Pregnancy Oxytocin – how to love your labour Maternity Reflexology By Claire Rocuzzi, Better Birthing www.betterbirthing.org.uk It’s a word that not many of us are familiar with but it’s something that we all have and experience in our lives. Oxytocin is the hormone of love – that feeling that you get when you meet someone you love and your tummy does butterflies. This often overlooked hormone is not only responsible for our feelings of love, but is the main hormone responsible for contractions during labour, lactation, pair bonding and more. So how does it work? Oxytocin is released during contractions sending a flow throughout the body, then as the baby pushes on the cervix a message is sent to the brain to produce more oxytocin and so it continues. HOWEVER, our precious oxytocin cannot be produced at all if adrenaline or fears are present! This is why we often hear women in labour saying “my contractions just stopped when we got to hospital”. The best contractions occur when we have lots of oxytocin. Yes, we can have a drip with artificial oxytocin (or syntocinon as it’s called) but remember, it’s man-made, so why introduce something artificial when you can use your own oxytocin made just right for you?
How can you ensure that your body keeps producing oxytocin during labour? Simple, keep fear away! The same fear that is instilled in us from the moment we are pregnant. “No easy task” you may say, so here is a brief outline of some ideas you could use to assist you in lessening fear and increasing oxytocin: • Read positive and uplifting birth stories. • Make your birth environment a special place for you, one that you find it easy to relax in. Whether taking your own pillows, some candles and music or just dimming lights, a relaxed atmosphere will assist in more oxytocin production. • Get your partner to massage you, cuddle and even kiss. Oxytocin thrives with the touch of those we love and trust. • Keep moving in labour. Movement means your baby moves down, pressing on your cervix and sending stronger signals for more oxytocin therefore more contractions. • Use anything that makes you feel warm: water, heat, a cosy room or even warm socks on your feet. • The benefits of high oxytocin during labour range from a decrease in pain, labour progression, and of course it just feels good!
Pregnancy is a time of major change both physically and emotionally for a woman. Reflexology is an ideal noninvasive, relaxing therapy, which may provide benefits such as stress relief and aiding sleep and can also deal with minor conditions during pregnancy such as: • Infertility issues • Morning sickness • Back pain • Heartburn • Insomnia • Hormonal imbalances • Preparation for labour • Breech position Reflexology can be used during preconception, pregnancy and labour. It works on the principle that reflex points on the feet reflect parts of the body and working these areas can help correct imbalances throughout the body, release blocked energy and often create a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation. Please note that reflexology is a complimentary therapy to medical care and not a replacement for medical advice, so you should consult your midwife or doctor before commencing any new treatment.
By Kay Malcolm MFHT 07958 914867
Can everyone enjoy reflexology? What happens during the treatment? Prior to any treatments a full consultation will be taken to check that there are no contraindications (conditions which would prevent you having a treatment) and discuss the reactions you may experience during and after the treatment. Treatments last for 50 minutes and you will be asked to relax on a reclining chair. You will remain fully clothed, just removing your socks and shoes. Your feet will be cleansed and then reflexology techniques will be applied and adapted to suit your specific needs. Potential benefits include: • Improved circulation • Feeling of well-being • Stress relief • Deep relaxation • Release of endorphins • Removal of toxins • Preparation for Labour • Shorter Labour After your treatment To gain maximum benefit from your treatment it is advised that you rest afterwards, drink plenty of water to help flush away toxins and avoid caffeine. Reflexology gives you the opportunity to enjoy some “me” time before the birth.
Yoga during pregnancy
Bumps, Backs and Beyond
By Saffron Harrison www.saffronsyoga.co.uk
FitBack & Bumps is a new, exciting and unique ante- and postnatal Educational Exercise Programme delivered by Chartered Physiotherapists. Their expert guidance and instruction will help remove the fear women have about exercising during and post pregnancy. The programme teaches you how to: • exercise safely during and after your pregnancy • improve your posture • reduce stress incontinence by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles • reduce pelvic and back pain by strengthening your core • flatten your tummy after pregnancy The four week course focuses on understanding the changes in your body, the importance of posture, safe and effective exercises in pregnancy and
Dru Prenatal Yoga classes are different from any other type of yoga class. They help you prepare your body and mind for the changes that it will go through during pregnancy and labour and forwards to becoming a mother. Body: The sequences of stretches and movements I teach in class will benefit your body by stretching and strengthening muscles all the way through the body including your core muscles and pelvic floor. Combining this with work on your posture, we can enhance the optimal foetal position which can lead to a shorter labour. Classes can also help with common problems during pregnancy, such as back
ache. The yoga postures we use help to balance hormones and emotions which help you stay calm and in control. Mind: I use deep relaxation techniques which help to clear the mind and reduce stress. I will also teach you effective breathing techniques that help concentrate your mind. Both these methods are aimed to help you and your body through labour. This yoga is safe for any stage of pregnancy as I will modify it to suit each individual, using different lying, sitting and standing postures and sequences. It is also a great place to meet women who are going through the same wonderful experience!
abdominal and pelvic floor muscle exercises. You also learn how to physically prepare yourself for labour and how to relax. Each hour long weekly exercise class has a different topic of discussion with gym ball and mat based exercises designed specifically to support your changing body. They focus on your spine, abdomen and pelvic floor, aiming to reduce back and pelvic pain during pregnancy and aid a quicker recovery after the birth. You are also taught effective stretches to reduce joint and muscle stiffness. Most courses are held as 1-1 in the client’s home or in small groups. For local courses, please call, call Su Hattersley (MCSP HPC) on 07934 014546 email: suzi.hat04@gmail.com or visit www.fitbackandbumps.co.uk.
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