Taking Control of Labour

This subject is very close to my heart and I know everyone has an opinion on this matter and we have all heard the stories regarding labour, good bad or indifferent. The reason I trained as a certified antenatal instructor and have worked with expectant mothers for nearly 15 years is to try to give expectant mothers control in labour, to help them go into labour with a realistic expectation of what is happening and try to LET GO of any fears or stresses and anxieties that seem to be in grained in us. Every film and soap that we see is of a woman screaming and lots of drama - but that is exactly the opposite of what this experience should be all about.

There seems to be more and more ways out there to assist us with our labour but in my years of experience in this area the fundamental thing to remember is to LET Go, take control, plan and stay as positive as possible.

We need to practice LETTING GO on a daily basis (whether we are expecting or not!) Just breath out and consciously LETTING GO and you will notice your shoulders coming down and your body will be instantly more relaxed. The cervix is one of the strongest muscles in the body so in order for any muscle to work for you it needs to be fit, healthy and relaxed.

Be aware of any stressful stories about labour you might have heard or if you have already had a stressful labour and acknowledge this and on the out-breath just imagine you are letting of that. Acknowledge on the breath in and LET GO on the breath out. With stories that you hear just remember you usually don’t have all the facts and you are only hearing one side of the story so please don’t let it ruin your experience.

You need to make your own birth story for your own experience and enjoy the new life that you are bringing into the world.

I remember when I was in labour with my second child I realised that words are easy and that all the explaining and talking to other expectant mothers and birthing partners about breathing and stages of labour meant nothing except I had to just do it! Yes it did hurt and yes I was tired but that is the reality of child birth and I was blessed that he was healthy and all went well for me.

When the labour is over and you have your baby in your arms that is when you need to be at your best. The more you are in control of your labour and more calm it can be, the best place you will be for the next chapter……

If you would like to learn more please check out my website where you will learn about my private ante natal classes and pregnancy yoga 

classes: LodgeRoadTherapyRoom

6 Ways to Improve your Fertility.

If you are having problems with conception it might be worth having a look at this list so you are giving you and your body the best opportunity of becoming pregnant. 

1.  Diet - what we put into our bodies has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing, especially at this time. The foods listed below are well known to help regulate hormone levels and help with implantation. These Foods include: Avocado, Brown Rice, Eggs, Salmon, Broccoli, leafy greens, Almonds, black beans and olive oil are among the best foods.
2. Know your Reproductive Cycle - Each woman needs to be aware of their cycle and this can vary from a short to long cycle. You should know when you ovulate. This is usually apparent with more discharge and your temperature goes slightly higher. Conception needs to occur just before ovulation as it is too late when you ovulate and afterwards. 
3. Take regular exercise - This is not just for your physical health but also for your mental health. This for a lot of men and women can be a very stressful time and you need to find a way to release your frustration and find ways of releasing happy hormones into your body such as oxytocin.
4. Stretch hip and pelvic area. This can be done in a yoga class or just at home each day in a comfortable and warm area. The Psoas Muscle is one of the most important muscles to stretch as it runs through the pelvis and can keep this area tight. One of the stretches could be standing up and bringing the right knee up to the chest and hold for between 20-30 seconds, breathing in and out all the time. Swop over and do the same on the other leg. Another good one is also going on all fours and bring your elbows on the ground and bring the knees apart slightly wider than shoulder width apart and hold pose for a couple of minutes.
5. Keep warm. Especially around the time of ovulation. Do not let your self get cold and when you are sitting down or going to bed bring a hot water bottle. This is part of the Chinese philosophy to keep the uterus and blood flow warm.
6. Take time out. Whether this is for a spa day or for some Fertility Reflexology or Acupuncture. 

Go to your doctor or consultant with any concern or doubt you have and remember fertility problems are also very common with people who have already had children. 

I hope this will be of some help to you. If you would like a treatment of Fertility Reflexology with myself at Lodge Road Therapy Room please contact Angela MNRRI IAIM on 086 3019519 or click this link to more information regarding Fertility Reflexology

€40 for 1 hour Reflexology Session. Receipts are given for health insurance.

Swelling in the ankles in pregnancy

6 Techniques for Reducing Swelling in your Ankles during Pregnancy.

Unfortunately due to the heat in the Summer the heat can cause increased swelling in pregnancy especially around the ankles. This is usually more common in the later stages of pregnancy but is also common throughout. I have listed some techniques that can help alleviate some of this but you should always tell a your doctor or consultant as there may be other health implications.

1. You must raise your feet above hip level
2. Rotate your ankle clock wise and anti clock wise
3. Flex up and down your ankles
4. Lie on the floor either on a mat or blanket and rest your feet on an exercise ball and move your feet and ankles (do not do this if feeling dizzy or unwell)
5. Massage your feet to pump the fluid back towards your heart (either getting your partner to help or treat yourself to a massage or reflexology)
6. Drink lots of water to keep flushing out the fluid.

Pregnancy Reflexology.

Is Reflexology a good idea in pregnancy?

When I started to train as a reflexologist in 2001 I knew very little on the subject of pregnancy reflexology but the more I studied and the more I practised it became clear to me that reflexology is so suited to pregnancy (after the first trimester). There are just so many reasons why I came to this conclusion number 1. it is a non invasive treatment 2. non drug dependant 3. the benefits to the baby are huge while also leaving the mother feeling relaxed yet completely re-energized.

The reason I went for pregnancy reflexology when I was expecting was the boundless energy I experienced after a session it was almost as if I had plugged myself in and recharged my battery in the 1 hour session!

As a Reflexologist of over 10 years experience I know everybody's experience of pregnancy reflexology is different and the reason for coming to me are varied but this is a short list of the main reasons expectant mothers choose to come to me to have pregnancy reflexology.

1. Helps to relieve digestive problems such as bloating and constipation (a lot more common than you think)
2. There a so many stresses that go on within family and work life that expectant mothers are afraid it will effect their unborn baby, reflexology can restore calm to the body.
3. Swelling especially to the ankles and feet.
4. Time out for the mother to unwind and escape for an hour (especially if it is not her first pregnancy!)
5. Help alleviate headaches and other minor complaints with out the need for drugs.
6. Hospitals and doctors generally refer expectant mothers who have reached or are past their due date and feel reflexology could stimulate labour.
7. A lot of the time a friend will have had a good experience with pregnancy reflexology and they will want to try it for themselves.

So to conclude my question of whether reflexology is a good idea in pregnancy I would have to say yes from my experience and the fact that it is growing in popularity all the time.
If you would like to learn more on the subject please have a look at my website www.lodgeroadtherapy.ie or https://www.facebook.com/LodgeRoadTherapyRoom?ref=hl 

5 Reasons Why Reflexology Might Benefit You.

1. Reflexology releases blocked up energy, clearing the paths and restoring balance and strength to your body.
2. Reflexology will help you to relax and unwind, while enjoying some me time in a tranquil and peacefull setting.
3. Reflexology is very good for so many different conditions it is hard to list them all and in my 10 years plus experience it is the person who might come in and I think I can do very little for and reflexology can have the most benefit! so here are a list of the top conditions that come to me generally; headache, migraine, constipation, sinus problems, back complaints, stress, anxiety and depression etc.
4. Refleoxology involves using specific pressure on each part of the foot that represents a part of the body, so while giving a reflexology session you are treating the whole body holistically while not being intrusive.
5. Reflexology treats the endocrine system which is the part of the body that controls the glands and hormone secretion.  Sometimes the glands in the body are not in balance and reflexology is particularly good for restoring balance to this system. Just a few examples of how reflexolgy might be of benefit are givng some balance to an under active or over active thyroid, menopause and pre menopause, pregnancy related problems and trouble trying to conceive.

Please Contact Angela on 086 3019519 if you are interested some Reflexology or check out my website http://www.lodgeroadtherapy.ie/Reflxology.htm

6 ways to feel your best during pregnancy.

6 Ways To Feel Your Best During Pregnancy!!

1. Drink lots of water - Your body needs a lot more water to stay hydrated during pregnancy and to avoid feeling sluggish and getting headaches.
2. Exercise - You must try to get some form of exercise a day and the easiest thing to do is go for a short walk every day, keeping the pelvis loose and keep rich healthy blood going to your baby.
3. Deep Breathing - This will help keep you calm and stop you passing on your stresses to the baby and is good practice for the labour!
4. Eat a balanced diet - The diet should include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and good quality protein.
5. Stretch and lengthen your muscles - This will alleviate a lot of aches and pains associated withv pregnancy, so when your doctor tells you that "this is a normal part of pregnancy" you can stretch and release the pain!
6. Treat yourself! - Take time out to have a massage, reflexology or any holistic treatment that is safe during pregnacy, your baby and body will thank you for it.

For more information please check out my website http://www.lodgeroadtherapy.ie/Antenatal%20Care.htm 

Exercise/Birthing Ball

I was talking to a new mom one day a couple of years ago and our conversation went like this;

Expectant Mom: "I was in labour and the midwife came into me with a big ball and do you know where I told her to go with her bloody ball!!!"

Me: "Really"

And we both had a good laugh!

This always stayed with me and I go to great lengths to tell expectant mothers the benefits of the birthing ball and how you can get the most  from it.

The birthing ball is beneficial in the later stages of pregnancy as something else to sit on instead of the sofa which can be difficult to get out of  and quite uncomfortable after a while and (we've all been there!)

In labour it is good for a resting position, you can rotate your hips and eases the pain of contraction, moving gently from side to side.

In labour you can stay on the birthing ball until you are ready to give birth and it really can be a saving grace before your new bundle of joy arrives :0))

So with a little guidance that lady might have had a different opinion of the "bloody"  ball!!