Lorraine Woodrow

Profile

As a practicing midwife I offer reflexology and aromatherapy to mostly pregnant women, but to also non-pregnant women. I have completed post graduate course in Maternity Reflexology with Susanne Enzer, Baby Reflexology and VRT - Vertical Reflexology Therapy. I also use Moxibustion to help turn breech babies.

It is my aim to ensure that all women achieve their optimum health during their pregnancy and to enjoy this special time in their lives. However pregnancy may be fraught with unpleasant symptoms and anxieties, and I feel that Reflexology, although not a cure-all, is a wonderful way to help achieve this.

I work from home but also visit women in their own homes, particularly if near term, and am willing to travel to areas including Winchester, Romsey, Eastleigh and Southampton.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

Registered General Nurse - 1983 - Lapsed
Registered Midwife - 1985 to date
IIHHT Aromatherapy - 1994
MAR - 1996
Moxibustion for Breech Babies 2009
Maternity Reflexology - 2010
VRT - Basic and Sub-Fertility Issues - 2011
Basic and Essential First Aid 2011
Baby Reflex -2011

Areas of therapy I deal with

• Reflexology

Other areas of therapy I deal with

Pregnancy Reflexology, Maternity Reflexology, Baby Reflexology, Moxibustion for breech babies, Aromatherapy.

Fees

One hour treatment £30

Further Information

Pregnancy Reflexology

Pregnancy is a natural condition that brings many changes, not only to the body, but also in the emotions of the mother. Reflexology is a natural therapy which may help to support and balance the pregnant woman during this time, and may help to achieve the best possible condition for whatever type of birth you experience.

Research studies have demonstrated that those receiving regular reflexology during pregnancy may have better pregnancies and shorter birthing with less intervention.

Sometimes the physical discomforts and emotional demands of pregnancy can interfere with the joy of this profound experience. Reflexology may help to ease the following:

• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Backache
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Sciatica
• Oedema
• Mild to moderately high blood pressure
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stress and anxiety
• Post maturity

Postnatal Mother and Baby

Postnatally, reflexology may help to restore your body to its non-pregnant state, assist in general recuperation, and help both mother and baby to relax after your momentous event!

Parents can also be shown some simple techniques to use on their baby which is both a bonding experience and may encourage general well-being, or to ease problems such as colic.

When is it not advisable to have treatment?

Reflexology although a safe therapy, is contraindicated in any condition that requires medical intervention:

• Threatened pre-term labour
• Vaginal bleeding
• Un-diagnosed pain
• Placenta praevia
• Hydramnious
• Thrombosis
• Infection
• Kidney stones
• Severe hypertension

Plus some precautions to treatment

• First trimester - reflexology is extremely safe and cannot cause or prevent a      miscarriage, however the pelvic area reflexes are best avoided.
• Multiple pregnancy - due to the increased risk of instability of these pregnancies.
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes  - due to changing metabolic needs during pregnancy. However reflexology is thought to prevent gestational diabetes in at risk women.
• Previous health issues - heart, liver or renal disease, due to the increased      demands placed on the mother during pregnancy. A strong prime reaction may be too difficult to bear.

Varicose veins on the feet - pressure must be avoided in the affected area.

Moxibustion for Turning Breech Babies

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese technique involving the use of moxa sticks (made from dried mugwort) as a heat source applied to an acupressure point on your feet. It is thought to stimulate hormones to increase fetal movement and muscle tone, and promote downwards cephalic movement.

The bladder meridian is an acupressure energy line running through your body which connects with your uterus, and ends with the Bladder 67 point at the outer edge of the base of the little toe nail on each foot.

Research shows that it is about 65-70% successful, and once a scan has confirmed that your baby is breech, you and your partner can perform the procedure, which takes 15 minutes, twice a day for 5 days at home any time after 35 weeks.

Contraindications for Using Moxibustion

• Uterine scar / Previous CS / Planned CS
• Raised blood pressure / PIH
• Ruptured membranes
• H/o preterm labour
• Ante partum haemorrhage
• Rhesus negative? Check anti-D up to date
• Maternal diabetes
• Bicornuate uterus
• Multiple pregnancy
• Unstable lie?
• Poly / Oligo hydramnious
• H/O Fertility issues?
• CPD
• Hydrocephalus
• Grand multiparity
• Cephalic presentation!

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses volatile plant oils known as essential oils, for the treatment and prevention of disease, by the absorption through the skin and lungs of tiny aromatic molecules. It works on the principle of treating the whole person and not just the symptoms, by assisting the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself. Essential oil is well documented to be safe to use during pregnancy, and may indeed bring great relief to many conditions associated with pregnancy.

Some oils however, are contraindicated for use during pregnancy. Always consult a qualified Aromatherapist.

I combine my knowledge of Midwifery, Massage and Aromatherapy to offer a unique and tailor made treatment just for you. Using only essential oils known to be safe to use during pregnancy and the postnatal period, a blend will be made which may aid relaxation, help ease unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, to energize or to prepare you for labour.

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