fertility, pregnancy & family
Deciding to get pregnant is the biggest decision you are ever likely to make, and it marks the beginning of a journey that will last the rest of your life. Bloom offers therapies which can assist you along the way, making the whole experience from start to finish as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Below are some key stages, or issues which can arise, and an explanation of how Reflexology, EFT, Reiki and deep relaxation can help you.
There is never a better time to utilise the benefits of holistic therapy than when you are trying to conceive. It is of course the most natural thing in the world, however the fast-paced, high-stress environments we tend to live in can make the process much more difficult than it needs to be.
Reflexology can help to combat how stress affects your body by bringing it back to its natural state of homeostasis. Your body then has the strength and focus to do what it does naturally. Reflexology can help to resolve any sub-clinical physiological issues and also remove any blockages in the flow of your natural energy, or chi. Through reflexology you can ensure that your body is performing at its optimum before you get pregnant, giving your baby and yourself a great head start.
For many people, trying to conceive is an exciting and exhilarating experience, however it does not take much for the privilege to feel like it's turned into a chore; it can be an incredibly stressful process, with both partners facing different pressures, niggling worries and seemingly irrational yet common fears. Emotional freedom techniques can distinguish any fears you may have and it can free you from the negative reactions they are having on your body, it's difficult for your body to conceive whilst its energies are focused elsewhere.
Although one in seven couples* have difficulty conceiving, the number of couples who are actually classed as infertile is relatively low. About 85% of couple
s will conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex. Of 100 couples trying to conceive naturally:
s will conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex. Of 100 couples trying to conceive naturally: -
20 will conceive within one month
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70 will conceive within six months
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85 will conceive within one year
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90 will conceive within eighteen months, and
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95 will conceive within two years* *data taken from NHS Direct
The figures above show that 'infertility' is actually diagnosed in in only a very small amount of people, and after 2 years of trying. Even then up to 30% of these are classed as 'unexplained infertility' meaning there are no physical reasons preventing conception. There are many different reasons and causes for these difficulties and they can be physical, physiological, chemical and emotional in nature and very often there is a combination of several different factors.
However stress is a very significant factor as its causes are limitless, and the effects on the body are so widespread, 'stress' is anything which has an impact on your body and it can be physical or emotional in origin. When you're suffering from chronic (ongoing) stress, your brain shifts into survival mode and increases the production of stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and epinephrine, and at the same time slows the production of reproductive hormones making it difficult to become pregnant.
Having problems falling pregnant can create many different emotions, worries and fears and it is not surprising that they can sometimes take hold. It can be very easy after a few months of trying and feeling like there are pregnant women and babies everywhere to begin to feel like it's never going to happen to you. You could want to be pregnant so desperately that all you think about is how you're not pregnant, these constant negative thoughts create anxiety and place even more stress on your body.
Of course by putting your body, and yourself under this amount of pressure, you are making it difficult for your body to do what it needs to do in order to conceive. This kind of negative thought process also creates a vicious cycle that can be hard to get out of - you are stressed out because you can't get pregnant, but you can't get pregnant because you are under too much stress.
Below are some of the ways the therapies we offer can help you:
Reflexology
- Address any underlying pathological conditions. If you are suffering from any physical issues whether they be directly linked to your fertility such as endometriosis or more general such fatigue or low immunity for example -reflexology has many positive effects on the body which can help to combat them, click here for more information. These underlying conditions may not be the cause of sub-fertility, but they will be a contributing factor; the body is a complex web of inter-connected systems, organs and energy pathways, and when one system of your body is functioning at an impaired level it puts a strain on the entire body.
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Clear side effects of contraception. There are many possible side-effects to taking contraception pill or injection, and sometimes the disruptive effects of the drug can linger even after you have come off them. Problems such as irregular periods, lack of ovulation, or just an unpredictable cycle. Reflexology helps your body to calm and revitalise itself, so it can return to its natural balanced state experiencing regular cycles. The pill also has effects on other systems in the body e.g. digestive, endocrine and circulatory - reflexology can bring balance back to each system so that your body is able to work in harmony again making it stronger and healthier.
- Balance reproductive and endocrine system. Through manipulation of the reflexes on the feet, specific attention can be given to the areas that need it the most; all the reproductive organs, and relevant glands such as the ovaries and pituitary gland. Using specific pressure techniques on the reflex point these systems can be stimulated; clearing any areas of blocked energy, increasing blood flow, and helping your body to regulate your hormones and subsequently your ovulation and cycles.
- De-stress and deeply relax In one widely reported study of women who were dealing with infertility, those who took part in a stress-reduction programme either of mind-body techniques, or yoga and a weekly support group were more likely to get pregnant than those who did nothing to deal with stress. The mind-body group and the support group met separately for two hours on a week-day evening for ten weeks. Of the women who stayed in the study for its full year: 55 per cent of the mind-body group and 54 per cent of the support group had a viable pregnancy, compared to only
20 per cent of the control group who had no intervention. Genuine relaxation for both body, and mind is incredibly important, but it is very rare for us to come across these moments organically in our busy day to day lives. Even when we think we're relaxing, we're not really; things like reading, watching television, eating or drinking while certainly enjoyable, they are not actually giving your body or mind respite from the constant bombardment of information, emotions, thoughts and physiological reactions. Learning to quiet your mind and relax your body can help you to isolate and release any tensions you are holding in your body, and most importantly to recognise and let go of any recurring negative thoughts -giving you the skills to interrupt patterns of negative inner dialogue. Click here for information on reflexology with guided relaxation.
Emotional Freedom Techniques
- Release emotional blocks and fears At no other time is the mind-body connection so apparent than when it comes to having children. Starting a family can bring up any issues you may have from your own childhood; it can intensify fears and worries, it can cause you to feel you are under a lot of pressure with much responsibility, you could worry that you are not going to measure up, that you may not be good enough. It is of course normal to feel all kinds of emotions, however sometimes they can become too much or too intense leaving you feeling out of control, stressed and anxious. EFT can clear away any negative thoughts or feelings you have, it can help you to see things in a different light, bringing perspective, and a sense of calm and purpose to your life.
- Replace self-limiting negative beliefs Beliefs are just thoughts that you keep thinking. You have many beliefs, most of them you don't even consciously know about, yet they control how you respond to world around you and have a lot to do with how you feel about yourself. Negative beliefs are self-limiting as they reduce your potential significantly, ideas such as I'm not clever enough, good enough, quick enough, attractive enough, the possibilities are endless. If deep down you believe you'll never get pregnant, this is could very well be the reason why you're not. EFT can uncover and dissipate any limiting beliefs you may have (even if you are not aware of them) allowing you to move forward with beliefs that serve you and support you in living the life you wish to live.
Pregnancy is a very special and unforgettable time of your life. During pregnancy your body goes through many physiol
ogical, physical, hormonal and emotional changes. These changes are all perfectly natural, and your body knows exactly what it is supposed to be doing, and when it is supposed to be doing it. However there are times when these changes or the emotions you are feeling can create an imbalance in your energy leading to unwanted side-effects or 'symptoms'; issues like morning sickness, constipation, swelling of the hands and feet, back-ache, high blood-pressure, cystitis, haemorrhoids, sciatica, insomnia, heartburn. Ailments such as these are often viewed as 'symptoms' of pregnancy; they are seen as being unavoidable, and just an unpleasant part of the whole experience. At bloom we disagree with this view, there are many women who experience pregnancy with absolutely no ill-effects and if it is possible for some, then it is possible for all!
ogical, physical, hormonal and emotional changes. These changes are all perfectly natural, and your body knows exactly what it is supposed to be doing, and when it is supposed to be doing it. However there are times when these changes or the emotions you are feeling can create an imbalance in your energy leading to unwanted side-effects or 'symptoms'; issues like morning sickness, constipation, swelling of the hands and feet, back-ache, high blood-pressure, cystitis, haemorrhoids, sciatica, insomnia, heartburn. Ailments such as these are often viewed as 'symptoms' of pregnancy; they are seen as being unavoidable, and just an unpleasant part of the whole experience. At bloom we disagree with this view, there are many women who experience pregnancy with absolutely no ill-effects and if it is possible for some, then it is possible for all!Reflexology
Reflexology is an excellent therapy for pregnancy, it can help your body to cope more effectively with the changes taking place, maintaining its natural balance and supporting you through every trimester. Baby will also enjoy the reflexology - whatever makes you happy, calm and contented will filter through to your baby.
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1st trimester - with the agreement of your midwife, gentle reflexology sessions can help to overcome unwanted symptoms such as morning sickness. It also provides much needed 'you' time, where you can experience deep relaxation and a chance to collect your thoughts and calm your mind at what can be an emotionally draining time.
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2nd trimester - reflexology will again help your body to manage and overcome any unwanted symptoms you may be experiencing. If the systems within your body are in balance and working together effectively it is much your likely your body will respond to the pregnancy in purely positive ways; clear glowing complexion, thick and glossy hair, increased energy and feelings of vitality, and general good health.
- 3rd trimester - reflexology can help to prepare your body and mind for the birth of your baby. It can assist in turning a baby that is breech and it can be helpful in promoting the start of labour if you are past your due date.
It is important to note that Reflexology works with your body; it encourages balance and harmony enabling you to heal yourself. Reflexology will not cause your body to do or experience anything which it isn't already going to do by itself; it can however help your body to do what it needs to do more efficiently and effectively. There are however certain circumstances where reflexology may not be the best choice of therapy for you and baby. For example if you have suffered from issues such as premature labour or placenta previa, if in doubt speak with your midwife or doctor.
Reiki
Reiki is such a gentle therapy; it is perfect for all stages of pregnancy regardless of any pre-existing conditions or contraindications. Reiki will balance your energy your baby's too, leaving the both of you feeling a deep sense of calm and peacefulness. The effects of Reiki during pregnancy were studied by physicians at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. Their study found that using Reiki during pregnancy reduced anxiety by 94%, reduced nausea by 80%, reduced pain by 78%, and improved sleep by 86%.
Labour can create extremely varied and contrasting experiences for women; it is never the same for any one woman, it is an intensely personal and unique experience. There is often a lot of fear surrounding labour, and unfortunately it is fear which is the governing factor in painful or traumatic labour, or labour with complications and the resulting medical interventions. The way we often approach pregnancy and labour in this country says a lot about the negative side of Western medicine; we happily pass on all the responsibility to the 'experts', and in doing so we give our power away. When this happens it can lead to feelings of being out of control, which can t
hen turn into fear. When you are afraid, your body has to struggle and work harder to do what is does naturally. There are obviously times when medical intervention is entirely necessary, but in a straight-forward pregnancy which should lead on to a 'normal' labour it is something called the fear-tension-pain syndrome which can create excessive pain and avoidable complications. You can read more about the impact your mind and emotions have on labour in the fantastic book Childbirth Without Fear by Grantely Dick-Read. Knowledge really is power; when you are fully aware of the process of labour and all that is involved, when you know your rights and the services you are entitled to, you are able to make informed and considered decisions which maintain your control. Being in touch with your body, listening to it, and feeling confident in its exceptional abilities will reduce the chances of succumbing to anxiety and fear. It is your baby, your body - you are the expert; with the respectful support and encouragement of your healthcare professionals childbirth can be an incredibly empowering and positive experience.
hen turn into fear. When you are afraid, your body has to struggle and work harder to do what is does naturally. There are obviously times when medical intervention is entirely necessary, but in a straight-forward pregnancy which should lead on to a 'normal' labour it is something called the fear-tension-pain syndrome which can create excessive pain and avoidable complications. You can read more about the impact your mind and emotions have on labour in the fantastic book Childbirth Without Fear by Grantely Dick-Read. Knowledge really is power; when you are fully aware of the process of labour and all that is involved, when you know your rights and the services you are entitled to, you are able to make informed and considered decisions which maintain your control. Being in touch with your body, listening to it, and feeling confident in its exceptional abilities will reduce the chances of succumbing to anxiety and fear. It is your baby, your body - you are the expert; with the respectful support and encouragement of your healthcare professionals childbirth can be an incredibly empowering and positive experience.Reflexology
Research shows that women who receive reflexology during their pregnancy experience much shorter labour times and the need for drugs is greatly reduced. A study in which a group of 37 pregnant women received 10 treatments from week 20 showed a reduction in labour time by up to 60%. The 'textbook' and average time for the first stage of labour is 16 hours - this was reduced to 6 hours, the second and third stage which normally on average take 1-2 hours were reduced to 16 minutes. (Dr. Gowri Motha, Forest Gate, Nursing Times, Oct. 11, 1989) There was also a study conducted in a Danish Hospital where of 593 women giving birth 89.7% of those who received reflexology felt it significantly reduced pain, to the point where they felt no need for analgesic drugs - only 4 of them required pain medication.(Gabriella Bering Liisberg, "Tidsskrift for Jordemodre," No. 3, 1989)
EFT
If it is your first labour and you are feeling apprehensive, EFT can replace this with confidence. If you have any fears, anxieties or unhelpful beliefs about labour EFT can effectively eradicate them. Or if it is not your first time and you have had a traumatic labour experience in the past, eft can release all the negative emotions associated with it, freeing you once and for all from the upsetting memories and the negative or destructive thoughts and feelings.
Holistic the
rapies are incredibly beneficial after you have had your baby, the most valuable aspect is that they give you time away just for yourself. You can relax, re-gather your strength talk about any issues that are on your mind to a caring non-judgemental and most importantly - objective- therapist. It is of course a wonderful time in your life, but it can also be draining and exhausting, your hormones are re-adjusting themselves and this can have a detrimental impact on your moods and may lead to postnatal depression. Looking after a newborn baby is demanding and can be stressful, especially if it is your first. Our therapies can give you the support you need to feel confident in your abilities as a mum, calm, centred, and full of energy and motivation.
rapies are incredibly beneficial after you have had your baby, the most valuable aspect is that they give you time away just for yourself. You can relax, re-gather your strength talk about any issues that are on your mind to a caring non-judgemental and most importantly - objective- therapist. It is of course a wonderful time in your life, but it can also be draining and exhausting, your hormones are re-adjusting themselves and this can have a detrimental impact on your moods and may lead to postnatal depression. Looking after a newborn baby is demanding and can be stressful, especially if it is your first. Our therapies can give you the support you need to feel confident in your abilities as a mum, calm, centred, and full of energy and motivation.Reflexology
It takes up to a year for your body to return to normal internally; reflexology can help this process by ensuring all the systems of the body are in balance and working together effectively. The deep relaxation it produces can really help you to centre yourself emotionally too.
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Reflexology can help with poor lactation if you are breast feeding
- Increase in energy levels
- Helps your uterus to contract
- Can help speed up your recovery time if you have had a caesarean-section
- Can help to stabilise your hormones
EFT
EFT can really take care of the emotional side of things, at this time of your life the last thing you need are lingering negative emotions. If you have any issues with the birth - if you were unable to follow your birth plan, or your labour was traumatic, EFT will disolve any negative feelings y
ou have in relation to your experience. If you are worried about the future, how you'll cope with the pressures, or how you'll measure up as a mum EFT can uncover and remove the limiting core beliefs that are making you feel this way. EFT is also excellent for weight-loss after the birth of your baby; if you have gained more than you should have during your pregnancy and you are struggling to lose the weight, EFT can again uncover the reasons why you are over-eating or why you are finding it difficult to exercise and then you can move forward in a more positive manner. EFT is also excellent in the moment - if you're feeling tempted by that extra-large pizza or big slab of chocolate we can teach you a simple technique which you can use in any situation to take away your cravings or desire for unhealthy food.
ou have in relation to your experience. If you are worried about the future, how you'll cope with the pressures, or how you'll measure up as a mum EFT can uncover and remove the limiting core beliefs that are making you feel this way. EFT is also excellent for weight-loss after the birth of your baby; if you have gained more than you should have during your pregnancy and you are struggling to lose the weight, EFT can again uncover the reasons why you are over-eating or why you are finding it difficult to exercise and then you can move forward in a more positive manner. EFT is also excellent in the moment - if you're feeling tempted by that extra-large pizza or big slab of chocolate we can teach you a simple technique which you can use in any situation to take away your cravings or desire for unhealthy food.