Preparing for Labour

Reflexology and aromatherapy can be used to help prepare your body for labour and birth.

It’s common towards the end of your pregnancy to feel tired, very ready to meet baby, and potentially under pressure to accept an early induction of labour.  Perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering whether reflexology can bring on labour? 

Although it is not claimed that reflexology or aromatherapy will induce labour, it is believed to be helpful in the final few weeks and days of pregnancy in promoting the balance of hormones needed for a spontaneous labour to start.

Stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol etc) can interfere with birth hormones and can delay the onset of labour. 

Reflexology and aromatherapy can help to reduce stress and leave you feeling calm and relaxed.

This specialist preparation for birth experience focuses on encouraging the birthing process to commence by stimulating the body to produce oxytocin (the hormone involved in labour and birth) and stimulating the uterus reflex, among others. 

The treatment encourages the calming part of the nervous system (the parasympathetic nervous system) to become active, thereby encouraging the natural onset of labour. 

As an experienced Doula and antenatal educator, I can also offer you additional unbiased support support in the days as you approach the birth of your baby, in navigating your care choices and planning the best birth for you and your baby. Please take a look at the Doula support page for further details.