops and treat your loved ones to a gift voucher for a relaxing treat in the new year, and book yourself in for a treatment with the time you saved!  You really can put your feet up and relax with reflexology and mindfulness while you finish off your Christmas shopping at the same time!

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

Gift vouchers can be purchased for either for a cash amount or a specific treatment such as reflexology . 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 them to enjoy some "me time" when they may not usually take precious time out for themselves.

Do you know a new mum or mum-to-be? You can treat them too! Gift vouchers are available for maternity reflexology, pregnancy massage, baby reflexology or post natal treatments. A lovely relaxing treatment to look forward to in the new year, what an lovely present to receive.

It is easy to buy a voucher, you can contact me by text, phone or email and I can arrange it all for you. Payment can be made by online banking or cheque and I can post the voucher straight out to you with no delivery costs.  But don't leave it too late as I can not post out any vouchers after 18th of December 2017.  
 

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years.

Posted on November 16, 2017 and filed under reflexology, stress management, mindfulness, maternity.

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.


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

pregnancy photo

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. 

couple

 

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.

breast feeding
pregnancy shoot

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

www.facebook.com/Alexandracreativephotography

Posted on May 8, 2017 and filed under maternity.

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

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.

Posted on February 2, 2017 and filed under maternity, reflexology.

Gift vouchers available for that special Christmas present

christmas baby

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. 



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.

Posted on November 7, 2016 and filed under maternity.